Installing WindowsXP

[robertkist]

I usually install XP, then SP2 network install, then plug in the network cable. Sometimes I install Sygate Personal Firewall before that, but it doesn't seem to matter. I haven't cought a virus so far with that method.

I do remember that there was some malware that made your computer shut down, which installed itself just over the network, but with SP2 even this virus couldn't harm the system any more.

Download the SP2 network install if your windows CD doesn't have it already included and install it before you plug in the network cable.

If all else fails, you should check your USB stick, maybe the culprit is there? or somebody on your network is actively trying to hack you. Win XP may not be very safe right out of the box, but your case is a bit extreme.

[tciny]

The version of XP i have has SP2 slipstreamed, so it's always there. Doens't seem to help tho. The USB-Stick is virus free and there's only Macs in the network... :/

I know Windows+Internet gets ugly fast; it's why I switched to using Macs in the first place, but this really is rather extreme.

[Myliobatidae]

Hey sorry to hear that, that's really strange, I've had a few viruses through the years, and just gotten rid of them, what do you mean by "flattened instantly"...

[tciny]

AntiVir messages popping up faster than I can click "delete", over 600 open ports... well... you know... flattened ;)

btw. ZoneAlarm seems to do better than Outpost. Although it's far from my favourite choice it kept XP going for half an hour or so now... I beginning to think this might indeed work.

[Myliobatidae]

AntiVir messages popping up faster than I can click "delete", over 600 open ports... well... you know... flattened ;)

btw. ZoneAlarm seems to do better than Outpost. Although it's far from my favourite choice it kept XP going for half an hour or so now... I beginning to think this might indeed work.

Holy s**t, I've never heard of such a thing, it almost sounds like you've been targeted...

[RiKToR]

Nod32 seems to be an up and coming virus scanner and has been ranked better than the big boys like Mcaffe and Norton you should maybe try a trial of them and see how it works. It does seem a little extreme though my XP works for months before I need to reformat.

[lots]

Try AVG or Avast! for your virus protection. They may fare better.

Windows XP, un patched, and without firewall can be compromised in a matter of minutes, once online. To help prevent this, updating to the latest patches and security fixes will help lengthen this time. But really, you should never connect XP directly to the internet. If your local network has any firewall protection, this should be good enough to stop most attempts.

Which really only leaves a few possibilities for your problems. One, something you are installing opens a doorway. Two, something you're installing sets up all sorts of spam and spyware. If this is the case, Spybot Search and Destroy is a good place to start for anti spyware software. Three, you are a target for some reason.

I've never had a problem with XP viruses, and the internet. But maybe its because I have a linux box between me and the outside world.

Windows XP + naked connection to the internet = bad mojo :P

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