[powerdox]

Hi there.
I've gone through all the steps in the "You Must Read This Before Posting a Hijackthis Log" thread and yet, when i start up my IE, annoying lop still comes up.

Here is my HJT log

Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.1
Scan saved at 3:40:01 PM, on 8/14/2005
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\Ati2evxx.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\Ati2evxx.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\Program Files\ATI Technologies\ATI Control Panel\atiptaxx.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\mcafee.com\agent\mcagent.exe
C:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Real\Update_OB\realsched.exe
C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.5.0_04\bin\jusched.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\mcafee.com\vso\mcvsshld.exe
C:\Program Files\Winamp\winampa.exe
c:\progra~1\mcafee.com\vso\mcvsescn.exe
C:\Program Files\VIA Technologies, Inc\VIA Audio Driver Setup Program\AudioDeck\AudioDeck.exe
c:\PROGRA~1\mcafee.com\vso\mcvsrte.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
c:\PROGRA~1\mcafee.com\vso\mcshield.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\wuauclt.exe
c:\progra~1\intern~1\iexplore.exe
C:\Program Files\ewido\security suite\ewidoguard.exe
C:\Program Files\ewido\security suite\ewidoctrl.exe
C:\Documents and Settings\Owner\My Documents\File name\Programs\HijackThis.exe

O2 - BHO: (no name) - {5C8B2A36-3DB1-42A4-A3CB-D426709BBFEB} - (no file)
O2 - BHO: Google Toolbar Helper - {AA58ED58-01DD-4d91-8333-CF10577473F7} - c:\program files\google\googletoolbar2.dll
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {B70CFA07-A279-CEAE-127C-A6CE6E4AB80B} - C:\DOCUME~1\OWNER~1\APPLIC~1\PurePlay\city thunk.exe (file missing)
O3 - Toolbar: McAfee VirusScan - {BA52B914-B692-46c4-B683-905236F6F655} - c:\progra~1\mcafee.com\vso\mcvsshl.dll
O3 - Toolbar: &Google - {2318C2B1-4965-11d4-9B18-009027A5CD4F} - c:\program files\google\googletoolbar2.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ATIPTA] C:\Program Files\ATI Technologies\ATI Control Panel\atiptaxx.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NeroFilterCheck] C:\WINDOWS\system32\NeroCheck.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [MCAgentExe] c:\PROGRA~1\mcafee.com\agent\mcagent.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [MCUpdateExe] C:\PROGRA~1\mcafee.com\agent\mcupdate.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [QuickTime Task] "C:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe" -atboottime
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [TkBellExe] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Real\Update_OB\realsched.exe" -osboot
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SunJavaUpdateSched] C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.5.0_04\bin\jusched.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Easy-PrintToolBox] C:\Program Files\Canon\Easy-PrintToolBox\BJPSMAIN.EXE /logon
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [VSOCheckTask] "c:\PROGRA~1\mcafee.com\vso\mcmnhdlr.exe" /checktask
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [VirusScan Online] "c:\PROGRA~1\mcafee.com\vso\mcvsshld.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [WinampAgent] C:\Program Files\Winamp\winampa.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [regsbookbonefile] C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\debugcastregsbook\flap coal.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [eTrust PestPatrol Active Protection] none
O4 - Global Startup: Adobe Gamma Loader.lnk = C:\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe\Calibration\Adobe Gamma Loader.exe
O4 - Global Startup: AudioDeck.lnk = C:\Program Files\VIA Technologies, Inc\VIA Audio Driver Setup Program\AudioDeck\AudioDeck.exe
O4 - Global Startup: Microsoft Office.lnk = C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office\OSA9.EXE
O16 - DPF: {17492023-C23A-453E-A040-C7C580BBF700} (Windows Genuine Advantage Validation Tool) - http://go.microsoft....467&clcid=0x409
O16 - DPF: {8E0D4DE5-3180-4024-A327-4DFAD1796A8D} (MessengerStatsClient Class) - http://messenger.zon...nt.cab31267.cab
O23 - Service: Adobe LM Service - Unknown owner - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe Systems Shared\Service\Adobelmsvc.exe
O23 - Service: Ati HotKey Poller - Unknown owner - C:\WINDOWS\System32\Ati2evxx.exe
O23 - Service: ATI Smart - Unknown owner - C:\WINDOWS\system32\ati2sgag.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: Macromedia Licensing Service - Unknown owner - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Macromedia Shared\Service\Macromedia Licensing.exe
O23 - Service: McAfee.com McShield (McShield) - Unknown owner - c:\PROGRA~1\mcafee.com\vso\mcshield.exe
O23 - Service: McAfee SecurityCenter Update Manager (mcupdmgr.exe) - McAfee, Inc - C:\PROGRA~1\McAfee.com\Agent\mcupdmgr.exe
O23 - Service: McAfee.com VirusScan Online Realtime Engine (MCVSRte) - Networks Associates Technology, Inc - c:\PROGRA~1\mcafee.com\vso\mcvsrte.exe

