Ugh!!! I had to run system restore!!!

[DaisyDebbie]

The kids computer is acting really strange lately. When it starts up I get a box that says "Error loading C:\windows\downloadprogramfiles\bridge.dll"

Is this a big problem? And what should I go about it?

HELP!

 

[trishy]

DD - Hey pretty lady...

Assuming you tried the ad remover programs??? If they didn't work, try this:

Find the folder with bridge.dll by searching (make sure to look in "hidden files and folders") and delete the files with bridge.dll. It's a spyware component. Next you need to stop windows looking for it on boot. Assuming you are using win xp or 2000 ( if not tell me) go to the run command on the start menu and type in msconfig. Click on the startup tab and you should see a selection of items that run on startup. De-select the bridge.dll line, click ok, and then restart.

It's only a problem that it's a nuisance to have to get rid of the dialog box each time you start it up. If this don't work, see you at the lodge. We can try something else.

 

[Lachesis00]

I have 4 viruses (so far). They came through email and one is in a temp file. I run Nortons and AVG and neither caught the problems. Some online program did (Trend Micro). Whats up with that?

 

[lynetteSC]

Ok guys - stupid question here ... how do you run a system restore? I was thinking I would have to get new computer ... LOL! We have something odd going on. We run adwatch (?) and also spyware, it always finds alot of junk. Our NAV says no viruses, but it keeps having erors and tons of pop-ups ... I haven't been able to email in days. (Not like I have much free time with 3 week old baby anyway!)

Maybe I could just "restore" and start all over? I assume you have to reload all your programs (money, windows,etc)????

Thanks!

 

[Dan Murphy]

If you do a complete system restore, Lynette, you use the retosre disk theat came with your new computer and run it. It will put your PC back to what it was out of the box, but losing anything you added since you started using it, email, programs, etc. Also, any hardware added along the way will have to be reinstalled, as least the programs that run them.

A Windows point restore, if you have XP or ME (don't think 98 has it) will allow you to go back in a calendar to a point when your PC was working okay. If available to you, it is in Start>All Programs>Accessories>System Tools.


If you are using adwatch (never heard of that) try using what is pretty much the two defacto standards today, Ad-aware along with Spybot S & D. Give that a try first. Also try running Panda virus check here, a wonderful program, IMO.

 

[lynetteSC]

Thanks Dan! I will try Panda and also try to figure out how to restore. We have 98 so, not sure if it would let me go back to certain date! That would be great! Thanks bunches!

 

[DaisyDebbie]

Thank you Dan and Trishy!

I went back and restored the computer to a month ago and found that blasted bridge.dll file and deleted it. Everything seems to be working good now

 

[iNTeNSeBLue98]

lynette, we had a Gateway pc with Win98 2nd edition that had a Go-Back tool. I don't know if it came from Gateway or Win98. It was a handy tool for instances where your computer goes wacky.

 

[JCJRSmith]

Just a tip when you rebuild a system. When you connect to Windows Update, you will probably find that there are quite a few critical updates to install. Check to see if one of them is the latest service pack, and, if so, install it first. That will eliminate most of the updates, as they are incorporated into the service pack.

BTW - XP Service Pack 2 will be out very soon. I saw it at Microsoft's TechEd conference this past week, and it rocks. It has an incredible array of security enhancements, including a better firewall, spyware handlers and pop-up blockers built in.

 

[Dan Murphy]

Originally posted by WebmasterAlex
In other words you get what you pay for....

I think those are so true words there, Alex. I think it always best to have the programs that are paid for over the freebies. I have tried a few free, and if, after a short time, they work to what I think is good for me, I purchase the 'for charge' version. I pay for my Zone Alarm version, have for almost 3 years now (ever since I upgraded to cable and before I had the router), I have the Plus version of Ad-aware (what a joy that is, no spyware, ever) and even have the 'Pro' version, the pay for, of Weatherbug, no ads, much more cohabitive. You do get what you pay for in this business, so true.

And Kris, Go-Back is an add-on software, not part of Windows. ME and XP added a similar concept as part their OS's.