[nomgis0]

I'm very angry...for two or three days, my computer has sat here powerless to two viruses I cannot delete. Apparently, I've had them for two months, but they've been noticed and working for the past three days, despite many Norton scans since then. I've done the HouseCall scan, I've used SpyBot, I've tried creating my own .bat file to delete them, talked to Dell ("Sorry sir, but your limited warranty has been terminated. But for $5,000,000 we can help you...you know the drill), Norton doesn't support my version of their software anymore (but they want me to renew it in a couple weeks...fat chance), and I've done countless scans in safe mode, and nothing can get rid of these super viruses. I'm at my wits end, and I don't know what to do. Thanks for your time...and I hope to have this solved quickly and painlessly.


Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.1
Scan saved at 9:30:31 PM, on 10/16/2005
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\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\LEXBCES.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccEvtMgr.exe
C:\Program Files\Norton AntiVirus\navapsvc.exe
C:\Program Files\Norton AntiVirus\AdvTools\NPROTECT.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\system32\nvsvc32.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\Security Center\SymWSC.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\USBStorage\USBDetector.exe
C:\Program Files\Viewpoint\Viewpoint Manager\ViewMgr.exe
C:\Program Files\AIM\aim.exe
C:\Program Files\MSN\MSNCoreFiles\msn.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\devldr32.exe
C:\Program Files\Logitech\iTouch\iTouch.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\MUSICM~1\MUSICM~1\MMDiag.exe
C:\Program Files\MSN Messenger\msnmsgr.exe
C:\Program Files\Musicmatch\Musicmatch Jukebox\mim.exe
C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
C:\Program Files\MSN\MSNIA\CC\MSNCC\logonmgr.exe
C:\Program Files\MSN\MSNIA\CC\MSNCC\msncc.exe
C:\Program Files\Windows Media Player\wmplayer.exe
C:\Program Files\MSN\MSNIA\CC\MSNCC\WA\MSNAccel.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\MOZILL~1\FIREFOX.EXE
d:\Cody\My Downloads\HijackThis.exe

R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://www.runescape.com/
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings,ProxyServer = http=127.0.0.1:9022
O2 - BHO: AcroIEHlprObj Class - {06849E9F-C8D7-4D59-B87D-784B7D6BE0B3} - C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 5.0\Reader\ActiveX\AcroIEHelper.ocx
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {53707962-6F74-2D53-2644-206D7942484F} - C:\PROGRA~1\SPYBOT~1\SDHelper.dll
O2 - BHO: MSEvents Object - {827DC836-DD9F-4A68-A602-5812EB50A834} - C:\WINDOWS\Web\Wallpaper\antibin.dll
O2 - BHO: NAV Helper - {BDF3E430-B101-42AD-A544-FADC6B084872} - C:\Program Files\Norton AntiVirus\NavShExt.dll
O3 - Toolbar: Norton AntiVirus - {42CDD1BF-3FFB-4238-8AD1-7859DF00B1D6} - C:\Program Files\Norton AntiVirus\NavShExt.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NvCplDaemon] RUNDLL32.EXE C:\WINDOWS\system32\NvCpl.dll,NvStartup
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [nwiz] nwiz.exe /install
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ccApp] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccApp.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ccRegVfy] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccRegVfy.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Advanced Tools Check] C:\PROGRA~1\NORTON~1\AdvTools\ADVCHK.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [USBDetector] C:\USBStorage\USBDetector.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ViewMgr] C:\Program Files\Viewpoint\Viewpoint Manager\ViewMgr.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [MimBoot] C:\PROGRA~1\MUSICM~1\MUSICM~1\mimboot.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NeroFilterCheck] C:\WINDOWS\system32\NeroCheck.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [zBrowser Launcher] C:\Program Files\Logitech\iTouch\iTouch.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Microsoft Admin Software] hMSADMIN.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [msnmsgr] "C:\Program Files\MSN Messenger\msnmsgr.exe" /background
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [ares] "C:\Program Files\Ares\Ares.exe" -h
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: View Original Image - C:\Program Files\MSN\MSNIA\CC\MSNCC\WA\getoriginal.htm
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\Program Files\Java\j2re1.4.2\bin\npjpi142.dll
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Sun Java Console - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\Program Files\Java\j2re1.4.2\bin\npjpi142.dll
O9 - Extra button: AIM - {AC9E2541-2814-11d5-BC6D-00B0D0A1DE45} - C:\Program Files\AIM\aim.exe
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
O12 - Plugin for .spop: C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\Plugins\NPDocBox.dll
O16 - DPF: {04E214E5-63AF-4236-83C6-A7ADCBF9BD02} (HouseCall Control) - http://housecall60.t...all/xscan60.cab
O17 - HKLM\System\CCS\Services\Tcpip\..\{9018954C-B656-4881-9CCB-7F21356BCD9E}: NameServer = 209.244.0.3 209.244.0.4
O20 - Winlogon Notify: antibin - C:\WINDOWS\Web\Wallpaper\antibin.dll
O23 - Service: Symantec Event Manager (ccEvtMgr) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccEvtMgr.exe
O23 - Service: Symantec Password Validation Service (ccPwdSvc) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccPwdSvc.exe
O23 - Service: LexBce Server (LexBceS) - Lexmark International, Inc. - C:\WINDOWS\system32\LEXBCES.EXE
O23 - Service: Norton AntiVirus Auto Protect Service (navapsvc) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Norton AntiVirus\navapsvc.exe
O23 - Service: Norton Unerase Protection (NProtectService) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Norton AntiVirus\AdvTools\NPROTECT.EXE
O23 - Service: NVIDIA Driver Helper Service (NVSvc) - NVIDIA Corporation - C:\WINDOWS\system32\nvsvc32.exe
O23 - Service: PACSPTISVR - Unknown owner - C:\PROGRA~1\COMMON~1\SONYSH~1\AVLib\PACSPT~1.EXE
O23 - Service: ScriptBlocking Service (SBService) - Symantec Corporation - C:\PROGRA~1\COMMON~1\SYMANT~1\SCRIPT~1\SBServ.exe
O23 - Service: Sony SPTI Service (SPTISRV) - Sony Corporation - C:\PROGRA~1\COMMON~1\SONYSH~1\AVLib\Sptisrv.exe
O23 - Service: SymWMI Service (SymWSC) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\Security Center\SymWSC.exe









