[Mike]

OK

[Advertisements]

Alright, from the AdAware scan, here's the file path: c:\windows\system32\kdfvmgr.exe

I hope this helps!!
Brian

[btrentler]

Alright, from the AdAware scan, here's the file path: c:\windows\system32\kdfvmgr.exe

I hope this helps!!
Brian

[btrentler]

Mike

The following was copied from Hijack This Logfile:

Logfile of Trend Micro HijackThis v2.0.2
Scan saved at 10:07:53 PM, on 8/18/2008
Platform: Windows XP SP3 (WinNT 5.01.2600)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v7.00 (7.00.6000.16705)
Boot mode: Normal

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\CCPD-LC\symlcsvc.exe
C:\Program Files\Lavasoft\Ad-Aware\aawservice.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Apple\Mobile Device Support\bin\AppleMobileDeviceService.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\CTsvcCDA.exe
C:\WINDOWS\eHome\ehRecvr.exe
C:\WINDOWS\eHome\ehSched.exe
C:\Program Files\Intel\Intel Matrix Storage Manager\iaantmon.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\nvsvc32.exe
C:\Program Files\Trend Micro\Internet Security\SfCtlCom.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\Trend Micro\BM\TMBMSRV.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\dllhost.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\TRENDM~1\INTERN~1\TmPfw.exe
C:\Program Files\Trend Micro\Internet Security\TmProxy.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\ehome\ehtray.exe
C:\WINDOWS\CTHELPER.EXE
C:\Program Files\Intel\Intel Matrix Storage Manager\iaanotif.exe
C:\Program Files\Creative\Sound Blaster X-Fi\DVDAudio\CTDVDDET.EXE
C:\Program Files\Creative\Sound Blaster X-Fi\Volume Panel\VolPanel.exe
C:\Program Files\Creative\Shared Files\Module Loader\DLLML.exe
C:\Program Files\Real\RealPlayer\RealPlay.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\DLA\DLACTRLW.EXE
C:\Program Files\HP\hpcoretech\hpcmpmgr.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\HP\HP Software Update\HPWuSchd2.exe
C:\WINDOWS\stsystra.exe
C:\WINDOWS\eHome\ehmsas.exe
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CTXFISPI.EXE
C:\Program Files\Trend Micro\Internet Security\UfSeAgnt.exe
C:\Program Files\iTunes\iTunesHelper.exe
C:\Program Files\Verizon\Media Manager\MediaManager.exe
C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.6.0_07\bin\jusched.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
C:\Program Files\Trend Micro\TrendSecure\TSCFCommander.exe
C:\Program Files\DellSupport\DSAgnt.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\InstallShield\UpdateService\isuspm.exe
C:\Program Files\Microsoft Location Finder\LocationFinder.exe
C:\Program Files\Trend Micro\TrendSecure\RemoteFileLock\FLMain.exe
C:\Program Files\Trend Micro\Internet Security\TMAS_OE\TMAS_OEMon.exe
C:\Program Files\Trend Micro\TrendSecure\TSCFPlatformCOMSvr.exe
C:\Program Files\Digital Line Detect\DLG.exe
C:\Program Files\HP\Digital Imaging\bin\hpqtra08.exe
C:\Program Files\iPod\bin\iPodService.exe
C:\Program Files\Sony Handheld\HOTSYNC.EXE
C:\Program Files\HP\Digital Imaging\bin\hpqgalry.exe
C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe
C:\Program Files\Trend Micro\HijackThis\HijackThis.exe

