restore Cd how to use

On Tue, 10 May 2005 19:09:15 +0100, "Gordon"
wrote:

Husky wrote:
|| Just my $0.02, but you were given more info than you needed.
|| Running all the above is possibly causing trouble. A firewall, and
|| virus program should be all you need for protection from invaders.

Um just having a firewall and AV will *NOT* protect you from malware.
Malware is NOT detected by AV programs as it's NOT a virus.
Neither will a firewall protect you from malware as you get them (usually)
from a website you are already on. You don't have to open anything, thus the
firewall is not alerted to illegal activity.

You'll excuse me if I disagree. I have plenty of paranoia software [collecting
dust]. My machine is clean.
I have trend running real time as both firewall, and virus. I run Adaware once
in awhile.
If you have GOOD software that does what's expected of it, my statement stands
as is. You don't need 30 programs that all find the same problems. In addition
they can cancel each other out if they're running at the same time.

And it costs $15.00 a year for me. Not counting Adaware, since it's just a
cookie cleaner to me.
I have no idea what you're talking about with me not being protected from
malware. Maybe your firewall and virus stuff won't protect you. I don't have
that problem. Maybe you should consider a different virus and firewall program
if you aren't blocking the problems with what you're using.

My ISP has a FREE to members AV program. No firewall [that's extra], no spam
blocking [that's extra].
I didn't read everything about it cause even free it was no bargain.
It was like putting a band aid on a shotgun blast.
IE6 blocks most crap from the web that's malicious. But not all that's the
reason for the firewall. And the virus cleaner is just an after the horse has
left the barn solution. I download stuff all the time with garbage in it. I
dump it to a TEMP folder where nothing but images leave or run without a virus
scan 1st.
--
more pix @ http://members.toast.net/cbminfo/index.html

On Tue, 10 May 2005 12:02:08 -0700, "Irene"
wrote:

Hi, Just to clear up some issues, the computer is under a year old and i had
Norton running automatic updates and my firewall was on, i had micosoft auto
updateing. Every thing was going fine until my home page dissapeared and i
was bombarded with adverts normally form virus removers. I down loaded avg
which did a scan and told me i had malware including cool web search and
about blank as i am writing this a warning from avg tells me that
c:/windows/d3wo.exe trojan horse downloader 12D and 12Q is trying to enter so
i have healed it. i am worried by all this as i do my banking ect online.Can
any one help with this? has anyone got rid of this? i think i would really
like to start from scratch, i have my discs but nothing to tell me how to use
them. i am not really very confident re the registery so i am looking for a
fix for dummies.If some one can tell me how to do this and then what to load
after i restart to keep myself safe i would be very grateful. And i just want
to say thanks to every one who has tried to help.
irene
I can only speak from what I know.
Adaware will search and find some problems. Enough that I upgraded from the
FREE version for the extras.
Adaware as is [FREE] is still your strongest tool against malware, tracking
cookies, some virii and Trojans, and hijackers which you say you have.

Trend Housecall 1st, then run Adaware. Some things you MUST reboot And rescan.
You know what a tick is right ? They attach themselves so that the only way is
to burn them off, ditto with some malware. Once it's in use while running, the
only way to remove it is to chop it's legs off while running, reboot and remove
the head.
Weatherbug was like that. search bar, home page hijackers are like that. You
can delete the body, but if you don't get the head it continues infecting. The
head is usually just a registry entry or web page that keeps on installing
itself every time you access the web in the back ground.

From experience whenever I had to re-install the OS, the 1st program installed
was the anti virus.
Then several days of configuration. Then connect to the web.
If I were you and still having your problems, would be to go back to Trend and
run Housecall.
I'm just wondering if you're actually blocking the installation of Housecall.
It does need to install something on your machine. Take the load off their
servers to inspect your machine, by providing you with a free scanner to look
on your machine at home and report the results back to trend.


"Gordon" wrote:

Husky wrote:
|| Just my $0.02, but you were given more info than you needed.
|| Running all the above is possibly causing trouble. A firewall, and
|| virus program should be all you need for protection from invaders.