As well as the ewido scan report:

---------------------------------------------------------
ewido security suite - Scan report
---------------------------------------------------------

+ Created on: 3:33:21 PM, 8/14/2005
+ Report-Checksum: 9081565B

+ Scan result:

[3780] C:\DOCUME~1\OWNER~1\APPLIC~1\PurePlay\city thunk.exe -> TrojanDownloader.Swizzor.bo : Cleaned with backup
C:\Documents and Settings\owner\Cookies\owner@tribalfusion[1].txt -> Spyware.Cookie.Tribalfusion : Cleaned with backup


::Report End

I've been trying to get rid of lop forever. I hope someone here would be able to help. Thanks so much!

Edited by powerdox, 14 August 2005 - 11:17 AM.

[Advertisements]

Welcome powerdox to Geeks to Go!

Let's go get it.

Download Findlop by Metallica. Unzip it to your desktop.
Double click findlop.bat. It will open a notepad file.
Copy the content of that file and past it here in your reply.

[g2i2r4]

Welcome powerdox to Geeks to Go!

Let's go get it.

Download Findlop by Metallica. Unzip it to your desktop.
Double click findlop.bat. It will open a notepad file.
Copy the content of that file and past it here in your reply.

[powerdox]

Thanks for helping me out, g2i2r4!
So I ran findlop and here is the analysis:


[TRACE] Enumerating jobs and queues
[TRACE] Activating job '85ABDFDD92EC5689.job'
[TRACE] Printing all job properties

ApplicationName: 'c:\progra~1\fordwi~1\Stop heck trans.exe'
Parameters: ''
WorkingDirectory: ''
Comment: ''
Creator: 'Owner'
Priority: NORMAL
MaxRunTime: 259200000 (3d 0:00:00)
IdleWait: 10
IdleDeadline: 60
MostRecentRun: 10/16/2004 21:00:00
NextRun: 08/15/2005 1:00:00
StartError: 0x80070003
ExitCode: 0
Status: SCHED_S_TASK_READY
ScheduledWorkItem Flags:
DeleteWhenDone = 0
Suspend = 0
StartOnlyIfIdle = 0
KillOnIdleEnd = 0
RestartOnIdleResume = 0
DontStartIfOnBatteries = 0
KillIfGoingOnBatteries = 0
RunOnlyIfLoggedOn = 1
SystemRequired = 0
Hidden = 1
TaskFlags: 0

1 Trigger

Trigger 0:
Type: Daily
DaysInterval: 1
StartDate: 06/24/2001
EndDate: 00/00/0000
StartTime: 00:00
MinutesDuration: 1440
MinutesInterval: 60
Flags:
HasEndDate = 0
KillAtDuration = 0
Disabled = 0


[TRACE] Activating job 'A52871B49187EDEC.job'
[TRACE] Printing all job properties

