10 replies to this topic

[bluesnapper]

Slow connection and slow display of pages. Help needed!

*****************************************************************************

Logfile of Trend Micro HijackThis v2.0.2
Scan saved at 17:08:11, on 03/11/2009
Platform: Windows XP SP3 (WinNT 5.01.2600)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v8.00 (8.00.6001.18702)
Boot mode: Normal

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\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\AVG\AVG9\avgchsvx.exe
C:\Program Files\AVG\AVG9\avgrsx.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\Program Files\AVG\AVG9\avgcsrvx.exe
C:\Program Files\AVG\AVG9\avgwdsvc.exe
C:\Program Files\Windows Live\Family Safety\fsssvc.exe
C:\Program Files\Java\jre6\bin\jqs.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\nvsvc32.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\UPHClean\uphclean.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\SearchIndexer.exe
C:\Program Files\AVG\AVG9\avgam.exe
C:\Program Files\AVG\AVG9\avgnsx.exe
C:\Program Files\AVG\AVG9\avgemc.exe
C:\Program Files\AVG\AVG9\avgcsrvx.exe
C:\Program Files\AVG\AVG9\avgcsrvx.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\RTHDCPL.EXE
C:\Program Files\BillP Studios\WinPatrol\winpatrol.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\RUNDLL32.EXE
C:\PROGRA~1\AVG\AVG9\avgtray.exe
C:\Program Files\LivingEarthDesktop\Living-Earth-Desktop.exe
C:\Program Files\Spybot - Search & Destroy\TeaTimer.exe
C:\Program Files\SpywareGuard\sgmain.exe
C:\Program Files\SpywareGuard\sgbhp.exe
C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe
C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe
C:\Program Files\Opera\opera.exe
C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe
C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe
C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe
C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\SearchProtocolHost.exe
C:\Program Files\Trend Micro\HijackThis\HijackThis.exe

