OK, thanks. This is getting tiring eventhough staff here says they have this problem worked out, the wreakage was considerable. My ranking which is hard to come by at this level was decimated.
Did you get the Error Reporting service instructions on how to disable it?
Have you uninstalled Norton completely? Leave AVG in place until I get you the link to Avast.
I'll help you get ICS stopped. This is normally listed in the properties for Network, inside Control Panel. It would be listed as a service in the window. You select it and then choose uninstall.
Go ahead and rate this fixed so it doesn't get abused again. I only hope we don't run into this problem again this coming weekend.
Thanks.
WV
ps I'll be looking at what updates to apply next.
Comments:
Jul 18, 2008
- Avast is better. Its has a smaller impact on system resources and covers more bases. As you may know, you can schedule a boot time virus scan. This is the best way to scan for viruses, before the Windows environment loads.
You weren't looking at what I'd hoped for in Network properties. I'll be more detailed tomorrow.
Laura's Mom passes away and Laura leaves for home for four days and is taking her two girls (grown and out of home) with her. I have to stay here for my business and keep the cats fed, etc. And, save us some money doing it. I hope to get her Dad out here for a vacation this Fall.
Today was one incredible busy day, last two have been. Usually my business starts getting busy again in August, last three years that's changed. I even got a premises security upgrade job too.
Send you more tomorrow. If you don't hear form me its okay to post and ask.
WV
Jul 18, 2008
- The Bios update will certainly help with the Battery issue. I'll find the update for the ePower Management and post that for you.
Do you need instructions on finding avast? It's now at Avast.com
Go there and select Home Edition, then download it, while that's downloading go back to avast.com and find the registration page. Register you package and it will be emailed to you. Open that email and then open notepad.exe from Start, Run, (type) notepad.exe
paste your license here and save it to the directory you will move the Avast executable to, such as c:\software\avast\
Install Avast. If you get errors from AVG onboard, uninstall AVG. Reinstall Avast. Avast will want to restart, choose No, Cancel or later. You'll see the blue A in your system tray, right click this, choose the second option from the top "Start Avast Antivirus", the first thing you see is the Register License box, copy and paste your new license into this then choose OK and let Avast Start up. Once it has, drop the arrow down list and select Schedule Bootime Virus Scan, or words to that effect. Now, reboot your PC and keep your laptop on hand. When it finds something, like malware, choose Move to Chest, and also do this for any system files. When prompted choose "Always" these two actions.Now you can go do something else. It is normal for Avast to NOT be able to examine password protected CAB files, such as those from Microsoft. Don't worry about those.
Once you are in Windows again, right click the blue A and select Start Avast Antivirus and let the program window launch. Once its done scanning your memory, click on the Virus Chest and see if anything is in there. If there is, write those into a notepad file and post those to me. We'll see if you had any really nasty things on your machine or not.
WV
Jul 18, 2008
- We are coming up on another weekend and even though the Staff had this site down for repairs late last night, none of us, including them are too certain someone may try to pull off the shenanigans again.
So, please rate this thread fixed to lock it down.
BTW, the smoke here is finally abating. Laura has left for Montana and I'm hoping for a normal weekend on this board, Man, I sure hope so as we are almost done with your machine.
Nothing is going to please me more than to see this laptop of yours running as it should.
WV
Jul 18, 2008
- Remind me if I don't send you the instructions for turning off ICS on your machine. No one needs to connect through your laptop to access the internet, and this will keep kids from riding around town trying to find access to the Net through PC like yours, no matter how protected you are. I have tools for hacking my way into systems and I use them Ethically to test wireless systems for clients such as doctors and dentists, that sort of thing where they are now subject to HIPPA.
This is a list of the categories where updates are available.
» Application - Multimedia
» BIOS
» Driver - Audio
» Driver - Display
» Driver - Graphics
» Driver - Keyboard, Mouse and Input Devices
» Driver - Modem
» Driver - Network
» Driver - Printer
» Firmware
» Operating System - Enhancements
» Operating System - Enhancements and QFEs
» Software - Internet Access
» Software - Management
» Software - Multimedia
» Software - Solutions
» Software - System Management
» Utility
I'll post the last Bios update to you but as you said I do believe you have the latest on board already. Its just that its not easy for me to check what you sent against what is available and know.
