Not Urgent And Likely Free Of Harmful Stuff.

I thought I would post a log just to see if I am right and there is nothing to be worried about. I'm a pretty experienced user and have been working with many different spyware removal and prevention programs.

Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.1
Scan saved at 3:59:00 AM, on 3/2/2005
Platform: Windows 2000 SP4 (WinNT 5.00.2195)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v6.00 SP1 (6.00.2800.1106)

Running processes:
C:\WINNT\System32\smss.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\csrss.exe
C:\WINNT\SYSTEM32\winlogon.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\services.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\lsass.exe
C:\Program Files\Panda Software\Panda Platinum 2005 Internet Security\PavProt.exe
C:\Program Files\Sygate\SPF\smc.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\svchost.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\Program Files\Executive Software\Diskeeper\DkService.exe
C:\WINNT\System32\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\Panda Software\Panda Platinum 2005 Internet Security\PaSSrv.exe
C:\Program Files\Panda Software\Panda Platinum 2005 Internet Security\PavFnSvr.exe
C:\Program Files\Panda Software\Panda Platinum 2005 Internet Security\Pavkre.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Panda Software\PavShld\pavprsrv.exe
C:\Program Files\Panda Software\Panda Platinum 2005 Internet Security\pavsrv50.exe
C:\Program Files\Panda Software\Panda Platinum 2005 Internet Security\AVENGINE.EXE
C:\Program Files\Panda Software\Panda Platinum 2005 Internet Security\prevsrv.exe
C:\Program Files\Panda Software\Panda Platinum 2005 Internet Security\PsImSvc.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\regsvc.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\MSTask.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\stisvc.exe
C:\WINNT\System32\WBEM\WinMgmt.exe
C:\WINNT\Explorer.EXE
C:\Program Files\BillP Studios\WinPatrol\winpatrol.exe
C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.5.0\bin\jusched.exe
C:\Program Files\Logitech\MouseWare\system\em_exec.exe
C:\WINNT\SOUNDMAN.EXE
C:\Program Files\Panda Software\Panda Platinum 2005 Internet Security\APVXDWIN.EXE
C:\Program Files\AIM\aim.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\rundll32.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\DataViz\DvzIncMsgr.exe
C:\Program Files\HP\Digital Imaging\bin\hpqtra08.exe
C:\Program Files\interMute\SpySubtract\SpySub.exe
C:\Program Files\BHODemon 2\BHODemon.exe
C:\Program Files\Panda Software\Panda Platinum 2005 Internet Security\SRVLOAD.EXE
C:\Program Files\Folding@Home\winfah.exe
C:\Program Files\United Devices\UD.EXE
C:\Program Files\United Devices\ud_7174683.exe
C:\Program Files\United Devices\ud_7174683_0.dir\ud_ligfit_Release.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\HPZipm12.exe
C:\Program Files\Panda Software\Panda Platinum 2005 Internet Security\WebProxy.exe
C:\Program Files\CoolMon\CoolMon.exe
C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.5.0\bin\javaw.exe
D:\sysreset\mirc.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\SPYBOT~1\TeaTimer.exe
C:\Program Files\Folding@Home\FahCore_82.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\MOZILL~1\FIREFOX.EXE
C:\Documents and Settings\Administrator\Desktop\Spyware Removal and other

tools\HijackThis.exe

R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Bar =

http://red.clientapps.yahoo.com/customize/…www.yahoo.com/s

earch/ie.html
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page =

http://red.clientapps.yahoo.com/customize/…//www.yahoo.com
R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page =

http://www.thesimsresource.com/
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\SearchURL,(Default) =

http://red.clientapps.yahoo.com/customize/…//www.yahoo.com
O2 - BHO: Yahoo! Companion BHO - {02478D38-C3F9-4efb-9B51-7695ECA05670} -

C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Companion\Installs\cpn\ycomp5_5_7_0.dll
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {06849E9F-C8D7-4D59-B87D-784B7D6BE0B3} - (no file)
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:\WINNT\System32\msdxm.ocx
O3 - Toolbar: Yahoo! Companion - {EF99BD32-C1FB-11D2-892F-0090271D4F88} -

C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Companion\Installs\cpn\ycomp5_5_7_0.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Logitech Utility] Logi_MwX.Exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [WinPatrol] C:\Program Files\BillP

Studios\WinPatrol\winpatrol.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SunJavaUpdateSched] C:\Program

