desperate teacher-please check HJT

[ngolden]

info on computer:
The computer is 6 years old (that's 60 in computer years, I think)
512 Ram
Drive is 37.2 GB
13.3GB free space

I haven't always had this problem, it's been the last few months, but getting worse and worse. My son thinks it all stems from when I put in EZ Trust Security Suite. I've got the firewall turned off. I'm actually waiting for a CA techinician in a live chat window to find out if there's something going on with the firewall.

The event log shows endless "true vector" errors, and I vaguely remember that having something to do with it.

Never wanted to put SP2 in, since I heard it had so many problems. Maybe once I clean this mess up, I'll put it in.

Does any of this give you any more insight?
thanks

[jholland1964]

The "true vector" errors do have to do with the firewall. My search on this phrase all bring you back to Zone Alarm Firewall...which...I believe is the firewall included in your eTrust Internet Security program. At least it shows that way in your HJT logs.

If you read my previous post you will see that I am weighing in on the same side as your son

My son thinks it all stems from when I put in EZ Trust Security Suite.

Why not try uninstalling it and trying a couple of the free ones noted in PP's sticky. You really have nothing to lose...if they don't work or improve the performance of the computer then reinstall the eTrust. But if you do, as I said before, UNINSTALL it don't just turn it off. These full security programs have a way of "hanging in there" even if we think they are gone.
SP2 will definitely make your system more secure. If you are putting it on what you are certain is a clean system you should have no problems with it at all.
Judy

[ngolden]

THanks again for all the support.
I did, in fact, uninstall EZVirus Suite, and it's amazing what an impact it had. Everything is back up to speed -- programs open, no delay on the Internet.

Unbelievable!!!
I have also been in contact with a tech from microsoft about not being able to update. Seems my update file was corrupted, and he's helping me to put things right.

I guess when all this is done, I'll install SP2. Do you think that the firewall that comes with it is sufficient? Do you keep the firewall on all the time?

Thanks again for ALL your help!
Nancy

[jholland1964]

Before you install SP 2, why not, for safety sake run through all the steps again in PP's Sticky
Do this just to be sure that the system is clean.
The key to an uneventful install of SP2 is to do it on a machine you are certain is s completely free of viruses, worms, and spyware.
As another precaution, before you install SP2, you need to disable antivirus software you're using and close any open programs. This is always a good idea before installing new software, but it's especially important when you're installing a service pack. And for SP2, it's important that you disable any antivirus software especially. Some antivirus software can interfere with the SP2 installation. To disable the software, follow instructions from the antivirus software provider that you use. Check the software provider's Web site for exact steps.

You said you uninstalled the EZVirus Suite but don't mention what anti-virus program you have installed to take it's place. Be sure to visit the website of this new anti-virus program to find out how to TOTALLY disable it prior to installing the SP2

Now, about the Windows Firewall;
Windows Firewall blocks only incoming stuff whereas third-party firewalls (such as Zonealarm and Sygate) block both incoming and outgoing stuff. This means that were you to inadvertently allow a trojan to be installed, WF would not prevent it from calling home with whatever information it had managed to harvest from your computer (passwords, monitored keystrokes, etc, etc). So, in theory, a third-party utility will offer a greater level of security than WF. However
... simply adopting safe surfing practices (not downloading applications from warez sites or via file-sharing utilities, not installing no-cost applications from little-known developers, etc, etc, etc) and running a good antivirus utility should be sufficient to prevent any trojans or other unwanted items from finding their way onto your computer and so a bi-directional firewall is, in MY Opinion, of less importance than many people seem to think.


There is, however, no "one size fits all" answer here. Should you use your computer for online banking/shopping and should it be shared with file-sharing children, then it might not be a bad idea to install a third-party firewall. on the other hand, if you trust the other users to surf sensibly, then Windows Firewall is probably perfectly sufficient for your needs. I, myself, use the Windows Firewall and have had no problems whatsoever. But I also follow the practices I stated above too. I also practice good maintenance on the computer...at the very least weekly...I run AdAwareSE, Spybot S & D, I also have SpywareBlaster installed, updated and enabled and I run my anti-virus program weekly, at a minimum. I keep my temp files and internet temp files emptied and I have had no problems at all.

It all is really up to you. Each person has to make his own choice. A word of advice though, since you did have problems with the Zone Alarm portion of EZTrust if you do choose to go with another firewall I would choose one of the others that are listed in this thread

PROTECT YOURSELF FROM MALWARE: Tools & Tips

Good Luck and keep us posted!
Judy