[wchoghm]

I am extremely desperate & frustrated - AND very much a computer ignoramous. Although in the last 2 weeks I have learned more about adware & spyware than I ever wanted to know! I have downloaded Spybot S&D, Ad-Aware, Microsoft Anti-Spyware AND panicware pop-Up Stopper (in addition to a couple of others I learned were actually causing the problem). Nothing is working. They will all delete ebate but when I reboot it's still there. I also have several temp. internet files that refuse to be deleted:
www.partypoker.com
www.stats.partypoker.com
www.banners.pennyweb.com

Anyways, I finally downloaded Hijack this. I hope I did it right! Here is my log:


Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.1
Scan saved at 12:47:25 AM, on 7/11/2005
Platform: Windows 2000 SP3 (WinNT 5.00.2195)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v6.00 SP1 (6.00.2800.1106)

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:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\SNDSrvc.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\SPBBC\SPBBCSvc.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccSetMgr.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccEvtMgr.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\COMMON~1\AOL\ACS\acsd.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\Norton AntiVirus\navapsvc.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\Program Files\Norton AntiVirus\IWP\NPFMntor.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\MSTask.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\CCPD-LC\symlcsvc.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\WBEM\WinMgmt.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\mspmspsv.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\BroadJump\Client Foundation\CFD.exe
C:\Program Files\Support.com\bin\tgcmd.exe
C:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Real\Update_OB\realsched.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccApp.exe
C:\Program Files\Microsoft AntiSpyware\gcasServ.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\PANICW~1\POP-UP~1\PSFREE.EXE
C:\Program Files\Microsoft AntiSpyware\gcasDtServ.exe
C:\Program Files\Nikon\PictureProject\NkbMonitor.exe
C:\Program Files\Mozilla Firefox\firefox.exe
C:\Program Files\QuickZip4\QuickZip.exe
C:\DOCUME~1\ADMINI~1\LOCALS~1\Temp\QZTEMP\HijackThis.exe

