52801 or 53801? There is a very good reason to have at least two copies of the files in this download. Usually when you install the drivers you make a copy of the zipped file to a folder in your My Documents folder or to your desktop (not a very good practice). When you double click to start the autoextractor, the files are expanded to a folder of the same name, usually to the C:\Dell\Drivers directory. Once there, an installation wizard is executed to write the files to the appropriate location in Windows/System and make the necessary amendments to the registry. If you don't delete the original file that you downloaded, some of these applications are capable of viewing the contents of zipped files, resulting in at least two reports of the R5?801 folder and its contents.
Applications like the one you have installed, and now hopefully removed, usually cause more trouble than good. The hard drive you have has so much space that removing these small driver folders will not significantly increase the storage capacity on your computer. What is worse, however, I have read posts from folks who delete files needed by their computers for proper operation. Making sure that your My Documents folder is properly organized is all you should really need to do. The housekeeping functions of Windows should be sufficient for what remains.
Applications like the one you have installed, and now hopefully removed, usually cause more trouble than good.
Yes.
Liz, why are you looking for duplicate files and installing programs that do not have such a good reputation? In addition to what JackShack mentioned, if a system file becomes corrupt on your computer we can look for its duplicate to replace it with.
The following suggestions are general prevention and are not customized for your computer. You may have already taken some of these steps, and depending on your current security, you may not need to implement all of these:
1. Visit Microsoft Update: Make sure that you have all the Critical Updates recommended for your operating system, Office, and IE. The first defense against infection is a properly patched OS from Microsoft Update at update.microsoft.com. More info HERE.
2. Please use a firewall and realtime anti-virus. Keep the anti-virus software and firewall software up to date.. Run a complete system scan with your anti-virus at least once a week...preferably in Safe mode. If your anti-virus program is a paid/licensed version that is about to expire, you can consider removing it and using a free one such as: Microsoft Security Essentials AntiVir Personal Edition Classic Avast! Home Edition
If you prefer not to use the Windows Firewall, there are several of the freeware Firewalls available on the public domain.
3. Using an alternate browser can reduce your chance of certain infections installing themselves. You might consider installing Mozilla / Firefox. http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/
4. Do not use file sharing. Even the safest P2P file sharing programs that do not contain bundled spyware, still expose you to risks because of the very nature of the P2P file sharing process. By default, most P2P file sharing programs are configured to automatically launch at startup. They are also configured to allow other P2P users on the same network open access to a shared directory on your computer. The reason for this is simple. File sharing relies on its members giving and gaining unfettered access to computers across the P2P network. However, this practice can make you vulnerable to data and identity theft. Even if you change those risky default settings to a safer configuration, the act of downloading files from an anonymous source greatly increases your exposure to infection. That is because the files you are downloading may actually contain a disguised threat. Many very malicious worms and trojans, such as the Storm Worm, target and spread across P2P files sharing networks because of their known vulnerabilities.
5. Keep your software updated...make it easier on yourself and install the free security tool Secunia PSI .
6. If you have not already done so, you might want to install CCleaner and run it in each user's profile: http://www.ccleaner.com/ ** UNcheck the option to install the Yahoo toolbar that is checked by default for the Standard version, or download the toolbar-free versions (Slim or Basic) when given the option for those.
7. Web Of Trust , uses colored alerts to warn about risky websites warns you about risky websites that try to scam visitors, deliver malware or send spam. Protect your computer against online threats by using WOT as your front-line layer of protection when browsing or searching in unfamiliar territory. WOT's color-coded icons show you ratings for 21 million websites, helping you avoid the dangerous sites:
Red for Warning = STOP
Yellow for Use Caution
Green for Safe
Grey for Unknown
There is a Web Of Trust version for Firefox as well.
8. If you still wish to use Internet Explorer, please make sure you install SpywareBlaster: http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/spywareblaster.html It will: Prevent the installation of ActiveX-based spyware, adware, browser hijackers, dialers, and other potentially unwanted software. Block spyware/tracking cookies in Internet Explorer and Mozilla Firefox. Restrict the actions of potentially unwanted sites in Internet Explorer. Tutorial here:http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/tutorial49.html Periodically check for updates.
