[Shodan]

And then I get a "Forbidden to access the main page" as well.

I have run Spybot Search and Destroy, AdAware, and SpySubtract. I have Norton Anti-virus.

Here is my Hijack This log:

Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.1
Scan saved at 1:58:25 PM, on 6/18/2005
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:\Program Files\NavNT\defwatch.exe
C:\Program Files\NavNT\rtvscan.exe
C:\Program Files\Keyboard Mouse Tool\mouse32a.exe
C:\Program Files\NavNT\vptray.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\devldr32.exe
C:\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe
C:\Program Files\Spyware Doctor\swdoctor.exe
C:\Program Files\Messenger\MSMSGS.EXE
C:\Program Files\Keyboard Mouse Tool\KbdAp32A.exe
C:\Program Files\WinZip\WZQKPICK.EXE
C:\Program Files\InterMute\SpySubtract\SpySub.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\wuauclt.exe
C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe
C:\Hijack This Folder\HijackThis.exe

R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Local Page = C:\WINDOWS\about.htm
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings,AutoConfigURL = http://mctl.ms.com/f...rol.pl?op=proxy
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {53707962-6F74-2D53-2644-206D7942484F} - C:\Program Files\Spybot - Search & Destroy\SDHelper.dll
O2 - BHO: PCTools Site Guard - {5C8B2A36-3DB1-42A4-A3CB-D426709BBFEB} - C:\PROGRA~1\SPYWAR~1\tools\iesdsg.dll
O2 - BHO: PCTools Browser Monitor - {B56A7D7D-6927-48C8-A975-17DF180C71AC} - C:\PROGRA~1\SPYWAR~1\tools\iesdpb.dll
O3 - Toolbar: &Radio - {8E718888-423F-11D2-876E-00A0C9082467} - C:\WINDOWS\System32\msdxm.ocx
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [FLMOFFICE4DMOUSE] C:\Program Files\Keyboard Mouse Tool\mouse32a.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [OFFICEKB] C:\Program Files\Keyboard Mouse Tool\MMKEYBD.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [vptray] C:\Program Files\NavNT\vptray.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Windows DLL Services] C:\svchost.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [QuickTime Task] "C:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe" -atboottime
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [Spyware Doctor] "C:\Program Files\Spyware Doctor\swdoctor.exe" /Q
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [MSMSGS] "C:\Program Files\Messenger\MSMSGS.EXE" /background
O4 - Global Startup: Microsoft Office.lnk = C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office10\OSA.EXE
O4 - Global Startup: WinZip Quick Pick.lnk = C:\Program Files\WinZip\WZQKPICK.EXE
O4 - Global Startup: SpySubtract.lnk = C:\Program Files\InterMute\SpySubtract\SpySub.exe
O8 - Extra context menu item: E&xport to Microsoft Excel - res://C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~2\Office10\EXCEL.EXE/3000
O9 - Extra button: Spyware Doctor - {2D663D1A-8670-49D9-A1A5-4C56B4E14E84} - C:\PROGRA~1\SPYWAR~1\tools\iesdpb.dll
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: {2BC66F54-93A8-11D3-BEB6-00105AA9B6AE} (Symantec AntiVirus scanner) - http://security.syma...bin/AvSniff.cab
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?1118270031189
O16 - DPF: {CE28D5D2-60CF-4C7D-9FE8-0F47A3308078} (ActiveDataInfo Class) - https://www-secure.s...sa/SymAData.cab
O17 - HKLM\System\CCS\Services\Tcpip\..\{5D8A12CC-2E6D-4A6F-ACC8-2954463CFD19}: Domain = ms.com
O17 - HKLM\System\CS1\Services\Tcpip\Parameters: SearchList = ms.com
O17 - HKLM\System\CS2\Services\Tcpip\Parameters: SearchList = ms.com
O17 - HKLM\System\CCS\Services\Tcpip\Parameters: SearchList = ms.com
O18 - Filter: text/html - (no CLSID) - (no file)
O20 - Winlogon Notify: NavLogon - C:\WINDOWS\System32\NavLogon.dll
O23 - Service: DefWatch - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\NavNT\defwatch.exe
O23 - Service: Norton AntiVirus Client (Norton AntiVirus Server) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\NavNT\rtvscan.exe


Please let me know if I need to do anything else.

And THANK YOU in advance for any assistance you can offer.

Regards,
Shodan

[Advertisements]

Hi Shodan,

We are sorry to have missed your log due to heavy traffic.

I will help you clean your PC


Please print out these instructions or copy them into a text file on your Desktop for easy access.

