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Critical Error Message-please Help

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Post #1
I am getting a message that there are now critical errors on the computer…….PLEASE HELP ME

Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.1
Scan saved at 18.45.17, on 26/02/2005
Platform: Windows XP SP2 (WinNT 5.01.2600)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v6.00 SP2 (6.00.2900.2180)

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:\Programmi\Sygate\SPF\smc.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\Programmi\Alwil Software\Avast4\aswUpdSv.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\Ati2evxx.exe
C:\Programmi\Alwil Software\Avast4\ashserv.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\dcfssvc.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\Programmi\ATI Technologies\ATI Control Panel\atiptaxx.exe
C:\Programmi\Alwil Software\Avast4\ashMaiSv.exe
C:\WINDOWS\SOINTGR.EXE
C:\KMaestro\KMaestro.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\carpserv.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spool\drivers\w32x86\3\hpztsb09.exe
C:\Programmi\QuickTime\qttask.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\GSICON.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\system32\dslagent.exe
C:\Programmi\Java\j2re1.4.2_05\bin\jusched.exe
C:\Programmi\Alwil Software\Avast4\ashDisp.exe
C:\Programmi\Java\j2re1.4.2_05\bin\jucheck.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\BILLPS~1\WINPAT~1\WinPatrol.exe
C:\Programmi\Microsoft IntelliType Pro\type32.exe
C:\Programmi\Microsoft IntelliPoint\point32.exe
C:\Programmi\HP\HP Software Update\HPWuSchd.exe
C:\Programmi\HP\hpcoretech\hpcmpmgr.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
C:\Programmi\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
C:\Documents and Settings\mark wasley\Desktop\framxpro\FreeRAM XP Pro 1.40.exe
C:\Programmi\Skype\Phone\Skype.exe
C:\Programmi\HP\Digital Imaging\bin\hpqtra08.exe
C:\Programmi\KODAK\Kodak EasyShare software\bin\EasyShare.exe
C:\Programmi\SpywareGuard\sgmain.exe
C:\Programmi\SpywareGuard\sgbhp.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\wuauclt.exe
C:\Programmi\File comuni\Real\Update_OB\realsched.exe
C:\Documents and Settings\mark wasley\Desktop\hijackthis-1.exe