Um just having a firewall and AV will *NOT* protect you from malware.
Malware is NOT detected by AV programs as it's NOT a virus.
Neither will a firewall protect you from malware as you get them (usually)
from a website you are already on. You don't have to open anything, thus the
firewall is not alerted to illegal activity.


--
Gordon Burgess-Parker
Interim Systems and Management Accounting
www.gbpcomputing.co.uk




--
more pix @ http://members.toast.net/cbminfo/index.html

Hi Mike,
The fire wall has all ways been on and i honestly thought i was safe with
that and the norton, there is one born every day!!. I will run through the
rest of your instructions in the morning and let you know how i get on. I
have three progrms in my add/remove list which i know i did not add on and no
matter how many times i try and delete them it asks me to logg on to the web
to take them off? they are search extender,shopping wizard and home search
assistant. I am also having a problem removing messenger from my tool bar. it
just keeps popping back up each time i log on. Sorry i have no idea what sp2
is. Please don't apologise for trying to help. i have been grateful for every
ones input. That people are willing to help a stranger and a total beginer is
great. So thatnks to all who are trying to help
regards
Irene

"Mike Hall (MS-MVP)" wrote:

Irene

Normally, the processes clear up issues that you had.. contrary to the
beliefs of some, none of the programs suggested make anything worse, and
many run them without problems..

You must set a firewall.. if you do not have one, enable the XP firewall for
now.. it will stop any invasion from outside sources.. go to Properties for
your internet connection, then click on the 'advanced' tab.. check the box
to enable the firewall..

Download the free version of Zonealarm.. http://www,zonealarm.com .. and set
it running.. once in place, you can disable the XP firewall..

Hijackthis is not the easiest program to use but it is effective.. there are
forums where you can post the results and people there will diagnose from
them.. unfortunately, it does leave the user having to edit registry, which
can bring problems of its own..

OK.. firewall in place?.. reboot the machine into safe mode by tapping the
F8 key as Windows starts to load.. then run Adaware, Spybot and any other
defence.. hopefully, they will detect any other hidden stuff..

Restart the machine and see what happens.. look in the ADD/REMOVE programs
list for anything that you do not think should be there.. make a list and
report back with it..

Another talked of SP2.. if you do not have SP2 installed on your system, do
nothing about it until all of the bad things have been eradicated.. SP2 does
not like being installed on a corrupted operating system.. we will deal with
that as and when..

I really must apologise for putting you through all of this.. in 99 cases
out of 100, it works fine.. yours is obviously #100.. I feel that we will
get through this, and both learn something.. I will add a section to my set
piece on the importance of having a firewall running before any procedures
are carried out.. it is a sad fact that people like you have to learn this
way.. unfortunately, there are those out there who don't care as they send
yet another invasive and destructive program to the unwary..

If at any point, you feel that it would be better to start over, I will
understand.. I was and still do hope that we can get over this without the
need for you to clean install, and possibly lose anything important.. once
the problems have gone, you will be way more aware, and will have the tools
and the knowledge to at least stand your ground..

If you choose to take it to a local repair guy, have it in writing that he
will save as much data as possible before wiping your system, and do not pay
him until you see your system working with everything in place..

Thank you for being so patient and willing to try all that I suggested..

Here's hoping..

--
Mike Hall
MVP - Windows Shell/User
http://dts-l.org/goodpost.htm





"Irene" wrote in message
...


"Irene" wrote:

Hi Mike
I have run through the list you gave me and tese are the results
stinger said i had nothing on my computer
housecall tren -i could not download it my computer said it would have to
shut down 3 times!
spybot found 3 problems and fixed them
ad aware found 23 critical objects and fixed them
microsoft found about blank
spyware blaster i enabled
i then went to add/remove programes but could not remove/search
extender/shopping wizzard/home search assistant(they just put up open the
internet connection when i clicked on them?
Hijack this i am not sure how to work
the shredder said that about blank is not present also that cool websearch
was not present. I then restarted and i got an error message which read
system fehler code 1400 invalid window handle.
i logged on to the internet and got two adds straight away also lots of
little windows telling me that programes were trying to change settings.
Is
the cure going to be worse than the ailment(only joking). It's obviously
not
quite right yet. can you help please.
Irene
Irene

"Mike Hall (MS-MVP)" wrote:

Irene


Please try the processes below.. and do them in order.. none of the
processes are beyond the abilities of a newbie user..