Files\Java\jre1.5.0\bin\jusched.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NeroCheck] C:\WINNT\system32\NeroCheck.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NvCplDaemon] RUNDLL32.EXE C:\WINNT\system32\NvCpl.dll,NvStartup
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [nwiz] nwiz.exe /install
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NvMediaCenter] RUNDLL32.EXE

C:\WINNT\system32\NvMcTray.dll,NvTaskbarInit
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SoundMan] SOUNDMAN.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [QuickTime Task] "C:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe"

-atboottime
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SCANINICIO] "C:\Program Files\Panda Software\Panda Platinum 2005

Internet Security\Inicio.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [APVXDWIN] "C:\Program Files\Panda Software\Panda Platinum 2005

Internet Security\APVXDWIN.EXE" /s
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SmcService] C:\PROGRA~1\Sygate\SPF\smc.exe -startgui
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Atomic.exe] C:\Program Files\Atomic Clock Sync\Atomic.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\RunServices: [PANDA ANTISPAM SERVER SERVICE] "C:\Program Files\Panda

Software\Panda Platinum 2005 Internet Security\PasSrv.exe"
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [SpybotSD TeaTimer] C:\Program Files\Spybot - Search &

Destroy\TeaTimer.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [AIM] C:\Program Files\AIM\aim.exe -cnetwait.odl
O4 - Startup: BHODemon 2.0.lnk = C:\Program Files\BHODemon 2\BHODemon.exe
O4 - Startup: CoolMon.lnk = C:\Program Files\CoolMon\CoolMon.exe
O4 - Startup: Folding@Home 5.03.lnk = C:\Program Files\Folding@Home\winfah.exe
O4 - Startup: UD Agent.lnk = C:\Program Files\United Devices\UD.EXE
O4 - Global Startup: DataViz Inc Messenger.lnk = C:\Program Files\Common

Files\DataViz\DvzIncMsgr.exe
O4 - Global Startup: HP Digital Imaging Monitor.lnk = C:\Program Files\HP\Digital

Imaging\bin\hpqtra08.exe
O4 - Global Startup: SpySubtract.lnk = C:\Program

Files\interMute\SpySubtract\SpySub.exe
O9 - Extra button: AIM - {AC9E2541-2814-11d5-BC6D-00B0D0A1DE45} - C:\Program

Files\AIM\aim.exe
O16 - DPF: {30528230-99F7-4BB4-88D8-FA1D4F56A2AB} (YInstStarter Class) -

http://us.dl1.yimg.com/download.yahoo.com/…nst_current.cab
O16 - DPF: {74D05D43-3236-11D4-BDCD-00C04F9A3B61} -
O16 - DPF: {9A9307A0-7DA4-4DAF-B042-5009F29E09E1} -
O16 - DPF: {D3E33EA6-92BF-444E-9DF3-E7F879F2006F} (TSRFileManagerXControl Control)

- http://www.thesimsresource.com/TSRInstallationWizard.cab
O17 - HKLM\System\CCS\Services\Tcpip\..\{FDECF2BB-F878-4505-B6FD-59ED9C232BFB}:

NameServer = 151.164.1.8,206.13.28.12
O23 - Service: Diskeeper - Executive Software International, Inc. - C:\Program

Files\Executive Software\Diskeeper\DkService.exe
O23 - Service: Logical Disk Manager Administrative Service (dmadmin) - VERITAS

Software Corp. - C:\WINNT\System32\dmadmin.exe
O23 - Service: Panda Antispam Server Service (PASSRV) - Unknown owner - C:\Program

Files\Panda Software\Panda Platinum 2005 Internet Security\PaSSrv.exe
O23 - Service: Panda Firewall Service (PAVFIRES) - Panda Software - C:\Program

Files\Panda Software\Panda Platinum 2005 Internet Security\Firewall\PavFires.exe
O23 - Service: Panda Function Service (PAVFNSVR) - Panda Software - C:\Program

Files\Panda Software\Panda Platinum 2005 Internet Security\PavFnSvr.exe
O23 - Service: Panda Pavkre (Pavkre) - Panda Software - C:\Program Files\Panda

Software\Panda Platinum 2005 Internet Security\Pavkre.exe
O23 - Service: Panda PavProt (PavProt) - Panda Software - C:\Program Files\Panda

Software\Panda Platinum 2005 Internet Security\PavProt.exe
O23 - Service: Panda Process Protection Service (PavPrSrv) - Panda Software -

C:\Program Files\Common Files\Panda Software\PavShld\pavprsrv.exe
O23 - Service: Panda anti-virus service (PAVSRV) - Panda Software - C:\Program

