Unauthorized files in XP Home

[guy1776]

I'm trying to find a list of the files that are supposed to be on the
installation disk. When I reinstall my operating system, a network is
installed on my computer. I don't want a network. I can't access the network.
All my documents are sent to a file called shell32.dll and then mailed to
this remote network. Shell32.dll is located in System32.

 

[Gerry]

Guy

What exactly is your installation disk?


--



Hope this helps.

Gerry
~~~~
FCA
Stourport, England
Enquire, plan and execute
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

[guy1776]

It's an OEM installation disk that came with my computer. It has, supposedly,
the operating system for XP Home and SP1. I checked the disk, and shell32.dll
is present on it. When I look at Properties, it's called an "unknown
application." Properties doesn't have the additional tabs like Summary and so
forth. I haven't had any luck with Dell, so I'm asking Microsoft. Dell
doesn't have a legal right to put additional files on an installation disk,
does it?

 

[HeyBub]

It's an OEM installation disk that came with my computer. It has,
supposedly, the operating system for XP Home and SP1. I checked the
disk, and shell32.dll is present on it. When I look at Properties,
it's called an "unknown application." Properties doesn't have the
additional tabs like Summary and so forth. I haven't had any luck
with Dell, so I'm asking Microsoft. Dell doesn't have a legal right
to put additional files on an installation disk, does it?

You bet manufacturers have the right to put extra stuff on the disk. They
get paid big bucks to include Norton, Works, Roxio, Nero, etc. Besides,
often they HAVE to put extra stuff on the disk to make the hardware work.

Nevertheless, what is printed on the CD? Or did someone scribble with a
Sharpie "You may need this?"

 

[Lem]

I'm trying to find a list of the files that are supposed to be on the
installation disk. When I reinstall my operating system, a network is
installed on my computer. I don't want a network. I can't access the network.
All my documents are sent to a file called shell32.dll and then mailed to
this remote network. Shell32.dll is located in System32.

What is the basis for your conclusions that "all my documents are sent
to ... shell32.dll" and that those files are subsequently "mailed to
this remote network"?

Shell32.dll is a legitimate, necessary part of Windows XP. It should be
located in C:\Windows\system32 (or C:\Winnt\system32) It likely will be
in other directories as well, including %WINDIR%\system32\dllcache,
%WINDIR%\ServicePackFiles\i386 and numerous directories relating to
Windows updates and patches.

All of that is not to say, of course, that some malefactor may created
an underhanded data-stealing application and given it the same name, but
that seems highly unlikely if it is a CD you received directly from Dell.

If you're concerned about what may be transmitted during the
installation process, just disconnect the computer from any telephone
and network lines.

--
Lem -- MS-MVP

To the moon and back with 2K words of RAM and 36K words of ROM.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apollo_Guidance_Computer
http://history.nasa.gov/afj/compessay.htm

 

[guy1776]

<Or did someone scribble with a Sharpie "You may need this?" >

Thanks for a laugh. I needed that. No, it only acts like a disk with
something scribbled on it.

 

[guy1776]

That's all I really wanted to know - whether it was a legitimate file, or at
least whether its name is legitimate. I believe someone may have rewritten it
or added stuff to it. For instance, in Local Settings, Temporary Internet
Files, I don't get temporary internet files. I get what looks like programs
and graphics used to design a webpage. In Local Settings\History I get
additional folders: History\I5S\Tuesday\login.live\Sign In. When I delete
something, it doesn't go to Recycle. (No, I didn't check Remove Files
Immediately.) When I look at programs, I see references to nodes, proxies,
servers, and remote registry. I made copies of some of these. I'll write
again and try to give you something absolutely specific.