R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Bar = http://uk.red.client...fo/bt_side.html
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page = http://go.microsoft....k/?LinkId=54896
R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://bt.yahoo.com/
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL = http://go.microsoft....k/?LinkId=69157
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Search_URL = http://go.microsoft....k/?LinkId=54896
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Bar = http://uk.red.client...fo/bt_side.html
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page = http://go.microsoft....k/?LinkId=54896
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://go.microsoft....k/?LinkId=69157
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Connection Wizard,ShellNext = http://bt.yahoo.com/
R3 - URLSearchHook: (no name) - CFBFAE00-17A6-11D0-99CB-00C04FD64497} - (no file)
R3 - URLSearchHook: (no name) - EF99BD32-C1FB-11D2-892F-0090271D4F88} - (no file)
R3 - URLSearchHook: (no name) - E312764E-7706-43F1-8DAB-FCDD2B1E416D} - (no file)
O2 - BHO: Yahoo! Toolbar Helper - {02478D38-C3F9-4EFB-9B51-7695ECA05670} - (no file)
O2 - BHO: AcroIEHelperStub - {18DF081C-E8AD-4283-A596-FA578C2EBDC3} - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe\Acrobat\ActiveX\AcroIEHelperShim.dll
O2 - BHO: RealPlayer Download and Record Plugin for Internet Explorer - {3049C3E9-B461-4BC5-8870-4C09146192CA} - C:\Program Files\Real\RealPlayer\rpbrowserrecordplugin.dll
O2 - BHO: WormRadar.com IESiteBlocker.NavFilter - {3CA2F312-6F6E-4B53-A66E-4E65E497C8C0} - C:\Program Files\AVG\AVG9\avgssie.dll
O2 - BHO: SpywareGuard Download Protection - {4A368E80-174F-4872-96B5-0B27DDD11DB2} - C:\Program Files\SpywareGuard\dlprotect.dll
O2 - BHO: Windows Live Family Safety Browser Helper - {4f3ed5cd-0726-42a9-87f5-d13f3d2976ac} - C:\Program Files\Windows Live\Family Safety\fssbho.dll
O2 - BHO: Spybot-S&D IE Protection - {53707962-6F74-2D53-2644-206D7942484F} - C:\PROGRA~1\SPYBOT~1\SDHelper.dll
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {5C255C8A-E604-49b4-9D64-90988571CECB} - (no file)
O2 - BHO: Search Helper - {6EBF7485-159F-4bff-A14F-B9E3AAC4465B} - C:\Program Files\Microsoft\Search Enhancement Pack\Search Helper\SEPsearchhelperie.dll
O2 - BHO: Windows Live ID Sign-in Helper - {9030D464-4C02-4ABF-8ECC-5164760863C6} - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\Windows Live\WindowsLiveLogin.dll
O2 - BHO: Java™ Plug-In 2 SSV Helper - {DBC80044-A445-435b-BC74-9C25C1C588A9} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre6\bin\jp2ssv.dll
O2 - BHO: Windows Live Toolbar Helper - {E15A8DC0-8516-42A1-81EA-DC94EC1ACF10} - C:\Program Files\Windows Live\Toolbar\wltcore.dll
O2 - BHO: JQSIEStartDetectorImpl - {E7E6F031-17CE-4C07-BC86-EABFE594F69C} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre6\lib\deploy\jqs\ie\jqs_plugin.dll
O3 - Toolbar: &Windows Live Toolbar - {21FA44EF-376D-4D53-9B0F-8A89D3229068} - C:\Program Files\Windows Live\Toolbar\wltcore.dll
O3 - Toolbar: (no name) - {CCC7A320-B3CA-4199-B1A6-9F516DD69829} - (no file)
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NvCplDaemon] RUNDLL32.EXE C:\WINDOWS\system32\NvCpl.dll,NvStartup
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [nwiz] nwiz.exe /install
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [RTHDCPL] RTHDCPL.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [WinPatrol] C:\Program Files\BillP Studios\WinPatrol\winpatrol.exe -expressboot
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NvMediaCenter] RUNDLL32.EXE C:\WINDOWS\system32\NvMcTray.dll,NvTaskbarInit
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AVG9_TRAY] C:\PROGRA~1\AVG\AVG9\avgtray.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [GGWallpaper] C:\Program Files\LivingEarthDesktop\Living-Earth-Desktop.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [SpybotSD TeaTimer] C:\Program Files\Spybot - Search & Destroy\TeaTimer.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [Google Update] "C:\Documents and Settings\David\Local Settings\Application Data\Google\Update\GoogleUpdate.exe" /c