Files\Panda Software\Panda Platinum 2005 Internet Security\pavsrv50.exe
O23 - Service: Pml Driver HPZ12 - HP - C:\WINNT\system32\HPZipm12.exe
O23 - Service: Panda Preventium+ Service (PREVSRV) - Panda Software - C:\Program

Files\Panda Software\Panda Platinum 2005 Internet Security\prevsrv.exe
O23 - Service: Panda IManager Service (PSIMSVC) - Panda Software Internacional -

C:\Program Files\Panda Software\Panda Platinum 2005 Internet Security\PsImSvc.exe
O23 - Service: Sygate Personal Firewall (SmcService) - Sygate Technologies, Inc. -

C:\Program Files\Sygate\SPF\smc.exe

Should I be closing out taskbar icon tasks of all my protection software? The log appears to look like it did before.

Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.1
Scan saved at 10:48:17 PM, on 3/6/2005
Platform: Windows 2000 SP4 (WinNT 5.00.2195)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v6.00 SP1 (6.00.2800.1106)

Running processes:
C:\WINNT\System32\smss.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\csrss.exe
C:\WINNT\SYSTEM32\winlogon.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\services.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\lsass.exe
C:\Program Files\Panda Software\Panda Platinum 2005 Internet Security\PavProt.exe
C:\Program Files\Sygate\SPF\smc.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\svchost.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\Program Files\Executive Software\Diskeeper\DkService.exe
C:\WINNT\System32\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\Panda Software\Panda Platinum 2005 Internet Security\PaSSrv.exe
C:\Program Files\Panda Software\Panda Platinum 2005 Internet Security\PavFnSvr.exe
C:\Program Files\Panda Software\Panda Platinum 2005 Internet Security\Pavkre.exe
C:\WINNT\Explorer.EXE
C:\Program Files\BillP Studios\WinPatrol\winpatrol.exe
C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.5.0\bin\jusched.exe
C:\Program Files\Panda Software\Panda Platinum 2005 Internet Security\APVXDWIN.EXE
C:\Program Files\Atomic Clock Sync\Atomic.exe
C:\Program Files\Spybot - Search & Destroy\TeaTimer.exe
C:\Program Files\AIM\aim.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\DataViz\DvzIncMsgr.exe
C:\Program Files\HP\Digital Imaging\bin\hpqtra08.exe
C:\Program Files\Logitech\MouseWare\system\em_exec.exe
C:\Program Files\BHODemon 2\BHODemon.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\rundll32.exe
C:\Program Files\Folding@Home\winfah.exe
C:\Program Files\United Devices\UD.EXE
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Panda Software\PavShld\pavprsrv.exe
C:\Program Files\Panda Software\Panda Platinum 2005 Internet Security\pavsrv50.exe
C:\Program Files\Panda Software\Panda Platinum 2005 Internet Security\AVENGINE.EXE
C:\Program Files\Panda Software\Panda Platinum 2005 Internet Security\SRVLOAD.EXE
C:\Program Files\Panda Software\Panda Platinum 2005 Internet Security\prevsrv.exe
C:\Program Files\Panda Software\Panda Platinum 2005 Internet Security\PsImSvc.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\regsvc.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\MSTask.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\stisvc.exe
C:\WINNT\System32\WBEM\WinMgmt.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\HPZipm12.exe
C:\Program Files\Panda Software\Panda Platinum 2005 Internet Security\WebProxy.exe
C:\Program Files\CoolMon\CoolMon.exe
C:\Program Files\Folding@Home\FahCore_65.exe
C:\Program Files\United Devices\ud_7174683.exe
C:\Program Files\United Devices\ud_7174683_0.dir\ud_ligfit_Release.exe
C:\WINNT\SOUNDMAN.EXE
C:\Documents and Settings\Administrator\Desktop\Spyware Removal and other tools\HijackThis.exe

