3 Apprentice

 • 

20.5K Posts

April 29th, 2007 14:00

Welcome :)

Are you still having DriveCleaner problems? We still have some cleaning to do.

Please go to your HijackThis here: C:\Program Files\HijackThis\HijackThis.exe
Rename HijackThis.exe to analyzer.exe

Please launch (analyzer)HijackThis and place a checkmark next to these:

O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [Chckup] C:\WINDOWS\system32\Netverchk.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [KernelFaultCheck] %systemroot%\system32\dumprep 0 -k


This is optional to fix. It uses resources and may not be necessary to be running at Startup, depending on your needs. Fixing here will not prevent you from opening Office manually as needed.
O4 - Global Startup: Microsoft Office.lnk = C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office10\OSA.EXE
(Description: Microsoft Office startup assistant. Not necessary. Removing this entry will free up a significant amount of system resources.)

Close all windows except Hijackthis and click "Fix Checked".
Close HijackThis.

Reboot into Safemode:
Turn on the computer.
Immediately begin tapping the F8 key.
Use the arrow keys to highlight Safe Mode and press the Enter key.

Configure to show all files/folders:
Go to Start>Search and at the top select Tools>Folder Options
Select the View tab
Display the contents of system folders
Show hidden files and folders
Uncheck: Hide protected operating system files
Click on Apply.
Next go to the side of the Search box and select All files and folders. Go down to More advanced options.
Be sure the first three boxes are selected:
Search System folders
Search Hidden Files and folders
Search SubFolders

Delete the specified file:
C:\WINDOWS\system32\ Netverchk.exe --file

Reboot normally.

Rehide protected files:
Start>Search and at the top select Tools>Folder Options
Select the View tab
Display the contents of system folders
Show hidden files and folders
Check: Hide protected operating system files
Click on Apply.

Run Disk Cleanup in each user's profile:
Click "Start > Programs > Accessories > System Tools > Disk Cleanup"
Please make sure the following are checked:
-- Downloaded Program Files
-- Temporary Internet Files
-- Recycle Bin
-- Temporary Files
Click "OK" and Disk Cleanup will delete those files for you.

Your Java is out of date. Older versions have vulnerabilities that malware can use to infect your system. It is possible that you may be running Java code in your applications that absolutely require a specific version of the JRE to run. Please follow these steps to remove older version Java components and update.

Updating Java:
  • Download the latest version of Java Runtime Environment (JRE) 6.
  • Scroll down to where it says "Java Runtime Environment (JRE) 6u1 allows end-users to run Java applications".
  • Click the "Download" button to the right.
  • Check the box that says: "Accept License Agreement".
  • The page will refresh.
  • Click on the link to download Windows Offline Installation with or without Multi-language and save to your desktop.
  • Close any programs you may have running - especially your web browser.
  • Go to Start > Control Panel double-click on Add/Remove programs and remove all older versions of Java.
  • Check any item with Java Runtime Environment (JRE or J2SE) in the name.
  • Click the Remove or Change/Remove button.
  • Repeat as many times as necessary to remove each Java versions.

  • Reboot your computer once all Java components are removed.
  • Then from your desktop double-click on jre-6u1-windows-i586-p.exe to install the newest version.

Official JAVA Installation Instructions if needed.


Let's run Super AntiSpyware again and check your configurations as well as the report.

Check for updates since you installed it by selecting " Check for Updates". ( If you encounter any problems while downloading the updates, manually download and unzip them from here.)
  • Under "Configuration and Preferences", click the Preferences button.
  • Click the Scanning Control tab.
  • Under Scanner Options make sure the following are checked (leave all others unchecked):
    • Close browsers before scanning.
    • Scan for tracking cookies.
    • Terminate memory threats before quarantining.
  • Click the "Close" button to leave the control center screen.
  • Back on the main screen, under "Scan for Harmful Software" click Scan your computer.
  • On the left, make sure you check C:\Fixed Drive.
  • On the right, under "Complete Scan", choose Perform Complete Scan.
  • Click "Next" to start the scan. Please be patient while it scans your computer.
  • After the scan is complete, a Scan Summary box will appear with potentially harmful items that were detected. Click "OK".
  • Make sure everything has a checkmark next to it and click "Next".
  • A notification will appear that "Quarantine and Removal is Complete". Click "OK" and then click the "Finish" button to return to the main menu.
  • If asked if you want to reboot, click "Yes".
  • To retrieve the removal information after reboot, launch SUPERAntispyware again.
    • Click Preferences, then click the Statistics/Logs tab.
    • Under Scanner Logs, double-click SUPERAntiSpyware Scan Log.
    • If there are several logs, click the current dated log and press View log. A text file will open in your default text editor.
    • Please copy and paste the Scan Log results in your next reply.
  • Click Close to exit the program.