You would be better advised to work on the problems rather than start
over
now, have the same things happen again, and then have to repeat the
process.. maintaining a computer should be done regularly, and will
only
take a few minutes per week..



OK.. start by turning OFF the System Restore function.. click on the
Start
button.. right click on 'My Computer', then select Properties.. now
select
the 'System Restore' tab..

Check the box "Turn off System Restore" or "Turn off System Restore on
all
drives".. now click on 'Apply'.. you will be asked if it is ok to lose
all
restore points.. answer YES to this.. now click on 'OK'



Now to the removal process..



Run a one shot virus remover.. I have found that McAfee Stinger works
for
people.. download and run it..



http://vil.nai.com/vil/stinger/



Another alternative is ..



http://housecall.trendmicro.com/hous...start_corp.asp



Finish this process first..



You will also need to download Spyware removal software.. Spybot and
Adaware
are available at these websites.. both are free.. download and run
them..
don't forget to check for updates after you have started them..



http://www.safer-networking.org/en/index.html



http://www.lavasoftusa.com/software/adaware/



.... and this link is for the latest Microsoft helping..



http://www.microsoft.com/athome/secu...e/default.mspx



Spybot has the ability to immunize a system, but there is better for
this
function, so download and run Spyware Blaster too.. again, check for
updates..



http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/



Time to turn ON System Restore.. this is obviously like turning it OFF,
so
just reverse the procedure..



If you have any sense, you will now remove any programs that are known
carriers of all things bad.. some, like Patchou's MessengerPlus can be
installed such that the sponsor software does not get installed with
it..
the sponsor software, if left, will re-infect your system immediately
it is
run again.. use ADD/REMOVE PROGRAMS to un-install and then re-install,
taking care to check the box that gives you the option of NOT accepting
the
sponsor crap.. if a program installation process does not allow you to
do
this, forget about it.. leave it well alone..



If you have had your Internet browser hijacked, that is to say, you get
redirected through a search engine NOT of your choosing, you will need
different tools..



HijackThis is a popular and effective tool.. download it from here..



http://www.spychecker.com/download/d...ijackthis.html



CWShredder will eliminate CoolWebSearch and variants.. there is a free
download here..



CWShredder..
http://www.intermute.com/spysubtract..._download.html



about:blank.. http://www.securiteam.com/securityre...RP0L0UD5U.html
or

http://www.pchell.com/support/aboutblank.shtml



For other tools in the fight against spyware, visit this website and
bookmark it..



http://www.pchell.com



Mark Hasting has put much work into this site.. it is an invaluable
site,
both for reference and fix-its..



You must also run a firewall and anti-virus program.. here are some
links
for you..



http://www.mcafee.com

http://www.symantec.com

http://www.zonealarm.com

http://www.kerio.com

http://www.sygate.com

http://www.avast.com

http://www.grisoft.com



If you do not run a firewall and anti-virus solution, you are leaving
yourself open to attacks of all kinds.. these two types of program are
your
first line of defence..



So by now, your system should be in reasonable shape.. you will have
tools
'locked and loaded', ready for weekly use against those who seek to
destroy
your pleasure.. incorporate these into a housekeeping policy that
includes
running Defragmenter and Disk Cleanup, and you will be able to easily
maintain your system..



Please return to this thread and provide feedback.. it is the only way
that
helpers here can determine how effective the advice given has been..

