windows explorer and other error messages

[Debbie]

Well....I am basically having many error messages, not
sure if you can help, but like to post the error messages
I am getting to anyone that may be able to help me:

Error Messages:

Windows Explorer has encountered a problem and needs to
close...(When I try to open my computer or my documents
files on my desktop)

On this I also am not able to pull up Internet Explorer
from the icon on my taskbar it gives me an DNS error and
anyway frustrating..but I am able to get windows updates
through internet explorer.....confused to say the least.
HELP
**************************************************

WAOL.exe-Unable to Locate Component
This application has failed to start because SCANUTIL.dll
was not found. Re-installing the application may fix this
problem. (does this mean reinstalling windows...as I have
reinstalled aol application and this isn't helping, I do
have an Epson all in one printer with the scanner, and
have been having problems scanning pictures to send by
email-is this the reason why?)

My ? is do I need to reinstall from my restoration
Windows disk that came with my computer the whole windows
program???? Had to do this last year because of some
windows problems, now the same thing is happening again?
HELP

I get the windows updates automatically as that is how I
have it set up...but sometimes I go to the site myself
just to check for other updates.

Any help would be appreciated by anyone....I do know some
things about some technical stuff but not a lot.

Thank You
Signed Frustration Debbie

 

[larry]

Try this it might help cleaning up any corruption of
windows system files. Go to my computer . Right Click
your C drive (where your windows files are) select
properties. Select Tools , Select Error Checking - Check
Now. Check Automatically fix file system errors
Select Start. You'll get a message that you will have to
reboot The program has to run outside of windows So
reboot your system . Hopefully when you come back up your
problems are fixed

 

[Ted Zieglar aka Rocky]

I can only respond to the specific items you posted:

1. If you are constantly receiving "Windows Explorer has to close..."
messages and you have no clues as to what may be wrong, you will have to
reinstall Windows. However, judging by your waol.exe problem (see below),
I'd say that your computer is likely infested with adware and who knows what
else. Removing adware is discussed below.

2. DNS is a server that translates the names of web sites into their
numerical addresses - like a telephone book. If you are getting constant DNS
errors it is due to one or both of these:
a. Your networking software - known as TCP/IP - is setup
incorrectly. Ask your ISP for the correct settings; and
b. Your ISP's DNS server is having problems. Nothing you can do
except to wait until the server is fixed.

3. Waol.exe is adware which you installed on your computer, however
unwittingly. The adware is described in detail here:

Adware.Conspy
http://securityresponse.symantec.com/avcenter/venc/data/adware.conspy.html

The best way to avoid adware and its even more damaging cousins is to 'think
before you click' whenever you are on the Internet. You should also install
an adware/spyware/malware detector and remover, such as the popular Ad-aware
SE, which can be found here:

www.lavasoftusa.com

Adware and its variants cannot always be successfully removed, and removing
them can make your computer unstable. Prevention is always better.

Ted Zieglar

 

[Guest]

What version of AOL? If you are using 6 or under that may be causing that
WAOL error
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?kbid=318352

WAOL can also be a Virus/Spyware related file:
http://sarc.com/avcenter/venc/data/pf/adware.conspy.html
http://www.pestpatrol.com/pestinfo/t/trojanspy_win32_conspy.asp

First you should run a full virus scan with your updated Anti-Virus program
You can also try online scans:
Online Virus Scans
http://housecall.trendmicro.com/
http://security.symantec.com/ssc/home.asp
http://www.pandasoftware.com/activescan/com/activescan_principal.htm

Further Info: Spyware:
http://aumha.org/a/quickfix.htm
http://www.cexx.org/noadware.htm
http://mvps.org/winhelp2002/unwanted.htm