Not sure if this is a spyware/malware issue, OR if I have an OS issue:
History:
I was notified by my ISP that one of my pc's had forwarded a lot of mail (spam).
I was running AVG Antivirus at the time, no software firewall, but a hardware firewall/router. AVG was current (daily) and had no entries for problems. I ran a manual scan without issues. (I refer to all 3 pcs)
In researching possible infections, I ran Spybot S&D, which only found some questionable cookies, which were cleaned up. I also ran a tool called "Autoruns" to verify all startup entries in the registry; again no issues or surprises.
I ran into a problem on one pc, when using a tool I have used effectively in the past "ActivePorts" to scan for open ports on the pc, which ties the port to an application and executable. Basically a GUI for the netstat command.
As soon as the tool runs it does a port scan - -
The problems is that this causes an immediately reboot of the pc - an immediate black screen and subsequent power up reboot.
I played with the netstat command and found that "netstat -b" gives me the issue.
Using all the tools above I can't identify this as a malware issue, although I opened a discussion on the SpywareWarrior.com forum in case - maybe they can tell if there is something on the pc preventing my looking at open ports - something trying to cover it's tracks...
In this posting I'm trying to determine (with your help ) if there might be a system/OS issue.
I really don't want to reinstall the OS/apps.
Thanks.
History:
I was notified by my ISP that one of my pc's had forwarded a lot of mail (spam).
I was running AVG Antivirus at the time, no software firewall, but a hardware firewall/router. AVG was current (daily) and had no entries for problems. I ran a manual scan without issues. (I refer to all 3 pcs)
In researching possible infections, I ran Spybot S&D, which only found some questionable cookies, which were cleaned up. I also ran a tool called "Autoruns" to verify all startup entries in the registry; again no issues or surprises.
I ran into a problem on one pc, when using a tool I have used effectively in the past "ActivePorts" to scan for open ports on the pc, which ties the port to an application and executable. Basically a GUI for the netstat command.
As soon as the tool runs it does a port scan - -
The problems is that this causes an immediately reboot of the pc - an immediate black screen and subsequent power up reboot.
I played with the netstat command and found that "netstat -b" gives me the issue.
Using all the tools above I can't identify this as a malware issue, although I opened a discussion on the SpywareWarrior.com forum in case - maybe they can tell if there is something on the pc preventing my looking at open ports - something trying to cover it's tracks...
In this posting I'm trying to determine (with your help ) if there might be a system/OS issue.
I really don't want to reinstall the OS/apps.
Thanks.