[Firemedic617]

Hi. My computer is running slow and I believe I'm infected with some sort of spyware. I appreciate any help you can give me. Here is my HJT log:

Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.1
Scan saved at 7:57:40 AM, on 11/4/2005
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\spoolsv.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\TRENDM~1\INTERN~1\PcCtlCom.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\RioMSC.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\TRENDM~1\INTERN~1\Tmntsrv.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\TRENDM~1\INTERN~1\TmPfw.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\Program Files\Trend Micro\Internet Security 2005\pccguide.exe
C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.5.0_02\bin\jusched.exe
C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.5.0_02\bin\jucheck.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\devldr32.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\TRENDM~1\INTERN~1\tmproxy.exe
C:\Documents and Settings\Terry Eutis\Desktop\hijackthis\HijackThis.exe

R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Local Page =
R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Toolbar,LinksFolderName =
O2 - BHO: AcroIEHlprObj Class - {06849E9F-C8D7-4D59-B87D-784B7D6BE0B3} - C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 7.0\ActiveX\AcroIEHelper.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [pccguide.exe] "C:\Program Files\Trend Micro\Internet Security 2005\pccguide.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Preview AdService] C:\Program Files\Preview AdService\PrevAdServ.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SunJavaUpdateSched] C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.5.0_02\bin\jusched.exe
O8 - Extra context menu item: E&xport to Microsoft Excel - res://C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~2\Office10\EXCEL.EXE/3000
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.5.0_02\bin\npjpi150_02.dll
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Sun Java Console - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.5.0_02\bin\npjpi150_02.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: {1D4DB7D2-6EC9-47A3-BD87-1E41684E07BB} - http://ak.imgfarm.co...up1.0.0.8-2.cab
O16 - DPF: {D27CDB6E-AE6D-11CF-96B8-444553540000} (Shockwave Flash Object) - https://download.mac...ash/swflash.cab
O23 - Service: Trend Micro Central Control Component (PcCtlCom) - Trend Micro Incorporated. - C:\PROGRA~1\TRENDM~1\INTERN~1\PcCtlCom.exe
O23 - Service: Rio MSC Manager (RioMSC) - Digital Networks North America, Inc. - C:\WINDOWS\system32\RioMSC.exe
O23 - Service: Trend Micro Real-time Service (Tmntsrv) - Trend Micro Incorporated. - C:\PROGRA~1\TRENDM~1\INTERN~1\Tmntsrv.exe
O23 - Service: Trend Micro Personal Firewall (TmPfw) - Trend Micro Inc. - C:\PROGRA~1\TRENDM~1\INTERN~1\TmPfw.exe
O23 - Service: Trend Micro Proxy Service (tmproxy) - Trend Micro Inc. - C:\PROGRA~1\TRENDM~1\INTERN~1\tmproxy.exe

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Hello Terry and welcome to Geeks to Go

As an introduction, please note that I am not Superhuman, I do not know everything, but what I do know has taken me years to learn. I am happy to pass on this information to you, but please bear in mind that I am also fallible.

Please note that you should have Administrator rights to perform the fixes. Also note that multiple identity PC’s (family PC’s) present a different problem; please tell me if your PC has more than one individual’s setting, but continue with the fix.

Before we get underway, you may wish to print these instructions for easy reference during the fix, although please be aware that many of the required URLs are hyperlinks in the red names shown on your screen. Part of the fix may require you to be in Safe Mode, which will not allow you to access the internet, or my instructions!

You have a little malware and a Trojan that needs to be eradicated. Let’s see what we can do with the first sweep.

To start please download the following programmes, we will run them later. Please save them to a place that you will remember, I suggest the Desktop:

CCleaner
Ewido Security Suite

Install Ewido Security Suite.

• Install Ewido security suite
• When installing, under "Additional Options" uncheck..
  • Install background guard
  • Install scan via context menu
  • You will need to update Ewido to the latest definition files.
  • On the left hand side of the main screen click update.
  • Then click on Start Update.
• The update will start and a progress bar will show the updates being installed.
  (the status bar at the bottom will display "Update successful")

If you are having problems with the updater, you can use this link to manually update Ewido.
Ewido manual updates
Do NOT run a scan yet.

Next, please reboot your computer in Safe Mode by doing the following:
1) Restart your computer
2) After hearing your computer beep once during startup, but before the Windows icon appears, press F8.
3) Instead of Windows loading as normal, a menu should appear
4) Select the first option, to run Windows in Safe Mode.