9. You might want to install Winpatrol. Winpatrol is heuristic protection program, meaning it looks for patterns in codes that work like malware. It also takes a snapshot of your system's critical resources and alerts you to any changes that may occur without you knowing. You can read more about Winpatrol's features here. You can download a free copy of Winpatrol or use the Plus version for more features. You can read Winpatrol's FAQ if you run into problems.
10. Many of us in the online security community have tried and tested programs to determine their abilities. Please remember that there is no guarantee regarding computer security. However, the available software, combined with the rest of these recommendations will contribute to helping your system running safely.
Here are some helpful articles: How did I get infected? HERE
I'm not pulling your leg, honest? by Sandi Hardmeier HERE
12. Check to be sure that you are not one of those people who is using a dangerously easy-to-guess password at websites requiring passwords. There is a good how-to video HERE.
Downloading to a USB memory stick is a good thing; in addition to conveniently allowing you to use another computer to download the files if necessary, it gives you a backup of them if you don't erase them. Copying to the desktop on a Windows XP machine can lead to aggrevation, however. If you copy the files to the desktop instead of to a folder, there is a quirk in Windows XP that can make the system think that the files are always in use by some unnamed application. If that happens, it is nearly impossible to remove the file from your desktop. That is why I always suggest to make a folder in My Documents with a recognizable name to hold the driver file. This avoids the "impossible to erase" syndrome.
Also, when you start editing a file in word, there is always a "working copy" established that allows the edit to be made without modifying the original saved file. When you close Word properly, these working copies become the saved file and the old file is marked as "removed" so that only the saved file remains. Due to the way that Windows erases files, however, the working copy can still be seen by a program that ignores the bits in the directory that tell Windows the file has been erased. Erasing data in Windows never actually removes it, which is why there are so many programs around to "kill" the data on computers you are trading in for newer models.
You are very welcome. Helping our fellow computer owners is a pleasure, and often allows us to learn more about the way computers work as well.
is it possible to run spyware blaster and SuperAntispyware together?
Yes. SpywareBlaster runs in the background to restrict bad sites when you are online. Unless you are using the paid version of SAS it is an on-demand scanner. I recommend MalwareBytes' Anti-Malware over SAS though.
JackShack, Thank you for your response, yes I have removed the program. I have WOT installed and the website was green or I would not have downloaded the program. The drivers are staying right where they are. My prob with dup documents evidently came from office word making temp files of my docs. I have finally got them deleted, everything is ok for now. When I did a clean install, by the way, I had the drivers downloaded on to a flash drive, when came time to install them I loaded them first to the desktop, ran them, then deleted the desktop ones. Wasn't this ok?
Bugbatter, Thanks for the advice. If you read my response above, you know why I went there to begin with. I was not that concerned with saving space as I was about those irritating duplicate office word documents. But that is settled. As for the rest of your reply, I have a copy of it from your help before. I update frequently, even though I have it on automatic, and I now know not to install the hardware updates. I use MSE and Windows firewall. I scan daily. I do not scan in safe mode, because through another of my posts, I was under the impression to do so only if infection is suspected. Mozilla is installed, but use IE. No file sharing. WOT, Secunia, CCleaner, installed. I will think about WinPatrol, as the last time I had them installed, it would freeze constantly. As for Spyware blaster, I was under the assumption that I could not run another realtime protection while running MSE. Is this not correct? I do have the free version of Malwarebytes-Antimalwarebytes, downloaded from cnet.com and scan daily with that one also. I do not use twitter of facebook, but my friend uses my pc and goes there sometimes. I will also see about some stronger passwords, but I have a memory like a sieve.
If you read my response above, you know why I went there to begin with.
No, I don't know why you would download that program without asking for recommendations first. The download site may have a green WOT rating, but the program itself may not be reliable.
As for Spyware blaster, I was under the assumption that I could not run another realtime protection while running MSE. Is this not correct?
No, that is not correct. You should not run more than one anti-virus. SpywareBlaster is not an antivirus. The author's website has information on how it works.