Do you have and have you installed this Soft Paq
sp27129.exeJust let me know.
I'll be in and out as I go to this Pizza store to meet with the owner.
WV
Jul 19, 2008
- Thanks.
Right, on the bios. I'll start sending you updates for your other components.
Frankly, I have my doubts about this website and the thrashing its taken from some disgruntled former employees. I hope things remain sane. Weekends used to be a great time to get some things done, especially for the customers.
Can you go to Control Panel, Display and tell me which display adapter you have, Radeon or ATI?
Thanks.
Jul 19, 2008
- Download
this file here to a sub Folder among the others you'ved created called Display and then just double click it to start the update.
WV
Jul 19, 2008
- Oh, okay. Just tell me which ones you have downloaded.
WV
Jul 19, 2008
- Avast make a backup of these critical system files that are at risk to a serious virus attack. They are here as a backup.
Which other updated files have you downloaded before. And, I was thinking that it may not be a bad idea to reinstall these drivers now that your bios is updated properly.
I just wanted to point out that its ironic that HP does give up on updating a lot of things including the bios even when it could be tweaked a little more.
So, let me know what you have in the download folders of updates so far so I don't have you duplicating effort.
HOWEVER, go ahead and reinstall the ePower Management update which is depended on the Bios being updated and which was addressed in one of the Bios updates. After you done this, and posted the updates you already have. We'll see what's new in your Power Management interface. There should be a series of settings for when you are on battery and are on A/C. These would include actions such as 'when the lid is closed' to standby, sleep, and hibernation.
WV
Jul 20, 2008
- You can uninstall AVG, its just using system resources and memory.
WV
Jul 20, 2008
- OK. I start posting the updates for the rest of your laptop.
It may seem superfluous to do this, for audio and glide pad, but you would be surprised what each update actually accomplishes, there is usually a fix to your registry beside updating the driver itself.
WV
Jul 20, 2008
- Go
to this page, and download the audio update to a subFolder called Audio, and install it.
WV
Jul 20, 2008
- On your desktop, do you have a network icon?
Jul 20, 2008
- Right click, My Network Properties. You should then see: Local Area Connection in a list. Right click LAC and choose Properties. Now you should see a list of services installed. One of these should be Internet Connection Sharing, select that and click on uninstall.
WV
Jul 20, 2008
- You want to see this dialog box.
In this list of installed services should be the Internet Connection Sharing.
WV
Jul 20, 2008
- Alright, I need to think. But, I'm thinking to disable is in services. You see, this makes your laptop vulnerable to a hacker sitting in a car down the block from you, or even next door.
Jul 20, 2008
- I list myself as an Ethical Hacker. That is to say, I test the security of wireless networks for businesses. To do this I use tools off the Internet any hacker can access. So, your password is only as strong as you make it. Should you be using the code under your modem from the phone company, all someone has to do is break in without a trace, write the coded down and their done.
I suggest business use pass phrases and I get them from an English to Latin Latin to English dictionary at the library to get a pass phrase. There are password generator but those in use require you to write it down somewhere. Most people write it down and tape it under their laptop. That's the most common and first place to look.
So, anyway. You can check and or make your ICS manual which will be okay with your Firewall.
Right click My Computer, select Manage, select Services, find ICS, make it manual and not automatic.
Let me know, but I'm taking a break for Dinner and I have to go out and drop off some paperwork to a business that's a restaurant and this is when the owner is in.
WV
Jul 20, 2008
- Alright. I'll figure out what's going on with your firewall later, if it needs to be changed at all. I think the SP3 will take care of most of this anyway.
The following downloads should go into a suFolder called Keyboard. Install them when they're downloaded, one at a time.
This one.
Then,
this one.
And finally
this one.
Jul 20, 2008
- Hi, To put it mildly things are not suitable to doing business here on a Saturday once again. Fired off several emails to the powers that be about this situation.
There isn't much more to download until I find the single source download so you can transfer XPSP3 from your tower to you laptop.
See you tomorrow,
WV
Jul 20, 2008
- Wold you remind me on this battery. I know you cleaned the contact and all that. Is this a new battery? yes? as I recall. Did you have the same problem before? with an older battery.
Do you know you can boot up your laptop on A/C wihtout the battery being inserted?
We'll still proceed with the updates to get those all ruled out.
