What the Tech?! Free tech support Archive
This is a read-only archive. No new posts or registrations. Privacy Page
Spyware / Malware / Virus Removal

Newbie

6 min read

This thread's last reply is from . Advice, software, and links below may be out of date — treat specific steps and download links with caution.

Looking for the outcome? Ask AI

Post #1
They say you always remember your first. This is my first attempt at anything like this so please aid if possible. Novice computer guy with a hijacked homepage. How do I get some help please? Bazooka shows CoolWebSearch.cpan on my system but I can't get it off. Thanks.
Post #4
Let's have a look at a HijackThis Log.

Please download this self extracting file to your My Downloads folder or My Received Files (dependent on your Operating System):

http://www.merijn.org/files/hijackthis_sfx.exe

Click the "Save" button.

Navigate to My Documents>Chose My Downloads or My Received Files folder once inside that folder click "Save".

Now go to the folder you saved HijackThis_sfx.exe in.

Double click HijackThis_sfx.exe and select Unzip. When done click "OK".
Close the WinZip self Extractor window.

Navigate to C:\Program Files\HijackThis and double click HijackThis.exe. Click "Do a system scan and save a logfile"

Click that, save the log, Ctrl-A to Select All, and paste Ctrl-V its contents here [Add Reply].
Post #5
Hope you are still around to help. Untimely family matters have kept me from getting to my PC the last few days. Hope to be able to run logs in about 6 hours from now. Still available to help?
Post #6
Ran Spybot with nothing found, ran adaware & cleared out same 21 items it always does after I get off the net. Thanks. Log as follows:


Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.0
Scan saved at 9:55:14 PM, on 12/21/04
Platform: Windows 98 SE (Win9x 4.10.2222A)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v5.50 SP1 (5.50.4522.1800)

Running processes:
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\KERNEL32.DLL
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\MSGSRV32.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\MPREXE.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\mmtask.tsk
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\ZONELABS\VSMON.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\EXPLORER.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\RNAAPP.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\SYSTRAY.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\TAPISRV.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\USBMMKBD.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\NETROPA\ONE-TOUCH MULTIMEDIA KEYBOARD\MMKEYBD.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\ZONE LABS\ZONEALARM\ZLCLIENT.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\GRISOFT\AVG FREE\AVGCC.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\GRISOFT\AVG FREE\AVGAMSVR.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\RunDLL.exe
C:\PROGRAM FILES\FINEPIXVIEWER\QUICKDCF.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\NETROPA\ONE-TOUCH MULTIMEDIA KEYBOARD\KEYBDMGR.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\NETROPA\ONSCREEN DISPLAY\OSD.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\NETROPA\ONE-TOUCH MULTIMEDIA KEYBOARD\MMUSBKB2.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\WMIEXE.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\DESKTOP\HIJACKTHIS.EXE

