OT - Whats wrong with my keyboard?

[commie]

seeing as there are quite a few computer experts on this board, hopefully one of you guys can help me...
I am usiing a IBM Thinkpad T series laptop, and since yesterday I can't type anything in a website using Internet Explorer. I can type if I am using MS-Word or something like that..So its not physically the keyboard.
But its like Internet Explorer is not letting me input into any of those data fields. I tried using other browsers and its the same thing...Can't click onto a field to type data in.
I can't get through my firm's tech support...they probably all went on vacation already..hahaha
any ideas?

[Cellenzweig]

Strange! I'm having problems with my T30.

Since yesterday, it's been re-booting randomly and sometimes the keyboard goes into CAPS and I have to re-boot to fix it. I just backed up my stuff and called our IT rep to re-image it. What a PITA! I'm lucky I have a few spares available to me.

Edit: Actually... now that I think about it, the keyboard problem has only been in explorer... but I rebooted before trying anything else. I've been encountering some strange pop-ups lately, so maybe there's a virus or something that these machines are particularily susceptible to.

[vjvl51]

Sounds like you got hit with virus, spyware/adware (depending upon your definitions). IMO a virus is ANY program that I did not tell the computer to install - this includes the hidden spyware/adware programs. There are a few programs that will remove (about 70 to 80% effective from what I have read) these programs. Ad-Aware is one. Spy Sweeper another.

Vickie

[Cellenzweig]

I'm sure you're right. I ran Spy-Bot and found a few entries, but that didn't solve the problem. However, Spy-Bot doesn't find everything. Unfortunately, our IT insists that's all we use because it's the only one we have a site license for. Also, they want to do a huge "architechtual review" on any new software. It's a big hassle...

Besides, I figure I can't go wrong with a clean image. I hope things are as easy for you Commie...

[twizttid1]

Use the program Ad-Aware I find it really good to clean up spyware... and that's what it sounds like you've got if this wackyness only happens in IE...

You can download Ad Aware from www.tucows.com

[commie]

thanks for the headsup about the virus. I ran a virus scan (using Norton & AVG) and came up empty.
I tried downloading some ad-ware remover. But when I click on TUCOWS or any other site to download, I can't save the download file to the directory. Its like as if IE is not taking any response from my laptop.

[awcrimety]

You could try to download mcafee stinger. You can find it on the mcafee site. It's a tiny little virus scanner (it only scans for the more recent viruses) but it's very small, so you could download it on another computer, and toss it a floppy disk to use on your laptop. Assuming anyone still has floppy disks ;)

If it won't even let you do that, send me a pm with your email address and I could email it to you.

[nevareth]

One of the best spy ware removers: Spybot - Search & Destroy (http://www.safer-networking.org/en/home/index.html)

The best thing that you can do for your computer is to STOP USING Internet Explorer and Outlook Express.

Download Firefox (http://www.mozilla.org/products/firefox/) and Thunderbird. (http://www.mozilla.org/products/thunderbird/)

[LUIGI]

do you highily suggest to use them?? are they compatible with XP?

[ajx22]

The best thing that you can do for your computer is to STOP USING Internet Explorer and Outlook Express.

Download Firefox (http://www.mozilla.org/products/firefox/) and Thunderbird. (http://www.mozilla.org/products/thunderbird/)
Couldn't agree more.

MSIE is a horrid browser - I only use it to TEST pages being created - and to browse a few sites that have embedded video.

Firefox also allows for Tabbed Browsing - ie. you don't have to have multiple browsers open - it opens them all within itself - and you can just switch between the tabs. This is sooo much easier on your system resources - and is great to use. This is also 100% FREE - open-source software - that thousands of people are all working on to improve all the time. They have some excellent Themes and Extensions (Plug-Ins) available as well to make browsing even better.

Firefox is also NOT affected by the typical Spyware programs that are designed to auto-install with MSIE. The best Anti-Spyware programs that I have found thus far is Webroot's Spysweeper (http://www.webroot.com/products/spysweeper/?WRSID=a57964c85e85c131fe1bd07ee935edfa). Another great piece of software to protect yourself is Anti-Trojan (http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1759,9870,00.asp).

I have been using and supporting (http://www.spreadfirefox.com/) (donating to) Mozilla since it started - and until the site moved to the new server - I was running promoting banners for Firefox.

http://www.aquariumpros.ca/sponsors/firefox-banner-side.png

http://www.aquariumpros.ca/sponsors/firefox-banner.png

[LUIGI]

Thanks Guys.....Right now I'm using firefox....and I must say that it is faster than IE...

I'll give a try to the tunderbird tomorrow..