Being a computer tech is like being a logician we have to start with the obvious and then rule out each and every source one by one. Sometimes this is really tedious and rather tiring, but the only process that works.
So, I'll send you the final updates to install and get the url for the single download of the XPSP3 you can transfer over to your laptop with the memory stick. I've downloaded the SP3 onto one of my four computers and all is okay.
WV
Jul 20, 2008
- Have I sent you the update for your Network card?
Use WinAudit or Right Click My Computer, click on Properties, go to Hardware, click on Device Manager, your Network Adapter will be listed but his may only be the one in use, such as your wireless adapter. HP has updates for your Bluetooth adapter, this can connect to a wirelsss phone and transfer ringtones you download, an Odessey Client (don't know what that is yet), your Mobil Pro Wireless deice, the software for that, your onboard Network Interface Card (that is the large socket that looks like an oversized modem port. There is a modem update too, do you ever use dialup anymore?
WV
Jul 20, 2008
- BTW, we are getting thunder storms, have lost power a lot and my DSL service has gone down several times. So, don't be a bit surprised if you don't hear from me in a timely manner until this all passes.
WV
Jul 21, 2008
- Go
to this page to download the latest Diagnostic Utility to a subFolder called Disagnostics. It can be installed and run from windows or installed from 4 diskettes.
Here are the release notes:
Diagnostics for Windows will display information about the computer's
hardware and software configuration and test the computer to ensure it
is operating properly.
This may or may not provide information on your battery which I believe has a bad chip inside.
Jul 21, 2008
- That's odd, with your cooling pad. Still, let your instincts guide you always.
Jul 21, 2008
- OK. These test are good for system hardware errors. They aren't intended to tests batteries definitively.
thanks for running it. I saw it and its good to have one.
Can you send me the info on your NIC card using WinAudit.
thanks,
WV
Jul 21, 2008
- Post to me the wireless card/built in module information too. Then,
Download
this file here to a location with a subFolder named Network and then a subFolder of that called NIC
(If you get stuck somewhere contact me the usual way first, and explain what and why.)
Create a Restore Point
Copy, Paste and Print all the info below:
Your Laptop Local Address and Gateway/Server address
Default IP Gateway
DHCP Enabled Yes
DHCP Server 192.168.1.1
DHCP IP Address 192.168.1.101
Once you've unpacked your download into a subFolder named network user this location's path in item 10 below.
-- For UPDATE to a newer version of the NIC drivers.
1. Select start, then Control Panel.
2. Double click Network and Internet Connection.
3. Select the Network Connection icon.
4. Double Click the Local Area Network icon.
5. Select the Configure button.
6. Select the Driver tab.
7. Select the Update Driver button, then select Next.
8. Select Install From A LIST..., then select Next.
9. When prompted, select Include this location in the search.
10. Browse to or type in the directory path, then select Next.
11. Select the Intel PRO/100 network adapter from the device list, select Next.
12. Continue to follow on-screen instructions until finished.
13. Close network adapter properties, and Control Panel.
Jul 21, 2008
- For your wireless port,
Download these three files into a subFolder named Wirrelss Port
First
this on here, If this install does not update and says its not needed, stop and post to me about this.
Then,
this oneAnd lastly
this one. This last one is a firmware flash update. If in executing it it says your wireless port does not support this let me know.
Jul 21, 2008
- It never hurts to reboot, I usually suggest it.
This being a Monday and with some irons in the fire, I will be in and out all day.
Laura's mother's funeral was today, so I have some mixed feelings about the day itself. I knew here and liked her a lot but she wa a 10year cancer survivor. At least now, she is at peace. Laura's Dad will have some real winding down to do, it has been a long battle for him too. They married at the end of WWII. We want him to come visit with us for awhile. Need to feed him and beef him up again.
Jul 21, 2008
- Hold on while I examine the update facts.
Jul 21, 2008
- It doesn't look like it, go ahead and then post any problems.
Jul 21, 2008
- No, but post me the model number of your Realtek Wireless Card. I'll see if there is an update for it.
WV
Jul 22, 2008
- You don't have a card that goes into a slot on your laptop?
Where did you get the Realtek brand ID from?
WV
BTW, all is good, family returning home tomorrow.
Jul 22, 2008
- The Realtek card should also show up in WinAudit or Device Manger, from Control Panel, System.
