SYSTEM RESTORE ISSUE- WON'T LET ME OUT OF SAFE MODE!!!

[kathleen]

I restored my PC (Windows XP-SP3) to what I thought was a good config.
Problem is I left the room was gone for a time, when I returned the page said
it was restored to that date. So I accepted, and waited for restart. After
restart, I tried to go on internet. MCafee told me I was not protected, soI
clicked on fix-and it said I had no virus protection. I uninstalled it (has
happened before) and tried to re-install it from my ISP. All was going well
until the DOWNLOAD button took me to a "gray" page, with the address at top,
and DONE at the bottom. So I started checking other websites, and when I
clicked on a link the message "browser settings prevent you from
automatically redirecting you to a new URL", and "scripting is not allowed"
So-I decided to undo my last restore. Went to system tools, clicked system
restore-NOTHING! Then tried "Help and Support"-NOTHING came up. I tried my
outlook, it was sending and receiving just fine. Yahoo (home page) was not
getting any mail. So I read some posts on this site, and tried to restore
from SAFE MODE. I clicked "NO" to go to system restore. Re-booted and it
stayed in SAFE MODE. So I shut down tried it again, and hit the F8 key
several times quickly, and "keyboard failure" showed. I had to shut down, and
then start over, I thought then that should just go back to "previous good
configuration", but it still brought me to safe mode. I can do nothing! (Am
using hubby's laptop now). Could someone help me to get out of safe mode, and
try to find a way to restore my computer back to what it was before I did the
foolish system restore? I am sooooo lost. I can't even get a "run" menu to
type in anything. Please help, I am not too technically inclined, but I will
give it a good try.

 

[kathleen]

Well, I did get out of safe mode--but still cannot use internet, or get "help
and support". What can I type on the "run" menu to get me to system restore?
Should I delete IE 8 and its attached programs now? I am connected to the
internet, still getting "browser settings prevent you from redirecting to a
URL. I can only get so far. MS office is working, no media player, and I
can't change my home page or get past the original home page...... Any
ideas???

 

[Daave]

You left out the most important bit of imformation:

Why did you perform Windows System Restore in the first place?

Also, once you sort this problem out, you might want to consider
ditching McAfee, which can often have a significant impact on
performance.

 

[kathleen]

I did leave out the most important bit-you're right! It was a stupid idea
that I could get the codecs back I needed to convert MPEG files into Movie
maker 2.1. But after i have played with things, removed IE8, I was able to
find system restore and it is now in process. It was a "blonde" moment. I am
hoping all is well with this restore. McAfee is provided by comcast my ISP.
Is is really that bad, and does it cause more problems? What is your
recomendation for a security package?
Thanks!

 

[Daave]

Good question.

Actually, I don't recommend *any* security package. The
one-size-fits-all approach isn't necessarily effective, and often the
suites wind up hogging resources and causing conflicts.

You need one antivirus program and one or two antispyware programs.

For antivirus, NOD32 is highly regarded, but it is not free.

If you wish to use a free AV program, any of these three are quite good:

AVG
Avast
Avira Antivir

Note that there are paid versions of the above three (and even free
trials of the paid versions), but I am specifically recommending the
free versions as they are more than sufficient.

Here are links:

http://www.eset.com/

http://free.avg.com/
(on the left-hand side, you will see "New AVG 8.5 Free" with a "Get it
Now" button - that's what you want... and on the next page, the *left*
column gives you an option to download the free version.. and then a
*third* (!) screen gives you yet another opportunity for the Premium
Upgrade... don't click on it.. rather, click on the "Download Now"
button on the left-jand side for the free version! Hmmm, another screen
if you chose the Cnet link... just click on "Download Now" on the left!
Just be careful to disregard the advertising -- you do NOT want to click
on any other links!)

http://www.avast.com/eng/download-avast-home.html

http://www.free-av.com/en/trialpay_download/1/avira_antivir_personal__free_antivirus.html

(left-hand side!)

In addition to one of the above antivirus programs (which will always
run in the background to prevent a virus, worm, etc. from running), you
should have one or two other antimalware programs (these do not run in
the background, so there will be no conflicts -- still, you should
regularly update them and periodically scan your hard drive with them).
These two have good reputations and once more, use the *free* versions:

SUPERAntiSpyware
http://www.superantispyware.com/
(blue button for FREE)

Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware
http://www.malwarebytes.org/mbam.php
(blue button for FREE)

The Windows firewall is adequate. You can control it via Control Panel.

Sometimes people need to run McAfee's removal tool to remove all traces
of it! Here is the link:

http://service.mcafee.com/FAQDocument.aspx?id=TS100507

Once McAfee is removed in its entirety, you may be pleasantly surprised
at how much peppier your PC is.

Finally, it is imperative your Windows Updates are up to date!

HTH.