How to solve this problem?

[Me2]

I turned on my computer and it seemed fine slow (from lack of very much ram) but ok. After a minute or two it told me that my norton firewall had been turned off. And when I tried to turn on the firewall it told me it failed to complete the task then it froze. I know the freezing and slowness could be from the lack of much ram but what about norton shutting off the firewall by itself?

[RealBlackStuff]

What computer/laptop are you talking about?

In my books, any computer/laptop will run better once you completely remove the Symantec crap.

[jdhurst]

If there is too little ram for XP, some things and services won't start. I spent some time on an Adobe problem that went away when I added ram to the particular computer. Start there before you rip things apart. Symantec works for some people and not others, so you need to make an indpendent decision on that one. ... JDH

[Me2]

It's an r61e.

[killer]

How much RAM is there on the R61e?

[RealBlackStuff]

R61i can accommodate up to 4GB, with 3GB (or a little over) usable.
If you run 512MB or more, you shouldn't have the problems you are describing.
Besides, any program that shuts off a firewall, does not belong on your machine, regardless of software maker...

[Me2]

That's part of the problem, I really don't know what caused the firewall to shut off but I was planning on getting more ram. I suspect part of the problem has to do with how many processes are running. Pretty much any time I open the task manager there are about 70-80 processes listed under the processes tab. I don't know which ones can safely be stopped and/or prevented from starting each time I start up windows.

[RealBlackStuff]

Read this: http://www.blackviper.com/WinXP/servicecfg.htm

[ausmike]

...the problem, I really don't know what caused the firewall to shut off ......... I open the task manager there are about 70-80 processes listed under the processes tab. I don't know which ones can safely be stopped and/or prevented from starting each time I start up windows.

Me2.... and SURE you would have NOTED THAT lots of services you CANNOT CHANGE paramaters (stop then even!) ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

I HAVE SEEN THIS "problem' of yours on few laptops that in particular have the XP PRO & older NORTONS / SYMEN virus packages

YOU CANNOT , would NOT BE ABLE to fix (its a virus - it added a COM+EventService) it any other way - except - to REINSTALL THE OS.

Your R61 should have a 'hidden partition' from which you can reinstall the WINDOWS XP to 'factory settings'. However you would need to reinstall any other apps like Office etc after you do the REINSTALL. (my recommendations is to not save any part of HARD DRIVE, as the "xp-virus" might/would come back!!). In my experiance; unless you are a HARDCORE windows expert; it be very hard for u to fix that - lots lots easier to REINSTALL via Thinkpad Recovery partition.

Let me know if you need anymore help...

Good luck

[Temetka]

Read this: http://www.blackviper.com/WinXP/servicecfg.htm

How to tweak Windows XP in 2 easy steps:

1. Install Windows

2. Leave it alone.

[ausmike]

>>>xp .............LOL !!!

good one !!

[GrandMasterKhan]

you need to find something better than symantec bloatware.

[Me2]

Ausmike.... I have lots of files (music, documents) saved to an external hard drive. If I was to put these on the computer after reinstalling windows would the virus come back?

[goofyGAguy]

Scan them with an antivirus and anti-spyware program before you put them back on your system.

[ausmike]

hi Me2...

it 'might' (read as definatly will if u dont know how to rid of this virus)[/i]come back .... sorry to tell you this! I am sure you are no different to rest of us who stores' heaps of media files (pictures movies etc) on SPARE EXTERNAL DRIVES!....
This "xp virus' is usually hard coded any ".avi' or ".mpg' files - which GENERALLY most people use <crappy> Windows Media Player (WMP)!!
Since MS 'allows' & continues to have any user the ability to HARD CODE VB scripts INSIDE these files ..... AND WORST STILL is the fact that NONE of the commercial virus software mfg's ever bother to 'scan' any of the MEDIA FILES......
I am fairly certain that you WILL GET this 'xp virus' back @!@.
Sicne am very sure that you have no way of "locking" and or stop this scripts ability to ADD SERVICES and or ADD REGISTRY entries to match - it will be rather UN-TOUCHABLE !!!
.............but I can suggest you do these steps:

a) FORMAT your hard drive - make note of any software LISC keys etc
b) Install fresh OS ( from recovery CDs) i suggest not even use the recovery partition items...
d) ONCE the OS is installed , activeted > ADD all UPDATES and SERVICE PACKS from MS website ( i would even bother with installing virus software at this stage - as long as YOU DONT go to anyother website !!)
e) AFTER you have install all SP and Updates , I would HIGHLY recommand taking a SNAPSHOT of hard drive via a FULL BACKUP and or do COPY of WHOLE HARD DRIVE to another HARD DRIVE(called HD CLONE =best thing)
f) Install a VIRUS software > these days ISP (eg Comcast, Verizon Bellsth etc) give you free VIRUS SOFTWARE ,,,, install those = best best solution for free...
( if not PM me I would send u a link for suggest freeware)
g) now ,,, I would suggest ,,,, NEVER USE WMP !!!
but install this .....((bestest media player /steamer around)) and its free !!
http://www.videolan.org/vlc/
Any (media files , even HD or BLUERAY ) this media player will EASILY PLAY !!!
H) i would still not play any files from external HD ,,, without scanning with the LATEST NORTONS or Mcafee etc ,,, do no use the OLDER versions from recovery CD;s..but nuy newer latest versions !


hope this helps ,,,,

Cheers

[Me2]

I went ahead and restored to the factory state using the option when you press the thinkvantage button when you first turn on the computer. My wireless connection says the signal strength is excellent but it has limited or no connectivity.

[ausmike]

Hi Me2 ....

Congrats > now u have as shipped factory settings....
After updating the XP to all the MS UPDATES ....including SP3..you might want to update these :

A) BIOS :
http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... MOE-3VAM8Y

B) Rest of Drivers ( via Lenovo website)

http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... idate=true

Cheers ,,,,