Is there anything there? And, do you use this card to connect to your DSL router or are you hard wired.
From what I saw so far, your card is really slow at dot A generation when a dot G that is to say 802.11g vs 802.11a/b the 11g is 54Mbs per second while 11a/b is 12Mbs. Your router will support it and your PC will to. Anyhow, any element of your laptop system can cause any problem in your system. That's why the rigorous routine of going through all your hardware.
Jul 22, 2008
- I'm real familiar with Realtek, no pun intended. They make good gear. They aren't a well known brand name except amongst techs.
I'll get the latest dirvers.
When you were using a USB cable. The cable jack may have been only USB 1.1 which is 12Mbs, thus bottle necking your card's capability. But you may have a USB 2.0 don't know for sure.
WV
Jul 23, 2008
- OK. That's what we call hard wired.
I'll resend the link.
BTW, I've noticed there were several posts by Guest. These, I've been ignoring as I expect your replies to be at the end of your side and befoe my side begins. I don't scroll down any further as there is no need. If I need to go to use the comment box myself, I press Ctrl+End which takes me straight to the end of the page where the comment box is located. So, if you wouldn't mind, in order to avoid confusion in the future would you be so kind as to use the Add Reply? Thanks.
Here is the link. Go to this page, scroll down a bit, you will see a table under Windows Drivers, select Site 1 of the UI row.
WV
Jul 23, 2008
- OK. Sorry about that. Laura had called and Igot distracted. Sorry.
Go here, scroll down to find the table, click on the first link in the row that has the UI acronym in it.
WV
You want the modem driver update too? Yes?
Jul 23, 2008
- Go to
this page for the modem update.
There are only OS updates left I recall and these are HP specific to you laptop. I am considering the possibilities of how to backup your system so much if not all is not lost to a virus.
You have a CD Burner not a DVD burner in your hot swap drive bay. And you are hardwired to your router. Can you link to your tower by opening the address in an explorer window?
WV
Jul 24, 2008
- Under documents an settings on both machines, you will have a folder called all users, under this is the folder titled Shared Documents or Documents and then under that are Shared Folders.
Contents in these folders can be accessed by any computer in the Home Area Network.
I was only guessing at your having a CD Burner on your laptop as most CDRoms from that laptops era are dead now and have been replaced by writers, usually DVD writers. I got mine on Ebay for less than $30.
I'll send you these other updates. Its just been a really bad day or two for me with my legs acting up and I've had to take too many pain pills to concentrate.
WV
Jul 24, 2008
- Wow, you know, I hear stories like that all the time about sales of used equipment. Normally, the operative phrase is 'as is' or even 'I'll make it right'. Chances are you were sold this laptop with this as a known issue. But, that's not the end of the world. I'm pretty sure I know the answer but we'll just move on.
From Winaudit do you have this hard drive?
Hitachi DK23CA-xx
WV
Jul 24, 2008
- That info on your hard drive did indicate that its a Hitachi. HP has a firmware update for a drive that was supplied with the laptop as sold. Firmware updates, write new code to the chip on the hard drive. These are usually quite important, but we need to be certain. So, do this.
Reboot,
Press F10 to enter Bios Screens,
On the first page or page that shows your hard drive, CD Rom, etc.
Get to this page.
It will show the Hard Drive model type, write that down it won't be very long in characters.
Thanks,
WV
As the weekend approaches I need to be vigilant to any new trouble makers on our site. The site owners are getting tired of this too and it will be awhile before the site is configured so only validated experts can log in and any expert can be locked down instantly. What they do now, with this setup is create a new account with a new name.
Anyway, find the Hard Drive model type and let me know.
I've got another customer online here with an exact same laptop. Their battery won't charge at all and they can't even get to the bios screens so far. But, I gave this gentleman instructions on how to disassemble the laptop as he said he was handy at taking car motors and motorcycle engines apart. He's done it but the provisions I gave him did not succeed. So, I've been looking at parts and found the DC converter online but it was from England and wouldn't ship to US. But, there are likely others. This part by the way translates power off the battery to the system.
WV
Jul 25, 2008
- Re: your wireless card, the card needs only to be set to the encryption protocol of your wireless router. Normally, WEP uses TKIP you are then prompted for a network name sometimes and then a password.
