tss.exe ???

New computer...HP a650e, 64-bit processor, Windows XP...have already had spyware or hijacker problems...seem to have solved them, but sometimes upon startup, we get a message that says, "tss.exe has encountered a problem and cannot run" (or close to those words, anyway)...talked with HP via "chat" when it first happened (at the same time we were hijacked and couldn't get our homepage, or a dial-up connection to open)...she advised to uncheck all startup items except recguard, pchbutton, and KBD and restart...that will work, but sometimes takes twice to do. My question is: what IS tss.exe and why does it need to run? Is this related to the hijacking or spyware? (We have had DSO Exploit listed many times, and originally had coolweb search, which we've used CW Shredder on.) Anyone know what is causing this tss.exe thing to pop up or what harm it does?
Also...sometimes our screen saver goes into effect, and other times it doesn't, and sometimes it goes to a black screen (like it's suspended)...today, it wouldn't "wake up ", even though I had it set for screen saver, and not suspended (unless a cat walked on the button!) Any thoughts??
THANKS, in advance!!
Barb

 

hey Barb, I suggest you Download HijackThis from link in my signature. Save it to a permanent folder (I create a new folder in C:\ named HJT). Open and hit scan, then save log. Once it is saved it will open in notepad. Select all from the edit button, copy and paste the results here. Don't fix anything with it yet! Someone experienced with the logs will advise you.

 

Yes I agree a Hijackthis log, But only if you have ran an updated SpyBot 1.3 and Ad-Aware6 build 181.
since I dont have time to look back through all your old posts to find out, helps if you tell us

If so then download Hiajckthis to a folder of its own (not in a temp folder)
go start run type
msconfig
hit enter then use the startup tab. and check all you have disabled since the problem started. ok and exit without rebooting.
then run hijackthis and post a log,, be sure its version 198.1 please.

 

But to answer your original question, tss.exe seems to be part of Talisman Themes so if you installed the software, that's where & when you got it.

 

Thanks for the info., guys, but I don't know what Talisman is (other than reading from the website you sent), and haven't downloaded anything that I know of with that name...unless it came within Windows XP or something HP has on my computer already installed from the factory. Is there something causing it to be corrupted at startup, or whatever is happening? Is this part of being hijacked? Or a virus? I will work on the Hijack This program, although not real swift with this stuff, so be patient! I have run Spy Bot and Ad Aware many times, and am using the free trial of Norton Anti-Virus now, although I had it earlier and never liked it. Was previously using AVG at the recommendation of someone on the boards. Also having a problem with Norton...sometimes the auto-protect and email scan features turn themselves off, and then I can't get them to enable again! Wondering if that's a part of the hijacking problem, or whatever is happening here??? I'm tempted to get rid of Norton anyway. Any suggestions on that? I am also using Mail Washer Pro on trial. Also have tried "Bug Off" and "Quik Fix" at someone's recommendations, but they don't seem to do much. Have also run CW Shredder, but it always says I'm clean. Thanks again, in advance, for all your help!!
Barb

 

I'm guessing you'll have an interesting Hijackthis log file for us.

It is easier than it sounds. Just place the application in a folder of it's own (so not a temp folder and not directly on the desktop).

When you run it and get the window, click on Scan and wait until it finishes (less than a minute). One button will change to give you the option to save a log file. Do that. After it saves it will open in notepad. Just select the whole thing and post it in a reply here.

Note that it may not all fit in one post. In that case, post half in one reply and the rest in a 2nd reply. Or if you are in the shape several folks have been, you may even need 3 replies.

FWIW, we haven't lost a user yet. Always managed to get things fixed even if it takes a little while.