Hi cwong668
hi,
what happen after i remove the windows xp sp2 from the computer?
will the computer operate with windows xp sp1 version?
then i could reinstall windows xp sp2?
will this change affect the programs already installed within the
computer?
please advise.
No, uninstalling SP2 if done properly should not change the way the programs
work, but, you should do a thorough scan of your system before you reinstall
the SP2 to be sure there's no scumware on the system. SP2 will expose any
hidden scumware on the machine, thus, some things that may have worked fine
before will not work well. Therefore, the best way to avoid such problems
is to be sure you properly prepare your system before installing SP2. Here
is some very good information on how to prepare your system to install SP2,
what to look for, what may change and why. You should read through them and
see what may need to be done to allow SP2 to work as it should on your
system.
Below the information links here I have also provided procedures and
programs needed for scanning your system to make sure all hidden scumware
and pests are properly cleaned. You should do this before reinstalling the
SP2.
Due to security settings and some 3rd-party programs you may have installed,
you may need to do a bit more fine tuning after SP2 is installed. If so,
just post back the problems you have here and we'll get you through them.
What to Know Before You Download and Install Windows XP Service Pack 2
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/sp2/sp2_whattoknow.mspx
Browsing Security Enhancements
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechnol/winxppro/maintain/sp2brows.mspx
Application Compatibility Testing and Mitigation Guide for Windows XP
Service Pack 2 (SP2)
Mitigating Application Compatibility - Courtesy of Ramesh MS MVP
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechnol/winxppro/deploy/appcom/apcmitig.mspx
Allow certain pop-ups after SP2 install
Be sure to do the following before installing SP2 to make sure your system
is free of any scumware. Read through the steps before starting to be sure
you understand. You may want to print them out to have at hand while going
through the procedures:
In addition to updating and running your AV, download, install and run the
programs below in Safe Mode with Hidden Files enabled. This will remove
the nasty you have and any others it may have let in the back door. Some
malware can replicate itself repeatedly if not removed properly, so run them
again according to the information below so that Windows is not operating to
hide any files 'in use' Follow all instructions very carefully:
First, Clear the TIF's and empty the recycle bin:
http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/delcache.htm
Also…empty your Recycle bin.
Then do the following:
WARNING>>>> Backup all documents and files before removing any spyware!!
How to properly scan for scumware (read first, if possible)
http://aumha.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=5878
Download and install BHODemon from
http://www.definitivesolutions.com/bhodemon.htm
Your problem may be caused by a bad BHO.
Most importantly, download install and run CWShredder here
http://www.majorgeeks.com/download3019.html
and About Buster, which searches for hidden .dlls that recreate the malware.
http://www.majorgeeks.com/download4289.html
Then visit these two sites to test for parasites and help basic cleaning:
On-Line Check
http://aumha.org/a/noads.htm
and
Quick-Fix Protocol.
http://aumha.org/a/quickfix.php
Basically, throw everything here at your "infection".
Then download, install and immediately update these three programs before
running:
AdAware SE - Update immediately after installing
http://www.download.com/3000-2144-10045910.html?part=69274&subj=dlpage&tag=button
AdAware Tutorial -
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/index.php?showtutorial=48
SpyBot S &D - Update immediately after installing
http://www.majorgeeks.com/download2471.html
SpyBot S&D Tutorial -
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/index.php?showtutorial=43
Microsoft Windows Antispyware Program (Beta)
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware/software/default.mspx
Also download, install and run CWShredder:
http://www.majorgeeks.com/downloadget.php?id=3019&file=11&evp=9e0433de9f8fd8e137fd6b3ff02edc90
Next, do an Online scan here (if possible) -
http://www.pandasoftware.com/activescan/com/activescan_principal.htm
Make sure that you choose "fix" or "clean".
Download PocketKkillbox from
http://www.thespykiller.co.uk/files/killbox.exe
and put it on the desktop where you can find it easily, then run it.
Download, install, and run HiJackThis - it is one of the most important
tools to help clean your system of scumware. Follow the instructions
carefully.
Be sure that you post your scan log to the forums listed below, it is
important to allow the experts to check it and recommend any necessary
deletions to prevent removing vital files in error.
How to download and install HiJackThis: (it does not need to be updated)
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/topict309.html
Please DO NOT post your log to this newsgroup. It is important that you go
to one of the HiJackThis Support Forums below and allow the experts there
to analyze it for you.
AumHa HiJackThis Forum
http://forum.aumha.org/viewforum.php?f=30
or Bleeping Computer Forum
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/forum22.html
to allow the experts there to evaluate your log and advise you of any
necessary steps to clean your system.
(Note: You will have to Register before posting on these Forums. Please
follow all posting instructions carefully to avoid having your log deleted
or ignored.)
Also, please post a link to the forum where you post your HJT log back to
this thread so that we can follow your progress there.
CAUTION!!!!! Before you try to remove spyware using any of the programs
below, download a copy of LSPFIX from any of the following sites:
http://www.cexx.org/lspfix.htm
http://www.spychecker.com/program/winsockxpfix.html
(if your OS is Win2k or XP) The process of removing certain malware may kill
your internet connection. If this should occur, this program, LSPFIX, will
enable you to regain your connection.
You should also get a copy of WINSOCKXPFIX available at:
http://www.spychecker.com/program/winsockxpfix.html
and
WinsockXP Fix- WinXP
http://www.spychecker.com/program/winsockxpfix.html
with instructions, at
http://www.iup.edu/house/resnet/winfix.shtm
also... From LavaSoft- all versions of Windows-
http://digital-solutions.co.uk/lavasoft/whndnfix.zip
(NOTE: It is reported that in XP SP2, the command netsh winsock reset
will fix this problem without the need for these programs.)
or Winsock Fix Utility
http://www.dfwonline.net/files/WinsockFix.zip
How to Restart in Safe Mode
http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT/tsgeninfo.nsf/docid/2001052409420406
How to Show Hidden Files
http://snipurl.com/6rl8
Hope this helps
Jan
MS MVP - IE/OE
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