EPRIZE CONTACTS:
call us toll-free at:
1-877-837-7493
for email:
[email protected]
( it used to be [email protected] )
I've seen a few posts asking for computer help so I thought I'd start this thread for people to refer to when they have a problem. I am in no way a tech guru, but I DO have the means to help.
I think it would be great to have all the info in one place, so all of you that have links/advice please post them to this thread so others can know where to go for help. Thanks. 8)
PLEASE do not post Q's to this thread. It will be much easier to get an answer if you start a new post and it will keep this thread from getting cluttered.
If someone posts a link/advice you have Q's on, pm them if they say in their post they would welcome it.
You can ALWAYS pm me if you have any Q's or need help navigating the techtv boards.
First off, if you have the preview pane on in Outlook, or Outlook Express, you DON'T have to open the email to get infected - so you need to close that ASAP.
Click on View, then Layout. UNcheck the preview pane box and hit OK (if you hit apply, you will still have to hit OK)
Next, you should have a firewall and antivirus running at ALL times. I use ZA and AVG. Both are free but they do accept donations. 8)
7/23/14 update - G4 forums are gone
Here is a link to g4ttv's post of ALL the free goodies to use to protect your comp:
Best of Best free programs. Updated (6/3/11)
http://forums.g4tv.com/showthread.php?113232-Best-of-Best-free-programs-Updated-(6-3-11)
This is a consolidation of the "Best of the Best" links found on the Tech Support board. There's been many contributers to this post and many of them have given these links out countless times. These links have proven themselves time and time again. It's our sincere hope that these links will solve your computer problem. And if you don't have any outstanding computer issues to address, then feel free to explore the fruit of our research. And if you have a problem that this post does not address, then feel free to read up on How to Post and then post your question.
All of the software found here is free. There are upgrade versions available for many of them, and better programs available, but the software commonly recommended is free.
Sincerely: All the volunteers at the Tech Support Message Board.
In this thread you will find:
Startup Utilities
Never use MSConfig to disable startup programs no matter what others have recommended. MSConfig is for troubleshooting purposes only. If you use it to disable startups and then run the program, you may cause what is known as a "memory leak" which does all sorts of strange things to your system. And disabling programs and services with it can get you into trouble that only a repair install can get you out of. Please note the warning found on the Microsoft site concerning MSConfig.. Instead, use one of the following startup managers.
Hardware and Software Utilities
Need to find out something about your computers hardware or software?
Internet Security
Keeping your computer secure is your first line of defense against hackers, viruses, trojans, hijackers, spammers, and adware. These programs and sites will help you make the job a little bit easier. They will also educate you about the threat and your computer, and is one of the most important parts of computer maintenance you can do.
Free Personal Firewalls
Never have 2 or more software firewalls running on the same computer as they will conflict with each other.
Free Web Browsers
It's generally recommended that you have more than one browser available to you even if you use one exclusively. That way, you can check to see if a problem is unique to your browser or a more generalized problem. Here is a test for your browser.
Web based Virus and Trojan Scanners
It's always a good idea to never rely on a single anti-virus program. Especially if you have recently cleaned out a virus.
Local computer Virus and Trojan Scanners
These free anti-virus programs give you extra protection against viruses and are updated regularly.
Links to common virus removal instructions
Adware, Spyware, Trojan, and Hijacker Scanners
If your anti virus program finds nothing and you are experiencing virus like symptoms or unwanted advertisements, these programs may help.
This one fits with the above sections:
WinSock XP Fix - fix XP internet connectivity
WinSock XP Fix offers a last resort if your Internet connectivity has been corrupted due to invalid or removed registry entries. It can often cure the problem of lost connections after the removal of Adware components or improper uninstall of firewall applications or other tools that modify the XP network and Winsock settings. If you encounter connection problems after removing network related software, Adware or after registry clean-up; and all other ways fail, then give WinSock XP Fix a try.
PopUp Stoppers
Web Sites with Useful information
These web sites have information that can help people diagnose many common problems on their computers. They also have information that people commonly ask about.
Microsoft Knowledge Base Articles
These articles by Microsoft resolve issues that we often see on this board.
Windows Installation Helpful How To Sites
These sites offer good information on how to install and repair Microsoft Windows.
Registry Cleaners, file shredders, and file recovery
Securely deleting files, recovering deleted files, and cleaning the registry are common issues many people have asked about.
Video conversion and editing
These websites give excellent information about converting video and making DVDs, VCDs, and SVCDs.
Other, Uncategorized Links
Tweak Sites
Spell Checkers
Hosting for images and files
Game Developement
Some Free Photoshop alternatives.
*** It's best to create a restore point BEFORE you d/ld, and wait awhile before d/ld'ing another program in case there is a conflict.
Even with these progs, you have to learn to surf safely, because they won't prevent you from making a mistake.
Try do at least one of the online scans once a week or so. No one antivirus finds everything, so they are a good back-up
If you decide to post at G4:
The best way to post is to put the name of your problem in the title instead of "help", the regulars will skip over "help" posts.
Give as much info as possible; system specs (XP or 98... & if you have antivirus, firewall, etc...) problem & when it started (after a d/l, clicked on a link, visited a webpage, etc....) & what you have already tried.
Please remember to post back on what did/didn't work & thank those that tried to help.
And a little help from our very own GT:
Rogue spyware is a kind of spyware that actually calls itself a spyware remover. Some are simply false positives to force you to buy them, so that it will "remove" the spyware. Actually, all it does is register that you've paid money and stops telling you the false message.
Others actually ADD spyware to your computers.