R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://www.yahoo.com/
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL = http://www.yahoo.com
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Bar = http://us.rd.yahoo.c...rch/search.html
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page =
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Search,SearchAssistant =
R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Local Page =
R3 - URLSearchHook: Yahoo! Toolbar - {EF99BD32-C1FB-11D2-892F-0090271D4F88} - C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Companion\Installs\cpn2\yt.dll
O2 - BHO: (no name) - rsion - (no file)
O2 - BHO: &Yahoo! Toolbar Helper - {02478D38-C3F9-4EFB-9B51-7695ECA05670} - C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Companion\Installs\cpn2\yt.dll
O2 - BHO: Adobe PDF Reader Link Helper - {06849E9F-C8D7-4D59-B87D-784B7D6BE0B3} - C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 7.0\ActiveX\AcroIEHelper.dll
O2 - BHO: SSVHelper Class - {761497BB-D6F0-462C-B6EB-D4DAF1D92D43} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.6.0_07\bin\ssv.dll
O2 - BHO: Windows Live Toolbar Helper - {BDBD1DAD-C946-4A17-ADC1-64B5B4FF55D0} - C:\Program Files\Windows Live Toolbar\msntb.dll
O2 - BHO: TransactionProtector BHO - {C1656CCA-D2EA-4A32-94AE-AE0B180E6449} - C:\Program Files\Trend Micro\TrendSecure\TransactionProtector\TSToolbar.dll
O3 - Toolbar: Yahoo! Toolbar - {EF99BD32-C1FB-11D2-892F-0090271D4F88} - C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Companion\Installs\cpn2\yt.dll
O3 - Toolbar: Windows Live Toolbar - {BDAD1DAD-C946-4A17-ADC1-64B5B4FF55D0} - C:\Program Files\Windows Live Toolbar\msntb.dll
O3 - Toolbar: Transaction Protector - {E7620C98-FCCC-40E5-92EC-C7685D2E1E40} - C:\Program Files\Trend Micro\TrendSecure\TransactionProtector\TSToolbar.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ehTray] C:\WINDOWS\ehome\ehtray.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NvCplDaemon] RUNDLL32.EXE C:\WINDOWS\system32\NvCpl.dll,NvStartup
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [CTHelper] CTHELPER.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [IAAnotif] C:\Program Files\Intel\Intel Matrix Storage Manager\iaanotif.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [CTDVDDET] "C:\Program Files\Creative\Sound Blaster X-Fi\DVDAudio\CTDVDDET.EXE"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [VolPanel] "C:\Program Files\Creative\Sound Blaster X-Fi\Volume Panel\VolPanel.exe" /r
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AudioDrvEmulator] "C:\Program Files\Creative\Shared Files\Module Loader\DLLML.exe" -1 AudioDrvEmulator "C:\Program Files\Creative\Shared Files\Module Loader\Audio Emulator\AudDrvEm.dll"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [UpdReg] C:\WINDOWS\UpdReg.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [RealTray] C:\Program Files\Real\RealPlayer\RealPlay.exe SYSTEMBOOTHIDEPLAYER
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ISUSPM Startup] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\InstallShield\UpdateService\isuspm.exe" -startup
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ISUSScheduler] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\InstallShield\UpdateService\issch.exe" -start
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [DLA] C:\WINDOWS\System32\DLA\DLACTRLW.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [HP Component Manager] "C:\Program Files\HP\hpcoretech\hpcmpmgr.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [PinnacleDriverCheck] C:\WINDOWS\system32\\PSDrvCheck.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [HP Software Update] C:\Program Files\HP\HP Software Update\HPWuSchd2.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Windows Defender] "C:\Program Files\Windows Defender\MSASCui.exe" -hide
