[hontiac]

A few times in the past week or so, my computer has been freezing for about 30 seconds, then displaying the error "Dr Watson Postmortem Debugger has encountered an error and needs to close" in the standard Windows error box with the send/don't send buttons. This error does not seem to occur when I am running any particular program. I have taken all the steps listed below:

1) Updated and ran Ad-Aware
2) Downloaded all Windows critical updates (there were none)
3) Updated and ran Spybot

My virus scanner (McAfee Viruscan Enterprise 7.0) has the current updates, downloaded last night.

I am running Windows XP Home on a Dell P4 with 512 RAM.

I downloaded HiJackThis and ran it per the instructions. My log is below. Thank you for your help!

Logfile of HijackThis v1.98.2
Scan saved at 11:36:26 AM, on 12/7/2004
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\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\LEXBCES.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\Nhksrv.exe
C:\Program Files\Network Associates\Common Framework\FrameworkService.exe
C:\Program Files\VirusScan\mcshield.exe
C:\Program Files\VirusScan\vstskmgr.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\nvsvc32.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\VirusScan\SHSTAT.EXE
C:\Program Files\Network Associates\Common Framework\UpdaterUI.exe
C:\WINDOWS\DELLMMKB.EXE
C:\PROGRA~1\LEXMAR~1\ACMonitor_X73.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\LEXMAR~1\AcBtnMgr_X73.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Real\Update_OB\realsched.exe
C:\Program Files\Java\j2re1.4.2_05\bin\jusched.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\Works Shared\wkcalrem.exe
C:\Program Files\KERB\SideCar.exe
C:\Program Files\WinBar\WinBar.exe
C:\Program Files\KERB\krbcc32s.exe
C:\Program Files\Netropa\OSD.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\wuauclt.exe
C:\HiJack This\HijackThis.exe

R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://www.iastate.edu/
N3 - Netscape 7: user_pref("browser.startup.homepage", "www.hotmail.com"); (C:\Documents and Settings\Nick Vande Waerdt\Application Data\Mozilla\Profiles\default\fh7kf09n.slt\prefs.js)
N3 - Netscape 7: user_pref("browser.search.defaultengine", "engine://C%3A%5CProgram%20Files%5CNetscape%5CNetscape%5Csearchplugins%5CSBWeb_01.src"); (C:\Documents and Settings\Nick Vande Waerdt\Application Data\Mozilla\Profiles\default\fh7kf09n.slt\prefs.js)
O2 - BHO: AcroIEHlprObj Class - {06849E9F-C8D7-4D59-B87D-784B7D6BE0B3} - C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 6.0\Reader\ActiveX\AcroIEHelper.dll
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {53707962-6F74-2D53-2644-206D7942484F} - C:\Program Files\Spybot - Search & Destroy\SDHelper.dll
O2 - BHO: Google Toolbar Helper - {AA58ED58-01DD-4d91-8333-CF10577473F7} - c:\program files\google\googletoolbar2.dll
O3 - Toolbar: &Google - {2318C2B1-4965-11d4-9B18-009027A5CD4F} - c:\program files\google\googletoolbar2.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ShStatEXE] "C:\Program Files\VirusScan\SHSTAT.EXE" /STANDALONE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [McAfeeUpdaterUI] "C:\Program Files\Network Associates\Common Framework\UpdaterUI.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NvCplDaemon] RUNDLL32.EXE NvQTwk,NvCplDaemon initialize
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [nwiz] nwiz.exe /install
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [DellTouch] C:\WINDOWS\DELLMMKB.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [QuickTime Task] "C:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe" -atboottime
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Lexmark X73 Button Monitor] C:\PROGRA~1\LEXMAR~1\ACMonitor_X73.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Lexmark X73 Button Manager] C:\PROGRA~1\LEXMAR~1\AcBtnMgr_X73.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [PrinTray] C:\WINDOWS\System32\spool\DRIVERS\W32X86\3\printray.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [TkBellExe] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Real\Update_OB\realsched.exe" -osboot
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SunJavaUpdateSched] C:\Program Files\Java\j2re1.4.2_05\bin\jusched.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [Microsoft Works Update Detection] ???\WkDetect.exe
O4 - Startup: WinBar.lnk = C:\Program Files\WinBar\WinBar.exe
O4 - Global Startup: Microsoft Office.lnk = C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office10\OSA.EXE
O4 - Global Startup: Microsoft Works Calendar Reminders.lnk = ?
O4 - Global Startup: SideCar.lnk = C:\Program Files\KERB\SideCar.exe
O8 - Extra context menu item: &Google Search - res://c:\program files\google\GoogleToolbar2.dll/cmsearch.html
O8 - Extra context menu item: Backward Links - res://c:\program files\google\GoogleToolbar2.dll/cmbacklinks.html
O8 - Extra context menu item: Cached Snapshot of Page - res://c:\program files\google\GoogleToolbar2.dll/cmcache.html
O8 - Extra context menu item: E&xport to Microsoft Excel - res://C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~2\Office10\EXCEL.EXE/3000
O8 - Extra context menu item: Similar Pages - res://c:\program files\google\GoogleToolbar2.dll/cmsimilar.html
O8 - Extra context menu item: Translate into English - res://c:\program files\google\GoogleToolbar2.dll/cmtrans.html
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\WINDOWS\System32\msjava.dll
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Sun Java Console - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\WINDOWS\System32\msjava.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: {62475759-9E84-458E-A1AB-5D2C442ADFDE} - http://a1540.g.akama...meInstaller.exe

