[pirate40]

Hello, this is my first time posting here so let me know if i'm not doing everything correctly.
When my computer starts, at first everything is normal, a few seconds later, a blank white page takes over my desktop. A few weeksa go i attempted to run many different spyware removal programs and they got rid of my original desktop problem (razespyware advertisment) but now left the white page. I have run 3 or 4 different spyware removal preograms but it is still there. When i right-click on the page and click "translate page into english", it turns into a google search page that is searching for "desktop.html" on my C drive. Any information on this and how to stop it woud be greatly appreciated. Thank you

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Please Click here!, and follow the recommendations in the guide.

If you're still having trouble, We'll need you to use a free diagnostic tool, Hijack This. Follow the instructions in step five of this guide, and reply here with your log.

Most of what Hijack This lists lists will be harmless or even essential, DO NOT delete or modify anything yet! Someone will be along to tell you what steps to take after you post the contents of the scan results.

[Crustyoldbloke]

Please Click here!, and follow the recommendations in the guide.

If you're still having trouble, We'll need you to use a free diagnostic tool, Hijack This. Follow the instructions in step five of this guide, and reply here with your log.

Most of what Hijack This lists lists will be harmless or even essential, DO NOT delete or modify anything yet! Someone will be along to tell you what steps to take after you post the contents of the scan results.

[pirate40]

ok, here's my hijackthis log. Any help would be great. Thanks.




Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.1
Scan saved at 4:02:18 PM, on 3/18/2006
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\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccSetMgr.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\SNDSrvc.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\SPBBC\SPBBCSvc.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccEvtMgr.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\cisvc.exe
C:\Program Files\Norton AntiVirus\navapsvc.exe
C:\Program Files\Norton AntiVirus\IWP\NPFMntor.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\Webroot\Spy Sweeper\WRSSSDK.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\Program Files\Creative\Shared Files\CAMTRAY.EXE
C:\Program Files\iTunes\iTunesHelper.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccApp.exe
C:\Program Files\Webroot\Spy Sweeper\SpySweeper.exe
C:\Program Files\iPod\bin\iPodService.exe
C:\Program Files\AIM\aim.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe
C:\Program Files\HijackThis.exe