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SigmatelSysTrayApp] stsystra.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [UfSeAgnt.exe] "C:\Program Files\Trend Micro\Internet Security\UfSeAgnt.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Ad-Watch] C:\Program Files\Lavasoft\Ad-Aware 2007\Ad-Watch2007.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: [MediaManager] C:\Program Files\Verizon\Media Manager\MediaManager.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SunJavaUpdateSched] "C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.6.0_07\bin\jusched.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: [updateMgr] "C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 7.0\Reader\AdobeUpdateManager.exe" AcRdB7_0_9 -reboot 1
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [ISUSPM] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\InstallShield\UpdateService\isuspm.exe" -scheduler
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [Microsoft Location Finder] "C:\Program Files\Microsoft Location Finder\LocationFinder.exe"
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [TrendSecure Remote File Lock] C:\Program Files\Trend Micro\TrendSecure\RemoteFileLock\FLMain.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [OE] "C:\Program Files\Trend Micro\Internet Security\TMAS_OE\TMAS_OEMon.exe"
O4 - HKUS\S-1-5-18\..\Run: [DWQueuedReporting] "C:\PROGRA~1\COMMON~1\MICROS~1\DW\dwtrig20.exe" -t (User 'SYSTEM')
O4 - HKUS\.DEFAULT\..\Run: [DWQueuedReporting] "C:\PROGRA~1\COMMON~1\MICROS~1\DW\dwtrig20.exe" -t (User 'Default user')
O4 - Startup: HotSync Manager.lnk = C:\Program Files\Sony Handheld\HOTSYNC.EXE
O4 - Global Startup: Adobe Reader Speed Launch.lnk = C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 7.0\Reader\reader_sl.exe
O4 - Global Startup: Digital Line Detect.lnk = ?
O4 - Global Startup: HP Digital Imaging Monitor.lnk = C:\Program Files\HP\Digital Imaging\bin\hpqtra08.exe
O4 - Global Startup: HP Image Zone Fast Start.lnk = C:\Program Files\HP\Digital Imaging\bin\hpqthb08.exe
O8 - Extra context menu item: &Windows Live Search - res://C:\Program Files\Windows Live Toolbar\msntb.dll/search.htm
O8 - Extra context menu item: Add to Windows &Live Favorites - http://favorites.liv...m/quickadd.aspx
O8 - Extra context menu item: E&xport to Microsoft Excel - res://C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~4\OFFICE11\EXCEL.EXE/3000
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.6.0_07\bin\ssv.dll
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Sun Java Console - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.6.0_07\bin\ssv.dll
O9 - Extra button: Research - {92780B25-18CC-41C8-B9BE-3C9C571A8263} - C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~4\OFFICE11\REFIEBAR.DLL
O9 - Extra button: Real.com - {CD67F990-D8E9-11d2-98FE-00C0F0318AFE} - C:\WINDOWS\system32\Shdocvw.dll
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {e2e2dd38-d088-4134-82b7-f2ba38496583} - C:\WINDOWS\Network Diagnostic\xpnetdiag.exe
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: @xpsp3res.dll,-20001 - {e2e2dd38-d088-4134-82b7-f2ba38496583} - C:\WINDOWS\Network Diagnostic\xpnetdiag.exe
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
O16 - DPF: {01113300-3E00-11D2-8470-0060089874ED} (Support.com Configuration Class) - https://activatemyfi...20Installer.cab