Bugbatter, Thank you, and is it possible to run spyware blaster and superantispyware together? I will ask about a download next time. Hate to be a bother with such small things, but I really appreciate the help of you and all the others. Liz.
jackshack
6.4K Posts
1
April 1st, 2011 23:00
52801 or 53801? There is a very good reason to have at least two copies of the files in this download. Usually when you install the drivers you make a copy of the zipped file to a folder in your My Documents folder or to your desktop (not a very good practice). When you double click to start the autoextractor, the files are expanded to a folder of the same name, usually to the C:\Dell\Drivers directory. Once there, an installation wizard is executed to write the files to the appropriate location in Windows/System and make the necessary amendments to the registry. If you don't delete the original file that you downloaded, some of these applications are capable of viewing the contents of zipped files, resulting in at least two reports of the R5?801 folder and its contents.
Applications like the one you have installed, and now hopefully removed, usually cause more trouble than good. The hard drive you have has so much space that removing these small driver folders will not significantly increase the storage capacity on your computer. What is worse, however, I have read posts from folks who delete files needed by their computers for proper operation. Making sure that your My Documents folder is properly organized is all you should really need to do. The housekeeping functions of Windows should be sufficient for what remains.
Bugbatter
3 Apprentice
•
20.5K Posts
1
April 2nd, 2011 03:00
Liz, why are you looking for duplicate files and installing programs that do not have such a good reputation? In addition to what JackShack mentioned, if a system file becomes corrupt on your computer we can look for its duplicate to replace it with.
The following suggestions are general prevention and are not customized for your computer. You may have already taken some of these steps, and depending on your current security, you may not need to implement all of these:
1. Visit Microsoft Update: Make sure that you have all the Critical Updates recommended for your operating system, Office, and IE. The first defense against infection is a properly patched OS from Microsoft Update at update.microsoft.com. More info HERE.
2. Please use a firewall and realtime anti-virus. Keep the anti-virus software and firewall software up to date.. Run a complete system scan with your anti-virus at least once a week...preferably in Safe mode.
If your anti-virus program is a paid/licensed version that is about to expire, you can consider removing it and using a free one such as:
Microsoft Security Essentials
AntiVir Personal Edition Classic
Avast! Home Edition
If you prefer not to use the Windows Firewall, there are several of the freeware Firewalls available on the public domain.
Please see this list for anti-virus, firewalls, and other FREE SECURITY SOFTWARE.
3. Using an alternate browser can reduce your chance of certain infections installing themselves. You might consider installing Mozilla / Firefox.
http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/
4. Do not use file sharing. Even the safest P2P file sharing programs that do not contain bundled spyware, still expose you to risks because of the very nature of the P2P file sharing process. By default, most P2P file sharing programs are configured to automatically launch at startup. They are also configured to allow other P2P users on the same network open access to a shared directory on your computer. The reason for this is simple. File sharing relies on its members giving and gaining unfettered access to computers across the P2P network. However, this practice can make you vulnerable to data and identity theft. Even if you change those risky default settings to a safer configuration, the act of downloading files from an anonymous source greatly increases your exposure to infection. That is because the files you are downloading may actually contain a disguised threat. Many very malicious worms and trojans, such as the Storm Worm, target and spread across P2P files sharing networks because of their known vulnerabilities.
5. Keep your software updated...make it easier on yourself and install the free security tool Secunia PSI .
6. If you have not already done so, you might want to install CCleaner and run it in each user's profile: http://www.ccleaner.com/ ** UNcheck the option to install the Yahoo toolbar that is checked by default for the Standard version, or download the toolbar-free versions (Slim or Basic) when given the option for those.
7. Web Of Trust , uses colored alerts to warn about risky websites warns you about risky websites that try to scam visitors, deliver malware or send spam. Protect your computer against online threats by using WOT as your front-line layer of protection when browsing or searching in unfamiliar territory. WOT's color-coded icons show you ratings for 21 million websites, helping you avoid the dangerous sites:
There is a Web Of Trust version for Firefox as well.
8. If you still wish to use Internet Explorer, please make sure you install SpywareBlaster: http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/spywareblaster.html
It will:
Prevent the installation of ActiveX-based spyware, adware, browser hijackers, dialers, and other potentially unwanted software.
Block spyware/tracking cookies in Internet Explorer and Mozilla Firefox.
Restrict the actions of potentially unwanted sites in Internet Explorer.
Tutorial here:http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/tutorial49.html
Periodically check for updates.