R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://www.temple.edu/
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Bar = about:blank
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://go.microsoft....ww.netscape.com
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\SearchURL,(Default) = about:blank
O2 - BHO: AcroIEHlprObj Class - {06849E9F-C8D7-4D59-B87D-784B7D6BE0B3} - C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 7.0\ActiveX\AcroIEHelper.dll
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {53707962-6F74-2D53-2644-206D7942484F} - C:\PROGRA~1\SPYBOT~1\SDHelper.dll
O2 - BHO: Google Toolbar Helper - {AA58ED58-01DD-4d91-8333-CF10577473F7} - c:\program files\google\googletoolbar1.dll
O2 - BHO: NAV Helper - {BDF3E430-B101-42AD-A544-FADC6B084872} - C:\Program Files\Norton AntiVirus\NavShExt.dll
O3 - Toolbar: &Google - {2318C2B1-4965-11d4-9B18-009027A5CD4F} - c:\program files\google\googletoolbar1.dll
O3 - Toolbar: Norton AntiVirus - {42CDD1BF-3FFB-4238-8AD1-7859DF00B1D6} - C:\Program Files\Norton AntiVirus\NavShExt.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Creative WebCam Tray] C:\Program Files\Creative\Shared Files\CAMTRAY.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [iTunesHelper] "C:\Program Files\iTunes\iTunesHelper.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ccApp] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccApp.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SpySweeper] "C:\Program Files\Webroot\Spy Sweeper\SpySweeper.exe" /startintray
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [AIM] C:\Program Files\AIM\aim.exe -cnetwait.odl
O8 - Extra context menu item: &AIM Search - res://C:\Program Files\AIM Toolbar\AIMBar.dll/aimsearch.htm
O8 - Extra context menu item: E&xport to Microsoft Excel - res://C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~2\Office10\EXCEL.EXE/3000
O9 - Extra button: AIM - {AC9E2541-2814-11d5-BC6D-00B0D0A1DE45} - C:\Program Files\AIM\aim.exe
O16 - DPF: Yahoo! Pool 2 - http://download.game...ts/y/pote_x.cab
O16 - DPF: {17492023-C23A-453E-A040-C7C580BBF700} (Windows Genuine Advantage Validation Tool) - http://go.microsoft....k/?linkid=48835
O16 - DPF: {2BC66F54-93A8-11D3-BEB6-00105AA9B6AE} (Symantec AntiVirus scanner) - http://security.syma...bin/AvSniff.cab
O16 - DPF: {30528230-99F7-4BB4-88D8-FA1D4F56A2AB} (YInstStarter Class) - http://us.dl1.yimg.c...nst20040510.cab
O16 - DPF: {6414512B-B978-451D-A0D8-FCFDF33E833C} (WUWebControl Class) - http://update.micros...b?1122065589506
O16 - DPF: {644E432F-49D3-41A1-8DD5-E099162EEEC5} (Symantec RuFSI Utility Class) - http://security.syma...n/bin/cabsa.cab
O16 - DPF: {6E32070A-766D-4EE6-879C-DC1FA91D2FC3} (MUWebControl Class) - http://update.micros...b?1140477025484
O16 - DPF: {8AD9C840-044E-11D1-B3E9-00805F499D93} (Java Runtime Environment 1.4.1_02) -
O16 - DPF: {9A9307A0-7DA4-4DAF-B042-5009F29E09E1} (ActiveScan Installer Class) - http://acs.pandasoft...free/asinst.cab
O16 - DPF: {CAFEEFAC-0014-0001-0002-ABCDEFFEDCBA} (Java Runtime Environment 1.4.1_02) -
O20 - Winlogon Notify: WRNotifier - C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\WRLogonNTF.dll
O23 - Service: Symantec Event Manager (ccEvtMgr) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccEvtMgr.exe
O23 - Service: Symantec Password Validation (ccPwdSvc) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccPwdSvc.exe
O23 - Service: Symantec Settings Manager (ccSetMgr) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccSetMgr.exe
O23 - Service: InstallDriver Table Manager (IDriverT) - Macrovision Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\InstallShield\Driver\11\Intel 32\IDriverT.exe
O23 - Service: iPodService - Apple Computer, Inc. - C:\Program Files\iPod\bin\iPodService.exe
O23 - Service: Norton AntiVirus Auto-Protect Service (navapsvc) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Norton AntiVirus\navapsvc.exe
O23 - Service: Norton AntiVirus Firewall Monitor Service (NPFMntor) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Norton AntiVirus\IWP\NPFMntor.exe
O23 - Service: SAVScan - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Norton AntiVirus\SAVScan.exe
O23 - Service: ScriptBlocking Service (SBService) - Symantec Corporation - C:\PROGRA~1\COMMON~1\SYMANT~1\SCRIPT~1\SBServ.exe
O23 - Service: Symantec Network Drivers Service (SNDSrvc) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\SNDSrvc.exe
O23 - Service: Symantec SPBBCSvc (SPBBCSvc) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\SPBBC\SPBBCSvc.exe
O23 - Service: Webroot Spy Sweeper Engine (svcWRSSSDK) - Webroot Software, Inc. - C:\Program Files\Webroot\Spy Sweeper\WRSSSDK.exe

[Crustyoldbloke]

Hello pirate40 and welcome to Geeks to Go

As an introduction, please note that I am not Superhuman, I do not know everything, but what I do know has taken me years to learn. I am happy to pass on this information to you, but please bear in mind that I am also fallible.

Please note that you should have Administrator rights to perform the fixes. Also note that multiple identity PC’s (family PC’s) present a different problem; please tell me if your PC has more than one individual’s setting, but continue with the fix.

Before we get underway, you may wish to print these instructions for easy reference during the fix, although please be aware that many of the required URLs are hyperlinks in the red names shown on your screen. Part of the fix may require you to be in Safe Mode, which will not allow you to access the internet, or my instructions!

You have a CWS infection. Let’s see what we can do with the first sweep.

Firstly could you please disable Webroot Spy Sweeper from running during the fix, it may just hinder our attempts to change anything.

To start please download the following programmes, we will run them later. Please save them to a place that you will remember, I suggest the Desktop:

CCleaner
Ewido Security Suite
CWShredder
cwsserviceemove.reg file

Now please install CWShredder, and run it. Click Check For Update, then Fix and then OK followed by Next, let it fix everything it asks about

Install Ewido Security Suite.