During the fix, u will be asked to fix some entries, delete some files or uninstall sosme programs. If in case, you do not see those entries / files / programs, please make a note of it. Continue with the fix and in your next post please inform me of all deviations from the fix prescribed.

1. Download Programs

Please download these programs and save them in a new folder on your desktop -

CleanUp
Ewido Security Suite

Install Ewido, and update the definitions to the newest files. Do NOT run a scan yet.


Restart the PC in Safe Mode (repeatedly tap the F8 key when the PC is starting up).

2. Remove Infections

Run CleanUp and delete all temp files including temporary internet files

Run Ewido full scan. Let it fix any items it finds.

3. Run Hijack This

Run Hijack This and click on scan. The following items need to be fixed -

R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Local Page = C:\WINDOWS\about.htm
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Windows DLL Services] C:\svchost.exe
O18 - Filter: text/html - (no CLSID) - (no file)

Close all windows other than Hijack This. Check the boxes next to above items and click on Fix checked.

4. Delete Rogue files

Open Windows Explorer (right click on Start and then click on explore). Locate and delete the following folders and files -

C:\svchost.exe

Clear out the files in the Prefetch folder. Go to start> run> type into the box Prefetch and delete all the files in that folder. Dont delete the folder, only the files in it !!!!!!!!


Reboot the PC in Normal Mode.


Run Hijack This and post a fresh HJT log along with Ewido scan report.

Edited by tampabelle, 27 June 2005 - 10:47 AM.

[tampabelle]

Hi Shodan,

We are sorry to have missed your log due to heavy traffic.

I will help you clean your PC


Please print out these instructions or copy them into a text file on your Desktop for easy access.

During the fix, u will be asked to fix some entries, delete some files or uninstall sosme programs. If in case, you do not see those entries / files / programs, please make a note of it. Continue with the fix and in your next post please inform me of all deviations from the fix prescribed.

1. Download Programs

Please download these programs and save them in a new folder on your desktop -

CleanUp
Ewido Security Suite

Install Ewido, and update the definitions to the newest files. Do NOT run a scan yet.


Restart the PC in Safe Mode (repeatedly tap the F8 key when the PC is starting up).

2. Remove Infections

Run CleanUp and delete all temp files including temporary internet files

Run Ewido full scan. Let it fix any items it finds.

3. Run Hijack This

Run Hijack This and click on scan. The following items need to be fixed -

R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Local Page = C:\WINDOWS\about.htm
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Windows DLL Services] C:\svchost.exe
O18 - Filter: text/html - (no CLSID) - (no file)

Close all windows other than Hijack This. Check the boxes next to above items and click on Fix checked.

4. Delete Rogue files

Open Windows Explorer (right click on Start and then click on explore). Locate and delete the following folders and files -

C:\svchost.exe

Clear out the files in the Prefetch folder. Go to start> run> type into the box Prefetch and delete all the files in that folder. Dont delete the folder, only the files in it !!!!!!!!


Reboot the PC in Normal Mode.


Run Hijack This and post a fresh HJT log along with Ewido scan report.

Edited by tampabelle, 27 June 2005 - 10:47 AM.

[Shodan]

tampabelle -

Thank you for your response! I will try your suggestions tonight when I get home.

Regards,
Shodan

[Shodan]

I did all that you suggested.

I did not find the svchost.exe file except in C:|WINDOWS\System32, but there were two instances of it - one named svchost.exe and one svchost(3). I renamed all of them to svchost.bak, in case these are not the correct files.

My Hijack This log is now as follows:

Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.1
Scan saved at 9:57:57 PM, on 6/28/2005
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:\Program Files\NavNT\defwatch.exe
C:\Program Files\ewido\security suite\ewidoctrl.exe
C:\Program Files\ewido\security suite\ewidoguard.exe
C:\Program Files\Keyboard Mouse Tool\mouse32a.exe
C:\Program Files\NavNT\vptray.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\devldr32.exe
C:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe
C:\Program Files\Spyware Doctor\swdoctor.exe
C:\Program Files\Messenger\MSMSGS.EXE
C:\Program Files\Keyboard Mouse Tool\KbdAp32A.exe
C:\Program Files\NavNT\rtvscan.exe
C:\Program Files\WinZip\WZQKPICK.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\System32\wuauclt.exe
C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe
C:\Hijack This Folder\HijackThis.exe

