Bill, I got a computer question

[Vinny]

My computer every so often loses it's time by 3 hours. The first time it happened I just assumed it was the battery but it's happened 3 more times. I'm thinking that it happens when a certain website is visited and it resets the clock.

I have Microsoft spyware running and XP firewall but no anti virus installed (Mcaffee time ran out) and neither have detected anything so far.

Have you heard of this? If yes, what to do?

Thanks!

Vinny

[wmccall]

Is this your home computer? Is it on a network with other computers? I've seen logging into servers change the time to that of the server.

Get a new anti-virus now, or you will be paying someone like me enough money for a new coverlifter. Are you on the east coast? I haven't heard of a website changing the time setting, but if your in Eastern time it might be some hooligan like Chas or Dr Spa.

This might take some detective work. Note the time everytime you shut down and startup the PC. The get used to checking it periodically especially when you visit sites that you frequent (voyeurweb for example )

[Vinny]

First off, how did you know about voyeurweb? ... hmmm!

It is my home computer and it's not on any network.  I know I need to get a virus scanning engine on but I'm waiting for a rebate for it. I have Mcaffee and can sometimes get it for free.

The only people who use it the most are myself and my oldest son and it's not really a big deal yet. I was thinking in terms that he or I visit a site that we log in and changes my clock. Originally, I thought it was my battery dying but tyupically lithium batteries last for about 3-4 years.

Whenever I ask my son if he noticed it changing, the answer is always no. I usually find it as I start up my computer reset it and it's good for days or weeks then I turn on and it has changed.

Now as far as paying someone to de virus my computer ... there's always Format C: and away it goes. If that don't work, $49 for a hard drive or at $299 for a computer ... hello Dell!

[stuart]

I had a similar problem and installed adawareSE... It went away after that. If you don't already have SE you should download it, it's free.

[Vinny]

I had a similar problem and installed adawareSE... It went away after that. If you don't already have SE you should download it, it's free.

Thanks for the tip, I'll try it!

[Vinny]

Stuart,

Thanks!!

It picked up 3 things that the Microsoft version didn't! I'll se how it goes.

[wmccall]

Stuart,

Thanks!!

It picked up 3 things that the Microsoft version didn't! I'll se how it goes.

http://www.download.com/Ad-Aware-SE-Personal-Edition/3000-8022_4-10399602.html?tag=lst-0-2

One word about spyware scanners.  You can't rely on a single one. Unlike viruses, some spyware is put on a person's computer with their semi-informed consent.  The people writing that crap are out there suing the people like Lavasoft (adaware) for detecting things. Some companies have backed off on some detection. I also use spybot search and destroy. The microsoft product is a good product and an active product vs the passive scanners like Adaware, but currently the MS product is set to expire at the end of the year and may just stop working.  They may begin charging for it after that, which I consider almost immoral.

[Vinny]

I'm not a Microsoft fan, I prefer Word Perfect to Word, Quicken to Money and ....

I used the Microsoft version because someone at work pick up spyware and adaware and spybot couldn't eliminate it. I do know that it's in the beta version and I agree that it'll be a pay for use item such as Viruscan.

[stuart]

I use AdawareSE, SpyBot and Pestpatrol all three...

[bob5820]

I'm not convinced that its a spy ware problem, but its a good place to start. As stated before try several different spyware catchers none of them catch everything. Forget about a rebate, get an AV scanner now or stay off line. There are several free ones such as AVG and Avast. Also check out some of the Spyware related forums such as http://pcpitstop.invisionzone.com, they have a sub forum for viruses and spyware. I took a quick look but didn't see anything about clocks being changed, but post there and see what kind of feed back you get.

[wmccall]

I'm not convinced that its a spy ware problem, but its a good place to start. As stated before try several different spyware catchers none of them catch everything. Forget about a rebate, get an AV scanner now or stay off line. There are several free ones such as AVG and Avast. Also check out some of the Spyware related forums such as http://pcpitstop.invisionzone.com, they have a sub forum for viruses and spyware. I took a quick look but didn't see anything about clocks being changed, but post there and see what kind of feed back you get.

I agree, Vinny will probably have to remember to keep checking it and seeing where it gets off.

[Vinny]

I bought Virus Scan V10 today and got it free after rebates. I'll install it tomorrow and be protected!  

As far as checking the clock, I have been checking it but and this is a BIG BUT my son is totally oblivious of things like that. There are many times I go to bed and he's on the computer AND even sometimes the history is gone ... what ever happened to Playboy Magazines ...

Anyway, thanks for all the help and hopefully it will go away.

[Brewman]

There are many times I go to bed and he's on the computer AND even sometimes the history is gone ... what ever happened to Playboy Magazines ...

Anyway, thanks for all the help and hopefully it will go away.

Do a check of where your son has been surfinging- you may be suprised.  I was.  Apparently, there are a lot of places that you can find free porn.   No need to spend good money on magazines these days.  
It took me many hours to undo all the damage from the spyware that these places slip into your PC.  
Now we have a firewall, spy killer software, spam blockers, virus scanns, etc.  

[stuart]

 Do a check of where your son has been surfinging- you may be suprised.  I was.  Apparently, there are a lot of places that you can find free porn.   No need to spend good money on magazines these days.  
 It took me many hours to undo all the damage from the spyware that these places slip into your PC.  
Now we have a firewall, spy killer software, spam blockers, virus scanns, etc.  

When my step son lived at home my computer crashed or did funky things all the time....now I have no problem until he visits, coincidence?

Worst of all when he hit those teen years, he got into my Viagra .....By the time we found him he had 3rd degree burns on both hands

[wmccall]

There are many times I go to bed and he's on the computer AND even sometimes the history is gone ....

Bingo, this is where I am putting my bets if he is intentionally clearing the history.  I can honestly say I've made in the thousands of dollars on PC calls that start out with the customer saying, "My kids, or my Grandkids....