EPRIZE CONTACTS:

call us toll-free at:

1-877-837-7493

for email:

fulfillment@eprizefulfillment.com

( it used to be fulfillment@eprize.net )



I've seen a few posts asking for computer help so I thought I'd start this thread for people to refer to when they have a problem. I am in no way a tech guru, but I DO have the means to help.

I think it would be great to have all the info in one place, so all of you that have links/advice please post them to this thread so others can know where to go for help. Thanks.  8)


PLEASE do not post Q's to this thread. It will be much easier to get an answer if you start a new post and it will keep this thread from getting cluttered.

If someone posts a link/advice you have Q's on, pm them if they say in their post they would welcome it.

You can ALWAYS pm me if you have any Q's or need help navigating the techtv boards.



First off, if you have the preview pane on in Outlook, or Outlook Express, you DON'T have to open the email to get infected - so you need to close that ASAP.


Click on View, then Layout. UNcheck the preview pane box and hit OK (if you hit apply, you will still have to hit OK)


Next, you should have a firewall and antivirus running at ALL times. I use ZA and AVG. Both are free but they do accept donations.  8)

Here is a link to g4ttv's post of ALL the free goodies to use to protect your comp:

Commonly Recommended Software Links, Tips and SP2 info

Best of the Best Programs, Most are FREE - Updated 8/30/07

http://forums.g4tv.com/ann.jspa?annID=3

This is a consolidation of the "Best of the Best" links found on the Tech Support board. There's been many contributers to this post and many of them have given these links out countless times. These links have proven themselves time and time again. It's our sincere hope that these links will solve your computer problem. And if you don't have any outstanding computer issues to address, then feel free to explore the fruit of our research. And if you have a problem that this post does not address, then feel free to read up on How to Post and then post your question.
All of the software found here is free. There are upgrade versions available for many of them, and better programs available, but the software commonly recommended is free.

Sincerely: All the volunteers at the Tech Support Message Board.



In this thread you will find:



Startup Utilities
Never use MSConfig to disable startup programs no matter what others have recommended. MSConfig is for troubleshooting purposes only. If you use it to disable startups and then run the program, you may cause what is known as a "memory leak" which does all sorts of strange things to your system. And disabling programs and services with it can get you into trouble that only a repair install can get you out of. Please note the warning found on the Microsoft site concerning MSConfig.. Instead, use one of the following startup managers.

Hardware and Software Utilities
Need to find out something about your computers hardware or software?

Internet Security
Keeping your computer secure is your first line of defense against hackers, viruses, trojans, hijackers, spammers, and adware. These programs and sites will help you make the job a little bit easier. They will also educate you about the threat and your computer, and is one of the most important parts of computer maintenance you can do.

Free Personal Firewalls
Never have 2 or more software firewalls running on the same computer as they will conflict with each other.

Free Web Browsers
It's generally recommended that you have more than one browser available to you even if you use one exclusively. That way, you can check to see if a problem is unique to your browser or a more generalized problem. Here is a test for your browser.

Web based Virus and Trojan Scanners
It's always a good idea to never rely on a single anti-virus program. Especially if you have recently cleaned out a virus.

Local computer Virus and Trojan Scanners
These free anti-virus programs give you extra protection against viruses and are updated regularly.

Links to common virus removal instructions

Adware, Spyware, Trojan, and Hijacker Scanners
If your anti virus program finds nothing and you are experiencing virus like symptoms or unwanted advertisements, these programs may help.

This one fits with the above sections:
WinSock XP Fix - fix XP internet connectivity
WinSock XP Fix offers a last resort if your Internet connectivity has been corrupted due to invalid or removed registry entries. It can often cure the problem of lost connections after the removal of Adware components or improper uninstall of firewall applications or other tools that modify the XP network and Winsock settings. If you encounter connection problems after removing network related software, Adware or after registry clean-up; and all other ways fail, then give WinSock XP Fix a try.

PopUp Stoppers

Web Sites with Useful information
These web sites have information that can help people diagnose many common problems on their computers. They also have information that people commonly ask about.

Microsoft Knowledge Base Articles
These articles by Microsoft resolve issues that we often see on this board.

Windows Installation Helpful How To Sites
These sites offer good information on how to install and repair Microsoft Windows.

Registry Cleaners, file shredders, and file recovery
Securely deleting files, recovering deleted files, and cleaning the registry are common issues many people have asked about.

Video conversion and editing
These websites give excellent information about converting video and making DVDs, VCDs, and SVCDs.

Other, Uncategorized Links

Tweak Sites

Spell Checkers

Hosting for images and files

Game Developement

Some Free Photoshop alternatives.

 
 

*** It's best to create a restore point BEFORE you d/ld, and wait awhile before d/ld'ing another program in case there is a conflict.

