Lately I have been getting the following message from my Norton program:
A remote system is attempting to access Microsoft Generic Host Process for Win32 Services on your computer
Time: 12:03 PM
Date: 11/12/2004
Program: C:WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
Protocol: TCP(Inbound)
What do you want to do?
Permit(Recommended)
What does it mean? Who want to know? Microsoft?
And why does Norton say to permit it?
Any ideas?
Thank you.

Unfortunately, no one can look at this and give you a direct answer. It may be legitimate but then again it could be a worm virus trying to gain access to your system. The svchost.exe is a legitimate Windows file...

"If you look at the Windows XP process list in Task Manager , you will notice at least four Svchost.exe processes: two running under the SYSTEM account (sometimes referred to as LocalSystem) and two running under two new service accounts: NETWORK SERVICE and LOCAL SERVICE." quote from Microsoft Tech page.

More Information

If your system has been working okay (that is accessing the Internet normally), then I suggest that you not allow this new external access request. If by dis-allowing this new new outside access request, your Internet Service is stopped or hindered in any way, go into Norton and change your selection to allow this connection request.

Keep in mind, these requests for connection is exactly what your Norton Firewall is for. If you didn't have the Norton (or another firewall) these access requests would always be granted free access.

Check your firewall and security level: Click Here (Note: This link is too a trusted site. I believe it is a completely safe test for you to run.)

I hope this is of some help!

Dwight

Hi Dwight, thanks for your reply.
Ilooked at the sites you recommended - I will have to do that tomorrow - too tired tonight.
My computer is running O.K..
I posted another question about my NotePad not being able to be resized. I didn't realize that that happened while the note from Norton was on the screen.
Now NotePad is located in:
Note pad
Target type: Application
Target location: system 32
Target: %systemRoot%\system32\notepad.exe
Start in: %HOMEDRIVE%%HOMEPATH%

While WordPad is in Accessories
WordPad
Target type: Application
Target location: Accessories
Target: "C:\Program Files\Windows NT\Accessories\wordpad.exe"
Start in: %HOMEDRIVE%%HOMEPATH%
I think something moved NotePad.

I did run the Internet Check at Symantec and my
Virus is upto date and I ran it yesterday.
No problem.
Is there a way to get NotePad back without straining my overaged brain.
I understand all the words - just not the sentence or even a paragraph.
Thanks for your help.
Glad you are better again.

If your Operating Sysstem is Windows XP:

You can move the Notepad shortcut from it's current location to the Accessories folder. Right click on the Notepad entry in your Start/Program menu folder (Start button/All Programs/Notepad) and choose "Cut".

Then right click on your Start Button and choose "Explore".

Navigate to: C:\Documents and Settings\your login name\Start Menu\Programs\Accessories

Right click on the Accessories folder and choose "Paste". The shortcut to Notepad will be placed into the Accessories folder.


If your Operating Sysstem is Windows 98, Windows 98 2nd Edition, or Windows ME:

You can move the Notepad shortcut from it's current location to the Accessories folder. Right click on the Notepad entry in your Start/Program menu folder (Start button/Programs/Notepad) and choose "Cut".

Then right click on your Start Button and choose "Explore".

Navigate to: C:\WINDOWS\Start Menu\Programs\Accessories

Right click on the Accessories folder and choose "Paste". The shortcut to Notepad will be placed into the Accessories folder.

Extra Credit Note:

If Notepad is a program that you use frequently (as I do), you may wish to create a Keyboard shortcut to it. To do that, right click on the Notepad shortcut in your Start/All Programs/Accessories menu. Choose "properties". In the "Keyboard Shortcut" box press the keys "Ctrl + Alt + N". Click OK.

Then, to open Notepad, just press the Ctrl + Alt + N keys together and Notepad will open.

I hope this will help!

Dwight