Computer SOS!

[Somewhat Damaged]

I realize I've asked a similar question before but this situation is considerably different and more annoying/worrisome. First, full disclosure, I was looking up porn last night and a pop-up for WinAntiVirusPro2007 came up. I accidentally hit "OK" instead of "Cancel." About 2 seconds into it uploading to my computer, I hit "Cancel." A few minutes later, though, the icon popped up on my desktop and right next to my Prevx icon in the lower right corner of my computer. I uninstalled it, ran an Ad-Aware scan, and when all of that was done, I shut my computer down. When I turned it back on this afternoon and got onto Explorer, every time I'd go to a different website, another page will pop up. (Like "Crush Calculator" or stupid shit like that.) I ran a Prevx scan of my computer and it said no malware was detected. (Even now, my status code is "Good.") I ran another Ad-Aware scan and no tracking cookies or other harmful devices were identified. I went to my tools and deleted all cookies and temporary internet files. And yet when I hit "submit new thread," along with being redirected to the Lounge, I will have another window open up on my computer directing me to a page I have no desire to visit. What else can I do?

[RotationSlimWang]

Download HijackThis from www.download.com. Run it, run a scan and save the logfile. Then copy and paste it in here, I'll tell you what needs to go.

[Somewhat Damaged]

Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.1
Scan saved at 8:18:39 PM, on 8/28/2007
Platform: Windows XP SP1 (WinNT 5.01.2600)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v6.00 SP1 (6.00.2800.1106)

Running processes:
E:\WINDOWS\System32\smss.exe
E:\WINDOWS\system32\winlogon.exe
E:\WINDOWS\system32\services.exe
E:\WINDOWS\system32\lsass.exe
E:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
E:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
E:\Program Files\Ahead\InCD\InCDsrv.exe
E:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
E:\WINDOWS\System32\hixbtxue.exe
E:\Program Files\Prevx2\PXAgent.exe
E:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
E:\Program Files\Prevx2\PXConsole.exe
E:\Program Files\CyberLink\PowerDVD\PDVDServ.exe
E:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe
E:\Program Files\iTunes\iTunesHelper.exe
E:\Program Files\Ahead\InCD\InCD.exe
E:\windows\system32\lsdsrngs.exe
E:\WINDOWS\System32\mwintmdt.exe
E:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Search Protection\SearchProtection.exe
E:\Program Files\Google\GoogleToolbarNotifier\GoogleToolbarNo tifier.exe
E:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
E:\PROGRA~1\Ahead\NEROPH~2\data\Xtras\mssysmgr.exe
E:\Program Files\Logitech\Desktop Messenger\8876480\Program\LogitechDesktopMessenger .exe
E:\Program Files\PhotoStudio Expressions\PMMonitor.exe
E:\Program Files\iPod\bin\iPodService.exe
E:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
E:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe
E:\WINDOWS\System32\wuauclt.exe
E:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe
E:\Documents and Settings\a\Local Settings\Temp\Temporary Directory 1 for hijackthis.zip\HijackThis.exe

R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://www.prevx.com
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL = http://www.prevx.com
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Bar = http://us.rd.yahoo.com/customize/ie/defaults/sb/msgr8/*http://www.yahoo.com/ext/search/search.html
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://www.prevx.com
R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Local Page = http://www.prevx.com
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Local Page = http://www.prevx.com
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Int ernet Settings,ProxyOverride = localhost
R3 - URLSearchHook: Yahoo! Toolbar - {EF99BD32-C1FB-11D2-892F-0090271D4F88} - E:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Companion\Installs\cpn1\yt.dll
O3 - Toolbar: Yahoo! Toolbar - {EF99BD32-C1FB-11D2-892F-0090271D4F88} - E:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Companion\Installs\cpn1\yt.dll
O3 - Toolbar: &Radio - {8E718888-423F-11D2-876E-00A0C9082467} - E:\WINDOWS\System32\msdxm.ocx
O3 - Toolbar: &Google - {2318C2B1-4965-11d4-9B18-009027A5CD4F} - e:\program files\google\googletoolbar3.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [PrevxOne] "E:\Program Files\Prevx2\PXConsole.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [winupdates] E:\Program Files\winupdates\winupdates.exe /auto
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [WinampAgent] E:\Program Files\Winamp\winampa.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SunJavaUpdateSched] E:\Program Files\Java\jre1.5.0_03\bin\jusched.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [RemoteControl] "E:\Program Files\CyberLink\PowerDVD\PDVDServ.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [mmtask] c:\Program Files\MusicMatch\MusicMatch Jukebox\mmtask.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AdwareAlert] E:\Program Files\AdwareAlert\AdwareAlert.exe -boot
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Adobe Reader Speed Launcher] "E:\Program Files\Adobe\Reader 8.0\Reader\Reader_sl.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [QuickTime Task] "E:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe" -atboottime
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [iTunesHelper] "E:\Program Files\iTunes\iTunesHelper.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NeroFilterCheck] E:\WINDOWS\system32\NeroCheck.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [InCD] E:\Program Files\Ahead\InCD\InCD.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [{00-00-00-04-ZN}] E:\windows\system32\lsdsrngs.exe CHD003
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ExploreUpdSched] E:\WINDOWS\System32\mwintmdt.exe CHD003
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Salestart] "E:\Program Files\Common Files\WinAntiVirus Pro 2007\mav_startupmon.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SystemOptimizer] rundll32.exe "E:\WINDOWS\System32\kmptirck.dll",forkonce
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [YSearchProtection] "E:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Search Protection\SearchProtection.exe"
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [swg] E:\Program Files\Google\GoogleToolbarNotifier\GoogleToolbarNo tifier.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [MSMSGS] "E:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe" /background
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [BitTorrent] "E:\Program Files\BitTorrent\bittorrent.exe" --force_start_minimized
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [BgMonitor_{79662E04-7C6C-4d9f-84C7-88D8A56B10AA}] "E:\Program Files\Common Files\Ahead\Lib\NMBgMonitor.exe"
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [PhotoShow Deluxe Media Manager] E:\PROGRA~1\Ahead\NEROPH~2\data\Xtras\mssysmgr.exe
O4 - Startup: TA_Start.lnk = E:\WINDOWS\system32\lsdsrngs.exe
O4 - Startup: Think-Adz.lnk = E:\WINDOWS\system32\mwintmdt.exe
O4 - Global Startup: Logitech Desktop Messenger.lnk = E:\Program Files\Logitech\Desktop Messenger\8876480\Program\LogitechDesktopMessenger .exe
O4 - Global Startup: Microsoft Office.lnk = E:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office10\OSA.EXE
O4 - Global Startup: Monitor.lnk = E:\Program Files\PhotoStudio Expressions\PMMonitor.exe
O8 - Extra context menu item: E&xport to Microsoft Excel - res://E:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~2\Office10\EXCEL.EXE/3000
O16 - DPF: {30528230-99f7-4bb4-88d8-fa1d4f56a2ab} (YInstStarter Class) - E:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Common\yinsthelper.dll
O18 - Protocol: bwfile-8876480 - {9462A756-7B47-47BC-8C80-C34B9B80B32B} - E:\Program Files\Logitech\Desktop Messenger\8876480\Program\GAPlugProtocol-8876480.dll
O23 - Service: DomainService - - E:\WINDOWS\System32\hixbtxue.exe
O23 - Service: Google Updater Service (gusvc) - Google - E:\Program Files\Google\Common\Google Updater\GoogleUpdaterService.exe
O23 - Service: InCD Helper (InCDsrv) - Nero AG - E:\Program Files\Ahead\InCD\InCDsrv.exe
O23 - Service: InCD Helper (read only) (InCDsrvR) - Nero AG - E:\Program Files\Ahead\InCD\InCDsrv.exe
O23 - Service: iPod Service - Apple Inc. - E:\Program Files\iPod\bin\iPodService.exe
O23 - Service: PREVXAgent - Unknown owner - E:\Program Files\Prevx2\PXAgent.exe" -f (file missing)

[gaypalmsprings]

wtf?

Try running Windows Defender - a free program

Try Spybot Search & Destroy - a free program

Do a complete virus scan

[menikmati]

actually HijackThis is a good program to have in this situation.

[RotationSlimWang]

Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.1
Scan saved at 8:18:39 PM, on 8/28/2007
Platform: Windows XP SP1 (WinNT 5.01.2600)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v6.00 SP1 (6.00.2800.1106)

Running processes:
E:\WINDOWS\System32\smss.exe
E:\WINDOWS\system32\winlogon.exe
E:\WINDOWS\system32\services.exe
E:\WINDOWS\system32\lsass.exe
E:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
E:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
E:\Program Files\Ahead\InCD\InCDsrv.exe
E:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
E:\WINDOWS\System32\hixbtxue.exe
E:\Program Files\Prevx2\PXAgent.exe
E:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
E:\Program Files\Prevx2\PXConsole.exe
E:\Program Files\CyberLink\PowerDVD\PDVDServ.exe
E:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe
E:\Program Files\iTunes\iTunesHelper.exe
E:\Program Files\Ahead\InCD\InCD.exe
E:\windows\system32\lsdsrngs.exe
E:\WINDOWS\System32\mwintmdt.exe
E:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Search Protection\SearchProtection.exe
E:\Program Files\Google\GoogleToolbarNotifier\GoogleToolbarNo tifier.exe
E:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
E:\PROGRA~1\Ahead\NEROPH~2\data\Xtras\mssysmgr.exe
E:\Program Files\Logitech\Desktop Messenger\8876480\Program\LogitechDesktopMessenger .exe
E:\Program Files\PhotoStudio Expressions\PMMonitor.exe
E:\Program Files\iPod\bin\iPodService.exe
E:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
E:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe
E:\WINDOWS\System32\wuauclt.exe
E:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe
E:\Documents and Settings\a\Local Settings\Temp\Temporary Directory 1 for hijackthis.zip\HijackThis.exe