For additional help in booting into Safe Mode, see the following site:

Safe Mode

Launch Ewido, there should be an icon on your desktop, double-click it.

• The programme will now open to the main screen.
• When you run Ewido for the first time, you will get a warning "Database could not be found!". Click OK.

Once the updates are installed do the following:

• Click on scanner
• Click on Complete System Scan and the scan will begin.
• You will be prompted to clean the first infection.
• Select "Perform action on all infections", then proceed.
• Once the scan has completed, there will be a button located on the bottom of the screen named Save report
• Click Save report.
  
• Save the report .txt file to your desktop and include it in your reply.

Now close Ewido security suite.

Please re-open HiJackThis and scan. Check the boxes next to all the entries listed below.

R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Local Page =
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Preview AdService] C:\Program Files\Preview AdService\PrevAdServ.exe
O16 - DPF: {1D4DB7D2-6EC9-47A3-BD87-1E41684E07BB} - http://ak.imgfarm.co...up1.0.0.8-2.cab

Now close all windows other than HiJackThis, then click Fix Checked.

Please set your system to show all files; please see here if you're unsure how to do this.

Please delete this folder (if present) using Windows Explorer:

C:\Program Files\Preview AdService\

Close Windows Explorer

Now we must hide the files we revealed earlier by reversing the process, this is an important safeguard to stop important system files being deleted by accident.

There is almost certainly bound to be some junk (leftover bits and pieces) on your system that is doing nothing but taking up space. I would recommend that you run CCleaner. Install it, update it, check the default setting in the left-hand pane, ensure you uncheck old prefetch data found under the system tab, then click Analyze> Run Cleaner. You may be fairly surprised by how much it finds. Also click Issues then Scan for issues – fix selected issues

Post back a fresh HijackThis log (from normal mode) and I will take another look.(2 logs)

[Crustyoldbloke]

Hello Terry and welcome to Geeks to Go

As an introduction, please note that I am not Superhuman, I do not know everything, but what I do know has taken me years to learn. I am happy to pass on this information to you, but please bear in mind that I am also fallible.

Please note that you should have Administrator rights to perform the fixes. Also note that multiple identity PC’s (family PC’s) present a different problem; please tell me if your PC has more than one individual’s setting, but continue with the fix.

Before we get underway, you may wish to print these instructions for easy reference during the fix, although please be aware that many of the required URLs are hyperlinks in the red names shown on your screen. Part of the fix may require you to be in Safe Mode, which will not allow you to access the internet, or my instructions!

You have a little malware and a Trojan that needs to be eradicated. Let’s see what we can do with the first sweep.

To start please download the following programmes, we will run them later. Please save them to a place that you will remember, I suggest the Desktop:

CCleaner
Ewido Security Suite

Install Ewido Security Suite.

• Install Ewido security suite
• When installing, under "Additional Options" uncheck..
  • Install background guard
  • Install scan via context menu
  • You will need to update Ewido to the latest definition files.
  • On the left hand side of the main screen click update.
  • Then click on Start Update.
• The update will start and a progress bar will show the updates being installed.
  (the status bar at the bottom will display "Update successful")

If you are having problems with the updater, you can use this link to manually update Ewido.
Ewido manual updates
Do NOT run a scan yet.

Next, please reboot your computer in Safe Mode by doing the following:
1) Restart your computer
2) After hearing your computer beep once during startup, but before the Windows icon appears, press F8.
3) Instead of Windows loading as normal, a menu should appear
4) Select the first option, to run Windows in Safe Mode.

For additional help in booting into Safe Mode, see the following site:

Safe Mode

Launch Ewido, there should be an icon on your desktop, double-click it.

• The programme will now open to the main screen.
• When you run Ewido for the first time, you will get a warning "Database could not be found!". Click OK.

Once the updates are installed do the following:

• Click on scanner
• Click on Complete System Scan and the scan will begin.
• You will be prompted to clean the first infection.
• Select "Perform action on all infections", then proceed.
• Once the scan has completed, there will be a button located on the bottom of the screen named Save report
• Click Save report.
  
• Save the report .txt file to your desktop and include it in your reply.

Now close Ewido security suite.

Please re-open HiJackThis and scan. Check the boxes next to all the entries listed below.

R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Local Page =
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Preview AdService] C:\Program Files\Preview AdService\PrevAdServ.exe
O16 - DPF: {1D4DB7D2-6EC9-47A3-BD87-1E41684E07BB} - http://ak.imgfarm.co...up1.0.0.8-2.cab

Now close all windows other than HiJackThis, then click Fix Checked.

