Microsoft XP Sp 2

Dave Potter · Post by **Dave Potter** » 12 Jun 2005 6:18 am

Scanning system files for viruses (viri?) and actually opening them are two different things. Norton is the only program I'm aware of that actually opens the files, thus creating the problems if they aren't closed properly. Here's another opinion on Norton. [url=http://www.spywareguide.com/shop/az_detail_B0002UCJV6.html[\QUOTE]]http://www.spywareguide.com/shop/az_detail_B0002UCJV6.html

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Actually, I'd like to see the source for a claim that Norton "opens" Windows files, any of them. "Opening" a file means running, or executing them, and that doesn't make sense to me, given that Windows system files won't do much when "opened" outside of the OS environment.

In addition, the Windows OS itself, and any application that's run, are constantly "opening" and "closing" files. It would seem that if opening and closing files properly carried with it that big a potential for trouble, we'd see it frequently, with or without Norton. Just a thought.

Those reports from disgruntled Norton users need to be taken in proper context. We all know people are more likely to post an unfavorable comment than to report satisfaction with products. You can find reports like those in that link about almost ANY product on the market.[This message was edited by Dave Potter on 12 June 2005 at 07:32 AM.]

b0b · Post by **b0b** » 12 Jun 2005 12:06 pm

Actually, I'd like to see the source for a claim that Norton "opens" Windows files, any of them. "Opening" a file means running, or executing them, and that doesn't make sense to me, given that Windows system files won't do much when "opened" outside of the OS environment.

In computer programming terminology, a file is "opened" to gain access to the bytes inside it. You can then "seek" to an offset from the start of the file and "read" bytes from the file.

"Running" a file is a different thing entirely. To run a program file, the operating systen "opens" the file, "reads" the bytes into momory, and then "executes" the code.

"Running" a data file is a misnomer. The operating system checks the type of the file and runs the program that is associated with the file type. That program then "opens" the data file, reads it, and does whetever it's supposed to do with that kind of file.

All of this is confused in user's minds by the presence of the word "Open" in the context menu of data files. Many users now don't know the difference between opening a file and running a program.

I can easily write a program that "opens" every file in My Documents, reads every byte in them looking for the bytes "Jody Carver", and report which files contain those bytes. I can run the program on my Mac and have it read files on my Windows machine. I don't have to use the Windows programs to "open" the files - I just need to have access to the Windows file system.

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<img align=left src="http://b0b.com/b0bxicon.gif" border="0"> Bobby Lee
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Dave Potter · Post by **Dave Potter** » 12 Jun 2005 1:24 pm

All of this is confused in user's minds by the presence of the word "Open" in the context menu of data files. Many users now don't know the difference between opening a file and running a program.

Thanks for the clarification, b0b. Helpful info.

I remain uncertain at this point, however, that Norton treats system (or other) files any differently than other anti-virus programs, since, unless the file is "opened", the anti-virus checker isn't able to "gain access to the bytes inside it", as you point out, to look for viruses. And that's what they do.[This message was edited by Dave Potter on 12 June 2005 at 02:25 PM.]

Howard Tate · Post by **Howard Tate** » 12 Jun 2005 1:39 pm

I have sp2 on cd but have not installed it yet, because Microsoft says if you have an HP you must go to the HP site for special instructions on installing. There is something different about HP so you can't install sp2 without checking HP first.

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Howard, 'Les Paul Recording, Zum S12U, Vegas 400, Boss ME-5, Boss DM-3, DD-3, Sierra Session D-10
http://www.Charmedmusic.com

Jack Stoner · Post by **Jack Stoner** » 12 Jun 2005 3:01 pm

Howard that is the first I heard of the HP issue. I have one PC with XP Home and a HP PSC 750 (all in one) unit attached. I installed the SP2, no problems and there was no problem with the HP unit. I didn't have to reinstall drivers, etc.

I also do support on the Dell users forum and I've never seen anything about that posted there.

Howard Tate · Post by **Howard Tate** » 12 Jun 2005 6:26 pm

Maybe you're right Jack, I haven't tried the install, here a link with info on what I was saying: http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/genericDocument?lc=en&cc=us&docname=c00218731

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Howard, 'Les Paul Recording, Zum S12U, Vegas 400, Boss ME-5, Boss DM-3, DD-3, Sierra Session D-10
http://www.Charmedmusic.com

Jack Stoner · Post by **Jack Stoner** » 13 Jun 2005 2:59 am

Howard, that is referring to HP and Compaq PC's and what needs to be done (if it really needs to be done).

Some of it is common sense, e.g. make sure you PC is clean (no viruses, spyware, etc) and that should be an on-going issue, not just to prepare for the OS update.

But, as I do part-time PC support, I've installed the SP2 update or my customers have installed it on various brands of PC's including one HP and no one has had a problem or had to update any software.

I suspect it's a "CYA" issue with HP.