Even with these progs, you have to learn to surf safely, because they won't prevent you from making a mistake.

Try do at least one of the online scans once a week or so. No one antivirus finds everything, so they are a good back-up


If you decide to post at G4:

The best way to post is to put the name of your problem in the title instead of "help", the regulars will skip over "help" posts.

Give as much info as possible; system specs (XP or 98... & if you have antivirus, firewall, etc...) problem & when it started (after a d/l, clicked on a link, visited a webpage, etc....) & what you have already tried.

Please remember to post back on what did/didn't work & thank those that tried to help.


And a little help from our very own GT:

Rogue spyware is a kind of spyware that actually calls itself a spyware remover. Some are simply false positives to force you to buy them, so that it will "remove" the spyware. Actually, all it does is register that you've paid money and stops telling you the false message.
Others actually ADD spyware to your computers.

Everyone, please check through this list and make sure your anti-spyware programs
are legitimate - I'd hate to see any of you scammed or ripped off.

http://www.spywarewarrior.com/rogue_anti-spyware.htm

Thanks again Amy!  You are a gem of information :D

Tammy

Do you have an instant sweeps that won't work for you? Have you updated Macromedia Flash?


Verify which version you have:

http://www.adobe.com/products/flash/about/


HomePage:
http://www.macromedia.com/

- the following links are at the bottom of the page where it says Download Players



Macromedia Flash Player Download Center
Windows
http://www.macromedia.com/shockwave/download/download.cgi?P1_Prod_Version=ShockwaveFlash&promoid=BIOW
*Make sure to uncheck if you don't want the Google Toolbar



Shockwave Player Download Center
http://www.macromedia.com/shockwave/download/?promoid=BIOY



Also - make sure you are updated on Java


Go here for Java:
http://www.java.com/en/download/installed.jsp



If it STILL won't work? Put the pesky site in your allowed:

At the top, click on>TOOLS>INTERNET OPTIONS>SECURITY>TRUSTED SITES>Click on sites button, then type or C&P the site address in add this Web site to the zone then click ok/apply.


hth, amy  8)

The basics for safegaurding your computer:

Firewall
You can enable the one in XP, d/ld a free one, or buy one, but you MUST use one to surf & sweep safely!

Antivirus
Another must have. Either d/ld a free one (well, they do appreciate donations!  8)  ) or buy one. Like the Firewall, it needs to be on when you are, and you need to ensure they are updated.


Adware, Spyware, Trojan, and Hijacker Scanners
If your anti virus program finds nothing and you are experiencing virus like symptoms or unwanted advertisements, these programs may help.
There are TONS of progs out there; free, free with a catch, free trials, and those you buy.

Go here to ensure the prog(s) you already use or are thinking of using isn't on the Rogue Spyware list:

http://www.spywarewarrior.com/rogue_anti-spyware.htm

Rogue Spyware is spyware that actually calls itself a spyware remover. Some are simply false positives to force you to buy them, so that it will "remove" the spyware. Actually, all it does is register that you've paid money and stops telling you the false message.   :twisted:
Others actually ADD spyware to your computers.  :twisted:


If you want to d/ld any of the free progs, you can go here for the links:

http://forums.g4tv.com/messageview.cfm?catid=64&threadid=192397

They have MUCH more than the basics I named, but if you use those, and run an online scan on occasion - especially if you have recently cleaned out a virus - you may see a marked decrease in your spam, and other problems.

Fasterfox 1.0.3:

https://addons.mozilla.org/search.php?app=firefox&appfilter=firefox&sort=downloads

Performance and network tweaks for Firefox.

Fasterfox allows you to tweak many network and rendering settings such as simultaneous connections, pipelining, cache, DNS cache, and initial paint delay.

Dynamic speed increases can be obtained with the unique prefetching mechanism, which recycles idle bandwidth by silently loading and caching all of the links on the page you are browsing.

A popup blocker for popups initiated by Flash plug-ins is also included.

EPRIZE CONTACTS:

call us toll-free at:

1-877-837-7493

for email:

fulfillment@eprizefulfillment.com

( it used to be fulfillment@eprize.net )

opting out

In the United States, opting out applies to just about everything. Even the credit bureaus can sell your marketing information (remember those credit card applications you received out of the blue in your mailbox?) to anyone they want, as long as you have not told them it’s not okay. Doubleclick and other agencies can build profiles of your surfing information, unless, of course, you tell them to knock it off.

Because of the laws in the United States, most marketing companies are now providing a way to opt-out from their profiling, pop-up (and under) ads, and sometimes even banners. Usually this method consists of setting a cookie which tells their ad server you have opted out. I know it seems strange to set a cookie to prevent a service from using cookies, but that’s the way it works.