On Wed, 11 May 2005 13:59:17 -0700, "Irene"
wrote:

Hi Mike,
The fire wall has all ways been on and i honestly thought i was safe with
that and the norton, there is one born every day!!. I will run through the
rest of your instructions in the morning and let you know how i get on. I
have three progrms in my add/remove list which i know i did not add on and no
matter how many times i try and delete them it asks me to logg on to the web
to take them off? they are search extender,shopping wizard and home search
assistant. I am also having a problem removing messenger from my tool bar. it
just keeps popping back up each time i log on. Sorry i have no idea what sp2
is. Please don't apologise for trying to help. i have been grateful for every
ones input. That people are willing to help a stranger and a total beginer is
great. So thatnks to all who are trying to help
regards
Irene

SP2 is XP's service pack 2. It's a recent release this last year. It installs
an enhanced security section into XP.
As for those things asking to visit the web to remove them it's just one more
hook to get you to their site. Take those three items
search extender,shopping wizard and home search assistant
and ask in the news:alt.privacy.spyware news group. They can direct you to
specifics on how to remove these three.

messenger. Need more info. There's windows messenger, and messenger service.
messenger service can be disabled [and is recommended by MS] by
start-admin tools-services-messenger[ fast movement, just hit the letter key
'M' three times till it gets to the messenger service. Then just disable it.
This is assuming you have admin rights on the machine.

Windows messenger can just be removed from add/remove.
You may have part of the problem in Outlook express. It has messenger on by
default.

To stop connecting to your messenger service

Outlook Express automatically attempts to start your messenger service program
and log on to its services. You can stop it from doing this.

In Outlook Express, on the Tools menu, click Options.
Clear the Automatically log on to your messenger service check box.







"Mike Hall (MS-MVP)" wrote:

Irene

Normally, the processes clear up issues that you had.. contrary to the
beliefs of some, none of the programs suggested make anything worse, and
many run them without problems..

You must set a firewall.. if you do not have one, enable the XP firewall for
now.. it will stop any invasion from outside sources.. go to Properties for
your internet connection, then click on the 'advanced' tab.. check the box
to enable the firewall..

Download the free version of Zonealarm.. http://www,zonealarm.com .. and set
it running.. once in place, you can disable the XP firewall..

Hijackthis is not the easiest program to use but it is effective.. there are
forums where you can post the results and people there will diagnose from
them.. unfortunately, it does leave the user having to edit registry, which
can bring problems of its own..

OK.. firewall in place?.. reboot the machine into safe mode by tapping the
F8 key as Windows starts to load.. then run Adaware, Spybot and any other
defence.. hopefully, they will detect any other hidden stuff..

Restart the machine and see what happens.. look in the ADD/REMOVE programs
list for anything that you do not think should be there.. make a list and
report back with it..

Another talked of SP2.. if you do not have SP2 installed on your system, do
nothing about it until all of the bad things have been eradicated.. SP2 does
not like being installed on a corrupted operating system.. we will deal with
that as and when..

I really must apologise for putting you through all of this.. in 99 cases
out of 100, it works fine.. yours is obviously #100.. I feel that we will
get through this, and both learn something.. I will add a section to my set
piece on the importance of having a firewall running before any procedures
are carried out.. it is a sad fact that people like you have to learn this
way.. unfortunately, there are those out there who don't care as they send
yet another invasive and destructive program to the unwary..

If at any point, you feel that it would be better to start over, I will
understand.. I was and still do hope that we can get over this without the
need for you to clean install, and possibly lose anything important.. once
the problems have gone, you will be way more aware, and will have the tools
and the knowledge to at least stand your ground..

If you choose to take it to a local repair guy, have it in writing that he
will save as much data as possible before wiping your system, and do not pay
him until you see your system working with everything in place..

Thank you for being so patient and willing to try all that I suggested..

Here's hoping..

--
Mike Hall
MVP - Windows Shell/User
http://dts-l.org/goodpost.htm





"Irene" wrote in message
...