I got rid of one of my viruses on my own, so now all I have to worry about is the antibin.dll I believe. Sorry for the inconvenience if I provided any by renaming my post. I also decided to run a fresh HiJackThis for my edit just to make it all up to date. Thanks! Nomgis0

Edited by nomgis0, 16 October 2005 - 07:32 PM.

[Advertisements]

Hello,

Please print these instructions out for use in Safe Mode.

Please download VundoFix.exe to your desktop.

• Double-click VundoFix.exe to extract the files
• This will create a VundoFix folder on your desktop.
• After the files are extracted, please reboot your computer into Safe Mode. You can do this by restarting your computer and continually tapping the F8 key until a menu appears. Use your up arrow key to highlight Safe Mode then hit enter.
• Once in safe mode open the VundoFix folder and doubleclick on KillVundo.bat
• You will first be presented with a warning.
  It should look like this
  

  VundoFix V2.15 by Atri
  By using VundoFix you agree that you are doing so at your own risk
  Press enter to continue....
  
  

• At this point press enter one time.
  
• Next you will see:
  

  Please Type in the filepath as instructed by the forum staff
  and then press enter:

• At this point please type the following file path (make sure to enter it exactly as below!):
  • C:\WINDOWS\Web\Wallpaper\antibin.dll
• Press Enter to continue with the fix.
  
• Next you will see:
  

  Please type in the second filepath as instructed by the forum
  staff then press enter:

• At this point please type the following file path (make sure to enter it exactly as below!):C:\WINDOWS\Web\Wallpaper\nibitna.*
  This will be the vundo filename spelt backwards. for example if the vundo dll was vundo.dll you would have the user enter odnuv.*
• Press Enter to continue with the fix.
• The fix will run then HijackThis will open, if it does not open automatically please open it manually.
• In HiJackThis, please place a check next to the following items and click FIX CHECKED:O2 - BHO: MSEvents Object - {827DC836-DD9F-4A68-A602-5812EB50A834} - C:\WINDOWS\Web\Wallpaper\antibin.dll
  O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Microsoft Admin Software] hMSADMIN.exe
  O20 - Winlogon Notify: antibin - C:\WINDOWS\Web\Wallpaper\antibin.dll
• After you have fixed these items, close Hijackthis.
• Press enter to exit the program then manually reboot your computer.
• Once your machine reboots please continue with the instructions below.

Download and install CleanUp!

Open Cleanup! by double-clicking the icon on your desktop (or from the Start > All Programs menu).
Set the program up as follows:
Click "Options..."
Move the arrow down to "Custom CleanUp!"
Put a check next to the following (Make sure nothing else is checked!):

• Empty Recycle Bins
• Delete Cookies
• Delete Prefetch files
• Cleanup! All Users

Click OK
Press the CleanUp! button to start the program.

