Our last Weekend show for 2002. With James O’loghlin we discussed what happens to people who spend too long on the computer and choosing computer Christmas presents. We also managed to get through a few callers. Many had questions that relate to the msconfig utility.

MSCONFIG

The most common cause of freezing computers is renegade software. These programs can be viruses or various types of mal-ware. Most of these things set themselves to start with Windows.

The Windows System configuration utility is a very useful tool that comes with Windows 98, ME and XP. It allows you to stop programs from starting with just a tick of a box. The quickest way to open it is to click start, run and type msconfig, the statup tab will show you what starts with the system.

Once you’re in the startup section of the System Configuration Editor you’ll need to know which programs are good and which are bad. One useful list is at http://teddy.fcc.ro/tips/MSConfigItems.html. Even if you do disable the wrong thing, it is easy to turn the program back on.

Windows 2000 and 95 users can also get hold of the msconfig program from this site. Just download it and follow the instructions on the site. Unfortunately there is no msconfig for Windows NT.

Windows closing problems

One of the most common problems we see is Windows 98 hanging when shutting down. Previously on the Nightlife show we’ve covered this problem. It’s important to keep your computer up-to-date with the latest security patches as well.

Windows Update

All Windows users should regularly visit the Windows Update site to fill in the numerous security problems. We’d strongly recommend upgrading to Internet Explorer 6, Service Pack 1 as well. If you’ve never run the Windows Update before, be prepared to download lots of files and to run the updater three or four times until you’re finished.

Viruses

We haven’t had many virus calls in the last few shows but Andrew and Darren both called in with possible viruses. The first thing to check is that you actually do have a virus. The msconfig utility can give you some clues and the big anti-virus companies have on-line scanning tools.

Symantec’s scanning tool is available here and you can get McAfee’s from here. On-line scanning won’t protect you from viruses, it will just confirm you have a virus. You can download the free AVG anti-virus program from Grisoft.

A computer dialling on start-up is suspicious but not necessarily a virus. So we’d suggest to Andrew running an online scan and reviewing what files are starting with his system. Having an anti-virus program is installed doesn’t mean you can’t catch one.

Darren definitely had a virus infection. The file msvxd.exe is the Datacom worm. What has happened is the virus has been removed but the changes it made to the registry remain, the instructions to fix it completely are available here.

We’d like to thank all the listeners to the 702 Weekend spot over the last year and hope you can tune in again next year. We will have a Boxing Day special on the Nightlife to cover problems with any Christmas presents. If you have a problem or would like to make a comment call in on 1800-800-702 after 10.30pm Sydney time.