R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://www.prevx.com
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL = http://www.prevx.com
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Bar = http://us.rd.yahoo.com/customize/ie/defaults/sb/msgr8/*http://www.yahoo.com/ext/search/search.html
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://www.prevx.com
R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Local Page = http://www.prevx.com
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Local Page = http://www.prevx.com
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Int ernet Settings,ProxyOverride = localhost
R3 - URLSearchHook: Yahoo! Toolbar - {EF99BD32-C1FB-11D2-892F-0090271D4F88} - E:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Companion\Installs\cpn1\yt.dll
O3 - Toolbar: Yahoo! Toolbar - {EF99BD32-C1FB-11D2-892F-0090271D4F88} - E:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Companion\Installs\cpn1\yt.dll
O3 - Toolbar: &Radio - {8E718888-423F-11D2-876E-00A0C9082467} - E:\WINDOWS\System32\msdxm.ocx
O3 - Toolbar: &Google - {2318C2B1-4965-11d4-9B18-009027A5CD4F} - e:\program files\google\googletoolbar3.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [PrevxOne] "E:\Program Files\Prevx2\PXConsole.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [winupdates] E:\Program Files\winupdates\winupdates.exe /auto
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [WinampAgent] E:\Program Files\Winamp\winampa.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SunJavaUpdateSched] E:\Program Files\Java\jre1.5.0_03\bin\jusched.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [RemoteControl] "E:\Program Files\CyberLink\PowerDVD\PDVDServ.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [mmtask] c:\Program Files\MusicMatch\MusicMatch Jukebox\mmtask.exeO4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AdwareAlert] E:\Program Files\AdwareAlert\AdwareAlert.exe -boot
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Adobe Reader Speed Launcher] "E:\Program Files\Adobe\Reader 8.0\Reader\Reader_sl.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [QuickTime Task] "E:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe" -atboottime
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: "E:\Program Files\iTunes\iTunesHelper.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NeroFilterCheck] E:\WINDOWS\system32\NeroCheck.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [InCD] E:\Program Files\Ahead\InCD\InCD.exe
[I]O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [{00-00-00-04-ZN}] E:\windows\system32\lsdsrngs.exe CHD003
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ExploreUpdSched] E:\WINDOWS\System32\mwintmdt.exe CHD003
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Salestart] "E:\Program Files\Common Files\WinAntiVirus Pro 2007\mav_startupmon.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SystemOptimizer] rundll32.exe "E:\WINDOWS\System32\kmptirck.dll",forkonce
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [YSearchProtection] "E:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Search Protection\SearchProtection.exe"
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [swg] E:\Program Files\Google\GoogleToolbarNotifier\GoogleToolbarNo tifier.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [MSMSGS] "E:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe" /background
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [BitTorrent] "E:\Program Files\BitTorrent\bittorrent.exe" --force_start_minimized
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [BgMonitor_{79662E04-7C6C-4d9f-84C7-88D8A56B10AA}] "E:\Program Files\Common Files\Ahead\Lib\NMBgMonitor.exe"
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [PhotoShow Deluxe Media Manager] E:\PROGRA~1\Ahead\NEROPH~2\data\Xtras\mssysmgr.exe
O4 - Startup: TA_Start.lnk = E:\WINDOWS\system32\lsdsrngs.exe
O4 - Startup: Think-Adz.lnk = E:\WINDOWS\system32\mwintmdt.exeO4 - Global Startup: Logitech Desktop Messenger.lnk = E:\Program Files\Logitech\Desktop Messenger\8876480\Program\LogitechDesktopMessenger .exe
O4 - Global Startup: Microsoft Office.lnk = E:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office10\OSA.EXE
O4 - Global Startup: Monitor.lnk = E:\Program Files\PhotoStudio Expressions\PMMonitor.exe
O8 - Extra context menu item: E&xport to Microsoft Excel - res://E:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~2\Office10\EXCEL.EXE/3000
O16 - DPF: {30528230-99f7-4bb4-88d8-fa1d4f56a2ab} (YInstStarter Class) - E:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Common\yinsthelper.dll
O18 - Protocol: bwfile-8876480 - {9462A756-7B47-47BC-8C80-C34B9B80B32B} - E:\Program Files\Logitech\Desktop Messenger\8876480\Program\GAPlugProtocol-8876480.dll
O23 - Service: DomainService - - E:\WINDOWS\System32\hixbtxue.exe
O23 - Service: Google Updater Service (gusvc) - Google - E:\Program Files\Google\Common\Google Updater\GoogleUpdaterService.exe
O23 - Service: InCD Helper (InCDsrv) - Nero AG - E:\Program Files\Ahead\InCD\InCDsrv.exe
O23 - Service: InCD Helper (read only) (InCDsrvR) - Nero AG - E:\Program Files\Ahead\InCD\InCDsrv.exe
O23 - Service: iPod Service - Apple Inc. - E:\Program Files\iPod\bin\iPodService.exe
O23 - Service: PREVXAgent - Unknown owner - E:\Program Files\Prevx2\PXAgent.exe" -f (file missing)

Check everything underlined, investigate that film I bolded and italicized--check the properties to see whether or not it's for anything you use, and then have it delete all those entries. They're startup entries, you don't need them and one of them is your adware.

Then try to install that WinVirus whatever thing, run ad-aware, maybe defender.

[RotationSlimWang]

Back off gay--I'm a hired geek.

[TomAz]

this seems obvious, but look at your installed programs list. if that WinVirus thing is there, try uninstalling it. adaware etc may not be flagging it if it thinks it's a legitimately installed program.

[RotationSlimWang]

You're out of your element, Tom.

[TomAz]

if you say so, albert. but it's worked for me in the past.

[dorkfish]

winantiviruspro is part of the family of the most malicious difficult to cleanse spyware out there. at least it's not a rootkit, though

[dorkfish]

oh and adaware blows now. just saying.

spybot and whoever bought ewido are the way to go these days. adaware became lazy corporate ruined junk last year. it's bulky and relatively useless for the new strains.

for what it's worth all the decent spyware removal tools should find winantiviruspro being as its on all the badlists.

[RotationSlimWang]

You personally familiar with the removal technique, Dorkfish? I haven't encountered it myself, being unemployed. Come Thursday thought I start teching again.

[menikmati]

Isn't it just McAfee and Norton making/coding all these viruses, to keep themselves in business? Har Har...

[RotationSlimWang]

Spybot actually got good? I always hated Spybot. Ad-aware was my baby back during the initial malware boom--I've always had a special place in my heart for it.

[gaypalmsprings]

Back off gay--I'm a hired geek.

You'd genocide computers.

[RotationSlimWang]

Viruses barely exist anymore, it's all adware/spyware/trojans.

[dorkfish]

You personally familiar with the removal technique, Dorkfish? I haven't encountered it myself, being unemployed. Come Thursday thought I start teching again.
it's something like turn off system restore. run spybot/adaware/ewido/virus scan in safe mode rebooting as many times as needed. remove all registry keys for winantivirus. hijackthis log. remove the bad entries (hijackthis.de if you're not keen on knowing what's cool to blast away). run the smitfraud removal tool, because I think it uses part of their coding, if I remember right.

takes awhile.

however, having a ghost image or the like of your system in a good state, while storing your data on a separate drive and just reimaging takes much less time. but nobody is that precautionary other than losers like myself.

[RotationSlimWang]

Oh lord, one of those fucking bundles.

Somewhat, you've got problems that are too involved for me to do the amount of typing required to walk you through it at this hour. Sorry. Dork, feel free to take the reigns, I'm drunk.

[dorkfish]

it's quicker to just learn from others past efforts:

http://help.lockergnome.com/general/Winantivirus-2005-Popup-ftopict37771.html

[Somewhat Damaged]

Thanks for the help. I thought I made some progress but the pop-ups keeping, well, popping up. This may seem like a stupid question but how exactly does one go about rebooting to Safe Mode? I followed what that guy said in the link you provided, dorkfish, hitting F8 while my computer's loading up, but the menu that comes up doesn't have "Safe Mode" as an option. And since you're saying Spybot > Ad-Aware, should I uninstall Ad-Aware and resort to using Spybot exclusively? (I've still got to finish installing it.) Thanks for the help.

Oh! From my control panel, some programs in my Add/Remove list that have me suspicious (I already deleted this ThinkAdz program, which was in there twice):
Gear Drivers
Update for Windows XP (KB898461)
Windows Genuine Advantage Validation Tool (KB892130)
Windows Installer 3.1 (KB893803)
Windows HP Hotfix-KB842773
MSN Music Assistant (this one doesn't so much have me suspicious as much as I wonder if I need it -- I use iTunes most of the time anyway, but is it affiliated with Windows Media Player?)

[kingsblend420]

Step 1: Get Firefox
Step 2: Delete all that garbage you have on your computer

But seems like there are alot of people as knowledgeable or more knowledgeable then me already here I will say good job I am proud of you.

[psychic friend]

First, full disclosure, I was looking up porn last night

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/238/455879410_e281cf087f.jpg

[gaypalmsprings]

use the pop-up blockers that most browsers and security software have

[adamnikyo]

Just reload Windows. It's way easier than all this bullshit.

[Somewhat Damaged]

That's what I was thinking. I'm going to give it another crack when I get home from work in a few hours, though. Ah, being stubborn...

[suprefan]

To reboot in safe mode you have to change the start up when your computer is runnign then it will restart that way. When you are done you change the settings back. Just go to your windows explorer help search thing and search ''reboot safe mode''or somethign to that extent. Its pretty easy, all you have to do is change one thing. (I cant guide you to do it cause this comp at work has all that stuff disabled)

[PotVsKtl]

Congratulations, you have chosen the most ridiculously difficult to get rid of adware known to man.

[Somewhat Damaged]

Because I know EVERYONE was dying to know the outcome, I had to end up taking my computer to a friend's neighbor, who heads the computer department at the UofA. He put Sophos and Firefox on my computer but the Trojan I got had burrowed deeply in so he just rebuilt it. Thanks again for all the support and condolences.

[kingsblend420]

Because I know EVERYONE was dying to know the outcome, I had to end up taking my computer to a friend's neighbor, who heads the computer department at the UofA. He put Sophos and Firefox on my computer but the Trojan I got had burrowed deeply in so he just rebuilt it. Thanks again for all the support and condolences.

rebuilt = insert windows xp cd, reformat hard drive, reinstall windows, done

[canexplain]

rebuilt = insert windows xp cd, reformat hard drive, reinstall windows, done

you know i just bought a laptop from circut city and not only DIDNT you get the OS disk, but they wanted to charge us $70 to make a recovery disk ... i couldnt believe it .... then when we said no, he comes back with"well if you pc crashes, no one will ever be able to fix it and it will be trash" , trying to scare us ... then we went home, and burned a recovery disk (well actually 3 i think) and it took all of a few minutes and a bucks worth of disks .. cr****

[kingsblend420]

you know i just bought a laptop from circut city and not only DIDNT you get the OS disk, but they wanted to charge us $70 to make a recovery disk ... i couldnt believe it .... then when we said no, he comes back with"well if you pc crashes, no one will ever be able to fix it and it will be trash" , trying to scare us ... then we went home, and burned a recovery disk (well actually 3 i think) and it took all of a few minutes and a bucks worth of disks .. cr****

Awesome! You could have also said, "Well who needs your fucking windows anyways? I will install Unbuntu bitch!"

