Quote:
Originally Posted by GoinAllTheWay
Reload the O/S? It really is the best way to get rid of unwanted software. If you are running it with an O/S that hasn't been reloaded for the past 6-7 yrs, your WAAAY overdue for a fresh install.
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Unfortunately, this is definitely true. XP is not a horrible operating system, but lots can go on in 7 years. An operating system re-install, or even a clean re-format might be your best bet.
I guess it could be the Blaster Virus, but... it seems unlikely to me. I don't really keep up to tabs on virii (
yeah, yeah 
), but I doubt something could last that many years and then just suddenly rear it's ugly head now. Maybe it's a new incantation of the same thing? I don't really know.
If you're getting weird symptoms like arbitrary shut downs, though, I would try a couple of good malware/hijacker programs to see if it isn't something of that nature (if you haven't done so already). Do you know for certain that it's a virus? It
could be an easy fix with a free app.
If it isn't an easy fix, or you don't feel like trying any of the software I listed in my first
post above, then your options are:
- Switch anti-virus programs and try again;
- Try a System Restore;
- Re-install the same version of Windows XP;
- Upgrade/Install to a newer OS ("Vista" right now, "7" release candidate {kind of like a free beta version - with limitations - of Microsoft's new OS} right now, or the "7" full production version in ~6 months or so)
- Re-format your disk drives and start brand new on the same machine
- Any of the above options, in addition to upgrading the hardware on your machine (certainly advisable if you're moving up to Vista or 7; probably wouldn't hurt otherwise)
- Buy a new computer altogether (get a new, approachingly-outdated XP system now, get a Vista system now (you could later upgrade either of these to 7 if you so desired), or wait and get a new 7 system for Christmas '09.
Hope that helps.