[Advertisements]

Only one small item, but wouldn't be causing you any trouble.

You may wish to print out a copy of these instructions to follow while you complete this procedure.

Please save Hijack This in a permanent folder (i.e. C:\HJT). This ensures backups are saved and accessible.

Please go offline, close all browsers and any open Windows, making sure that only HijackThis is open. Scan and when it finishes, put an X in the boxes, only next to these following items, then click fix checked.


O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\WINDOWS\System32\msjava.dll


These are optional and will free up a little bit of your resources and make the computer start up a little bit more quickly..

O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NvCplDaemon] RUNDLL32.EXE NvQTwk,NvCplDaemon initialize
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [QuickTime Task] \"C:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe\" -atboottime
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [PrinTray] C:\WINDOWS\System32\spool\DRIVERS\W32X86\3\printray.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [TkBellExe] \"C:\Program Files\Common Files\Real\Update_OB\realsched.exe\" -osboot
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SunJavaUpdateSched] C:\Program Files\Java\j2re1.4.2_05\bin\jusched.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [Microsoft Works Update Detection] ???\WkDetect.exee
O4 - Global Startup: Microsoft Office.lnk = C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office10\OSA.EXE

Reboot.

Download Ad-aware from: http://www.geekstogo...n=download&id=5

Install the program and launch it.

First, in the main window, look in the bottom right corner and click on Check for updates now and download the latest reference files.

Next, we need to configure Ad-aware for a full scan.

-> Click on the Gear icon (second from the left) to access the preferences/settings window

1. In the General window make sure the following are selected:

• Automatically save log-file
• Automatically quarantine objects prior to removal
• Safe Mode (always request confirmation)

2. Click on the Scanning button on the left and select :

• Scan Within Archives
• Scan Active Processes
• Scan Registry
• Deep Scan Registry
• Scan my IE favorites for banned URL’s
• Scan my Hosts file
• Under Click here to select drives + folders, choose:
• All of your hard drives

-> Click on the Advanced button on the left and select:

• Include additional process information
• Include additional file information
• Include environment information
• Include additional object details

-> Click the Tweak button and select:

• Under the Scanning Engine:
  • Unload recognized processes during scanning
  • Include basic Ad-aware settings in logfile
  • Include additional Ad-aware settings in logfile
• Under the Cleaning Engine:
  • Let Windows remove files in use at next reboot

-> Click on Proceed to save the settings.

-> Click Start and on the next screen choose Activate in-depth Scan at the bottom of the page and then choose:

• Use Custom Scanning Options

-> Click Next and Ad-aware will scan your hard drive(s) with the options you have selected.

-> Save the log file when it asks and then click Finish

-> When finished, mark everything for removal and get rid of it. (Right-click the window and choose Select All from the drop down menu and click Next).

Please delete your temporary files. Double Click My Computer (WinXP: Navigate to Start --->My Computer)
You will see an icon representing your harddrive (most likely C: Drive) Right Click on the hard drive icon and click Properties at the
bottom of the fly out window. One the very first tab (General) you will see a button labeled "Disk Cleanup"...click that button.
Make sure the following are checked:
Downloaded Program Files
Temporary Internet Files and
Recycle Bin
Click OK and Disk Cleanup will delete those files for you.


-> Reboot your computer.

If you would please, rescan with HijackThis and post a fresh log in this same topic.

Sidenote:'

I spent a great deal of time looking at your log. You said you have McAfee, but the program files are listed differently.

C:\Program Files\VirusScan\mcshield.exe
C:\Program Files\VirusScan\vstskmgr.exe
C:\Program Files\VirusScan\SHSTAT.EXE
C:\Program Files\Network Associates\Common Framework\UpdaterUI.exe

They generally are listed:

C:\Program Files\Network Associates\mcshield.exe

You might look around your McAfee and make sure everything is installed properly or maybe it's an old version - I don't know.

