What Is Blue Screen of Death? I Think I have it!

[Danno]

Hello all,

I unfortunately had to do a total re-format, re-install only three weeks
ago. The first thing that happened, the first time I logged onto the
internet for the first time...was that my computer got a worm...how in hell
can that happen?

Anyway, I was able to solve that!

Now, with almost nothing downloaded from the internet, this smokin' computer
is screwed. I was only able to post this note by booting from disk and
doing a dirty install. If I log off now, you will never be able to talk
with me again. I'm serious...

what in hell to do? Thanks for any help!
Danno

 

[Guest]

Once xp is up and running,1st install youre internet software,then open
internet connections,add the firewall to it(by default its not
installed),reboot,
back in xp,plug in youre ethernet cable,its the last item...From where youre
at,try installaing xp cd,boot to xp cd,at info page select r for
recovery,select
1 for disk C: Press enter for password,then type:CHKDSK C: /R When its thru
15-20 minutes,type:EXIT Let xp start,remove cd.

 

[Danno]

What?

Thanks a million for the help Andrew, but I couldn't make heads nor tails of
your advice. I'm sure you mean well, but I just don't understand shorthand.
And I don't know what ethernet cable is. I don't have one.

Best Regards,
Danno

 

[Sharon F]

Hello all,

I unfortunately had to do a total re-format, re-install only three weeks
ago. The first thing that happened, the first time I logged onto the
internet for the first time...was that my computer got a worm...how in hell
can that happen?

Anyway, I was able to solve that!

Now, with almost nothing downloaded from the internet, this smokin' computer
is screwed. I was only able to post this note by booting from disk and
doing a dirty install. If I log off now, you will never be able to talk
with me again. I'm serious...

what in hell to do? Thanks for any help!
Danno

As for how the worm got in - easy. It can take less than a minute of
internet connection time with an unprotected XP system. Are you sure you
cleaned up from that completely?

Blue screen of death also known as "BSOD" is a Stop error. An error that
crashes the operating system and tosses up a blue screen with the error
message. The default setting in XP is to restart when there's a serious
error. If Windows stays stable long enough, you can read more info about
the error in Event Viewer (eventvwr.msc).

OR you can disable the auto restart to force the blue screen to be
displayed. Then copy the error message and then look it up. To disable the
auto restart use System properties> Advanced> Startup and Recovery>
Settings. Remove check from "automatically restart" box.

No mention of what the new problem is so just a general answer...

Before connecting any XP system (new or a fresh install) to the internet:
Install SP2 (if your version of XP does not include it) and turn on the XP
firewall. First stop after connecting to the internet should be Windows
Update for the rest of the security updates. Then add antivirus software.
Finally start adding your other programs.

You can download the complete installation file for SP2 from Microsoft. Or
order it and they'll ship you a CD. Use either to create a "slipstreamed"
installation CD. Put this CD in a safe place with the original XP CD.

"Slipstreamed XP/SP2 bootable CD"
http://www.theeldergeek.com/slipstreamed_xpsp2_cd.htm

If you have an OEM recovery CD (one that restores from an image or
otherwise customized OEM method), the strategy changes. You're back to
running recovery and adding SP2. Slipstreaming won't work with these CDs.

 

[Danno]

As I mentioned...I just did a re-install only hours ago. Not working worth
a shit. Have discovered Welchia again on my computer. Instantly...Welchia
is here. Thanks a million Microsoft. I'm convinced that Welchia is a
product of Muckrosoft meant to punish us for not downloading Service packs.

Thank you Microsuck for all these vulnerabilities. And don't for one second
consider giving me a lecture about not downloading the Service packs. I
shouldn't have to. I paid for this system, not for the vulnerabilities.

Dan

 

[Ron Martell]

What?

Thanks a million for the help Andrew, but I couldn't make heads nor tails of
your advice. I'm sure you mean well, but I just don't understand shorthand.
And I don't know what ethernet cable is. I don't have one.

Best Regards,
Danno

Andrew E, is a blathering idiot at best. At worst he is destructive,
recommending dangerous things.