• Install Ewido security suite
• When installing, under "Additional Options" uncheck..
  • Install background guard
  • Install scan via context menu
  • You will need to update Ewido to the latest definition files.
  • On the left hand side of the main screen click update.
  • Then click on Start Update.
• The update will start and a progress bar will show the updates being installed.
  (the status bar at the bottom will display "Update successful")

If you are having problems with the updater, you can use this link to manually update Ewido.
Ewido manual updates
Do NOT run a scan yet.

Next, please reboot your computer in Safe Mode by doing the following:
1) Restart your computer
2) After hearing your computer beep once during startup, but before the Windows icon appears, press F8.
3) Instead of Windows loading as normal, a menu should appear
4) Select the first option, to run Windows in Safe Mode.

For additional help in booting into Safe Mode, see the following site:

Safe Mode

Launch Ewido, there should be an icon on your desktop, double-click it.

• The programme will now open to the main screen.
• When you run Ewido for the first time, you will get a warning "Database could not be found!". Click OK.

Once the updates are installed do the following:

• Click on scanner
• Click on Complete System Scan and the scan will begin.
• You will be prompted to clean the first infection.
• Select "Perform action on all infections", then proceed.
• Once the scan has completed, there will be a button located on the bottom of the screen named Save report
• Click Save report.
  
• Save the report .txt file to your desktop and include it in your reply.

Now close Ewido security suite.

Please re-open HiJackThis and scan. Check the boxes next to all the entries listed below.

R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Bar = about:blank
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\SearchURL,(Default) = about:blank

Now close all windows other than HiJackThis, then click Fix Checked.

There is almost certainly bound to be some junk (leftover bits and pieces) on your system that is doing nothing but taking up space. I would recommend that you run CCleaner. Install it, update it, check the default setting in the left-hand pane, ensure you uncheck old prefetch data found under the system tab, and under the heading of Utilities uncheck Ewido Security Suite log, then click Analyze> Run Cleaner. You may be fairly surprised by how much it finds. Also click Issues then Scan for issues – fix selected issues
Post back a fresh HijackThis log (from normal mode) and I will take another look.

[pirate40]

hello,
Here is my new hijackthis log and the Ewido .txt file. I ran all the programs in the intructions as well.



Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.1
Scan saved at 2:35:57 AM, on 3/20/2006
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\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccSetMgr.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\SNDSrvc.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\SPBBC\SPBBCSvc.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccEvtMgr.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\cisvc.exe
C:\Program Files\ewido anti-malware\ewidoctrl.exe
C:\Program Files\Norton AntiVirus\navapsvc.exe
C:\Program Files\Norton AntiVirus\IWP\NPFMntor.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\Webroot\Spy Sweeper\WRSSSDK.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\Program Files\Creative\Shared Files\CAMTRAY.EXE
C:\Program Files\iTunes\iTunesHelper.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccApp.exe
C:\Program Files\Webroot\Spy Sweeper\SpySweeper.exe
C:\Program Files\AIM\aim.exe
C:\Program Files\iPod\bin\iPodService.exe
C:\Program Files\HijackThis.exe

