[dba-Tech] Not Sure Quite What I'm Dealing With Here - Update 2

Tina Norris Fields tinanfields at torchlake.com
Sat Apr 30 16:04:28 CDT 2011


Ran Spin-Rite at level 4.  Am now reviewing user files and putting them 
away elsewhere.  Getting ready to do the Windows reinstallation.
Grateful for all the guidance.
T

John Bartow wrote:
> Hi Tina,
> At this point I think you should consider backing up any user files and
> reinstalling Windows :o(
>
> John B.
> PS: When you can download Vipre Rescue from here:
> http://live.sunbeltsoftware.com/Download/ copy it to a to a USB memory stick
> and run it. It does not require the windows installer. I recommend you boot
> into safe mode and run it from there. However, it won't fix all the windows
> problems you are having.
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: dba-tech-bounces at databaseadvisors.com
> [mailto:dba-tech-bounces at databaseadvisors.com] On Behalf Of Tina Norris
> Fields
> Sent: Saturday, April 30, 2011 8:56 AM
> To: Discussion of Hardware and Software issues
> Subject: Re: [dba-Tech] Not Sure Quite What I'm Dealing With Here - Update 2
>
> [Continued from Update 1]
>
> Having cleaned out the 54 infected items with MalwareBytes, I went back to
> trying to install Vipre.  Guess what!  Right back to "the Windows installer
> cannot be accessed."
>
> I gave another go to the unregistering and reregistering trick.  No joy.
> Tried another update - back to the houglass followed by nothing!
>
> Found some more information on repairing the windows update agent -
> downloaded WindowsUpdateAgent30-x86.exe from support.microsot.com/KG/946929,
> and following instructions, placed it in the root, then ran it with the
> /wuforce switch.  This did not fix the problem.  Yes, I rebooted - it did
> not fix the problem.
>
> Another bit of advice was to use the WinXP CD, and from the command line run
> sfc /scannow - to verify whether all the protected Windows files are intact
> and in their original versions.  Reboot.  Attempt to install Vipre -
> "installer cannot be accessed."
>
> Next, I booted from the WinXP CD and ran the Repair Install.  After that, I
> tried again to go to Windows Update to bring this fresh installation of
> WinXP SP2 up to date, especially to get SP3 installed.  
> Failed - hourglass, followed by nothing.  I ran WindowsUpdateAgent30-x86.exe
> /wuforce again - it failed with error 0x80070020.  However, not I was able
> to reach the update site, with error 0x8.DDD0007 message that I must restart
> the computer before getting any more updates - turn off and install 5
> updates.
>
> Next, I did a Windows update search for ServicePack 3 - found and downloaded
> the ISO image file xpsp3_5512.080413-2113_usa_x86fre_spcd.iso, with which I
> created my SP3 update CD.  I ran the SP3 update.  It did not complete -
> update.exe extended error code = 0xf200.  Received instruction to run
> dcomcnfg, attempting to verify DCOM security - expand Component Services >
> Computers.  When I attempted to expand the Computers folder, the whole
> Component Services window disappeared.  I repeated that effort enough times
> to note that it happened consistently.  I opened Admin Tools in the Control
> Panel, Computer Management - there is no entry for Local Users & Groups.
>
> I tried the SP3 update CD again.  This time it said it did the job.
>
> But, Windows Installer is still not accessed, so I still cannot re-install
> Vipre.  Clicking Windows Update link still produces an hourglass and nothing
> more.
>
> Tried the hotfix for WindowsXP-KB942288-V3-x86.exe again, after making sure
> it was unblocked.  Reboot.  Try to install Vipre.  Installer cannot be
> accessed.
> Tried the hotfix for WindowsUpdateAgent30-x86.exe /wuforce, after making
> sure it was unblocked.  Install failed with error 0x8007041d.
>
> Going directly to the windows update site, rather than trying to connect
> through the link, I get through the "checking your system for the latest
> software" screen, to the "Express" or "Custom" install screen - where no
> matter which choice I select, I get the message to reset my Internet
> Security options - error 0x800A0046.  I check those settings and they are
> correct - they match exactly what I am instructed to set.  Even if I unset
> them and Apply - and reset them and Apply - with or without IE restarts - I
> get the same message from Windows Update.  The update window acknowledges
> that the computer is set for automatic updates - yet, it will not allow me
> to do any updates.
>
> I've decided to go back to the beginning.  I'm running Spin-Rite on the
> computer right now, at level 4.  Once I get that finished, I'll do another
> Repair Install, followed immediately by an SP3 update, and see what I have
> at that point.  I'll keep you advised.  I'll welcome and appreciate any more
> thoughts you guys have on this. 
>
> Thanks,
> T
>
> John Bartow wrote:
>   
>> Ditto on that
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: dba-tech-bounces at databaseadvisors.com
>> [mailto:dba-tech-bounces at databaseadvisors.com] On Behalf Of Stuart 
>> McLachlan
>> Sent: Thursday, April 28, 2011 4:13 PM
>> To: Discussion of Hardware and Software issues
>> Subject: Re: [dba-Tech] Not Sure Quite What I'm Dealing With Here
>>
>> Better to grab a copy of ProcessExplorer and use that.  I've seen 
>> systems with TaskMgr
>> hijacked that I could still get into with ProcExp.   
>>
>> It tells you al lot more about what is going on.
>>
>> It also lets you suspend a bunch of processes and then close then down 
>> one at a time.  It's the only way to beat those nasties that run 
>> several instances under different names, all of which watch for each 
>> other and restart  any that are shut down.
>>
>> --
>> Stuart
>>
>>   
>>     
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