Spyware - and the hell it causes...

[Pakhan]

I understand if you feel the "need" to do this computer fix.  I have been in that state of mind before.  Check to see if the software you are using is compatible with Vista, if it is compatible with other software running.  Sometimes the site for the software will have info about conflicts.  Sometimes it's just an update.  I use zone alarm firewall as one of my security levels and the most recent update blocked internet access completely adn I had to play with settings to correct.

If I haven't been able to solve it after trying for a while I have everything backed up and just format and reinstall everything.  I would also recommend tossing Vista, IMHO it is a pile of crap.  I will use XP pro until they come up with an adequate substitute. 

Last but not least, just in case you need it http://www.geeksquad.com/ 

[erkishhorde]

I know how you feel about the spyware PROTECTION causing problems. I let my dad setup my system all the time since it makes him feel needed. He always puts zillions of protection software on my system and they screw the heck out of my games and other programs.

-ZoneAlarm, OK. It's a firewall. I need a firewall but let's leave all the addware blocking stuff turned off.

-ThreatFire? WTF? It seems like it's doing the exact same thing as ZoneAlarm so why the heck do I need it. All it does is screw up stuff when I try to install things. It has yet to catch any "dangerous action" that I didn't do intentionally. Actually, it has yet to detect any "dangerous action" that ZoneAlarm didn't detect first! 

-McAfee? Psh... Yeah, I need an anti-virus but this thing eats up resources like mad. 

-Peer Guardian? Ok, I can see how it could be useful for when I'm trying to get my hands on stuff in less than legal ways but for the most part it's just a pain in the butt. It took me a whole day to figure out that PeerGuardian was blocking my BattleField 2142 from accessing servers. 

Then on top of that I've got built-in firewalls to deal with in the AT&T router.  I feel your pain man. Just start turning things off and see how far that gets you.  Good luck.

Oh yeah, Pakhan, there's a new update to ZoneAlarm that makes it work properly with Service Pack 3. I think everyone using ZoneAlarm had that problem.

[Pakhan]

Oh yeah, Pakhan, there's a new update to ZoneAlarm that makes it work properly with Service Pack 3. I think everyone using ZoneAlarm had that problem.

I installed the ZA update before I had SP3 and it blocked access.  After i corrected it I installed SP3 weeks later without issue. 

[corey]

http://www.apple.com

[Pakhan]

http://www.apple.com

Boooo

[corey]

sorry couldn't resist.
i used to be a PC guy... had all these same types of spyware problems that your ex is having. decided i would give OSX a try... best decision i ever made in my life. and i miss the hecklers. dammit i loved that show.

[Pakhan]

sorry couldn't resist.
i used to be a PC guy... had all these same types of spyware problems that your ex is having. decided i would give OSX a try... best decision i ever made in my life. and i miss the hecklers. dammit i loved that show.

Tommy67 is the OP, not me and he loves mac.

I am a PC guy obviously, but I will be the first to say I think mac os is better than any windows os to date.  I still refuse to go mac, too many reasons to list them all.  one of them is because of the wide variety and availability of hardware and software out there for PC, even if 1/3 of it doesn't work right 

Waldorf and Statler kicked ass, I loved the muppets.

[tommys67]

Tommy67 is the OP, not me and he loves mac.

True, true.

It amazes me is how few of the responders are reading the posts in this thread accurately.

Forgive me, just cranky today.

[Pakhan]

Forgive me, just cranky today.

Did the ex call about another computer issue? 

[corey]

Tommy67 is the OP, not me and he loves mac.

I am a PC guy obviously, but I will be the first to say I think mac os is better than any windows os to date.  I still refuse to go mac, too many reasons to list them all.  one of them is because of the wide variety and availability of hardware and software out there for PC, even if 1/3 of it doesn't work right 

Waldorf and Statler kicked ass, I loved the muppets.

i will say that i do miss my options in the gaming world. not a real fan of running parallels or anything like that...
also wishing i had some PCIII compatibility for the future...

[tommys67]

Did the ex call about another computer issue? 

No, but it sorta feels like it.   

[MendoDave]

Get rid of the zone alarm and use a router with firewall.