Computer Problem/Annoyance/Mystery

[Navrah]

Anyone have any suggestions as to why when I visit some Internet Web sights my computer seems to "blackout" certain things?

As an example: when I go to DRF the advertisements are black? (not a big deal always wondered why?)

Another example: when I go to Trackmaster.com the black back across the top of the home page that as I recall had different tabs to choose from such as Davidowitz articles? On my computer it's basically missing or there's a partial single black tab but none active and the others are missing.

Another example: when i go to a website such as Canterbury.com - there's a bunch of tabs on the left with different options to choose from. All are available except one and it's just plain old missing (not black)- it happens to always be the Promotions Tab that is missing right underneath special events. When I go to a different computer it's there. The tab is missing and there's a blank hole there where the tab should be.

None of these things is all that important but in my quest to be "all knowing" I'm missing something pretty obvious.

My guess the 3 examples are related as they're similar but different.

My guess was my security settings: the only thing I've tried so far is turning off my Norton Antivirus and I've disable all security from my Spyblaster. I've then deleting all cookies and temp internet files - rebooted - annoyance still persist. I'm missing something obvious can anyone offer any suggestions? I've also shut off my firewall.

This is a newer machine so I'm not concerned about Hard-drive issues etc.

Thanks
Paul

[Donnie]

Paul---
Step 1. TURN YOUR FIREWALL BACK ON!!! (yes, I am yelling, but not at you...just trying to express some sense of urgency!!)
Step 2. TURN YOUR ANTIVIRUS BACK ON!!! (ditto)

I assume this happened in a matter that could be called "overnight". Which the suspect I would think came into your computer "overnight". I may be wrong on this, but your computer may have been recently updated to Service Pack 2 for Windows XP...this service pack addresses some vulnerabilities in IE and one of their answers as a "fix" is to change your security settings in IE for you! One of the vulnerabilities is called DSO exploit...although it is a pretty well known fact that it presents a problem to a computer's security, Microsoft denies it is an issue...however most spyware programs call it such and many programmers point to the same problem. Here is a link to read a little about it.... http://www.nsclean.com/dsostop.html .

In Service Pack 2, I believe Microsoft re-adjusts some of your security settings for you....you can either reset them back, or do what I am doing.....I am installing Firefox (http://www.freedownloadzone.com ), and then uninstalling IE. This takes care of the problem for good! I beleive they have now blocked some Active-X controls...fearful that an Active-X control may deliver a virus or trojan! You may need to go in and re-adjust your settings for Active-X controls.

Good luck with it!

[Navrah]

Thanks for taking the time to reply Donnie. Yeh...the Firewall and Antivirus I did just for experimental purposes - immediately turned back on.

If I understand you correctly: Use Firefox to uninstall IE or just the service pack.

To back up abit - this wasn't an overnight problem (though it could have been on this machine). I have 3 computers and on my home PC the CBY site and Axcis have been a problem for a long long time (over a year). The problem with 3 (4 counting work) is I don't recall when it affected my newest computer? I do however regularily update my Windows with the "Critical Updates" so it could have been an overnight thing on each of the affected machines upon downloading each update/Service Pak if that's what you meant? Back to this machine: just yesterday I did download Critical updates and I just never noticed if they were working on this machine before or not. Not sure if any of that's important in the diagnosis you offered?

Back to your Firefox suggestion. Did you really mean uninstalling IE or just the service Pak?

Any idea why an ActiveX would omit one tab (link) and no others such as the CBY site? Would a single tab or I should say LINK (when all the others are there and functioning) be affected by this? It seems as though this would be the case for a DRF add but a single tab seems wierd? Just thinking aloud....

Thanks for your help!!
Paul

[Rick]

From what I have read you are not suppose to uninstall IE; but you can sure stop using it.

Just download Foxfire and stop using IE.

[Donnie]

I did mean uninstalling IE...if you have Service Pack 2 you should have a remove feature for it now under the add/remove programs in the Control Panel. I haven't read anything about not installing it, but maybe Rick can steer us to what he has read. Of course, not using it would probably be about the same thing!

Odd that only one tab doesn't work...maybe a load problem...try hitting the refresh button and see if that last one loads. Or download and install firefox and then play with it a bit and see if all the tabs show ok.

