[pingu27]

Hi - Everything seemd to be running fine again now - Thanks ever so much for you help.

Just one quick last query (I am not sure whether this is related to the problems) but I defragmented the computer last night and it came up at the report at the end that 2 files could not be defragmented:

Fragments File Size Files that cannot be defragmented
2 17 KB \Documents and Settings\Rach\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files\Content.IE5\JRX7FBY2\upload[1].


Are these meant to have been deleted as I have no idea what they are?

Thanks

Rachael

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Hi,

Those are temporary internet files, and can be cleaned up like this:

• Click Start --> Run. Type cleanmgr.
• Select which drive and click OK
• Then, you'll have a choice of things to clean up. Select Temporary Files and Temporary Internet Files, and click OK.

Danny

[Danny]

Hi,

Those are temporary internet files, and can be cleaned up like this:

• Click Start --> Run. Type cleanmgr.
• Select which drive and click OK
• Then, you'll have a choice of things to clean up. Select Temporary Files and Temporary Internet Files, and click OK.

Danny

[pingu27]

Brilliant - Thanks for everything. Just need my boss to pay me and then a donation will be coming to you for your help!

Many Thanks

Rachael

[Danny]

Hi,

We have a couple of last steps to perform and then you're all set.

First, let's reset your hidden/system files and folders. System files are hidden for a reason and we don't want to have them openly available and susceptible to accidental deletion.

• Click Start.
• Open My Computer.
• Select the Tools menu and click Folder Options.
• Select the View tab.
• Under the Hidden files and folders heading UNSELECT Show hidden files and folders.
• CHECK the Hide protected operating system files (recommended) option.
• Click Yes to confirm.
• Click OK.

Next, let's clean your restore points and set a new one:

Reset and Re-enable your System Restore to remove infected files that have been backed up by Windows. The files in System Restore are protected to prevent any programs from changing those files. This is the only way to clean these files: (You will lose all previous restore points which are likely to be infected)
1. 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.

2. Restart your computer.

3. 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.

Now that you are clean, to help protect your computer in the future I recommend that you get the following free programs:

• SpywareBlaster to help prevent spyware from installing in the first place.
• SpywareGuard to catch and block spyware before it can execute.
• IESpy-Ad to block access to malicious websites so you cannot be redirected to them from an infected site or email.

You should also have a good firewall. Here are 3 free ones available for personal use:

• Sygate Personal Firewall
• Kerio Personal Firewall
• ZoneAlarm

and a good antivirus (these are also free for personal use):

• AVG Anti-Virus
• Avast Home Edition

It is critical to have both a firewall and anti virus to protect your system and to keep them updated.

To keep your operating system up to date visit

• Microsoft Windows Update

monthly. And to keep your system clean run these free malware scanners

• AdAware SE Personal
• Spybot Search & Destroy

weekly, and be aware of what emails you open and websites you visit.

To learn more about how to protect yourself while on the internet read this article by Tony Klien: So how did I get infected in the first place?

Have a safe and happy computing day!

Danny