Also, if you do the above fixes and the computer doesn't improve any, try this:

Download the latest version of Ad-Aware from here (if you already have Ad-Aware installed, make sure that it is the latest version and always go online and update it before you run it).

Download Lavasoft's VX2 Cleaner plug-in here
http://www.lavasoftu...x2cleaner.shtml

How to use Lavasoft's VX2 Cleaner plug-in

- Close Ad-Aware 6 and Ad-Watch (if running)
- Download the free VX2 Cleaner at http://updates.ls-se...lvx2cleaner.exe
- Install the VX2 Cleaner
- Start Ad-Aware 6
- Go to "Plug-ins"
- Select the VX2 Cleaner plug-in and click "Run Plugin"
- If your computer isn't infected, click "Close".


If your computer is infected

- Select "Clean system"
- Reboot your computer
- Scan your computer with Ad-Aware
- Remove any VX2 objects detected
- Reboot your computer again
- Run a second scan to make sure the files have been removed from your computer

Reboot your PC.

If you would please, rescan with HijackThis and post a fresh log in this same topic, and let us know how your system's working.

[coachwife6]

Only one small item, but wouldn't be causing you any trouble.

You may wish to print out a copy of these instructions to follow while you complete this procedure.

Please save Hijack This in a permanent folder (i.e. C:\HJT). This ensures backups are saved and accessible.

Please go offline, close all browsers and any open Windows, making sure that only HijackThis is open. Scan and when it finishes, put an X in the boxes, only next to these following items, then click fix checked.


O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\WINDOWS\System32\msjava.dll


These are optional and will free up a little bit of your resources and make the computer start up a little bit more quickly..

O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NvCplDaemon] RUNDLL32.EXE NvQTwk,NvCplDaemon initialize
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [QuickTime Task] \"C:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe\" -atboottime
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [PrinTray] C:\WINDOWS\System32\spool\DRIVERS\W32X86\3\printray.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [TkBellExe] \"C:\Program Files\Common Files\Real\Update_OB\realsched.exe\" -osboot
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SunJavaUpdateSched] C:\Program Files\Java\j2re1.4.2_05\bin\jusched.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [Microsoft Works Update Detection] ???\WkDetect.exee
O4 - Global Startup: Microsoft Office.lnk = C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office10\OSA.EXE

Reboot.

Download Ad-aware from: http://www.geekstogo...n=download&id=5

Install the program and launch it.

First, in the main window, look in the bottom right corner and click on Check for updates now and download the latest reference files.

Next, we need to configure Ad-aware for a full scan.

-> Click on the Gear icon (second from the left) to access the preferences/settings window

1. In the General window make sure the following are selected:

• Automatically save log-file
• Automatically quarantine objects prior to removal
• Safe Mode (always request confirmation)

2. Click on the Scanning button on the left and select :

• Scan Within Archives
• Scan Active Processes
• Scan Registry
• Deep Scan Registry
• Scan my IE favorites for banned URL’s
• Scan my Hosts file
• Under Click here to select drives + folders, choose:
• All of your hard drives

-> Click on the Advanced button on the left and select:

• Include additional process information
• Include additional file information
• Include environment information
• Include additional object details

-> Click the Tweak button and select:

• Under the Scanning Engine:
  • Unload recognized processes during scanning
  • Include basic Ad-aware settings in logfile
  • Include additional Ad-aware settings in logfile
• Under the Cleaning Engine:
  • Let Windows remove files in use at next reboot

-> Click on Proceed to save the settings.

-> Click Start and on the next screen choose Activate in-depth Scan at the bottom of the page and then choose:

• Use Custom Scanning Options

-> Click Next and Ad-aware will scan your hard drive(s) with the options you have selected.

-> Save the log file when it asks and then click Finish

-> When finished, mark everything for removal and get rid of it. (Right-click the window and choose Select All from the drop down menu and click Next).

Please delete your temporary files. Double Click My Computer (WinXP: Navigate to Start --->My Computer)
You will see an icon representing your harddrive (most likely C: Drive) Right Click on the hard drive icon and click Properties at the
bottom of the fly out window. One the very first tab (General) you will see a button labeled "Disk Cleanup"...click that button.
Make sure the following are checked:
Downloaded Program Files
Temporary Internet Files and
Recycle Bin
Click OK and Disk Cleanup will delete those files for you.


-> Reboot your computer.

If you would please, rescan with HijackThis and post a fresh log in this same topic.