R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings,AutoConfigURL = http://mctl.ms.com/f...rol.pl?op=proxy
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {53707962-6F74-2D53-2644-206D7942484F} - C:\Program Files\Spybot - Search & Destroy\SDHelper.dll
O2 - BHO: PCTools Site Guard - {5C8B2A36-3DB1-42A4-A3CB-D426709BBFEB} - C:\PROGRA~1\SPYWAR~1\tools\iesdsg.dll
O2 - BHO: PCTools Browser Monitor - {B56A7D7D-6927-48C8-A975-17DF180C71AC} - C:\PROGRA~1\SPYWAR~1\tools\iesdpb.dll
O3 - Toolbar: &Radio - {8E718888-423F-11D2-876E-00A0C9082467} - C:\WINDOWS\System32\msdxm.ocx
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [FLMOFFICE4DMOUSE] C:\Program Files\Keyboard Mouse Tool\mouse32a.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [OFFICEKB] C:\Program Files\Keyboard Mouse Tool\MMKEYBD.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [vptray] C:\Program Files\NavNT\vptray.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [QuickTime Task] "C:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe" -atboottime
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [Spyware Doctor] "C:\Program Files\Spyware Doctor\swdoctor.exe" /Q
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [MSMSGS] "C:\Program Files\Messenger\MSMSGS.EXE" /background
O4 - Global Startup: Microsoft Office.lnk = C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office10\OSA.EXE
O4 - Global Startup: WinZip Quick Pick.lnk = C:\Program Files\WinZip\WZQKPICK.EXE
O8 - Extra context menu item: E&xport to Microsoft Excel - res://C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~2\Office10\EXCEL.EXE/3000
O9 - Extra button: Spyware Doctor - {2D663D1A-8670-49D9-A1A5-4C56B4E14E84} - C:\PROGRA~1\SPYWAR~1\tools\iesdpb.dll
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: {2BC66F54-93A8-11D3-BEB6-00105AA9B6AE} (Symantec AntiVirus scanner) - http://security.syma...bin/AvSniff.cab
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?1118270031189
O16 - DPF: {CE28D5D2-60CF-4C7D-9FE8-0F47A3308078} (ActiveDataInfo Class) - https://www-secure.s...sa/SymAData.cab
O17 - HKLM\System\CCS\Services\Tcpip\..\{5D8A12CC-2E6D-4A6F-ACC8-2954463CFD19}: Domain = ms.com
O17 - HKLM\System\CS1\Services\Tcpip\Parameters: SearchList = ms.com
O17 - HKLM\System\CS2\Services\Tcpip\Parameters: SearchList = ms.com
O17 - HKLM\System\CCS\Services\Tcpip\Parameters: SearchList = ms.com
O18 - Filter: text/html - (no CLSID) - (no file)
O20 - Winlogon Notify: NavLogon - C:\WINDOWS\System32\NavLogon.dll
O23 - Service: DefWatch - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\NavNT\defwatch.exe
O23 - Service: ewido security suite control - ewido networks - C:\Program Files\ewido\security suite\ewidoctrl.exe
O23 - Service: ewido security suite guard - ewido networks - C:\Program Files\ewido\security suite\ewidoguard.exe
O23 - Service: Norton AntiVirus Client (Norton AntiVirus Server) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\NavNT\rtvscan.exe


Do you think I still have a problem?

Thanks again.

Regards,
Shodan

[tampabelle]

Hi Shodan,

1. svchost.exe file in C:\Windows\System32 folder is a genuine system file and should not be tampered with.

2. The site ms.com is known to you I presume. Let me know if you dont know about it and we will fix it.

3. Run Hijack This and click on scan. The following items need to be fixed -

O18 - Filter: text/html - (no CLSID) - (no file)

Close all windows other than Hijack This. Check the boxes next to above items and click on Fix checked.

4. Download and unzip to one folder:
http://metallica.gee...com/findlop.zip

Inside the folder find findlop.bat

Doubleclick it and it will create the file C:\findlop.txt
Find that file and copy the content into your next post.

[Shodan]

Thanks, tampabelle.

I will rename the svchost.bak file back to svchost.exe in the system32 folder, and run the file you suggest.

You are correct - the ms.com is for my job.

Thanks again for your assistance.

Regards,
Shodan

[tampabelle]

Can you post the findlop.txt file ???

[Shodan]

My apologies for the delay - I was out of town.

I have renamed the svchost.bak and svchost(3).bak files in C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM back to svchost.exe and svchost(3).exe. I will implement your other suggestions now.

Again, thanks for your assistance. My home PC is running very slow - I hope this is related to the malware, and that it will be fixed by what you suggest.

Regards,
Shodan

[Shodan]

I am running findlop.bat now.