It may ask you to reboot at the end, click NO.

Then, please run this online virus scan: ActiveScan

Copy the results of the ActiveScan and paste them here along with a new HiJackThis log and the vundofix.txt file from the vundofix folder into this topic.

[njustice]

Hello,

Please print these instructions out for use in Safe Mode.

Please download VundoFix.exe to your desktop.

• Double-click VundoFix.exe to extract the files
• This will create a VundoFix folder on your desktop.
• After the files are extracted, please reboot your computer into Safe Mode. You can do this by restarting your computer and continually tapping the F8 key until a menu appears. Use your up arrow key to highlight Safe Mode then hit enter.
• Once in safe mode open the VundoFix folder and doubleclick on KillVundo.bat
• You will first be presented with a warning.
  It should look like this
  

  VundoFix V2.15 by Atri
  By using VundoFix you agree that you are doing so at your own risk
  Press enter to continue....
  
  

• At this point press enter one time.
  
• Next you will see:
  

  Please Type in the filepath as instructed by the forum staff
  and then press enter:

• At this point please type the following file path (make sure to enter it exactly as below!):
  • C:\WINDOWS\Web\Wallpaper\antibin.dll
• Press Enter to continue with the fix.
  
• Next you will see:
  

  Please type in the second filepath as instructed by the forum
  staff then press enter:

• At this point please type the following file path (make sure to enter it exactly as below!):C:\WINDOWS\Web\Wallpaper\nibitna.*
  This will be the vundo filename spelt backwards. for example if the vundo dll was vundo.dll you would have the user enter odnuv.*
• Press Enter to continue with the fix.
• The fix will run then HijackThis will open, if it does not open automatically please open it manually.
• In HiJackThis, please place a check next to the following items and click FIX CHECKED:O2 - BHO: MSEvents Object - {827DC836-DD9F-4A68-A602-5812EB50A834} - C:\WINDOWS\Web\Wallpaper\antibin.dll
  O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Microsoft Admin Software] hMSADMIN.exe
  O20 - Winlogon Notify: antibin - C:\WINDOWS\Web\Wallpaper\antibin.dll
• After you have fixed these items, close Hijackthis.
• Press enter to exit the program then manually reboot your computer.
• Once your machine reboots please continue with the instructions below.

Download and install CleanUp!

Open Cleanup! by double-clicking the icon on your desktop (or from the Start > All Programs menu).
Set the program up as follows:
Click "Options..."
Move the arrow down to "Custom CleanUp!"
Put a check next to the following (Make sure nothing else is checked!):

• Empty Recycle Bins
• Delete Cookies
• Delete Prefetch files
• Cleanup! All Users

Click OK
Press the CleanUp! button to start the program.

It may ask you to reboot at the end, click NO.

Then, please run this online virus scan: ActiveScan

Copy the results of the ActiveScan and paste them here along with a new HiJackThis log and the vundofix.txt file from the vundofix folder into this topic.

[njustice]

Duplicate post removed....sorry server hiccup!

Edited by njustice, 19 October 2005 - 07:45 PM.

[nomgis0]

thank you for responding. Safe Mode isn't working properly, but I am going to try it anyways. I do what's required to get there, it shows a bunch of file names and such, and then a black screen with Safe Mode in all four corners...is there another way around this?

[nomgis0]

thank you for responding. Safe Mode isn't working properly, but I am going to try it anyways. I do what's required to get there, it shows a bunch of file names and such, and then a black screen with Safe Mode in all four corners...is there another way around this?

[nomgis0]

*vundofix.txt:*


Command Line Process Viewer/Killer/Suspender for Windows NT/2000/XP V2.03
Copyright© 2002-2003 [email protected]
Suspending PID 148 'smss.exe'
Threads [152][156][160]

Command Line Process Viewer/Killer/Suspender for Windows NT/2000/XP V2.03
Copyright© 2002-2003 [email protected]
Killing PID 760 'explorer.exe'

Command Line Process Viewer/Killer/Suspender for Windows NT/2000/XP V2.03
Copyright© 2002-2003 [email protected]
Error, Cannot find a process with an image name of rundll32.exe

Command Line Process Viewer/Killer/Suspender for Windows NT/2000/XP V2.03
Copyright© 2002-2003 [email protected]
Killing PID 228 'winlogon.exe'
File Deleted sucessfully.
Files Deleted sucessfully.





