**Re-hide hidden files option IF you modified earlier**
Let's clear out your restore points now.
Disable System Restore;
1. Click Start > Programs > Accessories > Windows Explorer
2. Right-click My Computer, and then click Properties.
3. Click the System Restore tab.
4. Check the "Turn off System Restore"
5. Click Apply. An message shows up.
6. Click "Yes" to do this.
7. Confirm with "Ok".
Reboot.
Enable System Restore;
1. Click Start.
2. Right-click My Computer, and then click Properties.
3. Click the System Restore tab.
4. Uncheck the "Turn off System Restore" check box.
5. Click Apply, and then click "OK".
Now set a fresh restore point.
Here's some tips for future to prevent spyware;
Detect and Remove Programs:
- How to use Ad-Aware to remove Spyware <= If you suspect that you have spyware installed on your computer, here are instructions on how to download, install and then use Ad-Aware.
- How to use Spybot to remove Spyware <= If you suspect that you have spyware installed on your computer, here are instructions on how to download, install and then use Spybot. Similar to Ad-Aware, I strongly recommend both to catch most spyware.
- Spywareblaster <= SpywareBlaster will prevent spyware from being installed. (My favourite)
- Spywareguard <= SpywareGuard offers realtime protection from spyware installation attempts.
- MVPS Hosts file <= The MVPS Hosts file replaces your current HOSTS file with one containing well know ad sites etc. Basically, this prevents your computer from connecting to those sites by redirecting them to 127.0.0.1 which is your local computer
- Google Toolbar <= Get the free google toolbar to help stop pop up windows.
- AntiVirus Program <= An AntiVirus program is a must! Whether it is a free version like AVG or Anti-Vir, or a shareware version like Norton or Kaspersky, this is a must have.
- Firewall <= A firewall is definatley a must have. Two good free versions are Sygate and ZoneLabs.
- More Secure Browser <= Internet Explorer is not the most secure and best browser. There are safer and better alternatives available. I recommend Firefox.
- EULAlyzer by Javacool <= No need to read End user license agreements when installing software--
# Discover potentially hidden behavior about the software you're going to install
# Pick up on things you missed when reading license agreements
# Keep a saved database of the license agreements you view
# Instant results - super-fast analysis in just a second
So how did I get infected in the first place? (My favourite)