Rather strange problem

[Armando]

My computer has been experiencing a rather peculiar "problem" for a while now and no one can figure it out.

Every now and then, I get a message titled Server Busy "The selected action cannot be performed because the server is currently busy../ then it says something else which I don't remember. I have two options, one is retry, the other is switch to. It takes several clicks for it to go away, and when it does go away the result is an advertisement pop-up on IE.

As I said, strange thing, rather annoying. It makes my computer slow and then results in a pop-up.

Any help is appreciated.

[pcdoc4christ]

Armando:

The server is likely a Web server that a program on your computer is trying to contact so the pop up ads may be sent to you.  

Try downloading, installing and running this program:

http://www.lavasoftusa.com/software/adaware/

It is one of the best adware removal programs available (i've been using it for years, now) and it is free for personal use.

Regards,
Doc

[Armando]

Doc,

I already have that program, I install all updates and all definitions on it every week or so. I have been running it for a long time now. Unfortunately, that hasn't done anything to help the problem.

I'm thinking (I'm not computer person, so my thinking might lack logic) that the server busy thing shows up because the pop up trying to "pop up" cant because I have pop up stopper.

I don't know :S

[pcdoc4christ]

Armando:

Have you installed any browser helper objects (like search toolbars for Internet Explorer, or something that adds a feature to your Web browser)?

[Armando]

I use Mozilla FireFox but I do know on my IE I have AIM and MSN toolbars.

I have another thread in the IE section of the forums asking about deleting IE because I did think that could be one of the problems causing my to get these server busy things

[pcdoc4christ]

What operating system are you using?

[Armando]

Microsoft Windows XP

[Flame]

In that case dump Ad-Aware... Junk program... Becuase you have Windows XP, your system is compatible with one of the best Spyware killers around... Microsoft AntiSpyware BETA... Downlaod it here... http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=321cd7a2-6a57-4c57-a8bd-dbf62eda9671&displaylang=en ... Install it, configure it, update it, scan with it, and bring us your results.  

[glb]Flame[/glb]

[pcdoc4christ]

OK, lets try this:

Click Start then Run.

In the Run dialog box, type MSCONFIG and click OK.

In the System Configuration Utility, click the Startup tab.

Write down every program (Startup Item) listed there and leave a reply here to let us know what they are.  One of us will do some reasearch and let you know which one is likely responsible for the annoying popups.

[Armando]

I have that and I have already used it

I will delete AdAware and I'll run the other one and post the results ASAP.

Thank you Flame

[pcdoc4christ]

No need to delete ad-aware; it's a helpful program.  Did you mean CLOSE ad-aware?

[Armando]

Oh, ok- I won't delete it then

I'll just use the other one as well.

[pcdoc4christ]

...Becuase you have Windows XP, your system is compatible with one of the best Spyware killers around... Microsoft AntiSpyware BETA...[glb]Flame[/glb]

Oops!  I didn't see Flames post.  I haven't used Microsoft's antispyware utility, but i've heard good things about it.

BTW, how's it going Flame?

[pcdoc4christ]

Armando:

Gotta go!

Don't forget to use MSCONFIG and tell Flame and i what you find for Startup Items.

I'll try to check in tomorrow.

Good night,
Doc

[Raptor]

Doc,

I already have that program, I install all updates and all definitions on it every week or so. I have been running it for a long time now. Unfortunately, that hasn't done anything to help the problem.

I'm thinking (I'm not computer person, so my thinking might lack logic) that the server busy thing shows up because the pop up trying to "pop up" cant because I have pop up stopper.

I don't know :S

Virus scanners
AVG Free
-- Anti virus scanner
Trend Micro Housecall
-- Online anti virus scanner.

Anti spy/malware
Microsoft Antispyware
-- Anti spyware scanner. Windows XP Home and Professional only.
Spybot Search & Destroy
-- Anti spyware scanner
Adaware SE Personal
-- Anti spyware scanner

Firewalls
Use both a hardware and software firewall.
Be advised as dual software firewalls may cause problems

ZoneAlarm Free
-- Free firewall - more user friendly
Sygate Personal
-- Free firewall - more configuration options

Removal tools
The following files are not substitutes for the ones described above.
They are either diagnostic tools or removal tools for malware of a certain kind

HijackThis
-- Manual malware remover. Post the HijackThis log generated only if requested!
McAfee Stinger
-- Virus removal tool. No substitute for a fully functional virus scanner!
CWshredder
-- CoolWebSearch removal tool. Widely known and persistant Hijacker.

1. Start
2. Settings
3. Control Panel
4. Internet Options
5. Security tab
6. Reset all security zones to Default

And/or

1. Start
2. Settings
3. Control Panel
4. Internet Options
5. Advanced
6. Restore Defaults button.

You may need to do the following as well

1. Start
2. Settings
3. Control Panel
4. Internet Options
5. General tab
6. Remove cookies, temporary files and history