low or no connectivity;applications wont open

2 days ago after I turned on my Dell XPS laptop, message appeared that McAfee anti-virus wont load successfully, please reinstall. I inserted the McAfee reinstallation CD and the reinstallation process was completed. However, during the process the message keeps on appearing and even after I am already done with the reinstallation. I sensed that there must be something wrong with the anti-virus, so I tried to uninstall McAfee. However, it was not successful after many attempts since the process just freezes, which I dont have any idea what is wrong. I got impatient so I googled for a program to 'force uninstall' McAfee and downloaded Revo (I think this is the name of the program which I already deleted afterwards). McAfee was finally uninstalled. After that I installed Norton anti-virus. But I couldnt activated the product because after I installed Norton, my internet connection just went 'low or no connectivity'. I tried the following: a) unplug and plug the router, b) renew connection to the gateway - IPCONFIG/release, IPCONFIG/renew; c)connect to different wireless network; d) change the IP address and enter it manually. I could actually connect, but still low or no connectivity.

What makes the problem more strange is that I couldnt do System Restore. When I go to System Tools, the system restore window will open but it is blank. I tried also to do System Restore in Safe Mode w/ command prompt but its the same thing - blank window. I couldnt also do search from the Start button because the window will also open blank, only the "dog assistant" will appear, other else such as the fields to type in the keywords will not. I couldnt even open the Dell support Center in my laptop, same thing-blank.

When I did IPCONFIG, this is what appeared:

Windows IP Configuration:
Host Name...Tinapie
Primary Das Suffix
Node Type...Hybrid
IP Routing enabled...No
WINS Proxy Enabled...No
Ethernet adapter Local Area Connection
Media State...Media Disconnected
Description...Broadcom 440xx10/100 Integrated Controller
Physical Address...00-15-C5-45-0E-B5
Ethernet Adapter Wireless Network Connection:
Connection-specific DNS Suffix
DEscription...Intel(R) PRO/Wireless 3945ABG Network Connection
Physical Address...00-13-02-C2-12-10
DHCP Enabled...Yes
Autoconfigurarion Enabled...Yes
Autoconfigurartion IP Address...169.254.228.187
Subnet Mask...255.255.0.0
Default Gateway....

I just find the IP address weird. Please help. I dont know what to do. I am not sure if this virus-related. I couldnt check if there are any virus which cause this to happen because the Norton I last installed is not yet activated and couldnt do computer scan. Thanks a lot!!!

 

You IP address is typical for systems that are unable to detect a DHCP server. Basically it means your system is failing to communicate on the network and having to make up its own IP address.

Looking at the history you've given I think it best if we assume there is a virus/trojan causing the underlying program. There may well not be, but it would be safest to start from this stand point.

Therefore, I think the best way forward is this:

1. Post to the Malware and Virus Removal and get one of the experts there to check through your logs. Follow their advice to get the system clean. This post provides information on what they will require from you, so read it first before you post.

2. Then we can look to check that the system is working OK, and that McAfee and/or Norton haven't left stubs that are preventing the system working correctly.

3. Once we're happy that the system is clean and that an anti-virus program is installed and working properly, we can sort out the network problem.

So start a new post in the Malware and Virus Removal forum and post back here when that side of things is sorted.

 

before i read the reply, it got into me to uninstall norton anti-virus. the internet connection went back, and i am currently using the dell laptopn now. but i wasnt able to successfully reinstall either the mcafee or the norton anti-virus. my sister told me to install avira free anti-virus. however, some applications wont still open. i will do the trendmicro scan and follow your advice. thanks a lot!

 

Hi tinapie,

This is Mike from the Norton Authorized Support Team responding to your posting.

You mention that you had already removed McAfee, presumably using their removal tool along with the Revo uninstaller. I can assist you with properly uninstalling and reinstalling Norton which will hopefully resolve the connectivity issue. The connectivity issue can be related to conflicts that may have been caused by the installation of multiple, real-time security applications.

The inability to use the Windows System Restore utility can be due to an infection that can reside in one of your restore points. Your best bet is to disable System restore, which will remove all restore points and then turn it back on.

As long as you have a valid subscription to Norton AntiVirus or Internet Security versions 2006-2008, then you are entitled to a free upgrade to the vastly improved 2009 version.

Let's start by properly removing, updating and reinstalling Norton AntiVirus. Please follow the instructions below.

1. Click on the following link to download the Norton Removal Tool:

Norton Removal Tool and Instructions

2. After you run the tool, please restart your computer. Then log in to Windows again and run the removal tool again. Restart your computer after it is finished running the second time as well.

3. Click on the following link to visit the Norton Update center to download the newest installer for Norton AntiVirus 2009.

Norton AntiVirus 2009 Update Center

4. Make sure that your internet connection is working properly (use an ether net cable if your wireless connection is not working properly), and then run the installer for Norton AntiVirus 2009.

5. When the installation is complete, launch Norton AntiVirus 2009 and then perform a "Full System Scan" to check for infections.

Please let me know if you run into any problems, etc.

Thank you,
Mike

 

ReggieB, Michael,

Thanks for your replies. I posted my problem in the Malware and virus Removal Section. I was advised to do some scanning using Jotti and ComboFix. The internet connection is working fine now and I can already open Windows applications including the Windows Search and System Restore. Before I posted to the Malware and Virus Removal Section, I was able to uninstall the Norton and installed Avira antivirus instead. Though I am not sure if there are still remnants from Norton and McAfee.

Currently, I am being asked to send a couple of files C:\WINDOWS\NT.Config`.exe
C:\WINDOWS\rm.exe
for further checking but I am having a hard time locating it in C: The search button wont find the said files. I have yet to see further instructions.

Link: http://www.WindowsBBS.com/malware-v...-possible-malware-virus-present-new-post.html

Thank you for the assistance.