[g0k1ngsg0]

Ubuntu ftw!

[Courtney]

I am bumping this thread because I didn't want to start a new one.

Sooo... anyone know how to convert a DVD into a file format that I can import into a PowerPoint presentation? Specifically, if I'm using a mac and don't want to pay for video editing/conversion software. I tried using some freeware I downloaded (Squared 5), but it kept on telling me I need to buy QuickTime MPEG-2 Playback Component or something.

Technologically clueless here. Thanks.

[BROKENDOLL]

Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.1
Scan saved at 8:18:39 PM, on 8/28/2007
Platform: Windows XP SP1 (WinNT 5.01.2600)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v6.00 SP1 (6.00.2800.1106)

Running processes:
E:\WINDOWS\System32\smss.exe
E:\WINDOWS\system32\winlogon.exe
E:\WINDOWS\system32\services.exe
E:\WINDOWS\system32\lsass.exe
E:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
E:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
E:\Program Files\Ahead\InCD\InCDsrv.exe
E:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
E:\WINDOWS\System32\hixbtxue.exe
E:\Program Files\Prevx2\PXAgent.exe
E:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
E:\Program Files\Prevx2\PXConsole.exe
E:\Program Files\CyberLink\PowerDVD\PDVDServ.exe
E:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe
E:\Program Files\iTunes\iTunesHelper.exe
E:\Program Files\Ahead\InCD\InCD.exe
E:\windows\system32\lsdsrngs.exe
E:\WINDOWS\System32\mwintmdt.exe
E:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Search Protection\SearchProtection.exe
E:\Program Files\Google\GoogleToolbarNotifier\GoogleToolbarNo tifier.exe
E:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
E:\PROGRA~1\Ahead\NEROPH~2\data\Xtras\mssysmgr.exe
E:\Program Files\Logitech\Desktop Messenger\8876480\Program\LogitechDesktopMessenger .exe
E:\Program Files\PhotoStudio Expressions\PMMonitor.exe
E:\Program Files\iPod\bin\iPodService.exe
E:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
E:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe
E:\WINDOWS\System32\wuauclt.exe
E:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe
E:\Documents and Settings\a\Local Settings\Temp\Temporary Directory 1 for hijackthis.zip\HijackThis.exe

R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://www.prevx.com
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL = http://www.prevx.com
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Bar = http://us.rd.yahoo.com/customize/ie/defaults/sb/msgr8/*http://www.yahoo.com/ext/search/search.html
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://www.prevx.com
R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Local Page = http://www.prevx.com
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Local Page = http://www.prevx.com
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Int ernet Settings,ProxyOverride = localhost
R3 - URLSearchHook: Yahoo! Toolbar - {EF99BD32-C1FB-11D2-892F-0090271D4F88} - E:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Companion\Installs\cpn1\yt.dll
O3 - Toolbar: Yahoo! Toolbar - {EF99BD32-C1FB-11D2-892F-0090271D4F88} - E:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Companion\Installs\cpn1\yt.dll
O3 - Toolbar: &Radio - {8E718888-423F-11D2-876E-00A0C9082467} - E:\WINDOWS\System32\msdxm.ocx
O3 - Toolbar: &Google - {2318C2B1-4965-11d4-9B18-009027A5CD4F} - e:\program files\google\googletoolbar3.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [PrevxOne] "E:\Program Files\Prevx2\PXConsole.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [winupdates] E:\Program Files\winupdates\winupdates.exe /auto
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [WinampAgent] E:\Program Files\Winamp\winampa.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SunJavaUpdateSched] E:\Program Files\Java\jre1.5.0_03\bin\jusched.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [RemoteControl] "E:\Program Files\CyberLink\PowerDVD\PDVDServ.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [mmtask] c:\Program Files\MusicMatch\MusicMatch Jukebox\mmtask.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AdwareAlert] E:\Program Files\AdwareAlert\AdwareAlert.exe -boot
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Adobe Reader Speed Launcher] "E:\Program Files\Adobe\Reader 8.0\Reader\Reader_sl.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [QuickTime Task] "E:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe" -atboottime
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [iTunesHelper] "E:\Program Files\iTunes\iTunesHelper.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NeroFilterCheck] E:\WINDOWS\system32\NeroCheck.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [InCD] E:\Program Files\Ahead\InCD\InCD.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [{00-00-00-04-ZN}] E:\windows\system32\lsdsrngs.exe CHD003
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ExploreUpdSched] E:\WINDOWS\System32\mwintmdt.exe CHD003
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Salestart] "E:\Program Files\Common Files\WinAntiVirus Pro 2007\mav_startupmon.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SystemOptimizer] rundll32.exe "E:\WINDOWS\System32\kmptirck.dll",forkonce
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [YSearchProtection] "E:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Search Protection\SearchProtection.exe"
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [swg] E:\Program Files\Google\GoogleToolbarNotifier\GoogleToolbarNo tifier.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [MSMSGS] "E:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe" /background
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [BitTorrent] "E:\Program Files\BitTorrent\bittorrent.exe" --force_start_minimized
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [BgMonitor_{79662E04-7C6C-4d9f-84C7-88D8A56B10AA}] "E:\Program Files\Common Files\Ahead\Lib\NMBgMonitor.exe"
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [PhotoShow Deluxe Media Manager] E:\PROGRA~1\Ahead\NEROPH~2\data\Xtras\mssysmgr.exe
O4 - Startup: TA_Start.lnk = E:\WINDOWS\system32\lsdsrngs.exe
O4 - Startup: Think-Adz.lnk = E:\WINDOWS\system32\mwintmdt.exe
O4 - Global Startup: Logitech Desktop Messenger.lnk = E:\Program Files\Logitech\Desktop Messenger\8876480\Program\LogitechDesktopMessenger .exe
O4 - Global Startup: Microsoft Office.lnk = E:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office10\OSA.EXE
O4 - Global Startup: Monitor.lnk = E:\Program Files\PhotoStudio Expressions\PMMonitor.exe
O8 - Extra context menu item: E&xport to Microsoft Excel - res://E:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~2\Office10\EXCEL.EXE/3000
O16 - DPF: {30528230-99f7-4bb4-88d8-fa1d4f56a2ab} (YInstStarter Class) - E:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Common\yinsthelper.dll
O18 - Protocol: bwfile-8876480 - {9462A756-7B47-47BC-8C80-C34B9B80B32B} - E:\Program Files\Logitech\Desktop Messenger\8876480\Program\GAPlugProtocol-8876480.dll
O23 - Service: DomainService - - E:\WINDOWS\System32\hixbtxue.exe
O23 - Service: Google Updater Service (gusvc) - Google - E:\Program Files\Google\Common\Google Updater\GoogleUpdaterService.exe
O23 - Service: InCD Helper (InCDsrv) - Nero AG - E:\Program Files\Ahead\InCD\InCDsrv.exe
O23 - Service: InCD Helper (read only) (InCDsrvR) - Nero AG - E:\Program Files\Ahead\InCD\InCDsrv.exe
O23 - Service: iPod Service - Apple Inc. - E:\Program Files\iPod\bin\iPodService.exe
O23 - Service: PREVXAgent - Unknown owner - E:\Program Files\Prevx2\PXAgent.exe" -f (file missing) Whenever I start seeing shit like this I panic and just go apeshit pushing buttons trying to fix it. System restore has become a very good friend of mine.

Check everything underlined, investigate that film I bolded and italicized--check the properties to see whether or not it's for anything you use, and then have it delete all those entries. They're startup entries, you don't need them and one of them is your adware.

Then try to install that WinVirus whatever thing, run ad-aware, maybe defender. Now I must figure out a way to restore the communication gap I have with RotationSlimWang. Damn, I've thought of him as many things, but never a "geek!"

Back off gay--I'm a hired geek. Keyword:Hired. Hmmm?

Because I know EVERYONE was dying to know the outcome, I had to end up taking my computer to a friend's neighbor, who heads the computer department at the UofA. He put Sophos and Firefox on my computer but the Trojan I got had burrowed deeply in so he just rebuilt it. Thanks again for all the support and condolences. Now. Had you been using a Trojan before entering the porn sites, you may not have had all this bullshit to deal with...:)

[M Sparks]

I actually keep my system drive for my editing system on a removable drive. I built a completely clean system drive from scratch, installed everything, set every thing as I wanted, and then cloned it. Pulled the clean drive out and put the clone in it's place. Whenever anything gets even slightly wonky, I just wipe it and clone the clean drive again. Saves a ton of time in the long run.

It's even easier in Vista...Complete System Backup is one of the only useful features of Vista, but it makes it SO easy to keep a clean clone.

[BROKENDOLL]

Ha,ha,ha, and all this time I thought when shit happened, it was me that got "wonky!"

[M Sparks]

Sooo... anyone know how to convert a DVD into a file format that I can import into a PowerPoint presentation? Specifically, if I'm using a mac and don't want to pay for video editing/conversion software. I tried using some freeware I downloaded (Squared 5), but it kept on telling me I need to buy QuickTime MPEG-2 Playback Component or something.

Technologically clueless here. Thanks.

I don't know jack about Macs, but the only piece of software I know of to do this is Cinematize from Miraizon (http://www.miraizon.com/products/products.html). I use the Windows version every day, but it's $130. There's a limited version, but I think it's still like $50.

You could always do the end run and just play the DVD out of a standard DVD player into a capture device. But if you don't already have a capture device, it'll cost you more than $50 anyway. If you have a DV camcorder, there's sometimes a way to feed analog video INTO it and use it as a capture device. Usually it's the same as the video out- it just senses the input signal and reverses itself. Then it converts it to digital and spits it down the firewire so you can do what you want with it.

If you don't want to spend money and you don't have a capture device, my only advice is to find a friend who knows what they are doing. If you lived next door to me and knocked on my door with this question, I could have done it faster than it took to write this.

