[bobzworld]

Hello i cant get rid of this critical system error icon in my system tray. its a blue circle with a white diameter and white question mark it flashed red cross too. heres my hijack log

Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.1
Scan saved at 8:05:28 PM, on 10/2/2006
Platform: Windows XP SP1 (WinNT 5.01.2600)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v6.00 SP1 (6.00.2800.1106)

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:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgamsvr.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgupsvc.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgemc.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\nvsvc32.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\RUNDLL32.EXE
C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgcc.exe
C:\Program Files\iTunes\iTunesHelper.exe
C:\Program Files\Google\GoogleToolbarNotifier\1.0.720.3640\GoogleToolbarNotifier.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\devldr32.exe
C:\Program Files\iPod\bin\iPodService.exe
C:\Program Files\MSN Messenger\MsnMsgr.Exe
C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\IEXPLORE.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\System32\wuauclt.exe
C:\HijackThis.exe

O2 - BHO: (no name) - {53707962-6F74-2D53-2644-206D7942484F} - C:\PROGRA~1\SPYBOT~1\SDHelper.dll
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {a43385f0-7113-496d-96d7-b9b550e3fcca} - C:\WINDOWS\System32\ixt0.dll (file missing)
O2 - BHO: Google Toolbar Helper - {AA58ED58-01DD-4d91-8333-CF10577473F7} - c:\program files\google\googletoolbar1.dll
O3 - Toolbar: &Radio - {8E718888-423F-11D2-876E-00A0C9082467} - C:\WINDOWS\System32\msdxm.ocx
O3 - Toolbar: &Google - {2318C2B1-4965-11d4-9B18-009027A5CD4F} - c:\program files\google\googletoolbar1.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NvCplDaemon] RUNDLL32.EXE C:\WINDOWS\System32\NvCpl.dll,NvStartup
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [nwiz] nwiz.exe /install
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NvMediaCenter] RUNDLL32.EXE C:\WINDOWS\System32\NvMcTray.dll,NvTaskbarInit
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AVG7_CC] C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgcc.exe /STARTUP
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [QuickTime Task] "C:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe" -atboottime
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [iTunesHelper] "C:\Program Files\iTunes\iTunesHelper.exe"
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [swg] C:\Program Files\Google\GoogleToolbarNotifier\1.0.720.3640\GoogleToolbarNotifier.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [MsnMsgr] "C:\Program Files\MSN Messenger\MsnMsgr.Exe" /background
O9 - Extra button: AIM - {AC9E2541-2814-11d5-BC6D-00B0D0A1DE45} - C:\PROGRA~1\AIM\aim.exe
O18 - Protocol: livecall - {828030A1-22C1-4009-854F-8E305202313F} - C:\PROGRA~1\MSNMES~1\MSGRAP~1.DLL
O18 - Protocol: msnim - {828030A1-22C1-4009-854F-8E305202313F} - C:\PROGRA~1\MSNMES~1\MSGRAP~1.DLL
O21 - SSODL: horologium - {7be183d2-a42d-4915-bf60-ec86fbf002cf} - C:\WINDOWS\System32\httge.dll
O23 - Service: AVG7 Alert Manager Server (Avg7Alrt) - GRISOFT, s.r.o. - C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgamsvr.exe
O23 - Service: AVG7 Update Service (Avg7UpdSvc) - GRISOFT, s.r.o. - C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgupsvc.exe
O23 - Service: AVG E-mail Scanner (AVGEMS) - GRISOFT, s.r.o. - C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgemc.exe
O23 - Service: iPod Service - Apple Computer, Inc. - C:\Program Files\iPod\bin\iPodService.exe
O23 - Service: NVIDIA Display Driver Service (NVSvc) - NVIDIA Corporation - C:\WINDOWS\System32\nvsvc32.exe

[Advertisements]

forgot to add that when i click on it redirects me to virusburst.com. i had lots of popups and stuff but it seems like everything was removed by adaware and spybot search and destroy and this is the only thing left

[bobzworld]

forgot to add that when i click on it redirects me to virusburst.com. i had lots of popups and stuff but it seems like everything was removed by adaware and spybot search and destroy and this is the only thing left

[loophole]

Hi

Please download SmitfraudFix (by S!Ri)
Extract the content (a folder named SmitfraudFix) to your Desktop.