R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://www.temple.edu/
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://go.microsoft....ww.netscape.com
O2 - BHO: AcroIEHlprObj Class - {06849E9F-C8D7-4D59-B87D-784B7D6BE0B3} - C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 7.0\ActiveX\AcroIEHelper.dll
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {53707962-6F74-2D53-2644-206D7942484F} - C:\PROGRA~1\SPYBOT~1\SDHelper.dll
O2 - BHO: Google Toolbar Helper - {AA58ED58-01DD-4d91-8333-CF10577473F7} - c:\program files\google\googletoolbar1.dll
O2 - BHO: NAV Helper - {BDF3E430-B101-42AD-A544-FADC6B084872} - C:\Program Files\Norton AntiVirus\NavShExt.dll
O3 - Toolbar: &Google - {2318C2B1-4965-11d4-9B18-009027A5CD4F} - c:\program files\google\googletoolbar1.dll
O3 - Toolbar: Norton AntiVirus - {42CDD1BF-3FFB-4238-8AD1-7859DF00B1D6} - C:\Program Files\Norton AntiVirus\NavShExt.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Creative WebCam Tray] C:\Program Files\Creative\Shared Files\CAMTRAY.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [iTunesHelper] "C:\Program Files\iTunes\iTunesHelper.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ccApp] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccApp.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SpySweeper] "C:\Program Files\Webroot\Spy Sweeper\SpySweeper.exe" /startintray
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [AIM] C:\Program Files\AIM\aim.exe -cnetwait.odl
O8 - Extra context menu item: &AIM Search - res://C:\Program Files\AIM Toolbar\AIMBar.dll/aimsearch.htm
O8 - Extra context menu item: E&xport to Microsoft Excel - res://C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~2\Office10\EXCEL.EXE/3000
O9 - Extra button: AIM - {AC9E2541-2814-11d5-BC6D-00B0D0A1DE45} - C:\Program Files\AIM\aim.exe
O16 - DPF: Yahoo! Pool 2 - http://download.game...ts/y/pote_x.cab
O16 - DPF: {17492023-C23A-453E-A040-C7C580BBF700} (Windows Genuine Advantage Validation Tool) - http://go.microsoft....k/?linkid=48835
O16 - DPF: {2BC66F54-93A8-11D3-BEB6-00105AA9B6AE} (Symantec AntiVirus scanner) - http://security.syma...bin/AvSniff.cab
O16 - DPF: {30528230-99F7-4BB4-88D8-FA1D4F56A2AB} (YInstStarter Class) - http://us.dl1.yimg.c...nst20040510.cab
O16 - DPF: {6414512B-B978-451D-A0D8-FCFDF33E833C} (WUWebControl Class) - http://update.micros...b?1122065589506
O16 - DPF: {644E432F-49D3-41A1-8DD5-E099162EEEC5} (Symantec RuFSI Utility Class) - http://security.syma...n/bin/cabsa.cab
O16 - DPF: {6E32070A-766D-4EE6-879C-DC1FA91D2FC3} (MUWebControl Class) - http://update.micros...b?1140477025484
O16 - DPF: {8AD9C840-044E-11D1-B3E9-00805F499D93} (Java Runtime Environment 1.4.1_02) -
O16 - DPF: {9A9307A0-7DA4-4DAF-B042-5009F29E09E1} (ActiveScan Installer Class) - http://acs.pandasoft...free/asinst.cab
O16 - DPF: {CAFEEFAC-0014-0001-0002-ABCDEFFEDCBA} (Java Runtime Environment 1.4.1_02) -
O20 - Winlogon Notify: WRNotifier - C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\WRLogonNTF.dll
O23 - Service: Symantec Event Manager (ccEvtMgr) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccEvtMgr.exe
O23 - Service: Symantec Password Validation (ccPwdSvc) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccPwdSvc.exe
O23 - Service: Symantec Settings Manager (ccSetMgr) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccSetMgr.exe
O23 - Service: ewido security suite control - ewido networks - C:\Program Files\ewido anti-malware\ewidoctrl.exe
O23 - Service: InstallDriver Table Manager (IDriverT) - Macrovision Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\InstallShield\Driver\11\Intel 32\IDriverT.exe
O23 - Service: iPodService - Apple Computer, Inc. - C:\Program Files\iPod\bin\iPodService.exe
O23 - Service: Norton AntiVirus Auto-Protect Service (navapsvc) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Norton AntiVirus\navapsvc.exe
O23 - Service: Norton AntiVirus Firewall Monitor Service (NPFMntor) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Norton AntiVirus\IWP\NPFMntor.exe
O23 - Service: SAVScan - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Norton AntiVirus\SAVScan.exe
O23 - Service: ScriptBlocking Service (SBService) - Symantec Corporation - C:\PROGRA~1\COMMON~1\SYMANT~1\SCRIPT~1\SBServ.exe
O23 - Service: Symantec Network Drivers Service (SNDSrvc) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\SNDSrvc.exe
O23 - Service: Symantec SPBBCSvc (SPBBCSvc) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\SPBBC\SPBBCSvc.exe
O23 - Service: Webroot Spy Sweeper Engine (svcWRSSSDK) - Webroot Software, Inc. - C:\Program Files\Webroot\Spy Sweeper\WRSSSDK.exe








---------------------------------------------------------
ewido anti-malware - Scan report
---------------------------------------------------------

+ Created on: 1:11:57 AM, 3/20/2006
+ Report-Checksum: CFA9980D

+ Scan result:

C:\WINDOWS\system32\SetupCarnival.exe -> Adware.Casino : Cleaned with backup


::Report End

[Crustyoldbloke]

Hello again

The logs look good, any further problems? Is your background OK?

[pirate40]

Hello,
unfortunately, my background still turns white when i start up. In addition, somehow my computer's theme was changed to the older windows appearance when i ran windows again after running in safe mode. Any thoughts?