Sidenote:'

I spent a great deal of time looking at your log. You said you have McAfee, but the program files are listed differently.

C:\Program Files\VirusScan\mcshield.exe
C:\Program Files\VirusScan\vstskmgr.exe
C:\Program Files\VirusScan\SHSTAT.EXE
C:\Program Files\Network Associates\Common Framework\UpdaterUI.exe

They generally are listed:

C:\Program Files\Network Associates\mcshield.exe

You might look around your McAfee and make sure everything is installed properly or maybe it's an old version - I don't know.

Also, if you do the above fixes and the computer doesn't improve any, try this:

Download the latest version of Ad-Aware from here (if you already have Ad-Aware installed, make sure that it is the latest version and always go online and update it before you run it).

Download Lavasoft's VX2 Cleaner plug-in here
http://www.lavasoftu...x2cleaner.shtml

How to use Lavasoft's VX2 Cleaner plug-in

- Close Ad-Aware 6 and Ad-Watch (if running)
- Download the free VX2 Cleaner at http://updates.ls-se...lvx2cleaner.exe
- Install the VX2 Cleaner
- Start Ad-Aware 6
- Go to "Plug-ins"
- Select the VX2 Cleaner plug-in and click "Run Plugin"
- If your computer isn't infected, click "Close".


If your computer is infected

- Select "Clean system"
- Reboot your computer
- Scan your computer with Ad-Aware
- Remove any VX2 objects detected
- Reboot your computer again
- Run a second scan to make sure the files have been removed from your computer

Reboot your PC.

If you would please, rescan with HijackThis and post a fresh log in this same topic, and let us know how your system's working.

[hontiac]

Alright, I have done everything per your instructions. I deleted the HiJackThis item that you told me to, as well as most of the optional items.

There was one discrepency in the Ad-Aware options that you told me to select.

The options under the Advanced button when setting up the Ad-Aware options were different. You told me to select

• Include additional process information
• Include additional file information
• Include environment information
• Include additional object details

I only had "Include environment information." I also had "Include additional object information" and "Include negligible objects information", both of which I selected.

I have the latest version of Ad-Aware, build 1.05. Maybe the lastest build I have has a few different options than the one that you have? I don't know. Probably doesn't matter.

Ad-Aware came up with nothing when I ran it with the custom options. I also ran the Disk Cleanup.

About my virus scanner: I have the version that my university provides for free. It may be a watered-down version or something, I don't know. It seems to do the trick when it needs to. Maybe my school has it set up to install differently than when you buy the package commercially?

I also downloaded the Lavasoft VX2 Cleaner plug-in and ran it just for good measure. It came up clean.

I'll post my new HiJackThis log for good measure. I haven't had my computer give me the Dr Watson error again, so we'll see what happens. Thanks for your help!

Logfile of HijackThis v1.98.2
Scan saved at 7:36:48 PM, on 12/8/2004
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\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\system32\LEXBCES.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Nhksrv.exe
C:\Program Files\Network Associates\Common Framework\FrameworkService.exe
C:\Program Files\VirusScan\mcshield.exe
C:\Program Files\VirusScan\vstskmgr.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\nvsvc32.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\VirusScan\SHSTAT.EXE
C:\Program Files\Network Associates\Common Framework\UpdaterUI.exe
C:\WINDOWS\DELLMMKB.EXE
C:\PROGRA~1\LEXMAR~1\ACMonitor_X73.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\LEXMAR~1\AcBtnMgr_X73.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\Works Shared\wkcalrem.exe
C:\Program Files\KERB\SideCar.exe
C:\Program Files\KERB\krbcc32s.exe
C:\Program Files\WinBar\WinBar.exe
C:\Program Files\Netropa\OSD.exe
C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office10\WINWORD.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\system32\wuauclt.exe
C:\HiJack This\HijackThis.exe