O16 - DPF: {17492023-C23A-453E-A040-C7C580BBF700} (Windows Genuine Advantage Validation Tool) - http://go.microsoft....k/?linkid=39204
O16 - DPF: {2AF5BD25-90C5-4EEC-88C5-B44DC2905D8B} (DownloadManager Control) - http://dlmanager.aka...vex-2.0.5.1.cab
O16 - DPF: {30528230-99F7-4BB4-88D8-FA1D4F56A2AB} (YInstStarter Class) - http://us.dl1.yimg.c...nst_current.cab
O16 - DPF: {406B5949-7190-4245-91A9-30A17DE16AD0} (Snapfish Activia) - http://www1.snapfish...fishActivia.cab
O16 - DPF: {5ED80217-570B-4DA9-BF44-BE107C0EC166} (Windows Live Safety Center Base Module) - http://cdn.scan.onec...lscbase8300.cab
O16 - DPF: {6414512B-B978-451D-A0D8-FCFDF33E833C} (WUWebControl Class) - http://www.update.mi...b?1187922677218
O16 - DPF: {6E32070A-766D-4EE6-879C-DC1FA91D2FC3} (MUWebControl Class) - http://www.update.mi...b?1187922665234
O16 - DPF: {74C861A1-D548-4916-BC8A-FDE92EDFF62C} - http://mediaplayer.w...ler/install.cab
O16 - DPF: {77E32299-629F-43C6-AB77-6A1E6D7663F6} (Groove Control) - http://www.nick.com/.../GrooveAX27.cab
O16 - DPF: {9600F64D-755F-11D4-A47F-0001023E6D5A} (Shutterfly Picture Upload Plugin) - http://web1.shutterf...ds/Uploader.cab
O16 - DPF: {B020B534-4AA2-4B99-BD6D-5F6EE286DF5C} - http://a248.e.akamai...ol/SymDlBrg.cab
O16 - DPF: {BDBDE413-7B1C-4C68-A8FF-C5B2B4090876} (F-Secure Online Scanner 3.3) - http://support.f-sec...m/ols/fscax.cab
O16 - DPF: {D4323BF2-006A-4440-A2F5-27E3E7AB25F8} (Virtools WebPlayer Class) - http://3dlifeplayer....l/installer.exe
O16 - DPF: {EB387D2F-E27B-4D36-979E-847D1036C65D} (QDiagHUpdateObj Class) - http://h30043.www3.h.../qdiagh.cab?326
O23 - Service: Lavasoft Ad-Aware Service (aawservice) - Lavasoft - C:\Program Files\Lavasoft\Ad-Aware\aawservice.exe
O23 - Service: Apple Mobile Device - Apple, Inc. - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Apple\Mobile Device Support\bin\AppleMobileDeviceService.exe
O23 - Service: Creative Service for CDROM Access - Creative Technology Ltd - C:\WINDOWS\system32\CTsvcCDA.exe
O23 - Service: DSBrokerService - Unknown owner - C:\Program Files\DellSupport\brkrsvc.exe
O23 - Service: Intel® Quick Resume Technology Drivers (ELService) - Intel Corporation - C:\Program Files\Intel\IntelDH\Intel® Quick Resume Technology\ELService.exe
O23 - Service: Intel® Matrix Storage Event Monitor (IAANTMon) - Intel Corporation - C:\Program Files\Intel\Intel Matrix Storage Manager\iaantmon.exe
O23 - Service: InstallDriver Table Manager (IDriverT) - Macrovision Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\InstallShield\Driver\1050\Intel 32\IDriverT.exe
O23 - Service: iPod Service - Apple Inc. - C:\Program Files\iPod\bin\iPodService.exe
O23 - Service: Intel NCS NetService (NetSvc) - Intel® Corporation - C:\Program Files\Intel\PROSetWired\NCS\Sync\NetSvc.exe
O23 - Service: NVIDIA Display Driver Service (NVSvc) - NVIDIA Corporation - C:\WINDOWS\system32\nvsvc32.exe
O23 - Service: Pml Driver HPZ12 - HP - C:\WINDOWS\system32\HPZipm12.exe
O23 - Service: Trend Micro Central Control Component (SfCtlCom) - Trend Micro Inc. - C:\Program Files\Trend Micro\Internet Security\SfCtlCom.exe
O23 - Service: Symantec Core LC - Unknown owner - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\CCPD-LC\symlcsvc.exe
O23 - Service: Trend Micro Unauthorized Change Prevention Service (TMBMServer) - Trend Micro Inc. - C:\Program Files\Trend Micro\BM\TMBMSRV.exe
O23 - Service: Trend Micro Personal Firewall (TmPfw) - Trend Micro Inc. - C:\PROGRA~1\TRENDM~1\INTERN~1\TmPfw.exe
O23 - Service: Trend Micro Proxy Service (tmproxy) - Trend Micro Inc. - C:\Program Files\Trend Micro\Internet Security\TmProxy.exe