MS loaded the Service Pack into their critical updates so it actually was loaded onto your machine whether you wanted it or not. Those people who have AutoUpdate turned on (I do) automatically got it. I personally have had no problems with it....search the net and others report wierd things happening after installing it. You are aloowed to roll back the service pack if you wish...but try Firefox first!

BOL with it!

[Rick]

I get Brian Livingston's Newsletter www.windowssecrets.com (http://www.windowssecrets.com )

Comments like this
If we could convince Microsoft to fully decouple IE from Windows,
we'd sleep more easily. Until that happens, use Firefox, Mozilla, or Opera —
and be prepared to defend yourself against the worst attacks still to come.

That is from their "paid" version of their newsletter dated 22 July 2004.

[Navrah]

Guys, I can’t say it enough – “thank you”.

I’ll download Firefox this eve and report back on what happens. I’m sure that’ll work just fine.

I did do the refresh. That missing tab/link was so strange to me for awhile there I thought Cby didn’t want me to go there so they blocked me from there Promotions page link. That obviously isn’t the case but for a brief period of time I wondered? Then these other sites strange things.

Again I will dl the Firefox this eve but I thought the following too was interesting in case one of you wanted to comment:

In the following directory of mine “C:\WINDOWS\Downloaded Program Files” there is a Program called the following:

Program: {9F1C11AA-197B-4942-BA54-47A8489BB47F}
Status: Damaged
Total Size: 4kb
Creation Date: 6/17/04
Last Accessed: 01/14/05
Version: 5,4,3790,14

When I click on the program within my control panel I get the following which further details in the General Tab the above as:

Type: ActiveX

Code Base: http://v4.windowsupdate.microsoft.com/CAB/x86/unicode/iuctl.CAB?38165.8496643519

The key here is damaged?

If you have any input on this feel free – in the meantime I’ll report back on Firefox.

Thanks again.
Paul

[Navrah]

The Mystery Continues:

Even I'm surprised - Firefox didn't solve the issue. All 3 sights same situation.

Now I'm on a quest. This isn't an emergency but if you have anymore suggestions I'm all ears.

I'll continue to putter around and report back if I come up with something.

[Rick]

Did you try clicking on Tools, Windows Update from IE?

[Navrah]

If you're asking - Tools, Windows Updates - no updates available then yes. Otherwise said, am I current on all updates - yes.

[Rick]

What are your security settings in IE?

Under Tools, Internet Options, Security, Custom Level, this is what I have:

Run components not signed with Authenticode: Enable
Run components signed with Authenticode: Enable
Automatic prompting for ActiveX controls: Disable
Binary and script behaviors: Enable
Download signed ActiveX controls: Prompt
Download unsigned ActiveX controls: Disable
Initialize and script ActiveX controls not marked as safe: Disable
Run ActiveX controls and plug-ins: Enable
Script ActiveX controls marked safe for scripting: Enable
Automatic prompting for fiel downloads: Disable
File download: Enable
Font download: Enable
Java VM: high safety
Access data sources across domains: disable
Allow META REFRESH: Enable
Allow scripting fo Internet Explorer Webbrowser control: Disable
Allow script-initiated windows without size or position control: Disable
Allow Web pages to use restricted protocols for active: Prompt
Display mixed content: Prompt
Don't prompt for client certificate selection when no: Disable
Drag and drop or copy and paste files: Enable
Installaiton of desktop items: prompt
Launching programs and files in an IFRAME: Prompt
Navigate sub-frames across different domains: Enable
Open files based on content, not file extension: Enable
Software channel permissions: Medium safety
Submit nonencrypted form data: Enable
Use Pop-up Blocker: Enable
Userdata persistence: Enable
Web sites in less privileged web content zone can: Enable
Active scripting: Enable
Allwo paste operations via script: Enable
Scripting of Java applets: Enable
Logon: pick-um

This is under WindowsXP Pro with SP2

[Navrah]

I played with the setting a short while ago. I went as far as changing it to low. That didn't work. I reviewed your med settings compared to mine and they're identical with one exception - Mine goes right from:

Font download: Enable
to
Access data sources across domains: disable
and doesn't have
Java VM: high safety

I checked the entire list and mines not there.

