Networks gone

[inkleputDEL]

Running XP Pro SP2 on laptop.

I am probably the worlds worst at making anything that has to do with
networking work - not properly but at all. I'm not stupid, but I do not
multitask worth half a cent.

After installing XP I managed with a LOT of help to get a LAN working with
my desktop (running another OS). This worked for a year or two using only
such software as came with XP. (Not to include the internet which I use
FireFox for.)

Much more recently I got more help and got my first wireless connection
working at a local laundromat and did some web surfing with it.

About a month ago my browser (at home on dial-up) helped me install a
bunch of trojans and viruses. None of this had anything to do with email
or messaging I've never used any instant messaging and use IE as little
as possible in any event. It took a couple days to get that junk ironed
out. (My virus software is weak on catching incoming rubbish, except for
email, but pretty good after the fact.)

Since then, because of the virus issue - or not - both my LAN and my
wireless operations have failed completely.

Regarding the LAN, both machines say things are set up fine, but neither
detects the other. It's as if the cable were unplugged.

Regarding wireless I merely get no connection list.

I've tried to reinstall networking, but seem to do my best work merely
making things worse.

If someone wants to rip me for not giving a nice professional description
of my problem, fine. I get that all the time. I'm not a computer
professional. I'm not even a computer amateur.

If anyone can help me stumble through straightening this mess out that
would be great. TIA

JimL

(Note the mangled reply address. Delete the DELETE.)

 

[Chuck [MVP]]

Running XP Pro SP2 on laptop.

I am probably the worlds worst at making anything that has to do with
networking work - not properly but at all. I'm not stupid, but I do not
multitask worth half a cent.

After installing XP I managed with a LOT of help to get a LAN working with
my desktop (running another OS). This worked for a year or two using only
such software as came with XP. (Not to include the internet which I use
FireFox for.)

Much more recently I got more help and got my first wireless connection
working at a local laundromat and did some web surfing with it.

About a month ago my browser (at home on dial-up) helped me install a
bunch of trojans and viruses. None of this had anything to do with email
or messaging I've never used any instant messaging and use IE as little
as possible in any event. It took a couple days to get that junk ironed
out. (My virus software is weak on catching incoming rubbish, except for
email, but pretty good after the fact.)

Since then, because of the virus issue - or not - both my LAN and my
wireless operations have failed completely.

Regarding the LAN, both machines say things are set up fine, but neither
detects the other. It's as if the cable were unplugged.

Regarding wireless I merely get no connection list.

I've tried to reinstall networking, but seem to do my best work merely
making things worse.

If someone wants to rip me for not giving a nice professional description
of my problem, fine. I get that all the time. I'm not a computer
professional. I'm not even a computer amateur.

If anyone can help me stumble through straightening this mess out that
would be great. TIA

I'd start by looking at LSP / Winsock / TCP/IP corruption - a frequent case
after removal of malware. This may require patience and persistence.
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/05/problems-with-lsp-winsock-layer-in.html>
http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/05/problems-with-lsp-winsock-layer-in.html

--
Cheers,
Chuck, MS-MVP 2005-2007 [Windows - Networking]
http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/
Paranoia is not a problem, when it's a normal response from experience.
My email is AT DOT
actual address pchuck mvps org.

 

[smlunatick]

Running XP Pro SP2 on laptop.

I am probably the worlds worst at making anything that has to do with
networking work - not properly but at all.  I'm not stupid, but I do not
multitask worth half a cent.

After installing XP I managed with a LOT of help to get a LAN working with
my desktop (running another OS).  This worked for a year or two using only
such software as came with XP.  (Not to include the internet which I use
FireFox for.)

Much more recently I got more help and got my first wireless connection
working at a local laundromat and did some web surfing with it.

About a month ago my browser (at home on dial-up) helped me install a
bunch of trojans and viruses.  None of this had anything to do with email
or messaging   I've never used any instant messaging and use IE as little
as possible in any event.  It took a couple days to get that junk ironed
out.  (My virus software is weak on catching incoming rubbish, except for
email,  but pretty good after the fact.)

