What happens to XP's post-SP3 patches/updates if I un/reinstall SP

G

Gazoxta

My virus catcher just deleted an infected WinXPpro SP3 file (FTP.exe -
swapped out by W32/Backdoor2.EMEB), which may be why System Restore stopped
working. I assume I can restore SP3 to full functionality by
uninstalling/reinstalling it (and Sys Restore, too, I hope). But should I
first uninstall all the patches and updates that came after SP3? What's the
proper order of events here? Thanks, in advance, for sharing your wisdom and
experience.
 
J

JS

A

Alias

Gazoxta said:
My virus catcher just deleted an infected WinXPpro SP3 file (FTP.exe -
swapped out by W32/Backdoor2.EMEB), which may be why System Restore stopped
working. I assume I can restore SP3 to full functionality by
uninstalling/reinstalling it (and Sys Restore, too, I hope). But should I
first uninstall all the patches and updates that came after SP3? What's the
proper order of events here? Thanks, in advance, for sharing your wisdom and
experience.
Click to expand...

Install XP. Download Crap Cleaner from www.ccleaner.com and run the
cleaning feature. Defrag. Install SP3. Reboot THREE TIMES. Run Crap
Cleaner again and defrag again. Install MB, Audio and Video drivers. Do
Windows Update. Install your programs, leaving anti malware and your
anti virus programs to be installed last. Install your devices like a
printer, scanner, web cam, etc. Run Crap Cleaner again and do a final
defrag and you're done.

Alias
 
P

PA Bear [MS MVP]

Uninstalling/reinstalling SP3 or using System Restore is NOT going to fix
this!

NB: If you had no anti-virus application installed or the subscription had
expired *when the machine first got infected* and/or your subscription has
since expired and/or the machine's not been kept fully-patched at Windows
Update, don't waste your time with #2 below! A Repair Install will NOT
help!

You have two (2) choices:

1. Backup your personal data, then do a format & clean install of Windows.
Please note that a Repair Install (AKA in-place upgrade) will NOT fix this!

After the clean install, you'll have the equivalent of a "new computer" so
take care of everything on the following page before otherwise connecting
the machine to the internet or a network and before using a USB key that
isn't brand-new or hasn't been freshly formatted:

5 steps to help protect your new computer before you go online
http://www.microsoft.com/protect/computer/advanced/xppc.mspx

2. Run a /thorough/ check for hijackware, including posting the requested
logs in an appropriate forum.

Checking for/Help with Hijackware
http://aumha.net/viewtopic.php?f=30&t=4075
http://mvps.org/winhelp2002/unwanted.htm
http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/data/prevention.htm
http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/tshoot.html
http://www.mvps.org/sramesh2k/Malware_Defence.htm
http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/page2.html#Removing_Malware

**Seek expert assistance in
http://spywarehammer.com/simplemachinesforum/index.php?board=10.0,
http://forums.spybot.info/forumdisplay.php?f=22,
http://www.dslreports.com/forum/cleanup, http://aumha.net/viewforum.php?f=30
or other appropriate forums.**

If these procedures look too complex - and there is no shame in admitting
this isn't your cup of tea - take the machine to a local, reputable and
independent (i.e., not BigBoxStoreUSA) computer repair shop.
 
T

Twayne

Gazoxta said:
My virus catcher just deleted an infected WinXPpro SP3 file (FTP.exe -
swapped out by W32/Backdoor2.EMEB), which may be why System Restore
stopped working. I assume I can restore SP3 to full functionality by
uninstalling/reinstalling it (and Sys Restore, too, I hope). But
should I first uninstall all the patches and updates that came after
SP3? What's the proper order of events here? Thanks, in advance,
for sharing your wisdom and experience.
Click to expand...

You're likely to find that re-imaging your drive, or rebuilding it from
scratch with a clean install is going to be the fastest route for you.
Your planned route is liable to be more time consuming but in the end
more educational, but ... because of the question you asked, I don't
think you're at the level to learn a lot from it.

Remove things if reverse order of the installs.

Twaune`
 
T

Twayne

Minor details:

Disconnect from your modem or the modem from the line first. Then:
Install XP. Download Crap Cleaner from www.ccleaner.com and run the
cleaning feature. Defrag. Install SP3. Reboot THREE TIMES. Run Crap
Cleaner again and defrag again. Install MB, Audio and Video drivers.
Do Windows Update. Install your programs, leaving anti malware and
your anti virus programs to be installed last. Install your devices
like a printer, scanner, web cam, etc. Run Crap Cleaner again and do
a final defrag and you're done.
Click to expand...

Install all your AV and spyware detectors, etc., BEFORE you reconnect to
the 'net! Turn on the IE Firewall unless you have another one installed
and running. Then let the auto-updates bring your machine back to its
updated level. NEVER connect to the net without protectoin installed!
There is so much drive-by traffic out there that you could be hosed in
just a few minute's time! Have at least AV and firewall up and working
FIRST!

Twayne`
 
A

Alias

Twayne said:
Minor details:

Disconnect from your modem or the modem from the line first. Then:


Install all your AV and spyware detectors, etc., BEFORE you reconnect to
the 'net! Turn on the IE Firewall unless you have another one installed
and running. Then let the auto-updates bring your machine back to its
updated level. NEVER connect to the net without protectoin installed!
There is so much drive-by traffic out there that you could be hosed in
just a few minute's time! Have at least AV and firewall up and working
FIRST!

Twayne`
Click to expand...

I wasn't suggesting that one should surf around the Net prior to
installing the AV. AV/malware programs can interfere with the
installation of other programs. I would also recommend a router firewall
in addition to the Windows or other firewall before going on the Net. As
I use a router, I don't disconnect from the Net when I'm installing XP
and I make sure I use an XP SP2 or 3 CD to make sure the XP firewall is
enabled when XP first loads.

Alias
 
G

GMH

Are you kidding???

Alias said:
Install XP. Download Crap Cleaner from www.ccleaner.com and run the
cleaning feature. Defrag. Install SP3. Reboot THREE TIMES. Run Crap
Cleaner again and defrag again. Install MB, Audio and Video drivers. Do
Windows Update. Install your programs, leaving anti malware and your
anti virus programs to be installed last. Install your devices like a
printer, scanner, web cam, etc. Run Crap Cleaner again and do a final
defrag and you're done.

Alias
Click to expand...
 
3

3c273

I think he left out the part about standing on one foot while facing west on
the eve of a full moon. I think that comes after the 2nd crap cleaner run.
Louis
 
A

Alias

3c273 said:
I think he left out the part about standing on one foot while facing west on
the eve of a full moon. I think that comes after the 2nd crap cleaner run.
Louis
Click to expand...

Care to explain or only hurl insults?

Alias
 
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