Windows Hell, The Saga Continues

[Todd Daniel]

Dear Friends,

The last time I had a PC problem, you all were able to resolve it, so I humbly ask for help again. A while back I removed a bunch of viruses, adware, and spyware off an elderly lady's PC. I recommend that she purchase Norton Systems Works to obtain good virus protection and address all the other problems she was having.

Now, the LiveUpdate for Norton won't download her updates. I have tried to run the online AutoFix utility that is at the Symantec website, but it has to install ActiveX first, and it won't install. So, next I try uninstalling Norton and it won't uninstall - it says the Microsoft Windows Installer is needed, whatever that is. I have tried to upload all the latest security patches but nothing seems to help. I am caught in a conundrum that defies both space and time. I am in the world below - a dark place known as Windose.

Rule #1: Never volunteer to help PC owners with their problems. It is like diving into quicksand.

Rule #2: Never forget rule number 1.

Thanks for any help,

Todd

[Michael Martin]

When in doubt, do this --

1) Back up all data (My Documents folder is a good start).  make sure all user created data is backed up to a medium that can be easily read from. (CDRW / DVDRW)

2) Get a REAL windows CD.  Get all of the applications that were installed on the machine.  Disconnect the machine from anything resembling an internet connection.  Proceed to do a clean re-format of the system.

3) Once reformatted, reinstall the applications, reinstall the data, reinstall the A/V software and anti spy software .. rehook to the internet and let it start to get updates from MS first ..

4) You WILL have to babysit the machine through several reboots and continuous loads of updates .. update all apps (especially the A/V software)  DO NOT do any websurfing to any other sites (other than MS and the vendors of the software) untill you have all the updates and security patches in place.

5) (3 days later) .. give the computer back to the person, with your condolences.  Then run like hell for the hills ..

Works for me every time.

Mike

[Todd Daniel]

Thanks Mike,

This is the advice she received from one of the tech support lines she called. I was hoping I could avoid this -- I would rather charge a machine gun nest. Taking the computer is a good idea because she has a dial-up with a 56k modem (it seems more like a 28k modem). Waiting for the updates to load the other night was misery.

Todd Daniel

[Chris Waldrip]

5) (3 days later) .. give the computer back to the person, with your condolences.  Then run like hell for the hills ..

I particularlly like #5. I'll help friends with their Windows machines, but I swear I need to get them to sign a legal document saying that they're not allowed to call or ask questions about it afterwards. 

[Todd Daniel]

Because word is out on the streets that I'm a geek, I am regularly asked to help fix PCs for friends, neighbors, and relatives. It is like feeding cats. Once I help them I am 100% certain that they will be calling me with another issue.

I thank the Almighty for giving me a job in 1988 where I used a Mac SE, and I suddenly saw that there was a better way to live. But I don't even try to convert PC owners -- it's like becoming a Unitarian -- conversion is something you must do on your own after years of introspection. Those who were exposed to Macs at their jobs or school have a major advantage.

Todd