REAL PROBLEM 10-1: Cleaning Your System of Malware

I, as you know, have a new computer for this class. I have Norton and ran it for this assignment and came up with no infections. I also went to the Malicious Software Removal Tool from Microsoft: http://www.microsoft.com/security/malwareremove/default.mspx - please note this takes roughly 45 minutes.

If something had come about I would then check to see if there were any start up errors. If there were I would go into the MSconfig and see if the Dll is launched. I could then go and delete this fine using the CMD and delete the file. Also make sure my recycle bin is emptied. I would then purge restore points and clean the registry.

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REAL PROBLEM 9-1: FIREWALLING YOUR HOME NETWORK

The solution here is to purchase a Wireless Router with the built in firewall protection. I would recommend that the wireless router (roughly $50) be installed to the cable modem. The two computers can be connected to the router (most can hold up to 4 additional users by patch cables). This would eliminate the need for a host computer.

Configuring the software and firewall with the router is the key to success with intrusions. This will also take care of the daughter and her laptop needs. Most laptops now have built in wireless connection, but USB or network adapters (recommend the same brand as the router for success!) for roughly $40. So for under $100 you can have everything needed to have a secure internet connection - without any additional software or mess.

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BLOG: Installing Windows 9x/Me

I do not have access to install Windows 9x/Me to any computer nor do I currently have the software to perform the task involved. However, I have found the following link:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/221829

This supports questions and answers regarding a clean install of Windows 98 including the following:

SUMMARY

MORE INFORMATION

Determine Which Product to Use

Minimum Hardware Requirements to Install Windows 98

System Updates, Device Drivers, and Other Considerations

CMOS Antivirus Utility

Drive Overlay Software

System Updates and Device Drivers

Real-Mode CD-ROM Support

How to Prepare the Hard Disk for the Windows 98 Installation Procedure

How to Partition the Hard Disk

How to Install Windows 98

REFERENCES

This is directly from Microsoft, for a clean install with no operating system.

In regards to expected problems and solutions and technical questions, I found this link to be productive: http://www.microsoft.com/communities/newsgroups/ and then doing a search for 98 installation.

I also found more information at http://support.microsoft.com/?scid=ph;en-us;1139 which is the solution center which gives much more information

Non Microsoft I found one exceptionally good site that gives step by step advice on upgrading:
http://www.dansdata.com/sbs30.htm

Other sites:
http://www.duxcw.com/digest/Howto/software/windows/upgrade/intro.htm
http://www.informationweek.com/news/windows/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=14700253
http://www.windowsreinstall.com/

In regards to time to install, I would block out an entire afternoon to get everything working properly, 2 hours minimum!

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Real Problem 6-1 Using Batch Files

Your friend, Dennis, has asked for your help writing a batch file. He keeps a word document on his Windows XP desktop named MyList.doc, which is a list of things to do. He wants another icon on the desktop that represents a batch file with a single command in the file. The purpose of the batch file is to put a copy of his to-do list document in this location: c:\data\mylist.doc Do the Following:

1. On your desktop, create a word document file named MyList.doc. What is the path to this file? c:\mylist.doc

2. Create a folder named C:\Data

3. Use Notepad to create a batch file with a single copy command, and store the batch file on your desktop. c:\mylist.doc

4. After you have tested the batch file, print its contents. What is the path to your batch file? c:\documents and settings\legaltemp\desktop\mylist.doc

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Real Problem 5-1 Problems Starting Windows XP

Tim, a coworker who uses many different applications on his Windows XP system, complains to you that his system is very slow starting up and responding when he loads and unloads applications. You suspect the system is loading too many services and programs during startup that are sucking up system resources. Write down at least 10 things you should do or try, as discussed in the chapter to speed up a sluggish Windows XP installation.up processes and eliminate the unnecessary ones? If you have access to a Windows

1. The very first step I would do is question the user - what is happening, what were you doing, what was the error message. The very next step is to ask him if there are any items that need to be backed up, and if necessary get the files from going into Safe Mode! Then I would see if I can get the error to occur for me. Extract as much information from the user, including error messages. Checking Task Manager is also a main one to check right off for information!

2. The second step I would probably do is to determine if it is Software or Hardware related. If it is hardware, check the simple items, checking cables, and switches. If I think it is Software, I would try booting from the Last Known Good Configuration from the Advanced Options (F8 when Windows is loading.)

3. If I can load windows, but is it sluggish, suspect a virus! Run antivirus from the Safe Mode and run the software.

4. If the system has been changed recently, check the installation using Device Manager to disable or uninstall the device. If this solves the problem then try updated drivers for the device.

5. If you know that a new application or utility program has been installed, uninstall the software, reboot and see if the problem goes away. If it does then reinstall the software and check the manufacturers website and download any updates.