Now here this:

That previous post of mine where I listed the damaged Program. I contemplated deleting it. I don't know what it was/is other then what I posted above. It gave me an option to delete, another option and "UPDATE". I chose update and it changed the status to installed vs damaged. It's also now 120kb vs the old 4kb. Not sure if it's related but thought I'd share. It contains the following: IUCTL.INF, IUENGINE.DLL, IUCTL.DLL.

I too have Windows XP PRO - I verified my dl history and I did dl the Service Pack 2 back in Aug.

[Rick]

http://www.filename.info/f/iuengine.dll.html

I haven't been able to find much informative information about the files just that it is

Windows Update Control Engine

I searched my windows folder and couldn't find those files installed and I know I am set up for automatic download of updates.

[Navrah]

Well, that I file I earlier referenced that was damaged...then it wasn't - etc. I deleted it.

I also deleted MS Service Pack 2.

I then tried it...same thing.

I then reloaded the Service Pack 1...same thing. Then Service Pack 2...same thing.

I've deleted cookies, del files, temp int pgs, cleared history, refreshed, changed security settings to minimums, added "problem sites" to "allowed sites", updated and ran my adwares/spyblasters - stumped.

This is becoming more mysterious. I'll continue to putter with IE as well as Foxfire. It's sorta like a Crossword Puzzle I can't put down. I'll continue to putz with it.

Still welcome to ideas. Thanks Rick and Donnie.

[hurrikane]

some sites do not support firefox. my banking/bill pay site for one.

you need to keep anouther browser.

I would suggest just making firefox your default browser.
If ie isn't running no one can tap through it.

if you do remove IE you need to get netscape. the other commonly supported brower.

[Rick]

Do you have some programs like SpyWareBlaster installed?

I think it has something to do with ActiveX but which program is causing the problem?

Take a look at http://www.ladpss.org/help/activex_ie6.cfm

I recall doing something like that in the past. After getting too many annoying prompts on some activeX controls that I always wanted I changed one back to Enable.

[Rick]

Try this and see if you have the same problems mentioned on the same sites mentioned.

I didn't read through the whole thing but maybe they have an answer for you. :confused:

http://reviews.cnet.com/5208-6620-0.html?forumID=14&threadID=26302&messageID=295085

[Rick]

This is my last suggestion unless I accidently stumble over something. :)

Open up Tools, Internet Options and on any tab that has a default options button change them all back to default.

Just grabbing at straws now.

[Navrah]

I do have Spyblaster installed. I've disabled all protection and the problem continued. Maybe I'll remove it later and ck things out?

I did go to defaults IE and same thing.

I'm on the fly after snowmobiling in -10f all day. The best snow we've had in 5 years (Longville, MN). Have to take the wife out for din din tonight to make up for the fact she didn't get to go. I'll ck out the 2 links you provided in the wee hours and report back.

Weird weird weird.

Thanks again guys.

[AwolAtHTR]

aaahh HAAA, i just heard the sound of a JAVA applet
runing on a computer with the WRONG MACHINE.

a. CONFIRM version of JAVA
b. fetch from Sun Systems, the LATEST Java compiler
c. set XP Restore Point as the BEFORE new JAVA xersion
----or whatever method you use to do a Backup
d. install new JAVA compiler
e. TRY to follow what THEY SAY about the JAVA compiler


oh, before starting above, take a hit of your favorite chemical
yes, start a JAVA solution and you may need a second hit!!

my only other hunch was that a GIF file being used to draw
the black hole was a missing or a damaged files.
When did you last do ScanDisk
(REMINDER: always have APPEND TO LOG set
or support will get angry when you call them to get help)

oh but that SAME file used by more than one web site
aah, not likely, just remotely likely
ok, forget the GIF file solution
and say JAVA

anyone want to lay odds that this will resolve SOME of the
web sites. Oh, yes, there could be more than one problem
here.
----------------

aahh Donnie,

about that demand to turn the Firewall back on
...AWOL says run without a Firewall and enjoy unrestrained life.

if you are so afraid the sky will fall without a computer firewall
THEN, your life is being stressed out by techie EGO-stuff.

duane

[hurrikane]

not sure if you have tried this or not. You may want open ie > tools > options > advanced > restore defaults.

doubt this will hope though.