  • Also, please include a fresh analyzer (HijackThis) log. Thanks. :)

7 Posts

April 29th, 2007 15:00

How do I change the HijackThis name?  Everytime I try my computer tells me the file is not found and it won't let me change the name.  I'm not sure if I'm doing it wrong or not.

3 Apprentice

 • 

20.5K Posts

April 29th, 2007 17:00

Browse to the file here:
C:\Program Files\HijackThis\ HijackThis.exe

Highlight HijackThis.exe by right-clicking on it > RENAME
Type in analyzer.exe. Hit the Enter key.

7 Posts

April 30th, 2007 06:00

I have not had any DriveCleaner pop-ups since I scanned last time.  Here is my latest
HijackThis log:
 
Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.1
Scan saved at 3:28:05 AM, on 4/30/2007
Platform: Windows XP SP2 (WinNT 5.01.2600)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v6.00 SP2 (6.00.2900.2180)
Running processes:
C:\WINDOWS\System32\smss.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\winlogon.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\services.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\lsass.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\Ati2evxx.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\Intel\Wireless\Bin\EvtEng.exe
C:\Program Files\Intel\Wireless\Bin\S24EvMon.exe
C:\Program Files\Intel\Wireless\Bin\WLKeeper.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\LEXBCES.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\system32\Ati2evxx.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\LEXPPS.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\PROGRA~1\COMMON~1\AOL\ACS\AOLacsd.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\AOL\1168158943\ee\services\safetyCore\ver210_5_2_1\aolavupd.exe
C:\WINDOWS\eHome\ehRecvr.exe
C:\WINDOWS\eHome\ehSched.exe
C:\Program Files\CA\PPRT\bin\ITMRTSVC.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\mcafee.com\ANTIVI~1\mcshield.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\VS7DEBUG\MDM.EXE
C:\PROGRA~1\mcafee.com\ANTIVI~1\OasClnt.exe
C:\Program Files\mcafee.com\personal firewall\MPFService.exe
C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\MSSQL$MICROSOFTSMLBIZ\Binn\sqlservr.exe
C:\Program Files\Synaptics\SynTP\SynTPEnh.exe
C:\Program Files\Dell\QuickSet\NICCONFIGSVC.exe
C:\WINDOWS\stsystra.exe
C:\Program Files\mcafee.com\personal firewall\MPfTray.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\InstallShield\UpdateService\issch.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\HPZipm12.exe
C:\Program Files\Intel\Wireless\Bin\RegSrvc.exe
C:\Program Files\Intel\Wireless\bin\ZCfgSvc.exe
C:\Program Files\Intel\Wireless\Bin\ifrmewrk.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\AOL\1168158943\ee\AOLSoftware.exe
C:\Program Files\Google\Google Desktop Search\GoogleDesktop.exe
C:\WINDOWS\ehome\ehtray.exe
C:\Program Files\CyberLink\PowerDVD\DVDLauncher.exe
C:\Program Files\Dell\QuickSet\quickset.exe
C:\Program Files\ATI Technologies\ATI.ACE\cli.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\AOL\1168158943\ee\services\safetyCore\ver210_5_2_1\AOLSP Scheduler.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\Lexmark 1200 Series\lxczbmgr.exe
C:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe
C:\Program Files\iTunes\iTunesHelper.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\dla\tfswctrl.exe
C:\Program Files\Google\Google Desktop Search\GoogleDesktopIndex.exe
C:\Program Files\Viewpoint\Common\ViewpointService.exe
C:\Program Files\Lexmark 1200 Series\lxczbmon.exe