Everyone, please check through this list and make sure your anti-spyware programs
are legitimate - I'd hate to see any of you scammed or ripped off.
http://www.spywarewarrior.com/rogue_anti-spyware.htm
call us toll-free at:
1-877-837-7493
for email:
[email protected]
( it used to be [email protected] )
I've seen a few posts asking for computer help so I thought I'd start this thread for people to refer to when they have a problem. I am in no way a tech guru, but I DO have the means to help.
I think it would be great to have all the info in one place, so all of you that have links/advice please post them to this thread so others can know where to go for help. Thanks. 8)
PLEASE do not post Q's to this thread. It will be much easier to get an answer if you start a new post and it will keep this thread from getting cluttered.
If someone posts a link/advice you have Q's on, pm them if they say in their post they would welcome it.
You can ALWAYS pm me if you have any Q's or need help navigating the techtv boards.
First off, if you have the preview pane on in Outlook, or Outlook Express, you DON'T have to open the email to get infected - so you need to close that ASAP.
Click on View, then Layout. UNcheck the preview pane box and hit OK (if you hit apply, you will still have to hit OK)
Next, you should have a firewall and antivirus running at ALL times. I use ZA and AVG. Both are free but they do accept donations. 8)
7/23/14 update - G4 forums are gone
Here is a link to g4ttv's post of ALL the free goodies to use to protect your comp:
Best of Best free programs. Updated (6/3/11)
http://forums.g4tv.com/showthread.php?113232-Best-of-Best-free-programs-Updated-(6-3-11)
This is a consolidation of the "Best of the Best" links found on the Tech Support board. There's been many contributers to this post and many of them have given these links out countless times. These links have proven themselves time and time again. It's our sincere hope that these links will solve your computer problem. And if you don't have any outstanding computer issues to address, then feel free to explore the fruit of our research. And if you have a problem that this post does not address, then feel free to read up on How to Post and then post your question.
All of the software found here is free. There are upgrade versions available for many of them, and better programs available, but the software commonly recommended is free.
Sincerely: All the volunteers at the Tech Support Message Board.
In this thread you will find:
Startup Utilities
Never use MSConfig to disable startup programs no matter what others have recommended. MSConfig is for troubleshooting purposes only. If you use it to disable startups and then run the program, you may cause what is known as a "memory leak" which does all sorts of strange things to your system. And disabling programs and services with it can get you into trouble that only a repair install can get you out of. Please note the warning found on the Microsoft site concerning MSConfig.. Instead, use one of the following startup managers.
Hardware and Software Utilities
Need to find out something about your computers hardware or software?
Internet Security
Keeping your computer secure is your first line of defense against hackers, viruses, trojans, hijackers, spammers, and adware. These programs and sites will help you make the job a little bit easier. They will also educate you about the threat and your computer, and is one of the most important parts of computer maintenance you can do.
Free Personal Firewalls
Never have 2 or more software firewalls running on the same computer as they will conflict with each other.
Free Web Browsers
It's generally recommended that you have more than one browser available to you even if you use one exclusively. That way, you can check to see if a problem is unique to your browser or a more generalized problem. Here is a test for your browser.
Web based Virus and Trojan Scanners
It's always a good idea to never rely on a single anti-virus program. Especially if you have recently cleaned out a virus.
Local computer Virus and Trojan Scanners
These free anti-virus programs give you extra protection against viruses and are updated regularly.
Links to common virus removal instructions
Adware, Spyware, Trojan, and Hijacker Scanners
If your anti virus program finds nothing and you are experiencing virus like symptoms or unwanted advertisements, these programs may help.
This one fits with the above sections:
WinSock XP Fix - fix XP internet connectivity
WinSock XP Fix offers a last resort if your Internet connectivity has been corrupted due to invalid or removed registry entries. It can often cure the problem of lost connections after the removal of Adware components or improper uninstall of firewall applications or other tools that modify the XP network and Winsock settings. If you encounter connection problems after removing network related software, Adware or after registry clean-up; and all other ways fail, then give WinSock XP Fix a try.
PopUp Stoppers
Web Sites with Useful information
These web sites have information that can help people diagnose many common problems on their computers. They also have information that people commonly ask about.
Microsoft Knowledge Base Articles
These articles by Microsoft resolve issues that we often see on this board.
Windows Installation Helpful How To Sites
These sites offer good information on how to install and repair Microsoft Windows.
Registry Cleaners, file shredders, and file recovery
Securely deleting files, recovering deleted files, and cleaning the registry are common issues many people have asked about.
Video conversion and editing
These websites give excellent information about converting video and making DVDs, VCDs, and SVCDs.
Other, Uncategorized Links
Tweak Sites
Spell Checkers
Hosting for images and files
Game Developement
Some Free Photoshop alternatives.
*** It's best to create a restore point BEFORE you d/ld, and wait awhile before d/ld'ing another program in case there is a conflict.
Even with these progs, you have to learn to surf safely, because they won't prevent you from making a mistake.
Try do at least one of the online scans once a week or so. No one antivirus finds everything, so they are a good back-up
If you decide to post at G4:
The best way to post is to put the name of your problem in the title instead of "help", the regulars will skip over "help" posts.
Give as much info as possible; system specs (XP or 98... & if you have antivirus, firewall, etc...) problem & when it started (after a d/l, clicked on a link, visited a webpage, etc....) & what you have already tried.
Please remember to post back on what did/didn't work & thank those that tried to help.
And a little help from our very own GT:
Rogue spyware is a kind of spyware that actually calls itself a spyware remover. Some are simply false positives to force you to buy them, so that it will "remove" the spyware. Actually, all it does is register that you've paid money and stops telling you the false message.
Others actually ADD spyware to your computers.
Everyone, please check through this list and make sure your anti-spyware programs
are legitimate - I'd hate to see any of you scammed or ripped off.
http://www.spywarewarrior.com/rogue_anti-spyware.htm
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