Ron Martell Duncan B.C. Canada
--
Microsoft MVP (1997 - 2006)
On-Line Help Computer Service
http://onlinehelp.bc.ca

"Anyone who thinks that they are too small to make a difference
has never been in bed with a mosquito."

 

[Ron Martell]

As I mentioned...I just did a re-install only hours ago. Not working worth
a shit. Have discovered Welchia again on my computer. Instantly...Welchia
is here. Thanks a million Microsoft. I'm convinced that Welchia is a
product of Muckrosoft meant to punish us for not downloading Service packs.

Thank you Microsuck for all these vulnerabilities. And don't for one second
consider giving me a lecture about not downloading the Service packs. I
shouldn't have to. I paid for this system, not for the vulnerabilities.

Vulnerabilities are a fact of life for all repeat all repeat all
computer operating systems.

To develop a product with the scope and complexity of Windows XP that
was free from errors and vulnerabilities would require a vast increase
in time and expense. I would estimate that if the original Windows XP
were developed in this way it would still be 5 or 6 years away from
being ready and the price per license would have at least 2 and
possibly 3 additional zeroes in it.

All you have to do is to keep your computer disconnected from the
Internet. Finish the Windows XP install and then activate the
built-in firewall in Windows.

Your computer is now immune to being infested by Welchia when you
connect to the Internet, but may be vulnerable in other ways.

A more sensible approach would be to also download the complete
Service Pack 2 updates and burn it to a CD. Then when you install XP
you can also install SP2 immediately afterwards. You should then be
safe to connect to the Internet, provided you get your antivirus and
antispyware software in place a.s.a.p.

And don't forget to get the post-SP2 updates from Windows Update as
well.

Good luck

Ron Martell Duncan B.C. Canada
--
Microsoft MVP (1997 - 2006)
On-Line Help Computer Service
http://onlinehelp.bc.ca

"Anyone who thinks that they are too small to make a difference
has never been in bed with a mosquito."

 

[Sharon F]

As I mentioned...I just did a re-install only hours ago. Not working worth
a shit. Have discovered Welchia again on my computer. Instantly...Welchia
is here. Thanks a million Microsoft. I'm convinced that Welchia is a
product of Muckrosoft meant to punish us for not downloading Service packs.

Thank you Microsuck for all these vulnerabilities. And don't for one second
consider giving me a lecture about not downloading the Service packs. I
shouldn't have to. I paid for this system, not for the vulnerabilities.

Dan

Hours ago? The original post said 3 weeks ago... Ah well, doesn't matter. A
compromised system within 3 hours. Not that much installed yet. Your
choice: reinstall again or hope that it's really clean. If not really
clean, you could end up with problems down the road.

 

[Michael Stevens]

Danno,
Thanks for conveying what I have been observing about Andrew E's post's for
years now. Even when I think his information is correct and useful, who
could really tell? I have no idea how he can post with such incredibility
bad formatting. I know he posts from COD, but no one else posts in such a
convoluted format as Andrew E. He must intentionally post in such an
incoherent manner on purpose.
I am sorry to anyone if I offended them for the really over the top posts
about him lately, but he does deserve it. When he starts saying he doesn't
understand why the MVP's are correcting him, he really needs to be set
straight in as strong as the printed word can chastise and can tell someone
not to trust an idiot trying to give bad advice to peer support newsgroups.

--
Michael Stevens MS-MVP XP
(e-mail address removed)
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com
For a better newsgroup experience. Setup a newsreader.
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/outlookexpressnewreader.htm

 

[Bruce Chambers]

Hello all,

I unfortunately had to do a total re-format, re-install only three weeks
ago. The first thing that happened, the first time I logged onto the
internet for the first time...was that my computer got a worm...how in hell
can that happen?

Because you apparently connected to the Internet without any anti-virus
protection or firewall enabled. It can take only seconds of such
exposure. (World-wide average time: I've seen reports of 12 minutes)

Anyway, I was able to solve that!

Now, with almost nothing downloaded from the internet, this smokin' computer
is screwed. I was only able to post this note by booting from disk and
doing a dirty install. If I log off now, you will never be able to talk
with me again. I'm serious...

what in hell to do? Thanks for any help!
Danno

Simply boot from the WinXP installation CD. You'll be offered the
opportunity to delete, create, and format partitions as part of the
installation process. (You may need to re-arrange the order of boot
devices in the PC's BIOS to boot from the CD.)