C:\Program Files\Google\Google Desktop Search\GoogleDesktopDisplay.exe
C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.6.0_01\bin\jusched.exe
C:\WINDOWS\wanmpsvc.exe
C:\Program Files\NetWaiting\netWaiting.exe
C:\Program Files\Google\GoogleToolbarNotifier\1.2.1128.5462\GoogleToolbarNotifier.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\AOL\1168158943\ee\aolsoftware.exe
C:\Program Files\DellSupport\DSAgnt.exe
C:\Program Files\SUPERAntiSpyware\SUPERAntiSpyware.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\dllhost.exe
C:\Program Files\iPod\bin\iPodService.exe
C:\WINDOWS\eHome\ehmsas.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\Intel\Wireless\Bin\Dot1XCfg.exe
C:\Program Files\Digital Line Detect\DLG.exe
C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\80\Tools\Binn\sqlmangr.exe
C:\Program Files\Viewpoint\Viewpoint Manager\ViewMgr.exe
C:\Program Files\ATI Technologies\ATI.ACE\cli.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\notepad.exe
C:\Program Files\America Online 9.0\waol.exe
C:\Program Files\America Online 9.0\shellmon.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Aol\aoltpspd.exe
C:\Program Files\HijackThis\analyzer.exe
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL = www.google.com/ig/dell?hl=en&client=dell-usuk&channel=us
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL = http://www.dell.com
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://www.dell.com
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Search,Default_Page_URL = www.google.com/ig/dell?hl=en&client=dell-usuk&channel=us
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Connection Wizard,ShellNext = http://v4.windowsupdate.microsoft.com/
O2 - BHO: Adobe PDF Reader Link Helper - {06849E9F-C8D7-4D59-B87D-784B7D6BE0B3} - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe\Acrobat\ActiveX\AcroIEHelper.dll
O2 - BHO: DriveLetterAccess - {5CA3D70E-1895-11CF-8E15-001234567890} - C:\WINDOWS\system32\dla\tfswshx.dll
O2 - BHO: SSVHelper Class - {761497BB-D6F0-462C-B6EB-D4DAF1D92D43} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.6.0_01\bin\ssv.dll
O2 - BHO: Google Toolbar Helper - {AA58ED58-01DD-4d91-8333-CF10577473F7} - c:\program files\google\googletoolbar4.dll
O2 - BHO: Browser Address Error Redirector - {CA6319C0-31B7-401E-A518-A07C3DB8F777} - C:\Program Files\BAE\BAE.dll
O3 - Toolbar: &Google - {2318C2B1-4965-11d4-9B18-009027A5CD4F} - c:\program files\google\googletoolbar4.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SynTPEnh] C:\Program Files\Synaptics\SynTP\SynTPEnh.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [sscRun] C:\Program Files\Common Files\AOL\1168158943\ee\SSCRun.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SigmatelSysTrayApp] stsystra.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [OASClnt] C:\Program Files\mcafee.com\antivirus\oasclnt.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [MPFExe] C:\Program Files\mcafee.com\personal firewall\MPfTray.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ISUSScheduler] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\InstallShield\UpdateService\issch.exe" -start
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ISUSPM Startup] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\InstallShield\UpdateService\isuspm.exe" -startup
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [IntelZeroConfig] "C:\Program Files\Intel\Wireless\bin\ZCfgSvc.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [IntelWireless] "C:\Program Files\Intel\Wireless\Bin\ifrmewrk.exe" /tf Intel PROSet/Wireless