[Crustyoldbloke]

Hello again

Try these fixes, normally one of them will work

To restore this and set it back to XP-theme, rightclick on your desktop > properties > tab Appearances and choose Windows XP style again under windows and buttons. Click apply and OK.

If your background is abnormal go to Start>Control Panel>Display>Desktop>Customize Desktop>Web and remove the file in the Web Pages list, then OK out of display.

Please right click on this Wallpaper and choose Save Target As...Save it on your Desktop. Double click on it to run it and choose Yes to add it to the registry. Delete that .reg file when you are done.

See if you can change your wallpaper now.

Any better?

[pirate40]

Hello again,
The steps you gave me for the desktop problem worked and my desktop is back to normal finally. Thank you very much for your help. As for the theme being changed without my knowledge, i tried to change it back to the Windows XP theme under "windows and buttons" but somehow there isn't any other option. The only option is classic windows. I'm guessing somehow an infection deleted it. Can i get that theme back? Thanks again.

[Crustyoldbloke]

Hello again

This might sound strange, but this is as far as I know, the only way to deal with this problem.

Repair/Replace a corrupt/damaged Luna Theme in Windows XP

Your Luna Theme is probably corrupt or missing.

1. Download Resources.zip from Kelly's Korner

• If for some reason you can not download it directly from above, go HERE
• Scroll down the page to #187.
• On the right side you will see Restore Luna theme-Restore Classic theme.
• Right-click on the Restore Luna theme link and select Save As and save it to your desktop.
• Depending how your machine is set up, you will either see a Winzip file called Resources, or a WinXP Zip folder called Resources.

2. Whichever it is, unzip the resources.zip file and find the file named Luna.msstyles... the file size will be 4,089 kbytes.

3. Move this file to C:\Windows\Resources\Themes\Luna (don't move it anywhere else!)

4. You may already have the same Luna file listed in this folder, but you must replace it with the new one.

5. REBOOT your system

6. Go to Display Properties and you should be able to choose the XP theme again

Note: If more that one file in C:\Window\Resources is corrupted, you could also very well replace all the files

[pirate40]

Hello,
Everything looks good now, thank you very much for your help. I have the Windows XP buttons and windows and my background is finally normal!!! thanks again

[Crustyoldbloke]

Congratulations! your new log is clean. Just a little bit more to do to prevent further infection.

Reset and Re-enable your System Restore to remove bad files that have been backed up by Windows. The files in System Restore are protected to prevent any programmes changing them. This is the only way to clean these files: (You will lose all previous restore points which are likely to be infected.)

To reset your restore points, please note that you will need to log into your computer with an account which has full administrator access. You will know if the account has administrator access because you will be able to see the System Restore tab. If the tab is missing, you are logged in under a limited account.

(Windows XP)
1. Turn off System Restore.On the Desktop, right-click My Computer.
Click Properties.
Click the System Restore tab.
Check Turn off System Restore.
Click Apply, and then click OK.
2. Reboot.

3. Turn ON System Restore.On the Desktop, right-click My Computer.
Click Properties.
Click the System Restore tab.
UN-Check *Turn off System Restore*.
Click Apply, and then click OK.
I recommend going to the following link and update as recommended by Microsoft. This adds more security and extra features including a pop-up blocker for Internet Explorer. Microsoft Update

Now that everything is fixed, I suggest that you consider getting these programmes to help keep the computer clean:

SPYWARE BLASTER - Blocks bad ActiveX items from installing on your computer.
MICROSOFT ANTISPYWARE - With daily updates and scans, this programme offers good security against malware.
AD-AWARE PERSONAL – A fine free malware detector and removal programme
SPYBOT S&D – Excellent free spyware detector and removal programme
GOOGLE TOOLBAR - Blocks many unwanted pop-ups in Internet Explorer.
FIREFOX - Safer alternative to the Internet Explorer web browser.
AVG ANTIVIRUS FREE EDITION - Free antivirus programme if you currently are not using one.
ZONEALARM - Free firewall programme if you currently are not using one (Windows XP has a built-in firewall).

Remember to update these frequently.

Please note that whilst there is nothing wrong in having more than one antispyware programmes for “on demand” scanning, having two or more antivirus systems is not recommended as they may well cause conflicts and slowness.

You may also want to read "How did I get infected in the first place" to learn how to better secure your computer.