EDIT- By the way, Cinematize won't extract encrypted DVDs...if you're really just looking to rip movies, don't waste your money.

[gaypalmsprings]

what kind of porn were you looking at?

[Courtney]

I don't know jack about Macs, but the only piece of software I know of to do this is Cinematize from Miraizon (http://www.miraizon.com/products/products.html). I use the Windows version every day, but it's $130. There's a limited version, but I think it's still like $50.

You could always do the end run and just play the DVD out of a standard DVD player into a capture device. But if you don't already have a capture device, it'll cost you more than $50 anyway. If you have a DV camcorder, there's sometimes a way to feed analog video INTO it and use it as a capture device. Usually it's the same as the video out- it just senses the input signal and reverses itself. Then it converts it to digital and spits it down the firewire so you can do what you want with it.

If you don't want to spend money and you don't have a capture device, my only advice is to find a friend who knows what they are doing. If you lived next door to me and knocked on my door with this question, I could have done it faster than it took to write this.

EDIT- By the way, Cinematize won't extract encrypted DVDs...if you're really just looking to rip movies, don't waste your money.

Thank you explaining all this!

I'm assuming that it's an unencrypted DVD because it's a piece of video art that was sent to my workplace by the artist. I need to figure out a way to incorporate it somehow into a presentation for a jury who are going to decide on what goes into an exhibit we're organizing. But I work for a nonprofit and we're cheap so new software of any sort isn't in the budget right now, sadly.

Maybe I'll have to call in a neighborly favor :)

[M Sparks]

People don't seem to understand that a DVD is not a computer file. You can put it into a computer, and the computer will tell you that there are files on it. But it's kind of a dead end for digital video. Once you convert it into a DVD, it's nearly impossible to get it back out. I've never seen anything but Cinematize that will do it properly, which is why it's expensive, I guess. If they ever get any competition, the price will come down.

[menikmati]

There are plenty of programs out there that will rip DVDs into video files/formats for other use....for both MAC and PC, but you just gotta google around for one that works for you...some are free, some are trials, some u gotta buy. Since I'm on a PC, i know tons of ways to do it, you could rip the DVD to vob files then use SUPER to convert to avi or mov or whatever, or use magic dvd ripper....you might be able to do it in quicktime, but again, you need the mpeg decoder. Maybe try finding a friend with a PC and try a trial run of magic dvd ripper then copy the file to your mac or something...i dunno

[menikmati]

People don't seem to understand that a DVD is not a computer file. You can put it into a computer, and the computer will tell you that there are files on it. But it's kind of a dead end for digital video. Once you convert it into a DVD, it's nearly impossible to get it back out. I've never seen anything but Cinematize that will do it properly, which is why it's expensive, I guess. If they ever get any competition, the price will come down.

What exactly do you mean? Once video is burned/converted and made to be on a DVD, it's in mpeg2 video format but in a VOB shell.....you can use programs that will rip the DVD files back onto your drive, then you can demux the vob files back to mpeg2 files using other programs...so I don't know what you mean by putting video on a DVD, you can never get it back, because essentially all we're talking about is once a video file is on DVD, it's mpeg2, there's no converting back to anything, but you can still access the mpeg2 if you needed to and convert that to something else, using Super or some other program.

[marooko]

kilobits, kilobytes. duh.

[CalmerThanYou]

http://www.vitalsecurity.org/desktop400.jpg

:/

[Courtney]

There are plenty of programs out there that will rip DVDs into video files/formats for other use....for both MAC and PC, but you just gotta google around for one that works for you...some are free, some are trials, some u gotta buy. Since I'm on a PC, i know tons of ways to do it, you could rip the DVD to vob files then use SUPER to convert to avi or mov or whatever, or use magic dvd ripper....you might be able to do it in quicktime, but again, you need the mpeg decoder. Maybe try finding a friend with a PC and try a trial run of magic dvd ripper then copy the file to your mac or something...i dunno

Erik thanks but I have no idea what this means. I will keep on trying.

[marooko]

Courtney, I don't know much about PowerPoint. Are you wanting to play the file through PowerPoint, will it do that? Or you just wanna play a file along with what you're doing?

One place you can look is download.com. They have a lot of freeware and trial versions of many programs. I also have a few I can tell you about, but I need to know the answers to the questions I asked.

[Courtney]

Courtney, I don't know much about PowerPoint. Are you wanting to play the file through PowerPoint, will it do that? Or you just wanna play a file along with what you're doing?

One place you can look is download.com. They have a lot of freeware and trial versions of many programs. I also have a few I can tell you about, but I need to know the answers to the questions I asked.

I am trying to convert a DVD into a file format such as avi or quicktime so that I can have the video play as an actual slide in the PowerPoint presentation. I know how to import the video to PowerPoint once it's in one of the supported formats, but I just don't know how to convert a DVD to an avi file or other supported format.

[menikmati]

Try browsing download.com like Marooko said...there are plenty of programs out there that will do that, but I don't have a mac so I don't know any mac versions off the top of my head, but I'm sure there are plenty out there.

[marooko]

What are the other file formats supported?

[marooko]

http://www.download.com/AppleMacSoft-Video-Converter-for-Mac/3000-2200_4-10754196.html?tag=mncol&cdlPid=10754197

this one is free to try.

so is this one.

http://www.download.com/iTool-MPEG-To-iPhone-Converter-For-MAC/3000-2200_4-10866034.html?tag=mncol&cdlPid=10866035

[dorkfish]

Mac the Ripper

[Courtney]

http://www.download.com/AppleMacSoft-Video-Converter-for-Mac/3000-2200_4-10754196.html?tag=mncol&cdlPid=10754197

this one is free to try.

so is this one.

http://www.download.com/iTool-MPEG-To-iPhone-Converter-For-MAC/3000-2200_4-10866034.html?tag=mncol&cdlPid=10866035

Thanks! I will look into these.

Mac the Ripper

lol. That sounds like a roller derby name.

[kreutz2112]

hey captn, your boyfriend looks at porn when your not around. Totally normal. Just thought you'd like to think about that.

[M Sparks]

What exactly do you mean? Once video is burned/converted and made to be on a DVD, it's in mpeg2 video format but in a VOB shell.....you can use programs that will rip the DVD files back onto your drive, then you can demux the vob files back to mpeg2 files using other programs...so I don't know what you mean by putting video on a DVD, you can never get it back, because essentially all we're talking about is once a video file is on DVD, it's mpeg2, there's no converting back to anything, but you can still access the mpeg2 if you needed to and convert that to something else, using Super or some other program.

I mean that my clients put the DVD in their computer and think they can just copy the VIDEO_TS file onto another disc and they've got another copy. Or they call asking me which file to post on their website, or which one "is the video". I mean, sometimes I give people DVDs with dozens or hundreds of files- I made it and even I don't know which is which. That's what the authoring software is for.

I'm just saying it's not like handing someone an AVI or MOV or WMV file. Anybody can figure out what to do with that. I never said you "can never get it back"...I just got done telling someone which software would do the whole job! But look at your response..rip it using "programs", then demux it using "other programs". That's not really helpful to someone who is "technologically clueless". Half my clients pop the DVD proofs into their 1994 Dell CD-Rom and then complain than the disc is "broken". I started posting proofs in Flash, and even that causes problems. Clients call me up and say they just see a red X. Someone who doesn't have Flash Player installed is not going to have the tools or knowledge to convert a DVD to Quicktime.

Cinematize is great- you feed it an unencrypted DVD, and it will give it back to you in any format you want as long as the codec is installed on your computer. You can set in and out points too. It's exactly what Courtney needs, but she can't afford it. If someone else can suggest a cheaper alternative for her- awesome. Talking over her head just because you feel the need to argue with me about everything isn't helpful.

I did learn something though- I fed a VOB file directly into Sorenson Squeeze, and converted it directly to a WMV. I really didn't think Squeeze would recognize it as a file type. However, the end product had no sound, took a LONG time, and the second time I tried, it crashed. So, still useless. Cinematize is the way to go if you can afford it.

[TomAz]

hey captn, your boyfriend looks at porn when your not around. Totally normal. Just thought you'd like to think about that.

how do you know she wasn't around?

[TomAz]

Clients call me up and say they just see a red X. Someone who doesn't have Flash Player installed is not going to have the tools or knowledge to convert a DVD to Quicktime.




i'm pretty clueless but even I know how to rip DVDs to load onto my ipod.

[M Sparks]

http://www.download.com/AppleMacSoft-Video-Converter-for-Mac/3000-2200_4-10754196.html?tag=mncol&cdlPid=10754197

this one is free to try.

so is this one.

http://www.download.com/iTool-MPEG-To-iPhone-Converter-For-MAC/3000-2200_4-10866034.html?tag=mncol&cdlPid=10866035

I'm going to arrange 5 words in an order I never have before.

"That was very helpful, Marooko."

Although that first one seems like a better bet. The second one only goes to "iPhone video format". I'm not sure what that is, but the other one will go straight to Quicktime, which is what she needs.

[M Sparks]

i'm pretty clueless but even I know how to rip DVDs to load onto my ipod.

You aren't giving yourself enough credit. Or you're giving my clients too much.

EDIT...though, what method do you use? Maybe YOU could help Courtney.

I use Cinematize because it's does the job, does it quickly, does it perfectly. I have all the pro video tools, so I don't go looking for the cheap solutions. So even though I can handle almost any video task you throw at me, I'm probably not the guy to ask how to do it for free. I make my money in part through people's unwillingness to learn how to do simple tasks, so I'm not good at training others.

[TomAz]

1. load disk. 2. launch software and run. 3. add file to itunes 4. sync ipod

You're right. I am a fucking genius.

[marooko]

I'm going to arrange 5 words in an order I never have before.

"That was very helpful, Marooko."

Although that first one seems like a better bet. The second one only goes to "iPhone video format". I'm not sure what that is, but the other one will go straight to Quicktime, which is what she needs.

I was complimented by, M sparks, my life is now complete. Also, fuck you. I'd rather you don't say anything than be condescending about it. Wasn't I on your ignore list anyway, how bout you just put me right back on there?

I hate it when people paste all over the fucking board about who's on their ignore lists, and then fucking respond to posts they make. Stand by your convictions, fucking pussies.

[Courtney]

http://www.download.com/AppleMacSoft-Video-Converter-for-Mac/3000-2200_4-10754196.html?tag=mncol&cdlPid=10754197

YEssssss thank you this worked!

