XP Problem help

robindurant · May 2, 2008

I have a new Laptop running XP which I am usually OK with but I am having a problem downloading free software from the net and also from a CD The main one is Registax, my PC will not accept it and zaps it saying it is a Risk. The window which shows dissappears so quickly that I can hardly read it but it seems to say " Skyware MS risk" or something like that. Any ideas?

Robin

jgs001 · May 2, 2008

Do you have any anti spyware software installed ? What software was bundled with the laptop ? I'd guess that something pre installed is interfering with your download.

beamish · May 2, 2008

Yup that sounds like it .

Keagle · May 2, 2008

Disable whatever antivirus is on the PC once the download is done, run the install then re-enable the antivirus. If you want to be reallllly safe, disconnect the laptop from the internet while you are doing the install.

robindurant · May 2, 2008

Hi

I thinkit was anti spyware that come up on the window, too quick to read it. How do I disable it for a short while. I have Registax on a Sky @ Night CD to download so I don't need to go on the internet.

Robin

jgs001 · May 3, 2008

Robin, Anti apyware programs shouldn't be quite so intrusive in my opinion.

You will probably see an icon for it in the system tray, I'd start with taking a look at the available options and see if you can tweak it to allow you to do what you want. If that doesn't work then I'd go for uninstalling it and install a few others. I use, Spybot Search and Destroy, Lavasoft Adaware, and Javacools spywareblaster. By keeping them up to date and running regular scans, the worst form of spyware I've had has been tracking cookies. Both spywareblaster and spybot provide machine immunisation tools to prevent the holes they know of from being exploited.

HTH

beamish · May 3, 2008

I recently downloaded the "google pack" ( you can choose which elements will be installed) purely for the free PC Tools Spyware, XLNT ! Found 219 infections and a good few threats( one serious) and removed them all. Doesn't seem to interfere with the anti-virus/internet S/W.

robindurant · May 4, 2008

I have indentified the probem spftware which is Symantec Anti Skyware MSNchatsniffer. It is preventing me downloading Registax even from a Sky@Night CD. I been into the PC but it does not show this software at all to enable me to switch it off. The only Security Software is that installed by the manufacturer of the laptop, which is a Symantec Norton ( not inc Skyware). I can switch this off but it still shows the window "MSchatsniffer etc" and stops the download. All other astro software loads OK like DSS . OnlyRegistax is a problem.

beamish · May 4, 2008

Try disconnecting from the internet, turn off the Symantic, load Registax, then turn the norton back on before re-connecting to the web.

Starflyer · May 4, 2008

IMHO Symantic software sucks big time, it's massively bloated, hogs resources and is far too intrusive - as you've noticed :shock: It may protect your computer but the free offerings will do just as good a job.

In case you decide to remove it, don't use the un-install option from Add / Remove programs - it usually doesn't work, never removes every trace and often breaks other things. Symantic know this and have written a handy tool to remove it for you;

http://service1.symantec.com/Support/tsgeninfo.nsf/docid/2005033108162039

Free alternatives;

Antivirus;

AVG - http://free.grisoft.com/

Antivir - http://www.free-av.com/

Avast - http://www.avast.com/eng/avast_4_home.html

Firewall;

Commodo - http://www.comodo.com/products/free_products.html

ZoneAlarm - http://www.zonealarm.com/store/content/company/products/znalm/freeDownload.jsp

Spyware / Malware;

AdAware - http://www.lavasoftusa.com/products/ad_aware_free.php

Spybot search and destroy - http://www.safer-networking.org/en/index.html