R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Bar = http://red.clientapps.yahoo.com/customize/…/search/ie.html
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page = http://red.clientapps.yahoo.com/customize/…//www.yahoo.com
R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://www.thesimsresource.com/
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\SearchURL,(Default) = http://red.clientapps.yahoo.com/customize/…//www.yahoo.com
O2 - BHO: Yahoo! Companion BHO - {02478D38-C3F9-4efb-9B51-7695ECA05670} - C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Companion\Installs\cpn\ycomp5_5_7_0.dll
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {06849E9F-C8D7-4D59-B87D-784B7D6BE0B3} - (no file)
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:\WINNT\System32\msdxm.ocx
O3 - Toolbar: Yahoo! Companion - {EF99BD32-C1FB-11D2-892F-0090271D4F88} - C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Companion\Installs\cpn\ycomp5_5_7_0.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Logitech Utility] Logi_MwX.Exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [WinPatrol] C:\Program Files\BillP Studios\WinPatrol\winpatrol.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SunJavaUpdateSched] C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.5.0\bin\jusched.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NeroCheck] C:\WINNT\system32\NeroCheck.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NvCplDaemon] RUNDLL32.EXE C:\WINNT\system32\NvCpl.dll,NvStartup
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [nwiz] nwiz.exe /install
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NvMediaCenter] RUNDLL32.EXE C:\WINNT\system32\NvMcTray.dll,NvTaskbarInit
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SoundMan] SOUNDMAN.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [QuickTime Task] "C:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe" -atboottime
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SCANINICIO] "C:\Program Files\Panda Software\Panda Platinum 2005 Internet Security\Inicio.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [APVXDWIN] "C:\Program Files\Panda Software\Panda Platinum 2005 Internet Security\APVXDWIN.EXE" /s
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SmcService] C:\PROGRA~1\Sygate\SPF\smc.exe -startgui
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Atomic.exe] C:\Program Files\Atomic Clock Sync\Atomic.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\RunServices: [PANDA ANTISPAM SERVER SERVICE] "C:\Program Files\Panda Software\Panda Platinum 2005 Internet Security\PasSrv.exe"
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [SpybotSD TeaTimer] C:\Program Files\Spybot - Search & Destroy\TeaTimer.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [AIM] C:\Program Files\AIM\aim.exe -cnetwait.odl
O4 - Startup: BHODemon 2.0.lnk = C:\Program Files\BHODemon 2\BHODemon.exe
O4 - Startup: CoolMon.lnk = C:\Program Files\CoolMon\CoolMon.exe
O4 - Startup: Folding@Home 5.03.lnk = C:\Program Files\Folding@Home\winfah.exe
O4 - Startup: UD Agent.lnk = C:\Program Files\United Devices\UD.EXE
O4 - Global Startup: DataViz Inc Messenger.lnk = C:\Program Files\Common Files\DataViz\DvzIncMsgr.exe
O4 - Global Startup: HP Digital Imaging Monitor.lnk = C:\Program Files\HP\Digital Imaging\bin\hpqtra08.exe
O9 - Extra button: AIM - {AC9E2541-2814-11d5-BC6D-00B0D0A1DE45} - C:\Program Files\AIM\aim.exe
O16 - DPF: {30528230-99F7-4BB4-88D8-FA1D4F56A2AB} (YInstStarter Class) - http://us.dl1.yimg.com/download.yahoo.com/…nst_current.cab
O16 - DPF: {74D05D43-3236-11D4-BDCD-00C04F9A3B61} -
O16 - DPF: {9A9307A0-7DA4-4DAF-B042-5009F29E09E1} -
O16 - DPF: {D3E33EA6-92BF-444E-9DF3-E7F879F2006F} (TSRFileManagerXControl Control) - http://www.thesimsresource.com/TSRInstallationWizard.cab
O17 - HKLM\System\CCS\Services\Tcpip\..\{FDECF2BB-F878-4505-B6FD-59ED9C232BFB}: NameServer = 151.164.1.8,206.13.28.12
O23 - Service: Diskeeper - Executive Software International, Inc. - C:\Program Files\Executive Software\Diskeeper\DkService.exe
O23 - Service: Logical Disk Manager Administrative Service (dmadmin) - VERITAS Software Corp. - C:\WINNT\System32\dmadmin.exe
O23 - Service: Panda Antispam Server Service (PASSRV) - Unknown owner - C:\Program Files\Panda Software\Panda Platinum 2005 Internet Security\PaSSrv.exe
O23 - Service: Panda Firewall Service (PAVFIRES) - Panda Software - C:\Program Files\Panda Software\Panda Platinum 2005 Internet Security\Firewall\PavFires.exe
O23 - Service: Panda Function Service (PAVFNSVR) - Panda Software - C:\Program Files\Panda Software\Panda Platinum 2005 Internet Security\PavFnSvr.exe
O23 - Service: Panda Pavkre (Pavkre) - Panda Software - C:\Program Files\Panda Software\Panda Platinum 2005 Internet Security\Pavkre.exe
O23 - Service: Panda PavProt (PavProt) - Panda Software - C:\Program Files\Panda Software\Panda Platinum 2005 Internet Security\PavProt.exe
O23 - Service: Panda Process Protection Service (PavPrSrv) - Panda Software - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Panda Software\PavShld\pavprsrv.exe
O23 - Service: Panda anti-virus service (PAVSRV) - Panda Software - C:\Program Files\Panda Software\Panda Platinum 2005 Internet Security\pavsrv50.exe
O23 - Service: Pml Driver HPZ12 - HP - C:\WINNT\system32\HPZipm12.exe
O23 - Service: Panda Preventium+ Service (PREVSRV) - Panda Software - C:\Program Files\Panda Software\Panda Platinum 2005 Internet Security\prevsrv.exe
O23 - Service: Panda IManager Service (PSIMSVC) - Panda Software Internacional - C:\Program Files\Panda Software\Panda Platinum 2005 Internet Security\PsImSvc.exe
O23 - Service: Sygate Personal Firewall (SmcService) - Sygate Technologies, Inc. - C:\Program Files\Sygate\SPF\smc.exe

