Yeah, my dad installed a windows critical update yesterday, and my network card totally crapped out. Other computers can connect to this box, but no data can be sent/received.

The problem: This is my brother's computer. We have a 56k line, so this one is always connected and I connect through it. Well, I don't connect through it anymore.

So yeah, anyone know which critical update (fairly recent, he has automatic updates on, idiot) would have done this, and how to reverse it?

Haven't updated my computer since I heard the updates had a virus(w/e the it is).

[quote author=Joe link=topic=13247.msg134045#msg134045 date=1132059579]
Yeah, my dad installed a windows critical update yesterday, and my network card totally crapped out. Other computers can connect to this box, but no data can be sent/received.

The problem: This is my brother's computer. We have a 56k line, so this one is always connected and I connect through it. Well, I don't connect through it anymore.

So yeah, anyone know which critical update (fairly recent, he has automatic updates on, idiot) would have done this, and how to reverse it?
[/quote]

Try reinstalling the drivers for the network card.

If other computers can connect to it but not exchange other data, your network card is fine.  The updates probably improved the security of his OS by turning on the firewall, turning off file sharing, or reducing permissions for nonprivileged users.  I'd start by looking at the firewall settings of the machine.  Make sure the services are mapped that you intend to share to other PCs, for example FTP.  You might also turn on auditing and look at the event logs to see what's up.

Firewall, off.
ICS, on. (Thats all thats needed, no forwarding)

I'll try just killing the security updates (install/uninstall software), because they don't secure jack anyhow.

Im still astouned you only have 56k line.

[quote author=Joe link=topic=13247.msg134106#msg134106 date=1132091815]
I'll try just killing the security updates (install/uninstall software), because they don't secure jack anyhow.
[/quote]
That is a blatently false statement. 

iago is my hero.

Don't mean to jack or derail this thead, I just wanted to share my love for him with everyone.

[quote author=iago link=topic=13247.msg134113#msg134113 date=1132093262]
[quote author=Joe link=topic=13247.msg134106#msg134106 date=1132091815]
I'll try just killing the security updates (install/uninstall software), because they don't secure jack anyhow.
[/quote]
That is a blatently false statement. 
[/quote]
Not really. If it can't connect to the internet then the updates really aren't securign anything :P

[quote author=Hitmen link=topic=13247.msg134123#msg134123 date=1132096211]
[quote author=iago link=topic=13247.msg134113#msg134113 date=1132093262]
[quote author=Joe link=topic=13247.msg134106#msg134106 date=1132091815]
I'll try just killing the security updates (install/uninstall software), because they don't secure jack anyhow.
[/quote]
That is a blatently false statement. 
[/quote]
Not really. If it can't connect to the internet then the updates really aren't securign anything :P
[/quote]

Sure they are. You can't get infected from the internet, can you?

Newby, anyone stupid enough to get infected JUST by connecting to the internet (yes, not having a firewall constitutes stupidity) is stupid enough to get a virus from a spiked cerial-box CD too. =p

[quote author=iago link=topic=13247.msg134113#msg134113 date=1132093262]
[quote author=Joe link=topic=13247.msg134106#msg134106 date=1132091815]
I'll try just killing the security updates (install/uninstall software), because they don't secure jack anyhow.
[/quote]
That is a blatently false statement.
[/quote]I apologize. As you said, they do secure the people who don't have a clue what their doing in the first place. Common sence is the best defence, as you also said (I think?), which, despite what my latest posts may show (LOL game, 99 bottles of beer on the wall, etc) may show, I have.

[quote author=Meh link=topic=13247.msg134112#msg134112 date=1132093051]
Im still astouned you only have 56k line.
[/quote]I'm still astounded that the broadband companies don't want [s]conficted felons[/s] people in rural areas using their service. =(

[quote author=cefx- link=topic=13247.msg134114#msg134114 date=1132093903]
iago is my hero.

Don't mean to jack or derail this thead, I just wanted to share my love for him with everyone.
[/quote]He's my hero too. <3 yago.

[quote author=Joe link=topic=13247.msg134153#msg134153 date=1132105804]
[quote author=Joe link=topic=13247.msg134106#msg134106 date=1132091815]
I'll try just killing the security updates (install/uninstall software), because they don't secure jack anyhow.
[/quote]
That is a blatently false statement.
[/quote]I apologize. As you said, they do secure the people who don't have a clue what their doing in the first place. Common sence is the best defence, as you also said (I think?), which, despite what my latest posts may show (LOL game, 99 bottles of beer on the wall, etc) may show, I have.
[quote][/quote]

Last time I checked, plugging a computer into a network/the Internet isn't a dumb thing to do, even without a firewall.  Although plugging Windows into the Internet can probably be considered dumb in the first place, that's besides the point.

And by the way, BSD makes a better router than Windows ever could.  And can be installed on a much worse computer :-P

AND hmm, that gives me an idea of how to build a bot-net.  Install your bot software in the autorun of a cd, and sneak it into cereal boxes at the grocery store.  Or better yet, go to the local computer store and put it in each drive, where it auto-runs/installs/infects, heh. :)

Eh, I meant in Windows.

The only reason I don't use this machine (JoeMomma, I'm dialed directly now) is because I don't want Windows, yet my modem requires it (WinModem). Any one of you is welcome to send me a hardware modem.

PS: Christmas is aproaching, and I need a hardware modem.

PPS: I need a hardware modem.

PPPS: Alright, I'm pushing this a little bit far. =p

Does system restore work? I believe it's great for reversing update stuff...

If it's your brother's computer that has the WinModem then why do you care that he runs Windows?

Security patches are not always one kind of patch.  Most are in the security category because they fix a vulnerability, which if exploited, can allow unauthorized use of your computer.  Do not remove them.

[quote author=Joe link=topic=13247.msg134153#msg134153 date=1132105804]
Newby, anyone stupid enough to get infected JUST by connecting to the internet (yes, not having a firewall constitutes stupidity) is stupid enough to get a virus from a spiked cerial-box CD too. =p
[/quote]
I don't have a firewall and in fact my computer is DMZ.  I haven't gotten a virus or adware in ~2 years.

[quote author=MyndFyre link=topic=13247.msg134574#msg134574 date=1132355222]
[quote author=Joe link=topic=13247.msg134153#msg134153 date=1132105804]
Newby, anyone stupid enough to get infected JUST by connecting to the internet (yes, not having a firewall constitutes stupidity) is stupid enough to get a virus from a spiked cerial-box CD too. =p
[/quote]
I don't have a firewall and in fact my computer is DMZ.  I haven't gotten a virus or adware in ~2 years.
[/quote]
You ARE taking a dangerous/foolish risk doing that.  It's very possible that a 0day worm for Windows could show up any day. 

The first lesson in computer security is layers: a single control can be screwed up/circumvented and create dangerous exposure.  But having two or more different security layers (even patching + firewall, or paching + firewall + router) is definitely a better idea.