Computer help forum: Can receive but not send e-mail in outlook

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"running xp pro without any anti virus"

by R. Proffitt - 5/18/05 1:32 PM

In Reply to: Can receive but not send e-mail in outlook by Trevor 42

Are you ^&ts?

All versions of outlook are a bit too easy to exploit if someone previews an infected email.

Can I ask this?

With Free AVG being "free", why go without?

-> Here's my thought. It's too possible a virus/trojan/other invaded the system, a few million emails sent out and the ISP shut off their ability to send emails.

Bob

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Thanks Bob

by Trevor 42 - 5/18/05 1:50 PM

In Reply to: "running xp pro without any anti virus" by R. Proffitt

Thanks Bob,
I really appreciate your help.

This is not my system and I agree entirely with your comments regarding anti virus.

Personally I use AVG (and your suggested anti spyware tools) and my own PC runs well as a result.

I managed to put AVG onto this guy's system (and update it) before he booted me out of the office. I have suggested he goes in early tomorrow and runs a scan (I've shown him how to) before doing anything else.

I am very surprised that he has managed to operate his business effectively for 3 weeks without the need to send an e-mail.

He commisioned a comprehensive IT audit in mid april (not by me) and apparantly the guy who did it said he had to install anti virus NOW! but (he said)he didn't like being told what to do. I suspect he will rue his decision.

I will update you as to what AVG finds.

Once again - thanks for your help.

Trevor

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Sorry about that.

by R. Proffitt - 5/18/05 1:55 PM

In Reply to: Thanks Bob by Trevor 42

But it is my initial reaction. In spite of what AVG finds, this scenerio is all too common and a call the ISP has to be made to find out what's up.

I know that better ISPs install software to shutdown accounts that send too many emails. And running without AV is just asking for this to happen.

Today's pets are far too smart and could sneak in, and self delete leaving someone looking for nothing. The call may have to be made.

bob

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I think that is what has probably happened

by Trevor 42 - 5/18/05 2:13 PM

In Reply to: Sorry about that. by R. Proffitt

Thanks for that advice.

I will tell him to 'phone his ISP first thing a.m( UK time). He is with British Telecom broadband (who used to be the state telecom provider) and they are a major provider of online/telecom services. Therefore it is entirely possible if not very probable that this is precisely what has happened.

The problem I have is that no one believes me when I tell them of the need for anti virus software.

I had this guy yesterday who said "you will not find any viruses on this PC I just use it for surfing the web and chatrooms"!!!!! (which I discovered were of the adult variety when I checked his cookies)

Well he had 5 trojans and 1 backdoor - worm.

I just wish I could communicate the risks to people without being seen to be alarmest. I guess all I can do is try my best, install AVG etc. and get them to run it.

Anyway I will get him to scan and call his ISP.

Thanks for the advice - I've certainly learned something new.

Kind Regards,

Trevor

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Did you consider ...

by Kees Bakker - 5/18/05 2:29 PM

In Reply to: Can receive but not send e-mail in outlook by Trevor 42

the possibility that the username or password simply were wrong? Bob's story certainly makes sense and is probable, of course, but I would start with re-entering the account. Or try to configure any other email-client like Outlook Express, or even use telnet to check the logon.
Wouldn't the ISP send a mail regarding the shutting off? Anyway, contacting the ISP helpdesk is the obvious thing to do if no problems are found locally.

The missing dll is rather mysterious. After the virus check (and removal!) a repair of MS Office seems in place.

And I wonder why a client like you describe does hire somebody to solve a problem and then not trust him to do the job. But that's another story, of course.

Kees

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Thanks Kees

by Trevor 42 - 5/18/05 4:31 PM

In Reply to: Did you consider ... by Kees Bakker

Hi Kees,

Yes I did consider that (but thanks anyway).

I would have deleted and re entered the login details but the guy did not know his password!

However, the details appeared to be the same in system login and internet login and both of those worked ok, (although his home page seems to have been hijacked)
The password had the same number of dots so I don't think it had been inadvertantly changed. They saved all the details in the login box so you just clicked on enter. An intruder could have a field day on all aspects of the system and as they provide financial and other services I think this is a real issue - I wonder what their clients would think!!!!

I agree with your comments about people but this is typical in my experience. The person with the problem always thinks he knows more than I do (I'm the first to admit when I don't know something -hence this thread).

Well I will post an update when I know how the virus scan and call to the ISP goes.

Thanks for your help - much appreciated.

Trevor

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Thank you

by Trevor 42 - 5/19/05 3:02 AM

In Reply to: Can receive but not send e-mail in outlook by Trevor 42

The virus scan was run this morning

AVG virus scan detected:-

I-WORM/NETSKY.Q

TROJAN HORSE DOWNLOADER.SMALL.13.AJ.

From what he says it would appear that AVG did heal these, although I still have some concerns.

The guy 'phoned his ISP and they have been blocking his e-mail - some convoluted story about ownership of his website not being recorded in his name ?!Anyway he wants to wait and see if their actions regarding this restore normal service.

Personally I think he has a number of (computing) issues -particularly with regard to security.

Why configure usernames/passwords that you don't know and then save them so all an intruder needs to do is press enter? It kind of defeats the point, particularly in a commercial finance environment!

Computing has come a long way in the last 20 years or so, sadly humans nature remains the weak link in the chain.

Anyway Bob and Kees - a big THANK YOU for your advice and help, it is appreciated.

Kind regards,

Trevor

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