Google search feature doesn't work on my system

[Arielle]

Looks like I'm closing in on possibiltes.


Google will not accept contact because of a hidden virus; had PC debugged several months ago, but this did not resolve the problem using Chrome. Maybe another virus still lurks.

System restore. Will loose everything after a given dat,e including the virus. NEed to do a backup first Or be willing to loose some data. (MOstly BYC fav orites.)


SO much for anti-viral software.


THank you everyone for your help. YOu are wonderful--love the kind people of BYC!! I'm still open to ideas.

I'm stumped as to why my IE can connect to google but Chrome cannot. See, I may not know much, but I can learn, if slowly.

 

[OldGuy43]

Quote:
I tried reading about this, if I understand correctly, I can go back in time and dump everything created after a date of my choosing. I need to back up everything before doing this.

Is this what you mean??

Yes, but if it's been several months since search worked correctly you probably won't have a useful backup point. You can check by going to START - PROGRAMS - ACCESSORIES - SYSTEM TOOLS - SYSTEM RESTORE.

Of course if you than restore the stuff that you backup you could reinstall the virus.

 

[Arielle]

Good point-- I did wonder if I stored files on the back up if it would re instate the virus. Will ponder over what file I might loose.

Is there a way to look at files by date???

 

[ChicKat]

Hey there Arielle,

Still getting to the bottom of this?

Is there any one near by that could help you out? Although I don't know anything about chrome...it sounds like it is a tool that you use. I just hate when I loose something due to a computer glitch then need to learn an entirely different way to accomplish what I used to be able to do without thinking about it.

Possible avenues of assistance?

1. the original source of your computer?
2. any relative, friend or neighbors or their kids who may have computer expertise
3. 'the Geek squad'
4. any computer fixers.

I have a feeling that it is going to be something simple like clicking a check box or some such or filling in a blank someplace...it is just finding the right place. Sorry I don't know how to help-- but maybe a bump will lead to something more fruitful.

 

[ChicKat]

Quote:
Depending upon which files and where they are located if you have Ms windows then try Start-->My Documents-->

If your dates aren's showing, then go to the funny little icon on the end after the 'search' and 'folders' because that one is views. On views click the drop down and then click 'details' -- that view should provide dates for you if they don't automatically appear. You can click on the 'date modified' and find the recent files.

Alternatively you could do a Start-->search-->and put in dates -- it should list all your files. Not sure what exactly you will be seeing. but it should give you an inkling. And you do have virus protection or Spybot or something to isolate and zap virus invaders, I hope.

 

[OldGuy43]

Quote:
Open the file list. At the top of the window click VIEW. Select DETAILS. Now click the column named Date Modified. Clicking Date Modified again will reverse the sort order from newest first to oldest first.

 

[Arielle]

ChickCat: And you do have virus protection or Spybot or something to isolate and zap virus invaders, I hope.

Yes. Friend from EMC debugged and put on new free antiviraus program. I am concerned that free means less than good enough.

which are good one?

Looks like the next step is see how many files need dumping.

I'm remembering google asking for special codes to verify that i'm human. IS this a clue??? THis was back in the summer before I had this PC debugged. I am thinking that there is a virus as I get hijacked regularly= sent off to unexpected sites.


Wish I had studied computers--only took FOrtran. LOL​

 

[call ducks]

Nope, often times free is better, better then Norton anyways

 

[ChicKat]

Special codes are actually a good thing, they are designed for humans to be able to read and not invading computers......

Hey, if you can do Fortran....you can do anything IMO. Sheesh-- that goes waaaaay back (to my era-- RPG II, COBOL, sheesh, don't remind me)


BAcking up a little bit..... do I understand correctly that you used to default to Chrome and now you go to something else, and you never changed that? Think of any added programs or even bookmarks that you put on your computer in the time between when you had it configured the way you liked it and now...... Any hints?

What would it take to get you back to the way you want it to be? Just to go to Chrome--- (again sorry, I am unfamiliar with it).

Have you tried any of the online forums that help with computers specifically? There are often lovely Geeks hanging out that would probably be able to quickly solve the problem.... Maybe a google or a bing search on 'real time help for PC problems'-- I found a couple of sites there. (probably include a charge---but your time has value and it is being spent in aggrivation not doing what you want! ;O)

One more thing....maybe a new post in Random Ramblings--- because maybe fewer people are looking in 'announcements'.

 

[OldGuy43]

For anti-virus I like AVG Freeware. Download it here:
http://download.cnet.com/AVG-Anti-V...2.html?part=dl-avg_free_ww&subj=dl&tag=button

For a firewall I like Zone Alarm (also free)
http://download.zonealarm.com/bin/free/1001_za/zaSetupWeb_101_065_000.exe

Both work well and are only minimally intrusive and easy to set up.