Since then, because of the virus issue - or not - both my LAN and my
wireless operations have failed completely.

Regarding the LAN, both machines say things are set up fine, but neither
detects the other.  It's as if the cable were unplugged.

Regarding wireless I merely get no connection list.

I've tried to reinstall networking, but seem to do my best work merely
making things worse.

If someone wants to rip me for not giving a nice professional description
of my problem, fine.  I get that all the time.  I'm not a computer
professional.  I'm not even a computer amateur.

If anyone can help me stumble through straightening this mess out that
would be great.  TIA

JimL

(Note the mangled reply address.  Delete the DELETE.)

First thing to is to get anti-virus software installed onto your PCs.
This should help to block these "infestations." Trojans and viruses
can come in with other software and by themselves.

 

[inkleputDEL]

I'd start by looking at LSP / Winsock / TCP/IP corruption - a frequent
case after removal of malware. This may require patience and
persistence.

To say nothing of a memory.

<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/05/problems-with-lsp-winsock-layer-in.html>
http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/05/problems-with-lsp-winsock-layer-in.html

Thanks. Perhaps you are suggesting that I approach this by understanding
networking from the ground up and that I surely must be able to do that,
despite my initial disclaimer. I assume this is because you can. That
has been my experience with network savvy people.

Once upon a time I was able to write assembler, even machine language.
I'd guess you would call that pretty much "ground up" computing. That was
in the '80's. But since I had a stroke I haven't been able to remember
enough to find my way from the top of a page to the bottom, much less the
multiple bits and pieces in between (multi-tasking).

That leaves me explaining myself (which I thought I had already done
adequately) begging for some sort of setp by step hand holding from people
who, as a rule, would apparently rather drive nails in the bottoms of
their feet. It may be that the only way to get networking again is a
total wipe of my hard drive and a year or so of attempting to reinstall.
Hardly worth it.

Thanks again.

JimL

 

[inkleputDEL]

First thing to is to get anti-virus software installed onto your PCs.
This should help to block these "infestations." Trojans and viruses can
come in with other software and by themselves.

At the moment I have AVG Free (and NoAdware for that sort) among a bunch
of other things like register mechanics. AVG does a very good job with my
email and system scans.

What would you recommend to keep bugs from coming in through the browser?

JimL

 

[Chuck [MVP]]

To say nothing of a memory.


Thanks. Perhaps you are suggesting that I approach this by understanding
networking from the ground up and that I surely must be able to do that,
despite my initial disclaimer. I assume this is because you can. That
has been my experience with network savvy people.

Once upon a time I was able to write assembler, even machine language.
I'd guess you would call that pretty much "ground up" computing. That was
in the '80's. But since I had a stroke I haven't been able to remember
enough to find my way from the top of a page to the bottom, much less the
multiple bits and pieces in between (multi-tasking).

That leaves me explaining myself (which I thought I had already done
adequately) begging for some sort of setp by step hand holding from people
who, as a rule, would apparently rather drive nails in the bottoms of
their feet. It may be that the only way to get networking again is a
total wipe of my hard drive and a year or so of attempting to reinstall.
Hardly worth it.

Thanks again.

JimL

Jim,

Networking doesn't require multitasking. Diagnosing an LSP / Winsock / TCP/IP
corruption problem doesn't even require networking skills, just the ability to
read and to follow instructions. Or maybe to print out a list, then follow
through the list, one step at a time, and mark what's been done.

It will require determination, aka patience and persistence, though.

If you do have such a problem, ignoring it and playing with something easier
won't solve it. Either you, or a more focused person, has to fix the problem.

Let us know what you decide to do. We'll be here, when you do.

--
Cheers,
Chuck, MS-MVP 2005-2007 [Windows - Networking]
http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/
Paranoia is not a problem, when it's a normal response from experience.
My email is AT DOT
actual address pchuck mvps org.