Links to the opt-out pages for some of the larger and more common annoyances are listed below. Click the link and follow the instructions. If, after clicking the link, you are asked by your browser or cookie software about a cookie, say YES to save it. Note that if you have disabled cookies (either altogether or for one of these specific sites) then these will not work.

If applicable, you might also read the privacy policies and other propaganda presented by these sites. They are very entertaining as they try very hard to make you understand how all of this is for your benefit.

Advertising.Com
http://servedby.advertising.com/optout A large advertiser. Opting out will prevent profiling.

Be Free Inc
http://www.yourcontrolpanel.com/mypage/pcp.html One of the larger internet marketing companies. “Be Free will be prevented from tracking any additional data in the future and will result in curtailing the delivery of personalized content to your desktop.”

Blue Streak
http://www.bluestreak.com/optout.htm Removes some ads and pop ups.

Comet Cursors
http://download.cometsystems.com/no_nag/nonag.asp Stop seeing comet cursor nag screens.

CoreMetrics
http://www.coremetrics.com/consumer_opt_out/ opt_out_options.html#optoutnow Opts out of ads served by Columbia House. Note that uRL above is on two lines and should be entered into browser as one line.

Doubleclick
http://optout.doubleclick.net/cgi-bin/dclk/optout.pl One of the largest and most obnoxious internet advertisers. This will stop Doubleclick from profiling your visits.

Engage
http://www.engage.com/privacy/confirmoo_privacy.cfm Opt out of this companies profiling.

Fastclicks.com
http://www.fastclick.net/v4/optout2.cgi?234 “Click to win” ads.

Hunger Site
http://www.interpolls.com/privacy/optout/optout.cfm Removes their pop under ads.

Interpolis
http://www.interpolls.com/privacy/optout/optout.cfm Movie ads.

L90
http://ads.admonitor.net/opt_out.cgi Another ad server.

Rain Forest Site
http://www.therainforestsite.com/turnOffPopUnders Removes their pop under ads.

WebSideStory
http://webveil.com/linkout/vwr1.hitbox.com/privcenter/edit.html HitBox.com, StatMarket.com, Yep.com amd WebSideStory.com.

X10.Com
http://www.x10.com/home/optout.cgi?DAY=3000&PAGE= http://www.x10.com/x10ads1.htm One of the most hated advertisers on the internet, with their intrusive popups and silly product. This link will stop the popups for a long time. Note wrap on URL above.

Some Cautions

Remember that you must opt-out of each and every individual company or service. There is not a global, opt-out of everything magic button anywhere.

If you use more than one browser you must opt-out in each and every one. This is because the browsers do not share cookies.

The opt-out only applies to the computer on which you are on at the time. If you move to another computer you must opt-out there also. (Unless you are using something called a roaming profile, which means cookies and things follow you around. This is common in business environments but not in the home.)

The opt-out only applies to a single log on. This means if you opt-out under “Fred” and you then log out and log back under “Tom”, you must out-out all over again.

Opt-out cookies do expire, generally within 5 years. So you must later remember to opt-out again.

If you clear your internet cache and ask that cookies also be erased (or you erase them with a cookie killing product) then you will lose your opt-out settings.

Further Information On Opting Out:

Federal Trade Commission http://www.ftc.gov/privacy/protect.htm Sharing Your Personal Information: It’s Your Choice

The problem with www.upcdatabase.com is that it isn't maintained very well.  More times than not, the UPC's are no longer valid.  I gave up with that site when I found that it was very difficult to find a working UPC number.  Years ago, it was very useful; but I believe whoever runs it doesn't bother with it very much.

Right click on your volume icon at the bottom right and click on "Adjust Audio Properties".  Make sure your settings are properly set.

Did you also check the settings in "Advanced" and "Properties"?

There are two other things you can try.  A mouse with a wheel and the keyboard themselves can be the culprit.  Either one can be turning the volume down back to mute on you.  One of the suggestions in the process of elimination is to try switching the mouse and keyboard (one at a time, of course) and see if it stops when you switch one of them.

There is no way of checking if the culprit is the mouse or keyboard without switching to other ones.  Our computer was occasionally muting on its own.  Just as everything eventually wears out, the arrow on the screen started stuttering when I moved the mouse.  So, we replaced it for that problem, but the muting problem hasn't occurred since.  So, it ended up being the mouse causing the occasional muting problem; but there is absolutely no way of knowing without switching them.

There's one more thing you can check.  You can also try updating your sound drivers.  Otherwise, you may want to get tech support.

How to Speed Up Windows Vista
http://tech.msn.com/howto/articlepcw.aspx?cp-documentid=6719419&icid=tg6719419&GT1=40000