I used MacTheRipper to get the disc into a VOB file on my desktop, and then used AppleMacSoft Video Converter to convert it to quicktime. And then I put them into my PowerPoint, and now my boss will be happy. Woooooo yay task complete.

I <3 you guys.

[marooko]

Glad to be of assistance.

You see guys and gals, I'm not all bad.

[menikmati]

hooray

[RotationSlimWang]

In reference to the original question of this thread because one or more of you are doomed to come down with some version of the XP Antivirus 2008/2009/WinAntiVirusPro bundle sooner or later--it's fucking everywhere and spreading like wildfire and almost impossible to remove... unless you happen to be me. Here is the way to do it:

Search for SDFix, download it, follow the instructions to reboot into safe mode and run it. Also download Avast Antivirus (the 2009 and certain other versions will get around SDFix and require both Avast and SD in order to be removed) and follow the instructions to run that as well. These are pretty much the only options beyond doing a reinstall of Windows entirely.

For keeping your machine clean and safe in the future I recommend installing AVG Antivirus Free 8.0 and running CCleaner and Ad-Aware (I stand by Ad-Aware, Brad, although Spybot is also a good complementary app) once a week. This type of weekly maintenance will protect you from pretty much any kind of malware/virus/etc infection in the future.

[kreutz2112]

how do you know she wasn't around?

good point. that kinky slut.

[marooko]

YEssssss thank you this worked!

I used MacTheRipper to get the disc into a VOB file on my desktop, and then used AppleMacSoft Video Converter to convert it to quicktime. And then I put them into my PowerPoint, and now my boss will be happy. Woooooo yay task complete.

I <3 you guys.

So, Courtney, how did the presentation go?


For everyone else: do you have a preference when buying a hard drive? What do you swear by? What wouldn't you take if given to you?

[shakermaker113]

that's a good question. I was about to buy a samsung drive (http://www.silentpcreview.com/article843-page1.html) for its quiet factor, but I would love to hear first from some people who've used samsungs for a few years. I don't want a disk that's going to crap out on me again.

[menikmati]

I've had a internal Western Digital that In installed over 3 years ago and its worked like a charm....I also have a Western Digital Pro Book external which has worked for over a year and a half with no problems....I would def recommend WD drives to anyone, and same goes for Seagate. I have two Seagate external drives, and both work wonderfully, never had any problems on my end.

[RotationSlimWang]

Seagate and WD. Maxtor makes an alright product nowadays too.

[locachica73]

OK I have a question, I have a home PC that I never use and the kids cruise myspace on it alot and since I have a teenage son there is probably some other sites he views that I care not to know about. Well it is running extremely slow lately. I have McAffee as my virus protection but I have run it quite a few times and nothing has come up. I have also gone through and removed the programs I don't want, cleaned cookies and all the other normal things you do then ran the defrag but nothing seems to work. I have tried to do a system restore and restore it to a previous point but it never let's me. Why does my system restore not work. Someone said it may be my virus protection but I have turned that off and it still won't work. Any suggestions?

[kreutz2112]

get a new computer and quit picturing your son jerking off.

[locachica73]

ok ew, gross. and it is a fairly new computer, only like 2 years old.

[kreutz2112]

thats not new. not even fairly new. fairly new would be like 2 months.

[RotationSlimWang]

McAfee sucks balls. Uninstall the whole thing and install AVG's free antivirus if you really think you need antivirus.

[locachica73]

I use to use AVG all the time and ended up with a Trojen I could not get rid, which is why I bought this PC. Then I used Norton for awhile which sucks balls but I have never had a real issue with McAffee other then if that is the reason I can't restore to a previous time period. But I may try that and see if the AVG works. It doesn't really act like it has a virus, no pop ups or anything, it just lags alot.

[menikmati]

I've been running the same computer since 2003. I'm still using the CRT monitor on it. I don't see the point in investing $199 for a nice LCD, when I could just save money for a year or so down the line and buy a whole new setup.

[kingsblend420]

http://www.videohelp.com

[locachica73]

My first computer I got was bought used in 2002 and I used it till 2005 but it was at least 3 years old when I got it. It ran like a champ for years. This new one has had alot of problems. Which is why I am glad work gave me a laptop so I don't have to deal with it. I have high speed internet at home and the PC runs like it is on dial up (ok not that bad but close).

[RotationSlimWang]

The McAfee product you bought likely has about eight resource-consuming applications built into it, including a shitty firewall and real-time scanning that slows everything down to a crawl. Uninstall.

[locachica73]

Ok, thanks, I will try that, I know there is some other shit that comes on at start up that I don't need but I don't like going into that shit and deleting because I always worry it will be something I need someday. I know how to run programs, but not deal with the inner workings.

[BROKENDOLL]

http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w18/1BROKENDOLL/th2521cid255F006b01c618cb2524d49-1.gif Problem solved.

[marooko]

so, my laptop screen has had a pink hue for the last few days after it wakes up from sleep mode. well, im not positive its sleep mode. the screen saver comes on, then the screen goes black, when i move the mouse the screen shows the picture, but with a pink hue. it goes away after a few seconds, but it never did that before. anyone know what the deal is/may be?


Also, idling. if i were to....lets say.... be downloading some stuff, you know, that im not supposed to because i dont have the legal rights, where can you point me to find more info on this? or, better yet, what do you know about it. im dealing with ATT. uploading is fine, downloading is going much slower.

[menikmati]

ur pc has pinkeyed ewww

[marooko]

so no help?

[shakermaker113]

your laptop screen isn't likely to get any better. laptop screen issues are often caused by problems with the physical connection. you can try applying pressure to the area of the laptop where the screen hinges are, closest to the middle of the screen, but honestly if all you see is a bit of pink for a few seconds when the screen comes back on it's probably not worth worrying about unless it gets worse.

as for downloading, make sure you open a port to download on. find your router model, then the software you are using here: http://portforward.com/routers.htm. don't click the 'Click here to Automatically...' link, that's an ad.

[marooko]

thank you shaker. i got the port forwarding deal done, its not at the moment, but i know how to do it. i dont know thats the problem though, because it just recently started. maybe a week ago.

[samiksha]

hehe, i searched what and the only thing that popped up was the thread you started. i use at&t though and i dont have any problems. i know that doesnt help.

[rage patton]

Alright so... I need help.

I just my computer back. It has a ton of spyware and viruses on it... so they had to re-install my operating system. They backed everything up though, so all the files are here on my computer.
First... how do I get all my music into my iTunes, short of doing it basically track by track?
Second... all my old files are in transfered files folder. I want to make this the default for when I open up my "My Documents folder" I was told there was I way where I could create a shortcut from "My Documents" to my "Transfered files folder"... how do I do this? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[rage patton]

No one?

[real talk]

Just wait until Dorkfish gets home he will help you.

[dorkfish]

Alright so... I need help.

I just my computer back. It has a ton of spyware and viruses on it... so they had to re-install my operating system. They backed everything up though, so all the files are here on my computer.
First... how do I get all my music into my iTunes, short of doing it basically track by track?
Second... all my old files are in transfered files folder. I want to make this the default for when I open up my "My Documents folder" I was told there was I way where I could create a shortcut from "My Documents" to my "Transfered files folder"... how do I do this? Any help would be greatly appreciated.
click start, right click My Documents. choose Move. change the Target path to whatever your transferred files folders path is.
you should be able to just drag whatever folder that has all your music into itunes.

[rage patton]

I clicked start, and then right clicked My Documents... the option to Move did not appear. I right clicked My Documents on my desktop... no Move option appeared their either. Options that came up were: Open, Explore, Search..., Copy, Show On Desktop, Rename, Properties.
Now what?

[Mr. Dylanja]

Back on track hijack, the initial post of this thread is great!

[menikmati]

I clicked start, and then right clicked My Documents... the option to Move did not appear. I right clicked My Documents on my desktop... no Move option appeared their either. Options that came up were: Open, Explore, Search..., Copy, Show On Desktop, Rename, Properties.
Now what?

Right click on My Documents, and click Properties, you'll then see the "move" option.

[RotationSlimWang]

Or you could just select all the items in the transferred files folder, copy, and then go into your C drive -> Documents And Settings -> [User Name] -> My Documents and paste. As far as moving your whole iTunes library there's another step or two involved as the actual iTunes folder is a hidden folder somewhere in Documents And Settings\[User Name]\Local Settings (hidden folder)\Application Data I believe. I hate iTunes and try to avoid using it so I might be a little off. Google "backup and restore iTunes library" and you'll find the right path.

[faxman75]

I would try the drag and drop method and wait a while especially if you have a ton of music you are trying to sync up with Itunes. It might not look like it's doing anything for a minute or two.

Another way would simply be to go to open Itunes and go to import media and you can import an entire folder from your hard drive to sync up. I hate itunes for the most part but I use it. I tried sticking to winamp for all things regarding my ipod but it's just not comfortable when it comes to changing tags and stuff for some reason. It rarely goes well.

Or if you mean you want to move all of your music from one folder to another, open the folder all your music is in, press ctrl A (all) once everything is highlited you should be able to right click and "move to" should appear or just copy all of it and paste it where you want it like Randy said.

[Mr. Dylanja]

My USB ports don't seem to be working for my Ipod. One says USB Device not recognized and the other works to charge it but I can't change my playlist. Any help would be much appreciated, thanks.

[Donaldj]

Mr Dylanja, I would try plugging your ipod into the usb port of a different pc first. Sometimes that is all it takes to fix that issue.

[Mr. Dylanja]

Really? It has worked on this same pc for a few months and just stopped all of the sudden...

[marooko]

also maybe restart or update your OS.

[locachica73]

I had that problem and I had to reset my iPod, uninstall limewire and quicktime and reinstall iTunes. For some reason I couldn't run iTunes and have quicktime on the computer at the same time.

[menikmati]

No one should have limewire installed on their computers.

[locachica73]

i don't anymore... now i have frostwire. shhhh.

and maybe it wasn't quicktime, maybe it was real player or some other similar program.

[menikmati]

itunes is quicktime essentially, so I doubt that would be the problem. And again, no one should have real player installed on their computer either.

[locachica73]

yeah i don't anymore. i have learned. :)

[shakermaker113]

i don't anymore... now i have frostwire. shhhh.

and maybe it wasn't quicktime, maybe it was real player or some other similar program.

