I've got an old laptop with a Windows XP installation dating from 2005. It works well, but I just discovered that I had only 10% free space on the C: partition. About two months ago, it was some 30% free space. The C partition is only 11.2 GB in capacity, but it is not normal that it gets filled up this rapidly.
The only new program I had installed over the last months was Microsoft BootVis. It created a huge log file, but I have now un-installed BootVis and deleted the log file and other files I could find. I have also deleted some other files and un-installed a instant messaging program, now I have 17% free capacity on C. Trying to understand what is using the 15 or so percent of the space I'm still missing, I have had a close look at folders in Documents & Settings, and C:\Program Files.
My biggest surprise is that C:\Program Files\Fellesfiler\Symantec Shared\VirusDefs is 2.09 GB big. This is just too much and I want to know how much in there can I delete? I think many sub-folders there contain old virus defs, but I don't need them now? The latest virus defs do contain also old defs?
This is a fairly common problem with older versions that were designed in an era before hundreds or even thousands of new definitions needed to be released each day to keep pace with malware. Newer versions manage the definition sets better and you should consider moving to NIS 2012. The add-on pack is no longer supported for any version. Additionally, the protection against current types of malware is inadequate or missing altogether in versions from years ago. You really are going without sufficient protection against the sorts of threats that you are actually most likely to encounter.
I'm not sure how another ad-block will work out for me, I've learned to use this Norton feature. Browser-based ad-blocks are not as good because Norton ad-block works on firewall level, thus it will block ads for all programs.
> "Additionally, the protection against current types of malware is inadequate or missing altogether in versions from years ago. You really are going without sufficient protection against the sorts of threats that you are actually most likely to encounter."
Lol, I wonder what you would say if you knew I'm on XP SP1. Also this is a reason to stick with NIS 2007, I believe the later versions will not work on SP1.
So I'm using a vulnerable system with old NIS. I don't know why I've not had any infections, maybe because I'm a low-risk Internet user. And I do think that many infections are coming from adverts, so having this very good ad-block is reducing the risk. I also do not use Internet Explorer.
I know I'll have to upgrade some day, but not today.
I wonder if a short term fix would be to just delete some definitions folders and then run LiveUpdate, or if I have to uninstall LiveUpdate and reinstall it again?
I don't know how far back your definitions go but it should be possible to delete most of them and then run live update to build back a current set so that your protection isn't compromised.
Is there some reason that you cannot move beyond XP SP1? You are definitely leading a charmed life. What browser do you use? In your position you should certainly be creating backups of everything religiously - at some point you are probably going to need them.
Hi No_Toolbar, just wanted to add one thing, most of the newer browsers block popup for you and is really easy to use. It wont block in page adds though but would prevent popups.
I grew tired of the updating and the only things I update are the anti-malware apps. It takes forever to run Windows Update, and after that it takes forever to install the updates. It's a long time ago but I think it was Microsoft's spyware that was the final straw, they demand that you install it in order to update. I had it for a while without knowing, but when I found out I removed it and became unable to use Win Update. But I've not missed WinUpdate, it feels good to not have to think about it. :)
Almost all programs get updates and it's too overwhelming. I don't care as long as the pc works, and so far (10 years) I've not had to fix it. I run Norton LU about three times a week and I update Spybot now and then. Who knows, maybe I have a rootkit that I don't know about, but I have never had any malware that was detectable.
Other people I know are using automatic update on everything and should be more secure than I am, but they do get malware and I don't. Maybe it's because the biggest security hole is between the chair and the keyboard? ;)
@Michaell:
I use Opera. Popups don't bother me because I almost never get one. What drives me crazy is banners and regular ads that are animated. And these days almost all ads are animated. I need web pages that don't move. The ad-block in Opera can't do that, what happens is I block an ad and next time the webpage displays another ad that's not blocked. And the ad-block in one browser can not block ads in another browser or in another program because the filter is not in the firewall.
Maybe the ad-block in Firefox is more effective than Opera's, but I don't like Firefox.
What I need to stop ads, is a filter in the firewall, just like Norton's add-on pack.
