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Question for you Windows 7 / IE gurus... — Parallax Forums

Question for you Windows 7 / IE gurus...

Don MDon M Posts: 1,652
edited 2013-06-20 13:32 in General Discussion
I bought a used laptop with Windows 7. Once a day when using IE I will get some pop open pages from an online college (CCI.EDU) about turning in homework, etc.. Where do I look in this computer to get rid of what ever "flags" (cookies?) that may link this computer to receive those messages? I'm guessing this person must have been taking an online course of some sort.

How do I go about tracing this down?

Thanks.
Don
«1

Comments

  • RDL2004RDL2004 Posts: 2,554
    edited 2013-06-08 06:04
    It may be Windows messenger or some kind of add-in to IE. The best thing to do in this kind of situation would be to re-install Windows 7. There is no telling what kind of residual junk is on that machine, could be a serious security risk.

    Depending on the computer, the install files may be located in a hidden partition on the disk drive. If you can't find the install files, you would need to locate an original Win 7 disk along with any drivers needed for your particular laptop. Hopefully this computer has the original Windows CoA sticker somewhere on the case. If you don't want to fool with a Windows reload, you could just install Firefox or Chrome.
  • PliersPliers Posts: 280
    edited 2013-06-08 06:17
    I'm no guru, but what I play with a lot is the MSCONFIG.
    How to get to the MSCONFIG? ...hit start and search for MSCONFIG. When there go to START UP or to SERVICES and turn off the offending file.
    I hope I don't upset anybody by giving this advise.

    As RDL2004 said, a re-install is the best thing to do.
  • RsadeikaRsadeika Posts: 3,837
    edited 2013-06-08 06:23
    @Don M, in IE there is a tools menu, and in that menu there should be a pop-blocker, if you turn that on that should resolve the issue. There are other menu items that you should look at that pertain to cookies, you might have to deal with that also.

    Ray
  • GadgetmanGadgetman Posts: 2,436
    edited 2013-06-08 07:01
    AAARGH!

    Never use a Winblows version someone else has already used, you have no idea what kind of Smile he got onto it.
    REINSTALL!

    If you can't reinstall for some weird reason, at least create new users and delete the old.
    you want TWO users, one with Admin privileges, and one without.
    (Guess which one you're supposed to NOT log in with normally, or even when installing SW? The Run-as function is there for a good reason)
  • Don MDon M Posts: 1,652
    edited 2013-06-08 07:18
    I don't have the Windows 7 disk... :(
  • RsadeikaRsadeika Posts: 3,837
    edited 2013-06-08 07:30
    Now you have a problem. Depending on your laptop brand, there should be a program that allows you to create install disks, and if you are lucky it might create just a default disk(s). You might want to find an owners manual for the laptop that will show you how to do it, and what to do. I would probably do the install disks fist before you start trying to "fix" any programs.

    Ray
  • Mike GMike G Posts: 2,702
    edited 2013-06-08 07:40
    Click the gear icon in the upper right corner. Select manage add-ons. Look for the offending app and remove or disable the add-on. You might have to visit Add/Remove Programs to fully remove the service.
  • RDL2004RDL2004 Posts: 2,554
    edited 2013-06-08 07:45
    Most, if not all, newer laptops have a hidden partition on the HDD with the install files. When the laptop is new you are told to create disks for OS re-install purposes, because if (when) the HDD goes bad you're up a creek without them. Look for a utility program somewhere in the Start menu that can create these disks. To re-install directly from the partition on the HDD you may have to do it during boot up. On my Acer laptop for example, you press F10 during boot.

    And seriously, do not continue using the existing installation any longer than you have to due to potential security issues, especially since IE has been used. Have you tried to contact the previous owner to see if they have the disks? Is the COA sticker on the laptop? I think any Win 7 disk will work if you have that.
  • Heater.Heater. Posts: 21,230
    edited 2013-06-08 07:48
    I would never dream of using the OS of second hand Windows laptop or PC. That's just asking for a world of pain. It's like using some old tramps socks without sterilizing them first. Come to that I'd want to scrubdown a Linux or any other OS machine if possible.