R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://home.bellsouth.net/
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Bar = about:blank
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\SearchURL,(Default) = about:blank
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Window Title = Microsoft Internet Explorer provided by America Online
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings,ProxyServer = http=localhost:8080
R3 - Default URLSearchHook is missing
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
O2 - BHO: RichEditor Class - {F79A2C4B-8776-4ED7-8B2F-4786A4A3500A} - C:\WINDOWS\System32\richedtr.dll (file missing)
O3 - Toolbar: Norton AntiVirus - {42CDD1BF-3FFB-4238-8AD1-7859DF00B1D6} - C:\Program Files\Norton AntiVirus\NavShExt.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SystemTray] SysTray.Exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [BJCFD] C:\Program Files\BroadJump\Client Foundation\CFD.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [tgcmd] "C:\Program Files\Support.com\bin\tgcmd.exe" /server /startmonitor /deaf
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [QuickTime Task] "C:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe" -atboottime
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [TkBellExe] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Real\Update_OB\realsched.exe" -osboot
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [PSof1] C:\WINDOWS\System32\PSof1.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [richup] C:\WINDOWS\System32\richup.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [oE9j36S] redacct.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [exp.exe] C:\WINDOWS\System32\exp.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ccApp] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccApp.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SSC_UserPrompt] C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\Security Center\UsrPrmpt.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Symantec NetDriver Monitor] C:\PROGRA~1\SYMNET~1\SNDMon.exe /Consumer
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [gcasServ] "C:\Program Files\Microsoft AntiSpyware\gcasServ.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [checkrun] C:\windows\system32\elitebtn32.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\RunOnce: [MicrosoftAntiSpywareCleaner] C:\Program Files\Microsoft AntiSpyware\gcASCleaner.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [PopUpStopperFreeEdition] "C:\PROGRA~1\PANICW~1\POP-UP~1\PSFREE.EXE"
O4 - Startup: Microsoft Office.lnk = C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\OFFICE\OSA9.EXE
O4 - Global Startup: Microsoft Office.lnk = C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\OFFICE\OSA9.EXE
O4 - Global Startup: NkbMonitor.exe.lnk = C:\Program Files\Nikon\PictureProject\NkbMonitor.exe
O6 - HKCU\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Control Panel present
O9 - Extra button: Real.com - {CD67F990-D8E9-11d2-98FE-00C0F0318AFE} - C:\WINDOWS\System32\Shdocvw.dll
O12 - Plugin for .cfm: C:\PROGRA~1\INTERN~1\PLUGINS\nppdf32.dll
O12 - Plugin for .spop: C:\PROGRA~1\INTERN~1\Plugins\NPDocBox.dll
O13 - WWW. Prefix: http://
O14 - IERESET.INF: START_PAGE_URL=http://www.aol.com
O16 - DPF: {04E214E5-63AF-4236-83C6-A7ADCBF9BD02} (HouseCall Control) - http://housecall60.t...all/xscan60.cab
O16 - DPF: {4ED9DDF0-7479-4BBE-9335-5A1EDB1D8A21} - http://bin.mcafee.co...81/mcinsctl.cab
O23 - Service: AOL Connectivity Service (AOL ACS) - America Online, Inc. - C:\PROGRA~1\COMMON~1\AOL\ACS\acsd.exe
O23 - Service: Symantec Event Manager (ccEvtMgr) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccEvtMgr.exe
O23 - Service: Symantec Password Validation (ccPwdSvc) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccPwdSvc.exe
O23 - Service: Symantec Settings Manager (ccSetMgr) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccSetMgr.exe
O23 - Service: Logical Disk Manager Administrative Service (dmadmin) - VERITAS Software Corp. - C:\WINDOWS\System32\dmadmin.exe
O23 - Service: Norton AntiVirus Auto-Protect Service (navapsvc) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Norton AntiVirus\navapsvc.exe
O23 - Service: Norton AntiVirus Firewall Monitor Service (NPFMntor) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Norton AntiVirus\IWP\NPFMntor.exe
O23 - Service: SAVScan - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Norton AntiVirus\SAVScan.exe
O23 - Service: ScriptBlocking Service (SBService) - Symantec Corporation - C:\PROGRA~1\COMMON~1\SYMANT~1\SCRIPT~1\SBServ.exe
O23 - Service: Symantec Network Drivers Service (SNDSrvc) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\SNDSrvc.exe
O23 - Service: Symantec SPBBCSvc (SPBBCSvc) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\SPBBC\SPBBCSvc.exe
O23 - Service: Symantec Core LC - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\CCPD-LC\symlcsvc.exe

ANY help or advice you can give me will be GREATLY APPRECIATED!!!

Kim

[Advertisements]

Hi wchoghm and welcome to GeeksToGo! My name is Excal and I will be helping you.

I can see that you have some malware issues. This maybe a few step process in removing it. I encourage you to stick with it and follow my directions as closely as possible so as to avoid complicating the problem further.

Before you do anything else, please create a folder for HijackThis and put it in a permanent folder (like C:\HJT) instead of the Temp folder. This is required because HijackThis will create backups and we don't want them to be deleted


DOWNLOAD PROGRAMS

Download LQfix Here
save it to your desktop, please do not use yet

Download and install CleanUp! Here*NOTE* Cleanup deletes EVERYTHING out of temp/temporary folders and does not make backups.
We will use this program later.

Download CWShredder here to its own folder.

Update CWShredder

• Open CWShredder and click I AGREE
• Click Check For Update
• Close CWShredder

We will be using this program later.


THE FIX

Please read this post completely, it may make it easier for you if you copy and paste this post to a new text document or print it for reference later.

1. Click this link to be sure you can view hidden files.

2. Ensure you are NOT connected to the internet.

3. Reboot into safe mode.

Restart your computer and as soon as it starts booting up again continuously tap F8. A menu should come up where you will be given the option to enter Safe Mode.