ApplicationName: 'c:\progra~1\fordwi~1\Stop heck trans.exe'
Parameters: ''
WorkingDirectory: ''
Comment: ''
Creator: 'Owner'
Priority: NORMAL
MaxRunTime: 259200000 (3d 0:00:00)
IdleWait: 10
IdleDeadline: 60
MostRecentRun: 10/16/2004 21:00:00
NextRun: 08/15/2005 1:00:00
StartError: 0x80070003
ExitCode: 0
Status: SCHED_S_TASK_READY
ScheduledWorkItem Flags:
DeleteWhenDone = 0
Suspend = 0
StartOnlyIfIdle = 0
KillOnIdleEnd = 0
RestartOnIdleResume = 0
DontStartIfOnBatteries = 0
KillIfGoingOnBatteries = 0
RunOnlyIfLoggedOn = 1
SystemRequired = 0
Hidden = 1
TaskFlags: 0

1 Trigger

Trigger 0:
Type: Daily
DaysInterval: 1
StartDate: 02/05/2001
EndDate: 00/00/0000
StartTime: 00:00
MinutesDuration: 1440
MinutesInterval: 60
Flags:
HasEndDate = 0
KillAtDuration = 0
Disabled = 0


[TRACE] Activating job 'AD0FBC7091803030.job'
[TRACE] Printing all job properties

ApplicationName: 'c:\docume~1\owner~1\applic~1\fordwi~1\Stop heck trans.exe'
Parameters: ''
WorkingDirectory: ''
Comment: ''
Creator: 'Owner'
Priority: NORMAL
MaxRunTime: 259200000 (3d 0:00:00)
IdleWait: 10
IdleDeadline: 60
MostRecentRun: 08/14/2005 18:00:00
NextRun: 08/15/2005 1:00:00
StartError: S_OK
ExitCode: 0
Status: SCHED_S_TASK_READY
ScheduledWorkItem Flags:
DeleteWhenDone = 0
Suspend = 0
StartOnlyIfIdle = 0
KillOnIdleEnd = 0
RestartOnIdleResume = 0
DontStartIfOnBatteries = 0
KillIfGoingOnBatteries = 0
RunOnlyIfLoggedOn = 1
SystemRequired = 0
Hidden = 1
TaskFlags: 0

1 Trigger

Trigger 0:
Type: Daily
DaysInterval: 1
StartDate: 10/16/2000
EndDate: 00/00/0000
StartTime: 00:00
MinutesDuration: 1440
MinutesInterval: 60
Flags:
HasEndDate = 0
KillAtDuration = 0
Disabled = 0


[TRACE] Activating job 'BE980221908FA381.job'
[TRACE] Printing all job properties

ApplicationName: 'c:\docume~1\owner~1\applic~1\fordwi~1\Stop heck trans.exe'
Parameters: ''
WorkingDirectory: ''
Comment: ''
Creator: 'Owner'
Priority: NORMAL
MaxRunTime: 259200000 (3d 0:00:00)
IdleWait: 10
IdleDeadline: 60
MostRecentRun: 08/14/2005 18:00:00
NextRun: 08/15/2005 1:00:00
StartError: S_OK
ExitCode: 0
Status: SCHED_S_TASK_READY
ScheduledWorkItem Flags:
DeleteWhenDone = 0
Suspend = 0
StartOnlyIfIdle = 0
KillOnIdleEnd = 0
RestartOnIdleResume = 0
DontStartIfOnBatteries = 0
KillIfGoingOnBatteries = 0
RunOnlyIfLoggedOn = 1
SystemRequired = 0
Hidden = 1
TaskFlags: 0

1 Trigger

Trigger 0:
Type: Daily
DaysInterval: 1
StartDate: 10/17/1999
EndDate: 00/00/0000
StartTime: 00:00
MinutesDuration: 1440
MinutesInterval: 60
Flags:
HasEndDate = 0
KillAtDuration = 0
Disabled = 0


