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Problems w/AIM, Home Search Asst & Internet Explorer

Unknown
edited December 2004 in Spyware & Virus Removal
When I open up an IM window I automatically get a pop cup that reads "AOL Instant Messenger has encountered a problem and needs to close"

I clocked for more information about the error and I got this:

AppName: aim.exe AppVer: 5.9.3690.0 ModName: kernel32.dll
ModVer: 5.1.2600.2180 Offset: 00009e9c

Then I clicked for an error report content, but I can't copy and paste any of it besides what it read in the bottom "the following files will be included in this error report: C:\DOCUME~1\ADMINI~1\LOCALS~1\Temp\885d_appcompat.txt"

What could this possibly be?

It began as soon as I ran a bunch of virus scanners that deleted the "infected" files on Windows XP.

Also, I'm currently using MOZILLA, because my internet explorer is going insane. Everytime I click on any link I get a million alerts from Realtime protector telling me so-and-so might be infected with a virus. This Realtime protector comes from the F-Prot Antivirus scanner the computer shop put into my computer.

Last but not least, I have the "HOME SEARCH ASSISTANT" on my computer that I cannot get rid of!

Comments

  • Straight_ManStraight_Man Geeky, in my own way Naples, FL Icrontian
    edited December 2004
    Check and see if you have an F-Prot customer number in your paperwork. You can get a more modern version of F-Prot from http://www.f-prot.com if you have a customer number, that will be registered to you. If not, and you have a registered F-Prot and not a 30-day trial, the trial download will also update your current F-Prot. While you are at it, update your virus defs for F-Prot, please. If it seems not to update and essentially says it cannot connect to a server, you might need to get connected to the web first, and then run F-Prot's updater from the main F-Prot window

    As to IE, probably you do not have the latest version and latest patches, but to get the LATEST version you need to install XP and\or update to XP SP2 as IE 6.0 SP2 is the latest and most secure of the IE versions and it is not available for any Windows except XP SP2.

    Also, note this please:

    There was an emergency http api patch released for XP SP2 (here, things work smoother WITH that patch present than without it), and on the 14th of December there will be a five-patch set relased by Microsoft that plugs yet MORE holes in IE. I use Mozilla or Firefox mostly now also, instead of IE, but for other reasons than F-Prot (which I do use here, version 3.16 is the very latest version) triggering.

    As to AIM:

    You have two easiest choices, and they end up with a reinstall of AIM happening; you can upgrade to latest version, or you can uninstall your AIM (write down your password and AIM ID first, please) and get the latest AIM version and install that.

    A choice that is more difficult but is still worth considering: you could also look at another IM client, called Trillian, instead of AIM. Try searching Google for that name: Trillian. Unlike the chat client in Mozilla, Trillian can access AOL's IM system last I heard, and can also chat on other IM and chat networks.
  • Whoffleck
    edited December 2004
    I uninstalled and reinstalled AIM a million times, but to no avail. Still the same thing happens.

    As for F-Prot it didn't come with a costumer number because it was already on my computer when I got it refurbished. I have Windows XP Professional, actually.

    How would I go about removing the Home Search Assistant? It might be the reason everythings wrecked.

    thanks!
  • flyriceflyrice
    edited December 2004
    For your AIM problem, I highly second going with Trillian as well. It's free and it lets you keep your AIM settings. Trillian is a messenger program that basically puts IRC, Yahoo Messenger, AIM, MSN, and ICQ all into one program. It's free too.

    Trillian official website

    And to be honest, I wouldn't go back to IE after using Mozilla Firefox. I've had nothing but slowdown problems with IE and Mozilla Firefox has been good to me ever since I've had it.
  • profdlpprofdlp The Holy City Of Westlake, Ohio
    edited December 2004
    Whoffleck wrote:
    ...How would I go about removing the Home Search Assistant? It might be the reason everythings wrecked.

    thanks!
    I tend to agree with you. In any case, it should be be the next step in getting your computer fixed. Once the spyware is cleaned up we can address any remaining issues. :thumbsup:

    I'm moving this thread to the Spyware/Virus/Trojan forum. This is like your Doctor sending you to a specialist. :)
  • profdlpprofdlp The Holy City Of Westlake, Ohio
    edited December 2004
    Whoffleck: Dexter, one of our top Spyware experts, has written a guide for solving your problem. I'd suggest you print it out and follow it carefully. Then post back and tell us how things look.

    We'll take the rest from there. :)
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