Please set your system to show all files; please see here if you're unsure how to do this.

Please delete this folder (if present) using Windows Explorer:

C:\Program Files\Preview AdService\

Close Windows Explorer

Now we must hide the files we revealed earlier by reversing the process, this is an important safeguard to stop important system files being deleted by accident.

There is almost certainly bound to be some junk (leftover bits and pieces) on your system that is doing nothing but taking up space. I would recommend that you run CCleaner. Install it, update it, check the default setting in the left-hand pane, ensure you uncheck old prefetch data found under the system tab, then click Analyze> Run Cleaner. You may be fairly surprised by how much it finds. Also click Issues then Scan for issues – fix selected issues

Post back a fresh HijackThis log (from normal mode) and I will take another look.(2 logs)

[Firemedic617]

Josh,

Thank you so much for helping me out. I followed all of your instructions and here are the logs from Ewido and HJT. While running HJT in safe mode I did not see the 016 - DPF: {1D4DB7D2-6EC9-47A3-BD87-1E41684E07BB} line or the http://ak.imgfarm.co...up1.0.0.8-2.cab line.

Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.1
Scan saved at 2:18:00 PM, on 11/4/2005
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\spoolsv.exe
C:\Program Files\ewido\security suite\ewidoctrl.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\TRENDM~1\INTERN~1\PcCtlCom.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\RioMSC.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\TRENDM~1\INTERN~1\Tmntsrv.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\TRENDM~1\INTERN~1\tmproxy.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\TRENDM~1\INTERN~1\TmPfw.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\wuauclt.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\TRENDM~1\INTERN~1\PccGuide.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.5.0_02\bin\jusched.exe
C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.5.0_02\bin\jucheck.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\devldr32.exe
C:\Documents and Settings\Terry Eutis\Desktop\hijackthis\HijackThis.exe

R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Toolbar,LinksFolderName =
O2 - BHO: AcroIEHlprObj Class - {06849E9F-C8D7-4D59-B87D-784B7D6BE0B3} - C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 7.0\ActiveX\AcroIEHelper.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [pccguide.exe] "C:\Program Files\Trend Micro\Internet Security 2005\pccguide.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SunJavaUpdateSched] C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.5.0_02\bin\jusched.exe
O8 - Extra context menu item: E&xport to Microsoft Excel - res://C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~2\Office10\EXCEL.EXE/3000
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.5.0_02\bin\npjpi150_02.dll
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Sun Java Console - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.5.0_02\bin\npjpi150_02.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: {D27CDB6E-AE6D-11CF-96B8-444553540000} (Shockwave Flash Object) - https://download.mac...ash/swflash.cab
O23 - Service: ewido security suite control - ewido networks - C:\Program Files\ewido\security suite\ewidoctrl.exe
O23 - Service: Trend Micro Central Control Component (PcCtlCom) - Trend Micro Incorporated. - C:\PROGRA~1\TRENDM~1\INTERN~1\PcCtlCom.exe
O23 - Service: Rio MSC Manager (RioMSC) - Digital Networks North America, Inc. - C:\WINDOWS\system32\RioMSC.exe
O23 - Service: Trend Micro Real-time Service (Tmntsrv) - Trend Micro Incorporated. - C:\PROGRA~1\TRENDM~1\INTERN~1\Tmntsrv.exe
O23 - Service: Trend Micro Personal Firewall (TmPfw) - Trend Micro Inc. - C:\PROGRA~1\TRENDM~1\INTERN~1\TmPfw.exe
O23 - Service: Trend Micro Proxy Service (tmproxy) - Trend Micro Inc. - C:\PROGRA~1\TRENDM~1\INTERN~1\tmproxy.exe


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

+ Created on: 2:01:50 PM, 11/4/2005
+ Report-Checksum: 7FB49E0A

+ Scan result:

HKLM\SOFTWARE\Classes\PrevAdX.Installer\CLSID\\ -> Spyware.WinFavorites : Cleaned with backup
HKLM\SOFTWARE\Classes\TypeLib\{52CACFDF-9170-46A9-AE2E-E594D324C72A} -> Spyware.CashBack : Cleaned with backup
HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Code Store Database\Distribution Units\{1D4DB7D2-6EC9-47A3-BD87-1E41684E07BB} -> Spyware.PopularScreensavers : Cleaned with backup
HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\ModuleUsage\C:/WINDOWS/Downloaded Program Files/PrevAdX.dll\\.Owner -> Spyware.WinFavorites : Cleaned with backup
HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\ModuleUsage\C:/WINDOWS/Downloaded Program Files/PrevAdX.dll\\{15AD4789-CDB4-47E1-A9DA-992EE8E6BAD6} -> Spyware.WinFavorites : Cleaned with backup
HKLM\SOFTWARE\Preview AdService -> Spyware.BlazeFind : Cleaned with backup
:mozilla.10:C:\Documents and Settings\Terry Eutis\Application Data\Netscape\NSAE\Profiles\ck83eea5.default\cookies.txt -> Spyware.Cookie.2o7 : Cleaned with backup
:mozilla.11:C:\Documents and Settings\Terry Eutis\Application Data\Netscape\NSAE\Profiles\ck83eea5.default\cookies.txt -> Spyware.Cookie.2o7 : Cleaned with backup
:mozilla.12:C:\Documents and Settings\Terry Eutis\Application Data\Netscape\NSAE\Profiles\ck83eea5.default\cookies.txt -> Spyware.Cookie.2o7 : Cleaned with backup
:mozilla.30:C:\Documents and Settings\Terry Eutis\Application Data\Netscape\NSAE\Profiles\ck83eea5.default\cookies.txt -> Spyware.Cookie.Doubleclick : Cleaned with backup
:mozilla.37:C:\Documents and Settings\Terry Eutis\Application Data\Netscape\NSAE\Profiles\ck83eea5.default\cookies.txt -> Spyware.Cookie.Webtrendslive : Cleaned with backup
:mozilla.38:C:\Documents and Settings\Terry Eutis\Application Data\Netscape\NSAE\Profiles\ck83eea5.default\cookies.txt -> Spyware.Cookie.Webtrendslive : Cleaned with backup
C:\Documents and Settings\Terry Eutis\Cookies\terry eutis@2o7[2].txt -> Spyware.Cookie.2o7 : Cleaned with backup
C:\Documents and Settings\Terry Eutis\Cookies\terry [email protected][1].txt -> Spyware.Cookie.Yieldmanager : Cleaned with backup
C:\Documents and Settings\Terry Eutis\Cookies\terry eutis@advertising[2].txt -> Spyware.Cookie.Advertising : Cleaned with backup
C:\Documents and Settings\Terry Eutis\Cookies\terry eutis@atdmt[2].txt -> Spyware.Cookie.Atdmt : Cleaned with backup
C:\Documents and Settings\Terry Eutis\Cookies\terry eutis@doubleclick[1].txt -> Spyware.Cookie.Doubleclick : Cleaned with backup
C:\Documents and Settings\Terry Eutis\Cookies\terry [email protected][2].txt -> Spyware.Cookie.Esomniture : Cleaned with backup
C:\Documents and Settings\Terry Eutis\Cookies\terry [email protected][2].txt -> Spyware.Cookie.Esomniture : Cleaned with backup
C:\Documents and Settings\Terry Eutis\Cookies\terry [email protected][1].txt -> Spyware.Cookie.Hitbox : Cleaned with backup
C:\Documents and Settings\Terry Eutis\Cookies\terry eutis@hitbox[2].txt -> Spyware.Cookie.Hitbox : Cleaned with backup
C:\Documents and Settings\Terry Eutis\Cookies\terry [email protected][1].txt -> Spyware.Cookie.Overture : Cleaned with backup
C:\Documents and Settings\Terry Eutis\Cookies\terry [email protected][2].txt -> Spyware.Cookie.Advertising : Cleaned with backup
C:\Documents and Settings\Terry Eutis\Cookies\terry eutis@targetnet[1].txt -> Spyware.Cookie.Targetnet : Cleaned with backup
C:\Documents and Settings\Terry Eutis\Cookies\terry eutis@tribalfusion[1].txt -> Spyware.Cookie.Tribalfusion : Cleaned with backup
C:\Documents and Settings\Terry Eutis\Local Settings\Temp\Cookies\terry eutis@com[2].txt -> Spyware.Cookie.Com : Cleaned with backup
C:\Documents and Settings\Terry Eutis\Local Settings\Temp\Cookies\terry [email protected][2].txt -> Spyware.Cookie.Esomniture : Cleaned with backup
C:\Documents and Settings\Terry Eutis\Local Settings\Temp\Cookies\terry [email protected][1].txt -> Spyware.Cookie.Esomniture : Cleaned with backup
C:\Documents and Settings\Terry Eutis\Local Settings\Temp\Cookies\terry [email protected][1].txt -> Spyware.Cookie.Esomniture : Cleaned with backup
C:\Documents and Settings\Terry Eutis\Local Settings\Temp\Cookies\terry [email protected][2].txt -> Spyware.Cookie.Esomniture : Cleaned with backup
C:\Documents and Settings\Terry Eutis\Local Settings\Temp\Cookies\terry [email protected][2].txt -> Spyware.Cookie.Esomniture : Cleaned with backup
C:\Documents and Settings\Terry Eutis\Local Settings\Temp\Cookies\terry [email protected][2].txt -> Spyware.Cookie.Esomniture : Cleaned with backup
C:\Documents and Settings\Terry Eutis\Local Settings\Temp\Cookies\terry [email protected][2].txt -> Spyware.Cookie.Esomniture : Cleaned with backup
C:\Documents and Settings\Terry Eutis\Local Settings\Temp\Cookies\terry [email protected][2].txt -> Spyware.Cookie.Esomniture : Cleaned with backup
C:\Documents and Settings\Terry Eutis\Local Settings\Temp\Cookies\terry [email protected][2].txt -> Spyware.Cookie.Esomniture : Cleaned with backup
C:\Documents and Settings\Terry Eutis\Local Settings\Temp\Cookies\terry [email protected][2].txt -> Spyware.Cookie.Esomniture : Cleaned with backup
C:\Documents and Settings\Terry Eutis\Local Settings\Temp\Cookies\terry [email protected][2].txt -> Spyware.Cookie.Esomniture : Cleaned with backup
C:\Documents and Settings\Terry Eutis\Local Settings\Temp\Cookies\terry [email protected][2].txt -> Spyware.Cookie.Esomniture : Cleaned with backup
C:\Documents and Settings\Terry Eutis\Local Settings\Temp\Cookies\terry [email protected][1].txt -> Spyware.Cookie.Esomniture : Cleaned with backup
C:\Documents and Settings\Terry Eutis\Local Settings\Temp\Cookies\terry [email protected][2].txt -> Spyware.Cookie.Esomniture : Cleaned with backup
C:\Documents and Settings\Terry Eutis\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files\Content.IE5\SD6N4DYB\mm[2].js -> Spyware.Chitika : Cleaned with backup
C:\Temp\BargainInstall.exe -> TrojanDropper.Agent.lh : Cleaned with backup


