[Resolved]System Restore not functioning

[parintachin73]

Probably either looking at a forum on pearljam.com or just having read your last set of instructions I may have just rebooted my computer.

[PCBruiser]

Hi, again.  Your system did capture a restore point last night according to FileLister:

RP1: 8/23/2009 9:10:58 PM - System Checkpoint

Check again, please, because it appears to be working.

[parintachin73]

Not working.  Still no dates appear on the calender and when I go to create a point it won't allow me to enter a description.

PS - Gotta head to work, won't be able to follow your next set of instructions until around 6:30pm (EST). And thanks again for your help so far.

[parintachin73]

So, any new ideas?  I'm starting to think a repair with my XP reinstallation disc might be my only option.

[PCBruiser]

Hi,

I am running out of ideas here.  We tried almost everything except ...

Go to Start/Administrative Tools/Services and scan down the list of services.  You should find system restore in that list and it should be set to Automatic and Started.  If not right click on it, choose Properties, and change the settings to Automatic, then start the service, and recheck to see if you can access the calendar, etc.

[parintachin73]

Yeah it's set to Automatic and Started.  Do You think I should just download all of the Service Pack 3 updates, burn them to a disc, and then try an OS sp2 repair?

[PCBruiser]

Hi, yes, and also grab the IE 8 installer as well.  I will give you specific directions on how to do both updates safely in Safe Mode.  We need to do a small registry hack for that to work, but I'll do that after XP SP2 in installed.  I hope it works, because some problems of this type can remain even after an in-place install.  If so, you may need to go to a different method of saving your system - an image backup.  But, we can deal with that once we know if this worked or not.

[parintachin73]

Hey, I repaired XP and installed SP3 and everything seems to be working fine.  System restore is a go!  Thanks for your help.

[PCBruiser]

Hi,

Good news!  Before we finish, we need to delete the tools we used, and all the files/folders they quarantined.

Please download OTCleanIt from one of the following mirrors and save it to your desktop:
• Mirror 1
  
• Mirror A
  
• Double click the icon.
  
• Click the large "Cleanup" button.
• A list of tool components used in the Cleanup of malware will be downloaded.
• Click Yes to begin the Cleanup process and remove these components, including this application.
• You will be asked to reboot the machine to finish the Cleanup process. If you are asked to reboot the machine choose Yes.
• Make sure you have an Internet Connection.
• If you have a firewall that throws out a message that OTMI3 is attempting to contact the Internet that it should be allowed.
• You will be asked to reboot the machine to finish the Cleanup process. If you are asked to reboot the machine choose Yes.

Here are some tips for keeping safe on the Internet.

1.  Always use your AntiVirus and Firewall software.  Update your AntiVirus virus definitions at least once a day.  Scan with it at least once every 2 days.  Check for updates to your Firewall weekly.

2.  Keep using MBAM.  Update the definitions daily and do a quick scan at least once every 2 days.  The free version does not have any real time protection.  If you want extra security, the paid version offers real time protection plus automatic definition updates.

3.  Download and use SpywareBlaster from Javacool. 

4.  Download and use Spybot S&D.  Do not install or use the TeaTimer feature, it can conflict with other security software. 

5.  Use an alternative browser rather than IE.  Two excellent and well tested free ones are Firefox and Opera.  If you use Firefox, make sure to install the AdBlock Plus and NoScript extensions.    WOT ("Web of Trust") is another site evaluation program similar to SiteSdvisor, so it is a good second opinion as to the safety of sites you may visit.  You will find these extensions and hundreds more on the Firefox site.

6.  Download and use McAfee SiteAdvisor.  SiteAdvisor does not work with Opera. 

7.  Always keep your Java version up to date.  Check regularly for updates to Java HERE.

8.  Regularly check the Calendar of Updates for updates to your security software. 

9.  Please read and follow the recommendations in this article.  So how did I get infected in the first place?

10.  Fortunately, not all computer slowdowns and other problems are the result of malware.  Defragmenting, cleaning browser caches, emptying temp folders and other procedures can often speed performance dramatically.  An excellent guide and some additional tools to accomplish these tasks can be found at Slow Computer May Not Be Malware Related.

11.  Always do backups.  For more information on designing a good backup strategy for your system, please see this LINK.

12.  Never use P2P programs or download any software or other files from P2P.  Most of those files are hopelessly infected with malware, are intended to do harm, and will kill your system.  Continuing to use P2P for any purpose in today's environment is a major mistake.

Following these recommendations will help to prevent future malware infestations, and keep your system running in good shape.