Death of a Windows XP PC?

[Rob]

Dear (Insert YOUR name here)......

Please help - if you can!

I have a windows XP(home) PC which has been running 24/7
for a couple of years without any problem.

A few days ago, I got an error message about the system
having recovered from a serious problem. I searched the MS
web site for "768_1") and found that an XP PC (if it was
formerly running ME) could give this error if drivers were
out of date. But:
(1) the PC has never run ME.
(2) Checked all drivers and found them to be up to date.
(i.e. no updates available)

Had a good check round and found a user which had been
created by the .Net framework install. Deleted this user,
and deleted the .net framework, and continued working.

Now, a day later, the PC locks up on re-boot with a
message from Windows Messenger:
"Signing in to the .Net Messenger Service failed because
the service could not be found. Please make sure you are
connected to the internet."

Unfortunately, as the PC locks as (or soon after) this
message appears, it is impossible to log onto the
internet - or to do anything else either!

The PC has Norton A-V, Internet Security and SystemWorks
installed, and is regularly fed updates for XP and Norton
software. Daily scans are carried out so I'm reasonably
sure there's no virus infection around.

I'd rather not format the hard disk as:
(1) tonight's backup was only partial
(2) as a grid.org member I've loads of work to send back.

Luckily, my spare PC lets me onto this forum, so I can
start digging my way out of this hole!

Any advice on reviving "dead" PCs VERY gratefully
received....... obviously!!!

Rob

 

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

Rob;
Go to the website of the hard drive manufacturer and get their hard
drive diagnostics.
If that is OK, check for damaged/missing system files in Safe Mode:
Reboot tapping F8 each second
Select Safe Mode at the menu.
Start/Run
Type "sfc /scannow" ENTER
Follow prompts and have the Windows XP CD available.

 

[Guest]

Jupiter,

Running "sfc /scannnow" showed a panel very briefly (Like,
Blink and you'll miss it!), and then did nothing very
much. Certainly no diagnostics to follow (and the machine
didn't come with an XP CD!)
I managed to get the PC up and running by closing Windows
Messenger using the 'X' icon, and all seems well(ish).

Any ideas how I can get rid of Windows Messenger? I've
previously followed some instructions for closing (and not
starting) the Messenger service, but this explicitly says
it it NOT the "Windows Messenger" program (so I backed out
what I did, just to be on the safe side).

Still confused about why ".NET" exists "chez nous", but
thanks for your assistance

Rob

 

[The Prophecy]

Jupiter,

Running "sfc /scannnow" showed a panel very briefly (Like,
Blink and you'll miss it!), and then did nothing very
much. Certainly no diagnostics to follow (and the machine
didn't come with an XP CD!)
I managed to get the PC up and running by closing Windows
Messenger using the 'X' icon, and all seems well(ish).

Any ideas how I can get rid of Windows Messenger? I've
previously followed some instructions for closing (and not
starting) the Messenger service, but this explicitly says
it it NOT the "Windows Messenger" program (so I backed out
what I did, just to be on the safe side).

Still confused about why ".NET" exists "chez nous", but
thanks for your assistance

Rob

Hi Rob,

FYI, you should disable the messenger service anyway as hackers can send
popup messages using the messenger service if it is enabled on the target
machine.

To uninstall Windows Messenger go to Start, Run, and copy/paste this
command:

rundll32 advpack.dll,LaunchINFSection %windir%\inf\msmsgs.inf,BLC.Remove

Also try running the sfc /scannow command in Safe Mode. I am not sure if
that will work though but it's worth a try.

 

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

Rob;
Reboot then try it.
It is normal for that black box to come and go, but another will stay
showing the progress.

 

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

Only partially true.
I leave it enabled at times because I have use Messenger Service on
local computers.
The correct fix is a firewall.
If you simply remove it or disable it, without a firewall, the
computer is still vulnerable.
You MUST have a firewall.

--
Jupiter Jones [MVP]
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/


FYI, you should disable the messenger service
anyway as hackers can send

 

[The Prophecy]

A firewall is not the "correct" fix but it is the best one. If the service
is not running then the port it uses is then closed is it not?

 

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

The firewall IS the CORRECT fix because it not only closes that port
but also takes care of the rest.
If it is not correct tell us exactly what is?

Many get misguided when they are told only to turn off Messenger
Service to stop the Messenger Service ads.
While that solves the problem they see, it does nothing for the real
problem of an unprotected computer.
A firewall IS the CORRECT solution.

This is not to say it is not a good idea to disable unnecessary
services.

 

[The Prophecy]

There is no "correct" fix for this because there are multiple solutions.
Some of those solutions may not be very realistic, however they do exist. I
would always recommend to anyone that they use a firewall, however there are
other options which can be considered. Options such as not using an internet
connection. Like I said, not very realistic but it can be done.

The firewall IS the CORRECT fix because it not only closes that port
but also takes care of the rest.
If it is not correct tell us exactly what is?

Many get misguided when they are told only to turn off Messenger
Service to stop the Messenger Service ads.
While that solves the problem they see, it does nothing for the real
problem of an unprotected computer.
A firewall IS the CORRECT solution.

This is not to say it is not a good idea to disable unnecessary
services.

<snip>