Just a bit of info to share here for any one running XP. I downloaded a windows update yesterday, and afterwards experienced loads of problems with cookies, email etc, could no longer post on Forum.
I found a way to restore the computer settings to the previous day i.e before the dodgy update. Everything back to normal now:)
Click the green 'start' button bottom left of screen. click 'all programs' click ' accessories' click 'system tools' click ' system restore' and choose a date to restore to. Easy:)
I know lots of you computer smarties out there allready know this, but lots more don't, so I thought I would share it.:)

Maybe this will work on op system prior to XP?

Its only a XP facility, be careful with system restore if you get a virus.

Thanks, Skatiechick, will bear that in mind. Am wondering if the update went pear shaped 'cos I did not close down 'zone alarm' whilst downloading..... may try again with zone alarm off.

Before installing sp2 you need to do a full sweep of your system for spyware, trojans and viruses. From what i have been reading, most problems arise from simple spyware on your system.

Ey up, vidster. I don't know what sp2 is:confused: :rolleyes: in terms of trojans and spyware, I do run ad aware and as you have seen by my post, zone alarm, which hopefully take care of these two:confused: :thumbsup:

Originally posted by draggletail
Ey up, vidster. I don't know what sp2 is:confused: :rolleyes: in terms of trojans and spyware, I do run ad aware and as you have seen by my post, zone alarm, which hopefully take care of these two:confused: :thumbsup:

Sorry draggletail, i took it for granted that sp2 is what you are talking about. sp2 (service pack 2) is a huge update for the windows xp operating system. It would have taken quite a while to download, even on a broadband connection.
Sp2 deals with an awful lot of security issues within xp and at the same time installs a security centre that will enable the xp firewall.

Unfortunatley Norton and ad-aware are not sufficient on their own to rid your system of the offending spyware. I would reccomend installing Spybot Search And Destroy as this will find any spyware that ad-aware misses.
I would also use the online trojan scanner that i have left a link to below.
On a personal note, i would also install Spyware Guard and Spyware Blaster once you have updated your system. These programs 'try' and stop spyware/adware entering your system in the first place. Do'nt forget to use the update functions on all your programs before running them!.

http://www.safer-networking.org/en/download/index.html Spybot S+D

http://www.safer-networking.org/en/download/index.html Online trojan scan

http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/spywareguard.html Spywareguard and there is a link to Spyware Blaster.

Good luck :thumbsup:

Thanks, vidster - great information. To be honest, I got a pop up recommending the download of an update, didn't look at it thinking it would be a quick 'patch' or something, and like you say it took AGES (am on dial up, too!) Didn't realise it was a such a significant update. Anyway, I have printed out the info you've posted, and thanks again:thumbsup: :thumbsup:

I can't think which one at the moment but sp2 is going to be on the front cover of a computer magazine this month. Saves downloading it!. Do'nt forget to create a restore point before installing sp2!.

You can get it on CD from M$oft but it does take 6 weeks or so to arrive(!)

Alex

its been on a few coverdisks too I believe.

I went for it when I heard it gave 'native' bluetooth support, as my sitecom software was junk. No problems yet, it realised I was running ZAP and switched off the firewall without being prompted.

System restore was on ME but ME is awful so hopefully no one uses it