4. Now run CWShredder. Click I Agree, then Fix and then Next, let it fix everything it asks about.

5. Close all browsers, windows and unneeded programs.

6. Open HiJack and do a scan.

7. Put a Check next to the following items:

R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Bar = about:blank
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\SearchURL,(Default) = about:blank
R3 - Default URLSearchHook is missing
O2 - BHO: RichEditor Class - {F79A2C4B-8776-4ED7-8B2F-4786A4A3500A} - C:\WINDOWS\System32\richedtr.dll (file missing)
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [PSof1] C:\WINDOWS\System32\PSof1.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [richup] C:\WINDOWS\System32\richup.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [oE9j36S] redacct.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [exp.exe] C:\WINDOWS\System32\exp.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [checkrun] C:\windows\system32\elitebtn32.exe
O4 - Startup: Microsoft Office.lnk = C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\OFFICE\OSA9.EXE
O4 - Global Startup: Microsoft Office.lnk = C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\OFFICE\OSA9.EXE
O6 - HKCU\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Control Panel present
O13 - WWW. Prefix: http://

8. click the Fix Checked box

9. Please remove just the files from the following paths using Windows Explorer (if present):

C:\WINDOWS\System32\richedtr.dll
C:\WINDOWS\System32\PSof1.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\richup.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\exp.exe
redacct.exe <======Start>Search for this one

10. Double click on LQFix program u downloaded.
A doswindow will open and close again, this is normal.

11. Run the program CleanUp!

12. Reboot into normal mode and please run this online virus scan: ActiveScan - Save the results from the scan!

13. Please post the Active scan log and a fresh HiJackThis log. Let me know how your computer is running.

[Excal]

Hi wchoghm and welcome to GeeksToGo! My name is Excal and I will be helping you.

I can see that you have some malware issues. This maybe a few step process in removing it. I encourage you to stick with it and follow my directions as closely as possible so as to avoid complicating the problem further.

Before you do anything else, please create a folder for HijackThis and put it in a permanent folder (like C:\HJT) instead of the Temp folder. This is required because HijackThis will create backups and we don't want them to be deleted


DOWNLOAD PROGRAMS

Download LQfix Here
save it to your desktop, please do not use yet

Download and install CleanUp! Here*NOTE* Cleanup deletes EVERYTHING out of temp/temporary folders and does not make backups.
We will use this program later.

Download CWShredder here to its own folder.

Update CWShredder

• Open CWShredder and click I AGREE
• Click Check For Update
• Close CWShredder

We will be using this program later.


THE FIX

Please read this post completely, it may make it easier for you if you copy and paste this post to a new text document or print it for reference later.

1. Click this link to be sure you can view hidden files.

2. Ensure you are NOT connected to the internet.

3. Reboot into safe mode.

Restart your computer and as soon as it starts booting up again continuously tap F8. A menu should come up where you will be given the option to enter Safe Mode.

4. Now run CWShredder. Click I Agree, then Fix and then Next, let it fix everything it asks about.

5. Close all browsers, windows and unneeded programs.

6. Open HiJack and do a scan.

7. Put a Check next to the following items:

R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Bar = about:blank
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\SearchURL,(Default) = about:blank
R3 - Default URLSearchHook is missing
O2 - BHO: RichEditor Class - {F79A2C4B-8776-4ED7-8B2F-4786A4A3500A} - C:\WINDOWS\System32\richedtr.dll (file missing)
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [PSof1] C:\WINDOWS\System32\PSof1.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [richup] C:\WINDOWS\System32\richup.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [oE9j36S] redacct.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [exp.exe] C:\WINDOWS\System32\exp.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [checkrun] C:\windows\system32\elitebtn32.exe
O4 - Startup: Microsoft Office.lnk = C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\OFFICE\OSA9.EXE
O4 - Global Startup: Microsoft Office.lnk = C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\OFFICE\OSA9.EXE
O6 - HKCU\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Control Panel present
O13 - WWW. Prefix: http://

8. click the Fix Checked box

9. Please remove just the files from the following paths using Windows Explorer (if present):

C:\WINDOWS\System32\richedtr.dll
C:\WINDOWS\System32\PSof1.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\richup.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\exp.exe
redacct.exe <======Start>Search for this one

