Is this a virus?

[BobbyBoy]

Hi guys

Got a pc running XP professional with Microsoft Security Essentials.

Upgraded the RAM today to speed things up a bit

Noticed that Microsoft Security Essentials came up with an error stating that it cout not update as the connection to the server was interrupted (even though internet was working fine)

Uninstalled MSE and downloaded it again - but same thing happened when it tried to update itself.

Then downloaded AVG and same thing happend when it tried to update itslelf - so was unable to install or check for viruses.

I hope ive explinained myself clearly....... :redface:

Is this likely to be a virus?
Could I have infected the PC just by replacing the RAM?

Any ideas what's happening and how to resolve this?

Thanks very much

Bobby

 

[LicensedToTrade]

As the name suggests (Random Access Memory) modules will only hold information on them for so long as it is required, when you turn off your computer no information is stored on a RAM module, it requires a current running through it to hold data, so a virus cannot be moved from one computer to another via a RAM module.

 

[wilwong1971]

Remove the RAM module and test again, as LTT said unlikely the RAM module can transfer a virus but a faulty RAM module can cause all sorts of funky problems with your PC and weird error messages.

If all working reinstall the RAM module to see if the problem appears again.

If problems still persist it could be virus or spyware. They have the capability to block your antivirus to update via the Internet(ie it modifies your host file)

Worth downloading superantispyware and run a spyware scan just in case.

HTH

 

[lynxus]

Nope, Unlikely to be related to the ram.
It is possible for ram to hold data even when removed 'ghosting' by as soon as you would of powered the machine on the ram would of cleared.

it does however sound like a virus of some kind. ( or your just unlucky.. )

As someone else suggested, check your hosts file only contains one line saying something like ( localhost 127.0.0.1 )

When you downloaded AVG it should of come with the latest definitions or it may be possible to manually download them from the site.

have you tried starting a scan? ( i assume you have )

 

[BobbyBoy]

have you tried starting a scan? ( i assume you have )

Have been unable to do a scan as there is now no working antivirus working on the machine.

However I did have a scout around and Microsoft seems to have what looks like some kind of scanning sofware which is hosted by them, so I'll give this a try first thing tomorrow.

I'll also try reinstalling the old RAM if problem persists just incase its a flunky ram card.

Thanks for all the feedback guys

Bobby

 

[LicensedToTrade]

Have been unable to do a scan as there is now no working antivirus working on the machine.

However I did have a scout around and Microsoft seems to have what looks like some kind of scanning sofware which is hosted by them, so I'll give this a try first thing tomorrow.

I'll also try reinstalling the old RAM if problem persists just incase its a flunky ram card.

Thanks for all the feedback guys

Bobby

Keep in mind that RAM modules (and the receiver) are very vulnerable to electrostatic energy. Just as you can get a mild electric shock when you touch your car door a similar effect can happen (even if not noticeable) when you change RAM modules. This can damage them beyond use so you should be grounded when changing a module. You can buy anti-static wristbands.

 

[BobbyBoy]

Would you believe it?????

Reinstalled the old ram and its working fine again

Thanks for your advice Guys - sincerely appreciated!

Bobby

 

[shugied]

That's not something I've ever encountered, RAM stopping the network running but not causing other faults. What machine is it?

 

[BobbyBoy]

Hi shugied

Its a Fujitsu Esprimo pc running windows XP

We have a number of the same PC's and upgraded the RAM in two of them at the same time.

One worked fine, the other started playing up.
1) Microsoft Security Essentials reported that it could not download updates
2) Tried to download and reinstall MSE but updates could not be downloaded
3) Firefox and IE began crashing

Hope this helps

Bobby

 

[shugied]

Hi shugied

Its a Fujitsu Esprimo pc running windows XP

We have a number of the same PC's and upgraded the RAM in two of them at the same time.

One worked fine, the other started playing up.
1) Microsoft Security Essentials reported that it could not download updates
2) Tried to download and reinstall MSE but updates could not be downloaded
3) Firefox and IE began crashing

Hope this helps

Bobby

Sounds like one set of RAM was not quite as it should be, did you try it in both machines with the same results? Guess you might want to return it if you did.

 

[LicensedToTrade]

If using more than one RAM chip in a computer (which you most likely are) then it is important that both chips are made by the same manufacturer. Much like the advice of using the same branded batteries in devices.

 

[BobbyBoy]

Sounds like one set of RAM was not quite as it should be, did you try it in both machines with the same results? Guess you might want to return it if you did.

To be honest, I had found the whole experience so stressful , I didnt want to risk affecting the order PC, so sent the pair of faulty rams back to the supplier for replacements.

Bobby

 

[BobbyBoy]

If using more than one RAM chip in a computer (which you most likely are) then it is important that both chips are made by the same manufacturer. Much like the advice of using the same branded batteries in devices.

I guessed as such, so ordered two matching pairs of RAMs for both PC's, just to be on the safe side.

Bobby

 

[bradleyjones011]

It cannot be a virus. I suggest you to take a look at windows registry. Registry, being the library of the computer, not only holds the software information but the hardware updates are also registered here. Therefore, i would suggest you to get a good registry repair and cleaner tool and try to fix the registry. If it doesn't work, just reinstall the Windows.

 

[Alex Rosicky]

Would you believe it?????

Reinstalled the old ram and its working fine again

sometimes the best way to fix is reinstallation