Help needed please

[jholland1964]

You shouldn't lose anything with the update. Here is what Microsoft says;

Windows® XP Service Pack 3 (SP3) includes all previously released updates for the operating system. This update also includes a small number of new functionalities, which do not significantly change customers’ experience with the operating system

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/d...displaylang=en

[kingrobbo1874]

thanks

what would you suggest I uninstall and keep please advise

[jholland1964]

Ok, now much of this is my own personal opinion, don't know that it is worth much but here goes and what I use on my computer;

Main thin of course...UPDATE the Windows Operating System first. This is KEY.
Keep the Spybot 1.6 (don't use the TeaTimer portion of the program. Keep it updated and scan regularly with it...at the least weekly
Keep Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware, scan with it at least weekly and always update it first.

I would update the antivirus program, either with AVG8 or one of those noted in THIS sticky. Then once you have it installed set it to auto-update daily and scan weekly.
Also either enable the built in Windows Firewall or choose one of those listed in the above sticky.

I would UNINSTALL the following, key word here UNINSTALL via Add/Remove just don't delete;
Spyware Doctor
TrojanHunter 5.0
Ad-Aware
Keep the SUPERAntiSpyware if you wish but use it for scanning only, not running in the background all the time. Running too many is just overkill.
I cannot really advise on the Tracks Eraser Pro because I am not familiar with it at all. Maybe somebody else here is and can advise on that one.
Install SpywareBlaster as I noted before. EXCELLENT program, FREE too and provides real protection against, as it's website says;

Prevent the installation of ActiveX-based spyware, adware, browser hijackers, dialers, and other potentially unwanted software.
Block spyware/tracking cookies in Internet Explorer and Mozilla Firefox.
Restrict the actions of potentially unwanted sites in Internet Explorer.


SpywareBlaster can help keep your system spyware-free and secure, without interfering with the "good side" of the web.

One thing you have to do is reset your System Restore so you have a new, clean restore point. To do this, Right Click My Computer. Select Properties. When System Properties opens then click the System Restore tab. When that opens place a checkmark in Turn Off System Restore. Click Ok. You probably will get a warning telling you that you are turning it off, click ok or yes whatever the button says. It will then turn off. Wait a moment and then turn it back on by doing the reverse of what you just did.
Do all this and you should have a more safe and secure computer.
Judy

[kingrobbo1874]

I tried to upgrade to SP2 and my pc hung !!!

now when trying to get in it sticks on the windows xp screen

can u suggest a way to get back into my pc so I can carry out the uninstalls please

sorry not vert technical this end !!!!

Im using my works laptop to reply

[jholland1964]

Boot to Safe Mode and try the uninstalls. How are you connected to the internet? Did you read all the instructions at Microsoft before trying to install? Did you disable your antivirus program before trying the install?

[kingrobbo1874]

ok will try to get in via safe mode
Im hard wired to the internet
I just clicked on the windows update icon to start of the upgrade ? I didnt disable the antivirus !!! sorry but I did say I wasnt very technical !!

[jholland1964]

Uninstall everything recommended first. Then read this page and follow the instructions there.
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/875364

Remember, this is a slow process so it will take awhile.

[kingrobbo1874]

ok I will try but Im not even getting into safe mode now

sorry to be taking up a lot of your time but it is appreciated

[jholland1964]

Shut down the computer.

1. Restart your computer.
2. When the machine first starts again it will generally list some equipment that is installed in your machine, amount of memory, hard drives installed etc. At this point you should gently tap the F8 key repeatedly until you are presented with a Windows XP Advanced Options menu.
3. Select the option for Safe Mode using the arrow keys.
4. Then press enter on your keyboard to boot into Safe Mode.

[kingrobbo1874]

i have carried out those steps but Im not getting the safe mode desktop screen it seems to hang showing a list of drivers etc !!!!