 

[inkleputDEL]

Networking doesn't require multitasking. Diagnosing an LSP / Winsock /
TCP/IP corruption problem doesn't even require networking skills, just
the ability to read and to follow instructions.

How in &*($%^&*!@#$%^& do you propose to devine what anyone other than
yourself can or cannot do. Are you so steeped in your own
self-appreciation that you don't know how strangely or simple, how widely
or narrowly a stroke can effect you? Do you really think you know anyone
who can't grasp something you can is merely a lazy bum?? I've known and
fought this thing for 22 years now. What gives you the temerity to say
you know it better than me? If I can't follow what you are so certain is
child's play your desire to command otherwise changes nothing. But then I
get this same thing every time I'm around network savvy guru types.

There was a time when they just uninstalled and reinstalled to get a
network back. Apparently you can't do that with XP. But it doesn't
matter. I never could piece it together that way either.


JimL

 

[Chuck [MVP]]

How in &*($%^&*!@#$%^& do you propose to devine what anyone other than
yourself can or cannot do. Are you so steeped in your own
self-appreciation that you don't know how strangely or simple, how widely
or narrowly a stroke can effect you? Do you really think you know anyone
who can't grasp something you can is merely a lazy bum?? I've known and
fought this thing for 22 years now. What gives you the temerity to say
you know it better than me? If I can't follow what you are so certain is
child's play your desire to command otherwise changes nothing. But then I
get this same thing every time I'm around network savvy guru types.

There was a time when they just uninstalled and reinstalled to get a
network back. Apparently you can't do that with XP. But it doesn't
matter. I never could piece it together that way either.

Jim,

If you're so steeped in your stroke, and your own self pity, that you refuse to
try and help yourself, I can't do anything for you. I can't afford to provide
you on-site support, so you have to do the work yourself.

So locate a local computer support professional (stay away from BestBuy and
GeekSquad), and have that person do the work.

We aren't miracle workers, and we're not paid well here either. We'll work with
you, but you have to work with us too.

--
Cheers,
Chuck, MS-MVP 2005-2007 [Windows - Networking]
http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/
Paranoia is not a problem, when it's a normal response from experience.
My email is AT DOT
actual address pchuck mvps org.

 

[inkleputDEL]

Jim,

If you're so steeped in your stroke, and your own self pity, that you
refuse to try and help yourself, I can't do anything for you

I wonder why you prefer to define this as self-pity instead of facing
facts. Only a durn fool tries to stand 8 feet tall when he is only 5 feet
tall.

There, yet again, you assume I'm a lazy ass who has NOT even tried. Where
the @!#%$% do you come off?

I have no doubt your site builds up an excellent understanding of
networking for most people. I'm not saying it is bad work.

But I WILL note the first block I found in your EASY step by step process,
right at the top. You say to make sure all the names and addresses in
cdiag are correct - then you jump to something else. Well isn't that
precious. Just like that you fix all the names and addresses. Don't tell
me you don't need to already know networking to do any such thing. Win98
had places to look up addresses. I find no such places in XP. Again you
say everything is easy when it is not.

I'm telling you that reading all that stuff to build up that understanding
of networking is like trying to fill a seive with water for at least one
human with a very shot memory. This is a simple fact that is different
from the days when I read with 80% retention. And you want to poke
ridicule at that, like you think it is funny or something.

You are telling me that you, by god, know I'm lying. Again where the
@#$%^ do you get off making that kind of assumption? Insulting people
helps no one. Your inability to grasp factual limitations and the
resultant attack attitude helps no one.

JimL

 

[Chuck [MVP]]

I wonder why you prefer to define this as self-pity instead of facing
facts. Only a durn fool tries to stand 8 feet tall when he is only 5 feet
tall.

There, yet again, you assume I'm a lazy ass who has NOT even tried. Where
the @!#%$% do you come off?

