[lucille123]

I just tried hooking it up through my ethernet connection, but didn't have any luck connecting. Also I get this weird message about the possibility of my battery not charging, but I don't have my battery hooked up. That probably doesn't mean anything though.....

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Hi.

What is the make and model of your system?

[Nedklaw]

Hi.

What is the make and model of your system?

[lucille123]

Sorry I should have mentioned that before-It's a Dell Latitude D531.

[Nedklaw]

Hi.

Download the latest networking driver for your laptop here.
The one you want is the fifth one down in the Networking section.

After downloading the driver, does your network connection work?

[lucille123]

For some crazy reason I can't pull up the link. I googled drivers for the latitude model and downloaded R242906, but it won't install. It says something about inserting a second disk. I am going to keep trying the link. Maybe their server is down.

[Nedklaw]

Hello!
You can start a new topic in the forum here and see if one of the Techs could solve your connection problem.


Please follow the steps below to make your computer more secure.


Updates

Windows Update - This site is a Microsoft site that will scan your computer for any patches or updates that are missing from your computer. You should check this website regularly to keep windows up to date. This will ensure your computer has all of the latest security updates installed on your computer and is secure from any known security holes. Windows Updates are constantly being revised to combat the newest hacks and threats.
It is best if you have these set to download automatically.

How to turn on Automatic Updates:

• Click on Start.
• Right-click My Computer.
• Select Properties.
• Click on the Automatic Updates Tab.
• Place a checkmark in the circle next to Automatic (recommended) near the green shield.
• Click Apply > OK.

Internet Explorer 8 - I recommend you upgrade to Internet Explorer 8. This version provides security fixes which make your computer less vunerable to malware attacks. This version also includes enhanced features which can make your web browsing a more enjoyable experience.



Adobe Reader - Your version of Adobe Reader is outdated. It's important to keep Adobe Reader updated because many security problems are fixed with updates.

How to check for Adobe Reader updates:

• Open Adobe Reader.
• On the menu bar click on Help then Check For Updates.
• The program will then tell you if updates are available.

Make sure you have the latest Adobe Flash Player (11.0.1.152) and Adobe Shockwave Player (11.6.1.629) so you can view all of the latest content on websites.


Make Internet Explorer more secure

• Click Start > Run.
• Type Inetcpl.cpl & click OK.
• Click on the Security tab.
• Click Reset all zones to default level.
• Make sure the Internet Zone is selected & Click Custom level.
• In the ActiveX section, set the first two options ("Download signed and unsigned ActiveX controls) to "Prompt", and ("Initialize and Script ActiveX controls not marked as safe") to "Disable".
• Next Click OK, then Apply button and then OK to exit the Internet Properties page.

Recommended Programs

Make sure you update your security programs regularly so they know about new infections so they can protect your computer against them.
Here are a list of programs/tools that I like to recommend to users to reduce the risk of infection in the future:


Anti-Spyware Programs

MBAM - MalwareBytes Anti Malware is an excellent tool program to detect and get rid of malware. This program should be updated and run often.

SpywareBlaster - Prevents spyware from installing on your system and stops you from getting infected It protects against bad ActiveX and immunizes your PC against them.

SpywareGuard - Works as a Spyware "Shield" to protect your computer from getting malware in the first place. It offers realtime protection from spyware installation attempts.
Note: Make sure you are only running one real-time anti-spyware protection program (eg: TeaTimer, Windows Defender) or there will be a conflict.


Alternate Browsers

Please consider using an alternate browser. Mozilla's Firefox browser is fantastic; it is much more secure than Internet Explorer, immune to almost all known browser hijackers, and also has the best built-in pop up blocker (as an added benefit!) that I have ever seen. Hijackers like to attack Internet Explorer more than FireFox. If you are interested, Firefox may be downloaded from here.

Add-ons

NoScript - Blocks ads and other potential website attacks.

AdBlockPlus - Adblock Plus gets rid of ads and banners on the internet.

DrWeb Anti-Virus Link Checker - Allows you to check any file you are about to download, any page you are about to visit with online version of Dr.Web anti-virus.

Other browsers include:

Google Chrome
Safari
Opera


Other Programs

WOT, Web of Trust, warns you about risky websites that try to scam visitors, deliver malware or send spam. Protect your computer against online threats by using WOT as your front-line layer of protection when browsing or searching in unfamiliar territory. WOT's color-coded icons show you ratings for 21 million websites, helping you avoid the dangerous sites:
Green to go.
Yellow for caution.
Red to stop.
WOT has an addon available for both Firefox and IE.


ERUNT (Emergency Recovery Utility NT) allows you to keep a complete backup of your registry and restore it when needed. The standard registry backup options that come with Windows back up most of the registry but not all of it. ERUNT however creates a complete backup set, including the Security hive and user related sections. ERUNT is easy to use and since it creates a full backup, there are no options or choices other than to select the location of the backup files. The backup set includes a small executable that will launch the registry restore if needed.


IE-SpyAd - Puts over 5000 sites in your restricted zone so you'll be protected when you visit innocent-looking sites that aren't actually innocent at all. It prevents Cookies etc from downloading, from these websites, onto your computer.


MVPS Hosts File replaces your current HOSTS file with one containing well known ad sites and other bad sites. Basically, this prevents your computer from connecting to those sites by redirecting them to 127.0.0.1 which is your local computer, meaning it will be difficult to infect yourself in the future.


FileHippo Update Checker is an extremely helpful program that will tell you which of your programs need to be updated. Its important to keep programs up to date so that malware doesn't exploit any old security flaws.


Google Toolbar - Get the free google toolbar to help stop pop ups.


Finally...

Keep a backup of your important files - Now, more than ever, it's especially important to protect your digital files and memories. This article is full of good information on alternatives for home backup solutions.

To learn more about how to protect yourself while on the internet read this article by Tony Klein: So how did I get infected in the first place?

Please respond one last time so we can consider the thread resolved and close it, thank-you.
Good luck and stay safe!!!

[lucille123]

Thanks for the information. Might you suggest a firewall? It seemed like I got this infection simply by visiting a website. I am pretty careful if I find a bad website with a fishy pop up. I will click on the x to get rid of it. Well two days ago on another computer I have it mistyped gmail.com and typed gmaiol.com and it hijacked my webpage in firefox. I couldn't clear it in avg, but malawarebytes did clear it. So I am thinking a firewall would prevent the page from attacking the computer should I mistype something.

Any suggestions?

I posted on the other forum as you had recommended. Thanks!

[Nedklaw]

Hi.
Yes I can!!!


Installing a Firewall

A firewall is necessary on your computer because it can stop attackers from compromising your system and taking over it. It acts as a barrier between the internet and your computer. Hackers discover new security holes in a software or operating system long before the software company does and therefore many people get hacked before a security patch is released. By using a firewall, the majority of these security holes will not be accessible as the firewall will block the attempt.

Here are some links to some free firewalls:

• Online Armor
• ZoneAlarm

Note: A firewall does not completely protect you against viruses so it is recommended you also have an antivirus program running on your computer as well. Do not run more than 1 firewall on your computer at one time.