How do I stop unwanted download?

Question

I'm using a Dell Dimension 4550 computer with WIndows XP Pro with Service Pack 1. Recently I visited the Microsoft Windows Update web site and downloaded all the current updates but I DID NOT download SP2. I have been told not to download XP Pro Service Pack 2 because of all the possible problems. I also recently updated my Norton Internet Security 2005 to the 2006 version.   I have a slow, dial-up internet connection and the internet icon on my taskbar shows that something is being downloaded and I can't seem to stop the download. I have turned off my Windows Automatic Updates, but the download continues. I am worried that Windows SP2 is being somehow downloaded.   How do I find out what is being downloaded, and how do I stop this unwanted download?   Tom

simpswr · Answer

Whoever told you not to download XP Pro Service Pack 2 gave you bad advice . . It is a major OS enhancement.  You do need to do some preparation prior to installing it however.  This is a good guide for how to prepare.  Also, there is a BIOS update for the 4550 that you should install prior to installing SP2

europa303 · Answer

You can also order it, free, from Microsoft and they will send a CD within 7 - 10 days.  This is a good disk to have on hand.

RoHe · Answer

Could be Norton 2006 downloading the latest virus data files so your system has the up-to-date protection. I don't use Norton, but at least with McAfee, an icon appears near the clock when McAfee is downloading an update onto my system. So check the taskbar for some indication whether this is a Norton download. And make sure you really don't need the download before you turn it off or you could be open to trouble.

And I agree, you need SP2 for full protection from malware.

Ron

mabar · Answer

I ordered the SP2 CD and will install it within the next few days. In the meantime, this download is driving me crazy. It just won't stop. Every time I connect to the internet, the download starts again and continues until I disconnect from the internet.

I don't know that what is being downloaded is SP2. I can't tell what is being downloaded or what website or program is doing the downloading.

Is there any way to tell what is being downloaded, or what program on my computer is doing the download, or how to stop the download?

Tom

mabar · Answer

Hi Ron:

It is not the Norton 2006 update. I use the Norton "Live Update" regularly and all the Norton components are updated every few days.

Whatever this download is, it is huge. I have a slow dial-up connection and the only way I can get the download to stop is to disconnect from the internet. As soon as I re-connect the download starts again.

I orderded a Microsoft SP2 CD and I will install that when the CD arrives, but in the meantime, is there any way to tell what is being downloaded and anyway to stop the download?

Tom

europa303 · Answer

Some firewall programs, such as Norton Internet Security and ZoneAlarm, once installed, give pop-ups whenever a program tries to access the internet.  You approve or disapprove the access when it happens, and you can click to not ask again for trusted programs.  This might be a way to try and figure out what is trying to download, but it's not a sure thing.

RoHe · Answer

Agreed, ZoneAlarm (free) will warn you when something is trying to access the internet, should identify the app and let you deny access.

Try turning off Windows Automatic Updates in the Automatic Updates control panel for the time being. Problem is, the updater may know that an update download was interrupted and it may keep trying until you allow the download even if the updater is turned off.

Also open msconfig and uncheck these, if you have them, in case one of them is the culprit: sgtray (Sonic RecordNow updater), Adobe, MusicMatch, MyDVD, etc. Then reboot before you go on line. First time you reboot there'll be a message about 'selective startup' or 'diagnostics' mode, but just check the box "Don't show...". None of these needs to run at startup and all will still be available when you want them.

Ron

mabar · Answer

Thank you to all those that responded.

I have Norton Internet Security 2006 that has a firewall, so I did not install Zone Alarm. Can Zone Alarm run along with Norton Internet Security?

Also, should I install the BIOS update. My Computer now has Dell BIOS AO4, dated 1/20/2003 and other than this unwanted download, the computer is running fine. Are there any disadvantages or problems that woud be associated with the updated BIOS?

I left the computer on all night, and the download has now stopped. I still don't know what the download was, or what program or website was doing the download.

Tom

GreyMack · Answer

You may be able to use Windows Search to detect what may have been downloaded. GM

simpswr · Answer

I have Norton Internet Security 2006 that has a firewall, so I did not install Zone Alarm. Can Zone Alarm run along with Norton Internet Security?   Not a good idea . . running two firewall programs will likely bog the system to a halt . . of course, NIS can do that all by itself! Also, should I install the BIOS update. My Computer now has Dell BIOS AO4, dated 1/20/2003 and other than this unwanted download, the computer is running fine. Are there any disadvantages or problems that woud be associated with the updated BIOS?  The BIOS update is necessary for SP2 . . it corrects a fault in the original Processor microcode. .  A BIOS update is not to be taken lightly, I always use a UPS when I flash to insure a power outage does not convert it to a doorstop.  Use a UPS and follow the instructions and you should have no problem. I left the computer on all night, and the download has now stopped. I still don't know what the download was, or what program or website was doing the download Do you have a small yellow sheild icon in your tray at the bottom right of the screen?  If not, it was probably not a Microsoft download. Hope this helps . .

mabar · Answer

Thanks Rich. No, there is no small yellow shield icon. Tom

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How do I stop unwanted download?

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