*ActiveScan:*


Detected Disinfected
Virus 0 0
Spyware 0 0
Hacking Tools 0 0
Dialers 0 0
Security Risks 0 0
Suspicious files 0 0



*HiJack This:*



Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.1
Scan saved at 10:59:58 PM, on 10/19/2005
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\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\LEXBCES.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccEvtMgr.exe
C:\Program Files\Norton AntiVirus\navapsvc.exe
C:\Program Files\Norton AntiVirus\AdvTools\NPROTECT.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\system32\nvsvc32.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\Security Center\SymWSC.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\wscntfy.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccApp.exe
C:\USBStorage\USBDetector.exe
C:\Program Files\Viewpoint\Viewpoint Manager\ViewMgr.exe
C:\Program Files\Logitech\iTouch\iTouch.exe
C:\Program Files\MSN Messenger\msnmsgr.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\devldr32.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\MUSICM~1\MUSICM~1\MMDiag.exe
C:\Program Files\Musicmatch\Musicmatch Jukebox\mim.exe
C:\Program Files\MSN\MSNCoreFiles\msn.exe
C:\Program Files\MSN\MSNIA\CC\MSNCC\logonmgr.exe
C:\Program Files\MSN\MSNIA\CC\MSNCC\msncc.exe
C:\Program Files\MSN\MSNIA\CC\MSNCC\WA\MSNAccel.exe
C:\Program Files\Mozilla Firefox\firefox.exe
C:\Program Files\AIM\aim.exe
C:\Program Files\Windows Media Player\wmplayer.exe
C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
d:\Cody\My Downloads\HijackThis.exe

R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://www.runescape.com/
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings,ProxyServer = http=127.0.0.1:9022
O2 - BHO: AcroIEHlprObj Class - {06849E9F-C8D7-4D59-B87D-784B7D6BE0B3} - C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 5.0\Reader\ActiveX\AcroIEHelper.ocx
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {53707962-6F74-2D53-2644-206D7942484F} - C:\PROGRA~1\SPYBOT~1\SDHelper.dll
O2 - BHO: NAV Helper - {BDF3E430-B101-42AD-A544-FADC6B084872} - C:\Program Files\Norton AntiVirus\NavShExt.dll
O3 - Toolbar: Norton AntiVirus - {42CDD1BF-3FFB-4238-8AD1-7859DF00B1D6} - C:\Program Files\Norton AntiVirus\NavShExt.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NvCplDaemon] RUNDLL32.EXE C:\WINDOWS\system32\NvCpl.dll,NvStartup
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [nwiz] nwiz.exe /install
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ccApp] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccApp.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ccRegVfy] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccRegVfy.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Advanced Tools Check] C:\PROGRA~1\NORTON~1\AdvTools\ADVCHK.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [USBDetector] C:\USBStorage\USBDetector.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ViewMgr] C:\Program Files\Viewpoint\Viewpoint Manager\ViewMgr.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [MimBoot] C:\PROGRA~1\MUSICM~1\MUSICM~1\mimboot.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NeroFilterCheck] C:\WINDOWS\system32\NeroCheck.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [zBrowser Launcher] C:\Program Files\Logitech\iTouch\iTouch.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [msnmsgr] "C:\Program Files\MSN Messenger\msnmsgr.exe" /background
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [ares] "C:\Program Files\Ares\Ares.exe" -h
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: View Original Image - C:\Program Files\MSN\MSNIA\CC\MSNCC\WA\getoriginal.htm
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\Program Files\Java\j2re1.4.2\bin\npjpi142.dll
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Sun Java Console - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\Program Files\Java\j2re1.4.2\bin\npjpi142.dll
O9 - Extra button: AIM - {AC9E2541-2814-11d5-BC6D-00B0D0A1DE45} - C:\Program Files\AIM\aim.exe
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
O12 - Plugin for .spop: C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\Plugins\NPDocBox.dll
O16 - DPF: {04E214E5-63AF-4236-83C6-A7ADCBF9BD02} (HouseCall Control) - http://housecall60.t...all/xscan60.cab
O16 - DPF: {9A9307A0-7DA4-4DAF-B042-5009F29E09E1} (ActiveScan Installer Class) - http://acs.pandasoft...free/asinst.cab
O17 - HKLM\System\CCS\Services\Tcpip\..\{9018954C-B656-4881-9CCB-7F21356BCD9E}: NameServer = 209.244.0.3 209.244.0.4
O23 - Service: Symantec Event Manager (ccEvtMgr) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccEvtMgr.exe
O23 - Service: Symantec Password Validation Service (ccPwdSvc) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccPwdSvc.exe
O23 - Service: LexBce Server (LexBceS) - Lexmark International, Inc. - C:\WINDOWS\system32\LEXBCES.EXE
O23 - Service: Norton AntiVirus Auto Protect Service (navapsvc) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Norton AntiVirus\navapsvc.exe
O23 - Service: Norton Unerase Protection (NProtectService) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Norton AntiVirus\AdvTools\NPROTECT.EXE
O23 - Service: NVIDIA Driver Helper Service (NVSvc) - NVIDIA Corporation - C:\WINDOWS\system32\nvsvc32.exe
O23 - Service: PACSPTISVR - Unknown owner - C:\PROGRA~1\COMMON~1\SONYSH~1\AVLib\PACSPT~1.EXE
O23 - Service: ScriptBlocking Service (SBService) - Symantec Corporation - C:\PROGRA~1\COMMON~1\SYMANT~1\SCRIPT~1\SBServ.exe
O23 - Service: Sony SPTI Service (SPTISRV) - Sony Corporation - C:\PROGRA~1\COMMON~1\SONYSH~1\AVLib\Sptisrv.exe
O23 - Service: SymWMI Service (SymWSC) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\Security Center\SymWSC.exe