O4 - HKUS\S-1-5-19\..\Run: [CTFMON.EXE] C:\WINDOWS\system32\CTFMON.EXE (User 'LOCAL SERVICE')
O4 - HKUS\S-1-5-20\..\Run: [CTFMON.EXE] C:\WINDOWS\system32\CTFMON.EXE (User 'NETWORK SERVICE')
O4 - HKUS\S-1-5-18\..\Run: [CTFMON.EXE] C:\WINDOWS\system32\CTFMON.EXE (User 'SYSTEM')
O4 - HKUS\.DEFAULT\..\Run: [CTFMON.EXE] C:\WINDOWS\system32\CTFMON.EXE (User 'Default user')
O4 - Startup: SpywareGuard.lnk = C:\Program Files\SpywareGuard\sgmain.exe
O8 - Extra context menu item: Add to Windows &Live Favorites - http://favorites.liv...m/quickadd.aspx
O8 - Extra context menu item: E&xport to Microsoft Excel - res://C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~3\Office12\EXCEL.EXE/3000
O9 - Extra button: Blog This - {219C3416-8CB2-491a-A3C7-D9FCDDC9D600} - C:\Program Files\Windows Live\Writer\WriterBrowserExtension.dll
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: &Blog This in Windows Live Writer - {219C3416-8CB2-491a-A3C7-D9FCDDC9D600} - C:\Program Files\Windows Live\Writer\WriterBrowserExtension.dll
O9 - Extra button: Send to OneNote - {2670000A-7350-4f3c-8081-5663EE0C6C49} - C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~3\Office12\ONBttnIE.dll
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: S&end to OneNote - {2670000A-7350-4f3c-8081-5663EE0C6C49} - C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~3\Office12\ONBttnIE.dll
O9 - Extra button: Research - {92780B25-18CC-41C8-B9BE-3C9C571A8263} - C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~3\Office12\REFIEBAR.DLL
O9 - Extra button: PPLive - {95B3F550-91C4-4627-BCC4-521288C52977} - C:\Program Files\PPLive\PPLive.exe
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: PPLive - {95B3F550-91C4-4627-BCC4-521288C52977} - C:\Program Files\PPLive\PPLive.exe
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {DFB852A3-47F8-48C4-A200-58CAB36FD2A2} - C:\PROGRA~1\SPYBOT~1\SDHelper.dll
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Spybot - Search & Destroy Configuration - {DFB852A3-47F8-48C4-A200-58CAB36FD2A2} - C:\PROGRA~1\SPYBOT~1\SDHelper.dll
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {e2e2dd38-d088-4134-82b7-f2ba38496583} - C:\WINDOWS\Network Diagnostic\xpnetdiag.exe
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: @xpsp3res.dll,-20001 - {e2e2dd38-d088-4134-82b7-f2ba38496583} - C:\WINDOWS\Network Diagnostic\xpnetdiag.exe
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: {0D41B8C5-2599-4893-8183-00195EC8D5F9} (asusTek_sysctrl Class) - http://support.asus....ek_sys_ctrl.cab
O16 - DPF: {30528230-99f7-4bb4-88d8-fa1d4f56a2ab} (Installation Support) - C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Common\Yinsthelper.dll
O16 - DPF: {56762DEC-6B0D-4AB4-A8AD-989993B5D08B} (OnlineScanner Control) - http://www.eset.eu/OnlineScanner.cab
O16 - DPF: {6E32070A-766D-4EE6-879C-DC1FA91D2FC3} (MUWebControl Class) - http://update.micros...b?1221776881031
O17 - HKLM\System\CCS\Services\Tcpip\..\{3017076E-1C85-4B55-BD1C-8B7F16C0F2FD}: NameServer = 208.67.222.222,208.67.220.220
O18 - Protocol: linkscanner - {F274614C-63F8-47D5-A4D1-FBDDE494F8D1} - C:\Program Files\AVG\AVG9\avgpp.dll
O20 - Winlogon Notify: avgrsstarter - C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\avgrsstx.dll
O23 - Service: AVG E-mail Scanner (avg9emc) - AVG Technologies CZ, s.r.o. - C:\Program Files\AVG\AVG9\avgemc.exe
O23 - Service: AVG WatchDog (avg9wd) - AVG Technologies CZ, s.r.o. - C:\Program Files\AVG\AVG9\avgwdsvc.exe
O23 - Service: Google Update Service (gupdate1c9b1f53ab84fd2) (gupdate1c9b1f53ab84fd2) - Google Inc. - C:\Program Files\Google\Update\GoogleUpdate.exe
O23 - Service: iPod Service - Apple Inc. - C:\Program Files\iPod\bin\iPodService.exe
O23 - Service: Java Quick Starter (JavaQuickStarterService) - Sun Microsystems, Inc. - C:\Program Files\Java\jre6\bin\jqs.exe
O23 - Service: NVIDIA Display Driver Service (NVSvc) - NVIDIA Corporation - C:\WINDOWS\system32\nvsvc32.exe
O23 - Service: Pml Driver HPZ12 - HP - C:\WINDOWS\system32\HPZipm12.exe
O23 - Service: ProtexisLicensing - Unknown owner - C:\WINDOWS\system32\PSIService.exe

