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Byteback
Virus
QUESTION: My computer file D:Windows\system32\winlogin. exe is infected with W32/Pate.b virus. I tried to clean the file, but it did not work. What can I do to resolve this problem?
Shumaila Samreen
shml_samreen@yahoo.co.uk
EDITOR’S REPLY: Pate.b is an encrypted and parasitic file-infecting virus and a network aware worm. It appends to PE, EXE and SCR files in the Windows directory and subdirectories on the local system, along with any accessible network share.
The virus creates an additional PE section with a random three-letter section header, followed by the character “o”. It creates the registry key EY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\PINF.
The virus does not store the original file size and, hence, cleaning this virus will not leave the executables in their original size. In a majority of cases, this will not cause a problem since the growth in file size is non-infectious “garbage” data at the end of the file. Certain applications, which undertake a self-check, will not run after cleaning and should be deleted and restored from backup.
Additionally, the virus may mis-infect files with an incomplete virus body and leave the executables non-functioning. These damaged samples are detected as W32/Pate.b.dam, which cannot be repaired and should be deleted and restored from backup.
To remove the virus, I suggest that you use an updated version of Mcafee or the online virus cleaner at http://housecall.trendmicro. com.
MSN problems
I have downloaded the new MSN Messenger 8.0, but when I enter my Hotmail ID the system says that my ID is not correct. Please show me a way out of this problem.
Rasikh Mukaram
zoro_spain@hotmail.com
MSN Messenger’s latest English version is 7.51. MSN 8.0 is a non-English version (only available via limewire) and not supported by Microsoft. Please download the latest version of MSN Messenger from http://messenger.msn. com.
Format conversion
I have a few video files in OGM format and I would like to convert them into DVD or VCD format. But I am unable to find the required converter, either at www.download.com or at limewire. Please recommend a website from where I can get the converter.
Muttahar Javed
muttaharjaved@hotmail.com
Riverpast Video Cleaner is a pretty handy converter which may work. You will find this at http://www.riverpast.com/en/prod/videocleaner/
Installing games
How can I install Playstation games on my PC?
Haseeb Ansari
haseeb_sunny@yahoo.com
You cannot install Playstation games on your PC. However, you can play them using Virtual Game Station or Bleem emulators, which can be found at http://www.emulator-zone. com/doc.php/psx/, http://www .geoshock.com/downloads/emulators/psemu.phtml and http://ww.zophar.net/psx.html.
Memory dumping
While in use, my PC stops functioning and a blue error box appears with this message: “Dumping physical memory 1%...”. It continues till 100 per cent and then the system restarts automatically. I am facing this problem in both Win98 and WinXP. What should I do?
Fatma Urooj
fatma_urooj@yahoo.com
Memory dumping can be caused by a number of things, but I suggest that you check whether your memory sticks are pushed firmly in the CPU. You may also want to run a test on memory from one of the many test utilities around. This is a very common problem and 95 per cent of the time it is a memory issue. Also, open up your PC and see if it needs to be cleaned.
Upgrade
I want to upgrade my PC to P4. Presently, the processor is of 500MHz and has an XL 2000 motherboard. Please guide me on what to buy in order to upgrade my PC.
Faisal Javed
faisal_online2004@yahoo.com
I suggest that you go for a 2Ghz system and not the 3Ghz one, unless you are a serious gamer. You need around 512MB RAM and if you do not use Multimedia/Graphic Software like Adobe Photoshop, or have to have the best and most intense gaming action, get a motherboard with a built-in Video RAM of at least 64MB. This should not cost you too much and you will have a great system as well.
Spamware
My PC has 256MB RAM, a 1.5Ghz processor and a 40GB hard disk. However, it runs very slowly, particularly when it is connected to the internet. Plus, whenever I switch it on, the system says that the computer has not been shut down properly, even though I always do that. What could be the problem?
Hasan Ali
hasan_daudpota@hotmail.com
You may have Spamware in your system. Please download ‘Ad Aware SE’ from www.download.com and run a complete system scan. Also, type “msconfig” in Run and uncheck any program that you do not understand from the startup tab. I would also suggest that you format your Windows and reinstall the operating system.
Floppy drive
I have a P4 with 1.8GHz processor and a 40GB hard disk. The problem is that whenever I use Windows XP, the floppy drive stops working. It works fine with Win98.
Faiza Aziz
faiza_sister@hotmail.com
WinXP has a range of Drivers, which it uses for controlling the behaviour of its storage devices (floppy and hard disks, etc). It may be that your Floppy Disk Drive (FDD) controller of WinXP is defective.
Check to see if this is the case with Device Manager (right-click ‘My Computer’, then click on Properties < Hardware < Device Manager). Ensure that the system is detecting your Floppy Drive and the device is working properly. If not, then take your system to a technician.
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