Adware and Spyware

Question

I got Dell Dimension 2350. Windows XP Home SP2     About 3 weeks ago I found Adware and Spyware.   I had installed Norton's AntiVirus Professional 2004.   After trying Lavasoft, Spy Sweeper, NoAdware, I decided to purchase 'Pest Patrol.   All of the above delete the parasites but NOT IMMUNIZE the system.   Do you know how I can get rid of them once and for all ? ========================================   I have been thinking to uninstall/install the Operating System.   Thank you for your help.

jamez kann · Answer

A couple of things to do to IMMUNIZE against spyware/adaware

SpywareBlaster will added a large list of programs and sites into your Internet Explorer
settings that will protect you from running and downloading known malicious programs.

IE-SPYAD puts over 5000 sites in your restricted zone, so you'll be protected when you visit innocent-looking sites that aren't actually innocent at all.

Recommended Minimal Security Settings: Dealing with Unwanted Spyware and Parasites

What is Spyware? www.spywareinfo.com www.geekstogo.com

Spyware/AdWare/Malware FAQ and Removal Guide

CyberSafety: Computer Viruses Spyware Firewalls Email and Spam
Removing Pests from Windows (Part 1) (Part 2) Other Tutorials A list of common infected applications and clean alternatives Browser settings for increased security:Stop those annoying popup/popunder ads Prevent Browser Hijacking

3 Steps to Help Protect Your Computer Tips for Fighting Computer Viruses Keep Your Windows Software Up-to-Date Install a Firewall 10 Immutable Laws of Security

Run a browser which spyware cannot hijack that easily like Firefox Switching from Internet Explorer to Firefox

Anti-Trojan Scanners. Tauscan & TDS-3 were two unbeatable options in this field

Firewall (ANY ONE) Zone Alarm Outpost

a² is a complementary product to antivirus software. It provides specialist protection against harmful software. Antivirus software is not enough! a² provides protection against Trojans, Dialers and Spyware. a² fills the gaps that malware writers exploit.

Midnight Star · Answer

Rocasan1,

Unless you can determine the vector (way your getting infected), reinstalling the operating system won't help, since your pc will likely get 'hit' again. Even then, it may be due to vunerabilties in the operating system your using.

If, however, you've been hit (hacked) with a 'rookit', re-installing the operating system is the best bet.

Mike

Predator · Answer

Hi Jamez,

If you do not mind, drop me a PM when you get the chance.

Best Regards

God, grant me the senility to forget the people I never liked anyway,
the good fortune to run into the ones I do and the eyesight to tell the
difference.

CD/RW Link

SpotCheckBilly · Answer

Rocasan1 ,   Just to add ma bit to jamez recommendations on Spywareblaster and IE-SPYAD, both are free and very small.  They do not use any system resources and need only be updated on a regular basis.   Since IE-SPYAD places (as jamez said) over 5000 sites in your 'Restricted Zone', make sure the settings for that zone are at their maximum security level.  To do this from an IE Window, click Tools=>Internet Options (If you don't have IE open, go Start=>Control Panel=>Internet Options.).  In the new Window, click the Security tab=>Restricted Sites Icon.  Now hit the Custom level button and the Security Settings Window will open.   Make sure all options are set to either Disable or Prompt (except the pop-up blocker, enable that).  I have everything in that zone set to Disable since in a restricted site, I don't want ANYTHING to run or download.  To complete the settings, make sure the Reset to: dropdown is set at High.  Click OK, then Apply=>OK to apply the New settings and close the Internet Options Window .   jamez has listed access to a quite impressive array of information regarding malware of varying types.  It will be well worth your time checking the information out.:smileyhappy:   George

Virus & Spyware

Adware and Spyware

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