Open the SmitfraudFix folder and double-click smitfraudfix.cmd
Select option #1 - Search by typing 1 and press "Enter"; a text file will appear, which lists infected files (if present).
Please copy/paste the content of that report into your next reply.

Note : process.exe is detected by some antivirus programs (AntiVir, Dr.Web, Kaspersky) as a "RiskTool"; it is not a virus, but a program used to stop system processes. Antivirus programs cannot distinguish between "good" and "malicious" use of such programs, therefore they may alert the user.
http://www.beyondlog...processutil.htm

[bobzworld]

SmitFraudFix v2.104

Scan done at 21:00:11.51, Mon 10/02/2006
Run from C:\Documents and Settings\USER\Desktop\SmitfraudFix
OS: Microsoft Windows XP [Version 5.1.2600] - Windows_NT
Fix run in normal mode

»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»» C:\


»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»» C:\WINDOWS


»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»» C:\WINDOWS\system


»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»» C:\WINDOWS\Web


»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»» C:\WINDOWS\system32

C:\WINDOWS\system32\httge.dll FOUND !
C:\WINDOWS\system32\ismini.exe FOUND !
C:\WINDOWS\system32\issearch.exe FOUND !
C:\WINDOWS\system32\ot.ico FOUND !
C:\WINDOWS\system32\components\flx?.dll FOUND !
C:\WINDOWS\system32\components\flx??.dll FOUND !
C:\WINDOWS\system32\components\flx???.dll FOUND !

»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»» C:\Documents and Settings\USER


»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»» C:\Documents and Settings\USER\Application Data


»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»» Start Menu

C:\DOCUME~1\ALLUSE~1\STARTM~1\Online Security Guide.url FOUND !
C:\DOCUME~1\ALLUSE~1\STARTM~1\Security Troubleshooting.url FOUND !

»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»» C:\DOCUME~1\USER\FAVORI~1

C:\DOCUME~1\USER\FAVORI~1\Antivirus Test Online.url FOUND !

»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»» Desktop


»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»» C:\Program Files

C:\Program Files\Safety Bar\ FOUND !
C:\Program Files\VirusBurster\ FOUND !

»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»» Corrupted keys


»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»» Desktop Components

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Desktop\Components\0]
"Source"="About:Home"
"SubscribedURL"="About:Home"
"FriendlyName"="My Current Home Page"


»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»» Sharedtaskscheduler
!!!Attention, following keys are not inevitably infected!!!

SrchSTS.exe by S!Ri
Search SharedTaskScheduler's .dll

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\SharedTaskScheduler]
"{7be183d2-a42d-4915-bf60-ec86fbf002cf}"="horologium"

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{7be183d2-a42d-4915-bf60-ec86fbf002cf}\InProcServer32]
@="C:\WINDOWS\System32\httge.dll"

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Classes\CLSID\{7be183d2-a42d-4915-bf60-ec86fbf002cf}\InProcServer32]
@="C:\WINDOWS\System32\httge.dll"



»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»» AppInit_DLLs
!!!Attention, following keys are not inevitably infected!!!

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Windows]
"AppInit_DLLs"=""


»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»» pe386-msguard-lzx32


»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»» Scanning wininet.dll infection


»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»» End

[loophole]

OK lets clean the junk out

Please print out or copy these instructions/tutorial to Notepad as the internet will not be available to you at certain points of the removal process (while in Safe Mode). Make sure to work through all the Steps in the exact order in which they are listed below. If there's anything that you don't understand, ask your question(s) before moving on with the fixes.


