[123deamail]

Hi, I am having problems downloading most updates - eg. I get this when trying to update SpyBot "Error retrieving update info file"; this when I try to update AdAware "Connection Error Check you settings"; SAS is similar.

Windows update page doesn't even load (nothing happens typing this into browser): http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com/ - typing this into the browser does nothing, page stays on google homepage. Typing in (or following link for) www.windowsupdate.com/ takes me to "Google error - (404 Not found) The requested URL /windowsupdate/v6/thanks.aspx?ln=en&&thankspage=5 was not found on this server".

Avast updates fine, Firefox updates fine (they do it automatically). I have only added Ad-Aware & SAS recently just to see if they picked up any other problems, however, due to not being able to get any updates its kinda pointless.

All started actually a few months ago when I noticed AVG updates would not load (think it said it couldn't connect). I thought it was AVG, so replaced it with Avast, which seems to work fine.

Later, I could never download the new security updates for Windows & IE - so have stopped using IE (use Firefox now...Like it better anyway!)

Have Windows automatic updates turned on, but never get notification of any new updates (haven't had any for months)

Can't download anything manually (as directed by other forums) - usually webpages will either not load, error saying page not found, or I get errors saying can't connect or error recieving, or nothing happens.

Basicaly, something seems to have effected anything to do with Anti-Virus, Spyware, security updates, etc.

I know I've had alot of Adware recently, but not much else is getting picked up during scans.

FYI - I'm running XP.

[perfume]

123deamail,
Directing too many posts in this forum to the malware section has become frequent,where you have to post a log of HijackThis! You are having serious trouble and my finger points to Malware section(Hate to say it)

[123deamail]

downloaded & ran SAS.

SAS found & fixed Trojan.DNSChanger-Codec, Trojan.DNS-Changer (Hi-Jacked DNS)

Easy.

[terrytrue]

I am having similar problems. What is SAS?

[perfume]

Dear terrytrue,
Even i hate abbreviations,sorry for the inconvenience SAS Abb. must have caused you! Super Anti Spyware( SAS ) is an excellent top of the line anti-spyware programs as of now! It is available both as a freeware and the Pro (Bought) version. You can download this software from:http://www.superantispyware.com/ .The money i spent to buy SAS Pro was worth it's weight in GOLD! Pro version has real-time function and that's a real cool feature to have!Daily updates and it's a SINGLE LIFE-TIME PAYMENT! Go for it mate!

[perfume]

Just to add two more points. 1)it is always a safe bet to have two anti spyware programs, and 2) SAS is highly rated and recommended in this site.

[terrytrue]

Thanks heaps. I'll give it a go

[123deamail]

Hi, I only downloaded the free version of SuperAnti Spyware & it fixed my problems for now. Try that first before trying the paid version. At the moment I run SAS, Avast, Spybot & Ad-Aware with no further problems yet. NOTE that Avast never picked up an trojans on my computer, while SAS - without being able to download the latest updates for it, was able to find all the adware & trojans.

[Cookiegal]

The General Security forum is only for general questions regarding security software and things of that nature but not for actually removing malware as we have qualified helpers who are the only members who are authorized to assist with those matters. You can easily identify them as they have either a gold or blue shield beside their usernames. Please refer to this excerpt from the rules:

Log Analysis/Malware Removal - In order to ensure that advice given to users is consistent and of the highest quality, those who wish to assist with security related matters must first graduate from one of the malware boot camp training universities or be approved by the administration as already being qualified. Those authorized to help with malware issues have a gold shield next to their name and authorized malware removal trainees have a blue shield next to their names. Anyone wishing to participate in a training program should contact a Moderator for more information.

I'm going to close this thread and ask you to repost in the Malware Removal & HijackThis Logs forum for the proper assistance.