You should be safe.  If you feel unsure you can check your system online at:  

http://security.symantec.com/sscv6/default.asp?langid=ie&venid=sym

Thank You,

I would suggest trying these processes: http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/topic95405.html

If this exists on your computer, there is a possibility that there are other spyware/malware issues on your system as well.

I would highly suggest that it be looked at by an expert as you may remove one symptom and still have problems.

There also may be a chance that there are so many hidden problems that it are sometimes best to backup your data

And then do a fresh install of Windows to have a clean start.  Always keep a current backup copy of your important data on another media.

You can bring it to any of our three O’ahu locations:  http://www.supergeeks.net/contact/

CLIENT WRITES:
I can't open secured pages.  I can't even get Internet Explorer to work ever since Internet Explorer 7 was automatically downloaded to my laptop.  I've been using my sisters laptop like forever.

SUPERGEEKS' ANSWER:

Sounds like the Internet Explorer is damaged. 

IE7 can be downloaded and reinstalled here:

Another alternative would be to use a different (safer) web browser like Mozilla FireFox;

Which is available for download here:

Note: It could also be caused by an underlying Spyware/Malware issue.

This would be best taken care of by an expert.  Bring it to any of our SuperGeeks locations

And we will fix it for you and install software to protect your computer in the future.

http://www.supergeeks.net/contact/

You can even call us at 942-0773 and we can schedule a Geek to come to you.

I am a Lahaina resident.

The drive that failed is a Seagate ST3400832A   400gig 7200rpm IDE drive formatted in ReiserFS and inside a NAS enclosure made by SimpleTech.

Do you have experience recovering data from ReiserFS file formats?

Do you do this in a clean room environment?

Will the files recovered retain the same file names?

Onsite service/pickup?

 The drive is easy to remove from the small NAS enclosure, do you prefer it removed or shipped within the enclosure (your info page suggests you prefer it removed and covered in foil)?

 If you want it shipped inside the NAS enclosure do you want the AC to DC power adapter for the NAS shipped as well?

 I do not recall to what extent the 400gig drive was full.  I have purchased a Western Digital USB/Firewire 500gig drive to send along for data.  I use Windows XP, not Linux.

 What would be the cost for this recovery?

 The drive does not spin up and makes light ticking noises like a clock.  I have powered it down.

 I am a bit of a geek myself, but not super enough to get this drive to spin up.

 I appreciate your responses to my inquiries.

 Mahalo,

Steve

SUPERGEEKS ANSWER:

Hi Steve,

It sounds like there may be a hardware failure inside the drive, recovery would require direct access to the drive platters.  Unfortunately we do not offer clean room services at our facilities, but our partners at DriveSavers can help you to restore your data.  You can get an estimate here:  http://www.drivesavers.com/services/estimates.html .  I am guessing by the size of the drive (400G, the non-standard format, and the fact that there is an internal malfunction it will be quite expensive ($1000+).  Contact them for a more accurate estimate of pricing and timeframe.  They are located in Navato California, so the drive would have to be shipped there.  They are very customer service minded and very helpful in these situations.

TIP:  If you give them this SuperGeeks reference number: DS11601 they will give you discounted pricing. 

We turned off the computer then when the computer was turned back on, there was no power, no lights.  However the monitor does come on.

Not running XP, system very old  Purchaed approximately 1993. Second to getting the system up and running, my main concern is the data on the disc (word perfect) and cannot be transferred to my new computer. 

System is dos as I had not ever planned to go on internet with it and have a new computer for that.

Some material on the a drive and some on the c drive of the "off" computer is vital to me.

SUPERGEEKS ANSWER:

A command prompt (DOS) environment can be achieved with a Windows XP computer by creating a Boot Floppy.

Here is how:

Creating a Windows XP boot disk (MS-DOS bootable diskette)

When formatting a floppy diskette, users have the option of creating a MS-DOS startup disk, follow the below steps to do this.

1.      Place diskette in the computer.

2.      Open My Computer, right click the A: drive and click Format.

3.      In the Format window, check Create an MS-DOS startup disk.

4.      Click Start

Now reboot the computer and boot off of the XP boot disk you have just created.

I spoke to Microsoft this morning for like 3 hours + on an error they could not fix.  Have you ever seen Visual C++ Library error on Windows XP Pro, it states Program E: \server setup.exe

This application has requested the runtime to terminate it in an unusual way. Please contact the application support team.

I can not install this MIP Fund Accounting Sage Software, I can not even open this CD to try to launch it.  But, I can use the same CD on another laptop and it will install ok.  Not to mention that I am able to install other software applications onto my laptop.

Microsoft even tried to fix it with a hot fix, but that did not work.  I just wondered if you saw this before with any other clients.  Apparently it is listed on Microsoft’s site, but the fixes did not work.

SUPERGEEKS ANSWER:

I would say that there maybe other variables on the computer that could be causing the problem.  It probably would be difficult to remedy over the phone, hence the long fruitless conversation with Microsoft.   It would be best if we could take a look at the computer in person, that way we can see what other factor may be involved with this issue.  There are so many programs, security features, and possibly viruses or spyware which could be causing the error.   It could even possibly be that the CD drive in that computer went bad.

You can bring it to any one of our locations:  http://www.supergeeks.net/contact/ or we can even come to you for an onsite service by calling 942-0773 to schedule one.  We will be happy to assist you in resolving this issue.   Be sure to bring the software installation disk as well as any serial numbers that may be necessary to install the software.