browsing services interrupted?

[Sarah]

We installed MS AntiSpyware on all the Win XP PCs in a
subnet, and since then we have been unable to see them in
network neighborhood. Is anyone aware of any browsing
capabilities that may be inhibited or disabled by this
install?

 

[Bill Sanderson]

I've not seen this myself, nor seen it reported. Microsoft Antispyware is
not a firewall and does not block ports or regulate network traffic.

I don't have a quick explanation, I'm afraid...

 

[JohnF.]

Can you still map resources even though you cannot see them?



--
If you are under attack and MSAS does not seem to help:

*Submit suspected spyware report in the tools menu of MSAS*

PREP YOUR MACHINE FIRST!
- IF you are using Spybot S/D, UN-Immunize your computer
- IF you are using Adaware, turn off AD-Watch
- Disable all other active anti-spy applications
- Dump all temporary file locations and Internet files

1. Download:
lspfix.exe www.cexx.org/lspfix.htm
winsockxpfix.exe www.snapfiles.com/get/winsockxpfix.html
ccleaner.exe www.ccleaner.com
killbox.exe www.bleepingcomputer.com/files/killbox.php

2. Clean out all temp file locations with ccleaner.exe

3. Install and use killbox to delete stubborn files

4. Reboot into safe mode - http://tinyurl.com/pfca
5. Run MSAS at least twice in full/deep mode
6. Run a robust, updated antivirus software scan
7. Reboot into normal mode,see if problem has been corrected

8. If you think something is there but can't see it, download:
- Blacklight by F-Secure
www.europe.f-secure.com/exclude/blacklight/blbeta.exe
- RootKitRevealer by SysInternals
www.sysinternals.com/ntw2k/freeware/rootkitreveal.shtml

9. If your problem is Virus or Security patch related:
In the United States or Canada, call 1-866-PCSAFETY
MS will provide free support for those issues.

Battle Notes:
- If you have trojans (files that won't go away),
you may have to disable System Restore on XP:
http://tinyurl.com/movy

- If your Internet connectivity quits:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/892350
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/811259
LSPFix - www.cexx.org/lspfix.htm
Winsockxpfix - www.snapfiles.com/get/winsockxpfix.html

- Install SpywareBlaster to block malware apps from
installing on your machine. Does not actively run
on your machine, you run it, it makes changes that
protect you.
http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/

- This program will not detect or remove viruses
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/viruses/default.mspx

*** For assistance in battling infestations***
- Get HijackThis.exe from:
http://tomcoyote.org/hjt/hjt199//HijackThis.exe
- Save it to C:\hjt (new folder)
- Open it and select "Scan and Save Log"
- Send it to Ron Kinner as an attachment
- Ron's email address is (e-mail address removed)
- Put Hijack in the subject so he knows it's not spam

Application Notes:
Registering a VB6 dll seems to fix missing agents:
1) Open up a command prompt (start -> run -> cmd)
2) Type in the following "regsvr32 msvbvm60.dll" (without the quotes).
3) Close and re-open Windows AntiSpyware
4) If that fails, install VB6 runtime files:
http://www.softwarepatch.com/windows/vbrun6download.htm

- To report false positives:
www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware/software/isv/fpform.aspx
- To submit disputes or requests:
www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware/software/isv/cdform.aspx
- To learn more about how MS analyzes suspected spyware:
www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware/software/isv/analysis.mspx
- To Run MSAS in passive mode:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/892375

Alternative Anti-Spyware Applications:
- Spybot Search and Destroy
http://www.majorgeeks.com/download2471.html
- LavaSoft AdAware
http://www.majorgeeks.com/download506.html
- AdAware VX2 Cleaner Plugin
http://www.majorgeeks.com/download4283.html
- BHODemon
http://www.majorgeeks.com/download3550.html
- CWShredder (CoolWWWSearch)
http://www.majorgeeks.com/download3019.html
- PestPatrol
http://www.majorgeeks.com/download1187.html
- Webroot Spysweeper
http://www.majorgeeks.com/download3263.html
- Ewido Security Suite
http://www.ewido.net/en/
- CounterSpy (Same Giant Company Engine as MSAS)
- http://www.sunbelt-software.com

Recommended Software to help protect you:
- Windows XP Service Pack 2
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/sp2/default.mspx
- SpywareBlaster
http://www.javacoolsoftware.com
- Outpost Firewall Pro
http://www.agnitum.com/products/outpost
---------------------------------------------

 

[Guest]

i install Antispyware and after that i cant run my Flash
files and many more also can anyone tell me where is the
fault or where i can uncheck it to run my flash files and
videos also or this is Microsoft BUG!!!!!!!!!!!!!! As Usual
M. ASIM KHAN

 

[Guest]

Yes. I'm not convinced it is directly attributed to the
spyware install but that was the only change made that we
were aware of during this time. The PCs appeared in the
browselist a couple of days later after we had set up a
master browser in that location.

Strange one... could be due to a change in line condition
during the night , solar winds, etc,...

 

[Bill Sanderson]

Was the old master browser self-selecting, or a specific machine? In some
installations there are various bugs--I'm wondering whether something like a
bug involving excessive cpu usage might have done in the master browser.
Hmmm--although, of course, you'd expect that A) somebody'd notice a
performance issue and complain, and B) another machine'd take over the
master browser role.

 

[Bill Sanderson]

Microsoft Antispyware has no effect on the flash plugin or running flash
files on any machine that I've seen.

SpywareBlaster, on the other hand, has a tool which allows you to turn off
flash animation. Have you run that application on your machine?