1. Download and update Ewido.

First download Ewido anti-spyware from HERE and save that file to your desktop.
This is a 30 day trial of the program

• Once you have downloaded Ewido anti-spyware, locate the icon on the desktop and double-click it to launch the set up program.
• Once the setup is complete, run Ewido and update the definition files.
• On the main screen select the icon "Update" then select the "Update now" link.
  • Next select the "Start Update" button, the update will start and a progress bar will show the updates being installed.
• Once the update has completed select the "Scanner" icon at the top of the screen, then select the "Settings" tab.
• Once in the Settings screen click on "Recommended actions" and then select "Quarantine".
• Under "Reports"
  • Select "Automatically generate report after every scan"
  • Un-Select "Only if threats were found"

Close Ewido anti-spyware, Do Not run a scan just yet


2. Reboot your computer in Safe Mode.

• If the computer is running, shut down Windows, and then turn off the power.
• Wait 30 seconds, and then turn the computer on.
• Start tapping the F8 key. The Windows Advanced Options Menu appears. If you begin tapping the F8 key too soon, some computers display a "keyboard error" message. To resolve this, restart the computer and try again.
• Ensure that the Safe Mode option is selected.
• Press Enter. The computer then begins to start in Safe mode.
• Login on your usual account.

3. Run Smitfraud Open the SmitfraudFix Folder, then double-click smitfraudfix.cmd file to start the tool.
Select option #2 - Clean by typing 2 and press Enter.
Wait for the tool to complete and disk cleanup to finish.
You will be prompted : "Registry cleaning - Do you want to clean the registry ?" answer Yes by typing Y and hit Enter.
The tool will also check if wininet.dll is infected. If a clean version is found, you will be prompted to replace wininet.dll. Answer Yes to the question "Replace infected file ?" by typing Y and hit Enter.

A reboot may be needed to finish the cleaning process, if you computer does not restart automatically please do it yourself manually. Reboot in Safe Mode.

The tool will create a log named rapport.txt in the root of your drive, eg: Local Disk C: or partition where your operating system is installed. Please post that log along with all others requested in your next reply.


4. Clean out your Temporary Internet files. Proceed as follows:

• Quit Internet Explorer and quit any instances of Windows Explorer.
• Click Start, click Control Panel, and then double-click Internet Options.
• On the General tab, click Delete Files under Temporary Internet Files.
• In the Delete Files dialog box, tick the Delete all offline content check box , and then click OK.
• On the General tab, click Delete Cookies under Temporary Internet Files, and then click OK.
• Click on the Programs tab then click the Reset Web Settings button. Click Apply then OK.
• Click OK.

5. Next Click Start, click Control Panel and then double-click Display. Click on the Desktop tab, then click the Customize Desktop button. Click on the Web tab. Under Web Pages you should see a checked entry called Security info or something similar. If it is there, select that entry and click the Delete button. Click Ok then Apply and Ok.

6. Empty the Recycle Bin by right-clicking the Recycle Bin icon on your Desktop, and then clicking Empty Recycle Bin.

7. Lauch ewido-anti-spyware by double-clicking the icon on your desktop.

• Note: IMPORTANT: Do not open any other windows or programs while ewido is scanning, it may interfere with the scanning proccess
  
• Select the "Scanner" icon at the top and then the "Scan" tab then click on "Complete System Scan".
• ewido will now begin the scanning process, be patient this may take a little time.
  Once the scan is complete do the following:
• If you have any infections you will prompted, then select "Apply all actions"
• Next select the "Reports" icon at the top.
• Select the "Save report as" button in the lower left hand of the screen and save it to a text file on your system (make sure to remember where you saved that file, this is important).

8. Close Ewido and Reboot back into Normal Windows Mode

9. Run SmitfraudFix. Open the SmitfraudFix folder and double-click smitfraudfix.cmd
Select option #3 - Delete Trusted zone by typing 3 and press Enter

Note, if you use SpywareBlaster and/or IE-SPYAD, it will be necessary to re-install the protection both afford. For SpywareBlaster, run the program and re-protect all items. For IE-SPYAD, run the batch file and reinstall the protection.

10. Please Post the following logs:

• c:\rapport.txt
• Ewido log
• A new HijackThis log

Your may need several replies to post the requested logs, otherwise they might get cut off.