HOW TO Install Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=KB;en-us;316941

http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/cleanxpinstall.html

http://www.webtree.ca/windowsxp/clean_install.htm

Most importantly, you should not even think about connecting the
computer to the Internet until *after* you've finished the OS
installation, installed any service pack (if necessary), installed an
anti-virus application, and installed/enabled a firewall. Leave it
physically disconnected until you've safeguards in place.



--

Bruce Chambers

Help us help you:



They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary
safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. -Benjamin Franklin

Is life so dear or peace so sweet as to be purchased at the price of
chains and slavery? .... I know not what course others may take, but as
for me, give me liberty, or give me death! -Patrick Henry

 

[Bruce Chambers]

As I mentioned...I just did a re-install only hours ago. Not working worth
a shit. Have discovered Welchia again on my computer. Instantly...Welchia
is here. Thanks a million Microsoft. I'm convinced that Welchia is a
product of Muckrosoft meant to punish us for not downloading Service packs.

It's hardly Microsoft's fault that *you* foolishly connected an
unprotected computer to the Internet. The dangers of such an action
have been well-known and widely publicized for years.

Thank you Microsuck for all these vulnerabilities. And don't for one second
consider giving me a lecture about not downloading the Service packs. I
shouldn't have to. I paid for this system, not for the vulnerabilities.

And I've got a bridge I'd love to sell you. Surely you're not really
that naive? No operating system is without exploitable vulnerabilities.


--

Bruce Chambers

Help us help you:



They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary
safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. -Benjamin Franklin

Is life so dear or peace so sweet as to be purchased at the price of
chains and slavery? .... I know not what course others may take, but as
for me, give me liberty, or give me death! -Patrick Henry

 

[Danno]

Sharon, when I said three weeks ago, I was referring to a complete re:format
reinstall. When I said "only hours ago", I was referring to a repair
install. And Bruce, I did not foolishly connect to the internet with an
unprotected computer. No need for the two of you to be insulting. And as
far as your bridge is concerned Bruce, stuff it. Both of you made
assumptions that were incorrect...simple as that.

Anyway, after the re:format re-install, the first thing I did was to get
Norton Antivirus installed and running. I made sure the XP firewall was
turned on, and that Norton was running. Only then did I connect to the
internet. The first site I visited was Symantec, to the page where the
Welchia Removal Tool can be downloaded, and stored that page in my
favourites. Then I went to micrsoft to get service packs, but the windows
update feature hung. Then I got the worm.

In any case, I have been able to get rid of the worm, and install Service
Pack 2. But now there are a thousand other issues, one of which is that the
new installation created an identity called 'Administrator', and my previous
identity had been 'Dan'. So now all my emails are on the computer, but not
accessible to Outlook Express. I'm working on that with the Outlook Express
newsgroup. Every time I turn on the computer, I get a message that the
system could not log me on. So I just click the OK box, and it logs me on.
Aggravating wouldn't be the right word.

Anyway the computer is running, but now I have hours and hours of
frustration and searching ahead of me for files and documents, etc. that I
can't find when logged on under the new 'Administrator' identity. Oh

 

[Sharon F]

Sharon, when I said three weeks ago, I was referring to a complete re:format
reinstall. When I said "only hours ago", I was referring to a repair
install. And Bruce, I did not foolishly connect to the internet with an
unprotected computer. No need for the two of you to be insulting. And as
far as your bridge is concerned Bruce, stuff it. Both of you made
assumptions that were incorrect...simple as that.

Anyway, after the re:format re-install, the first thing I did was to get
Norton Antivirus installed and running. I made sure the XP firewall was
turned on, and that Norton was running. Only then did I connect to the
internet. The first site I visited was Symantec, to the page where the
Welchia Removal Tool can be downloaded, and stored that page in my
favourites. Then I went to micrsoft to get service packs, but the windows
update feature hung. Then I got the worm.

