Diane
You have a few challenges:
Getting a working antivirus program.
Uninstalling Norton Antivirus.
Getting rid of a worm.
Setting the computer so that it will boot (start) from a CD in case you need
it.
To get AVG (a good free antivirus program) go here
http://free.grisoft.com/doc/2/lng/us/tpl/v5 and install it.
Turn off the "restore" function on you operating system. If you have XP, go
to start/programs/accessories/system tools/system restore/system restore
settings and turn off system restore.
Run an AVG scan. It may evict, or least quarantine, of your uninvited worm.
To remove further remnants of Norton Antivirus go here
http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT/nav.nsf/docid/2001092114452606 and,
depending on your version of Norton Antivirus, follow the appropriate
directions. This still leaves pieces behind which involve a more difficult
removal process but should not affect your computer if not removed.
If AVG did not remove the worm, go here
http://www.symantec.com/avcenter/venc/data/wscript.kakworm.html and then go
here
http://www.symantec.com/avcenter/venc/data/wscript.kakworm.removal.tool.html
and then run Windows Update and install all the security updates.
To have the computer look to the CD drive first while booting/starting, when
starting the computer go into the "setup" of the BIOS/CMOS and set the boot
order to go to the CD first. Getting into the BIOS/CMOS setup varies by BIOS
manufacturer and will be in your manual although you can try pressing DEL
while the computer is starting.
I hope these comments help because the worst result is having to reformat
your drive and reinstall the operating system and any programs and data you
saved and want to reinstall. From your comments, it appears that you tried
one or more things that you did not know what the outcome would be. I follow
the rule that if I'm not sure, I cancel out of the process.
After your computer is working OK for a couple of days, you can turn the
"restore" function back on. Also, you can reset the boot order.
Good luck!
Tom Mayer
----- Original Message -----
From: "Diane" <[log in to unmask]>
I am a new member of this group, so I confess I am unsure of the
stipulations of the group and how much help I can expect to receive. I am a
newly-divorced single mother who is presently unemployed. Frankly, I do not
know where else to turn.
Another member of this group (a good friend of mine) has been very amiable
in trying to help me. He posted before I became a member, delineating the
problem at hand.
The issue is apparently a worm that has been around for a long time. The
error message I received follows:
Isass.exe - system error
An invalid handle was specified
The particular worm appears to be "wscript.kakworm.dr." As my friend
elaborated in his post, I had quarrantined the worm several days ago.
However, I would surmise that is not the issue at hand because despite
performing a system restore, I was perplexed to find out I could barely boot
my computer - - notwithstanding the fact I returned the settings back three
months. Obviously, it does lasting damage to the computer and I must now
perform a repair installation (per a response from one of the members in
this group).
That is fine, although I am all thumbs when it comes to computers . . .
and having to first configure the computer to start from the CD-ROM seems a
significant obstacle at the moment; i.e., I have no idea how to perform
this.
However . . .
I have two other issues. Since I was fortunate enough to get it to
(miraculously) boot this morning, I have to back-up the entire hard drive.
I was under the apparently erroneous impression that I could use CD's to do
this. From what I have read on the Net, that is not an option?
Upon the repair installation, I would then need to reinstall the
information from the back-up, not that I know how to do that as well.
The remaining issue is in regards to Norton, i.e., Symantec. This was
working stupendously for me and then suddenly said it was lacking the scan
engine. My guess is that I mistakenly clicked on the set-up file from my
desktop in absolute haste, rather than going through the program area to
have proper access to it. I do not know if I might have corrupted the
program by mistakenly doing that? As a result, I felt it best if I
uninstalled and then reinstalled it. When I went to reinstall it, there was
a problem. It became hung there for a very long time, whereupon I had no
choice but to shut it down. Now, when it came back up, it asked if I wanted
to resume the installation. I said yes, but it did nothing. I would assume
it aborted without any notice? Or possibly malfunctioned in some way?
There was no further notice of anything happening with the reinstallation.
Nor do I see it listed in "programs," and this is worrying me. I feel I
might have done more damage trying to
get Norton working again? I have not done anything further in this regard
to avoid making matters worse. From what I understand from my friend who is
a member here, Norton will go deep into the workings of your computer and is
essentially very difficult, if not impossible, to remove in entirety.
Perhaps this is not a bona fide issue at the moment considering my other
issues, but I felt it necessary to mention since I need virus protection now
more than ever.
I hope someone can help me, as it will affect my child's Christmas
dramatically to have to hire someone to come to my house and work this out
for me. My child's father is in Iraq, and this is our only means of
communication with him. He must deal with mortars daily, so it is not a
comfort issue per se. There is not even a phone number to reach him.
Many heartfelt thanks in advance . . .
Diane
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