[Ham-Computers] Apparent Hard Drive Failures

[johngadd at comcast.net]

Just had the same issue on 3 computers last week. You probably have the win32-Bagel virus
Got to Symantec.com and download the special tool to remove it. It will only get worse the more the worm grows, 

-------------- Original message -------------- 
From: Jim Hill <hro5-2 at cox.net> 

> I'm having serious problems with something that simulates a hard 
> drive failure on my Dell OptiPlex Pentium 3 running Windows XP Pro. 
> I'm using Eudora for emails. 
> 
> When the problem occurs, the initial Dell screen appears, bios is 
> loaded, then two beeps are heard and a DOS screen appears with 
> wording similar to: hard drive not found, press F1 to continue and F2 
> to run the setup utility. Sorry I don't remember the exact wording, 
> it's tough getting old! 
> 
> While experimenting with dual-boot Windows/Linux setups, I set up a 
> second drive essentially identical to the one normally used, and I 
> connected this drive as the master and the problem drive as the 
> slave. I accessed the problem drive and obtained all personal data 
> not previously backed up, then used Casper XP to "copy" the C drive 
> from the good to the bad drive. I removed the "good" drive, 
> reconnected the "bad" drive, and the system booted and worked fine. 
> 
> The same problem occurred a few weeks later, I realized the drive was 
> probably ok, and used Norton Ghost to return to an earlier 
> image. This fix worked - sort of. I had problems with freezes, etc., 
> so went through the two-drive drill again and the computer works fine 
> again. I made a new Ghost image, which I hope will allow recovery in 
> the future. 
> 
> This situation is annoying, but I'm leaving on an extended trip and 
> won't be around to keep the computer operational. 
> 
> Malware is a likely cause, but think I'm adequately protected: 
> I have a hardware firewall and am running Norton Internet Security, 
> and make a special effort to keep updates current. I scan 
> periodically, but have not found a virus in years. Windows update is 
> set up to run automatically, notifying me when updates are ready to 
> be installed. I also run Webroot Spy Sweeper, and sweep regularly, 
> but never find anything above the most mild spyware, where presumably 
> where someone keeps track of my surfing habits. We stay away from 
> dubious web sites. The computer is used to play 
> kid's games. Checking emails, I get few spam type emails, except one 
> type that usually has nonsensical subject lines. The email always has 
> suggestions on penny stooocks, and the stooock tips always have a 
> multi-colored background. I think I read somewhere that there is 
> malware that involves this type email. I have seven email addresses 
> to aid in determining the source of spam, and all but one receive 
> this type email, probably a total of 3 to 6 emails a day. The address 
> still ok is the master or dominant email address which is difficult 
> or maybe impossible to change. I check it periodically but avoid 
> using it or giving it to others. 
> 
> Any suggestions? 
> Jim 
> 
> Note: the stooock misspellings are intentional to avoid spam filter 
> rejects. I guess that explains the multi-colored background in the 
> spam stooock "suggestions" I receive each day. 
> 
> qth.net has a test reflector, which I used to debug my listing. After 
> using it, I log in through qth.net and cancel email deliveries. 
> 
> Delete my previous post; I neglected to delete "test..." from the title. 
> 
> 
> 
> ______________________________________________________________ 
> Ham-Computers mailing list 
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/ham-computers 
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.html 
> Post: mailto:Ham-Computers at mailman.qth.net