In any case, I have been able to get rid of the worm, and install Service
Pack 2. But now there are a thousand other issues, one of which is that the
new installation created an identity called 'Administrator', and my previous
identity had been 'Dan'. So now all my emails are on the computer, but not
accessible to Outlook Express. I'm working on that with the Outlook Express
newsgroup. Every time I turn on the computer, I get a message that the
system could not log me on. So I just click the OK box, and it logs me on.
Aggravating wouldn't be the right word.

Anyway the computer is running, but now I have hours and hours of
frustration and searching ahead of me for files and documents, etc. that I
can't find when logged on under the new 'Administrator' identity. Oh

Danno, I was not trying to be insulting. Note the "regardless" in my post.
Frankly, I really don't care too much about the history of this install.
This is what I get from the information you've posted so far (and that info
is all I have to draw assumptions on, if you leave things out the
assumptions will be wrong).

You have a system that has been compromised. After cleanup, it still is not
working right. If this was my system, I would start over with it. I would
rather build up from a stable start than try to keep one that is already
"not quite right" patched up.

Before doing the rebuild, I would make sure that I had SP2 handy. Either
order the CD or download the installation package. Url for the download
here:

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/...BE-3B8E-4F30-8245-9E368D3CDB5A&displaylang=en

If you have the right kind of media for installing XP, go the extra mile
and make a slipstreamed installation CD. I've successfully used the
directions from the following site to create mine:
http://www.theeldergeek.com/messenger_removal.htm

Install XP, install SP2 or use the slipstreamed CD to accomplish both in
one step. The firewall default in SP2 is "on" but doesn't hurt to double
check. Then go on the internet to download the other security patches for
XP. Once XP is in and updated, add antivirus and update that. At this
point, you have your "base install" finished and hopefully stable.

If stable and you use imaging software, make an image of this partition in
this state. Put that image some place safe. Hopefully you'll never need it
again but it's nice to have a "starting" image handy when/if it's needed.

If not stable at this point, there really is no point in going forward
until existing problems are sorted.

You have some OE data that is stuck in your Dan account. I would try
grabbing copies of the DBX files and attempt transferring it over to the
new account. I haven't used OE in a long time so am not the one that should
advise on how that is done. The OE newsgroup folks can tell you though.

For other "stuck data," you may need to "take ownership" to regain access
to the files. Open Help and Support while online. Type in "take ownership"
and you'll get hits in the search results, including directions on how to
perform this task.

*Personal opinion:* Norton is one of my least favorite choices for
antivirus. Excellent antivirus protection but when something goes wrong
with their installation packages or programs it can create horrendous
messes. (They certainly provide some of the best standalone removal tools
around such as the Welchia removal tool that you mention.) I believe a tool
as critical as an antivirus program should be as bulletproof and as trouble
free as possible. My personal preferences (in no particular order) are
eTrust Antivirus, F-Protect and aVast. *End of personal opinion on this
topic*

 

[Sharon F]

On Sun, 26 Feb 2006 13:28:22 -0600, Sharon F wrote:

PS: Sorry if you felt insulted. That was not my intention at all!

 

[Danno]

Sharon, you went to a lot of trouble to address my issues and I appreciate
that.

So, if you have time...let's discuss this a bit further, and maybe I'll be
set up better next time these problems occur, which they inevitably will.

You advise that I should have a CD of SP2 handy. Good idea! I assume I
could download it and burn it to a CD?

You advise that I should make a slipstreamed installation CD. Another good
idea! But what would be the difference then between the SP2 that I burn to
a CD, and the slipstreamed version? Which one would I use if I had them
both?

I don't know what you mean when you say "if you have the right kind of media
for installing XP". I have the operating system on a CD that I got from
Dell. My computer also has CD burning capability, but not DVD. Are these
the types of media you mean?

Sharon, once I have the "base install" finished...I don't know how to create
an image of it, but I can see the pure logic in doing so. That makes
perfect sense to me. The only capacity my computer has is to burn CD's, but
I don't think that's what you mean. And the entire "base install" wouldn't
fit on a single CD, so that's where I get lost. I don't have Partition
Magic but could get it if you thought it were worth while. Could I put the
entire stable "base install" in a partition on the Hard drive? I honestly
don't know if that would be wise or futile. I just don't know enough about
the topic.

