Common Connection Problems in Student Housing

Spyware & Browser Hijackers

  The number #1 reason students are unable to connect is browser hijackers. There are a number of ways to be infected with spyware. Kazaa, Instant Messenger worms, third-party software bundled with legitimate software (you did read the license agreement, right?). Something as simple as visiting a website (usually an adult site) can infect you. Even some spyware removal programs are actually spyware themselves. Removal of these predatory advertising programs can be tricky and care must be taken.
  So what can you do? There are many free tools you can use to remove spyware, the best ones are listed below. Beware that there are many supposed spyware removers that are actually scams. Here's a list. Be sure to read the instructions carefully as some are very powerful (such as Hijack-This!) and can cause some programs to stop functioning. Backing up your registry is always a good idea before making any changes. Due to the amount of time involved in removing spyware (usually 1 to 2 hrs), Velocity Online is no longer able to remove spyware from your computer. We recommend that you call Computer Tutors at 893-4031 if you don't want to try and fix the problem yourself. We cannot be responsible for damages done by third-party software. Your only other option is reinstalling your operating system.

We recommend that you stop using Internet Explorer altogether.

Firefox is better, faster & free. Mozilla Firefox web browser- Better than Internet Explorer without the problems. Fast & free- Highly Recommended
Firefox

We also recommend that you COMPLAIN to your congressman about these companies and let him know that you think programs that hijack your browser connection should be illegal and that companies that distribute this malware should be shutdown.

Tools:

All of these tools are available on a CD that you can sign-out from the front office at your apartment complex (or you can have a friend burn these to a CD if you can't get online)

Try this first to restore your connection then run the other tools
WinsockXPfix for WinXP/2000

E-scan will checks for many things that cause you to losr your connection (be sure to check the box that says 'drive' before running).
MicroWorld E-scan free

Spybot Search & Destroy- catches most but less safe to use
www.safer-networking.org/

Here is a list of tools
www.spywareinfo.com/downloads.php

Once you have your connection fixed, this program will prevent spyware from hijacking your browser again.
SpywareGuard

One of the many petitions to stop these companies
www.petitiononline.com/aa1141/petition.html

SanCarlos residents click here

If you have a brand new computer or if this is the first time you have connected to an ethernet network, try this first.

Check the network status

Find out if other people in your building are also having networking problems. If the computers in the lab by the office are working, the problem may be limited to your computer. Unplug and plug back in the power source for the hub in your apartment, turn your computer off and restart it to see if that solves your problem.

Make sure your Ethernet cable is securely connected

The connectors on 10Base-T Ethernet cables look like those on common phone cords, but 10Base-T connectors are slightly wider. To ensure that the cable is firmly connected, insert the connector until you feel a slight click. Make sure you are trying to plug it into a data jack, not a phone jack. The link light for your ethernet card must be on. Laptops are prone to frequent disconnects due to the cable wiggling loose. Try to stabilize the cable by placing something on top of it.

Swap Ethernet cables or try another jack

A good way to isolate hardware problems is to test with similar equipment that you know works. The most common faulty item is a bad Ethernet cable. You can test this by trying your cable on another computer that is known to be connected and working. If, after switching the cables, the other computer still works, the cable is not the problem. If the other computer is no longer able to use the network, the cable is the source of the problem.

Check the Hardware

Some of the most stubborn networking problems are hardware-related. Unless all the hardware is properly installed and connected, your network connection cannot work. The Ethernet card must be installed in the computer correctly. A 10Base-T Ethernet cable should be plugged into the card and the data port in the wall.

Check the Ethernet Driver Software

If you bought a Windows computer with a pre-installed Ethernet adapter, the Ethernet driver software is probably already installed. For PCs that do not already have an Ethernet card installed, you will have to install the Ethernet driver software from the manufacturer before the Ethernet connection will work. Run the installer from the disk that came with your Ethernet card to install the appropriate driver. Make sure you have called the office and your account has been activated. Usually, only one computer is allowed per account to prevent theft of services.

Xbox and Playstation 2 Setup

Please click Here for setup instructions

Kazaa Users

We ask that students using KaZaa to check the "Do not function as a supernode" box (tools>options>advanced) to help prevent any unnecessary slowness in the apartment complex OR switch to another file sharing program like WinMX. www.winmx.com
In addition, most versions of Kazaa contain spyware. We have had several students who have lost their internet connection upon removal of Kazaa and have had to use one of the tools above to restore their service.

Is your service working but just running slow?

New viruses come out every week and if you aren't upgrading your computer through the "Windows Update" link regularly (Start > All Programs > Windows Update), you will most certainly have problems. The Nachi worm in particular is causing problems with slowness and we have been forced to turn off the service of people that have not fixed their computers. A free tool that will check for some viruses can be found here. Be SURE to turn off 'System Restore' before using this tool. Info on how to do this can be found on the web or using Windows Help (Start > Help)

If all of this fails, call us. We may be able to help you locate the problem. If the problem is computer related, you may bring your computer to our office and we will be glad to take a look at it.