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [HP Software Update] C:\Program Files\HP\HP Software Update\HPWuSchd2.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [HostManager] C:\Program Files\Common Files\AOL\1168158943\ee\AOLSoftware.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Google Desktop Search] "C:\Program Files\Google\Google Desktop Search\GoogleDesktop.exe" /startup
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [EmailScan] C:\Program Files\mcafee.com\antivirus\mcvsescn.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ehTray] C:\WINDOWS\ehome\ehtray.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [DVDLauncher] "C:\Program Files\CyberLink\PowerDVD\DVDLauncher.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Dell QuickSet] C:\Program Files\Dell\QuickSet\quickset.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ATICCC] "C:\Program Files\ATI Technologies\ATI.ACE\cli.exe" runtime -Delay
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AOLSPScheduler] C:\Program Files\Common Files\AOL\1168158943\ee\services\safetyCore\ver210_5_2_1\AOLSP Scheduler.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AOLDialer] C:\Program Files\Common Files\AOL\ACS\AOLDial.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Lexmark 1200 Series] "C:\Program Files\Lexmark 1200 Series\lxczbmgr.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [QuickTime Task] "C:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe" -atboottime
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [iTunesHelper] "C:\Program Files\iTunes\iTunesHelper.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [dla] C:\WINDOWS\system32\dla\tfswctrl.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SunJavaUpdateSched] "C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.6.0_01\bin\jusched.exe"
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [MSMSGS] "C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe" /background
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [ModemOnHold] C:\Program Files\NetWaiting\netWaiting.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [swg] C:\Program Files\Google\GoogleToolbarNotifier\1.2.1128.5462\GoogleToolbarNotifier.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [ctfmon.exe] C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [DellSupport] "C:\Program Files\DellSupport\DSAgnt.exe" /startup
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [SUPERAntiSpyware] C:\Program Files\SUPERAntiSpyware\SUPERAntiSpyware.exe
O4 - Startup: Registration Paradise.LNK = C:\Program Files\UBISOFT\White Birds\Paradise\support\register\RegistrationReminder.exe
O4 - Global Startup: Adobe Reader Speed Launch.lnk = C:\Program Files\Adobe\Reader 8.0\Reader\reader_sl.exe
O4 - Global Startup: Adobe Reader Synchronizer.lnk = C:\Program Files\Adobe\Reader 8.0\Reader\AdobeCollabSync.exe
O4 - Global Startup: Digital Line Detect.lnk = ?
O4 - Global Startup: Microsoft Office.lnk = C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office10\OSA.EXE
O4 - Global Startup: Service Manager.lnk = C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\80\Tools\Binn\sqlmangr.exe
O8 - Extra context menu item: E&xport to Microsoft Excel - res://C:\PROGRA~1\MI1933~1\OFFICE11\EXCEL.EXE/3000
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.6.0_01\bin\npjpi160_01.dll