R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL = about:blank
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Search_URL = about:blank
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Search,CustomizeSearch = about:blank
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\SearchURL,(Default) = about:blank
F1 - win.ini: run=fntldr.exe
O2 - BHO: YBIOCtrl Class - {004A5840-FF59-11d2-B50D-0090271D3FD4} - (no file)
O2 - BHO: AcroIEHlprObj Class - {06849E9F-C8D7-4D59-B87D-784B7D6BE0B3} - C:\PROGRAM FILES\ADOBE\ACROBAT 5.0\READER\ACTIVEX\ACROIEHELPER.OCX
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {53707962-6F74-2D53-2644-206D7942484F} - C:\Program Files\Spybot - Search & Destroy\SDHelper.dll
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {4458A497-55AB-430C-A5EC-D0909CB37323} - C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\NJJ.DLL
O3 - Toolbar: @msdxmLC.dll,-1@1033,&Radio - {8E718888-423F-11D2-876E-00A0C9082467} - C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\MSDXM.OCX
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ScanRegistry] c:\windows\scanregw.exe /autorun
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SystemTray] SysTray.Exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [USBMMKBD] usbmmkbd.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Keyboard Manager] C:\Program Files\Netropa\One-touch Multimedia Keyboard\MMKeybd.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [QuickTime Task] "C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\QTTASK.EXE" -atboottime
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [mdac_runonce] C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\runonce.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [REGSHAVE] C:\Program Files\REGSHAVE\REGSHAVE.EXE /AUTORUN
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Zone Labs Client] "C:\Program Files\Zone Labs\ZoneAlarm\zlclient.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AVG7_CC] C:\PROGRA~1\GRISOFT\AVGFRE~1\AVGCC.EXE /STARTUP
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AVG7_AMSVR] C:\PROGRA~1\GRISOFT\AVGFRE~1\AVGAMSVR.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\RunServices: [MiniLog] C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\ZONELABS\MINILOG.EXE -service
O4 - HKLM\..\RunServices: [TrueVector] C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\ZONELABS\VSMON.EXE -service
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [Taskbar Display Controls] RunDLL deskcp16.dll,QUICKRES_RUNDLLENTRY
O4 - Startup: Exif Launcher.lnk = C:\Program Files\FinePixViewer\QuickDCF.exe
O4 - Startup: PowerReg Scheduler V3.exe
O9 - Extra button: RealGuide - {CD67F990-D8E9-11d2-98FE-00C0F0318AFE} - C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\Shdocvw.dll
O16 - DPF: {08464310-9825-11D2-BFA5-00A0C9AAFC5D} (iecru Class) - http://intelweboutfitter.com/scripts-cie/icvu/icvu.cab
O16 - DPF: {9A9307A0-7DA4-4DAF-B042-5009F29E09E1} (ActiveScan Installer Class) - http://www.pandasoftware.com/activescan/as/asinst.cab
O16 - DPF: {F281A59C-7B65-11D3-8617-0010830243BD} (AcPreview Control) - file://C:\Program Files\AutoCAD 2002\AcPreview.ocx
O16 - DPF: {78AF2F24-A9C3-11D3-BF8C-0060B0FCC122} (AcDcToday Control) - file://C:\Program Files\AutoCAD 2002\AcDcToday.ocx
O16 - DPF: {AE563720-B4F5-11D4-A415-00108302FDFD} (NOXLATE-BANR) - file://C:\Program Files\AutoCAD 2002\InstBanr.ocx
O16 - DPF: {C6637286-300D-11D4-AE0A-0010830243BD} (InstaFred) - file://C:\Program Files\AutoCAD 2002\InstFred.ocx
O16 - DPF: {74D05D43-3236-11D4-BDCD-00C04F9A3B61} (HouseCall Control) - http://a840.g.akamai.net/7/840/537/2004061…all/xscan53.cab
O16 - DPF: {A90A5822-F108-45AD-8482-9BC8B12DD539} (Crucial cpcScan) - http://www.crucial.com/controls/cpcScanner.cab
Post #7
Hi dtap14

Please copy the instructions to Notepad or preferably print them.
Make sure to work through the fixes exactly and in the exact order it is mentioned below. If there's anything that you don't understand, ask your question(s) before proceeding with the fixes. DO NOT have any open browsers when you are following the procedures below execept when that you need to have these instructions open while starting the download of programs.

How to Print the Instructions
[*]Click "Quote" in upper right corner of the posting you want. Two windows open.

[*]Right click in the lower window. Select "Select all" from the menu. Right click "Copy"

[*]Open "Wordpad" ("Start" > "All Programs" / "Programs" > "Accessories" > "Wordpad")

[*]Right click on the empty page and select "paste" in the menu that appears.

[*]Save the document as "11TC-1" in MyDocuments. If you need to save more posts save them as 11TS-2 etc.

[*]Go to MyDocuments and open "11TC-1"

[*]If you have a printer, printing it out will be helpful as it is important that you follow the instructions exactly and you will need to close this window to do some of the necessary steps.


You may have a "CoolWebSearh" (CWS) infection

Download the removal tool: CWShredder

Save it to its own folder. Run the program. Do not update it. Close the program.

Please download and run Ad-Aware SE & Spybot Search & Destroy Then follow the instructions in the links below to run the programs.

Spybot Tutorial

Ad-Aware Tutorial

Reboot after each Scan is finished to let the programs finish deleting what they found.


Now I would like you to do a virus scan at Panda free virus scan
Click "Scan your PC". In the Window that opens follow the instructions. Let Panda fix anything it finds.

The”a Squared” trojan Scanner has a free version. It is an onboard trojan scanner that is installed much like Spybot/AdAware but handles trojans. Nice to add to your armor if you wish.
Download free from “a Squared” (The download button is at the bottom of the page). Install it.
Run and activate your free version with a Squared and then select
Scan your computer for malware infections .
Then select any/all drives.
Finally Scan selected folders.

Configure your computer to show hidden files. If you don't know how to do it the instructions can be found here

Please do a search:
"Run "Start">"Search">"All Files and Folders"> enter "fntldr.exe" in "All or part of file name". Select "More advanced options". Check-mark "Search System Folders", "Search hidden files and folders", and "Search subfolders". Click "Search". Write down the complete path to the location of the file.