    I think you need one of these : http://www.ubuntu.com/download/desktop

    or my prefence : http://www.debian.org/releases/wheezy/debian-installer/
  • User NameUser Name Posts: 1,451
    edited 2013-06-08 08:53
    Great advice. Debian "Wheezy" is fantastic. But if you want to stay with Win7, RDL2004's advice is right on. Every Win7 laptop I've got has a disk partition containing a highly compressed copy of the OS just waiting to be reinstalled. It has been a real lifesaver.
  • LoopyBytelooseLoopyByteloose Posts: 12,537
    edited 2013-06-08 09:31
    Just wondering...
    If I reinstall the compressed version of Windows 7,

    A. Will it request I re-register as the original user?
    B. Will it allow a new user to register?
    C. If there were originally two language choices (such as Chinese and English), can I change that choice?

    ~~~~
    BTW, I'd likely just move on the Ubuntu Linux. MS is getting 'extremely creative' with Windows 8. I fear that they might do something drastically silly and try to force everyone to a new form factor.

    They have an excellent OS in Windows 7 and Windows 8, but they are about due for one of their infamous flops.
  • prof_brainoprof_braino Posts: 4,313
    edited 2013-06-08 09:38
    I have heard that all versions of windows seven are included in the disk,and you can change from starter to pro just by changing a line in a config file, you just have to ensure that you use the configuration that goes with your activation code. I also heard that one can download the image of thie install disk anywhere. I further heard that one may also find the OEM version that does not require any activation code. I have not needed any of these tricks myself, as I have never had any problems with any version of windows over the last couple decades. Ever.
  • ratronicratronic Posts: 1,451
    edited 2013-06-08 09:40
    When I run into problems like this I usually get the free version of Malwarebytes to scan the drive and tell it to remove anything it finds when it is done.
  • LoopyBytelooseLoopyByteloose Posts: 12,537
    edited 2013-06-08 09:47
    Odd.... Windows 7 Pro is quite expensive. I don't see how MS would permit one to DIY a cost-free upgrade from Starter.

    And my impression was that beginning with Vista, you don't get the whole OS with the installation image.... it only enables you to go to the MS servers and download the whole OS after ownership is properly confirmed.

    MS is still very bitter about the fact that 98% of the XP licenses in Asia were illegal. So they specifically created Vista to change to a system where each and every installation is registered individually, and OEM versions are definitely tied to specific hardware.

    Sounds like an urban myth.

    But meanwhile, the Chinese 'bootleg' version of XP has morphed into a cult OS that has a lot of hackers and computer shops hoping to make it last forever. I'd try a copy, but nobody will show or sell a copy to an American 'white guy' and MS has industrial espionage detectives trying to make an example of anyone that is making 'big money' with it. They have pretty much given up on the little single users and XP is in the last year of support.

    ~~~~~~~~~~
    What I love about Linux is that when I get a downloaded .exe file from out of nowhere, it just ignores the obvious malware rather than running it.
  • RDL2004RDL2004 Posts: 2,554
    edited 2013-06-08 10:09
    You get the full version of Windows 7 on the install DVD. No internet required. As a matter of fact, I would never install Windows with it connected to any kind of network.

    Currently I'm on the third install on my new computer since last October, I have not yet even bothered to "activate" the thing. Takes less than 20 minutes to re-install and 30 seconds to re-arm every 30 days - keeps my Windows squeaky clean.

    OEM Windows installs that are pre-activated use SLP
  • Don MDon M Posts: 1,652
    edited 2013-06-08 11:44
    Mike G wrote: »
    Click the gear icon in the upper right corner. Select manage add-ons. Look for the offending app and remove or disable the add-on. You might have to visit Add/Remove Programs to fully remove the service.