::Report End

Terry

[Crustyoldbloke]

Congratulations! your new log is clean. Just a little bit more to do to prevent further infection.

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

To reset your restore points, please note that you will need to log into your computer with an account which has full administrator access. You will know if the account has administrator access because you will be able to see the System Restore tab. If the tab is missing, you are logged in under a limited account.

(Windows XP)
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. Reboot.

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.
I recommend going to the following link and update as recommended by Microsoft. This adds more security and extra features including a pop-up blocker for Internet Explorer. Microsoft Update

Now that everything is fixed, I suggest that you consider getting these programmes to help keep the computer clean:

SPYWARE BLASTER - Blocks bad ActiveX items from installing on your computer.
AD-AWARE PERSONAL – A fine free malware detector and removal programme
SPYBOT S&D – Excellent free spyware detector and removal programme
GOOGLE TOOLBAR - Blocks many unwanted pop-ups in Internet Explorer.
FIREFOX - Safer alternative to the Internet Explorer web browser.
AVG ANTIVIRUS FREE EDITION - Free antivirus programme if you currently are not using one.
ZONEALARM - Free firewall programme if you currently are not using one (Windows XP has a built-in firewall).

Remember to update these frequently.

Please note that whilst there is nothing wrong in having more than one antispyware programmes for “on demand” scanning, having two or more antivirus systems is not recommended as they may well interfere with each other.

You may also want to read "How did I get infected in the first place" to learn how to better secure your computer.

Be sure to keep your Windows, antispyware and antivirus updated.

I hope it has cured your slowness, but if it hasn't, please consider posting in our WinXP forum and have your startup checked for resource hogs. Happy safe surfing Terry!

[Crustyoldbloke]

Since this issue appears to be resolved ... this Topic has been closed. Glad we could help.

If you're the topic starter, and need this topic reopened, please contact a staff member with the address of the thread.

Everyone else please begin a New Topic.