Next, Open HiJackThis and click "Do a System Scan Only". When the scan is finished check mark the items that are listed in bold below. If you can not find an item, that is OK. Just continue but inform me with your next post. Do not click fix until I tell you to do so:

R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL = about:blank
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Search_URL = about:blank
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Search,CustomizeSearch = about:blank
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\SearchURL,(Default) = about:blank
F1 - win.ini: run=fntldr.exe
O2 - BHO: YBIOCtrl Class - {004A5840-FF59-11d2-B50D-0090271D3FD4} - (no file)
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {4458A497-55AB-430C-A5EC-D0909CB37323} - C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\NJJ.DLL
O16 - DPF: {08464310-9825-11D2-BFA5-00A0C9AAFC5D} (iecru Class) - http://intelweboutfitter.com/scripts-cie/icvu/icvu.cab
After this, you may also want to check-mark the following entry.
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [QuickTime Task] "C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\QTTASK.EXE" -atboottime
It does not need to run at startup and by fixing it you can shorten boot-up time and free up resources. You will not harm your program by doing this and you will still be able to start it manually via the start-button. It is your choice, so you must deciede whether you want to get rid of it or not.
You have PowerReg Scheduler in your log.
O4 - Startup: PowerReg Scheduler V3.exe
This is a registration reminder that is used by a number of different companies. It is not needed and some people think that it reports back to the company about your computer, so I suggest fixing it.

Now close all programs and browsers that are running, even this one and then click the fix button…

Reboot…

After the reboot, delete the following file.

C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\NJJ.DLL

If you found fntldr.exe in c:/windows or c:/windows/system delete it as well. If you fond it anyware else inform me but do not delete it.

If you are unsure how to do delete a file here is an example of how to delete the file C:\WINDOWS\system32\xxxxxxx.dll
Click "Start", Double-click "My Computer". Same on "C:" drive. Same on "Windows" folder. Same on "system32" folder. Right click "xxxxxxxx.dll" Select delete. The file is deleted.
If it is folder you want to delete right click it and select delete.

Post a new HijackThis log to this topic.

If you are unsure this is how you do it.
Navigate to your HijackThis folder and double click HijackThis.exe. Click "Do a system scan and save a logfile". Click it, save the log, by pressing Ctrl and A simultaniously to select all. Paste (by pressing Ctrl-V) the log in the window that opens when you click on [Add Reply] in this topic.
Post #8
Elrond,
I already had CWShredder, but I uninstalled it, installed from your link, didn't update, ran it &fixed 2 CWS items. Also had to uninstall my Spybot, your link was not working, got one from download.com, installed, updated & configed as per the tutorial link, ran with no items found. Ran Ad-Aware(had up-to-date version), fixed about 25 entries,as usual. I added TrojanHunter to my machine the other day & removed a BlueBot.100 trojan, ran it again, nothing. Scared to go to Panda because in the past whenever I would go there, about:blank would show back up. Could not find "fntldr.exe" anymore. All of the R1 line in HJT this are no longer there as well. Fixed 02-BHO YBIOCtrl Class, 016 DPF intelweboutfitter, and 04 PowerReg scheduler. 02-BHO no name & F1 fntldr not there either. I removed 04 HKLM Quick time earlier. Also, could not find NJJ.DLL any more. Homepage is no longer at about:blank. New HJT file posted below. Looking promising, keeping fingers crossed. Thanks.

Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.0
Scan saved at 2:18:36 PM, on 12/25/04
Platform: Windows 98 SE (Win9x 4.10.2222A)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v5.50 SP1 (5.50.4522.1800)

Running processes:
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\KERNEL32.DLL
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\MSGSRV32.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\MPREXE.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\mmtask.tsk
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\ZONELABS\VSMON.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\EXPLORER.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\SYSTRAY.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\USBMMKBD.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\NETROPA\ONE-TOUCH MULTIMEDIA KEYBOARD\MMKEYBD.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\ZONE LABS\ZONEALARM\ZLCLIENT.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\GRISOFT\AVG FREE\AVGCC.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\GRISOFT\AVG FREE\AVGAMSVR.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\TROJANHUNTER 4.0\THGUARD.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\RunDLL.exe
C:\PROGRAM FILES\SPYBOT - SEARCH & DESTROY\TEATIMER.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\FINEPIXVIEWER\QUICKDCF.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\NETROPA\ONE-TOUCH MULTIMEDIA KEYBOARD\KEYBDMGR.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\NETROPA\ONSCREEN DISPLAY\OSD.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\WMIEXE.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\NETROPA\ONE-TOUCH MULTIMEDIA KEYBOARD\MMUSBKB2.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\RNAAPP.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\TAPISRV.EXE
C:\HJT\HIJACKTHIS.EXE

