Fixes

Disable link scanning in antivirus/malware software The number one cause of this issue is problematic link scanning functions in various antivirus/malware software packages. Try disabling any link scanning components, then restart and check for Internet access.

For example, you can disable AVG’s link scanner by clicking on the AVG icon in the task bar (lower-right hand corner) then selecting “Link Scanner” and unchecking the “Enable AVG Search-Shield” box.

Look for a similar Web “link scanner” or “web shield” component in your antivirus/malware package and temporarily disable it, then restart your computer and check to see if the problem still exists.

Disable then re-enable antivirus software In other cases, simply disabling then re-enabling antivirus software can resolve this issue.

Microsoft provides a list of applications that will lose functionality (either partially or completely) after the update. Among them are a number of antivirus/anti-spyware tools, including:

• Avira AntiVir
• Spyware Doctor
• Trend Micro Internet Security & Virus Buster
• Spy Sweeper

Developers will be releasing updated versions of some of the aforementioned applications in the coming days, so stay tuned to manufacturers’ websites for new releases.

The gap between the private and public releases begs a nagging question: why is Microsoft withholding a significant update, which includes security enhancements relevant to all, in addition to functionality enhancements, from general users?

Not only does this delay keep the vast majority of systems vulnerable to exploits and deprive users of useful new features and performance enhancements, it also creates the potential for worse security exploits when the update is publicly released. Those with malicious intent will have likely already gained access to the final release, and found new methods of working around its more stringent security standards before users have even had a chance to update.

As written by “Colonel Michael,” a poster to Microsoft’s TechNet forums:

“It has been going on 2 weeks already since its release, and news articles are stating the probability that you will not release it to the public until June. The “leaked” product is already in the hands of those with malicious intent. By the time it reaches the large masses, the hacked computers, the zombie computers, will have already been updated with the “zombie fixes”. So when SP2 does get installed, the zombie masters will still maintain control of the computers”

What’s your take? Let us know in the comments below or at info@windowsfixup.com.

See our previous coverage on preparing your system for Windows Vista SP2 and what’s new in the release.

• avast! Home Edition
• AVG Anti-Virus Free
• Symantec AV Corporate Edition

Some developers are already working on Windows 7 RC1-compatible updates to their antivirus programs. A post in the AVG forums, for instance, states “This is a known issue, and it is planning to be fixed in one of the future updates of AVG 8.”

Note, however, that some antivirus program error messages do not necessarily indicate that your system is unprotected. If, for example, you receive an error message indicating that that antivirus program is still on but is not properly reporting its status to Windows (as displayed below), you may still be protected.

In the meantime, we have compiled a list of antivirus applications that appear to be compatible with Windows 7 RC1.

Feedback? info@windowsfixup.com.

Fix

It appears that, in some cases, this problem may be caused by a conflict with the Kaspersky Antivirus package. Follow these steps to disable the software:

1. Startup in safe mode (tap the F8 key on your keyboard repeatedly as the computer is starting up)
2. Select a method of safe booting from the menu (first try with networking; if the crash still occurs, try without networking)
3. Once the system has booted, click the Start button and type MSCONFIG then press enter in Windows Vista (in Windows XP, click the Start button, then click “Run” and type MSCONFIG then press enter)
4. Go to the startup tab
5. Disable Kaspersky and any related items (e.g. kl1.sys), then press OK, then restart the system if it does not happen automatically. Startup normally (i.e. not in safe mode)

Alternatively, you can launch the Kaspersky application and set it to not start at startup.

If you wish to continue using Kaspersky, you can try installing the technical preview for Windows 7, although it may exhibit similar issues.

Many users find that, when this problem occurs, they can ping the network, access email and perform other network functions, but browsers are dead in the water.

Fixes

Disable link scanning in antivirus/malware software The number one cause of this issue is problematic link scanning functions in various antivirus/malware software packages. Try disabling any link scanning components, then restart and check for Internet access.

For example, you can disable AVG’s link scanner by clicking on the AVG icon in the task bar (lower-right hand corner) then selecting “Link Scanner” and unchecking the “Enable AVG Search-Shield” box.

Look for a similar Web “link scanner” or “web shield” component in your antivirus/malware package and temporarily disable it, then restart your computer and check to see if the problem still exists.

Remove conflicting antivirus/malware software Conflicts created by the presence of two antivirus or malware packages that duplicate each other’s functionality can cause this problem. Install one, and only one strong anti-malware package. The presence of multiple packages can create conflicts that decrease system stability and can actually make your system more vulnerable.

First, uninstall all antivirus and malware programs from your system, then reinstall one, solid package and check for persistence of the issue.

Follow these steps:

1. Open the control panel
2. Open the “Network and Sharing Center”
3. Click “Manage Network Connection”
4. Right-click on your current network connection’s icon and select “Properties”
5. Click “Internet Protocol Versions 4 and 6 (TCP/IPv6 and 4)”
6. Select “Obtain an IP address automatically and obtain DNS server addresses automatically” (Alternatively, you can click on the DNS section [under Advanced] and delete any DNS entries, which may be non-functional).
7. Apply the changes

After completing these steps, restart and check for proper functionality of the Windows Update function.

Source: Microsoft

You should also take this time to install one, and only one strong anti-malware package. The presence of multiple packages can create conflicts that decrease system stability and can actually make your system more vulnerable.

One problem that can result from the presence of conflicting protection tools is an inability to connect to the Internet. This issue is typified by a persistent or sporadic inability to load web pages, generally accompanied by a never-ending “Connecting…” message in any given Web browser.

To resolve this issue, completely remove or disable all antivirus/spyware software (Norton 360, ZoneAlarm, AVG, etc.). In fact, you may need to uninstall the packages–simply disabling may not work.

Next, re-install one and only one competent antivirus/spyware tool and check for Internet connectivity.

Still, if you’re paranoid, or you’re experiencing symptoms typical of Conficker infection (disabling of automatic Microsoft updates and Windows Defender, abnormally high network congestion, etc.), you can easily and quickly determine whether or not you are infected with the virus by visiting the “Conficker Eye Chart” page created by the Conficker Working Group. As described on that page, the loading of all six images in the chart indicates that your system is likely not infected by Conficker. The test works because Conficker is known to block access to several antivirus websites, and the images contained in the chart load images from some of those sites.

If you are infected, or you want to take measures against infection, see our previous article “Protect Yourself Against Conficker in 3 Simple Steps” for removal instructions and protection mechanisms.

Feedback? info@windowsfixup.com.