9. You might want to install Winpatrol. Winpatrol is heuristic protection program, meaning it looks for patterns in codes that work like malware. It also takes a snapshot of your system's critical resources and alerts you to any changes that may occur without you knowing. You can read more about Winpatrol's features here. You can download a free copy of Winpatrol or use the Plus version for more features.
You can read Winpatrol's FAQ if you run into problems.
10. Many of us in the online security community have tried and tested programs to determine their abilities. Please remember that there is no guarantee regarding computer security. However, the available software, combined with the rest of these recommendations will contribute to helping your system running safely.
Here are some helpful articles:
How did I get infected? HERE
I'm not pulling your leg, honest?
by Sandi Hardmeier HERE
11. If you use Social Media (Facebook, Twitter, etc.) you can stay informed at SpywareHammer's Forum for Social Media Security
12. Check to be sure that you are not one of those people who is using a dangerously easy-to-guess password at websites requiring passwords. There is a good how-to video HERE.
jackshack
6.4K Posts
1
April 2nd, 2011 11:00
Downloading to a USB memory stick is a good thing; in addition to conveniently allowing you to use another computer to download the files if necessary, it gives you a backup of them if you don't erase them. Copying to the desktop on a Windows XP machine can lead to aggrevation, however. If you copy the files to the desktop instead of to a folder, there is a quirk in Windows XP that can make the system think that the files are always in use by some unnamed application. If that happens, it is nearly impossible to remove the file from your desktop. That is why I always suggest to make a folder in My Documents with a recognizable name to hold the driver file. This avoids the "impossible to erase" syndrome.
Also, when you start editing a file in word, there is always a "working copy" established that allows the edit to be made without modifying the original saved file. When you close Word properly, these working copies become the saved file and the old file is marked as "removed" so that only the saved file remains. Due to the way that Windows erases files, however, the working copy can still be seen by a program that ignores the bits in the directory that tell Windows the file has been erased. Erasing data in Windows never actually removes it, which is why there are so many programs around to "kill" the data on computers you are trading in for newer models.
You are very welcome. Helping our fellow computer owners is a pleasure, and often allows us to learn more about the way computers work as well.
Bugbatter
3 Apprentice
•
20.5K Posts
1
April 3rd, 2011 06:00
liz1954
2 Intern
•
161 Posts
0
April 2nd, 2011 04:00
JackShack, Thank you for your response, yes I have removed the program. I have WOT installed and the website was green or I would not have downloaded the program. The drivers are staying right where they are. My prob with dup documents evidently came from office word making temp files of my docs. I have finally got them deleted, everything is ok for now. When I did a clean install, by the way, I had the drivers downloaded on to a flash drive, when came time to install them I loaded them first to the desktop, ran them, then deleted the desktop ones. Wasn't this ok?
Bugbatter, Thanks for the advice. If you read my response above, you know why I went there to begin with. I was not that concerned with saving space as I was about those irritating duplicate office word documents. But that is settled. As for the rest of your reply, I have a copy of it from your help before. I update frequently, even though I have it on automatic, and I now know not to install the hardware updates. I use MSE and Windows firewall. I scan daily. I do not scan in safe mode, because through another of my posts, I was under the impression to do so only if infection is suspected. Mozilla is installed, but use IE. No file sharing. WOT, Secunia, CCleaner, installed. I will think about WinPatrol, as the last time I had them installed, it would freeze constantly. As for Spyware blaster, I was under the assumption that I could not run another realtime protection while running MSE. Is this not correct? I do have the free version of Malwarebytes-Antimalwarebytes, downloaded from cnet.com and scan daily with that one also. I do not use twitter of facebook, but my friend uses my pc and goes there sometimes. I will also see about some stronger passwords, but I have a memory like a sieve.
Appreciate the help greatly. Liz.
Bugbatter
3 Apprentice
•
20.5K Posts
0
April 2nd, 2011 20:00
I hope this helps.
liz1954
2 Intern
•
161 Posts
0
April 2nd, 2011 20:00
Bugbatter, Thank you, and is it possible to run spyware blaster and superantispyware together? I will ask about a download next time. Hate to be a bother with such small things, but I really appreciate the help of you and all the others. Liz.
liz1954
2 Intern
•
161 Posts
0
April 3rd, 2011 07:00
Bugbatter, OK, and thanks. Since I already have MAMB, I am all set. Appreciate the help! Liz.