It has been going for about a half hour now, and the log only says:

[TRACE] Enumerating jobs and queues

Task manager says that it is still running, so I will assume it just takes a long time. I will post the txt file when it is done.

Again, my thanks, and I hope you will have a good Fourth of July weekend.

Regards,
Shodan

[tampabelle]

Hi Shodan,

If the notepad has opened then it means that the tool is through !!! So no programs are listed ??

You can close the windows. It works fast.

Can you post a fresh HJT log???

[Shodan]

Here is my latest Hijack This Scan log-

Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.1
Scan saved at 9:51:19 AM, on 7/2/2005
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:\Program Files\NavNT\defwatch.exe
C:\Program Files\ewido\security suite\ewidoctrl.exe
C:\Program Files\Keyboard Mouse Tool\mouse32a.exe
C:\Program Files\ewido\security suite\ewidoguard.exe
C:\Program Files\NavNT\vptray.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\devldr32.exe
C:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe
C:\Program Files\Spyware Doctor\swdoctor.exe
C:\Program Files\Messenger\MSMSGS.EXE
C:\Program Files\Keyboard Mouse Tool\KbdAp32A.exe
C:\Program Files\WinZip\WZQKPICK.EXE
C:\Program Files\NavNT\rtvscan.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\wuauclt.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe
C:\Hijack This Folder\HijackThis.exe

R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings,AutoConfigURL = http://mctl.ms.com/f...rol.pl?op=proxy
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {53707962-6F74-2D53-2644-206D7942484F} - C:\Program Files\Spybot - Search & Destroy\SDHelper.dll
O2 - BHO: PCTools Site Guard - {5C8B2A36-3DB1-42A4-A3CB-D426709BBFEB} - C:\PROGRA~1\SPYWAR~1\tools\iesdsg.dll
O2 - BHO: PCTools Browser Monitor - {B56A7D7D-6927-48C8-A975-17DF180C71AC} - C:\PROGRA~1\SPYWAR~1\tools\iesdpb.dll
O3 - Toolbar: &Radio - {8E718888-423F-11D2-876E-00A0C9082467} - C:\WINDOWS\System32\msdxm.ocx
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [FLMOFFICE4DMOUSE] C:\Program Files\Keyboard Mouse Tool\mouse32a.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [OFFICEKB] C:\Program Files\Keyboard Mouse Tool\MMKEYBD.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [vptray] C:\Program Files\NavNT\vptray.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [QuickTime Task] "C:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe" -atboottime
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [Spyware Doctor] "C:\Program Files\Spyware Doctor\swdoctor.exe" /Q
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [MSMSGS] "C:\Program Files\Messenger\MSMSGS.EXE" /background
O4 - Global Startup: Microsoft Office.lnk = C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office10\OSA.EXE
O4 - Global Startup: WinZip Quick Pick.lnk = C:\Program Files\WinZip\WZQKPICK.EXE
O8 - Extra context menu item: E&xport to Microsoft Excel - res://C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~2\Office10\EXCEL.EXE/3000
O9 - Extra button: Spyware Doctor - {2D663D1A-8670-49D9-A1A5-4C56B4E14E84} - C:\PROGRA~1\SPYWAR~1\tools\iesdpb.dll
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: {2BC66F54-93A8-11D3-BEB6-00105AA9B6AE} (Symantec AntiVirus scanner) - http://security.syma...bin/AvSniff.cab
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?1118270031189
O16 - DPF: {CE28D5D2-60CF-4C7D-9FE8-0F47A3308078} (ActiveDataInfo Class) - https://www-secure.s...sa/SymAData.cab
O17 - HKLM\System\CCS\Services\Tcpip\..\{5D8A12CC-2E6D-4A6F-ACC8-2954463CFD19}: Domain = ms.com
O17 - HKLM\System\CS1\Services\Tcpip\Parameters: SearchList = ms.com
O17 - HKLM\System\CS2\Services\Tcpip\Parameters: SearchList = ms.com
O17 - HKLM\System\CCS\Services\Tcpip\Parameters: SearchList = ms.com
O20 - Winlogon Notify: NavLogon - C:\WINDOWS\System32\NavLogon.dll
O23 - Service: DefWatch - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\NavNT\defwatch.exe
O23 - Service: ewido security suite control - ewido networks - C:\Program Files\ewido\security suite\ewidoctrl.exe
O23 - Service: ewido security suite guard - ewido networks - C:\Program Files\ewido\security suite\ewidoguard.exe
O23 - Service: Norton AntiVirus Client (Norton AntiVirus Server) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\NavNT\rtvscan.exe

The PC seems faster. I suspect I have too many spyware automatic-scans-at-startup going when I boot.