"Irene" wrote:

Hi Mike
I have run through the list you gave me and tese are the results
stinger said i had nothing on my computer
housecall tren -i could not download it my computer said it would have to
shut down 3 times!
spybot found 3 problems and fixed them
ad aware found 23 critical objects and fixed them
microsoft found about blank
spyware blaster i enabled
i then went to add/remove programes but could not remove/search
extender/shopping wizzard/home search assistant(they just put up open the
internet connection when i clicked on them?
Hijack this i am not sure how to work
the shredder said that about blank is not present also that cool websearch
was not present. I then restarted and i got an error message which read
system fehler code 1400 invalid window handle.
i logged on to the internet and got two adds straight away also lots of
little windows telling me that programes were trying to change settings.
Is
the cure going to be worse than the ailment(only joking). It's obviously
not
quite right yet. can you help please.
Irene
Irene

"Mike Hall (MS-MVP)" wrote:

Irene


Please try the processes below.. and do them in order.. none of the
processes are beyond the abilities of a newbie user..



You would be better advised to work on the problems rather than start
over
now, have the same things happen again, and then have to repeat the
process.. maintaining a computer should be done regularly, and will
only
take a few minutes per week..



OK.. start by turning OFF the System Restore function.. click on the
Start
button.. right click on 'My Computer', then select Properties.. now
select
the 'System Restore' tab..

Check the box "Turn off System Restore" or "Turn off System Restore on
all
drives".. now click on 'Apply'.. you will be asked if it is ok to lose
all
restore points.. answer YES to this.. now click on 'OK'



Now to the removal process..



Run a one shot virus remover.. I have found that McAfee Stinger works
for
people.. download and run it..



http://vil.nai.com/vil/stinger/



Another alternative is ..



http://housecall.trendmicro.com/hous...start_corp.asp



Finish this process first..



You will also need to download Spyware removal software.. Spybot and
Adaware
are available at these websites.. both are free.. download and run
them..
don't forget to check for updates after you have started them..



http://www.safer-networking.org/en/index.html



http://www.lavasoftusa.com/software/adaware/



.... and this link is for the latest Microsoft helping..



http://www.microsoft.com/athome/secu...e/default.mspx



Spybot has the ability to immunize a system, but there is better for
this
function, so download and run Spyware Blaster too.. again, check for
updates..



http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/



Time to turn ON System Restore.. this is obviously like turning it OFF,
so
just reverse the procedure..



If you have any sense, you will now remove any programs that are known
carriers of all things bad.. some, like Patchou's MessengerPlus can be
installed such that the sponsor software does not get installed with
it..
the sponsor software, if left, will re-infect your system immediately
it is
run again.. use ADD/REMOVE PROGRAMS to un-install and then re-install,
taking care to check the box that gives you the option of NOT accepting
the
sponsor crap.. if a program installation process does not allow you to
do
this, forget about it.. leave it well alone..



If you have had your Internet browser hijacked, that is to say, you get
redirected through a search engine NOT of your choosing, you will need
different tools..



HijackThis is a popular and effective tool.. download it from here..



http://www.spychecker.com/download/d...ijackthis.html



CWShredder will eliminate CoolWebSearch and variants.. there is a free
download here..



CWShredder..
http://www.intermute.com/spysubtract..._download.html



about:blank.. http://www.securiteam.com/securityre...RP0L0UD5U.html
or

http://www.pchell.com/support/aboutblank.shtml



For other tools in the fight against spyware, visit this website and
bookmark it..



http://www.pchell.com



Mark Hasting has put much work into this site.. it is an invaluable
site,
both for reference and fix-its..



You must also run a firewall and anti-virus program.. here are some
links
for you..



http://www.mcafee.com

http://www.symantec.com

http://www.zonealarm.com

http://www.kerio.com

http://www.sygate.com

http://www.avast.com

http://www.grisoft.com



If you do not run a firewall and anti-virus solution, you are leaving
yourself open to attacks of all kinds.. these two types of program are
your
first line of defence..



So by now, your system should be in reasonable shape.. you will have
tools
'locked and loaded', ready for weekly use against those who seek to
destroy
your pleasure.. incorporate these into a housekeeping policy that
includes
running Defragmenter and Disk Cleanup, and you will be able to easily
maintain your system..



Please return to this thread and provide feedback.. it is the only way
that
helpers here can determine how effective the advice given has been..