O2 - BHO: AcroIEHlprObj Class - {06849E9F-C8D7-4D59-B87D-784B7D6BE0B3} - C:\PROGRAM FILES\ADOBE\ACROBAT 5.0\READER\ACTIVEX\ACROIEHELPER.OCX
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {53707962-6F74-2D53-2644-206D7942484F} - C:\PROGRA~1\SPYBOT~1\SDHELPER.DLL
O3 - Toolbar: @msdxmLC.dll,-1@1033,&Radio - {8E718888-423F-11D2-876E-00A0C9082467} - C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\MSDXM.OCX
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ScanRegistry] c:\windows\scanregw.exe /autorun
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SystemTray] SysTray.Exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [USBMMKBD] usbmmkbd.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Keyboard Manager] C:\Program Files\Netropa\One-touch Multimedia Keyboard\MMKeybd.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [mdac_runonce] C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\runonce.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [REGSHAVE] C:\Program Files\REGSHAVE\REGSHAVE.EXE /AUTORUN
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Zone Labs Client] "C:\Program Files\Zone Labs\ZoneAlarm\zlclient.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AVG7_CC] C:\PROGRA~1\GRISOFT\AVGFRE~1\AVGCC.EXE /STARTUP
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AVG7_AMSVR] C:\PROGRA~1\GRISOFT\AVGFRE~1\AVGAMSVR.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [THGuard] "C:\PROGRAM FILES\TROJANHUNTER 4.0\THGUARD.EXE"
O4 - HKLM\..\RunServices: [MiniLog] C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\ZONELABS\MINILOG.EXE -service
O4 - HKLM\..\RunServices: [TrueVector] C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\ZONELABS\VSMON.EXE -service
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [Taskbar Display Controls] RunDLL deskcp16.dll,QUICKRES_RUNDLLENTRY
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [SpybotSD TeaTimer] C:\Program Files\Spybot - Search & Destroy\TeaTimer.exe
O4 - Startup: Exif Launcher.lnk = C:\Program Files\FinePixViewer\QuickDCF.exe
O9 - Extra button: RealGuide - {CD67F990-D8E9-11d2-98FE-00C0F0318AFE} - C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\Shdocvw.dll
O16 - DPF: {9A9307A0-7DA4-4DAF-B042-5009F29E09E1} (ActiveScan Installer Class) - http://www.pandasoftware.com/activescan/as/asinst.cab
O16 - DPF: {F281A59C-7B65-11D3-8617-0010830243BD} (AcPreview Control) - file://C:\Program Files\AutoCAD 2002\AcPreview.ocx
O16 - DPF: {78AF2F24-A9C3-11D3-BF8C-0060B0FCC122} (AcDcToday Control) - file://C:\Program Files\AutoCAD 2002\AcDcToday.ocx
O16 - DPF: {AE563720-B4F5-11D4-A415-00108302FDFD} (NOXLATE-BANR) - file://C:\Program Files\AutoCAD 2002\InstBanr.ocx
O16 - DPF: {C6637286-300D-11D4-AE0A-0010830243BD} (InstaFred) - file://C:\Program Files\AutoCAD 2002\InstFred.ocx
O16 - DPF: {74D05D43-3236-11D4-BDCD-00C04F9A3B61} (HouseCall Control) - http://a840.g.akamai.net/7/840/537/2004061…all/xscan53.cab
O16 - DPF: {A90A5822-F108-45AD-8482-9BC8B12DD539} (Crucial cpcScan) - http://www.crucial.com/controls/cpcScanner.cab
Post #9
Well done, your log looks clean.

Now that your computer is free of malware, I want you to take some precautions to avoid being re-infected.

Settings and maintenance

1. Clean out temporary files.
Go to "Start" > "Run" and type cleanmgr
Make sure the following are selected:
* Temporary Internet Files
* Recycle Bin
* Temporary Files
Click "OK'.
Repeat for each user account on the computer.
You should do this every few weeks to avoid buildup of unnecessary junk.

2. You reconfigured Windows to show hidden files and you should reset this to its original state useing the instructions from here except that
1. Under the "Hidden files and folders" heading put a mark for "Do not show hidden files and folders".
2. Uncheck "Display content of system folders"
3. Check the "Hide protected operating system files (recommended)" option.

3. Make your Internet Explorer more secure
This can be done by following these simple instructions that apply to all "Windows" except "Windows XP with SP2". In SP2 many of those setting are the default settings but check your settings anyhow. The settings can become restrictive but you should use them anyhow. If there are sites that will not show up right with those settings and that you rely on to be free of malware place them in the trusted zone.