[TRACE] Activating job 'McAfee.com Update Check (OWNER-LG75V7NUY-Owner).job
'
[TRACE] Printing all job properties

ApplicationName: 'C:\PROGRA~1\mcafee.com\agent\mcupdate.exe'
Parameters: '/Schedule'
WorkingDirectory: 'C:\PROGRA~1\mcafee.com\agent'
Comment: 'McAfee SecurityCenter periodically checks for updates for your McAfee Services.'
Creator: 'Owner'
Priority: NORMAL
MaxRunTime: 259200000 (3d 0:00:00)
IdleWait: 10
IdleDeadline: 60
MostRecentRun: 00/00/0000 0:00:00
NextRun: 08/15/2005 5:41:00
StartError: SCHED_S_TASK_HAS_NOT_RUN
ExitCode: 0
Status: SCHED_S_TASK_READY
ScheduledWorkItem Flags:
DeleteWhenDone = 0
Suspend = 0
StartOnlyIfIdle = 0
KillOnIdleEnd = 0
RestartOnIdleResume = 0
DontStartIfOnBatteries = 0
KillIfGoingOnBatteries = 0
RunOnlyIfLoggedOn = 1
SystemRequired = 0
Hidden = 0
TaskFlags: 0

1 Trigger

Trigger 0:
Type: Daily
DaysInterval: 1
StartDate: 08/15/2005
EndDate: 00/00/0000
StartTime: 05:41
MinutesDuration: 1440
MinutesInterval: 5
Flags:
HasEndDate = 0
KillAtDuration = 0
Disabled = 0

[g2i2r4]

Copy and paste the purple text to an empty file in Notepad.

%systemdrive%
cd C:\WINDOWS\Tasks
attrib -r -s -h 85ABDFDD92EC5689.job
attrib -r -s -h A52871B49187EDEC.job
attrib -r -s -h AD0FBC7091803030.job
attrib -r -s -h BE980221908FA381.job
del 85ABDFDD92EC5689.job
del A52871B49187EDEC.job
del AD0FBC7091803030.job
del BE980221908FA381.job


Save the file:
name : remjob.bat
location: desktop
type : all types

Close Notepad.

Doubleclick remjob.bat on your desktop.

***

Use Windows Explorer to remove these folders:
c:\program files\fordwi~1\ <= the ~1 means it's an abbreviation
c:\documents and settings\owner~1\application data\fordwi~1\
C:\documents and settings\OWNER~1\application data\PurePlay
Close Windows Explorer when you are done.

***

Open HijackThis
Place a check against each of the following, making sure you get them all and not any others by mistake:

O2 - BHO: (no name) - {5C8B2A36-3DB1-42A4-A3CB-D426709BBFEB} - (no file)

O2 - BHO: (no name) - {B70CFA07-A279-CEAE-127C-A6CE6E4AB80B} - C:\DOCUME~1\OWNER~1\APPLIC~1\PurePlay\city thunk.exe (file missing)

O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [regsbookbonefile] C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\debugcastregsbook\flap coal.exe

Close all programs leaving only HijackThis running.
Click on Fix Checked when finished and exit HijackThis.

***

Reboot the computer.

Post back here with a fresh HijackThis log.

Is the computer running ok now?

[powerdox]

Wow g2i2r4! You're amazing!
That marked the end of my lop terror! It's been a long time since IE worked without such annoyances and un-removable links in "favourites"!

