There is a vast amount of computer expertise among the members of Tomoyote forums. Hopefully, this section will encourage you to share your skills with the TomCoyote readers. Each week, there will be a new computer tip that will appear on the main page of TomCoyote. The tips will be stored in an archive section for free access.

What you know and do daily may be a terrific suggestion to someone else. So, with that in mind, on behalf of the staff here at TomCoyote, I encourage you to share your skills.

Catherine Forsythe

This post has been edited by rand1038: Sep 12 2004, 12:45 AM

i put these links up to help people sort out there own problems i've found them very useful particularly the last one when spybot doesn't want to update you just do it from there

http://mywebpages.comcast.net/SupportCD/OptimizeXP.html

http://www.techsupportalert.com/

http://www.bbcworld.com/content/clic...65&co_pageid=3

http://www.help2go.com/article153.html

http://upstatecomputerservices.com/custom2.html

http://www.merijn.org./downloads.html

https://www.grc.com/x/ne.dll?bh0bkyd2

http://www.pcpitstop.com/pcpitstop/

http://www.spybot.info/en/download/index.html
__________________
today is the tomorrow you worried about yesterday:)

WOW very comprehensive list there culla. I particuarly like the first link for getting good (and mainly free) programs to do the work.

I did notice that:

http://www.help2go.com/Tutorials/Protect_Y...g_tutorial.html - only partially lo9ads up and is a bit messy

http://www.bbcworld.com/content/clic...65&co_pageid=3 - dead link?

I have just seen the date of posting and is likely the reason


I now wonder why I buy these PC mags? u guys are ACE !

How to post your PC Pitstop Tech Express Test Results

Excellent link, thanks very much. I was particularly interested in the ZoneAlarm information here

Have not researched the others yet, but will do.

kind regards,



This post has been edited by tallin: Feb 15 2009, 01:26 PM

In 2nd December's edition of WXPNEWS there is this interesting tip if your System Restore does not work anymore.


I have Ghost 12 image backup, so I was not concerned that my System Restore did not work for me on this PC. Now the above tip has solved the problem for me. Perhaps it will help other Members on this forum.

Having searched a little further re Systems Restore, I found this interesting link that may also be of assistance to all Members here.

Best regards,

http://www.pcidatabase.com/
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp.htm
http://www.tips4pc.com/browse_our_database.htm
http://www.firewallguide.com/spyware.htm
https://www.webimmune.net/default.asp
http://users.telenet.be/bluepatchy/miekiem...spywareScanners
http://emachines.fizi.ca/drivers.php
http://www.ss64.com/nt/

Preventative Maintenance program to avoid Hijackthis log submissions.

The following are my suggestions. As it is very successful for me I thought I would share it.

Before proceeding, download and install Erunt.exe so each time you start your computer a backup is secured of the registry in case of an emergency.

Always have your Windows Updates current

Definitions of all installations must be kept up to date at least weekly if not daily.

Please follow the advice given here to avoid having your computer attacked by Malware and in turn to avoid asking for volunteer expert help to analise your logs.

Firstly you need one Firewall - Zone Alarm Free or Comodo Free Firewall

Download and install the following programs.

One Antivirus software program only as more than one will conflict. Avast Free Edition

Online Free Malwarebytes' Anti-malware scan cleaning utility

Several Antispyware programs run manually, randomly, and not enabled at Startup.

SuperAntispyware Free Edition
Spyware blaster
Spybot Search and Destroy
A_squared free
ThreatFire
AVG AntiSpyware Free
WinPatrol

Temporary Internet File Cleaners and other Cleanup Utilities.

Here are three I suggest for you to choose from, however please choose only one.

Cleanup 4.5.2
CCleaner
ATF Cleaner by Atribune

Also go to

• start
• settings
• accessories
• system tools
• disk cleanup and follow the prompts

Defragging Utilities

Use the Windows default defragmenter program this way:

• start
• all programs
• system tools
• defragmenter

OR

IObit Smart Defragmenter
Auslogics degragmenter Free

JavaRa .exe keeps your Java Runtime Environment up to date, run it occasionally

• Download JavaRa.exe and run it once a month. JavaRa will also uninstall older and more vulnerable Java installations from your system.
• Go to Java Downloads for All Operating systems and choose which is best for you
• When you are online at WhattheTech, watch AplusWebMaster's advice in Discussion/Security advisories & Vulnerabilities info sub-forum
• Don't forget to verify your Java after you have updated it
• Make sure you uninstall all old Java installations from Add and Remove after obtaining the latest update

