Network Overflow
and Virus/Spyware Repair Procedure
Please note that these steps will resolve
most Network
Overflow, virus, and spyware problems
on most computers. However, some particularly complex or uncommon problems
may require additional service by a technician. See the
end of this document for more details.
Also, if your computer requires many large Windows
updates, you may receive an Overflow warning before finishing
these
steps. If this happens, restart from step 1.
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Additional
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1. Uninstall all file sharing programs
Use the "Add/Remove Programs" control panel
to remove any filesharing programs on your computer.
These include
Kazaa, Kazaa Lite, Ares, WinMX, Gnutella, Grokster, Limewire,
iMesh, BitTorrent, and others.
2. Restore your connection to the network (if
necessary)
If you've been remove from the network due to a Network
Overflow, you'll need to restore your connection so that
you can download updates. From the "Network
Overflow" notice
page, click "Restore
My Connection". Note that if this is your 4th Overflow
in the past 24 hours, you'll need to wait until
24 hours has passed before this
will work. Also, due to the way that the Overflow
data is gathered, you may want to do this at approximately
5 minutes after the top of the hour (e.g. 3:05, 8:05,
etc.). If your network connection
is not restored within 5-10 minutes, your computer may
need additional servicing by a technician. See the end
of this document for
more details.
3. Download all Windows Updates
In Internet Explorer, click on the "Tools" menu, then select "Windows
Update". Select "Express Install" and follow the instructions
on the screen. When finished,
reboot your computer as instructed, and return to the
Windows Update website (Tools -> Windows Update) and
select "Express Install"
again, downloading any additional updates. Repeat
this process until no updates are available.
4. Ensure that your virus protection program is up-to-date
with the latest definitions
CIT provides free virus protection to all current Hope
College students. Installation instructions are available
here. It is highly recommended
that all students uninstall any existing virus protection
on their computers and
install this version, as updates are free and automatic.
No matter what virus program you choose, the "virus definition"
or "DAT" must be no more than 8 days old. If a date appears
that is greater than 8 days old, your virus protection
is not up to date, and you will be unable
to run an effective virus scan.
5. Download, install, and update both Ad-Aware and Spybot
Detailed instructions for this step, including download
links, are available here.
6. Reboot the computer in "Safe Mode"
Restart your computer and start tapping the F8 key on
your keyboard about once every 1-2 seconds. Keep tapping
until a black-and-white menu appears on the screen. Select
"Safe Mode" and press "Enter". Once started, your icons
and text may look larger than normal.
7. Run a full system virus scan
If you are running the virus protection program provided
by CIT (Symantec Antivirus), click the "Start" button,
select "All Programs", then "Symantec Client Security",
then "Symantec Antivirus". The program should open. On
the left side of the screen, click on "Scan Computer".
On the right, click the box next to "Local Disk (C:)",
then click "Scan". Note that a full scan may take several
hours.
8. Run Ad-Aware and remove all items found
Detailed instructions for this step, including download
links, are available here.
9. Run Spybot and remove all items found
Detailed instructions for this step, including download
links, are available here.
If these steps do not fix the problem:
Please note that these steps will resolve most Network Overflow, virus, and spyware
issues
on most computers. However, some particularly complex or uncommon situations
may
require additional service by a technician. If your computer is still being removed
from the network even after performing all the steps above, try the following:
- The manufacturer of your computer may be able to
assist you with resolving this issue. Try calling
the service/support number supplied with your computer.
Even if your computer is no longer under warranty,
phone support may still be available, often at no
charge. Be sure to let them know that your issues
most likely involve a virus, unapplied Windows Updates,
spyware/adware,
file-sharing, or games.
- There are several local computer repair shops in
the yellow pages. Be sure that they perform all
the steps listed in the "How
can I avoid having my computer removed?" section
of the Network Overflow
FAQ. When you drop the system off, you may wish to provide them with
a copy of that document.
- CIT is able to provide limited assistance on an
appointment-only basis. Please call x7670 for more
details. Note that due to extremely high
demand, there is often a wait for an appointment
with CIT. Due to the variety of possible causes and
individual nature of each circumstance, phone troubleshooting
with CIT is not available.
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