RandyL

Good old Jeff. Always funny.

My point is that even though the machine is malware free and running smoothly it could still be at risk for future infections or problems such as slowdowns if it still contains active programs of dubious nature. We all know that many "free, fun, cool programs by themselves can be harmless but often times carry potential risks or a high price that the user is unaware of. If IMsweet is still installed I myself consider it an issue based on the part of the EULA I posted. The EULA clearly states that the program is a security risk and that it allows them to use the processor. To me that's asking for trouble down the road.

I'm still waiting for opinions on problematic programs that still exist that might cause future issues based on the HJT log. Read ALL of my posts number 11, 15 and 20. Not just parts of them. In my opinion the BHO IMSweet is not likely to reinfest by itself but is a security risk and possible malware based on the EULA. As such I do not consider the system clean or fully protected as long as this running program as viewed on the HJT log is active. Granted with proper security measures in place the risk is less but the end user still agreed to have his processor USED. And will everyone who reads this thread know to consider these issues unless we mention them? I hate cleaning a machine twice. That's why I remove such items and give a lecture on them when I return it. And other items like it. Malware free? It appears so. Problem free? Maybe not. Programs are still an issue. Look carefully at my posts in this thread. I was not referring to just one thing. RandyL

When I see programs like IMSweet in the log I get suspicious. I have seen adware and spyware reinstall with some programs like bearshare if the original program wasn't removed first. I understand the dead entries and agree that good cleaners should remove the crap. I still think that programs should be carefully looked at. Probably not an issue in this case. Thanks for the insight and taking the time. I appreciate it. When you write I read.

Thanks AS and seth for explaining. What do you think of SweetIM? This is part of their EULA. "In order to receive the benefits provided by the SweetIM Software, you hereby grant permission for the SweetIM Software to (i) utilize the processor and bandwidth of your computer (ii) use certain personal information that you have submitted to your instant messenger provider. You understand that the SweetIM Software will protect the privacy and integrity of your computer resources and communication and ensure the unobtrusive utilization of your computer resources to the greatest extent possible. The Software is exposed to various security issues, and should be regarded as unsecure. By accepting this Agreement, you acknowledge and accept that the Software, and any information you download or offer to share by means of the Software, may be exposed to unauthorized access, interception, corruption, damage or misuse, and should be regarded as insecure. You accept all responsibility for such security risks and any damage resulting therefrom. "

The site that Bluesplayer linked to is trustworthy. "SpywareInfo" I also have concerns about the BHO items your log shows. Even so called "clean" startup items or BHO's can cause issues such as slowdowns. A reinfection can also occur if the original programs are not removed prior to a cleaning. I would ask; Did you run both scans and remove EVERYTHING they found? This might be a good time to examine your installed programs and remove any that were free and fun that you didn't research first. Malware can reinstall from such. Depending on what malware the scans found additional steps may be needed. Thanks for posting bluesplayer. You made a good point that should be considered. Reinfections can happen if the original bundled programs are not removed first. BHO's can be a prime example. RandyL

Hi zephyr; Sorry to hear about your file loss. Glad you're up and running again though. It still might be a good idea to run a hard drive test. Thanks for the followup. RandyL

Hi adam; Look at this link. http://www.nintendo.com/consumer/manuals/index.jsp Scroll down to the proper manual for your setup. These manuals appear to be in pdf format. Good luck. RandyL

Hi everyone; If I understand right your problem started with a freeze and upon trying to restart you were "caught in a loop". Your system would not boot and kept restarting. After you created an image disk of the Recovery Console it booted to it but went to a blank screen after you pressed enter. Note that we are not in Windows at this time. At this time I would suspect hardware issues. My first guess would be over heating. A failing hard drive or vid card or memory might be the cause too. Do any of you wonderful moderators and techs have an idea or opinion on this being a probable cause? RandyL

Hi John; Stick around. Glad to have you here.

Hi shrimply; Years ago I came across a site that offered online backup. Veracity was the name. I just checked it out again but it might be defunct. If it is defunct all backups might be lost. However there is still a valid link that explains the importance of different forms of backup. It's also very funny to read while a point is made. The Tao of Backup Click on the tao icon to go to the next page. And so forth. RandyL

Hi boatman; Have you checked Device Manager for any red or yellow marks indicating a problem with your DVD drive or USB controllers? Right click My Computer. Click Properties. Click Device Manager. I assume the printer is brand new and not an old unsupported printer for XP. From what I gather from your post you don't think your printer installation is the cause. However printers can be troublesome to install as the method varies. If you suspect it uninstall the printer via Control Panel and/or use System Restore. Hopefully malware or Norton itself isn't causing an issue. Tell us more about the last time this system worked and any changes made since then. Hardware, software or anything else. RandyL

Hi bekki; AdvancedSetup asked if you can get on the internet. Can you? If so follow his advice.

Glad it worked maynard. Good job with the link Wolfey. RandyL

maynard types fast. Links fast too. Posted while I typed less. Good point on safe mode too maynard.

Hi doug; How about that program that starts with a C. Not for novices as you said. I know that doesn't explain the problem but it's worth a try if you're stuck in a loop.

You could try uninstalling any previous versions of microsofts messengers first. Just a guess. RandyL

Hi shrimply; We greatly appreciate letting us know the final outcome. Glad you're back in business. Sooner or later all drives fail. It's not your fault. It happens. Good luck; RandyL

Hi mersey; Congratulations. Thanks for letting us know. Good luck from here on. RandyL

Hi; So this is not an issue of booting up but rather the monitor won't display and is making noise right? Have you tried a different monitor on this desktop?