slow running computer, malware suspected

I was in safe mode w networking and did use explorer. When I first accessed the account it offered to update me to explorer 8 (I think 8) Did I need to do that first? I will hold off trying the update again until you advise. I don't want to change mcafee right now, I have a subscription paid for until Feb. i would consider other options closer to then maybe. I don't know a whole lot about anti virus, but I know I don't much care for Norton. Between having pieces of it installed on my computer and once being billed for a couple hundred bucks on a credit card by that company for something I never heard of or ordered I do not care for them at all. I will do the hijackthis fix after dinner I hope….

I'm confused by the hijack this directions. How do I do a system scan only - Is that just hitting the "scan" button??

I'm sorry to have confused you. Yes - you are correct. In the latest version of HijackThis you only need to click on "Scan". The check the boxes next to the items I noted previously.. Please let me know if the fix helps the browser speed any. I will be back to you shortly with regard to the update and trying to get it to install.

Even better after the hijackthis! I'll reboot the modem tonight after work.

I'm glad you are seeing some improvement! I understand about wanting to wait on McAfee, especially since you've paid for it. When we are done, I'll give you some information you can hang onto and then you can consider other options (which are all free) when the time comes if you would like to.

Now, back to that update…… Updating to IE8 offers you the best browser security options in the long run, but it is not something you should have to do just to install the update that has been causing you problems.

Microsoft says:

Update 967715 may be reoffered if the HonorAutorunSetting registry setting is not added to the registry hive. This issue may occur if some other program that is installed on the computer blocks the update from writing the registry entry. Such software may block the update during the installation of the update or may remove the registry entry after the computer is restarted.

The following steps are slightly different than what we've tried, so let's give the "official" recommended steps a go and see if it works.

* Visit the Microsoft Download Web site for update 967715
* Download the file and then save it to the desktop.
* Install the update by double-clicking the downloaded file to install it.
* If you are prompted to restart the computer, do so.
* Visit the Windows Update or Microsoft Update Web site to determine whether the update is offered again. If you are offered the update again, continue to the next step.

Install the update in safe mode. Safe mode disables most running processes and services. These services include the Windows Update service. Installing an update in safe mode is a quick test to determine whether an application or process is interfering with the installation.

To install the update in safe mode, follow these steps:
* Restart the computer.
* As the computer starts, press the F8 key.
* Use the arrow keys to select Safe Mode, and then press ENTER.
* Double-click the file that you downloaded to install the file.
* When the installation is complete, restart the computer.
* Visit the Windows Update or Microsoft Update Web site to determine whether the update is offered again

Please let me know if following these steps helps you get the update installed.

So far I've done this…. The following steps are slightly different than what we've tried, so let's give the "official" recommended steps a go and see if it works. * Visit the Microsoft Download Web site for update 967715 * Download the file and then save it to the desktop. * Install the update by double-clicking the downloaded file to install it. * If you are prompted to restart the computer, do so. * Visit the Windows Update or Microsoft Update Web site to determine whether the update is offered again. If you are offered the update again, continue to the next step. After I restarted the update is still not installed. Computer is horribly slow since the restart. I'm concerned and wondering why…

Please reboot into safe mode and continue with the listed instructions for installing the downloaded file in safe mode. Please advise of the results.

IT worked that update finally installed in safe mode.

IT worked that update finally installed in safe mode.

I'm glad that update finally installed I'm not seeing any signs of malware on your machine at this point. Slowness can be caused by a variety of things - from hardware limitations to conflicts in programs. I would suggest that if you continue to experience slowness of the machine, you might want to post in the XP forums to help you look for possible causes.

It's obvoius that you work hard to keep your machine updated and fully protected. I know you've had some assistance in the forums here before, and I'm sure you've seen the recommendations for keeping your machine clean. I'll just touch on a couple of the most important things and give you some options for the future.

Additional Steps and Considerations:

If you decide you want to switch to a free anti-virus program at some point in the future, here are a few free options to keep in mind. If you want something that uses less resources you may want to try Microsoft Security Essentials.

Avira AntiVir
Avast!
AVG Anti-Virus (Free version available)
Microsoft Security Essentials

Or visit this link for a listing of some online online & stand-alone antivirus programs:
Virus, Spyware, and Malware Protection and Removal Resources

Right now McAfee is both your Anti-Virus and firewall. If you decide to change to something else, you'll want to also install a firewall.

Below are links to some free options:
Sunbelt Kerio OutPost
PC Tools Firewall Plus
Online Armor Free

After installing one of these, confirm your Windows Firewall is disabled by doing the following:

• Click Start, click Run, type Firewall.cpl, and then click OK.
• On the General tab, click Off (not recommended)
• Click OK.

For a tutorial on Firewalls and a listing of some other available ones see the link below:
Understanding and Using Firewalls

Update and Run Malwarebytes Anti-Malware
Update and scan your computer with this program on a regular basis just as you would an antivirus software in conjunction with SuperAntiSpyware.

Install SUPERAntiSpyware Home Edition (free edition)
You should also scan your computer with this program on a regular basis just as you would an antivirus software in conjunction with Malwarebytes.

Perform an online virus scan
Every so often, also perform an online virus scan.
AntiVirus scanners use databases which are not identical, and one may find malware that another does not.

Some online scanners:
TrendMicro HouseCall: http://uk.trendmicro-europe.com/consumer/h…call_launch.php
Panda ActiveScan: http://www.pandasoftware.com/products/activescan.htm
Kaspersky Online Scanner (using Internet Explorer): http://www.kaspersky.com/virusscanner
BitDefender: http://www.bitdefender.com/scan8/

To simplify making sure you have the latest version of many of your security programs and applications, you may want to consider:
Secunia's Personal Software Inspector (PSI). It is a free utility that scans your computer for installed applications and checks to see if they have the latest security patches and updates. If it finds any applications with possible security issues, links and/or instructions are provided for the necessariy updates.

Filehippo's Update Checker. It is free utilitiy that scan your computer for installed software, checks the versions and then sends this information to see if there are any newer releases. Available software updates are displayed and you can decide which ones to download and install. Among many other types of programs, they includes a number of the Anti-Spyware, Firewall/Security and Anti-Virus programs that have been recommended (though not all of them). Note: Definition files should be updated from within the programs themselves. The Update Checker look for newer versions of the software program, not definition files.

Update all these programs regularly
Make sure you update all the programs I have listed regularly. Without regular updates you WILL NOT be protected when new malicious programs are released.

Good luck and happy surfing!
Update all these programs regularly
Make sure you update all the programs I have listed regularly. Without regular updates you WILL NOT be protected when new malicious programs are released.

Good luck and happy surfing!

THanks much!! Sure am glad I didn't pay office depot to remove non existant malware. Take care.

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