download non stop

hi,
I am trying to help a friend with a somewhat strange problem.
Using a 56K dial up Modem Windows 98SE Internet Explorer and Netscape.
Every time he connects to his ISP he starts downloading there is nothing to see as to what it is downloading it just continues non stop for as long as the connection is on.
He can browse as normal it works in the background.
My suggestions to him where: Get Zone Alarm, test for Virus
He Informed his ISP but they say there is nothing wrong at there end it's his PC.
Can anyone help???

 

Hi hawk22
I'm a little confused as to how you've ascertained that he's downloading? First....go up to tools.....internet options....advanced......and make sure the eanble install on demand is unchecked. If there's two entries......uncheck them both.
After a fresh boot..do a ctrl/alt/del and list for us what is in the close program dialog box please?

Daizy

 

Hi Daizy,
thanks,reason we had come to that conclusion is he has unlimited hr. Internet
access + 350 MB download per Month.
He sits for 3-4 hr. a day following the Stoclkmarket
and no other download. He used to leave the PC on all day and end up with minimal amount of download MB last Month his download was about 200 MB over his limit. The meter in the download box is on the move all the time even when no page is loadet just simply connected.
Now Daisy I did a check on my own PC and I do have a check mark on enable install on demand as well should I uncheck this as well I don't have any problems though?? What exactly is its function.
I will let you know as soon as I see him concerning what is in his close program list
Hope this info might give you some more clues.
Thanks for now
hawk22

 

Hi hawk22
Yes, you too should uncheck "enable install on demand ". It's just one of a few security precautions that should be followed. It will bring back the prompt that will ask you whether you want to download something...and where.
Having it checked is the perfect way to let spyware into your computer.....as well as trojans and the like.
It would behoove you both to do a recent and updated virus scan, then check your systems for spyware.

Maybe start with one of the free online virus scanners?

Grisoft
Housecall
Panda
Symantec

And for Trojans.....might I suggest:
Tauscan


Check for Spyware ?

*edit*
Just thought of something? Does your friend use any p2p programs such as WinMX or Edonkey or Kazzaa? If so, any chance thsi was left running in the background and not properly terminated?

A firewall would also be a good idea. It would be able to alert you of which programs are trying to get in and out of your computer. Zonealarm is a free download.

Daizy

 

Yes, to unchecking "Install on Demand ".

Also I would check to see what Windows itself is doing. If Critical Updates is enabled it will ( or may ) run for quite some time.

Also check AV software for settings. That may be set to run in the background without user intervention.

I find the safest thing to do is to keep all Auto Pilots grounded and never allow them to fly. If they kick in at the right time the updates MAY NOT get installed properly. Especially if they require a restart of Windows.

And any little glitch on the line while they are downloading WILL mess them Up.

BillyBob

 

hi, Daizy, BillyBob,

thanks guy's I have unchecked my "Install on Demand "
I am well up with AV I use Norton and a lesser known Aust. brand.
But thanks a lot for the links to the free ones great to know.
I will let you know what we come up with on his puter.
Thanks again and well done.

hawk22

 

Interesting. I just checked my Install On Demand and they are both checked, yet I always get the window that asks where and when and Open Folder, etc. I also just upgraded to IE6. Could that be why I still get the 'ask' window? Should I still uncheck those features?

 

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=KB;EN-US;Q222639&