Thanks again for your help - working on a Saturday morning, and on Fourth of July weekend too!

Regards,
Shodan

[tampabelle]

Hi Shodan,

Depends which department of MS you are working in !!!!!!!! Some of my Investment banker friends will also be working this weekend. Also as you can see, Geeks To Go also works 24x7. lol

If you want to speed up your PC a little bit more then do the following -

Run Hijack This and click on scan. The following items need to be fixed -

O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [QuickTime Task] "C:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe" -atboottime
O4 - Global Startup: Microsoft Office.lnk = C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office10\OSA.EXE

Please note that fixing the entries like this through Hijakc This does not delete the files. Only prevents them from running at startup. You can always run these programs manually

Close all windows other than Hijack This. Check the boxes next to above items and click on Fix checked.



CONGRATULATIONS !!!!!!! Your PC is clean


You need to do two things -

- Update Windows XP with Service Pack 2 (SP2) to bolster the security of your PC. SP2 plugs a lot of loopholes which viruses and infections use.

- Flush out earlier system restore points.

You will find more details on how to go about doing them below.



PREVENTIVE MEASURES FOR FUTURE

Operating System
1. Keep the Windows and Internet Explorer updated with the latest fixes. These fixes are available free from Microsoft. Click on Tools in the IE menu bar and then on Windows update. You can also the following links

Windows security and critical updates
Internet Explorer security and critical updates

Also ensure that automatic updates are enabled for faster updation of the system.
(Right click on My Computer on your desktop, properties and Automatic Updates tab.


Anti-Virus Software
2. Keep your Anti-virus program updated with the latest definitions. Some of the common anti-virus programs in use are :

Norton Anti-Virus
McAfee Anti-Virus
AVG Anti-Virus --- freeware
Avast Home Edition --- freeware

Use only one anti-virus program as multiple such programs can create conflicts between themselves and severely hamper the performance of your PC.


Firewall
3. You should also have a good firewall. Here are 3 free ones available for personal use:
Sygate Personal Firewall, Kerio Personal Firewall, ZoneAlarm


Internet Browsers
4. Have robust explorer settings. It is preferable to use an internet browser other that IE as most of the malware is targetted at IE. In case you prefer to use IE, then download a list of innocent looking but harmful websites from IE-Spyad and install it on ur PC. IE-SPYAD puts over 5000 sites in your internet explorer's restricted zone, so you'll be protected when you visit innocent-looking sites that aren't really innocent at all.

Some alternate browsers I suggest are Firefox Mozilla Browser and Opera

Ensure that Security level, irrespective of whichever browser you use, is set at Medium or higher, restrict the usage of cookies and activeX components.


Spyware Protection
5. Have a wall of protection against spyware / adware by installing SpywareBlaster and SpywareGuard.

SpywareBlaster and SpywareGuard are by JavaCool and both are free programs.
SpywareBlaster will prevent spyware from being installed and consumes no system resources.
SpywareGuard offers realtime protection from spyware installation and browser hijack attempts. Both have free ongoing updates.


Spyware Removers
6. Install programs for scanning for malware and uninstalling them. Two of the best programs, both are freeware, are :

Spybot Search & Destroy - A powerful tool which can search and annhilate nasties that make it onto your system. Now with an Immunize section that will help prevent future infections.

AdAware SE Personal Edition - Another very powerful tool which searches and kills nasties that infect your system. AdAware and Spybot Search & Destroy compliment each other very well.


Regular Maintenance of PC
7. Finally, invest some time for regular maintenance of your PC. Delete the temporary Internet files, temporary files, cookies etc. Click on Start button, Programs, Accessories, System Tools and run the program Disk Cleanup. Follow the instructions.

An alternate freeware software which can be used is CleanUp.

Keep your Registry clean. My favourite software is Registry First Aid. This is not a freeware but a trial version can be downloaded.


System Restore Points
8. Since your PC is currently clean, create a system restore point. A system restore would enable you to revert to the settings on the PC when the restore point was created. It is also a good idea to flush all earlier system restore points which may be containing infected files.

A. 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.

B. Restart your computer.

C. 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.

System Restore will now be active again.


Go ahead and enjoy a clean PC !!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Shodan]

THANK YOU!

I will try the speed-ups you suggest.

I really, REALLY appreciate your help. Virus writers are nasty and evil for free - you have been the opposite, for free.

Regards,
Shodan

[tampabelle]

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