10. Double click on LQFix program u downloaded.
A doswindow will open and close again, this is normal.

11. Run the program CleanUp!

12. Reboot into normal mode and please run this online virus scan: ActiveScan - Save the results from the scan!

13. Please post the Active scan log and a fresh HiJackThis log. Let me know how your computer is running.

[wchoghm]

Excal,
This took me a while because half way through the ActiveScan my power went out
& I had to restart the scan. I hope I did everything correctly. As I said I am a computer idiot so some of this made me a but nervous but i trust you! so i followed the directions. here is the ActiveScan report & a current Hijack This log:


Incident Status Location
Spyware:Spyware/BetterInet No disinfected Windows Registry


Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.1
Scan saved at 4:34:38 PM, on 7/11/2005
Platform: Windows 2000 SP3 (WinNT 5.00.2195)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v6.00 SP1 (6.00.2800.1106)

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:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\SNDSrvc.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\SPBBC\SPBBCSvc.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccSetMgr.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccEvtMgr.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\COMMON~1\AOL\ACS\acsd.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\Norton AntiVirus\navapsvc.exe
C:\Program Files\Norton AntiVirus\IWP\NPFMntor.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\MSTask.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\CCPD-LC\symlcsvc.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\WBEM\WinMgmt.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\mspmspsv.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\Program Files\BroadJump\Client Foundation\CFD.exe
C:\Program Files\Support.com\bin\tgcmd.exe
C:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Real\Update_OB\realsched.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccApp.exe
C:\Program Files\Microsoft AntiSpyware\gcasServ.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\PANICW~1\POP-UP~1\PSFREE.EXE
C:\Program Files\Nikon\PictureProject\NkbMonitor.exe
C:\Program Files\Microsoft AntiSpyware\gcasDtServ.exe
C:\HJT\HijackThis.exe

R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://home.bellsouth.net/
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Window Title = Microsoft Internet Explorer provided by America Online
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings,ProxyServer = http=localhost:8080
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: [SystemTray] SysTray.Exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [BJCFD] C:\Program Files\BroadJump\Client Foundation\CFD.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [tgcmd] "C:\Program Files\Support.com\bin\tgcmd.exe" /server /startmonitor /deaf
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [QuickTime Task] "C:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe" -atboottime
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [TkBellExe] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Real\Update_OB\realsched.exe" -osboot
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ccApp] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccApp.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SSC_UserPrompt] C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\Security Center\UsrPrmpt.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Symantec NetDriver Monitor] C:\PROGRA~1\SYMNET~1\SNDMon.exe /Consumer
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [gcasServ] "C:\Program Files\Microsoft AntiSpyware\gcasServ.exe"
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [PopUpStopperFreeEdition] "C:\PROGRA~1\PANICW~1\POP-UP~1\PSFREE.EXE"
O4 - Global Startup: NkbMonitor.exe.lnk = C:\Program Files\Nikon\PictureProject\NkbMonitor.exe
O9 - Extra button: Real.com - {CD67F990-D8E9-11d2-98FE-00C0F0318AFE} - C:\WINDOWS\System32\Shdocvw.dll
O12 - Plugin for .cfm: C:\PROGRA~1\INTERN~1\PLUGINS\nppdf32.dll
O12 - Plugin for .spop: C:\PROGRA~1\INTERN~1\Plugins\NPDocBox.dll
O14 - IERESET.INF: START_PAGE_URL=http://www.aol.com
O16 - DPF: {04E214E5-63AF-4236-83C6-A7ADCBF9BD02} (HouseCall Control) - http://housecall60.t...all/xscan60.cab
O16 - DPF: {4ED9DDF0-7479-4BBE-9335-5A1EDB1D8A21} - http://bin.mcafee.co...81/mcinsctl.cab
O16 - DPF: {9A9307A0-7DA4-4DAF-B042-5009F29E09E1} (ActiveScan Installer Class) - http://www.pandasoft.../as5/asinst.cab
O23 - Service: AOL Connectivity Service (AOL ACS) - America Online, Inc. - C:\PROGRA~1\COMMON~1\AOL\ACS\acsd.exe
O23 - Service: Symantec Event Manager (ccEvtMgr) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccEvtMgr.exe
O23 - Service: Symantec Password Validation (ccPwdSvc) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccPwdSvc.exe
O23 - Service: Symantec Settings Manager (ccSetMgr) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccSetMgr.exe
O23 - Service: Logical Disk Manager Administrative Service (dmadmin) - VERITAS Software Corp. - C:\WINDOWS\System32\dmadmin.exe
O23 - Service: Norton AntiVirus Auto-Protect Service (navapsvc) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Norton AntiVirus\navapsvc.exe
O23 - Service: Norton AntiVirus Firewall Monitor Service (NPFMntor) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Norton AntiVirus\IWP\NPFMntor.exe
O23 - Service: SAVScan - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Norton AntiVirus\SAVScan.exe
O23 - Service: ScriptBlocking Service (SBService) - Symantec Corporation - C:\PROGRA~1\COMMON~1\SYMANT~1\SCRIPT~1\SBServ.exe
O23 - Service: Symantec Network Drivers Service (SNDSrvc) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\SNDSrvc.exe
O23 - Service: Symantec SPBBCSvc (SPBBCSvc) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\SPBBC\SPBBCSvc.exe
O23 - Service: Symantec Core LC - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\CCPD-LC\symlcsvc.exe