R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page =
R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Toolbar,LinksFolderName = Collegamenti
R3 - Default URLSearchHook is missing
O2 - BHO: SpywareGuardDLBLOCK.CBrowserHelper - {4A368E80-174F-4872-96B5-0B27DDD11DB2} - C:\Programmi\SpywareGuard\dlprotect.dll
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {53707962-6F74-2D53-2644-206D7942484F} - C:\PROGRA~1\SPYBOT~1\SDHelper.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AtiPTA] C:\Programmi\ATI Technologies\ATI Control Panel\atiptaxx.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Cmaudio] RunDll32 cmicnfg.cpl,CMICtrlWnd
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SO5 Integrator Pass Two] C:\WINDOWS\SOINTGR.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [KeyMaestro] C:\KMaestro\KMaestro.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NeroCheck] C:\WINDOWS\System32\\NeroCheck.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [CARPService] carpserv.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Winamp] C:\windows\winamp.hta
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [HPDJ Taskbar Utility] C:\WINDOWS\system32\spool\drivers\w32x86\3\hpztsb09.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [QuickTime Task] "C:\Programmi\QuickTime\qttask.exe" -atboottime
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [GSICONEXE] GSICON.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [DSLAGENTEXE] dslagent.exe USB
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SunJavaUpdateSched] C:\Programmi\Java\j2re1.4.2_05\bin\jusched.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [avast!] C:\Programmi\Alwil Software\Avast4\ashDisp.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SmcService] C:\PROGRA~1\Sygate\SPF\smc.exe -startgui
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [TkBellExe] "C:\Programmi\File comuni\Real\Update_OB\realsched.exe" -osboot
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [WinPatrol] C:\PROGRA~1\BILLPS~1\WINPAT~1\WinPatrol.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [type32] "C:\Programmi\Microsoft IntelliType Pro\type32.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [IntelliPoint] "C:\Programmi\Microsoft IntelliPoint\point32.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [WordPerfect Office 1215] C:\Programmi\WordPerfect Office 12\Programs\Registration.exe /title="WordPerfect Office 12" /date=020805 serial=WS12WTX-9999998-UYR lang=EN
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [HP Software Update] "C:\Programmi\HP\HP Software Update\HPWuSchd.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [HP Component Manager] "C:\Programmi\HP\hpcoretech\hpcmpmgr.exe"
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [CTFMON.EXE] C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [Explorer] C:\WINDOWS\System32\shellexp.exe en
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [MSMSGS] "C:\Programmi\Messenger\msmsgs.exe" /background
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [FreeRAM XP] "C:\Documents and Settings\mark wasley\Desktop\framxpro\FreeRAM XP Pro 1.40.exe" -win
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [Skype] "C:\Programmi\Skype\Phone\Skype.exe" /nosplash /minimized
O4 - Startup: SpywareGuard.lnk = C:\Programmi\SpywareGuard\sgmain.exe
O4 - Global Startup: HP Digital Imaging Monitor.lnk = C:\Programmi\HP\Digital Imaging\bin\hpqtra08.exe
O4 - Global Startup: Kodak EasyShare software.lnk = C:\Programmi\KODAK\Kodak EasyShare software\bin\EasyShare.exe
O4 - Global Startup: Microsoft Office.lnk = C:\Programmi\Microsoft Office\Office10\OSA.EXE
O8 - Extra context menu item: E&sporta in Microsoft Excel - res://C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~2\Office10\EXCEL.EXE/3000
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\WINDOWS\System32\msjava.dll
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Sun Java Console - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\WINDOWS\System32\msjava.dll
O9 - Extra button: Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Programmi\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Windows Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Programmi\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
O16 - DPF: {10ABC6DB-E091-4EAE-98DD-21B5A2460714} (DetInstaller Class) - http://www.pandasoftware.es/avchecker/cont…s/AvDetInst.cab
O16 - DPF: {74D05D43-3236-11D4-BDCD-00C04F9A3B61} (HouseCall Control) - http://a840.g.akamai.net/7/840/537/2004061…all/xscan53.cab
O16 - DPF: {CE28D5D2-60CF-4C7D-9FE8-0F47A3308078} (ActiveDataInfo Class) - https://www-secure.symantec.com/techsupp/ac…ta/SymAData.dll
O16 - DPF: {E77C0D62-882A-456F-AD8F-7C6C9569B8C7} (ActiveDataObj Class) - https://www-secure.symantec.com/region/it/t…/ActiveData.cab
O17 - HKLM\System\CCS\Services\Tcpip\..\{F38EA2CE-9EC8-43B0-8ECC-E36D944E625D}: NameServer = 62.211.69.150 212.48.4.15
O23 - Service: Aluria Security Center Spyware Eliminator Service (ASCService) - Unknown owner - C:\Programmi\Aluria.exe (file missing)
O23 - Service: avast! iAVS4 Control Service (aswUpdSv) - Unknown owner - C:\Programmi\Alwil Software\Avast4\aswUpdSv.exe
O23 - Service: Ati HotKey Poller - Unknown owner - C:\WINDOWS\System32\Ati2evxx.exe
O23 - Service: ATI Smart - Unknown owner - C:\WINDOWS\system32\ati2sgag.exe
O23 - Service: avast! Antivirus - Unknown owner - C:\Programmi\Alwil Software\Avast4\ashserv.exe
O23 - Service: avast! Mail Scanner - Unknown owner - C:\Programmi\Alwil Software\Avast4\ashMaiSv.exe" /service (file missing)
O23 - Service: avast! Web Scanner - Unknown owner - C:\Programmi\Alwil Software\Avast4\ashWebSv.exe" /service (file missing)
O23 - Service: Dcfssvc - Eastman Kodak Company - C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\dcfssvc.exe
O23 - Service: Pml Driver HPZ12 - HP - C:\WINDOWS\system32\HPZipm12.exe
O23 - Service: Sygate Personal Firewall (SmcService) - Sygate Technologies, Inc. - C:\Programmi\Sygate\SPF\smc.exe
Post #2
hello markw, first make sure files are set to show: FOr XP: on the desktop double click my computer,go to tools>folder options>view> then select "show hidden files and folders", then UNcheck "hide protected operating system files " also UNcheck "hide extensions for known file types" click apply to all folders, apply then ok scan with HJT, put a checkmark beside the items below, close all windows and click fix checked O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Winamp] C:\windows\O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Winamp] C:\windows\winamp.hta O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [Explorer] C:\WINDOWS\System32\shellexp.exe en ——————————— now delete the two files: delete>>winamp.hta>>located here>>C:\windows delete>>shellexp.exe en>>located here>>C:\WINDOWS\System32 if you cant delete them then do this: reboot computer into safe mode by tapping the f8 key at start up, chose safe mode from the options, once in safe mode find and delete them ——————————— reboot normally, rescan with hjt post new log…………
Post #3