1. Click "Start". Open "Control Panel".
2. Select the "Internet Options"
3. Select "Security" Tab and select the following settings.

* ActiveX controls and plug-ins
• Download signed ActiveX controls: Disable
• Download unsigned ActiveX controls: Disable
• Initialize and script ActiveX controls not marked as safe: Disable
• Run ActiveX controls and plug-ins: Disable
• Script ActiveX controls marked safe for scripting: Disable

* Downloads
• Font Download: Disable

* Microsoft VM
• Java permissions: Disable Java

* Miscellaneous
• Allow META REFRESH: Disable
• Display mixed content: Disable
• Drag and drop or copy and paste files: Disable
• Installation of desktop items: Disable
• Launching programs and files in an IFRAME: Disable
• Navigate sub-frames across different domains: Disable
• Software channel permissions: High Safety
• Userdata persistence: Disable

* Scripting
• Active scripting: Disable
• Allow paste operations via script: Disable
• Scripting of Java applets: Disable

* User Authentication
• Logon: Prompt for username and password
4. When all these settings have been made, click on the OK button.
5. If it prompts you as to whether or not you want to save the settings, press the Yes button.
6. Next press the Apply button and then the OK to exit the Internet Properties page.


These are a must to protect yourself from malware.
1. You have a good anti-virus.
KEEP IT UPDATED

2. You have a good firewall.
Be restrictive with access to the internet. If you are unsure if the program really needs the access, test it by denying the access and see if this has any negative effects. If not make the block permanent.

3. MOST IMPORTANT: You Need to keep “Windows” and "Internet Explorer” updated. Open ‘Internet Explorer” and go to”Start”> "Tools" > "Windows Update" or go to Microsoft Windows and Internet Explorer Updates to get the critical updates.

If you are running Microsoft Office, or any portion thereof you must keep it updated as well. Go to the Microsoft's Office Update site and make sure you have at least all the critical updates installed. Update MS Office here.

4. Download and install “SpywareBlaster”
Run it. Click "Updates" at the left and click "Check for Updates". After updating click "Protection" at the left and towards the bottom click "Enable All Protection". You should now be protected from all known bad ActiveX. You should occasionally check for updates.

5. Download and install "Spywareblocker"

Further tools

I highly recommend downloading and installing the newest versions of “AdAware SE Personal” and “Spybot Search and Destroy”
After installing remember to update the definition files for each program.
I also suggest that you visit this website and follow the instructions on how to configure both programs for best detection.

There are many other programs that will add extra layers of protection to your computer as well.
I recommend “IE-Spyad” By default, it is unzipped to "C:\ie-spyad". Find out how to install it by going to the "ReadMe.txt". You should occasionally get updates by using the bat file or by uninstalling and deleting the old files and returning to the site to get the new version.

A Trojan scanner would be also be helpful. You can download a trial version of “Trojan Hunter” and run it to remove any traces of trojans.

The”a Squared” trojan Scanner has a free version. It is an onboard trojan scanner that is installed much like Spybot/AdAware but handles trojans. Nice to add to your armor if you wish.
Download free from “a Squared” (The download button is at the bottom of the page). Install it.
Run and activate your free version with a Squared and then select
Scan your computer for malware infections .
Then select any/all drives.
Finally Scan selected folders.

It is worth while to take a look at "So how did I get infected in the first place? for some good advice.

Update all protective programs regularly - Without regular updates you WILL NOT be protected when new malicious programs are released.

Follow this list and your potential for being infected again will reduce dramatically.

Best of luck and clean computing in a Happy New Year
Elrond
Post #10
Elrond, Great! Thanks for your help. I can now feel OK about turning this machine over to my kids. I have a new PC still sitting in its box running Windows XP Pro. Any direction as to how to set it up before I plug into the net? Follow same guidelines you had in last post? Thanks again & HAPPY HOLIDAYS! dtap
Post #12
If you need this topic reopened, please request this by sending an email to us at the following link
(Click for address)
Include your post user name and detail why you need it reopened with a valid link to your post.
Any bad links or emails that are not from the original poster will be deleted without response.
Any emails without the subject "Reopen" will be deleted without being looked at.

If this is not your thread please start a New Topic.


To help keep you clean follow the recommendations in Tony's article here:
So how did I get infected in the first place?

Ask AI

AI can make mistakes. Check the cited posts. Archived advice can be out-of-date

Don't include personal information. Questions and selected public posts go to OpenAI. About Ask AI