--
End of file - 9976 bytes

[CatByte]

Please do the following:

Please download DDS from either of these links

LINK 1
LINK 2

and save it to your desktop.

• Disable any script blocking protection
• Double click dds.pif to run the tool.
• When done, two DDS.txt's will open.
• Save both reports to your desktop.

---------------------------------------------------
Please include the contents of the following in your next reply:

DDS.txt
Attach.txt.


NEXT



Download GMER Rootkit Scanner from here or here.

• Extract the contents of the zipped file to desktop.
• Double click GMER.exe. If asked to allow gmer.sys driver to load, please consent .
• If it gives you a warning about rootkit activity and asks if you want to run scan...click on NO.
  
  
  Click the image to enlarge it
  
• In the right panel, you will see several boxes that have been checked. Uncheck the following ...
  • Sections
  • IAT/EAT
  • Drives/Partition other than Systemdrive (typically C:\)
  • Show All (don't miss this one)
• Then click the Scan button & wait for it to finish.
• Once done click on the [Save..] button, and in the File name area, type in "Gmer.txt" or it will save as a .log file which cannot be uploaded to your post.
  
• Save it where you can easily find it, such as your desktop, and post it in your next reply.

**Caution**
Rootkit scans often produce false positives. Do NOT take any action on any "<--- ROOKIT" entries

[bluesnapper]

Here are the three files.

Attached Files

•  DDS.txt   15.51KB   341 downloads
•  Attach.txt   17KB   329 downloads
•  Gmer.txt   3.34KB   261 downloads

[CatByte]

Hi,

Please do the following:

Download TFC to your desktop

• Close any open windows.
• Double click the TFC icon to run the program
• TFC will close all open programs itself in order to run,
• Click the Start button to begin the process.
• Allow TFC to run uninterrupted.
• The program should not take long to finish it's job
• Once its finished it should automatically reboot your machine,
• if it doesn't, manually reboot to ensure a complete clean

It's normal after running TFC cleaner that the PC will be slower to boot the first time.

NEXT

• Please open your MalwareBytes AntiMalware Program
• Click the Update Tab and search for updates
• If an update is found, it will download and install the latest version.
• Once the program has loaded, select "Perform Quick Scan", then click Scan.
• The scan may take some time to finish, so please be patient.
• When the scan is complete, click OK, then Show Results to view the results.
• Make sure that everything is checked, and click Remove Selected. <-- very important
• When disinfection is completed, a log will open in Notepad and you may be prompted to Restart. (See Extra Note)
• The log is automatically saved by MBAM and can be viewed by clicking the Logs tab in MBAM.
• Copy&Paste the entire report in your next reply.

Extra Note:If MBAM encounters a file that is difficult to remove, you will be presented with 1 of 2 prompts, click OK to either and let MBAM proceed with the disinfection process, if asked to restart the computer, please do so immediately.


NEXT

Run an on-line scan with Kaspersky

Using Internet Explorer or Firefox, visit Kaspersky On-line Scanner

1. Click Accept, when prompted to download and install the program files and database of malware definitions.
2. To optimize scanning time and produce a more sensible report for review:

• Close any open programs
• Turn off the real time scanner of any existing antivirus program while performing the online scan

3. Click Run at the Security prompt.
The program will then begin downloading and installing and will also update the database.
Please be patient as this can take several minutes.

• Once the update is complete, click on My Computer under the green Scan bar to the left to start the scan.
• Once the scan is complete, it will display if your system has been infected. It does not provide an option to clean/disinfect. We only require a report from it.
• Do NOT be alarmed by what you see in the report. Many of the finds have likely been quarantined.
• Click View scan report at the bottom.
  
  
  
• Click the Save as Text button to save the file to your desktop so that you may post it in your next reply

In your next reply please include

• MBAM Log
• Kaspersky report

[bluesnapper]

The two reports: Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware 1.41 Database version: 3130 Windows 5.1.2600 Service Pack 3 08/11/2009 21:41:24 mbam-log-2009-11-08 (21-41-24).txt Scan type: Full Scan (A:\|C:\|D:\|E:\|) Objects scanned: 247106 Time elapsed: 47 minute(s), 32 second(s) Memory Processes Infected: 0 Memory Modules Infected: 0 Registry Keys Infected: 0 Registry Values Infected: 0 Registry Data Items Infected: 0 Folders Infected: 0 Files Infected: 0 Memory Processes Infected: (No malicious items detected) Memory Modules Infected: (No malicious items detected) Registry Keys Infected: (No malicious items detected) Registry Values Infected: (No malicious items detected) Registry Data Items Infected: (No malicious items detected) Folders Infected: (No malicious items detected) Files Infected: (No malicious items detected)

Attached Files

•  Kaspersky_report.txt   845bytes   171 downloads

[CatByte]

Hi,

Please do the following:

First make sure you disable teatimer before applying this fix:


Disable the TeaTimer, leave it disabled, do not turn it back on until we're done or it will prevent fixes from taking

• Run Spybot-S&D in Advanced Mode.
• If it is not already set to do this Go to the Mode menu select "Advanced Mode"
• On the left hand side, Click on Tools
• Then click on the Resident Icon in the List
• Uncheck "Resident TeaTimer" and OK any prompts.
• Restart your computer.<--You need to do this for it to take effect

