Hello The Boy Wonder,

Sorry for the delay.

Well those are either harmless cookies, in System Restore or are false positives.

I am wondering if your AT&T\AT&T Internet Security Suite has been corrupted. I see a file missing there.

Try uninstalling it, downloading and reinstalling.

If that won't work, come back and I can recommend good free for personal use alternatives.

All the original problems still exist. All these windows programs: Internet Explorer, Adobe Reader, MSN Messenger immediately shut down after start up with a message that an error has occurred. I tried deleting and re installation of the At&t security and no luck. I guess I will have to bite the bullet and format the computer. Is that my only option at this point?

Hello The Boy Wonder,



Lot of things we can try yet.

Now

Please run System File Checker, to make sure your protected files are not corrupt.

The scan will automatically replace any corrupt files that it finds.

Click Start
Select Run
At the prompt type sfc /scannow Please note that there is a single space between sfc and /scannow.

Typing this will start the program, and a box should appear telling you how much longer the process should take.

Sometimes the scan will prompt you for your Windows XP disc upon starting the scan. if this happens please make sure that you can view protected files:

My Computer
Tools
Folder Options
View
"Uncheck" Hide protected operating system files.

Then rerun the scan.

Once the scan is complete:

Check your Windows Updates! After using the File Protection Service, you might need to reapply some updates.

Please reboot, and let me know if anything has changed.

Also, please rehide the protected files:

My Computer
Tools
Folder Options
View
"Check" Hide protected operating system files.

Wow it seems to have done the trick. No errors and the programs are running without a hitch. Thank you so much. Anything else you would like me to do?

Hello The Boy Wonder,



Nope, I don't think so, at least not with further scans; just the actions below.

I think your machine is clean.

Now

We have a couple of last steps to perform and then you're all set.

Follow these steps to uninstall Combofix and tools used in the removal of malware. This will also clean out and reset your Restore Points.

• Click START then RUN
• Now type Combofix /u in the runbox and click OK. Note the space between the X and the U, it needs to be there.
  
  

Step 2

• Make sure you have an Internet Connection.
• Double-click OTL.exe to run it. (Vista users, please right click on OTL.exe and select "Run as an Administrator")
• Click on the CleanUp! button
• A list of tool components used in the Cleanup of malware will be downloaded.
• If your Firewall or Real Time protection attempts to block OTL to reach the Internet, please allow the application to do so.
• Click Yes to begin the Cleanup process and remove these components, including this application.
• You will be asked to reboot the machine to finish the Cleanup process. If you are asked to reboot the machine choose Yes.

MBAM can be uninstalled via control panel add/remove but it may be a useful tool to keep.

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A reminder now: Remember to turn back on any anti-malware programs you may have turned off during the cleaning process.

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Now that you are clean here are some things I think are worth having a look at if you don't already know a bout them:

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Be sure and give the Temp folders a cleaning out now and then. This helps with security and your computer will run more efficiently. I clean mine once a week. For ease of use, you might consider the following free program:

• ATF Cleaner

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A great way to check that your Microsoft and Java have the latest updates is to go to Software Inspector at Secunia.

I do this weekly. Not only do they tell you which programs need updating but they give you the link to follow.

To bolster your security go to Secunia.com to ensure essential programs are up to date.

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Make Internet Explorer more secure

• Click Start > Run
• Type Inetcpl.cpl & click OK
• Click on the Security tab
• Click Reset all zones to default level
• Make sure the Internet Zone is selected & Click 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".
• Next Click OK, then Apply button and then OK to exit the Internet Properties page.

* MVPS Hosts file replaces your current HOSTS file with one containing well known ad sites and other bad sites. Basically, this prevents your computer from connecting to those sites by redirecting them to 127.0.0.1 which is your local computer, meaning it will be difficult to infect yourself in the future.

* Consider using an alternate browser. Mozilla's Firefox browser is excellant; it is more secure than Internet Explorer. Firefox is my default browser but I retain Internet Explorer as well so that I can access the very few sites that require it.

Firefox may be downloaded from Here

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Startuplite is a tool to help you stop some programs not needed when you start your computer from loading. They will begin automatically only when needed.

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To help protect your computer in the future here are some free programs you can look at:

If your Microsoft Update is not working automatically. Keep your operating system up to date by visiting

• Microsoft Windows Update
  
  monthly. And to keep your system clean run these free malware scanners
  
• AdAware SE Personal
  
• Spybot Search & Destroy
  
  weekly, and be aware of what emails you open and websites you visit.

To learn more about how to protect yourself while on the internet read this article by Tony Klein: So how did I get infected in the first place?

Have a safe and happy computing day!

Thank you so much! You are the best!

You are very welcome.

I will leave this topic open a short time in case any issues arise.

Since this issue appears to be resolved ... this Topic has been closed. Glad we could help.

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