--
more pix @ http://members.toast.net/cbminfo/index.html

On Wed, 11 May 2005 13:59:17 -0700, "Irene"
wrote:

Hi Mike,
The fire wall has all ways been on and i honestly thought i was safe with
that and the norton, there is one born every day!!. I will run through the
You actually should have been safe with a firewall and Norton. But then I don't
know what's included with your Norton.

You should really be paranoid about hitting anything that pops itself right in
your face and says install me.
Like Alice in Wonderland.. Eat me. drink me. we all know what came of that.
If it's the XP firewall. XP doesn't make any real claims about it. It should be
good if you've learned what to watch out for on the web. Otherwise if Norton
comes with a firewall, you'd probably be better using Norton's, and turning off
the XP firewall. But make sure at least one of them is running.
1 firewall = good 2 firewall's = bad

And they say paranoia isn't good.

rest of your instructions in the morning and let you know how i get on. I
have three progrms in my add/remove list which i know i did not add on and no
matter how many times i try and delete them it asks me to logg on to the web
to take them off? they are search extender,shopping wizard and home search
assistant. I am also having a problem removing messenger from my tool bar. it
just keeps popping back up each time i log on. Sorry i have no idea what sp2
is. Please don't apologise for trying to help. i have been grateful for every
ones input. That people are willing to help a stranger and a total beginer is
great. So thatnks to all who are trying to help
regards
Irene

"Mike Hall (MS-MVP)" wrote:

Irene

Normally, the processes clear up issues that you had.. contrary to the
beliefs of some, none of the programs suggested make anything worse, and
many run them without problems..

You must set a firewall.. if you do not have one, enable the XP firewall for
now.. it will stop any invasion from outside sources.. go to Properties for
your internet connection, then click on the 'advanced' tab.. check the box
to enable the firewall..

Download the free version of Zonealarm.. http://www,zonealarm.com .. and set
it running.. once in place, you can disable the XP firewall..

Hijackthis is not the easiest program to use but it is effective.. there are
forums where you can post the results and people there will diagnose from
them.. unfortunately, it does leave the user having to edit registry, which
can bring problems of its own..

OK.. firewall in place?.. reboot the machine into safe mode by tapping the
F8 key as Windows starts to load.. then run Adaware, Spybot and any other
defence.. hopefully, they will detect any other hidden stuff..

Restart the machine and see what happens.. look in the ADD/REMOVE programs
list for anything that you do not think should be there.. make a list and
report back with it..

Another talked of SP2.. if you do not have SP2 installed on your system, do
nothing about it until all of the bad things have been eradicated.. SP2 does
not like being installed on a corrupted operating system.. we will deal with
that as and when..

I really must apologise for putting you through all of this.. in 99 cases
out of 100, it works fine.. yours is obviously #100.. I feel that we will
get through this, and both learn something.. I will add a section to my set
piece on the importance of having a firewall running before any procedures
are carried out.. it is a sad fact that people like you have to learn this
way.. unfortunately, there are those out there who don't care as they send
yet another invasive and destructive program to the unwary..

If at any point, you feel that it would be better to start over, I will
understand.. I was and still do hope that we can get over this without the
need for you to clean install, and possibly lose anything important.. once
the problems have gone, you will be way more aware, and will have the tools
and the knowledge to at least stand your ground..

If you choose to take it to a local repair guy, have it in writing that he
will save as much data as possible before wiping your system, and do not pay
him until you see your system working with everything in place..

Thank you for being so patient and willing to try all that I suggested..

Here's hoping..

--
Mike Hall
MVP - Windows Shell/User
http://dts-l.org/goodpost.htm





"Irene" wrote in message
...