NEXT

• Open HiJackThis
• Click on Do a system scan only
• Check the boxes next to ONLY the entries listed below (if still present):

R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Bar = http://uk.red.client...fo/bt_side.html
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Bar = http://uk.red.client...fo/bt_side.html
R3 - URLSearchHook: (no name) - CFBFAE00-17A6-11D0-99CB-00C04FD64497} - (no file)
R3 - URLSearchHook: (no name) - EF99BD32-C1FB-11D2-892F-0090271D4F88} - (no file)
R3 - URLSearchHook: (no name) - E312764E-7706-43F1-8DAB-FCDD2B1E416D} - (no file)
O2 - BHO: Yahoo! Toolbar Helper - {02478D38-C3F9-4EFB-9B51-7695ECA05670} - (no file)
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {5C255C8A-E604-49b4-9D64-90988571CECB} - (no file)
O3 - Toolbar: (no name) - {CCC7A320-B3CA-4199-B1A6-9F516DD69829} - (no file)

• Close all windows except Hijackthis and click Fix Checked
• Click Yes when prompted
• Close HijackThis.

NEXT

Re-enable teatimer, then do the following:


Download and run Auslogics Disc Defragmenter


Also, please advise how your computer is running now and if there are any outstanding issues.

[bluesnapper]

All is well so far and browser pages are displaying faster than before. A few questions if I may. I have AVG (v9), WinPatrol (free), Spyware Guard (free), SpyBot (free), Spyware Blaster (free) and Malbytes AntMalaware all on my PC. Do any of them conflict? Are any of them useless and contribute next to nothing? Do you recommend any other program to protect my PC?

[CatByte]

Hi,

Those are good programs to have, although you may find winpatrol and spyware guard are both not necessary, so uninstall one (your preference)

The only other thing you may wish to consider is a firewall.


Give one a try.

Four excellent free firewalls are:
Outpost Firewall Free
Comodo
Sunbelt Kerio
Sygate
NOTE: DO NOT install more than one firewall.

Note: If you choose Comodo - Please be careful with the installation of the Comodo program, it comes bundled with an adware toolbar which you need to de-select when you are going through the installation process. It's not a malicious program, but it may be a privacy risk and I don't think you want it on your system.


NEXT

Delete the DDS and GMER folders from your desktop.


NEXT


Your Java is out of date. Older versions have vulnerabilities that malware can use to infect your system.
Please follow these steps to remove older version Java components and update.

• Download the latest version of Java Runtime Environment (JRE) 6 and save it to your desktop.
  
• Scroll down to where it says "Java SE Runtime Environment (JRE) 6 Update 17. The Java SE Runtime Environment (JRE) allows end-users to run Java applications."
• Click the "Download" button to the right.
• Select the Windows platform from the dropdown menu.
• Read the License Agreement and then check the box that says: " I agree to the Java SE Runtime Environment 6 with JavaFX License Agreement". Click on Continue.The page will refresh.
• Click on the link to download Windows Offline Installation and save the file to your desktop.
• Close any programs you may have running - especially your web browser.

• Now go to Start > Settings > Control Panel, double-click on Add/Remove Programs and remove all older versions of Java.
• Check (highlight) any item with Java Runtime Environment (JRE or J2SE or Java™ 6) in the name.
• Click the Remove or Change/Remove button.
• Repeat as many times as necessary to remove each Java version.
• Reboot your computer once all Java components are removed.
• Then from your desktop double-click on jre-6u17-windows-i586-p.exe to install the newest version.

• After the install is complete, go into the Control Panel (using Classic View) and double-click the Java Icon. (looks like a coffee cup)
  • On the General tab, under Temporary Internet Files, click the Settings button.
  • Next, click on the Delete Files button
  • There are two options in the window to clear the cache - Leave BOTH CheckedApplications and AppletsTrace and Log Files
• Click OK on Delete Temporary Files Window
  
  Note: This deletes ALL the Downloaded Applications and Applets from the CACHE.
• Click OK to leave the Temporary Files Window
• Click OK to leave the Java Control Panel.

NEXT

Now we need to create a new clean SYSTEM RESTORE point.

