MrCharlie
OK, glad to know it's finally running half way decent.
Here's what I like to do after a problem like this and this should be part of your regular maintenance.
Make sure you clean up all the temp files frequently , I like this program: CCleaner
http://www.majorgeeks.com/download4191.html
http://www.ccleaner.com/ccdownload.asp
http://www.filehippo.com/download_ccleaner.html
Download and install it.
Run it, on the Windows Page, Internet Explorer, check 'temporary internet files'
System > check 'empty recycle bin' and 'temporary files'
Applications > nothing checked
Issues > nothing checked
Go to Options on top > Settings > uncheck everything
Then hit the 'analyze button' to see what's being deleted and then 'run cleaner'
NOTE: You can also add what ever you want to be deleted, that's up to you, but what I suggest is a must.
Do this for all users
—————————————————–
Clean up the registry:
I use RegCleaner, link below
http://www.worldstart.com/weekly-download/…-cleaner4.3.htm
Download and install it.
Click on the RegCleanr.exe
Tools (at the top) > Registry Cleanup > Do Them All
Then 'Select' (at top left) > choose ALL
'Remove Selected" (at bottom right)
A backup of all that was removed will be made, just choose 'Backups' (top right) to view them, you can delete them when you're confident they're no longer needed.
—————————————————————-
Finally run defrag:
Start/Programs/Accessories/System Tools/Disk Defragmenter
Here's an excellent alternative tool - Diskeeper Lite
http://www.webattack.com/get/dkeeperlite.shtml
Here's my…….
Preventive maintenance:
——————Must have or do:—————–
Now that you're clean: <—-Important Step!!!!
Delete your system restore files and create a new restore point:
(ME and XP users only)
XP system restore
ME system restore
Visit Windows Update and install all the lastest critical updates.
Install these two free programs, they sit in the backround and protect your system from spy and adware being installed on your system, also from your browser being hijacked. Check for updates weekly.
SpywareBlaster
SpywareGuard
IE-SPYAD
Puts over 5000 sites in your restricted zone, so you'll be protected when you visit innocent-looking sites that aren't actually innocent at all.
IE-SPYAD
SpyBot has some protection benefits - use them.
Need a free anti virus?
AVG*free
(check for updates - daily)
How about a firewall? The front door to your computer.
ZoneAlarm*free
———-Free malware removal programs:———-
SpyBot
AD-Aware
CW-Shredder
Free Online Trojan Scan
A SQUARED FREE TROJAN SCANNER
Trojan Hunter
TrojanHunter - free trial
Please consider using FireFox instead of Internet Explorer
Replace Java with SunJava
Pop-up stoppers:
GoogleToolBar
Pop-upStopperFree
Don't open e-mail attachments without first scanning them with an up-to-date
anti virus program, even after doing that I would be very careful. Don't click on any executables in e-mails or any other links that you're not sure of.
Watch your surfing habits, don't click on or download anything you're not sure of. Don't install a program that hasn't been recommended by a reputable organization.
Good luck and thanks for using the forum - MrC
Here's what I like to do after a problem like this and this should be part of your regular maintenance.
Make sure you clean up all the temp files frequently , I like this program: CCleaner
http://www.majorgeeks.com/download4191.html
http://www.ccleaner.com/ccdownload.asp
http://www.filehippo.com/download_ccleaner.html
Download and install it.
Run it, on the Windows Page, Internet Explorer, check 'temporary internet files'
System > check 'empty recycle bin' and 'temporary files'
Applications > nothing checked
Issues > nothing checked
Go to Options on top > Settings > uncheck everything
Then hit the 'analyze button' to see what's being deleted and then 'run cleaner'
NOTE: You can also add what ever you want to be deleted, that's up to you, but what I suggest is a must.
Do this for all users
—————————————————–
Clean up the registry:
I use RegCleaner, link below
http://www.worldstart.com/weekly-download/…-cleaner4.3.htm
Download and install it.
Click on the RegCleanr.exe
Tools (at the top) > Registry Cleanup > Do Them All
Then 'Select' (at top left) > choose ALL
'Remove Selected" (at bottom right)
A backup of all that was removed will be made, just choose 'Backups' (top right) to view them, you can delete them when you're confident they're no longer needed.
—————————————————————-
Finally run defrag:
Start/Programs/Accessories/System Tools/Disk Defragmenter
Here's an excellent alternative tool - Diskeeper Lite
http://www.webattack.com/get/dkeeperlite.shtml
Here's my…….
Preventive maintenance:
——————Must have or do:—————–
Now that you're clean: <—-Important Step!!!!
Delete your system restore files and create a new restore point:
(ME and XP users only)
XP system restore
ME system restore
Visit Windows Update and install all the lastest critical updates.
Install these two free programs, they sit in the backround and protect your system from spy and adware being installed on your system, also from your browser being hijacked. Check for updates weekly.
SpywareBlaster
SpywareGuard
IE-SPYAD
Puts over 5000 sites in your restricted zone, so you'll be protected when you visit innocent-looking sites that aren't actually innocent at all.
IE-SPYAD
SpyBot has some protection benefits - use them.
Need a free anti virus?
AVG*free
(check for updates - daily)
How about a firewall? The front door to your computer.
ZoneAlarm*free
———-Free malware removal programs:———-
SpyBot
AD-Aware
CW-Shredder
Free Online Trojan Scan
A SQUARED FREE TROJAN SCANNER
Trojan Hunter
TrojanHunter - free trial
Please consider using FireFox instead of Internet Explorer
Replace Java with SunJava
Pop-up stoppers:
GoogleToolBar
Pop-upStopperFree
Don't open e-mail attachments without first scanning them with an up-to-date
anti virus program, even after doing that I would be very careful. Don't click on any executables in e-mails or any other links that you're not sure of.
Watch your surfing habits, don't click on or download anything you're not sure of. Don't install a program that hasn't been recommended by a reputable organization.
Good luck and thanks for using the forum - MrC