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Sun Java Console - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.6.0_01\bin\npjpi160_01.dll
O9 - Extra button: Research - {92780B25-18CC-41C8-B9BE-3C9C571A8263} - C:\PROGRA~1\MI1933~1\OFFICE11\REFIEBAR.DLL
O9 - Extra button: Real.com - {CD67F990-D8E9-11d2-98FE-00C0F0318AFE} - C:\WINDOWS\system32\Shdocvw.dll
O9 - Extra button: Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Windows Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
O17 - HKLM\System\CCS\Services\Tcpip\..\{91E61B68-0C9E-42DD-8CF2-5776E19FE083}: NameServer = 205.188.146.145
O20 - AppInit_DLLs: C:\PROGRA~1\Google\GOOGLE~1\GOEC62~1.DLL
O20 - Winlogon Notify: !SASWinLogon - C:\Program Files\SUPERAntiSpyware\SASWINLO.dll
O20 - Winlogon Notify: WgaLogon - C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\WgaLogon.dll
O21 - SSODL: WPDShServiceObj - {AAA288BA-9A4C-45B0-95D7-94D524869DB5} - C:\WINDOWS\system32\WPDShServiceObj.dll
O23 - Service: AOL Connectivity Service (AOL ACS) - AOL LLC - C:\PROGRA~1\COMMON~1\AOL\ACS\AOLacsd.exe
O23 - Service: AOL Antivirus Update Service (aolavupd) - AOL LLC - C:\Program Files\Common Files\AOL\1168158943\ee\services\safetyCore\ver210_5_2_1\aolavupd.exe
O23 - Service: Ati HotKey Poller - ATI Technologies Inc. - C:\WINDOWS\system32\Ati2evxx.exe
O23 - Service: DSBrokerService - Unknown owner - C:\Program Files\DellSupport\brkrsvc.exe
O23 - Service: Intel(R) PROSet/Wireless Event Log (EvtEng) - Intel Corporation - C:\Program Files\Intel\Wireless\Bin\EvtEng.exe
O23 - Service: Google Updater Service (gusvc) - Google - C:\Program Files\Google\Common\Google Updater\GoogleUpdaterService.exe
O23 - Service: InstallDriver Table Manager (IDriverT) - Macrovision Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\InstallShield\Driver\11\Intel 32\IDriverT.exe
O23 - Service: iPod Service - Apple Inc. - C:\Program Files\iPod\bin\iPodService.exe
O23 - Service: CA Pest Patrol Realtime Protection Service (ITMRTSVC) - CA, Inc. - C:\Program Files\CA\PPRT\bin\ITMRTSVC.exe
O23 - Service: LexBce Server (LexBceS) - Lexmark International, Inc. - C:\WINDOWS\system32\LEXBCES.EXE
O23 - Service: McAfee McShield (McShield) - McAfee Inc. - C:\PROGRA~1\mcafee.com\ANTIVI~1\mcshield.exe
O23 - Service: McAfee Personal Firewall Service (MpfService) - McAfee Corporation - C:\Program Files\mcafee.com\personal firewall\MPFService.exe
O23 - Service: MSSQL$MICROSOFTSMLBIZ - Unknown owner - C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\MSSQL$MICROSOFTSMLBIZ\Binn\sqlservr.exe" -sMICROSOFTSMLBIZ (file missing)
O23 - Service: NICCONFIGSVC - Dell Inc. - C:\Program Files\Dell\QuickSet\NICCONFIGSVC.exe
O23 - Service: Pml Driver HPZ12 - HP - C:\WINDOWS\system32\HPZipm12.exe
O23 - Service: Intel(R) PROSet/Wireless Registry Service (RegSrvc) - Intel Corporation - C:\Program Files\Intel\Wireless\Bin\RegSrvc.exe
O23 - Service: Intel(R) PROSet/Wireless Service (S24EventMonitor) - Intel Corporation  - C:\Program Files\Intel\Wireless\Bin\S24EvMon.exe
O23 - Service: SQLAgent$MICROSOFTSMLBIZ - Unknown owner - C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\MSSQL$MICROSOFTSMLBIZ\Binn\sqlagent.EXE" -i MICROSOFTSMLBIZ (file missing)
O23 - Service: Viewpoint Manager Service - Viewpoint Corporation - C:\Program Files\Viewpoint\Common\ViewpointService.exe
O23 - Service: WAN Miniport (ATW) Service (WANMiniportService) - America Online, Inc. - C:\WINDOWS\wanmpsvc.exe
O23 - Service: Intel(R) PROSet/Wireless SSO Service (WLANKEEPER) - Intel(R) Corporation - C:\Program Files\Intel\Wireless\Bin\WLKeeper.exe
 

