Very basic computer 101. Not addressed in XP before SP2. SP2 checks and
turns it on - you need a firewall. Everyone needs a firewall program, or
a hardware firewall, like a router. Before you ever connect to the
Internet, you need to have a firewall turned on. Go to your network
connections icon in control-panel, right click on it, select properties,
select advanced, and check the box that says "protect my computer".
A firewall program blocks your computer from the constant attacks out
there bad people have written stuff just for messing with you * your
computer. It is out there floating around, always, trying to find a way
in to your computer.. With cable, if you are plugged into the modem with
the computer turned on, you are on the Internet whether you open a window
or not.
But you need a pop-up blocker too. Blocks annoying pop up windows. This
also is very basic, and addressed in service pack 2.
There are 3rd party firewalls you can get and also 3rd party popup
blockers. at your level of knowledge, I'd stick with service pack 2's
offerings.
And then there is spyware. another computer basics 101. You need to have
anti-spyware. You need at least one anti-spyware program to rid yourself
of spyware you pick up. Get "Adaware" a free anti-spyware program. Also
run "spyware blaster", another free program that prevents spyware. run
both. popups won't hurt, but are annoying. There are free popup
blockers, but SP2 has one. Your anti-virus software is OK but not as
important, believe it or not, as a firewall. Also consider running
Firefox instead of Internet Explorer - free browser. Because bad stuff is
aimed at Interent Explorer is one reason to consider it.
Before you install SP2, you need to completely rid yourself of any
viruses or worms you caught while online without a firewall. All possible
spyware must be gone. You need to turn off any 3rd party firewall before
installing too. You can then go to Windows update and download/install
SP2. or you can order a free CD and install it that way. Online it is
going to take 1/2 hour at least I'd bet. Order the free CD:
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/downloads/updates/sp2/cdorder/en_us/default.mspx
You need to check into all 3 of these,. Everyone runs this stuff. Have
to. If I were you. I'd reformat again, because you probably have a worm
or something on your computer, and installing SP2 with something on your
computer will screw it up I think. After you reformat/reinstall, making
sure your modem is not plugged in, turn your Win XP firewall on. Then
plug in the modem.
Consider ordering the free update CD of SP2 and installing from that.
Even the shipping is free, I got a free update CD from them earlier this
year, and I just ordered this one. But I have already installed from
online.
You need to go to computer school and learn the basics. I didn't know
either but thankfully back then there wasn't stuff floating around for me
to catch, and spyware wasn't so rampant. SP2 helps with 2 out of three of
these issues though.
Here is something I saved for installing SP2:
------ begin---------
To order the free CD:
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/downloads/updates/sp2/cdorder/en_us/default.mspx
I've been told, and it worked for me:
Right before you try again to install, best to be safer than sorry.
1) In Internet Explorer, delete "cookies, "temp files", and "history".
2) turn off your antivirus software.
3) disable your 3rd party firewall. So I guess if you are going to install
it from online, make sure you enable XP's built-in firewall after
disabling the 3rd party one.
4) problems have been reported because of poorly written adware and
spyware. So run Adaware right before too. Run any other anti-spyware
programs you have.
...D.