R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://www.iastate.edu/
N3 - Netscape 7: user_pref("browser.startup.homepage", "www.hotmail.com"); (C:\Documents and Settings\Nick Vande Waerdt\Application Data\Mozilla\Profiles\default\fh7kf09n.slt\prefs.js)
N3 - Netscape 7: user_pref("browser.search.defaultengine", "engine://C%3A%5CProgram%20Files%5CNetscape%5CNetscape%5Csearchplugins%5CSBWeb_01.src"); (C:\Documents and Settings\Nick Vande Waerdt\Application Data\Mozilla\Profiles\default\fh7kf09n.slt\prefs.js)
O2 - BHO: AcroIEHlprObj Class - {06849E9F-C8D7-4D59-B87D-784B7D6BE0B3} - C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 6.0\Reader\ActiveX\AcroIEHelper.dll
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {53707962-6F74-2D53-2644-206D7942484F} - C:\Program Files\Spybot - Search & Destroy\SDHelper.dll
O2 - BHO: Google Toolbar Helper - {AA58ED58-01DD-4d91-8333-CF10577473F7} - c:\program files\google\googletoolbar2.dll
O3 - Toolbar: &Google - {2318C2B1-4965-11d4-9B18-009027A5CD4F} - c:\program files\google\googletoolbar2.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ShStatEXE] "C:\Program Files\VirusScan\SHSTAT.EXE" /STANDALONE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [McAfeeUpdaterUI] "C:\Program Files\Network Associates\Common Framework\UpdaterUI.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [nwiz] nwiz.exe /install
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [DellTouch] C:\WINDOWS\DELLMMKB.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Lexmark X73 Button Monitor] C:\PROGRA~1\LEXMAR~1\ACMonitor_X73.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Lexmark X73 Button Manager] C:\PROGRA~1\LEXMAR~1\AcBtnMgr_X73.exe
O4 - Startup: WinBar.lnk = C:\Program Files\WinBar\WinBar.exe
O4 - Global Startup: Microsoft Works Calendar Reminders.lnk = ?
O4 - Global Startup: SideCar.lnk = C:\Program Files\KERB\SideCar.exe
O8 - Extra context menu item: &Google Search - res://c:\program files\google\GoogleToolbar2.dll/cmsearch.html
O8 - Extra context menu item: Backward Links - res://c:\program files\google\GoogleToolbar2.dll/cmbacklinks.html
O8 - Extra context menu item: Cached Snapshot of Page - res://c:\program files\google\GoogleToolbar2.dll/cmcache.html
O8 - Extra context menu item: E&xport to Microsoft Excel - res://C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~2\Office10\EXCEL.EXE/3000
O8 - Extra context menu item: Similar Pages - res://c:\program files\google\GoogleToolbar2.dll/cmsimilar.html
O8 - Extra context menu item: Translate into English - res://c:\program files\google\GoogleToolbar2.dll/cmtrans.html
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: {62475759-9E84-458E-A1AB-5D2C442ADFDE} - http://a1540.g.akama...meInstaller.exe

[Smokey]

Congratulations! Your system is CLEAN

How do you prevent spyware from being installed again? We strongly recommend installing SpywareBlaster (it's free for personal use).

Prevent the installation of ActiveX-based spyware, adware, browser hijackers, dialers, and other potentially unwanted pests.
Block spyware/tracking cookies in Internet Explorer and Mozilla/Firefox.
Restrict the actions of potentially dangerous sites in Internet Explorer.
Consumes no system resources.

Download, run, check for updates, download updates, select all, protect against checked. All done. Check for updates every couple of weeks. If you have any errors running the program like a missing file see the link at the bottom of the javacool page.
Link to SpywareBlaster: http://www.geekstogo...tion=show&id=12

It's also CRITICAL to keep your system up to date to avoid unnecessary security risks. Click Here to make sure that you have the latest patches for Windows.

Included in those updates is Windows XP Service Pack 2. Since you're junkware free, the time to get it is NOW (If you haven't already). Service Pack 2 is a MAJOR upgrade for XP. It adds numerous security and software patches, as well as new features and functionality. You will also be adding another layer of protection against future threats.

Running an anti-virus and keeping it up-to-date is REQUIRED to keep a clean system. If you don't have one or are sick of paying for what you have, AVG offers a great, free anti-virus:
http://free.grisoft....us/doc/2/tpl/v5

A firewall is also another MUST. If you do not have one or Windows XP Service Pack 2, both Zone Labs and Sygate offer great, free firewalls. I suggest using Zone Alarm for an advanced user or Sygate Personal Firewall for beginner users.

These next two steps are optional, but will provide the greatest protection.
1. Use ANY browser at all times besides Internet Explorer, almost every exploit is crafted to take advantage of an IE weakness. We usually recommend Firefox (You'll need to use IE only to visit Windows Update).
2. Install Sun's Java. It's much more secure than Microsoft's Java Virtual Machine.

It's okay to delete the Hijack This folder in a couple weeks if everything is working okay.

After doing all these, your system will be thoroughly protected from future threats.

[hontiac]

Currently, I have Spybot and Ad-Aware. Is it enough that I keep these current, or do I need a THIRD spyware program, the Spywareblaster you mentioned?

[coachwife6]

Spywareblaster prevents the downloading of certain malware/spyware/adware. Spybot and Adware remove it.

I just use spywareblaster and lavasoft adaware.