--
End of file - 13610 bytes

[Mike]

Hi there

That looks like a False Positive - it's telling you something that's not true.

To check I would like you to do two things.

• Please go to VirSCAN.org FREE on-line scan service
• Copy and paste the following file path into the "Suspicious files to scan"box on the top of the page:
  
  
  • c:\windows\system32\kdfvmgr.exe
• Click on the Upload button
• Once the Scan is completed, click on the "Copy to Clipboard" button. This will copy the link of the report into the Clipboard.
• Paste the contents of the Clipboard in your next reply.

Also,

I would like you to send me the file.

Using Windows Explorer (to get there right-click your Start button and go to "Explore"), locate:
c:\windows\system32\kdfvmgr.exe

You may need to show hidden files, which you can do by following the instructions found here.
Right click on the file and select Send to > Compressed (Zipped) Folder. Name it kdfvmgr

Click on my name, then Send Message.

For the title of the message type: file for mike.

Then attach the file to the message.

To attach a file, do the following:* Click Add Reply
* Browse for the attachment file you want to upload, then click the green Upload button
* Once it has uploaded, click the Manage Current Attachments drop down box
* Click on to insert the attachment into your post

Edited by Mike, 26 August 2008 - 03:35 AM.

[btrentler]

Mike

Here's the first part:

VirSCAN.org Scanned Report :
Scanner results: All Scanners reported not find malware!
File Name : kdfvmgr.exe
File Size : 192512 byte
File Type : PE32 executable for MS Windows (GUI) Intel 80386 32-bit
MD5 : 999d6822b3073a730ad657a2566e7776
SHA1 : 50db9991c4e9d1f4e87645215359366706babef9
Online report : http://virscan.org/r...22e364ab43.html

Scanner Engine Ver Sig Ver Sig Date Time Scan result
a-squared 3.5.0.22 2008.08.18 2008-08-18 2.47 -
AhnLab V3 2008.08.18.01 2008.08.18 2008-08-18 0.86 -
AntiVir 7.8.1.23 7.0.6.30 2008-08-18 2.30 -
Arcavir 1.0.5 200808182010 2008-08-18 1.28 -
AVAST! 3.0.1 080818-0 2008-08-18 0.70 -
AVG 7.5.51.442 270.6.5/1619 2008-08-18 1.54 -
BitDefender 7.60825.1565646 7.20575 2008-08-19 2.85 -
CA (VET) 9.0.0.143 31.6.6035 2008-08-15 3.78 -
ClamAV 0.93.3 8057 2008-08-19 0.17 -
Comodo 2.11 2.0.0.620 2008-08-18 0.44 -
CP Secure 1.1.0.715 2008.08.19 2008-08-19 6.19 -
Dr.Web 4.44.0.9170 2008.08.18 2008-08-18 3.12 -
ewido 4.0.0.2 2008.08.18 2008-08-18 2.56 -
F-Prot 4.4.4.56 20080818 2008-08-18 1.04 -
F-Secure 5.51.6100 2008.08.18.08 2008-08-18 3.06 -
Fortinet 2.81-3.11 9.444 2008-08-19 1.73 -
ViRobot 20080816 2008.08.16 2008-08-16 0.39 -
Ikarus T3.1.01.34 2008.08.19.71299 2008-08-19 3.44 -
JiangMin 11.0.706 2008.08.18 2008-08-18 1.27 -
Kaspersky 5.5.10 2008.08.19 2008-08-19 0.05 -
KingSoft 2008.1.14.15 2008.8.19.10 2008-08-19 0.60 -
McAfee 5.2.00 5363 2008-08-18 2.65 -
Microsoft 1.3807 2008.08.19 2008-08-19 4.07 -
mks_vir 2.01 2008.08.18 2008-08-18 2.72 -
Norman 5.93.01 5.93.00 2008-08-18 5.05 -
Panda 9.05.01 2008.08.18 2008-08-18 2.31 -
Trend Micro 8.700-1004 5.484.10 2008-08-18 0.03 -
Quick Heal 9.50 2008.08.07 2008-08-07 1.73 -
Rising 20.0 20.58.02.00 2008-08-18 0.77 -
Sophos 2.77.0 4.32 2008-08-19 1.94 -
Sunbelt 3.1.1546.1 2193 2008-08-14 0.41 -
Symantec 1.3.0.24 20080818.009 2008-08-18 0.05 -
nProtect 2008-08-18.00 1894688 2008-08-18 4.68 -
The Hacker 6.2.96 v00396 2008-08-11 0.72 -
VBA32 3.12.8.3 20080817.1524 2008-08-17 1.15 -
VirusBuster 4.5.11.10 10.84.4/598187 2008-08-18 0.89 -

[btrentler]

[attachment=22915:kdfvmgr.zip][attachment=22915:kdfvmgr.zip]

Mike

Please let me know if you received the compressed file.