@No_Toolbar, I can check and see if there are any newer products that do that at firewall level, but never updating your system is very dangerous. The reason is that when Microsoft releases a patch it is telling the bad guys how to hack into your operating system. If you do not keep your OS up to date you can get infected by a drive by download from an infected site or email. I understand where you are coming from but I just felt it was my duty to let you know about the dangers out there. I am amazed that you have not been infected yet.
I know that I am at risk, but at the same time as I'm careless (not updating), I am very careful with what I do online.
- I don't get much spam, and when I do, I know how to handle it. And it seems that my filters are blocking most of the content in those few spam mails.
- Another factor are choice of browser and browser settings. I did use IE6 until about 2009, but I used several third party programs to make up for the lack of security in IE6. And I tweaked the IE settings. Opera is much more secure, but I found it necessary to tweak the Opera settings also, like disabling inline frames and plug-ins from running unless I allow it.
- I never take part in file sharing.
- I don't install anything without knowing what it is.
- NIS 2007 is of course not offering the best possible protection in 2011, but so far the level of protection it offers have been sufficient. I think the block filter in the add-on pack is adding much to the security.
- My Hosts file is huge, for the most part thanks to Spybot Search & Destroy.
- I'm behind two firewalls, Norton's and the firewall in the router.
Perhaps I've had some luck since I've not had malware problems, but as you see I do have some layers of protection. I also believe that personal habits and awareness is very important.
I've got an old laptop with a Windows XP installation dating from 2005. It works well, but I just discovered that I had only 10% free space on the C: partition. About two months ago, it was some 30% free space. The C partition is only 11.2 GB in capacity, but it is not normal that it gets filled up this rapidly.
The only new program I had installed over the last months was Microsoft BootVis. It created a huge log file, but I have now un-installed BootVis and deleted the log file and other files I could find. I have also deleted some other files and un-installed a instant messaging program, now I have 17% free capacity on C. Trying to understand what is using the 15 or so percent of the space I'm still missing, I have had a close look at folders in Documents & Settings, and C:\Program Files.
My biggest surprise is that C:\Program Files\Fellesfiler\Symantec Shared\VirusDefs is 2.09 GB big. This is just too much and I want to know how much in there can I delete? I think many sub-folders there contain old virus defs, but I don't need them now? The latest virus defs do contain also old defs?
I deleted everything, NIS got a hickup of course, then I ran LU. Still something was wrong, but after a few reboots it seems to be fine.
The size of the VirusDefs folder is now reduced from 2 GB to a little over 500 MB. I think 500 MB is ridicoulosly big for virus definitions, but the 1.5 GB reduction is really making a differense. The free space on C went up from 17% to 37%.
Other people I know are using automatic update on everything and should be more secure than I am, but they do get malware and I don't. Maybe it's because the biggest security hole is between the chair and the keyboard? ;)
Hi No_Toolbar,
I understand and trust that you are a careful person and obviously have safe surfing habits and you should be commended for that!
But that is only part of the equation. There are things beyond your control for which no matter how careful you are you are taking a huge risk by being so out of date. Microsoft does not even support XP SP 1 or even SP 2 - only SP 3 is even supported now.
Look at it this way. You have made your point that you are careful online but think how much more safe you would be with an up to date system (Windows, AV and all other core components related to security) combined with your safe surfing habits!
Based on what you have described I also question that your system can handle much more in the way of upgrades. You should seriously consider upgrading your computer system as well. What are your CPU specs, amount of RAM, etc?
Older computer systems can only carry you so far and just like maintaining a car there are times when you really need to "bite the bullet" and do the proper maintenance.
I get your point. I guess that all these years without updating Windows have made me careless, it's like, "if I've not had problems after so many years, I'll do fine a month more".
I stayed with Opera 9 until a couple months ago because I didn't like the newer versions (new versions use more memory). But I finally upgraded to Opera 11. So now at least I have a much more secure browser.
My laptop is a Pentium 3, close to ten years old. 576 MB RAM (maximum possible). I do have a newer faster hard disk somewhere, but I've not installed it. At the moment I have only 18 GB capacity total (C: and D:).
I want a new laptop and have saved the funds needed, but I've not found any that satisfies my demands. I found one that are powerful enough, but I didn't like the keyboard. For me it's "all or nothing", I don't compromise.