You sure the wife didnt' put a net nanny on you computer. :D :D

[Rick]

https://windowssecrets.com/

Sign up for free or paid newsletter. Click on Access Past Free Issues.

http://www.woodyswatch.com/windows/archives.asp

Check the Archives from Woody's Window Watch.

Last year he joined with Brian Livingston at Windows Secrets.

Do a little research before you decide to run without a firewall.

[Donnie]

Rick-
Very nice site! Thanks for the link!

We should start a thread (or section)...which doesn't have to be live long...where anyone here can post links to their favorite "tech" sites or download sites...nothing illegal or anything like that; just sites like the one posted by Rick. One concern....all links should be checked first before they are posted...the wife and I were looking for song lyrics the other night, when I went to site link in Google and it started to load two trojans on my system. I was aware of the process and killed it and the files immediately. Wouldn't want some joker posting a site like that here. Maybe I could volunteer to check the site on a "stand alone" computer before they are posted to somewhat ensure cleanliness.
What do you guys/gals think?

Any value?

[Gambler]

Great Idea Donnie. I would like it.

[Navrah]

Latest update:

I did update my Java and tested to see if it was properly installed and it was. Unfortuneately that didn't work.

I've got a hunch the solution lies within the link Rick provided earlier as it sounds so similar. The potential downside is the referenced problem websites in the article display just fine for me:

http://reviews.cnet.com/5208-6620-0.html?forumID=14&threadID=26302&messageID=295085

I've toyed with it for the last hour and they make it seem so easy. I'll continue to decipher what there suggesting and report back.

Thanks again!!!!!

[tomcat]

What is the "snowballing" thing?

[Rick]

It doesn't sound good that you can see the sites they were having trouble with.

I had a problem a few months ago but I think it ended up being my firewall that caused the problem. All those pop up windows asking if this is allowable. A quick wrong click and I think something got blocked.

I ended up doing a repair install of WinXP.

If you try this be aware that the first repair screen that pops up is the Repair Console. You don't want that.

Also if you try this, add everything back in slowly. Add something, reboot and test to make sure that is not what is causing the problem.

I know it also annoys me when the program don't work the way they are suppose to.

Good luck

[Navrah]

A question which should be obvious: I've very vigilant about keeping my computer secure and update. I'm equally vigilant about defragging and removing unnecessary files. Like I said earlier I have several computers but my newest Dell Laptop purchased this summer of 04 does not have Scandisk as a tool under "System Tools" which on my other computers I'm vigilant about.

Does Windows XP Pro SP2 not have Scandisk and if not what is used to replace that function/feature?

So to answer AwolatHtr's question I have not run Scandisk as it's not available under "System Tools" but I'd love to give that simple function a shot.

Tomcat: I'm very Left Brained. Snowballing=Snowmobiling?

Irregardless of the eventual outcome in the "quest" some great information has been exchanged here!

Sidenote: Anyone have any insight into the new Microsoft Beta Spyware? I just ran Spyblaster and Adaware (not on the same machine though). Microsoft found 4 more the other 2 didn't.

[Rick]

I don't know what happened to scandks, but

Now its back to the Run, chkdsk /f

It ends up running at the next bootup.

If you have more than one drive you need to include the drive.

chkdsk /f D:

the /f is for fix.

[Rick]

Found this about ScanDisk at http://www.toejumper.net/maintain4/scan4.htm

"Win XP users, Microsoft jettisoned the venerable ScanDisk for you guys. You can either use CHKDSK, which is even older, or use Microsoft's Error Checking feature. Access this feature by doing the following: In Windows Explorer, right-click the drive you want to check, and select Properties from the context menu. Now select the Tools tab. Under Error Checking, click "Check Now." If you want the scan to check the disk sectors or attempt to make repairs, select those options and click Start. Close Windows Explorer when you're done."

[jbshoulda]

Maybe this will help?


We sent this out in last month's newsletter--

"Finally, heads up to those of you who are suddenly (in the last 6 months or so) finding the top ¼ of the DRF.com homepage missing from your web browser. What's the deal? Some recent security measures you may be using (ranging from the new Norton AntiVirus to the recent Microsoft Windows Service Pack 2) don't properly understand the script in which DRF.com is written. If you're having this problem, e-mail me back letting me know, and either Lonnie or Mike in customer service will contact you to figure out how to fix it on your machine."

If you e-mail mbeer@drf.com he'll walk you through the fix.