Here is my latest HJT log:
Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.1
Scan saved at 10:54:59 PM, on 8/15/2005
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\Ati2evxx.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\Ati2evxx.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\Program Files\ATI Technologies\ATI Control Panel\atiptaxx.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\mcafee.com\agent\mcagent.exe
C:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Real\Update_OB\realsched.exe
C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.5.0_04\bin\jusched.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\mcafee.com\vso\mcvsshld.exe
C:\Program Files\Winamp\winampa.exe
c:\progra~1\mcafee.com\vso\mcvsescn.exe
C:\Program Files\VIA Technologies, Inc\VIA Audio Driver Setup Program\AudioDeck\AudioDeck.exe
C:\Program Files\ewido\security suite\ewidoctrl.exe
C:\Program Files\ewido\security suite\ewidoguard.exe
c:\PROGRA~1\mcafee.com\vso\mcvsrte.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\imapi.exe
C:\Documents and Settings\Owner\My Documents\File Name\Programs\HijackThis.exe

O2 - BHO: Google Toolbar Helper - {AA58ED58-01DD-4d91-8333-CF10577473F7} - c:\program files\google\googletoolbar2.dll
O3 - Toolbar: McAfee VirusScan - {BA52B914-B692-46c4-B683-905236F6F655} - c:\progra~1\mcafee.com\vso\mcvsshl.dll
O3 - Toolbar: &Google - {2318C2B1-4965-11d4-9B18-009027A5CD4F} - c:\program files\google\googletoolbar2.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ATIPTA] C:\Program Files\ATI Technologies\ATI Control Panel\atiptaxx.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NeroFilterCheck] C:\WINDOWS\system32\NeroCheck.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [MCAgentExe] c:\PROGRA~1\mcafee.com\agent\mcagent.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [MCUpdateExe] C:\PROGRA~1\mcafee.com\agent\mcupdate.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [QuickTime Task] "C:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe" -atboottime
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [TkBellExe] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Real\Update_OB\realsched.exe" -osboot
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SunJavaUpdateSched] C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.5.0_04\bin\jusched.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Easy-PrintToolBox] C:\Program Files\Canon\Easy-PrintToolBox\BJPSMAIN.EXE /logon
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [VSOCheckTask] "c:\PROGRA~1\mcafee.com\vso\mcmnhdlr.exe" /checktask
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [VirusScan Online] "c:\PROGRA~1\mcafee.com\vso\mcvsshld.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [WinampAgent] C:\Program Files\Winamp\winampa.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [eTrust PestPatrol Active Protection] none
O4 - Global Startup: Adobe Gamma Loader.lnk = C:\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe\Calibration\Adobe Gamma Loader.exe
O4 - Global Startup: AudioDeck.lnk = C:\Program Files\VIA Technologies, Inc\VIA Audio Driver Setup Program\AudioDeck\AudioDeck.exe
O4 - Global Startup: Microsoft Office.lnk = C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office\OSA9.EXE
O16 - DPF: {17492023-C23A-453E-A040-C7C580BBF700} (Windows Genuine Advantage Validation Tool) - http://go.microsoft....467&clcid=0x409
O16 - DPF: {8E0D4DE5-3180-4024-A327-4DFAD1796A8D} (MessengerStatsClient Class) - http://messenger.zon...nt.cab31267.cab
O23 - Service: Adobe LM Service - Unknown owner - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe Systems Shared\Service\Adobelmsvc.exe
O23 - Service: Ati HotKey Poller - Unknown owner - C:\WINDOWS\System32\Ati2evxx.exe
O23 - Service: ATI Smart - Unknown owner - C:\WINDOWS\system32\ati2sgag.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: Macromedia Licensing Service - Unknown owner - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Macromedia Shared\Service\Macromedia Licensing.exe
O23 - Service: McAfee.com McShield (McShield) - Unknown owner - c:\PROGRA~1\mcafee.com\vso\mcshield.exe
O23 - Service: McAfee SecurityCenter Update Manager (mcupdmgr.exe) - McAfee, Inc - C:\PROGRA~1\McAfee.com\Agent\mcupdmgr.exe
O23 - Service: McAfee.com VirusScan Online Realtime Engine (MCVSRte) - Networks Associates Technology, Inc - c:\PROGRA~1\mcafee.com\vso\mcvsrte.exe

Thank you once again!!!

[g2i2r4]

Weldone

The log is clean.

The computer seems to be running ok now.

Shall I post you some tips for the future and close the topic then?