3 Apprentice

 • 

20.5K Posts

April 30th, 2007 11:00

I don't see any remaining infection in your log.

After something like this it is a good idea to purge the Restore Points and start fresh.
If everything is running well....
To flush the XP System Restore Points:
(Using XP, you must be logged in as Administrator to do this.)
Go to Start>Run and type msconfig Press enter.
When msconfig opens, click the Launch System Restore Button.
On the next page, click the System Restore Settings Link on the left.
Check the box labeled Turn Off System Restore.

Reboot. Go back in and turn System Restore ON. A new Restore Point will be created.


Here is my standard list of simple steps that you can take to reduce the chance of infection in the future.

You may have already taken some of these steps:
1. Visit Windows Update:
Make sure that you have all the Critical Updates recommended for your operating system and IE. The first defense against infection is a properly patched OS.
Windows Update: http://v4.windowsupdate.microsoft.com/en/default.asp

2. Adjust your security settings for ActiveX:
Go to Internet Options/Security/Internet, press 'default level', then OK.
Now press "Custom Level."
In the ActiveX section, set the first two options ("Download signed and unsigned ActiveX controls) to 'prompt', and 'Initialize and Script ActiveX controls not marked as safe" to 'disable'.

3. Download and install the following free programs:
a. SpywareBlaster:
http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/spywareblaster.html
Tutorial here: http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/tutorial49.html
b. SpywareGuard:
http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/spywareguard.html
Tutorial here: http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/tutorials/tutorial50.html
Periodically check for updates in both programs.

4. Please use a firewall and realtime anti-virus. Keep the anti-virus software and firewall software up to date.
Note: Zone Alarm Firewall (Zone Labs) http://www.zonelabs.com/store/content/company/products/trial_zaFamily/trial_zaFamily.jsp?lid=home_freedownloads
Sunbelt Kerio has a free version: http://www.kerio.com/kpf_download.html

5. You might consider installing Mozilla / Firefox.
http://www.mozilla.org/

6. Install spyware detection and removal programs:
You may also want to consider installing either or both of AdAware (free version) and Spybot S&D (freeware). Use these programs to regularly scan your system for and remove many forms of spyware/malware.

a. Ad-aware: http://www.lavasoft.de/software/adaware/

b. SpyBot S&D: http://safer-networking.org/en/news/2005-05-31.html

I would check for updates in SpyBot once a week or so.
Check for updates in Ad-aware frequently.

If you have recently installed AVG Anti-Spyware, it is a free trial product for 30 days. After that you can purchase it for full features OR you can also keep the free version to use as an on-demand scanner (recommended).
You will still be able to manually update it using the *update* button

7. Before using or purchasing any Spyware/Malware protection/removal program, always check the Rogue/Suspect Spyware List.
Here is the link:
http://www.spywarewarrior.com/rogue_anti-spyware.htm

8. If you have not already done so, you might want to install CCleaner and run it in each user's profile: http://www.ccleaner.com/
** UNcheck the option to install the Yahoo toolbar that is checked by default for the Standard version, or download the toolbar-free versions (Slim or Basic) when given the option for those.

9. If you use Adobe Reader it may need to be updated to be sure that you have a more secure version. If you are using a version prior to v. 6.05, you should update to 6.05, preferably version 8. It would be best to remove prior versions before updating to a new version.
Info here: http://www.adobe.com/support/security/bulletins/apsb06-20.html
If you need additional assistance, the Adobe forums are here: http://www.adobe.com/support/forums/main.html

10. Make sure you are using the most updated version of Java.
The current version is Java Runtime Environment (JRE) 6u1

You can go here to download the latest version of Java Runtime Environment (JRE) 6.
Scroll down to where it says " Java Runtime Environment (JRE) 6u1 allows end-users to run Java applications".

Click the link to download the Windows (Offline Installation) package: Save it, do not run it. When the download is complete, close the browser.

Remove all prior versions using Add/Remove Programs, and delete the Java folder in Program Files.
Reboot your computer once all Java components are removed.
Then from your desktop double-click on jre-6u1-windows-i586-p.exe to install the newest version.
Official JAVA Installation Instructions if needed.
Reboot.

11. Practice Safe Surfing with with SiteAdvisor by McAfee. SiteAdvisor is a browser plugin that assigns a safety rating to domains listed in your search engine.
The following color codes are used by SiteAdvisor to indicate the safety of each site.

Red for Warning
Yellow for Use Caution
Green for Safe
Grey for Unknown


12. Here are some helpful articles:
"So how did I get infected in the first place?"
by TonyKlein
http://computercops.biz/postlite7736-.html

"I'm not pulling your leg, honest"
by Sandi Hardmeier
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/IE/community/columns/pulling.mspx

13. This is an excellent resource for users of all levels. General computer maintenance as well as internet security is covered.
Rootkits for Dummies
(Paperback)
by Larry Stevenson (Author), Nancy Altholz (Author)


Let us know if we have not resolved your problem. Otherwise, you are good to go.
Happy and Safe Surfing!

7 Posts

May 27th, 2007 14:00

I'm sorry that it has taken me so long to reply, but I wanted to say thank you for your help.  I haven't had any problems with my computer since then.  Thank you very much!

3 Apprentice

 • 

20.5K Posts

May 27th, 2007 15:00

You're welcome. I'm glad we could help and that everything is running well. :)
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