6. There is a possibility that the hard drive might be full or the file system is corrupted. Try using Disk Cleanup to clean up and delete unwanted files. Using Defrag and Chkdsk to optimize and repair the drive. If the system is slow while trying to do this - go into Safe Mode.

7. There is also a possibility of unknown software bogging down the system. Again going into Safe Mode and run the up to date antivirus and re-run it to make sure its all gone. Add or remove any unwanted software from the Control Panel will also assist. Checking all the folders that contain start up entries and move or delete any start up programs and scripts (including fonts) that might bog it down. Also using the Services Console to permanently disable any services that might be causing a problem.

8. The possibility of some of the Windows system files are missing or corrupt will interfere with your performance. Using the System File Checker utility will work or Recovery Console.

9.If I have the NTbackup I can use this to restore to the system state as well.

10. If nothing really works, try the Recovery console and do a Automated System Recovery to the last ASR back up. If this does not work, a clean install.

Obviously, the simpler the fix the better for the system!

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Real Problem 4.1: Corrupted Windows Installation

As a PC support technician for a small organization, it’s your job to support the PCs, the small network, and the users. One of your coworkers, Jason, comes to you in a panic. His Windows XP system won’t boot, and he has lots of important data files in several locations on the drive. He has no idea in which folder some of the files are located. Besides the applications data on which he’s currently working, he’s especially concerned about losing e-mail addresses, e-mail, and his Internet Explorer Favorites links.

After trying everything you know about recovering Windows XP, you conclude the OS is corrupted beyond repair. Based on what you have learned in this and previous chapters, list the steps you would take to reinstall Windows XP and recover all the data that Jason needs.

Since Jason is on a domain network that works on a Server his information is saved on the server. If his Windows XP is corrupt beyond repair all he needs to do is have him log in on another computer and he will have all his information. Should any items be on the C drive – just repair off of back ups. As a PC tech a clean re-install of the computer and put him back on the system.

I would also make a floppy of his password for him just in case he forgets his password and then also put him on a schedule for back up and on a regular schedule – including his personal files and keep a log as to items he saves on the C drive.

Using a back up system such as Norton Ghost which “copies” your hard drive and saves time and money.

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REAL PROBLEM 3-1: Problems Starting Windows XP

Tim, a coworker who uses many different applications on his Windows XP system, complains to you that his system is very slow starting up and responding when he loads and unloads applications. You suspect the system is loading too many services and programs during startup that are sucking up system resources. What do you do to check for startup processes and eliminate the unnecessary ones?

This is a very frustrating situation as all of us have experienced. Any Windows environment needs to be configured for optimum performance.

For me the first step would be to shut down the computer and do a hard start. Once the computer has finished its system checks and is ready to start up, I would bring up the Task Manager. I would go then to Applications and confirm that nothing was running and then proceed to Processes tab. Knowing the bare-bones that this company should be running, I would begin inspecting and see what is running that should not be running, and either take notes or do a print screen. Investigate the process and then proceed to Services Console (RUN: Services.msc). Find the applications in question that are not required to be running and either disable start up or make them disabled, depending on the program. A reboot and check the process again to see if it was all running correctly.


Write down at least 10 things you should do or try that were discussed in the chapter to speed up a sluggish Windows XP installation.

1. Back up the system’s state before making any changes, just incase. Make sure that Windows is up to date on its downloads. This can repair fixes that could slow down a computer.
2. Check the Task Manager “Processes” for the processes that are running when no programs are running. Please refer to the first part of this answer.
3. Remove any and all unwanted items using the uninstall feature (not just deleting the shortcut!) Either by using the add/remove function or through deleting program files.
4. Only when you HAVE NO CHOICE go and delete registry entries, just make sure to back up the uninstall key incase you need to backtrack.
5. Check possible malicious software with Support.microsoft.com and see if this process is legitimate, and follow up with a Google search. Always do this before “stopping the process” following this up with malicious third party software (including antivirus software) and checking your firewall.
6. Refer to the Performance tab and identify which applications and processes use the most of the CPU. This will also show you the amount of Ram being used and the virtual memory. This can also show if you need to upgrade the computer. Checking and adjusting the performance options as necessary can change the memory settings and page file sizes can also assist with speed.
7. Within the Task Manager you can set priority of the processes and see if by changing the priority level this way if your performance is affected.
8. Trouble shoot using MSCONFIG (Run: msconfig.exe) to diagnose startup issues before making permanent fixes to the computer.
9. Use a third party software utility to diagnose problems.
10. Go straight to the services console and control Windows and all third party services installed. Reconfigure the Startup type manual status to have only the necessary items start up.

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