1.Scan for Adware, Spyware and all Malware WEEKLY/DAILY
2.Clean your 'Temporary Internet files' and 'History list' every 3 Days
3.Clear your SSL state every 3 Days.
4.Clear your Java files in your Java console every 3 Days
5.Empty the Recycle bin every 3 Days.
6.Defrag your hard Drive every 5 Days. (I actually Analise mine and only defrag when necessary)
7.Scan for Viruses and Trojans every 4 Days.
8.Degauss your monitor by turning it off completely and back on, every 5 days
9.Completely turn off' your machine every 5 Days. This is different than re-starting.

Now I suggest you open "control panel" and then "Internet options." With the 'internet options' open, youwill see the general tab. Next click on the "content" tab. You will see "clear SSL state." This normally is performed automatically but I have come across old data left in here. While you are here, you should clean the "auto complete" as well. There is a lot of data stored here that can breach your security and privacy. It is best to uncheck all three boxes and never use this feature, however if you like this feature, keep it.

To just clean the stored data, enable "auto complete" button and then the "clean passwords" then OK. Then enable the "clear forms" and then OK. It will wipe all of the stored information.

When you re-start, it does not shut down 100%

Now let's move on to the Java files.

• Open control panel
• Settings and find "java plug-in"
• click on temporary internet files
• Settings
• delete files >enable Applications and Applets, and > Trace and Log file > OK.

Now while we have it open, let's adjust the size from 'unlimited' down to "maximum 4 MB" and you
will be ready to go.

Another item that seems to get overlooked on today's maintenance routine is the "C:\windows\temp" folder. You should delete everything that is in this folder, BUT not the folder itself. If you have never done this, it will have a ton of stuff in it.
So run your disk cleanup, defrag, delete cookies etc often. There are other variations of these utilities
available although I have yet to find a problem with the ones that Windows provides.

To flush DNS cache click

• Start
• Run
• type cmd,
• type ipconfig /flushdns and press enter. (Note the space between the g /)
• Exit

DNS = Domain Name Server, the cache referred to is where Windows stores all IP addresses it collects as you surf typing the IP to the domain name to surf to, this cache can grow large over a period of time causing a slowdown on your computer surfing and interaction.

I am indebted to other members on this forum for most of this data, especially Crow who helped me so much when I first became a member here.

I hope the above is of some help and if followed particularly by new members may alleviate the necessity of posting a HJT log. If you have the above installed, run those very necessary update definitions once a week before using the tools, I have found I rarely have to post if ever to my selected HJT forum for help.

One last thing to make the above practice easier, make a New Folder on the Desktop name it Maintenance Folder, put a short cut of all Maintenance Programs installed, (not your Firewall and Antivirus software) in it, then carrying out that once a week housekeeping chore is made even more simple.

This post has been edited by tallin: Mar 12 2009, 04:41 PM

Preventing Malware - Safe Computing I mentioned some time ago that several members and myself at WhattheTech were putting together this article which is now completed. Below is my version of the original.
______________

Preventing Malware - Safe Computing.

The purpose of this Best Practice & Prevention article is to provide information upon which you can build your own best practice and safeguard your own computer and home network pointing users to as needed.

A "System Security Suite" is one which bundles all the required tools for complete system protection, like anti-virus, firewall, anti-spyware, file cleaners, etc. But security suites that you find online are usually commercial software.

How about making - or rather "assembling" - your own security suite that contains all the required tools? The tools are very efficient and powerful. But best of all, your security suite is completely FREE!

What can we do about it?

• Practice Safe Computing! Keep systems patched, updated, scanned and blocked, and use a disciplined approach to operating the computer and using the internet.
• Patch operating systems and applications to the latest security patches, including Vista SP1, XP SP3 and Internet Explorer 7 (soon IE8), even if using alternative browser.
• Update anti-malware signature/definition files promptly and apply operating system critical updates in a timely manner (see "Windows Update" under "Prevent Re-Infestation" below)
• Scan using "real-time" anti-malware scanners for viruses, worms, Trojans, and spyware.
• Block unauthorized access attempts, spam and pop-ups using a good client-based (software) firewall, spam blocker, and pop-up blocker.