Hi again StoneRyno

You have no serious malware on this computer according to your log.

To clean up what you have please:

Open HijackThis and click "Do a System Scan Only". (If HijackThis shows a "Scan" button instead of "Do a System Scan Only" that is OK. In that case click "Scan".) When the scan is finished put a check mark by 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 instructed to do so:

R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Bar = http://red.clientapps.yahoo.com/customize/…/search/ie.html
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page = http://red.clientapps.yahoo.com/customize/…//www.yahoo.com
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\SearchURL,(Default) = http://red.clientapps.yahoo.com/customize/…//www.yahoo.com
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {06849E9F-C8D7-4D59-B87D-784B7D6BE0B3} - (no file)

This is optional but is unneeded at startup.
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [QuickTime Task] "C:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe" -atboottime

CLOSE ALL PROGRAMS and BROWSERS that are running, except HijackThis and then click the "fix" button.

That should do it.

If you want me to check your log once more then

* Close ALL windows except HJT
* SCAN with HJT
* POST the new log in this thread using "Add Reply"

In the interim I will give you my clean speech.


Congratulations and 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.

This is generic information. If something does not pertain to your version of Windows please just skip that instruction.


Settings and maintenance

1. Clean out temporary files etc.
Download and install CCleaner
Under windows tab check the boxes next to the blue "internet explorer", "windows explorer", and "system".There will be other check marked boxes under them. That is OK
Click Run Cleaner.
You should do this every few weeks to avoid buildup of unnecessary junk.


2. Clean Out System Restore. (Only ME and XP)
Malware could get backed up in System Restore.
For Win XP follow these instructions to delete all restore points.
1. Go to "Start" > "Control Panel".
2. Make sure the Control Panel is in "Classic View". If it is not, click "Switch to Classic View" towards the top-left of the screen.
3. Double-click "System" and go to the "System Restore" tab.
4. Check "Turn off System Restore" and click "OK" and then "Yes".

After restarting your computer you should turn it back on by following the above procedure and uncheck "Turn off System Restore".

You can find out more about this subject at
Managing Windows Millennium System Restore

or at

How to turn off or turn on Windows XP System Restore


3. 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.


4. Make your Internet Explorer more secure

a. Less restrictive but less secure:
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 in
Internet Explorer Privacy & Security Settings
Working with Internet Explorer 6 Security
Many exploits are directed at Internet Explorer, you don't have to use it. Try a different browser like
Firefox . It is also worth trying
Thunderbird for controlling spam in your e-mail.

b. More secure but very restrictive.
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. Get a good anti-virus if you don't have one. A lot of people like AVG .
KEEP IT UPDATED

2. Get a good firewall if you don't have one.
Many like ZoneAlarm. You can download a free copy here

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 for all versions: 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 "SpywareGuard"

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. These instructions are the best even though they refer to a cleanup of an infected computer.

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.

A good source of information about computer secutiy can be found at this website . ChrisRLG has been an Administrator and Classroom Teacher at Tom Coyote and today has his own forum.


(for Win XP with or without SP1) If you want to update Windows XP with SP2, you should know that there has been a small group of users who have had problems with it. The risks are the least if your computer is clean of malware and you are running an updated software firewall such as ZoneAlarm. You can download SP2 from http://support.microsoft.com/kb/322389
If you have a high-speed internet connection, you can let Windows Update do it. However if you have a dialup connection I would advise you to order the CD as the download is huge and will take a VERY long time to download. There has also been some reports that there is less problems when SP2 is installed from a CD.
You can get the CD here .


VERY IMPORTANT. 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.

Do you have any problems with your computer? If so please post the details.

It has been a pleasure to help you.

Best of luck and clean computing

Elrond