    Ok I looked at this and found nothing:

    Toolbars and Extensions: HP Network Check Helper: Disabled
    Search Providers: Google : Enabled
    Accelerators: Empty
    Tracking Protection: Your Personalized List: Disabled
    Spelling Correction: English
  • Don MDon M Posts: 1,652
    edited 2013-06-08 11:51
    RDL2004 wrote: »
    Most, if not all, newer laptops have a hidden partition on the HDD with the install files. When the laptop is new you are told to create disks for OS re-install purposes, because if (when) the HDD goes bad you're up a creek without them. Look for a utility program somewhere in the Start menu that can create these disks. To re-install directly from the partition on the HDD you may have to do it during boot up. On my Acer laptop for example, you press F10 during boot.

    And seriously, do not continue using the existing installation any longer than you have to due to potential security issues, especially since IE has been used. Have you tried to contact the previous owner to see if they have the disks? Is the COA sticker on the laptop? I think any Win 7 disk will work if you have that.

    I have the COA sticker on the Laptop however it is not for the Windows 7 Professional version which is what is running on this HP ProBook 4440S. It's for a lesser version of Windows 7.

    I have not found anything pertaining to re-install options. I looked during boot-up both with Escape key option and F10 option. I think the owner wiped this laptop clean and installed Windows 7 Pro but he said his son used it for an online course for a bit.

    I also tried scanning for any Malware Bytes and used Housecall both of which found nothing. It appears to be somewhat of a fresh install as there were no other programs or files at all and I had to download some of the original programs from HP website for this particular laptop for some of it's features.

    So where else might I look?
  • RDL2004RDL2004 Posts: 2,554
    edited 2013-06-08 11:58
    I really wish the forum software would warn you if there have been additional posts since you started writing a reply :P

    http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?cc=us&lc=en&dlc=en&docname=c00006110
    One option for performing a system recovery is to use system recovery discs. Prior to 2006, HP provided operating system CD discs or recovery discs for most computers. After 2006, HP configured computers with a Recovery Manager function that lets you recover the system from files stored on a partition on the hard drive. Recovery Manager also lets you create a set of recovery discs that contain the files that are specific to your computer. For most models, replacement recovery discs can be purchased from HP.

    edit: No telling how much those disks would cost though.

    This, of course, would only allow you to re-install the original version of Windows that was originally installed on the computer.
  • Don MDon M Posts: 1,652
    edited 2013-06-08 12:13
    RDL2004 wrote: »
    I really wish the forum software would warn you if there have been additional posts since you started writing a reply :P

    http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?cc=us&lc=en&dlc=en&docname=c00006110



    edit: No telling how much those disks would cost though.

    This, of course, would only allow you to re-install the original version of Windows that was originally installed on the computer.


    Thanks for the link. I was looking through the support pages for this model. It mentions while booting up to press F11 to get into HP Recovery Manager. I don't find it. It's also not under Start: All programs either. So to me it looks like there may not be a hidden recovery partition but who knows?
  • RDL2004RDL2004 Posts: 2,554
    edited 2013-06-08 12:40
    I think you're right. The previous owner probably installed Win 7 Pro over the original. Windows will reformat the drive by default during installation, so all the original stuff is probably gone for good. You can still try to get recovery disks from HP, or see if the previous owner can provide you with a legitimate COA for the version of Windows that they sold you. With a valid COA you could reinstall from a borrowed or copied Win 7 DVD.



    Edit: Assuming the currently installed copy of Windows is legal ("Genuine"), there are utilities than can recover the original encrypted product key from the registry.
  • Heater.Heater. Posts: 21,230
    edited 2013-06-08 13:03
    This is ridiculous. Someone somewhere paid for a license for Windows on that machine. Included in the purchase price. So where is it? No wonder MS is sitting on such huge profits. They have no right to complain about piracy when they are the biggest pirate.
  • Don MDon M Posts: 1,652
    edited 2013-06-08 13:15
    RDL2004 wrote: »
    I think you're right. The previous owner probably installed Win 7 Pro over the original. Windows will reformat the drive by default during installation, so all the original stuff is probably gone for good. You can still try to get recovery disks from HP, or see if the previous owner can provide you with a legitimate COA for the version of Windows that they sold you. With a valid COA you could reinstall from a borrowed or copied Win 7 DVD.



