Download problem (I can't)

Will.Power_2

:cool: Please can any of you point me in the right direction to fix these little problems.
I've recently switch to Madasafish broadband, and started using AVG Free anti-virus, plus ZoneAlarm's "12 month trial version" of its firewall/anti-virus/anti-spyware. (This info may or may not be useful in helping identify why I've now got some problems):

a) Whenever I try to do anything on IE that involves adobe pdf or FlashPlayer, IE crashes. Should I remove the existing pdf and Flash programs, and re-download?

This leads to my next problem:
b) Whenever I try to download a new program, I get a message
"C:\Documents and Settings\...\Temporary Internet Files\Content.IE5\(whatever the program is).exe is not a valid Win32 application"
Do I just need to change a setting somewhere?

Finally (and clearly the most important to my quality of life):
c) Why does the MSE website take so long to load. I expected it to be as quick as all the others are now I'm on broadband, and as quick as it is at work, but if anything it's slower now than it was on dial-up…

f1charlie

Are you actually running the anti-virus part of Zonealarm, or just the firewall and anti-spyware?

You should not run two anti-virus packages at the same time. Either run the Zonealarm one, or AVG, but not both.

Tallymanjohn

The MSE slowness is probably down to having 2 antivirus packages. Try reinstalling IE to cure the crashing problem - the method of doing this depends upon which version of Windows you use, put 'reinstall IE' into Google & you'll find loads of info. What sort of files are you tying to download?

Will.Power_2

Thanks Guys, but:
I've turned off the ZoneAlarm's anti-virus, but it made no difference to the speed of MSE loading. There's one other site I use via work (my lad's swimming club) that won't open at all at home.
I didn't really understand the process for re-installing IE, and reluctant to follow a process where I could just make things a lot worse...
I've been trying to download adobe, and OpenOffice.

f1charlie

Assuming that the problems started after installing Zonealarm, it points to the problem being in that area.

You could try installing Firefox to see if you still have the same problems. If not, then perhaps the problem is with IE.

Memetic

The following page lists lots of causes for download problems : http://www.colba.net/~hlebo49/downfile.htm

Good luck!

P.s. Switch toFirefox anyway!!

albertross_2

try uninstalling adobe/flash in control panel, then reinstalling, if you still get the problem with pdfs.. try going into adobe reader, and turn off display in browser. (edit preferences internet in V7)

https://www.ccleaner.com might help, might not.

Some versions of ZA can block mime integrated objects, this can cause funny problems

Will.Power_2

Thanks Guys,
I'll try these options when I get home tonight and report back.
I used to use Deepnet Explorer; any views on this over Firefox?

Will.Power_2

I turned off ZA temporarily (relying on Windows firewall) while I downloaded Firefox.
Firefox has sorted the slow running of MSE and the swim site; now very quick. (Bye bye IE...)
With ZA back on I've downloaded the other two items I wanted with no problem.
The adobe issue hasn't re-appeared so all now seems fine
Thanks v. much for the advice

sdj25

f1charlie wrote:

You should not run two anti-virus packages at the same time. Either run the Zonealarm one, or AVG, but not both.

Really? I've never heard of any problems when running more than one AVirus program. I have never tried it mind, but have never heard of any problems.

Running 2 or more firewalls, yes I've seen problems in this area.

Can you shed any light onto why you shouldn't run more than one AV?

espresso

sdj25 wrote:

Really? I've never heard of any problems when running more than one AVirus program. I have never tried it mind, but have never heard of any problems.

Running 2 or more firewalls, yes I've seen problems in this area.

Can you shed any light onto why you shouldn't run more than one AV?

Because they are likely to conflict and cause the machine to slow right down.

You can run an online anti-virus scan but only one real time active anti-virus should be installed. Likewise there is no point having two software firewalls running but a software firewall along with a hardware firewall in a router is the best option.