Be sure to keep your Windows, antispyware and antivirus updated.

It just remains for me to wish you happy safe surfing.

[pirate40]

hello,
Thanks again for your help last time. I was wondering if you could provide me with some information on how to make my computer run faster. opening and closing programs seem to be taking longer and longer and is becoming quite frustrating. When i start up windows, it takes a good 5 minutes to catch up.By following all of your helpful steps i'm pretty sure i am spyware free. i have run all the anti spyware programs (not at the same time) and they all say im clean. Any suggestions? Thanks again.

[Crustyoldbloke]

Making a computer quicker is not a simple task; it depends upon many things. However, there are some adjustments you can do yourself to enhance performance.

Deleting rubbish from your PC.

Double Click My Computer (WinXP: Navigate to Start >My Computer)

You will see an icon representing your harddrive (most likely C: Drive) Right Click on the hard drive icon and click Properties at the bottom of the fly out window.

On the very first tab (General) you will see a button labelled "Disk Cleanup"...click that button.

Make sure the following are checked:Downloaded Program Files
Temporary Internet Files and
Recycle Bin
Compress Old Files
Click OK and Disk Cleanup will delete those files for you.

Next, go to Start>Run>type in %temp% hit Enter and delete the content of all the temp folders shown (only the content, not the folder). A couple of files may be in memory and will not therefore delete, this is normal.

Please download ATF Cleaner by Atribune.
This program is for XP and Windows 2000 onlyDouble-click ATF-Cleaner.exe to run the program.
Under Main choose: Select All
Click the Empty Selected button.
If you use Firefox browserClick Firefox at the top and choose: Select All
Click the Empty Selected button.
NOTE: If you would like to keep your saved passwords, please click No at the prompt.
If you use Opera browserClick Opera at the top and choose: Select All
Click the Empty Selected button.
NOTE: If you would like to keep your saved passwords, please click No at the prompt.
Click Exit on the Main menu to close the program.
For Technical Support, double-click the e-mail address located at the bottom of each menu.

Disable Indexing

• Double click My Computer
  
• Right click on your system hard drive (probably C )
  
• Choose Properties
  
• Uncheck “Allow Indexing Service etc” this may take a while
  
• Apply > OK

Disabling unnecessary Startup applications

If you look at your own HijackThis log, the 04 entries are applications that start at the same time as your PC.

The 04 entries can be adjusted easily using a little programme from Mike Lin; Startup. Download it from here: http://www.mlin.net/StartupCPL.shtml

After installation, you will find it in the Control Panel. You will have to identify every application listed to see if it is really necessary or just a resource hog. This website will help you: http://www.greatis.c.../Necessary.html

Disabling “eye candy”, “bells and whistles”

Windows XP contains a huge list of special effects and visual enhancements such as animated menus, fade effects, cursor shadows, menu shadows etc. Disabling some of these settings can make Windows XP running faster and use less system resources

• .
• Open Control Panel from the Start menu and choose "System." Choose the "Advanced" tab.
• Select the "Settings" button under the Performance section.
• Check the "Adjust for best performance" box and click "Apply" to apply the settings.
• Alternatively, you can choose the "Custom" open, you can then selectively enable or disable each specific effects. The cursor shadowing effect can have a noticeable impact on performance.

Display Properties
Well, it is sad to say goodbye to special effects, but we want to speed up the computer.

• Open Control Panel from the Start menu and choose Display.
• Choose the "Desktop tab and set the Background to "None."
• Select the "Appearance" tab.
• Under "Windows and buttons," choose "Windows Classic Sytle" from the drop-down menu.
• Click the "Effects" button.
• Deselect all options and click OK.
• Click OK to close the Display Properties and apply the changes.

Start Menu and Folders

Context click (usually known as Right click) on the Windows XP Start button and choose "Properties" from the contextual menu.

• Choose "Classic Start Menu"
• Click the "Customise" button
• Select the "Show Small Icons in Start Menu" option
• Deselect any other items that you don't use often.

Folder Options

• Open My Computer
• Open the C: Drive or any other drive
• Choose "Folder Options" from the Tools menu
• Select "Use Windows classic folders"
• Select the "View" tab.
• Deselect the "Automatically search for network folders and printers" option.
• Click "Apply"
• Click the "Apply to All Folders" button
• Click OK.

Now, you can enjoy your PC and Windows XP faster.

[Crustyoldbloke]

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

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