Somewhere in your start menu programs there should be a wireless setup utility.And, when you attempt to connect to a wireless network and can't, there is an icon for the wireless card, blue or green when connected and red when not. You can normally click or double click on this icon in your system tray and that will bring up the wireless utility program. Here, you can create a profile, set the encryption protocal, WEP or WEP2, identify the network by name, if needed, and then add the password.
Do you remember doing this before?
re: the Hard Drive. I'm surprised this isn't listed somewhere in your bios, even in the bootup order. But, just go to Control Panel, System and then Hardware and finally Device Manger, the hard drive will be listed in there.
WV
Jul 25, 2008
- Your hard drive is not included in this firmware update.
WV
Jul 25, 2008
- Good. Glad to hear you got the router and wireless card working okay. The updated driver should give you better optimization.
I'll send you the system op updates.
WV
Jul 25, 2008
-
go to this page and download the power management update. I'm not sure if it will say needed or not, but give it a go.
WV
Jul 25, 2008
- Go to this page to download the set of system enhanceemnts fro you laptop. Save it to a subFolder called System Enhancements. This is a large file, roughly 49MB.
Create a restore point first and then execute the downloaded file.
Just a few more to go.
WV
Jul 28, 2008
- Did you receive the last update I sent you, it was 49MB in size?
WV
Jul 29, 2008
- OK. Sorry about that.
Here
is the link now, save it under a subFolder named Operating Enhancements.
It is very likely you may not need this. If not, let me know.
WV
Jul 29, 2008
- I understand the apparent confusion. The reason we have been doing all this with software, especially up to now, is to rule out a role of software. More on that later.
I'll find and post the next update later. I have to be at the hospital in Reno tomorrow and this is an all day trip there and back.
If I can I'll send this file link to you tonight. I believe it has to be from HP specifically.
Meanwhile, download
this file here and save it to a subFolder called Lid Switch. This controls how your laptop sleeps or hibernates when the lid is closed. As such, it is part in parcel with the power management chip systemware.
Jul 29, 2008
- This is the XPSP3 update.
Go
to this page here click on the download button, wait and then when prompted choose "Save As" and save it to a subFolder named XPSP3.
Do this using a Network cable and not your wireless card, it will be faster and more reliable.
The installer automatically creates an Uninstall Entry in your Add/Remove program list and creates a Restore Point too.
Jul 30, 2008
- Yes. I know. You want to do this to download the update as a single file, move it to your laptop using the pen drive, copy that file to your software folder and then double click that from within your desktop on the laptop.
WV
Jul 30, 2008
- OK. Time to defrag your computer. Do you have just the basic defrag that comes with your XP?
WV
Jul 31, 2008
- Go ahead and run that program for now. Your drive has to be pretty fragmented at this point. Later, I point you to a good program that has a time restricted trial period but is fully functional. I have and use it and it comes in real handy for what it does do. And, its fast and doesn't require a ton of ram and system resources.
WV
Jul 31, 2008
- Leave that unchecked or your wireless card transmits as available. Anyone with a strong transciever could bounce off your wireless card and into your DSL router. These are usually kids, we call them kiddy coders, who get off deleting certain files and ruin your day and cruising porn sites.
Jul 31, 2008
- Go
to this page to download the Boost Speed program from AusLogics.
This will put a small blue globe icon in your system tray, resting your mouse over it will bring up a set of information pages on Ram and such. You want to click or single click the icon or you can right click it and get access to many of this program features.
It also installs an icon on your desktop called one button checkup. Double clicking this brings up a disk cleaner and a defrag link. Click on the defrag link and then select whatever drive you want, in your case C: and let it run. It is far superior to the Windows Defrag.
You'll also see in this program set an item to defrag your Registry. I highly suggest you do this too, but after you've run the Registry Fixer program.
Regards,
Worldvet
Jul 31, 2008
- When you downloaded the SP3 update did you use your laptop to do this and did it stay running the entire time you did this?
The next correct thing to so is make a backup of your Windows installation. You really don't want to do through all this again.
Since you've mentioned that when you use the network cable from your laptop to connect to your DSL modem and router you have access to the Shared Files folder on your tower.
So, we need to check how much space is being used your laptop on C: and how much free space is available on your Tower.