I was able to get advice from an OE newsgroup and have successfully
recovered my lost emails.

I share your opinion of Norton, but I use it because that's just what I was
given to me by Dell. Getting an answer on any question from Symantec will
take a lifetime. Symantec has infuriated me that way since day one. But
their Welchia removal tool certainly worked well. It absolutely saved my
arse. But since you named three others anti-virus softwares that you
like...I will look at all three of them.

I want you to know that I appreciate the time you took to write a rather
lengthy response. I'm not sure I'm ready to give you a hug yet, though.
Let's give it some time. lol

Best Regards,
Dan

 

[Sharon F]

On Sun, 26 Feb 2006 20:23:27 GMT, Danno wrote:

Answers inline...

You advise that I should have a CD of SP2 handy. Good idea! I assume I
could download it and burn it to a CD?

Yes, this downloaded executable can be burned to CD.

You advise that I should make a slipstreamed installation CD. Another good
idea! But what would be the difference then between the SP2 that I burn to
a CD, and the slipstreamed version? Which one would I use if I had them
both?

Basically there are two choices here:
1) Install XP and then install SP2.
2) Create the slipstreamed CD that combines XP setup and SP2. Both will be
installed at the same time. This is just a time saver/convenience approach.
Not absolutely necessary for a successful XP+SP2 install.

I don't know what you mean when you say "if you have the right kind of media
for installing XP". I have the operating system on a CD that I got from
Dell. My computer also has CD burning capability, but not DVD. Are these
the types of media you mean?

There are several different types of install media. Two of them - retail
copies of XP and generic OEM CDs - run XP setup. This is the kind that you
need. OEM=Original Equipment Manufacturer. This is the kind that is needed
to make a slipstreamed CD.

Many OEMs do not provide such a disk. Instead they supply a "recovery
program" that copies an image or uses a customized setup routine. This type
of CD will not work when making a slipstreamed CD.

You have a Dell. In the past, Dell's always shipped with nice OEM CDs that
had the regular Windows setup on it. Now they ship that or a recovery
program. I don't know which one you got with your Dell system.

Sharon, once I have the "base install" finished...I don't know how to create
an image of it, but I can see the pure logic in doing so. That makes
perfect sense to me. The only capacity my computer has is to burn CD's, but
I don't think that's what you mean. And the entire "base install" wouldn't
fit on a single CD, so that's where I get lost. I don't have Partition
Magic but could get it if you thought it were worth while. Could I put the
entire stable "base install" in a partition on the Hard drive? I honestly
don't know if that would be wise or futile. I just don't know enough about
the topic.

Imaging is nice option and recovery strategy. It's entirely optional but
can save a boatload of time when/if you ever rebuild this same system in
the future.

If I had a CD burner only, I would not use it to store images. Reason: each
image would be comprised of multiple CDs. Not a terribly bad thing but
extra work to keep organized. If you read these newsgroups regularly, you
know that I'm "lazy." Actually, I just prefer simple and straightforward
approaches. Juggling a pile of CDs does not fit that criteria.

DVD writers are *very* inexpensive these days. May want to put one on your
"wish list" for a future upgrade or a "must have" feature on your next
computer.

Without a DVD drive, you could image to an external hard drive instead. I
don't recommend imaging to another hard drive on the system as it is too
risk. You could easily lose that image if there was a hardware failure. A
second copy of an image on an internal drive - OK. Not as your only copy.

The question about Partition Magic is irrelevant to what we're discussing
unless you were going to store the image on another partition of your
internal hard drive. It bears repeating - I really do not recommended doing
that.

No problem about taking time to explain things. "Play it around" -- someone
did it for me when I was learning. Heck, I'm still learning while I read
posts from others here. It never ends!

 

[Sharon F]

Sharon, once I have the "base install" finished...I don't know how to create
an image of it, but I can see the pure logic in doing so.

There are many good programs out for this but I use this software for
imaging:
http://www.acronis.com/homecomputing/products/trueimage/