Full XP re install and SP2

leosayer39

Hi all,

Sometime over the weekend just gone, I had some sort of catastrophic failure of my system. Haven't a clue how it happened, it just did.

I would say at this stage that I had Norton Internet Security installed which was up to date and I also had Adaware, Spybot search and destroy and Microsoft Antispyware installed. These too were also up to date.

I also very frequently updated these systems and scanned my computer at least once every 2 days.

Anyway, as I have said, I couldn't gain access to my system and neither could one of my friends who works within the IT industry and whom is 'well up' on this type of thing.

Luckily most of my stuff had been backed up to CD just after xmas.

I have just used the system restore discs provided with my e machine and reset my computer back to day one.

I am in the process of doing a windows update, and because my computer is just over 2 years old, there is a large number of updates. I am only on dial up (good old Fast 4).

It is going to take an age to fully update my computer!

I would further advise that I have a copy of SP2 on CD which was sent to me by microsoft, last year.

Here is the question

Does the SP2 cd contain all the windows updates which were issued by microsoft before SP2 was released.

If the answer is 'yes' then I assume that I can stop downloading windows updates from the Microsoft website and just install everything on the cd.

If the answer is 'no' then I might as well get as many updates from the microsoft website as it allows and then install SP2 from the CD.

Your advice would be appreciated.

Many thanks

Leo

Browntoa

yes..it includes ALL the updates including SP2, but you will still need to go back and download the security updates since your disk was issued

leosayer39

Hi all,

Hi Browntoa,

I have just pressed your thanks button but would also like to thank you publicly for your very fast reply.

I posted my original question at 7.52pm today and you replied at 7.56pm today.

Many many thanks.

Leo

MrsTinks

further to the above... DO NOT connect to the web again until you have installed your AV software. no mater how out of date! if you do then you are multiplying your chances of getting a virus infection by more than you can imagine

Anyway good luck re-building

leosayer39

Hi all,

Hi tine,

Thanks for your advice, it is much appreciated.

I have already installed Zone Alarm for my firewall and AVG free edition for my anti vurus software.

I have not surfed without them.

Cheers

Leo

djohn2002uk

If you install SP2 and then check for updates there will be in the region of 30 to download. I just did it last week. Also installing SP2 first will give you the XP Firewall to use while getting the updates.

Edit: I notice you have already installed Zone Alarm.

thewizard

tine wrote:

further to the above... DO NOT connect to the web again until you have installed your AV software. no mater how out of date! if you do then you are multiplying your chances of getting a virus infection by more than you can imagine

Anyway good luck re-building

One slight problem with that, some AV software dont like SP2 to be installed on top of it. Install SP2 then your AV software!!!!!

intel

tine wrote:

further to the above... DO NOT connect to the web again until you have installed your AV software. no mater how out of date! if you do then you are multiplying your chances of getting a virus infection by more than you can imagine

Anyway good luck re-building

More importantly Firewall First :beer: :beer: :beer:

Thanks tine :beer:

*!*HIBS*!*

intel wrote:

More importantly Firewall First :beer: :beer: :beer:

I agree! Then set the filters on so they only allow certain traffic in/out. IMO a firewall is your 1st line of defence, as it will actively block/allow certain things to be accessed. Whereas if you have an AV s/w on first then surf, it may probably be too late as it (viruses and spyware etc...) has already entered your system.

However, you say that you're on dial up, therefore the risk is reduced than if you were on broadband. Just make sure you don't have that rogue dialler or else your bills will rocket! :eek:

leosayer39 wrote:

I have just pressed your thanks button but would also like to thank you publicly for your very fast reply.

You don't have to post to publicly show that you thanked somebody, when somebody is thanked the person who them them is shown in the area directly under their post,

The Following User Says Thank You to tine For This Useful Post: Show me >>

By clicking on Show me, everyone can see who has thanked them.

intel

Oh and disable Windows Messenger if you are gonna be a while SP (ing)

leosayer39

Hi all,

Many thanks for all of your replies. I have a couple of questions.

How do I disable windows messenger?
I have never used any chat software, in all of the six years I have been online, and I aint going to start now.

How do I ensure that I don't have a rogue dialler on my new setup?
I have had a look at my network connections and they all appear to have the correct dial up number. There are two connections available to me. One is for Fast4 and one is for Freeserve..
The Fast4 starts with 0808 and the Freeserve connection starts with 0844. I do hope that none of these is a rogue dialler.

I cant install SP2 first, I already have Anti Virus software installed. However at this stage of new setup, if I can't get SP2 to install properly I will format my hard drive and start all over again.

Thank you for all your help

Leo