I was going to say, I don't think it's possible to have itunes without quicktime.

[marooko]

I need a new external HD. Recommend please. I've read a bunch of reviews on maxtor and western digital drives that have failed. I plan on using mine A LOT.

I'm thinking maybe a couple smaller drives, that way if they crash I don't lose everything.

[RotationSlimWang]

Seagate's Free Agent drives are pretty tight. WD is garbage nowadays.

[marooko]

I trust your judgment computer wise, but I must ask; is this concluded from experience, research, or word of mouth?

[Donaldj]

I have had both good and bad luck with Seagate, Maxtor and WD. I generally try and back up everything on at least 2 different drives and expect a drive to fail within 3-5 years.

[RotationSlimWang]

I trust your judgment computer wise, but I must ask; is this concluded from experience, research, or word of mouth?

This is based on the fact that I have to replace hard drives (external and otherwise) numerous times every week. The vast majority of the failed drives I replace are WD. Go on Newegg and check out the reviews, cause I'm basing my recommendation on the availability of stock at Fry's where I get all my parts for clients.

If you really want to have a guaranteed safe backup solution here's what you do: buy two identical external HDs. Configure the backup software to run nightly at like 4 AM (if you want to be bold, configure it for separate backups for each day of the week but that's a bit excessive if you're not an office). Each morning you check the backup job to see it completed and swap out the external. You don't unplug anything from the computer end because it needs to keep the same drive letter assigned, you just unplug it from the drive and hook in the other.

Then if one fails--which is less likely with externals--you have a backup backup.

[menikmati]

I need a new external HD. Recommend please. I've read a bunch of reviews on maxtor and western digital drives that have failed. I plan on using mine A LOT.

I'm thinking maybe a couple smaller drives, that way if they crash I don't lose everything.

I have two WD's and two Seagates, and I love them all...never had problems.

[marooko]

This is based on the fact that I have to replace hard drives (external and otherwise) numerous times every week. The vast majority of the failed drives I replace are WD. Go on Newegg and check out the reviews, cause I'm basing my recommendation on the availability of stock at Fry's where I get all my parts for clients.

If you really want to have a guaranteed safe backup solution here's what you do: buy two identical external HDs. Configure the backup software to run nightly at like 4 AM (if you want to be bold, configure it for separate backups for each day of the week but that's a bit excessive if you're not an office). Each morning you check the backup job to see it completed and swap out the external. You don't unplug anything from the computer end because it needs to keep the same drive letter assigned, you just unplug it from the drive and hook in the other.

Then if one fails--which is less likely with externals--you have a backup backup.

Thank you.


I have two WD's and two Seagates, and I love them all...never had problems.

I think it's the newer ones that are failing. (WD)

[RotationSlimWang]

Yeah, WD used to be real good. But I replace more of them now than any other manufacturer by a factor of at least 3 to 1.

[zenidogx]

:bump
okay . . . so I'm trying to connect to my school's system from off campus through Cisco, but i get this message:


Secure VPN Connection terminated locally by client
Reason 442: Failed to enable Virtual Adapter



i followed the instructions from the school's library website and i've looked around online for help, but no dice. any input from my it friends and tech-savvy peeps will be appreciated.

[zenidogx]

one more :bump

[shakermaker113]

Reason 442: Failed to enable virtual adapter.
-------------------------------------------
Description or Action:
Attempt a reboot before trying again. Or go to network connection property pages and try to manually enable/disable the _Cisco Systems VPN Adapter_. Also try to add the following line to vpnclient.ini: [main] VAEnableAlt=0.



Resolution

1. Try rebooting the computer and then try connecting again



2. Uninstall and reinstall
- Control Panel - Programs and Features
- Select Partners Cisco Systems VPN Client and select uninstall
- Restart the computer
- Then load the client again



3. - Control Panel - Network and Internet
- Open Network and Sharing Center
- Open Network Connection Manager
- Right click on Local Area connection and properties
- On the Sharing tab, uncheck the "Allow other network users to connect through this computer's Internet Connection". - Reboot and try again



4. I have also seen Error 442 on Vista with a program called Bit Defender - an all-in-one Security center w/ A/V, firewall etc. Disabling it in System Tray was not sufficient - had to remove the Firewall component (wound up uninstalling the whole program, but removing the Firewall component resolved the 442 error).





5. Another possible fix for this Cisco bug is to perform the following steps:
- Control Panel - Network and Internet
- Open Network and Sharing Center
- Open Network Connection Manager
- Enable the virtual adapter ("Cisco VPN Adapter")
- Right click on it and select "Diagnose"
- Select Fix


http://forums.microsoft.com/technet/showpost.aspx?postid=3380731&siteid=17&sb=0&d=1&at=7&ft=11&tf=0&pageid=1
google is your friend.

[zenidogx]

i've tried 1,2,3, and 5. i'll look into number 4.

[shakermaker113]

if none of those work try pinging the ip address your vpn is configured to connect to. if you can't do that it's hopeless. (unless they're blocking pings... that's just annoying)

[gaypalmsprings]

I thought you couldn't type the word ****

[Courtney]

poooo

[marooko]

I thought you couldn't type the word ****

i think they changed it, only you are not allowed to type poo. guess why.

[canexplain]

this isnt an SOS but it fits here i think ... i am doing that band thing and I like the name Online .... if you put in theonline.com, you get a coffee company, so that is taken, but if you just put in online.com, it redirects you to cnet.com .... does that mean that cnet owns that site addy? i can put in the online.com and nothing comes up, so that will work i guess .... cr****

[menikmati]

just do WHOIS searches, all those domains are taken

[canexplain]

just do WHOIS searches, all those domains are taken

tnx i forgot i had that link at work .... well most everything is taken, the rats ... i can get theonlineband.com for 10 bucks a year ... cr****

[mountmccabe]

Aahahahaa I just remembered why p[b]ooo/b] is banned...

[zenidogx]

problem solved. while trying to find out what the heck ****ing is, i found out that i could try disabling my inactive wireless connection.
thanks guys.

[rage patton]

So to make a long story short, I need to quickly get rid of some programs because I needeed space on my computer. I deleted quicktime and a javascript program, thinking I could redownload them after I fixed my problem. Well... thats not really working.

Here is what is happening.

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x224/joshmusic88/CertProblem1.jpg

When I go to download itunes... it says I have a certificate error. I go check out the "help" section of my computer. It is no help. No matter what I turn on or off, this warning won't go away... so I ignore it and tell it to display content of the next page anyways.

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x224/joshmusic88/CertProblem2.jpg

As you can see, there is STILL a certificate error and the content of this page is not being displayed properly. The red "X" which reads "download now" won't click, and neither will the red X below it. However, the bottom red X will, so I click it...

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x224/joshmusic88/CertProblem3.jpg

Then THIS pops up. It says I can download it... but when I do, nothing happens. Usually when I download iTunes, there is a little brown box with the iTunes symbol in it for the setup icon. Now its just a blank white square... what I circled in red. Now, when I try to download ANYTHING from the internet, this white square is there and nothing can be downloaded.

I have no idea what on earth is going on. Any help will be extremely usefull.

[menikmati]

Are you clicking "save" first when you that box pops up to download iTunes? Try a different browser (firefox, opera)?

[allyjoy]

speaking of computers... I'm trying to recycle/donate my old tower and I'm getting turned around in circles on the interwebz... anyone done it in the LA area?

[rage patton]

Yes, I have been clicking "save". Should I try "run"? I dont have any other browsers... I am going to attempt to download firefox right now.

[suprefan]

Try run and see what happens, also you probably shouldnt have deleted the Jaja program. And, why dont you burn stuff like music off your computer to make space instead of deleting programs?

[rage patton]

So I just tried it in firefox...

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x224/joshmusic88/CertProblem4.jpg

No such luck.

[coldstart]

Is your computer's clock set properly? The certificate should be valid...

[rage patton]

Good point... I opened it up and it said April 28 2008. How do I change that?

[menikmati]

just change it to current date and click apply.

[coldstart]

You should set your computer's clock to sync with an internet time server anyway. I don't use Windows so I can't tell you how to do this off hand but it's in the time settings somewhere.

This may help:

http://www.labnol.org/software/tutorials/sync-windows-system-time-internet-clock/1655/

[rage patton]

I changed it and I am downloading it right now... hopefully it works. Thanks guys.

[shakermaker113]

I wonder how that happened.

[rage patton]

Ok... another question. iTunes is installed... yeah!

I got an external harddrive for Christmas because my music filled up my computer. I just copied all my music to my external harddive, but I decided to test it before deleting it. I deleted a file of music to see if those songs would appear on my iTunes when my external harddrive was plugged. Those songs show up on itunes... but they wont play because they say "the original file could not be found." I don't know if this question is to broad... but how do I get my itunes to read songs from my external harddrive?

[RotationSlimWang]

You're going to have to re-add the folder on the external drive to the iTunes library. Doing this without ending up with doubles of every song is kinda a pain in the ass I've had to sort out for clients a couple of times. Search Apple's knowledge base for how to delete and remake your iTunes library. You have to go through some hidden folders, don't remember it off the top of my head.

[rage patton]

Yeah... I kind of figured I was going to have to re-add all my music. The duplicates are already a pain in the ass. Im gonna search the apple site now. Thanks.

[mountmccabe]

Firefox - or something else - is always clearing my cookies whenever I shut it down. This is rather annoying, having to log into everything every time. I click the "remember my password" box but my browser does not remember anything.

This is a new problem, it started maybe four or five days ago.

I did download updates for Spybot around then and I also got the new iTunes.

I rarely use iTunes (I do not listen to music via iTunes and do most of my managing of my iPod with WinAmp) but despite the fact that I fear Apple and their ways I do not think they are this aggressive.

I went through all the settings for Spybot and did not find anywhere that it was automatically clearing my private data.

So: how do I get my Firefox to go back to saving cookies? When I open my browser I want it to go to my iGoogle page, not a generic one with a login screen.

Also: Is Spybot evil now? Is it useless and I should get rid of it?

[RotationSlimWang]

Spybot's fine. There's an choice in the Firefox options for saving your private data. Just reloaded my whole machine so I don't have it installed at the moment, but I'm sure you can find it. Edit, Preferences maybe?

[coldstart]

Get into the firefox prefs, go to the Privacy tab and hit Settings under the Private Data section. You can set what it clears automatically.