[powerdox]

Hi there g2i2r4!
Sorry for the really late reply, i'm still psyched over the cleaned up pc.
Some tips for the future would be awesome!!
Thank you so much!

[g2i2r4]

hihi, I hope you get over the confussion of having a computer that's cleaned up again. Thanks for getting back to me.

Please follow these simple steps in order to keep your computer clean and secure:

• Disable and Enable System Restore. - If you are using Windows ME or XP then you should disable and reenable system restore to make sure there are no infected files found in a restore point.
  
  You can find instructions on how to enable and reenable system restore here:
  
  Managing Windows Millenium System Restore
  
  or
  
  Windows XP System Restore Guide
  
  Renable system restore with instructions from tutorial above
  
  
• Make your Internet Explorer more secure - This can be done by following these simple instructions:
  • From within Internet Explorer click on the Tools menu and then click on Options.
  • Click once on the Security tab
  • Click once on the Internet icon so it becomes highlighted.
  • Click once on the Custom Level button.
    
    • Change the Download signed ActiveX controls to Prompt
    • Change the Download unsigned ActiveX controls to Disable
    • Change the Initialize and script ActiveX controls not marked as safe to Disable
    • Change the Installation of desktop items to Prompt
    • Change the Launching programs and files in an IFRAME to Prompt
    • Change the Navigate sub-frames across different domains to Prompt
    • When all these settings have been made, click on the OK button.
    • If it prompts you as to whether or not you want to save the settings, press the Yes button.
  • Next press the Apply button and then the OK to exit the Internet Properties page.
• Use an AntiVirus Software - It is very important that your computer has an anti-virus software running on your machine. This alone can save you a lot of trouble with malware in the future.
  
  See this link for a listing of some online & their stand-alone antivirus programs:
  
  Virus, Spyware, and Malware Protection and Removal Resources
  
  
• Update your AntiVirus Software - It is imperitive that you update your Antivirus software at least once a week (Even more if you wish). If you do not update your antivirus software then it will not be able to catch any of the new variants that may come out.
  
  
• Use a Firewall - I can not stress how important it is that you use a Firewall on your computer. Without a firewall your computer is succeptible to being hacked and taken over. I am very serious about this and see it happen almost every day with my clients. Simply using a Firewall in its default configuration can lower your risk greatly.
  
  For a tutorial on Firewalls and a listing of some available ones see the link below:
  
  Understanding and Using Firewalls
  
  
• Visit Microsoft's Windows Update Site Frequently - It is important that you visit http://www.windowsupdate.com regularly. This will ensure your computer has always the latest security updates available installed on your computer. If there are new updates to install, install them immediately, reboot your computer, and revisit the site until there are no more critical updates.
  
  
• Install Spybot - Search and Destroy - Install and download Spybot - Search and Destroy with its TeaTimer option. This will provide realtime spyware & hijacker protection on your computer alongside your virus protection. You should also scan your computer with program on a regular basis just as you would an antivirus software.
  
  A tutorial on installing & using this product can be found here:
  
  Using Spybot - Search & Destroy to remove Spyware , Malware, and Hijackers
  
  
• Install Ad-Aware - Install and download Ad-Aware. ou should also scan your computer with program on a regular basis just as you would an antivirus software in conjunction with Spybot.
  
  A tutorial on installing & using this product can be found here:
  
  Using Ad-aware to remove Spyware, Malware, & Hijackers from Your Computer
  
  
• Install SpywareBlaster - SpywareBlaster will added a large list of programs and sites into your Internet Explorer settings that will protect you from running and downloading known malicious programs.
  
  A tutorial on installing & using this product can be found here:
  
  Using SpywareBlaster to protect your computer from Spyware and Malware
  
  
• Update all these programs regularly - Make sure you update all the programs I have listed regularly. Without regular updates you WILL NOT be protected when new malicious programs are released.

Follow this list and your potential for being infected again will reduce dramatically.

Glad I was able to help.