hello markw,


first make sure files are set to show:
FOr XP: on the desktop double click my computer,go to tools>folder options>view> then select "show hidden files and folders", then UNcheck "hide protected operating system files " also UNcheck "hide extensions for known file types" click apply to all folders, apply then ok

scan with HJT, put a checkmark beside the items below, close all windows and click fix checked

O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Winamp] C:\windows\O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Winamp] C:\windows\winamp.hta
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [Explorer] C:\WINDOWS\System32\shellexp.exe en
———————————
now delete the two files:
delete>>winamp.hta>>located here>>C:\windows
delete>>shellexp.exe en>>located here>>C:\WINDOWS\System32

if you cant delete them then do this:
reboot computer into safe mode by tapping the f8 key at start up, chose safe mode from the options, once in safe mode find and delete them
———————————
reboot normally, rescan with hjt post new log…………

135615


THANKS SHELF LIFE……I DID AS YOU INSTRUCTED BUT TO DELETE FILES,I COULD NOT FIND THE 2ND FILE: shellexp.exe.en…….I WENT TO C-DRIVE, WINDOWS, SYSTEM 32, BUT NO FILE???

ANY SUGGESTIONS??? DO I STILL DELETE THE FIRST FILE: winamp.hta ???

Please advise.
Post #5
Thanks Shelf Life;
All seems to be working well now.

Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.1
Scan saved at 11.06.59, on 28/02/2005
Platform: Windows XP SP2 (WinNT 5.01.2600)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v6.00 SP2 (6.00.2900.2180)

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:\Programmi\Sygate\SPF\smc.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\Programmi\Alwil Software\Avast4\aswUpdSv.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\Ati2evxx.exe
C:\Programmi\Alwil Software\Avast4\ashserv.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\dcfssvc.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\Programmi\Alwil Software\Avast4\ashMaiSv.exe
C:\Programmi\Alwil Software\Avast4\ashWebSv.exe
C:\Programmi\ATI Technologies\ATI Control Panel\atiptaxx.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\RunDll32.exe
C:\WINDOWS\SOINTGR.EXE
C:\KMaestro\KMaestro.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\carpserv.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spool\drivers\w32x86\3\hpztsb09.exe
C:\Programmi\QuickTime\qttask.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\GSICON.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\system32\dslagent.exe
C:\Programmi\Java\j2re1.4.2_05\bin\jusched.exe
C:\Programmi\Alwil Software\Avast4\ashDisp.exe
C:\Programmi\Java\j2re1.4.2_05\bin\jucheck.exe
C:\Programmi\File comuni\Real\Update_OB\realsched.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\BILLPS~1\WINPAT~1\WinPatrol.exe
C:\Programmi\Microsoft IntelliType Pro\type32.exe
C:\Programmi\Microsoft IntelliPoint\point32.exe
C:\Programmi\HP\HP Software Update\HPWuSchd.exe
C:\Programmi\HP\hpcoretech\hpcmpmgr.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
C:\Programmi\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
C:\Documents and Settings\mark wasley\Desktop\framxpro\FreeRAM XP Pro 1.40.exe
C:\Programmi\Skype\Phone\Skype.exe
C:\Programmi\HP\Digital Imaging\bin\hpqtra08.exe
C:\Programmi\KODAK\Kodak EasyShare software\bin\EasyShare.exe
C:\Programmi\SpywareGuard\sgmain.exe
C:\Programmi\SpywareGuard\sgbhp.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\wuauclt.exe
C:\Programmi\Mozilla Thunderbird\thunderbird.exe
C:\Documents and Settings\mark wasley\Desktop\hijackthis-1.exe