    Edit: Assuming the currently installed copy of Windows is legal ("Genuine"), there are utilities than can recover the original encrypted product key from the registry.

    Cool! I found a utility and recovered the key.
  • RDL2004RDL2004 Posts: 2,554
    edited 2013-06-08 13:20
    Good, now all you need is a copy of the install disk.

    Heater,
    I tend to agree with you. However, part of the problem is that, in general I don't think most people realize that the COA with the Product Key is really important. It's all they have actually. You can find a disk to install off of pretty easily, but you have to have that product key. Another part of the problem is the unwillingness of the PC makers to include a 50 cent recovery disk with a new computer. Seriously, is it going to bankrupt them to do this? Of course, your average consumer would probably lose it or throw it away within the first month anyway.
  • RDL2004RDL2004 Posts: 2,554
    edited 2013-06-08 15:00
    I was on another forum just a while ago and ran across this source for Windows 7 install disks (iso images). I didn't dig too deeply, but it looks legitimate to me. Obviously you would still need a valid product key. The files are hosted by Digital River (Wikipedia link).

    Official Windows 7 SP1 ISO Image Downloads (Windows 7 Forums link)
  • GadgetmanGadgetman Posts: 2,436
    edited 2013-06-08 15:02
    A HP Recovery DVD/CD costs about $50 with postage, I think.

    A Windows 7 Pro install may not destroy the hidden recovery partition. This depends on how well it has been 'hidden' by the manufacturer, and which choices the user makes during install.
    (I have never had the displeasure of installing Win7 manually, so may be mistaken. We use PXE-boot and scripted installs at the office)
    But creating the restore DVD using the tool in Windows will usually delete it.
    (In other words, use a program to copy the DVD to a .ISO file as quickly as possible as DVDs has a finite lifespan)

    When you bought the computer, was it 'advertised' as coming with Win7Pro installed?
    If so, you should have gotten the install media and license code at the same time.
  • Don MDon M Posts: 1,652
    edited 2013-06-08 16:23
    It was purchased used.
  • icepuckicepuck Posts: 466
    edited 2013-06-08 16:44
    Look for something called win7 dvd to usb from ms... barrow a win7 dvd to make a bootable usb and look for a file ei.cfg I think it's in the sources directory, delete it. Now when you boot the usb installer you will see a new menu that will ask which version of win7 you want to install, of course you will need a valid product key to install the version you select.

    Another thing you might try is use a live linux cd/usb(and run gparted) to examine the partition layout
    if you have a hidden partition reboot using the live cd/usb and try to boot from that hidden partition.
    some linux live will give the option at the very beginning of the boot process to boot from any of the
    partitions on the disk.
    The hidden partition is generally were the re-install/diagnostic files are located.
    -dan
  • RDL2004RDL2004 Posts: 2,554
    edited 2013-06-08 16:56
    A HP Recovery DVD/CD costs about $50

    Wow. You can get a full OEM version of Windows Home Server 2011 for that price. Granted it's not actually Windows 7, but WHS 2011 is based on Windows Server 2008 R2, and Server 2008 R2 and Windows 7 are both built on the same NT 6.1 kernel. Not that I would recommend anyone to use WHS 2011 as a desktop only OS (it will work though).
  • RickInTexasRickInTexas Posts: 124
    edited 2013-06-08 17:02
    Don't know about Win 7,but Window (sic) 8 has a restore option that "Restores And Resets Windows 8 To Factory Settings".

    http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/restore-refresh-reset-pc

    There was a dirt cheap upgrade at one point. ( $10 - $20 ).

    RickInTexas
  • RDL2004RDL2004 Posts: 2,554
    edited 2013-06-08 17:12
    Window (sic) 8
    Lol, hehe. So true :)

    Windows 7 has System Restore, which is similar and located somewhere in Control Panel.
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