Self Discipline, the most crucial! Self discipline includes:

• NEVER click on "To stop getting these spam messages, click here" links.
• NEVER click on any links in unsolicited pop-ups or email.
• NEVER open attachments or downloads without first scanning for malware - regardless the source.
• NEVER visit sites bad guys are known to wallow in: such as porn, gambling and Peer to Peer (P2P) sites that tolerate illegal filesharing of copyrighted materials such as music files, movies, and published document.
• And the last step, A system security suite to protect against online threats.
  We hope that you will put the following information and plans into your routine of computing activity.

Before Step #1 - There are two important items to attend to:

Please verify your Systems Restore is activated: Window XP System Restore FAQ

• Go to My Computer
• Properties
• System Restore
• Highlight C:\Drive
• Setting - Set the Slider to your required saved files
• I choose 3% (1991MB on my 80GB HD)
• OK - Apply - OK
• Reboot

Then proceed to:

• Start
• All Programs
• Accessories
• System Tools
• Follow the prompts to create a new restore point

Reboot and proceed as follows:

Go HERE and download ERUNT to Backup your Registry

(ERUNT (Emergency Recovery Utility NT) is a free program that allows you to keep a complete backup of your registry and restore it when needed.)

1. Install ERUNT by following the prompts
(use the default install settings but say yes to the portion that asks you to add ERUNT to the start-up folder)

2. Start ERUNT
(either by double clicking on the desktop icon or choosing to start the program at the end of the setup)

3. Choose a location for the backup
(the default location is C:\WINDOWS\ERUNT which is acceptable).

4. Make sure that at least the first two check boxes are ticked

5. Press OK

6. Press YES to create the folder.

Step #1

Make your Internet Explorer more secure.

• From within Internet Explorer click on the Tools menu and then click on Options
• Click once on the Security tab
• Click once on the Internet icon so it becomes highlighted.
• Click once on the Custom Level button.
• Change the Download signed ActiveX controls to Prompt
• Change the Download unsigned ActiveX controls to Disable
• Change the Initialize and script ActiveX controls not marked as safe to Disable
• Change the Installation of desktop items to Prompt
• Change the Launching programs and files in an IFRAME to Prompt
• Change the Navigate sub-frames across different domains to Prompt
• When all these settings have been made, click on the OK button.
• If it prompts you as to whether or not you want to save the settings, press the Yes button.
• Next press the Apply button and then the OK to exit the Internet Properties page.

Protect against Tracking Cookies

• From within Internet Explorer click on the Tools menu and then click on Internet Options.
• Click once on the Private tab
• Under Settings click on Advanced
• Place a check next to Override automatic cookie handling
• Under First Party Cookies choose Accept
• Under Third Party Cookies choose Block
• Then click Ok

Step #2

Use an AntiVirus Software - Choose only one - More than one will conflict. It is very important that your computer has anti-virus software running to protect against viruses. Update Antivirus prior to manual scans as necessary or as used.

Here is a list of free antivirus programs. Please only choose one, having more than one can cause problems, such as crashes and your computer to slow down.

AntiVir Personal
AVAST Home Edition
PC Tools AntiVirus Free

Update your AntiVirus Software - Now that you have AntiVirus Protection, it is imperative that you remember to update your Antivirus software at least once a week. If you do not update your antivirus software then you will be vulnerable to new threats.

Use a Firewall - One Firewall only will protect you against hackers. Without a firewall your computer is susceptible to being hacked and taken over. Never Run more than one Firewall active on your computer at the same time because they can conflict and cause unwanted problems. This includes not running Windows native firewall at the same time as an installed software Firewall.

Here is a list of free Firewalls. Please only choose one.

Online Armor
Sunbelt Personal Firewall
Comodo Firewall Pro
ZoneAlarm Free (For Windows XP)

Anti-Spyware

AntiSpyware software protects you from malware and spyware that try to steal your personal information.

SpywareBlaster
SpywareBlaster will add a large list of programs and sites into your Internet Explorer settings that will protect you from running and downloading known malicious programs.

SpywareGuard
SpywareGuard offers realtime protection from spyware installation attempts. Make sure you are only running one real-time anti-spyware protection program or there will be a conflict.

Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware
SUPER Anti-Spyware
Spybot Search & Destroy

ThreatFire (ThreatFire and Online Armor can conflict, so if you pick one, you must not choose the other)
ThreatFire being a real-time application, there is no need to run it. Once installed it updates automatically. Right Click the icon in Systems Tray to enable more information.

Other Tools

WinPatrol
WOT Internet Security
MVP Hosts

Step #3

Keeping Windows Updates current.

Firstly, please do the following:

• start
• Run
• type 'services.msc' without the quote
• Click 'startup type' second from the right at the top after extending the utility
• Check that Automatic Updates is on Automatic and started
• File
• Exit

Then go to

• Start
• Control Panel
• Automatic Updates
• Enable 'Turn off Automatic Updates'
• OK

Explanation why turning off WU is explained here.

To obtain your Windows Updates each two (in case there are non critical updates) or four weeks manually, go to

Windows Updates after the second Tuesday in the month to get your most recent updates . Click on Custom after the page loads, so you can be in control of what is installed on your system.

Keeping Java Runtime Environment up to date.

There are several ways you can do this:

Download JavaRa.exe and run it once a month. JavaRa will also uninstall older and more vulnerable Java installations from your system.

Go to Java Downloads for All Operating systems and choose which is best for you.

When you are online at WhattheTech, watch AplusWebMaster's advice in Discussion/Security advisories & Vulnerabilities info sub-forum.

Don't forget to verify your Java after you have updated it.

Make sure you uninstall all old Java installations from Add and Remove after obtaining the latest update

It is recommended to run
Secunia Personal Software Inspector (PSI) 1.0 at least once a month to make sure your software, Windows Updates, Java, ActiveX and more are all as up-to-date as they can be.

Sandboxie - Sandbox software for application isolation and secure Web browsing
Sandboxie runs programs (including browsers) and opens e-mail attachments in an isolated space which prevents them from making permanent changes to other programs and data in your computer.

__________________

Edit:
12th March 2009: To Change System Restore slider to 3% (1991 MB)
13th March 2009: Add Systems Restore FAQ link
14th March 2009: To correct ERUNT software advises
24th March 2009: To remove IE/Spyad


This post has been edited by tallin: Oct 21 2009, 05:54 AM

I run Windows XP. I tried to download a regular update from Java. The update failed, and I got the error message 25099, unzipping core files failed. Following this, Java is not only disabled in my browser(even though it says java applets are enabled), but I can't find Java in either Add/Remove programs or on my control panel. Not a clue what to do about this. Help?

The solution I found was that yahoo toolbar is not compatible with Firefox! When I disabled that, I had no problem with either the update, or with Java functioning.

hey there...i read your post....really it is very nice..... i am new in computer field.....and i am just trying to learn more and more about computers.........the post will help me increase knowledge in computers....really great post thanks a lot............

This is a short guide that will walk you through a couple steps that will help speed up your computer.

1. Startup Processes

* Go to: Start>Run>Type "msconfig"(without the quotes)
* Go to the Startup Tab
* Uncheck any processes you don't use at startup(e.x. Quicktime, AIM, MSN)
* Click Apply then Restart


2. CCleaner
CCleaner is a great little application that deletes cookies, clears cache, empties your recycle bin, etc.

* Download CCleaner(from google)
* Iinstall CCleaner then Run Cleaner it(note: This will clear your cookies which means your saved passwords and usernames will be gone)
* Go to the Registry tab and Scan for Issues
{*]After its finished scanning click>Fix selected issues...>Fix All Selected Issues>Ok. Continue this process until scanning brings about no issues.


3. Bootvis.exe(only for windows)

* Download bootvis.exe(from google)
* Install bootvis.exe
* In the toolbar go to Trace>Optimize System. The system will reboot after 10 seconds.

Bootvis.exe is no longer available from Microsoft for general users.

It was never intended for use by general users and is unlikely to provide any performance or startup benefit to the user. It is a competent tool and remains available from some third-party download sites (be careful what you sign up for)

For general and specific help with your Windows machine, have a look at our Windows Made Easy topics, here:
http://forums.whatthetech.com/Tech_Tips_f89.html
And feel free to post any specific questions into our Forums.

For "slow" symptoms that are unrelated to malware infection you will surely benefit by reading the posts in my signature lines below, or just use the links here:
http://forums.whatthetech.com/Help_My_comp...low_t74560.html
http://www.malwareremoval.com/tutorials/runningslowly.php

Best Regards