[mountmccabe]

Thank you for your responses, RSW and coldstart.

Randy, I do not want Firefox to manage my passwords. I do not want it to pop up saying "Do you want Firefox to remember this password?" when I enter new passwords in. I do not want to use Firefox's password manager. I did not have to use this a week ago.

coldstart, I have permissions set for Firefox to always ask me before Clearing Private Data. Additionally clearing private data does not clear cookies or passwords. Additionally I do not have Firefox set to clear private data upon exit. I checked these settings before posting here. I meant to mention that in the above statement of my problem, sorry that I did not.

[TheWatcher]

It's possible that your profile is corrupted. You might want to try removing the profile and recreating it.

It is a weird problem. A couple of websites are doing that to me as well, including one bank. You can view your cookies from within Firefox (Tools - Options - Privacy - Show Cookies) and I can see the cookie is there, but each time I visit the bank's website I have to request an activation code (which is emailed to me).

It's possible that one of the recent updates to Firefox changed something in the handling of cookies, I don't know.

[shakermaker113]

there's also a setting to say "keep cookies until they expire" or "keep cookies until I close firefox". you probably checked that already though.

what version of firefox are you using? what OS?

[mountmccabe]

there's also a setting to say "keep cookies until they expire" or "keep cookies until I close firefox". you probably checked that already though.

what version of firefox are you using? what OS?

I did have "Keep Cookies Until They Expire" checked. Thanks for the idea, though.

I am using Firefox 3.0.5, I think. Also this is Windows XP.


It's possible that your profile is corrupted. You might want to try removing the profile and recreating it.

It is a weird problem. A couple of websites are doing that to me as well, including one bank. You can view your cookies from within Firefox (Tools - Options - Privacy - Show Cookies) and I can see the cookie is there, but each time I visit the bank's website I have to request an activation code (which is emailed to me).

It's possible that one of the recent updates to Firefox changed something in the handling of cookies, I don't know.

Ding Ding Ding Ding. This worked. Thank you. I owe you a beer/frozen lemonade/churro/whatever at Coachella.

I just hope that importing my saved bookmarks file doesn't screw things up again. Also I need to reinstall my Search Engines and Gmail notifier, etc. Woohoo!

[TheWatcher]

Glad I could help. :thu

[Courtney]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3094/3162073404_4ca78132ee.jpg

Wtf just happened to my Macbook Pro?!? It has vertical bands of light and dark running across the screen and I can't adjust the brightness. I think there must be some setting I pressed accidentally or something.

[menikmati]

um you might wanna check here Courtney, you aren't the only one...

http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=1423301&tstart=0

[Courtney]

Oh damn that's not good. My computer is only 4 months old! I don't want it to be broken already.

The good news is that it was easily fixed this time by putting my computer to sleep for a few seconds and then waking it back up. I just hope it's not going to become a reoccurring problem.

[marooko]

i knocked my external hard rive over last night and now it wont show up as plugged in. any suggestions as to what i can do to retrieve my data? besides paying someone else to do it.

[shakermaker113]

sacrifice small animals.

[Monklish]

i knocked my external hard rive over last night and now it wont show up as plugged in. any suggestions as to what i can do to retrieve my data? besides paying someone else to do it.

Try moving it around from one USB port to another. Keep trying all of them until hopefully it gets recognized.

[marooko]

i think it stops spinning after a couple minutes. ive already sacrificed 2 cats and one USB port. also tried the rest of the ports. im gonna go look to see if i could find one at a good price and throw mine in the freezer and see if that works. this fucking sucks.

[Monklish]

Well there's a good chance you just need a new hard drive enclosure. If you can open that one up, you can take the drive out and swap it into a new enclosure. That would work if, hopefully, it's just the electrical controls that got damaged. Basically, the symptoms you're describing--namely that it stops spinning--either point towards the circuit board on the drive itself being dead (in which case you're straight fucked) or just the enclosure being fucked.

[marooko]

thank you. im pretty sure im fucked. it makes a beep/screech type sound every few seconds. im gonna leave it unplugged till i get a new one. im hoping its a crash and the freezer will work, it has before. ill try another enclosure as well.

[Barbara, the ninja]

This isn't exactly a computer problem, but it's related enough..

I need a laptop backpack. I carried my lappy in a regular one and now the backpack is ripped. I'm using safety pins to keep it together. Does anyone have any recommendations of laptop backpacks that are not hideous and maybe affordable?

[Monklish]

www.newegg.com

[kreutz2112]

http://www.gotbears.com/hellokitty/23275%20Rolling%20Backpack.jpg

[menikmati]

http://spoilurpets.com/images/Dog_Backpack_Pet_Carrier%20_On%20_Wheels.jpg

[Barbara, the ninja]

Garg, I should have checked there first, Randy.

You know I already have that one, kreutz. C'mon now.

Erik, I'm going to put my kids in there. :D

[marooko]

my computer just turned off, this has happened before. any idea what might cause this?


I had jet audio playing, I had AutoCAD open and was working on it. I had 3 different windows explorer windows open, one of them was connected to another PC on the network(nothing happened to that one), and I had firefox open.

[Monklish]

Replace the power supply.

[marooko]

anything other than that?

forgot to mention something BIG. An error report came up and said that i should send it to microsoft. A serious error has occurred.


http://img291.imageshack.us/img291/6713/errorfp8.jpg

[marooko]

and i cant remember exactly if the error report came up the last time it happened. i wanna say it didnt, but im not sure.

[Monklish]

Well that's different. Right-click My Computer, click Manage, go into the Event Viewer and find the error (either in Application or System logs) that caused that crash. Should be in System.

[marooko]

did you wanna see it, or just saying thats where i can find the problem?

[Monklish]

Just PM me, no reason to take up board space with it.

[marooko]

gimme a sec. this IS the comp SOS thread.

[marooko]

is it safe for me to assume my laptop HDD is as easy to change as my desktop HDD?

[shakermaker113]

if your laptop manufacturer has a step-by-step guide online then yes, it's about as easy.

if they don't then you have a greater chance of breaking something in the process.

[marooko]

well, im having a much more difficult time finding a suitable ATA hard drive for the job. I have a 100GB and 120GB in my laptop now, best i can find at a decent price is 160. i want at least 250, pref. 320. but thank you for the info.

[Monklish]

IDE drives are really expensive now that they're outmoded technology, especially large ones. Are you talking desktop or laptop?

[chiapet]

is it safe for me to assume my laptop HDD is as easy to change as my desktop HDD?

Easier. Should be a cover on either the side or back of the laptop for the drive, if you can't find it, your manual (or manufacturer's website) should show where it is. You'll need a small screwdriver. The drive should either slide out (if on the side) or lift out.

It's easy enough that when my work gives out laptop replacements/upgrades, they expect everyone -- even sales people and secretaries -- to install their own drives.

[dorkfish]

Realistically, he's much better off just buying a cheap 2.5" SATA drive and getting a cheap USB 2.0 enclosure (to avoid having a power cable). It's probably just for storage, anyways, so it's best to avoid the headache of spending $300 for an old hard drive.

[marooko]

the reason i want an internal, is because my external hit the floor pretty hard. basically, i wanna try to avoid that happening again. yeah, i can just not kick it, but that didnt work well the first time. also, i dont want all kinds of shit attached. kinda starts to make it a desktop.

[chiapet]

marooko, what exactly are you looking for? ATA-6/ultra-ata 100? Is this going to be your only/primary drive, or do you have a secondary bay you're putting this into?

Both newegg & tigerdirect have > 250GB drives for reasonable prices (such as 500gb for under $100). The western digital ones are really cheap. I'm wondering what I'm missing, spec wise they look similar to the more expensive ones *shrug*.

[dorkfish]

the reason i want an internal, is because my external hit the floor pretty hard. basically, i wanna try to avoid that happening again. yeah, i can just not kick it, but that didnt work well the first time. also, i dont want all kinds of shit attached. kinda starts to make it a desktop.
buy a laptop SATA drive and turn it into a mini external drive. Duct tape it to the top of your laptop. problem solved.

[marooko]

but then it wont look cool.

and im not sure exactly about what ATA i need. i need to figure that out tomorrow.

[chiapet]

You can always shut down and take a look at the drive that's in there now. Should have a label. I'm assuming it's ATA-6, you should be able to find something between 250-500GB for under $150.

[marooko]

im hoping to spend less than 100 because i wanna buy an external as well. but it wont be plugged in all the time.

[dorkfish]

Start / Run: diskmgmt.msc

Right click/properties on the Disk volumes in question (C is usually Disk 0 barring any weird partition scheme):

Google whatever comes before the device, in my case "ST3250310AS ATA Device". Googling ST3250310AS determines that it's a "Seagate Technology - Barracuda 7200.10 SATA 3.0Gb/s 250-GB Hard Drive".

[Monklish]

ATA-6? What the fuck are you babbling about? There's ATA (which is IDE--nobody says ATA) and there's SATA. You buy a 3.5 inch IDE hard drive, there is no difference in compatibility.

[Monklish]

If the prices are killing you that much you can get a SATA to IDE converter for about 10 bucks. Bad practice to use it full time but would probably work for a while.

[chiapet]

What are you babbling about? laptops don't even take 3.5 inch :) ATA is not a single standard, I was trying to help him narrow down what he's looking for if he's just going to google or search electronics sites for hardware.

[miscorrections]

buy a laptop SATA drive and turn it into a mini external drive. Duct tape it to the top of your laptop. problem solved.

Ding ding ding. This is what I did, minus duct tape because I'm not retarded.

[marooko]

thank you all for helping.

[marooko]

Ding ding ding. This is what I did, minus duct tape because I'm not retarded.

but its what you did?

[chiapet]

They're suggesting sata because it's going to be cheaper and faster (though not necessarily so much so via usb). ATA is an obsolete technology. But you can still easily find larger drives for under $100.

[miscorrections]

Yeah. I am completely technologically handicapped but was still able to convert from internal to external and format the drive. If I can do it, anyone can. Except maybe my mom.

[marooko]

i dont have a problem hooking up the drives. i am just trying to figure the best way for me, to download, access and backup my stuff.

[miscorrections]

Oh. Well it works beautifully, if that's what you want to know.

[marooko]

was it tough to assemble?

[miscorrections]

Not at all.

[marooko]

if not duct tape, then what?

