yep… good troubleshooting
If you want, I will give you some ideas as to how to remain spyware free (as this is the main goal of this forum)
THESE STEPS ARE VERY IMPORTANT
UPDATING WINDOWS AND INTERNET EXPLORER
MOST IMPORTANT: You Need to Update Windows and IE to get all the Latest Security Patches to protect your computer from the malware that is around on the internet. Please go to the windows update site
Microsoft Windows and Internet Explorer Updates to get the critical updates.
If you are running Microsoft Office, or any portion thereof, go to the Microsoft's Office Update site and make sure you have at least all the cirtical updates installed (Free) Microsoft Office Update.
If the service pack 2 download is too large, you can get a
FREE copy on cd from microsoft here:
1. go to www.microsoft.com
2. In the upper right hand corner, search for sp2
3. Click on the first link that shows up in the results
4. Look down in the text and click the link that says order a cd instead
Download spyware blaster
Spyware blaster is a program that stops known malicious activex controls from installing on your computer. You can download it
here
Download spyware guard
Spyware guard is a program that actively monitors your computer and helps prevent spyware from installing into your computer. You can download it
here
Download iespyad:
iespyad
It puts many bad webpages on your restricted zones list.
If you need help understanding how it works, there is a turorial
here
Download a hosts file:
Finally, a hosts file makes it so you cant even go to bad webpages. Download it
here Make sure you read the instructions on how to install the hosts file.
Now make sure all of your security programs are up to date.
Run the spybot and adaware regularly.
UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE!!! Make sure you do this about every 1-2 weeks.
Make your Internet Explorer more secure
This can be done by following these simple instructions:
From within Internet Explorer click on the Tools menu and then click on Options.
Click once on the Security tab
Click once on the Internet icon so it becomes highlighted.
Click once on the Custom Level button.
Change the Download signed ActiveX controls to Prompt
Change the Download unsigned ActiveX controls to Disable
Change the Initialise and script ActiveX controls not marked as safe to Disable
Change the Installation of desktop items to Prompt
Change the Launching programs and files in an IFRAME to Prompt
Change the Navigate sub-frames across different domains to Prompt
When all these settings have been made, click on the OK button.
If it prompts you as to whether or not you want to save the settings, press the Yes button.
Next press the Apply button and then the OK to exit the Internet Properties page.
Use an Anti Virus Software - It is very important that your computer has an anti-virus software running on your machine. This alone can save you a lot of trouble with malware in the future. See this link for a listing of some on line & their stand-alone anti virus programs:
Computer Safety On line - Anti-Virus
Update your Anti Virus Software - It is imperitive that you update your Anti virus software at least once a week (Even more if you wish). If you do not update your anti virus software then it will not be able to catch any of the new variants that may come out.
Use a Firewall - I can not stress how important it is that you use a Firewall on your computer. Without a firewall your computer is susceptible to being hacked and taken over. Simply using a Firewall in its default configuration can lower your risk greatly.
Visit Microsoft's Windows Update Site Frequently - It is important that you visit http://www.windowsupdate.com regularly. This will ensure your computer has always the latest security updates available installed on your computer. If there are new updates to install, install them immediately, reboot your computer, and revisit the site until there are no more critical updates.
(Parts of all clean speech courtesy of Chris RLG)
Once again, please post and tell me how things are going with your system… problems etc. Have a great day
wng