Yes, tks for your thoughts, AllenM. And I agree that my problems "could have" been caused by SR -- but, seems like a low probability to me -- esp in light of all the other problems I've had over the years.
From these past malfunctions, I have developed a "correlating factor" to predict when I'm going to be hit w/some kind of problem. And, it's a pretty strong correlation. That factor occurred right before my current problems started --- just as it has occurred for the great majority of my past problems.
I keep hoping I'm wrong, and that these are just random events that happen to everyone. But, more and more, I don't think so.
And, I keep hoping -- that given I do have some resident malware on my computer -- that Norton will find some way to detect and remove it. Ain't happening. Been waiting on Norton to do this for several years.
So... my alternatives seem to be:
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1. Shut up, just live with it and don't precipitate the "correlating factor" that I think causes it.
Whoever put this thing on my computer does not seem intent on causing catastrophic failure of the system. Rather, it seems the intent is just to vex and annoy me -- esp whenever I do the "correlating" thing. I'm usually able to fix the issue -- though it can be quiet time consuming, and keeps me from doing more important things.
And, there is sort of a "freedom of expression" issue too -- if I express my thoughts on certain things (the "correlating factor"), it clobbers me. That sux -- to not be able to express reaonable, well-thought out, moderate opinions about things.
Also, who is to say that this malware won't turn really malevolent, at any time, and wipe out my system. I'm sure it could do that, if it wanted. So... I never know from one day to the next if I'll have a funtioning computer when I start it up.
2. Use the links that you have provided (and, in the past, Delphinium -- tks Del) to see if they can remove whatever is there. Likely such an effort will take a *lot* of time on my part. Time is in very short supply for me, right now.
And, I have made some considerable efforts on detecting/removing this in the past (though not with your above links), and all I got was system crashes. This malware does not like to be messed with. If you get even close to detection, it crashes the system.
So, I think if I get really, really close to disabling this malware (with help from your links), it seems quite likely that the malware will do a "poison pill" thing, and completely destroy my system. Thus, no computer. That's bad.
3.Take the computer into a local computer shop and let them try and find/fix the malware. If it destroys my computer, these guys would likely know how to fix even that. Much $$$ methinks, though. Money is quite tight for me. And, I'd be w/o a computer for maybe several weeks -- or more, given the computer shop's work backlog. That's not acceptable.
4. Buy a new computer and reload, re-install everything. Again, a big time-effort on my part -- researching which computer to buy, re-learning Win 7, trying to get some of my old hardware and software (critical to my Art Business) to work with Win 7, etc, etc.
Then, there is the cost -- easily in the $500-700 range. Again, money is a real problem.
Yet, a new computer would solve the #3 (above) problem of not having a computer to use while this one is being repaired. But, assuming this computer would be fixed, I'd then have (2) computers. I don't need (2) computers. Selling this old 2004 "boat anchor" would be unlikely.
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And, for items 2-4, above, there doesn't seem to be any guarantee that whoever put this on my system, won't just do it again, when the computer is "fixed." So, I'd be back to zero -- well actually, quite "negative," considering the time and money spent. This malware was able to avoid detection by NIS on installation, and it has completely avoided detection since then, too -- by anything I've tried so far. Why wouldn't this happen again, on my fixed computer?
What to do?? I'm thinking about it. Would welcome any ideas.
And, finally -- thank you, one and all, for the time and trouble you have spent trying to help with my problem. As a very small token of appreciation, I would be pleased to buy any of you a nice breakfast or lunch if you ever get to Santa Fe. Would be a pleasure to meet you.
Kindest Regards,
Robby