[Monklish]

What are you babbling about? laptops don't even take 3.5 inch :) ATA is not a single standard, I was trying to help him narrow down what he's looking for if he's just going to google or search electronics sites for hardware.

Is he talking about a laptop internal drive he wants to replace? I didn't really pay much attention. With laptop drives it's only a matter of size in inches. There are no incompatible standards of IDE (or ATA if you wanna be a douchebag about it) that I've ever encountered. All you need to know, Rooko, is the type of connector (in this case IDE or ATA) and the width.

[Monklish]

But what the fuck are we talking about anyway? Rooko, you're looking for a replacement secondary drive, right? Odds are about 100 to 1 that your laptop has a second internal HDD connection. Just get an external and stop being a fucking twat.

[chiapet]

Dude, he'd already said he needed an ATA laptop drive. I was just trying to give examples of how the drives will be labeled as he'd said he didn't see any at a reasonable price. (They're there, they're just all labeled ATA-6 rather than just saying IDE/EIDE or ATA).

[marooko]

whats the diff. between ATA6 and Ultra ATA100, SATA and eSATA.

[Monklish]

How is it we all missed the part where this is retarded because he can't put a second hard drive into his laptop? That probably would have been more helpful than helping him narrow down the selections for an item he can't use.

[chiapet]

There is no difference between ATA-6 and Ultra ATA 100. Your laptop will either take PATA (which will mostly be called ATA -- ATA-6 is an example) or SATA. The connectors are different. If you go with an external and an enclosure, go with SATA.

[Monklish]

There's a difference between SATA, eSATA, and ATA. Both those kinds of ATA are essentially the same, UltraATA just has some bullshit about the speed with which it pages. Get an eSATA external and shut up.

[chiapet]

I'd thought he'd said that he already has 2 drives (100 and 160?).

I use two internal drives (2nd with an adapter) because it is MUCH faster than usb, but that's a whole other story.

[marooko]

my HDD's *WANG*, show up as ATA. I havent gotten into any other specifics about it. there are two (2) of them. one 100GB and one 120GB.

[chiapet]

It'd say SATA or Serial ATA if that's what it is... otherwise it's (P)ATA.

[marooko]

wang, if you're gonna help, do it like you do in PM's. politely. thank you.

[marooko]

so then why, when shopping, some are SATA and some ATA?

[Monklish]

Rooko, are you sure you have two drives? Sure you don't just have one drive partitioned? They don't really make 100 gb drives. You have a 250 gb partitioned.

[Monklish]

Because ATA and SATA are completely different things. And fuck you, I'll help however I want.

[marooko]

correct me if im wrong, but this tells me i have two (2), internal drives on my laptop.

http://img19.imageshack.us/img19/5218/clipboard01lo8.jpg

[chiapet]

They make 100GB laptop drives. Hitachi, Seagate and a few others. Anyway -- marooko, newer laptops would use SATA. SATA has only been around for 5-6 years, and initially was quite expensive, so they weren't used in (relatively) low end laptops right off the bat because it would drive up the cost.

[Monklish]

No, that tells you that your machine thinks there are two drives there. One drive partitioned into two would show up exactly the same. It's possible, I suppose, but I've never seen a 100 gb drive in my life. They go 40, 60, 80, 120, 160, and then 250. Run a Belarc, I think that would tell you how many drives physically exist. Device Manager might as well.

[chiapet]

yes, you have two drives.

[dorkfish]

correct me if im wrong, but this tells me i have two (2), internal drives on my laptop.


Disk Management won't show whether or not it's internal or external. I think you'd be able to figure out if they are internal or external by trusting your eyes.


However, feel free to right click / properties on Disk 0 and Disk 1 to figure out the make/model of the hard drives to determine what you need to replace/upgrade them

[marooko]

mine is 2-3 yrs old.

[Monklish]

Notice how drive D doesn't have a name for it? No model/serial number like drive C?

Rooko, what the fuck is your laptop's service tag or whatever? Just look it up and see what it shipped with. I'll bet you 40 bucks you have one drive.

[marooko]

Disk Management won't show whether or not it's internal or external. I think you'd be able to figure out if they are internal or external by trusting your eyes.


However, feel free to right click / properties on Disk 0 and Disk 1 to figure out the make/model of the hard drives to determine what you need to replace/upgrade them


hahaha. im not confused on whether or not its an internal.

[marooko]

Notice how drive D doesn't have a name for it? No model/serial number like drive C?

Rooko, what the fuck is your laptop's service tag or whatever? Just look it up and see what it shipped with. I'll bet you 40 bucks you have one drive.

dude, i was gonna go to bed but...are you serious?

[dorkfish]

hahaha. im not confused on whether or not its an internal.
if you right click / properties and find / google two serial numbers, it'll prove that there's two drives internally.

[chiapet]

Monklish, that's not the model (well, it may well be the model name), but that field is not system defined as the model. It's the drive "name" as set in properties.

Dorkfish -- really? I left my other drive at work (which has multiple partitions), but I could have sworn that the disk labels (disk0, disk1, etc) are consistent with the physical media.

[dorkfish]

Rooko, are you sure you have two drives? Sure you don't just have one drive partitioned? They don't really make 100 gb drives.
they used to make a lot of 100GB 2.5" drives.

[Monklish]

Well yes, but it's also the drive name given by default by the machine. Generally it's the serial number, sometimes the model number. Given that there's no automatically assigned drive ID to D, I'm betting 40 it's a partition.

[Monklish]

they used to make a lot of 100GB 2.5" drives.

Eh. I'm still doubtful that he has two internal HDDs. it's a hunch.

[marooko]

http://img24.imageshack.us/img24/8907/clipboard01pi0.jpg

[marooko]

are partitions sponsored?

[Monklish]

Eh, whatever. The answer is still to get an external, and I wasn't wrong about the previous screengrab being equally as indicative of a single-drive config.

[chiapet]

See? He has two drives. :P

marooko, they are SATA though, so if you are wanting to replace one of those, you'll need a SATA drive, not anything called PATA or just ATA.

monklish, I wasn't saying that an external is not a valid way to go, but he's already said that he didn't want to do that. *shrug*.

[marooko]

my concern with getting an external, is that i dont wanna knock it over, drop it or whatever....again. i want a large capacity external that i can unplug and put away. i also want more space IN my laptop.

[chiapet]

You should have no problem finding a 2.5" SATA drive at least 500GB for $100 or less, then, if that is what you want to do. 3.5" drives (normal size used in desktops) are cheaper, is all, so that would be a way to get larger capacity if you used an external enclosure. For example, 1TB drives are around $100.

[Monklish]

Right, but it's silly. Either way he's gonna need an external enclosure because I'm assuming he's gonna want to move some of the data. So he one data drive, wants a second one. The way you do this is buy a 2.5 inch enclosure and a 2.5 inch SATA drive, and if you want the majority of your space internal Marooko then fine--pull out the 120 gb, put in the new 500 gb, and put the 120 in the enclosure.

But I wouldn't be so confident in keeping a drive that size inside a laptop. Laptop drives have rough lives.

[dorkfish]

A 500GB 2.5" SATA HD for a laptop is about 99 bucks for a decent brand. You can probably find it for cheaper based on sales and such. BAM: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148371

Newegg has a 1TB external for $94.99 this week. BAM: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136186

[marooko]

You should have no problem finding a 2.5" SATA drive at least 500GB for $100 or less, then, if that is what you want to do. 3.5" drives (normal size used in desktops) are cheaper, is all, so that would be a way to get larger capacity if you used an external enclosure. For example, 1TB drives are around $100.

thats the plan. i think im gonna go with a 320 internal though. just wanted to be sure about the SATA bit. i just looked it up. what i read confirms your post.

[chiapet]

Newegg has a 1TB external for $94.99 this week. BAM: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136186

I have been eyeing that but already have a stack of drives I'm not using. It is hard not to be greedy. :)

[marooko]

thank you fish. i was looking at that earlier, kinda afraid of WD. some have good ratings, some have very poor.

[chiapet]

I can't remember the details, but I think some of their drives are OEM of another (considered less reputable) manufacturer. But I've honestly never had a problem with WD drives and have gone through many scores of them at work. If the reviews are about DOA, that can happen with any brand. (The only drives I've ever had show up DOA were ones that have near perfect ratings).

[Monklish]

WD's have fallen off in the last five years. Seagate.

[captncrzy]

I'm having some massive issues with my kid's computer. She keeps downloading viruses and I need some information on what kind of firewall I can put up or some shit to keep this from happening.

She has one on her computer that I discovered this morning; I started a virus scan before I left so hopefully I'll be able to get rid of it, but I need to know what I can use to help prevent these goddamn things in the first place. The kid is obviously too dingy to know when and when not to click on something.

Randy, I may need your help later.

[marooko]

he told me about avast, it seems to do real time scanning.

[marooko]

ive been in here way too often lately.

i installed adaware. it asked me to restart, i didnt because i was working. i leave for lunch and come back, save my shit, restart. starts up fine. i run adaware. from previous experience i know it can bog down your system, such is the case. PC kinda freezes, but i can still use my mouse. ctrl+alt+del wont do anything either. i wait about 15min and still nothing. i turn it off via power button. turn it back on and now it wont register my keyboard or mouse and wont start up all the way. WTF happened?!

[menikmati]

Technology really really hates you.

[marooko]

its starting to piss me off.

[marooko]

wang, where are you?

[Whiskers]

So I need notes for one of my classes, but my prof posted them as Power Point 2007 documents. My prof told me if I download a power point 2007 patch from the microsoft site, I should be able to read them. Well, I went to te microsoft site and can find no patches. Am I blind? If I am, please show me where to get it. If there are none on the site, then where can I find one? I need these notes. Thanks.

[Alchemy]

So I need notes for one of my classes, but my prof posted them as Power Point 2007 documents. My prof told me if I download a power point 2007 patch from the microsoft site, I should be able to read them. Well, I went to te microsoft site and can find no patches. Am I blind? If I am, please show me where to get it. If there are none on the site, then where can I find one? I need these notes. Thanks.

I don't know how to deal with those patches, but I believe that you can upload powerpoint files to Google Documents and see them online.

[Whiskers]

Thanks for the suggestion Alchemy. I had never heard of Google Docs before. Unfortunately, this is a .pptx file and google docs can't read those. :( Thanks anyways though.

Anyone else?

[menikmati]

Yeah google docs should work, or this http://tinyurl.com/yyzosw