• Close and save any documents that you may have open.
• Open up the Start Menu and right-click on "Computer", and then select "Properties"
• This will take you into the System area of Control Panel. Click on the "Advanced system settings" on the left hand side.
• Now select the "System Protection" tab to get to the System Restore section.
• Click the "Create" button to create a new restore point. You'll be prompted for a name, and you might want to give it a useful name that you'll be able to easily identify later.
• Click the Create button, and then the system will create the restore point.
• When it's all finished, you'll get a message saying it's completed successfully.
• You will now have a new restore point

Then remove all previous Restore Points

• Click Start Menu > Run > copy and paste
• cleanmgr into the run box
• At the top, click on the More Options tab, under System Restore and Shadow Copies group,
• Click the Clean up button,
• Vista will ask you if you’re sure, click on Yes button.
• When finished, click on Cancel button to exit.

NEXT

Below I have included a number of recommendations for how to protect your computer against malware infections.

• It is good security practice to change your passwords to all your online accounts on a fairly regular basis, this is especially true after an infection. Refer to this Microsoft article
  Strong passwords: How to create and use them
  Then consider a password keeper, to keep all your passwords safe.
  
• Keep Windows updated by regularly checking their website at :
  http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com/
  This will ensure your computer has always the latest security updates available installed on your computer.
  
  
• Make Internet Explorer more secure
  
  • Click Start > Run
  • Type Inetcpl.cpl & click OK
  • Click on the Security tab
  • Click Reset all zones to default level
  • Make sure the Internet Zone is selected & Click Custom level
  • In the ActiveX section, set the first two options ("Download signed and unsigned ActiveX controls) to "Prompt", and ("Initialize and Script ActiveX controls not marked as safe") to "Disable".
  • Next Click OK, then Apply button and then OK to exit the Internet Properties page.
• ATF Cleaner - Cleans temporary files from IE and Windows, empties the recycle bin and more. Great tool to help speed up your computer and knock out those nasties that like to reside in the temp folders.
  
  
  WOT, Web of Trust, warns you about risky websites that try to scam visitors, deliver malware or send spam. Protect your computer against online threats by using WOT as your front-line layer of protection when browsing or searching in unfamiliar territory. WOT's color-coded icons show you ratings for 21 million websites, helping you avoid the dangerous sites:
  • Green to go
  • Yellow for caution
  • Red to stop
  WOT has an addon available for both Firefox, IE and chrome.
  
  
• For Firefox, I highly recommend this add-on to keep your PC even more secure.
  
  • NoScript - for blocking ads and other potential website attacks
• Keep a backup of your important files - Now, more than ever, it's especially important to protect your digital files and memories. This article is full of good information on alternatives for home backup solutions.
  
• ERUNT (Emergency Recovery Utility NT) allows you to keep a complete backup of your registry and restore it when needed. The standard registry backup options that come with Windows back up most of the registry but not all of it. ERUNT however creates a complete backup set, including the Security hive and user related sections. ERUNT is easy to use and since it creates a full backup, there are no options or choices other than to select the location of the backup files. The backup set includes a small executable that will launch the registry restore if needed.
  
• In light of your recent issue, I'm sure you'd like to avoid any future infections. Please take a look at these well written articles:
  Think Prevention.
  PC Safety and Security--What Do I Need?.

**Be very wary with any security software that is advertised in popups or in other ways. They are not only usually of no use, but often have malware in them.


Thank you for your patience, and performing all of the procedures requested.

Please respond one last time so we can consider the thread resolved and close it, thank-you.

[bluesnapper]

Thanks for you help. I have XP on my PC, not Vista, but I managed to follow your instructions though. I was under the impression that AVG had a Firewall in it but on closer inspection I find that Windows Firewall is running on my PC. I take it from the above you do not like Windows Firewall. One last thing, trying to find out a solution for this problem of a slow browser I came across this, ipconfig /displaydns, using the cmd prompt. I tried that command and up popped websites addresses that are unrecognizeable to me, how do I get rid of those that I do not recognize?

[CatByte]

Hi, Clear your browser cache Open FireFox, go to Tools -> Options -> Advanced -> Network / Offline Storage -> Clear Now Windows Firewall has some limitations, a third party firewall is preferable.

[CatByte]

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