Dr Dan's Fix-it Page

Well, if I told you - it wouldn't seem so sexy now would it?

The first thing to try is resetting IE's internal configuration options back to their default settings:

• Go to the Control Panel
• Open the Internet Options applet and select the "Advanced" tab
• Click “Restore Advanced Settings” button, Then Click “Apply” button
• Click “Reset” button, Select “Delete Personal Settings” Checkbox, Then Click “Reset” Button

If that doesn't work for you, perform the following steps in order & test for connectivity after each:
(left click to view, or right click & choose "Save target as..." to download a copy)

• Step 1 - Internet Options Connection Setup.pdf
• Step 2 - Internet Options LAN Settings.pdf
• Step 3 - Remove & Reinstall Network Adapter References.pdf

Make sure your PC is setup to automatically receive updates from Microsoft / Windows Update.
(you especially need to check this if you've done the reset procedure above, as it can wipe-out the update settings)

Go to: http://update.microsoft.com and make sure it works - it may give you a warning (yellow bar) at the top of the browser window asking if you want to allow the ActiveX control run. Make sure you pick the one that says something like "always allow" or whatever it is (I don't remenber the exact verbage).

Once it downloads & runs the control, there is a button near the top-right of the page that says something like: "Pick a time to download updates" - Choose the option to automatically download & install at 3:00am every day. Of course, the PC will need to be powered on for this to take place.

If your not already running the version that's named "Microsoft Update", it will probably offer that option on the page as well. You should be using the Microsoft Update version, so install it - it extends and takes the place of Windows Update. You'll probaly be presented with the ActiveX warning again - allow it.

Next, after making sure it's setup - you probably need to run it manually by going to the same page and clicking on the Express update button. It might take a few minutes to find all of the updates. then you'll click on something like "View and Install Updates" - this will show you the list of updates it wants to install. Then you simply click the install button and let it do it's thing. This could take quite a while if it hasn't been updated recently - so be prepared to wait before running it.

Sometimes it'll tell you to restart the PC to finish installing the updates. Once it restarts, run the express update again until no further updates are available. This can get quite annoying after a few restarts or updates, but it needs to be done if you intend for your PC to be protected from possible security risks.

Once that is done - then you can run it in "Custom" mode to find other optional updates that may be available for certain software on your PC, and to install new optional programs Microsoft - things like Live Messenger and such. You'll be able to pick and choose the updates you want when in custom mode.

Check your Adobe Flash Player & Sun Java Plugins using the links below to make sure you're running the latest versions of those as well. You can check them via links on my homepage.
These 2 pieces of software are very important in enabling the "Web 2.0" experience we've come to expect.

• Adobe Flash Player Version Check - compare the "installed" version with the chart they provide.
• Sun Java Version Check

Outdated security software (or the absence of) is a prime attack vector for malware to gain acces to your PC.
I can't stress this point enough - update, update, update. Whatever product you decide to use, always make sure to keep its version up-to-date - and make sure it's also downloading new or updated AntiVirus / Malware signatures regularly. If your product of choice requires an active (paid) subscription, I'd suggest that you keep that current as well. Think about it like this: Do you drive you car around town without insurance? If you do, then it's only a matter of time. No matter how good a driver you think you are, trouble will find you sooner or later. And so will Malware.
If you think that repairing a wrecked car is expensive - wait til you get my bill!

Some of you may be wondering which security software I use or recommend. Well, actually that depends on the type environment I'm trying to secure. For the purposes of this diatribe - I'm going to assume that most of you are of the average "Home user" variety. Well, you know - since the Pro IT folks that are responsible for Corporate or Enterprise networks already know all of these answers and wouldn't be looking here for help in the first place. Right? (call me if you've got deep pockets)

Ok, enough of my funny stuff (not really). I typically recommend Norton Internet Security, the latest version of which is 2010 at the time of this writing. I also recommend that you purchase the actual boxed version of this that comes with an actual CD-Rom for installation. I have my reasons for this recommendation - and my reasons don't seem to be documented anywhere by Symantec. Some of you at my instruction may already know my reasons - but the rest of you will just have to wait until you need my help. If and when that should happen, I'm going to ask you for that CD-Rom - so have it available.

Note that I said Norton Internet Security - I didn't say Norton Antivirus and I didn't say Norton 360. If that is what you have purchased, then call the person who sold or recommended it to you for help - don't call me. You think I'm opinionated and/or an ass? Let me remind you who's page this is and who is the one needing help. So don't let the back button hit you on your butt on the way out.

If you can't possibly pay for a subscription let alone purchase security software, then I would suggest you download and install Microsoft's Security Essentials. While not my weapon of choice, it does seem to be adequate for the most part - and it's free! While there are other free security products available, I choose to trust Microsoft. After all, they are the people who desinged the Windows operating system.
You can find it at: www.microsoft.com/security_essentials

One of the other big problems I see is with all of those silly toolbars people add to their browser. Yahoo, Google, MSN, Live, WeatherBug, etc... Those things really slow down your internet browsing (and your PC) big time. Plus, they can also pose security risks as well - things like keeping up with all of the places you've visited in order to "profile" you so they can target you with the ads they think you'll most likely respond to. Who knows what else they're doing with your info.

In addition to the performance issues, I have had instances of toolbars hammering up the internet connection as well. Who needs all that! Hell, I don't need no stinking toobar - I know how to get where I'm going anyhow. Plus, most browsers have built-in search now anyhow - so I really don't see any value in adding a third-party toolbar.

The best thing you could do in this case is look in Add/Remove programs for any toolbars & uninstall them.

It's generally a good idea to have more than one web browser installed on your pc. Then, if something were to happen like this in the future, you'd have another means to access the internet. That is or course assuming it is a browser issue. Having another browser installed could help you verify that.

I typically install Mozilla's Firefox browser as a backup. Google has its Chrome browser, and Apple has their Safari browser, but I prefer to use Firefox. You can install as many different ones as you'd like if you feel like 2 isn't enough!

Here's a few links to some of the browsers that are available:

• Mozilla - Firefox
• Google - Chrome
• Apple - Safari

PS: If you have Apple's iTunes software loaded on you PC, then you may already have Safari. Apple tends to be sneaky when they update the iTunes software - they secretly install Safari onto your PC without even asking your permission first. At least they used to - I haven't used or installed iTunes in over a year, so they may have changed their evil ways. Take a look through your start menu and you just might find it!

This might seem like a lot of stuff to do and keep up with, but once you have everything up to date - most of this stuff will keep itself updated from here on out. You'll just want to check on things every now and then to be sure its all working and updating properly.