R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page =
R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Toolbar,LinksFolderName = Collegamenti
R3 - Default URLSearchHook is missing
O2 - BHO: SpywareGuard Download Protection - {4A368E80-174F-4872-96B5-0B27DDD11DB2} - C:\Programmi\SpywareGuard\dlprotect.dll
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {53707962-6F74-2D53-2644-206D7942484F} - C:\PROGRA~1\SPYBOT~1\SDHelper.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AtiPTA] C:\Programmi\ATI Technologies\ATI Control Panel\atiptaxx.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Cmaudio] RunDll32 cmicnfg.cpl,CMICtrlWnd
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SO5 Integrator Pass Two] C:\WINDOWS\SOINTGR.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [KeyMaestro] C:\KMaestro\KMaestro.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NeroCheck] C:\WINDOWS\System32\\NeroCheck.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [CARPService] carpserv.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [HPDJ Taskbar Utility] C:\WINDOWS\system32\spool\drivers\w32x86\3\hpztsb09.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [QuickTime Task] "C:\Programmi\QuickTime\qttask.exe" -atboottime
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [GSICONEXE] GSICON.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [DSLAGENTEXE] dslagent.exe USB
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SunJavaUpdateSched] C:\Programmi\Java\j2re1.4.2_05\bin\jusched.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [avast!] C:\Programmi\Alwil Software\Avast4\ashDisp.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SmcService] C:\PROGRA~1\Sygate\SPF\smc.exe -startgui
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [TkBellExe] "C:\Programmi\File comuni\Real\Update_OB\realsched.exe" -osboot
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [WinPatrol] C:\PROGRA~1\BILLPS~1\WINPAT~1\WinPatrol.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [type32] "C:\Programmi\Microsoft IntelliType Pro\type32.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [IntelliPoint] "C:\Programmi\Microsoft IntelliPoint\point32.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [HP Software Update] "C:\Programmi\HP\HP Software Update\HPWuSchd.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [HP Component Manager] "C:\Programmi\HP\hpcoretech\hpcmpmgr.exe"
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [CTFMON.EXE] C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [MSMSGS] "C:\Programmi\Messenger\msmsgs.exe" /background
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [FreeRAM XP] "C:\Documents and Settings\mark wasley\Desktop\framxpro\FreeRAM XP Pro 1.40.exe" -win
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [Skype] "C:\Programmi\Skype\Phone\Skype.exe" /nosplash /minimized
O4 - Startup: SpywareGuard.lnk = C:\Programmi\SpywareGuard\sgmain.exe
O4 - Global Startup: HP Digital Imaging Monitor.lnk = C:\Programmi\HP\Digital Imaging\bin\hpqtra08.exe
O4 - Global Startup: Kodak EasyShare software.lnk = C:\Programmi\KODAK\Kodak EasyShare software\bin\EasyShare.exe
O4 - Global Startup: Microsoft Office.lnk = C:\Programmi\Microsoft Office\Office10\OSA.EXE
O8 - Extra context menu item: E&sporta in Microsoft Excel - res://C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~2\Office10\EXCEL.EXE/3000
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\WINDOWS\System32\msjava.dll
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Sun Java Console - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\WINDOWS\System32\msjava.dll
O9 - Extra button: Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Programmi\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Windows Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Programmi\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
O16 - DPF: {10ABC6DB-E091-4EAE-98DD-21B5A2460714} (DetInstaller Class) - http://www.pandasoftware.es/avchecker/cont…s/AvDetInst.cab
O16 - DPF: {74D05D43-3236-11D4-BDCD-00C04F9A3B61} (HouseCall Control) - http://a840.g.akamai.net/7/840/537/2004061…all/xscan53.cab
O16 - DPF: {CE28D5D2-60CF-4C7D-9FE8-0F47A3308078} (ActiveDataInfo Class) - https://www-secure.symantec.com/techsupp/ac…ta/SymAData.dll
O16 - DPF: {E77C0D62-882A-456F-AD8F-7C6C9569B8C7} (ActiveDataObj Class) - https://www-secure.symantec.com/region/it/t…/ActiveData.cab
O17 - HKLM\System\CCS\Services\Tcpip\..\{F38EA2CE-9EC8-43B0-8ECC-E36D944E625D}: NameServer = 62.211.69.150 212.48.4.15
O23 - Service: Aluria Security Center Spyware Eliminator Service (ASCService) - Unknown owner - C:\Programmi\Aluria.exe (file missing)
O23 - Service: avast! iAVS4 Control Service (aswUpdSv) - Unknown owner - C:\Programmi\Alwil Software\Avast4\aswUpdSv.exe
O23 - Service: Ati HotKey Poller - Unknown owner - C:\WINDOWS\System32\Ati2evxx.exe
O23 - Service: ATI Smart - Unknown owner - C:\WINDOWS\system32\ati2sgag.exe
O23 - Service: avast! Antivirus - Unknown owner - C:\Programmi\Alwil Software\Avast4\ashserv.exe
O23 - Service: avast! Mail Scanner - Unknown owner - C:\Programmi\Alwil Software\Avast4\ashMaiSv.exe" /service (file missing)
O23 - Service: avast! Web Scanner - Unknown owner - C:\Programmi\Alwil Software\Avast4\ashWebSv.exe" /service (file missing)
O23 - Service: Dcfssvc - Eastman Kodak Company - C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\dcfssvc.exe
O23 - Service: Pml Driver HPZ12 - HP - C:\WINDOWS\system32\HPZipm12.exe
O23 - Service: Sygate Personal Firewall (SmcService) - Sygate Technologies, Inc. - C:\Programmi\Sygate\SPF\smc.exe
Post #6
good run hjt once more and have it fix:

R3 - Default URLSearchHook is missing

O23 - Service: Aluria Security Center Spyware Eliminator Service (ASCService) - Unknown owner - C:\Programmi\Aluria.exe (file missing)
———————
delete the folder Aluria in C:\Prograsm files.

for reference:

Please follow a few tips to remain malware free:

Make sure you keep your Windows OS current by visiting Windows update
occasionaly to download and install any critical updates and service packs. With out these you are leaving the backdoor open.

Also download, install and keep updated- Antivirus Software (and use only one):
Free for home users:
avast! 4 Home Edition Download
AVG free version 7.0 AVG free version v6.0 updates ended 12/31/04
AntiVir Personal Edition

Adjust your browser settings: Change your(active x) settings in IE. With IE open go to tools, internet options, security tab. Click on the internet globe, then custom level. Set the first option "download signed active x controls" to prompt, the next two to disable. Read more:
Internet Explorer Privacy & Security Settings
Working with Internet Explorer 6 Security
Many exploits are directed at Internet Explorer, you dont have to use it. Try a different browser:
Like Firefox,
And Pegasus Mail for a safer e-mail client.

Install a firewall. A firewall will control what comes in from the internet and what leaves your computer to the internet. A firewall will also alert you when a application trys to connect to the internet from your computer, this is a good way to catch crapware or trojans, trying to connect out bound from your computer- whats that and why does it need a internet connection? You can deny it access it until more investigation is done. Zone Alarm is a free and easy to use firewall, that will provide in and outbound protection. Microsoft XP firewall only provides inbound protection. SP2 adds in and out bound protection which is better than nothing, but is not as robust as third party firewalls, Be sure to run only >one< firewall.If you use another, be sure to disable XP's built in firewall.A inexpensive NAT hardware router with SPI (firewall)would be even better,along with a software firewall.
Zone Alarm
Kerio Personal Firewall
Outpost Firewall

Download, install and update before using:(if these are constantly finding malware, then you need to make some changes)
Ad-Aware SE Personal edition
Spybot Search and destroy
Becarful with spyware "removers and scanners"– there are many "rogue/suspect" programs that "claim to remove" spyware.

Other programs to consider:
SpywareBlaster
IE-SPYAD
AntiTrojan software to fill in the gap:
a2 free
Ewido Security Suite
Trojan Hunter (30 day trial version)

Learn More:
Tony's article So how did I get infected in the first place?
How to Secure (and Keep Secure) My (New) Computer(s)
Home Computer Security
Wilders Security Advisors

Watch what you download, and where you download it from. Many programs come bundled with "extra" crapware you may not want. Make sure you know what it is you will be downloading and installing. Visit the makers website, learn more about the program, Does the program you want come bundled with other "3rd party" programs? What do the 3rd party programs do? Will they deliver ads? Track your surfing habits?.You may be installing more than you think, Read the EULA agreement, you know that paragraph of stuff you "agree to" before the software installs? Stay away from warez and crack sites. Becarful what you download from file sharing networks.If you are not sure, scan it with your Antivirus app. A small file (in KB) is probably not what you think it is. Some p2p clients also install 3rd party stuff you probably dont want.If you search hard enough you can usually find a "clean" alternative to any software.
Post #8
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