Thank you for your help!

Kim

[Excal]

Kim,

Yea!!! You did it

Please remember to update your windows to service pack 4.

Great job, it appears your computer is clean

Ensure you rehide your “hidden files and folders” back to the way they were.

Now that your system is Malware Free, it is important to reset your system Restore. Click Here to learn how to.

Might I suggest the following Free Spyware programs, if you don't already have them, for added security, you can download them at the following links. These programs work great for detection:

Ad-aware SE
Spybot S&D
Microsoft Anti-Spyware


If you are unhappy with your current antivirus and want to replace it or if you dont already have one, I suggest one of these free programs:
*Note - do not use more than one anti-virus program as it will more than likely cause conflict.

AVG
Avast
AntiVir


The following free programs are great for prevention:

SpywareBlaster 3.4
Spywareguard
IE/Spyad

A Firewall is a must! Here are 3 good free versions:

Sygate
Kerio
ZoneLabs

There are other options other than Internet Explorer for a browser, which some say have better security. Two of them are:

Firefox
Opera

If you decide to keep Internet Explorer, This site is a great source for tightening up security on It's settings.

Make sure that you keep your Operating System and IE updated with the latest Critical Security Updates from Microsoft...they usually come out once a month, on the 2nd Tuesday of each month.

Be sure and give the Temp folders a cleaning out now and then as well, Make sure after you clean your Temp files to empty out your Recycle bin as well.
For ease use the following program:

Cleanup
Run "Cleanup" and when it has finished, Reboot

To help prevent future spyware installations/infections, please read the Anti-Spyware Tutorial and use the tools provided. Also read How I got Infected

[wchoghm]

Excal,
YEAH!!!!! Thank you again very much! I can't tell you how nice it is to use the computer again w/o all the ANNOYING pop-ups! Do I not need to worry about the Better Internet spyware ActiveScan detected? And I'm not sure I know how to update to windows service pack 4. (I told you I am a computer dummy!)

I am currently running Spybot S&D, Ad-Aware & Microsoft Anti-Spyware. I also switched to Firefox for my browser. A friend tried to help me last week with all of this & he downloaded Trend Micro virus scan & I also bought Norton Anti-virus. Should I uninstall the Trend?


THANK YOU!!!

Kim

[Excal]

Click here: http://www.microsoft...p1/default.mspx to Apply the update.

Make sure you only have one antivirus running



Good luck and your welcome,


Excal

[Excal]

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.