[Salagubang]

Hi noiserider,

Yes, restoring your computer to the state when you first bought it is a sure fire way to resolve known and hidden issues. That is a good fallback.

Its just funny MS Office killing the fun when I was just about to post the clean up.

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Can you please try this check for me.

Disable AVAST real time protection and then try opening some word documents.

[Salagubang]

Can you please try this check for me.

Disable AVAST real time protection and then try opening some word documents.

[noiserider]

Salagubang,

I decided to reinstall everything from the ground up. What a pain. I'm hoping everything works when I get done. I'll post an update later tonight.

Many thanks,

Keith

[noiserider]

I think I understand the Word and Power Point lockup a bit better.

After reinstalling Windows, Avast and PC Firewall Plus and all the Windows updates I was finally able to load Office.

When I tried Word I got the same lockup when I tried to paste an image into the document. The lockup lasted for about 15 seconds and then there was a pop-up from PC Tools Firewall Plus asking if I trusted Word. When I clicked YES I was able to paste images with no problem in both Word and Power Point.

Can you explain what happened?

Keith

[Salagubang]

Hi noiserider,

When I tried Word I got the same lockup when I tried to paste an image into the document. The lockup lasted for about 15 seconds and then there was a pop-up from PC Tools Firewall Plus asking if I trusted Word. When I clicked YES I was able to paste images with no problem in both Word and Power Point.

Can you explain what happened?

I concur. Incorrectly configured firewall and in rare cases even AV programs could cause conflicts. I am just as surprised seeing a firewall preventing local images from properly loading.

I am glad that you have sorted that problem out. Try running other programs and update me if there are still remaining issues.

[Salagubang]

Hi noiserider,

Now that you're on your merry way, here are my recommendations to prevent future infection.

Some programs that will help protect your computer.

Anti-Spyware
I recommend downloading and installing all of the following applications.

• SpywareBlaster keeps spyware from installing on your system - read the tutorial here
• SpywareGuard protects your browser and computer in real time - read the tutorial here
• SUPERAntiSpyware Free Edition detects and removes spyware, adware, malware, trojans, rogue software, worms, rootkits, parasites and other potentially harmful software applications - read the tutorial here

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Other things to keep in mind.

Windows, Java, and Adobe products should all be kept up-to-date on a regular basis so the latest security fixes are in place on your computer. Please refer to the following links on how to manage these products.

• Windows Update (2000/XP) or Windows Update (Vista)
• Java
• Adobe Reader
• Adobe Flash Player

Here are a few other applications you might consider. Keeping your temporary file area clean, your Windows registry backed up, and backing up your important data are all good techniques.

• Flush Flash - by Bobbi Flekman - cleans Flash Player cookies
• ERUNT (Emergency Recovery Utility NT) - a registry backup utility
• Cobian Backup - a very good backup utility - read the tutorial here

Please remember that just having these programs is not enough. You must use them. Running a full spyware scan weekly, a full virus scan monthly, and checking for updates and cleaning your temporary files periodically is very important in keeping your computer in tip-top shape.

Finally, please take the time to read the following articles. Applying this information will help prevent future infections:

How to prevent malware by miekiemoes
Preventing Malware and Safe Computing by Rorschach112

This article will help you understand how you may have gotten infected:
How did I get infected in the first place?

Remember, you have to be smarter than the bad guys! Be safe out there!

Edited by Salagubang, 11 December 2010 - 05:53 AM.

[noiserider]

Hi Salagubang,

I have my computer up and fully functional again. I'm amazed at the number of updates that were required for XP and Office. It did take many hours and a few uninstalls and re-installs. Adobe professional took a few tries. I lost my audio driver somehow and had to re-install it.

Looking back at the cause:
I thought I was sensitive to viruses before, but I still clicked on a suspect file (spyware.passwords.xgen). That one suspect file led to hours of work to get things back up and operating. Even with firewalls and anti-virus software you are not fully protected. The best defense is not to click on suspect files.

Many thanks,

Keith

Edited by noiserider, 12 December 2010 - 05:51 PM.

[Salagubang]

Your welcome.

[Essexboy]

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

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