hijack attempt???

[tali122]

had b/bandmodem switched OFF and got a "hijack attempt" warning from my firewall checked log and this is what it said "Application Hijacking has been detected
The application: C:\Program Files\Common Files\Real\Update_OB\realsched.exe try to launch another application: C:\Program Files\Real\RealPlayer\realplay.exe "

i cant make head or tail of what the above is trying to tell me -its all very generalized

connected to realplayer today and pc rebooted with windows message about a problem with my graphics driver????

utterly mystified and confused

[birdie1971]

This is what's happening...

When a program tries to start another program, this is called application hijacking. The reason your firewall allerted you to it is because some viruses, trojans, worms and other nasties sometimes try to launch another program in an attempt to either compromise your system (key logging, etc.) or to cripple your computer. In this specific case, Real Player Update was trying to start Real Player - nothing to really worry about.

You should worry if your firewall reports that a program you've never heard of is trying to start another program. In this situation, you should deny the program permission to start the second program.

When you say a message appeared about a problem with your graphics card, can you tell me exactly what the error said?

[tali122]

thanks for detailed reply, the reboot was alaming and seemed more than a coincidence.

as for the error message it was exactly like windows non responsive ones for i /explorer for example, but this one specifically for some reason related to my intel graphics card (which has up to date drivers anyway)

[birdie1971]

I can't understand why Real Player would mess up your graphics drivers - however, in my opinion, Real Player can be more trouble than it's worth. If you don't use Real Player too often, I would recommend uninstalling it and getting a program called "Real Alternative". This program does exactly what it says on the tin - it allows you to play back Real Media files using Windows Media player - much less hassle in my opinion.

[birdie1971]

Forgot to post the link...

http://www.free-codecs.com/download/Real_Alternative.htm

[tali122]

yes im as confused with the grapics driver/realplayer connection , and yes realplayer is a pain because it tries to update every nanosecond - but what are other probs with it ?

thx

[birdie1971]

I've personnally had problems with Real Player, specifically, random crashes, invalid memory errors, etc. It's also takes up a fair chunk of system memory and continually switches itself back on even when you disable it using the "msconfig" utility. For further rantings about Real Player, see http://jogin.com/weblog/archives/2004/02/29/real_obnoxious

Seriously, I'd get rid of this software and use an alternative.

[tali122]

cant say ive experienced the probs you had, but RP is very persistant in "forcing its way back in" as in msconfig and ignoring default settings.