To check these both, right click My Computer, select Manage and then Manage Disks. You will see statements regarding C: the free space expressed in a percentage and a numerical value.
Can you send me that information expressed in a numerical value for your laptop and Tower?
Thanks,
WV
Jul 31, 2008
- That is not a lot of free space on your tower.
The system file checker.
As I recall you don't have the disk, so we actually need to edit your registry to point to the the folder that has winnt32.exe located in it.
Would you do a search again on your c drive for that file [winnt32.exe] this is where the installation files are located. When you go to perform the search, click on advanced options and tell it to look in 'sub folders' and also hidden system files as well. Unless, you can recall where that file was.
It should be in c:\windows\i386
[where windows is the name of the windows folder; it could also be winnt] do you recall? I don't. So, I'd search in the windows folder and that will be a faster search. Unless you can browse and locate the location. The location, such as: c:\windows\i386\ is called the path. Once we know the path we can do the registry bit.
Once, I know the location I'll tell you how to and where to edit the registry so system file checker looks in the new location rather than asking for the disk.
WV
Aug 04, 2008
- Hi,
We had a more normal weekend although there was some trouble it just didn't come my way for once. I stayed off the site pretty much until late at night.
Now that you have installed SP3 there is no need to run the System File Checker as the Service Pack replaces any missing or corrupt files.
We could and should edit your registry so the installation path to your Windows is not pointing to a CD but to the directory where Compaq put all the files to begin with. Working in the registry can be scary as there is no undo, however you can back it up and then restore is should you spell something wrong. But, I can guide you through it when you're ready I point you to the entry and you change a value. That's it. I just need you to recall where the file wnnt32.exe was located.
Regards,
Worldvet
Aug 05, 2008
- If what the other user tells you bears up, this could be interesting and I know of a few electronic experts on the site who could comment on what my theory would be as to why this so. I would suggest your flash drive. On this, I won't say now, as it may be misleading. The fact is though, this model laptop is notorious for this very same problem. And, narrowing down the cause by eliminating all other reasons, is basic deduction.
So, let me know. And, I'm sure you understand that running the system file checker is not needed now. However, it would be good form to edit your registry and point Windows to the correct location for files instead of asking you again at some future date.
Aug 05, 2008
- Service Packs from Microsoft contain major operating enhancements and a roll up of all previously released updates. Because they are an OS Upgrade, they repair all system files if needed, in a way it behaves in a manner similar to SFC.
WV
Aug 06, 2008
- You can turn off ERS and don't worry about the Cacheman icons.
Aug 07, 2008
- How long will your laptop run on battery now, with the flash drive installed?
WV
Aug 07, 2008
- That sounds about right for the generation of laptop you have. Its about the best I get out of mine which is the same era.
Didn't you have an issue with this running on A/C and the battery installed as well?
And, if so does the flash drive installed affect this in the same beneficial manner.
I have to bounce this off an electronics guru in the community but I do feel if this is all it boils down to its a problem with the USB circuits at fault.
WV
Aug 07, 2008
- That sounds so much better. I am trying to swallow the affect a device on the USB hub of your laptop solves your problem. I can wrap my head around it as to why and I'm not certain at this point a software update could change anything.
This issue aside, how is your laptop running now? Have any problems arose since we applied all these updates and installed SP3?
WV
Aug 07, 2008
- I saw your post, as a guest, on your search for winnt32.exe.
The owners of this web site have made it know to we experts here that they uncovered a bug and fixed it and the results of this bug, for one, accounted for us not always knowing when you a customer had posted a reply. It unearthed about 50% of my votes by customers that didn't exist in my logs before and accounts for my feeling that some customers had dodged me in rating responses.
I don't know what other areas this bug affected I just know what they chose to disclosed, but where you are concerned it definetly accounts for why I never knew about the posts you made that got added in as a Guest for some reason.
On the winnt32.exe, with the SP3 installed this may have changed things. I'll have to look at the one computer I've upgraded and see if I can located it myself.
With another thought on this, if you have your version listed as WinXP Pro, if you can find someone with a copy of that they will let you borrow, you can copy the entire contents to a special folder on your hard drive. Once that is done, we can edit your registry to look there when ever it needs to locate a base file.
WV
Aug 08, 2008
- OK, try a search for winnt.exe instead. Thanks.
WV
Expert