"Irene" wrote:

Hi Mike
I have run through the list you gave me and tese are the results
stinger said i had nothing on my computer
housecall tren -i could not download it my computer said it would have to
shut down 3 times!
spybot found 3 problems and fixed them
ad aware found 23 critical objects and fixed them
microsoft found about blank
spyware blaster i enabled
i then went to add/remove programes but could not remove/search
extender/shopping wizzard/home search assistant(they just put up open the
internet connection when i clicked on them?
Hijack this i am not sure how to work
the shredder said that about blank is not present also that cool websearch
was not present. I then restarted and i got an error message which read
system fehler code 1400 invalid window handle.
i logged on to the internet and got two adds straight away also lots of
little windows telling me that programes were trying to change settings.
Is
the cure going to be worse than the ailment(only joking). It's obviously
not
quite right yet. can you help please.
Irene
Irene

"Mike Hall (MS-MVP)" wrote:

Irene


Please try the processes below.. and do them in order.. none of the
processes are beyond the abilities of a newbie user..



You would be better advised to work on the problems rather than start
over
now, have the same things happen again, and then have to repeat the
process.. maintaining a computer should be done regularly, and will
only
take a few minutes per week..



OK.. start by turning OFF the System Restore function.. click on the
Start
button.. right click on 'My Computer', then select Properties.. now
select
the 'System Restore' tab..

Check the box "Turn off System Restore" or "Turn off System Restore on
all
drives".. now click on 'Apply'.. you will be asked if it is ok to lose
all
restore points.. answer YES to this.. now click on 'OK'



Now to the removal process..



Run a one shot virus remover.. I have found that McAfee Stinger works
for
people.. download and run it..



http://vil.nai.com/vil/stinger/



Another alternative is ..



http://housecall.trendmicro.com/hous...start_corp.asp



Finish this process first..



You will also need to download Spyware removal software.. Spybot and
Adaware
are available at these websites.. both are free.. download and run
them..
don't forget to check for updates after you have started them..



http://www.safer-networking.org/en/index.html



http://www.lavasoftusa.com/software/adaware/



.... and this link is for the latest Microsoft helping..



http://www.microsoft.com/athome/secu...e/default.mspx



Spybot has the ability to immunize a system, but there is better for
this
function, so download and run Spyware Blaster too.. again, check for
updates..



http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/



Time to turn ON System Restore.. this is obviously like turning it OFF,
so
just reverse the procedure..



If you have any sense, you will now remove any programs that are known
carriers of all things bad.. some, like Patchou's MessengerPlus can be
installed such that the sponsor software does not get installed with
it..
the sponsor software, if left, will re-infect your system immediately
it is
run again.. use ADD/REMOVE PROGRAMS to un-install and then re-install,
taking care to check the box that gives you the option of NOT accepting
the
sponsor crap.. if a program installation process does not allow you to
do
this, forget about it.. leave it well alone..



If you have had your Internet browser hijacked, that is to say, you get
redirected through a search engine NOT of your choosing, you will need
different tools..



HijackThis is a popular and effective tool.. download it from here..



http://www.spychecker.com/download/d...ijackthis.html



CWShredder will eliminate CoolWebSearch and variants.. there is a free
download here..



CWShredder..
http://www.intermute.com/spysubtract..._download.html



about:blank.. http://www.securiteam.com/securityre...RP0L0UD5U.html
or

http://www.pchell.com/support/aboutblank.shtml



For other tools in the fight against spyware, visit this website and
bookmark it..



http://www.pchell.com



Mark Hasting has put much work into this site.. it is an invaluable
site,
both for reference and fix-its..



You must also run a firewall and anti-virus program.. here are some
links
for you..



http://www.mcafee.com

http://www.symantec.com

http://www.zonealarm.com

http://www.kerio.com

http://www.sygate.com

http://www.avast.com

http://www.grisoft.com



If you do not run a firewall and anti-virus solution, you are leaving
yourself open to attacks of all kinds.. these two types of program are
your
first line of defence..



So by now, your system should be in reasonable shape.. you will have
tools
'locked and loaded', ready for weekly use against those who seek to
destroy
your pleasure.. incorporate these into a housekeeping policy that
includes
running Defragmenter and Disk Cleanup, and you will be able to easily
maintain your system..



Please return to this thread and provide feedback.. it is the only way
that
helpers here can determine how effective the advice given has been..



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