[commie]

I ran the ad-aware, and they got a bunch of files to quarantee..
But still no go.....I think its something with IE.
So i tried uninstalling IE. But when i goto the Windows 2000 control panel, to use the uninstall program. Weird things are showing up, the names of the program does not appear, just a tiny icon, and I can't uninstall anything.
Next I went to the windows explorer and found the folder with IE is and tried clicking uninstall. Same thing nothing is happening.

Looks like its some sort of virus...But none of the virus scan I used found anything.

My company's policy is to use IE as the browser, and we are not suppose to install 'unapproved' software on the machines...So not sure if using Firefox will be good.....Also I would like to get rid of whatever it is that is in my machine right now....

any other suggestions?

[Schlesien]

Firefox and Thunderbird are the best programs in my opinion. I started using them on my Thinkpad under Mandrake OS and then switched to Mozilla programs under XP. No problems at all!

[ajx22]

My company's policy is to use IE as the browser, and we are not suppose to install 'unapproved' software on the machines...So not sure if using Firefox will be good.....Also I would like to get rid of whatever it is that is in my machine right now....

any other suggestions?

Company Box - have them fix it. Something has corrupted your Windows installation - and with the reliability of MS products - likely not even a virus - just Windows doing what it does best - SCREW-UP.

Time to back-up your files - as it's FORMAT / re-install (re-image) time.

Also - once you're working again...download Firefox. Less headaches...and as an awesome signature here on AP reads -

"It's easier to ask for forgiveness, then to ask for permission".


:D

[commie]

Well I downloaded Firefox from another computer and installed onto the laptop and it work....so its IE that is messing up. Now I have to find a way to get rid of IE on my computer, so that my control panel is not messed up....

The place that I work for, it takes forever to get any tech support...I have to go through layers of support, create tickets to even get to a 'live' person. For an organization that 'used' to manufacture the thinkpads...I would think they can fix their own problem...hahaha
But me being an mobility employee and 'working' from home....My tech support is usually myself...argh!!!

[Mugster]

I've downloaded and installed both Firefox and Thunderbird. I'm impressed so far. Seems to be faster but will take some getting used to.


Kev

[ajx22]

I've downloaded and installed both Firefox and Thunderbird. I'm impressed so far. Seems to be faster but will take some getting used to.


Kev
Very simular - but subtle differences.

You can import all your MSIE settings - so your bookmarks stay the same.

Once installed - check out:

Firefox~


Get the latest plugins (http://mozilla.org/products/firefox/central.html#central-plugins) for Firefox
Make it even better with extensions (https://addons.mozilla.org/extensions/?application=firefox)
Give Firefox a new look with themes (https://addons.mozilla.org/themes/?application=firefox)
Thunderbird~


Get Extensions (https://addons.mozilla.org/extensions/?application=thunderbird)
Get Themes (https://addons.mozilla.org/themes/?application=thunderbird)

I'm using:
Firefox - GreyModern 0.6.2 (https://addons.update.mozilla.org/themes/moreinfo.php?application=firefox&id=103&vid=1157) - with many extensions and all the plug-ins.

:)

I just love the Tabbed browsing abilities...not to mention that it's 10x as fast as MSIE.

Other then Windows Update - there's not much that Firefox won't do better. (go figure - Microsoft won't permit you to use Windows Update with a Mozilla browser)... :P

[Mugster]

The more I use these two programs the more I like them.

Thanks for the tips.


Kev

[Schlesien]

Small tip that my brother thaught me with Firefox. If you want to open a site in a new tab, just click the link with scroll wheel on your mouse (I hope that I explained that clearly) :) Very nice feature!

[Dalen]

Ok, I'll bite. Just downloaded Firefox and Thunderbird this morning. It'll give me something to do on my day off.:puter:

[jastonataquapro]

I have to agree here, as a computer security guy myself, I highly recommend Thunderbird and Firefox for mail and web. IE is full of security holes, new exploits come out almost daily, add that wonderful Microsoft OS and now you have as many as two dozen or more newly discovered viruses and bad things (think of all the undiscovered ones!) actively seeking and targetting you.

If you think your surfing is safe because you only go to large companies that must have good protection, think again. Numerous occasions I've run across infected sites of well know "trusted" brand companies. They never fess up, and you have no idea why your computer is all of a sudden doing odd things.

PS. For the ultimate in security and usability, for today, buy a mac.

PPS. Run IBM Diagnostics, but chances are your OS has been compromised and your hardware is fine. The only guaranteed solution (more and more is sneaking by adaware and spybot these days) is to format and reinstall. Hope you kept all those CD's and lic. codes handy.