What is "mainAutomation server"?

[Guest]

When I click anything (or even before I do!) in IE, a message pops up, repeatedly, "mainAutomation server can't create object". (It happened even as I started to type this message!) What does it mean and/or refer to? It started right after I ran Spybot, and the warning is annoyingly repetitive and vague. I did a search for similiar pleas for help, and they were all unanswered, as was mine (posted 7/15 in newusers group). I don't know what other info to offer, (I am so VERY new!) so please ask away- I don't know where else to look. I don't know what "objects" its referring to, and the only problem I can see so far is the messages continual appearances, and the only option I have is to constantly click "ok". Your help/ideas are much appreciated- Thanx!

 

[Answerguy]

When I searched Google for your error message I got quite
a few responses. Here is the link for the answers I agree
with. Most likely caused by spyware.
http://techrepublic.com.com/5208-6287-0.html?
forumID=35&threadID=151600

 

[Guest]

Thank you, Answerguy, for your quick response. Being "computer immature", I had never considered Google for an answer on a technical question. I spent a few minutes purveying the site you linked me to, and while finding many learning things there, I've yet to find anything related to my problem yet, but plan to continue looking again after replying to you. In regards to your diagnosis of "most likely spyware", had you considered that I had mentioned that the problem started after I ran Spybot? I'd like to add that I didn't have this problem before the attempted the `cleansing'. Pardon my green-ness-,I await your reply.

 

[Answerguy]

Sometimes malware is not removed completely by just one
utility...try using others.
In addition have you tried using msconfig to narrow down
the problem ?
What about safe mode with networking?
System Restore?

 

[Guest]

Thanx A.G. for the ideas. It will take a while for me to find out what msconfig and
safe mode is, where they are, and how to work them before I'll know if your ideas helped.(sigh) I should've known there was no free lunch, or "easy escrow" Thanx for your time and effort!

 

[Ronnie Vernon MVP]

Thanx A.G. for the ideas. It will take a while for me to find out
what msconfig and
safe mode is, where they are, and how to work them before I'll know
if your ideas helped.(sigh) I should've known there was no free
lunch, or "easy escrow" Thanx for your time and effort!

Sonni

How to troubleshoot by using the System Configuration utility (msconfig) in
Windows XP:
http://support.microsoft.com/?id=310560

A description of the Safe Mode Boot options in Windows XP:
http://support.microsoft.com/?id=315222


--
Ronnie Vernon
Microsoft MVP
Windows Shell/User

Please reply to the newsgroup so all may benefit.
http://www.dts-l.org
http://www.mvps.org

 

[Guest]

Shortcuts! Bless your heart, Ronnie!! I'm on the trail...
P.S. "mainAutomation server" must be one of those Great Mysteries of Life!

 

[Ronnie Vernon MVP]

Shortcuts! Bless your heart, Ronnie!! I'm on the trail...
P.S. "mainAutomation server" must be one of those Great Mysteries of
Life!

That program is a malicious parasite.

Recommendation:

You need to spend some time learning how to protect your investment of time
and money. Backups are a necessary solution, but you can still lose recently
downloaded or created data.

Go to this website first for an overview and to see the real extent of this
problem.
You will also learn about some necessary configurations and free programs
that
can prevent a large list of malicious parasites.

http://www.aumha.org/a/parasite.htm

Try these programs to check for and remove any spyware that may be on your
system:

Ad-Aware - www.lavasoftusa.com
Spybot - http://www.safer-networking.org/
CWShredder - http://www.spywareinfo.com/~merijn/downloads.html

If you are still experiencing spyware related problems, go to the following
website:

http://forum.aumha.org

Click Register to join the forums (free) and then go to the
"Parasites - Adware, Spyware & Other Scumware" forum and explain your
problem
for expert advice and guidance on how to clean your system.

Also see the following links:

http://mvps.org/winhelp2002/unwanted.htm
http://www.microsoft.com/security/articles/spyware.asp


--
Ronnie Vernon
Microsoft MVP
Windows Shell/User

Please reply to the newsgroup so all may benefit.
http://www.dts-l.org
http://www.mvps.org

 

[Ronnie Vernon MVP]

Ronnie wrote:"That program is a malicious parasite". What program??
That "mainAutomation" popup? My problem started right AFTER running
Spybot, (and have I since ran CWShredder). I am following up on your
links (thank you!), but I tread in fear as this stupid rookie(me) has
already f-up by erasing all restore points dated before trouble
started while attempting to run System Config Utility!

(Stupidity Kills...but not fast enough to do any good) :~D

Relax and join the forums over at aumha. Post your help message there and
give the details that you have stated here.
--
Ronnie Vernon
Microsoft MVP
Windows Shell/User

Please reply to the newsgroup so all may benefit.
http://www.dts-l.org
http://www.mvps.org