[bobzworld]

SmitFraudFix v2.104

Scan done at 19:53:17.63, Wed 10/04/2006
Run from C:\Documents and Settings\USER\Desktop\SmitfraudFix
OS: Microsoft Windows XP [Version 5.1.2600] - Windows_NT
Fix run in safe mode

»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»» Before SmitFraudFix
!!!Attention, following keys are not inevitably infected!!!

SrchSTS.exe by S!Ri
Search SharedTaskScheduler's .dll

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\SharedTaskScheduler]
"{7be183d2-a42d-4915-bf60-ec86fbf002cf}"="horologium"

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{7be183d2-a42d-4915-bf60-ec86fbf002cf}\InProcServer32]
@="C:\WINDOWS\System32\httge.dll"

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Classes\CLSID\{7be183d2-a42d-4915-bf60-ec86fbf002cf}\InProcServer32]
@="C:\WINDOWS\System32\httge.dll"


»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»» Killing process


»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»» Generic Renos Fix

GenericRenosFix by S!Ri

C:\WINDOWS\System32\httge.dll -> Hoax.Win32.Renos.gen.e
C:\WINDOWS\System32\httge.dll -> Deleted


»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»» Deleting infected files

C:\WINDOWS\system32\ismini.exe Deleted
C:\WINDOWS\system32\issearch.exe Deleted
C:\WINDOWS\system32\ot.ico Deleted
C:\WINDOWS\system32\components\flx?.dll Deleted
C:\DOCUME~1\USER\FAVORI~1\Antivirus Test Online.url Deleted
C:\DOCUME~1\ALLUSE~1\STARTM~1\Online Security Guide.url Deleted
C:\DOCUME~1\ALLUSE~1\STARTM~1\Security Troubleshooting.url Deleted
C:\Program Files\Safety Bar\ Deleted
C:\Program Files\VirusBurster\ Deleted

»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»» Deleting Temp Files


»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»» Registry Cleaning

Registry Cleaning done.

»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»» After SmitFraudFix
!!!Attention, following keys are not inevitably infected!!!

SrchSTS.exe by S!Ri
Search SharedTaskScheduler's .dll


»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»» End

[bobzworld]

---------------------------------------------------------
AVG Anti-Spyware - Scan Report
---------------------------------------------------------

+ Created at: 8:14:32 PM 10/4/2006

+ Scan result:



C:\System Volume Information\_restore{7FE90FF9-B946-4B85-9E69-8E67183EFD40}\RP6\A0001619.dll -> Downloader.Agent.ayq : Cleaned with backup (quarantined).
C:\System Volume Information\_restore{7FE90FF9-B946-4B85-9E69-8E67183EFD40}\RP6\A0001624.dll -> Downloader.Agent.ayq : Cleaned with backup (quarantined).
C:\System Volume Information\_restore{7FE90FF9-B946-4B85-9E69-8E67183EFD40}\RP3\A0001077.exe -> Downloader.Zlob.ans : Cleaned with backup (quarantined).


::Report end

[bobzworld]

Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.1
Scan saved at 8:20:29 PM, on 10/4/2006
Platform: Windows XP SP1 (WinNT 5.01.2600)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v6.00 SP1 (6.00.2800.1106)

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:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\System32\RUNDLL32.EXE
C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgcc.exe
C:\Program Files\iTunes\iTunesHelper.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\devldr32.exe
C:\Program Files\Grisoft\AVG Anti-Spyware 7.5\guard.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgamsvr.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgupsvc.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgemc.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\nvsvc32.exe
C:\Program Files\Grisoft\AVG Anti-Spyware 7.5\avgas.exe
C:\Program Files\Google\GoogleToolbarNotifier\1.0.720.3640\GoogleToolbarNotifier.exe
C:\Program Files\MSN Messenger\MsnMsgr.Exe
C:\Program Files\iPod\bin\iPodService.exe
C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\IEXPLORE.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\System32\wuauclt.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\NOTEPAD.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\system32\NOTEPAD.EXE
C:\HijackThis.exe