[njustice]

CNGRATULATINS! at last, your system is clean and free of spyware! Want to keep it that way?

Here are some simple steps you can take to reduce the chance of infection in the future. Please do these steps as soon as possible if you haven't already.

1. Visit Windows Update:
Make sure that you have all the Critical Updates recommended for your operating system and IE. The first defense against infection is a properly patched OS.
a. Windows Update: http://v5.windowsupd.../en/default.asp

2. Adjust your security settings for ActiveX:
Go to Internet Options/Security/Internet, press 'default level', then OK.
Now press "Custom Level."
In the ActiveX section, set the first option, 'Download signed controls', to 'Prompt; set the
second option, 'Download unsigned controls', to 'Disable'; and finally, set 'Initialize and Script ActiveX controls not marked as safe" to 'Disable'.

3. Download and install the following free programs
a. SpywareBlaster: http://www.javacools...areblaster.html
b. SpywareGuard: http://www.wildersse...ywareguard.html
c. IE/Spyad: https://netfiles.uiu...ww/resource.htm
d. Bugoff: http://www.majorgeek...wnload4308.html

4. Install Spyware Detection and Removal Programs:
You may also want to consider installing either or both of AdAware (free version) and Spybot S&D (freeware). Use these programs to regularly scan your system for and remove many forms of spyware/malware.
a. AdAware: http://www.lavasoft.de/
b. Spybot S&D: http://security.koll...n&page=download

Before adding any other Spyware Detection and Removal programs always check the Rogue Anti-Spyware List for programs known to be misleading, mistaken, or just outright "Foistware". You will find the list here: http://www.spywarewa...nti-spyware,htm

5. Install 'Spoofstick"
Spoofstick is a simple browser extension that helps users detect spoofed (fake) websites. This extension is free and installs in Internet Explorer and Mozilla Firefox.
a. http://www.corestreet.com/spoofstick

6. 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 susceptible to being hacked and taken over. Simply using a Firewall in its default configuration can lower your risk greatly. See the links below:
a. ZoneAlarm
b. Kerio

7. Reset System Restore
If you are using Windows ME or Windows XP, please reset your System Restore.
a. Turn off system restore by right clicking on "My Computer" and go to "Properties"->"System Restore" and check the box for "Turn off System Restore". Click "Apply" and then "OK". Restart your computer. Reverse these steps and turn "System Restore" back on and create a new restore point.

8. Use GoogleToolbar - It's free, blocks popups and takes seconds to install. Use the toolbar without the advanced features enabled(check this during install), the toolbar is completely inert--it doesn't send any information to Google whatsoever as you surf.
a. GoogleToolbar

9. RegScrubXP 3.25 - Safely cleans junk out of the Windows. 2000/XP system registry. All changes made to the registry are fully restorable to it's original condition.
a. RegScrubXP 3.25

10. Online Virus Scans - Run these on a regular basis(I usually do about once a month or suspect a problem):
a. http://www.pandasoft...n_principal.htm
b. http://www.windowsec...com/trojanscan/
c. http://housecall.trendmicro.com/
d. http://www.bitdefend...can/licence.php

11. Alternative Browsers - Using an alternative browser other than IE will IMMENSELY reduce the risk of infection:
a. Firefox<==my #1 choice
b. Avant
c. Opera


Good luck, and thanks for coming to our forums for help with your security and malware issues.