I have no doubt your site builds up an excellent understanding of
networking for most people. I'm not saying it is bad work.

But I WILL note the first block I found in your EASY step by step process,
right at the top. You say to make sure all the names and addresses in
cdiag are correct - then you jump to something else. Well isn't that
precious. Just like that you fix all the names and addresses. Don't tell
me you don't need to already know networking to do any such thing. Win98
had places to look up addresses. I find no such places in XP. Again you
say everything is easy when it is not.

I'm telling you that reading all that stuff to build up that understanding
of networking is like trying to fill a seive with water for at least one
human with a very shot memory. This is a simple fact that is different
from the days when I read with 80% retention. And you want to poke
ridicule at that, like you think it is funny or something.

You are telling me that you, by god, know I'm lying. Again where the
@#$%^ do you get off making that kind of assumption? Insulting people
helps no one. Your inability to grasp factual limitations and the
resultant attack attitude helps no one.

JimL

OK, Jim,

Whatever.

So help me out here - how did you get to CDiag from LSP / Winsock / TCP/IP
corruption? CDiag is generally an Intermediate diagnostic tool - after logs
from "browstat status", "ipconfig /all", etc have been examined.
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/10/irregularities-in-workgroup-visibility.html>
http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/10/irregularities-in-workgroup-visibility.html

When you mention malware removal, and network problems, in the same problem
report, that generally involves LSP / Winsock / TCP/IP corruption. That's why I
started you there - it was not a capricious decision, it's simply one borne from
experience.

So, I'll work on my CDiag instructions. You tell me what you did with LSP /
Winsock / TCP/IP corruption.

Both types of trojans - Adware (which involves incoming traffic to the browser)
and Spyware (which involves outgoing traffic from the browser) generally
attaches itself into the network stack through the LSP / Winsock. Removal of
malware can damage the LSP / Winsock, and cause your problems.
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/07/hacking-redefined.html>
http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/07/hacking-redefined.html

--
Cheers,
Chuck, MS-MVP 2005-2007 [Windows - Networking]
http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/
Paranoia is not a problem, when it's a normal response from experience.
My email is AT DOT
actual address pchuck mvps org.

 

[inkleputDEL]

So help me out here - how did you get to CDiag from LSP / Winsock /
TCP/IP corruption?

I have no clue, so I'll go back and try to find the steps.

I started with your first URL:

http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/05/problems-with-lsp-winsock-layer-in.htm

Working through that I came to "Repeat the Diagnosis." Not remembering
anything about diagnosis which I could repeat I clicked on it and got:

http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/08/solving-network-problems-tutorial.html#Six

There under the Title "Rule Six - Use Diagnostic Aids and Tools" the first
link was with this statement:

"I use CDiag for comprehensive and repetitive testing between multiple
computers."

I clicked there and got:

http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/05/using-cdiag-without-assistance.html

Which had the CDIAG code.

<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/10/irregularities-in-workgroup-visibility.html>

OK, this has a list of things to do.

The first 3 are basically beside the point, given that this is a sudden
occurance, altho I did, at the very firswt, turn off my firewall to see if
there was an issue there.

The fourth point says:

Make sure that NetBIOS Over TCP is consistently set, in TCP/IP
Properties...

Not having any clue how to do that I clicked on the link and got more talk
about needing to set this and that but still not a clue on where to find
the settings involved.

This is a point I tried to make. Obviously you already know where all
this stuff is. You know and think about huge numbers of things. This IS
MULTITASKING, which you say is unnecessary.

There are two items in my Control Panel about networking. Network
Connections and Network Setup Wizard. Before I ever got on here and
asked for help I dug around in those areas every which way I could find
and could never find any network settings, addresses, TCP/IP or any such
thing. Of course you chose to blather on under the assumption that I had
not so much as lifted a finger in any attempt to do anything whatever -
typical for gurus. I've found that to be the case every time I've dealt
with people who are network savvy - an unfortunate situation, to be kind.

JimL