Windows XP help. I can't download!

Moses · 01-03-2005, 07:59 AM

When I try to download iTunes from the apple site (or anything else) I get a clunk sound and a small icon showing a hard drive with a red "X" indicating download blocked. I turned off the Norton firewall, but no change. I also have NoAdware and Spyware Doctor. How do I fix this? (I miss my Mac

)

Neilk · 01-03-2005, 08:18 AM

The only spyware programs I trust are Spybot, Lavasoft's Ad-Aware. They are both free. I am not sure what programs you downloaded. They might be the cause of your problem.

Since you can't download anything try going here and see if they detect anything.

Alternatively, log in as another user and see if that user also has problems downloading files.

Tim Walsh · Tim Walsh's Garage

If you've installed XP service pack 2 there is a firewall/security software associated with it that might be doing it.

What happens when you right click and use the save target as function?

dhoward · dhoward's Garage

I.e. popup blocker on?

Moses · 01-03-2005, 08:38 AM

I scanned for viruses and I am not infected. I have uninstalled every security program except Norton, which I restored to default. No Downloads! I hate this thing. Isn't there some central place to allow/block downloads? Did I mention I hate this thing?

Moses · 01-03-2005, 09:18 AM

Fixed it! Had to set Windows Security to "minimum". Did I mention I hate my PC?

azasadny · azasadny's Garage

Moses,

You might want to use Mozilla FireFox as your browser. You can download it at www.mozilla.org and it's free. After you install it, it will import all of your bookmarks and settings and is more secure than IE. It's not perfect, but it's much less prone to spyware, ActiveX controls doing things you don't want, popups, etc... I'm using FireFox on all 5 PC's at home and 4 of them are running WinXP and 1 is running Win2000.

Aurel · Aurel's Garage

The problem with windows is that there are so many security issues that they have increased the security features which makes it a real pain to use. It is like living in a bad neigborhood and having to unlock eight locks on your door everytime you want to get inside.
Moses, what made you go to a PC ?

Aurel

Moses · 01-03-2005, 04:05 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Aurel

Moses, what made you go to a PC ?

Aurel

There is a proprietary network server where I work. If I want off-site access, it's Windows only compatable.

My small office runs on a network of 5 Macs. I have a switching cable to my monitor that allows switching between my Mac and the WinBox. At home my wife, kids and I are on a Mac Airport network. I also have a Dell on the Airport network for work.

I know I slam Windows a lot, but in reality Windows XP is a remarkable upgrade from the previous OS. They have simplified networking and peripheral connection issues. If I'm working with pictures, music or home movies, I still prefer the Mac.

Moses · 01-03-2005, 04:06 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by azasadny
Moses,

You might want to use Mozilla FireFox as your browser. You can download it at www.mozilla.org and it's free. After you install it, it will import all of your bookmarks and settings and is more secure than IE. It's not perfect, but it's much less prone to spyware, ActiveX controls doing things you don't want, popups, etc... I'm using FireFox on all 5 PC's at home and 4 of them are running WinXP and 1 is running Win2000.

Thanks! I loaded it this morning after you posted. It's great!

SpeedracerIndy · 01-03-2005, 05:47 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Aurel
The problem with windows is that there are so many security issues that they have increased the security features which makes it a real pain to use. It is like living in a bad neigborhood and having to unlock eight locks on your door everytime you want to get inside.
Moses, what made you go to a PC ?

Aurel

When you're on top, everybody is out to get you. If Macs out numbered PCs a million to one, the virus and spyware problems would be with Macs and us PC users would be bragging about how great our PCs were.