O2 - BHO: (no name) - {53707962-6F74-2D53-2644-206D7942484F} - C:\PROGRA~1\SPYBOT~1\SDHelper.dll
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {a43385f0-7113-496d-96d7-b9b550e3fcca} - C:\WINDOWS\System32\ixt0.dll (file missing)
O2 - BHO: Google Toolbar Helper - {AA58ED58-01DD-4d91-8333-CF10577473F7} - c:\program files\google\googletoolbar1.dll
O3 - Toolbar: &Radio - {8E718888-423F-11D2-876E-00A0C9082467} - C:\WINDOWS\System32\msdxm.ocx
O3 - Toolbar: &Google - {2318C2B1-4965-11d4-9B18-009027A5CD4F} - c:\program files\google\googletoolbar1.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NvCplDaemon] RUNDLL32.EXE C:\WINDOWS\System32\NvCpl.dll,NvStartup
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [nwiz] nwiz.exe /install
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NvMediaCenter] RUNDLL32.EXE C:\WINDOWS\System32\NvMcTray.dll,NvTaskbarInit
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AVG7_CC] C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgcc.exe /STARTUP
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: [!AVG Anti-Spyware] "C:\Program Files\Grisoft\AVG Anti-Spyware 7.5\avgas.exe" /minimized
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [swg] C:\Program Files\Google\GoogleToolbarNotifier\1.0.720.3640\GoogleToolbarNotifier.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [MsnMsgr] "C:\Program Files\MSN Messenger\MsnMsgr.Exe" /background
O9 - Extra button: AIM - {AC9E2541-2814-11d5-BC6D-00B0D0A1DE45} - C:\PROGRA~1\AIM\aim.exe
O18 - Protocol: livecall - {828030A1-22C1-4009-854F-8E305202313F} - C:\PROGRA~1\MSNMES~1\MSGRAP~1.DLL
O18 - Protocol: msnim - {828030A1-22C1-4009-854F-8E305202313F} - C:\PROGRA~1\MSNMES~1\MSGRAP~1.DLL
O23 - Service: AVG Anti-Spyware Guard - Anti-Malware Development a.s. - C:\Program Files\Grisoft\AVG Anti-Spyware 7.5\guard.exe
O23 - Service: AVG7 Alert Manager Server (Avg7Alrt) - GRISOFT, s.r.o. - C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgamsvr.exe
O23 - Service: AVG7 Update Service (Avg7UpdSvc) - GRISOFT, s.r.o. - C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgupsvc.exe
O23 - Service: AVG E-mail Scanner (AVGEMS) - GRISOFT, s.r.o. - C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgemc.exe
O23 - Service: iPod Service - Apple Computer, Inc. - C:\Program Files\iPod\bin\iPodService.exe
O23 - Service: NVIDIA Display Driver Service (NVSvc) - NVIDIA Corporation - C:\WINDOWS\System32\nvsvc32.exe

[loophole]

Please run a scan with HijackThis and check the following lines for removal:

O2 - BHO: (no name) - {a43385f0-7113-496d-96d7-b9b550e3fcca} - C:\WINDOWS\System32\ixt0.dll (file missing)


Now close ALL other open windows except for HijackThis and hit FIX CHECKED. Exit HijackThis.


I normally would have you do an online scan but AVG antispy really found nothing. How is the computer running??

[bobzworld]

The computer is running great now! All those annoying pop ups are gone. Thanks for your help loophole, I appreciate it. This is the best computer service i have ever gotten. This site is awesome! =)

[loophole]

Your welcome

let's clean your restore points and set a new one:

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

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.
[/list]System Restore will now be active again.

Now that you are clean, to help protect your computer in the future I recommend that you get the following free programs if you don't have them:

• SpywareBlaster to help prevent spyware from installing in the first place.
• SpywareGuard to catch and block spyware before it can execute.
• IESpy-Ad to block access to malicious websites so you cannot be redirected to them from an infected site or email.

You should also have a good firewall. Here are 3 free ones available for personal use:

• Sygate Personal Firewall
• Kerio Personal Firewall
• ZoneAlarm

and a good antivirus (these are also free for personal use):

It is critical to have both a firewall and anti virus to protect your system and to keep them updated.

To keep your operating system up to date visit

• 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 Klien: So how did I get infected in the first place?

Have a safe and happy computing day!