It finally got me!

[PanFisher]

I like to download and play with different Freeware. Dangerous I know but I?m just curious as to how they work. I keep Norton Internet Security running and use Adaware & SpyBot regularly to clean up the garbage that sometimes comes down with the Freeware. Plus using Mozilla for a browser I usually come up clean from Spyware.

This morning I decided to clean up bits and pieces of programs that did not completely uninstall. Using Windows Explorer I noticed something called NewDotNet and didn?t know what it was so I hit the Uninstall.exe file for it. The Uninstall completed but the file was still there so I just deleted the folder. Next thing I know I cannot connect to the Internet or get e-mail. Norton AV starts complaining about not being able to locate TCP/IP. As best I can determine the uninstall process removed my TCP/IP ? In other words no more Internet or Networking.

I just spent the day recovering my Operating System and re-installing applications. Not a disaster ? fortunately I know how to do all that stuff. A little bit of Google research and I find NewDotNet is something downloaded with other programs for the purpose of providing you with pop-ups as you move from web page to web page. A list of these programs was given. One of those programs was WebShots along with a list of other really popular downloads (Kazaa, GoZilla, etc.). I have used WebShots for my wallpaper and screensaver for years ? guess what, I now have new wallpaper and screensaver.


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Let No One Walk Alone
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Bill

[nowindknots]

I've got Webshots but no trace of newdotnet that I can identify. Did you find it in the Program Files folder, or its own directory?

Jim

[PanFisher]

It was in \Program Files\NewDotNet.

I recommend you don't touch it unless you get the information off google on how to Uninstall it safely. A good pop-up blocker keeps it from doing its work.

The uninstall can cause problems if done incorretcly. I found out.

Adaware-Personal and SpyBot did not find it. However I learned Spyware Doctor will. All are free and recommended Spyware removers.

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Let No One Walk Alone
>< ))))'>------<'((((><
Bill




[This message has been edited by PanFisher (edited 05 February 2005).]

[nowindknots]

Thanks Panfisher. It's not there.

Jim

PanFisher,

I'm an unabashed computer illiterate. Didn't understand a word you posted except that you got it fixed. Congratulations.

Allan

[PanFisher]

tyeflies,

In short - sometimes it's best to leave well enough alone. My Pop-up blocker left this evil file unable to do what it was intended to do.

I could've just left it alone. Deleting the offending file deleted my ability to use the Internet.

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Let No One Walk Alone
><))))'>------<'((((><
Bill