Wikiposts
Search
Computer/Internet Issues & Troubleshooting Anyone with questions about the terribly complex world of computers or the internet should try here. NOT FOR REPORTING ISSUES WITH PPRuNe FORUMS! Please use the subforum "PPRuNe Problems or Queries."

Virgin Broadband

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 5th Dec 2008, 22:31
  #1 (permalink)  
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: May 2002
Location: London
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Virgin Broadband

I am operating Windows XP on my laptop and get Broadband from Virgin.Included in their package is PC Guard.
At least 4 times per week when I fire the PC up the PC Guard fails to load and the whole thing seizes up. Cannot even switch off using the "Start" button and have to power off completely and start again.
Naturally switching off this way, means often that Windows runs a disc scan on the restart and always seems to mention a file FAT32.It then boots up OK.

Has anyone else experienced this or have any idea of the cause??

Many thanks


Panda
PANDAMATENGA is offline  
Old 6th Dec 2008, 00:12
  #2 (permalink)  

Official PPRuNe Chaplain
 
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Witnesham, Suffolk
Age: 80
Posts: 3,498
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
FAT32 isn't a file, it's the way your PC stores files on its hard drive.

FAT32 is semi-obsolete (but still works). The newer version is called NTFS, but don't try to change it.

I've never heard of PC Guard, but there are dozens of anti-virus products out there. If it fails to work and causes problems, then I'd be inclined to remove it and use a different one. Most folk on here are fans of either AVG Free 8 or Avast. I use one on one machine and the other on the other. I haven't decided yet which I prefer. Both are free to private users, and both can be downloaded off the Internet.

To remove PC Guard, click Start - Control Panel - Add or Remove Programs, and select it.
Once you've removed it, restart your PC and go straight to the download site for AVG or Avast, download, and install.

Keep an eye on the service you get from Virgin Internet: their reputation with their customers isn't all that high (see here).
If it gets bad, moving may be on the cards.
Keef is offline  
Old 6th Dec 2008, 19:45
  #3 (permalink)  
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: May 2002
Location: London
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Thanks Keef

I got an answer from another forum.It seems the bit that Protects from Identity Theft is what is causing the problem,I have disabled that and will see what happens.

Cheers

Panda
PANDAMATENGA is offline  
Old 6th Dec 2008, 20:59
  #4 (permalink)  
 
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: Cambridge, England, EU
Posts: 3,443
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
More generally, the rule always used to be;

"Configure your access to your ISP manually. Never let the ISP's CD anywhere near your computer. Thereby avoid a world of grief."

Guess it applies to downloaded stuff as well these days.
Gertrude the Wombat is offline  
Old 6th Dec 2008, 23:12
  #5 (permalink)  

Official PPRuNe Chaplain
 
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Witnesham, Suffolk
Age: 80
Posts: 3,498
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Very true, GtW - but that may require more computer knowledge than the new customer possesses.

I've lost count of how many folks have asked me to help them set up their broadband or (more often) to get it to work properly. I keep a little spreadsheet in my batphone with the settings for the ones I've done - so next time, I know exactly how they work.

It includes such silliness as:
"What's the name format for the ADSL login?" It rarely seems to be the same as your "account name".
"Do you put the domain name after your e-mail ID to collect your mail?" Some do, some don't.

The "ISP install disk" knows that stuff. It's just a pity most ISPs can't resist the temptation to put other junk on at the same time.
Keef is offline  

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off



Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service

Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.