Thanks!
Brian

Edited by Mike, 27 August 2008 - 03:57 AM.

[Mike]

Thanks for the file, it looks legitimate to me.

Related to Kings Information and Network, a Korean IT company from what I can gather.

For a clean up open Hijack This and click on scan only. Put a checkmark next to O2 - BHO: (no name) - rsion - (no file) and click on fix checked.

Now let's remove those tools.

Open OTViewIt and press the cleanup! button at the upper left corner. If it asks you for internet access please allow it

MBAM needs to be uninstalled manually through add or remove programs.

Right-click on "My Computer." The "System Properties" dialogue box will appear, showing a number of tabs. From here you can reset System Restore and configure Automatic Updates.

First, click the System Restore tab.

• Check the box beside "Turn off System Restore"
• Click "Apply"
• At the prompt, click "Yes"

Wait while your system deletes existing Restore Points, this may take a few moments.

• Uncheck the box beside "Turn off System Restore"
• Click "Apply"
• At the prompt, click "Yes"

Your system will now create a new Restore Point.

Now that your are clean, you'll want to stay that way.

Some important things that you should keep in mind in order to protect yourself:

• Use common sense. This is the big one! Don't download programs from suspicious sites and be careful where you browse.
  Things you can do to avoid downloading bad programs:
  • Google the program. Read reviews and opinions from other people on the internet, if you dont see any reports of foul play - then there more than likely is none.
  • Stay away from Cracks! However luring the thought of free software can be it's not worth the hassle and potential danger of getting infected.
  • Download the program directly from the website of the developer - then you can be certain you haven't downloaded a bogus copy.
  • Read the EULA (End User License Agreement) - Find out exactly what you are downloading. A good tool to aid you in this would be EULAyzer.
• Keep your programs updated! Software developers update their programs to patch possible security risks. Do a scan once in a while for outdated programs using Secunia's Software Inspector
• Keep your protection programs up to date! No matter how good your Antivirus or Antispyware program is, without an updated set of definitions it will do you no good against the new infections. If you run a free program make sure to update them at least once a week.
• Make sure that windows updates is enabled. Keeping your system up to date is a must - to turn on automatic updates take a look at this article by Microsoft.

I have listed two programs to boost your security while using no resources.

• SpywareBlaster Take a look at the tutorial here.
• ZonedOut Adds thousands of websites to your restricted zone so you'll be protected when you visit innocent-looking sites that aren't actually innocent at all.

Also consider using an alternative web browser. Two big named ones, both far superior to Internet Explorer in terms of security and performance, would be Firefox and Opera.

Make a habit of scanning your computer for viruses every week or so and backing up important files regularly.

Please also read Expert Tony Klein's excellent article: How I got Infected in the First Place

Please post back and tell me if everything is OK, so that I may mark this thread as Resolved.

[btrentler]

Mike

This has been an enlightening and extremely educational exchange. I sincerely appreciate your guidance with this matter. I will apply all of the recommendations you listed & hopefully you'll never hear from me again!!

Seriously, thanks for your help. I will contact you in the future if anything else arises. Mark this one resolved!!!

Take Care
Brian

[Mike]

Thank you for making it so easy to help you

Thanks for the donation it's very appreciated.

Take care and have a great day still!

Mike

[Mike]

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

If you're the topic starter, and need this topic reopened, please contact a staff member with the address of the thread.

Everyone else please begin a New Topic.