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Spyware / Malware / Virus Removal

adware.purityscan and others...persistant

7 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 Advice, software, and links below may be out of date — treat specific steps and download links with caution.

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Post #1
As shown in title, adware.purityscan continues to show up on my machine after removal by Ewido. Have also run Spybot S&D, and adaware. My largest problem right now are symantic pop-ups displaying the adware.purityscan threat detected, and quarantines. This occurs about every 15 minutes, sometimes less.

I also get internet explorer pop-ups quite often, even when I do not have the IE browser open.

HJT log.

Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.1
Scan saved at 9:32:05 AM, on 9/13/2006
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\Ati2evxx.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\Windows Defender\MsMpEng.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccSetMgr.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccEvtMgr.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\Program Files\Symantec AntiVirus\DefWatch.exe
C:\Program Files\ewido anti-spyware 4.0\guard.exe
C:\Program Files\Symantec AntiVirus\SavRoam.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\Ati2evxx.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\Program Files\Kyocera\FileUtility\SFUSVC.exe
C:\Program Files\Symantec AntiVirus\Rtvscan.exe
C:\Program Files\Kyocera\FileUtility\nsCatCom.exe
C:\Program Files\RealVNC\VNC4\WinVNC4.exe
C:\Program Files\ATI Technologies\ATI Control Panel\atiptaxx.exe
C:\Program Files\Windows Defender\MSASCui.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccApp.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\SYMANT~1\VPTray.exe
C:\Program Files\ewido anti-spyware 4.0\ewido.exe
C:\WINDOWS\?ssembly\wuaclt.exe
C:\Program Files\Kyocera\FileUtility\NsCatCom.exe
C:\Program Files\FileOpen\plug_ins\FileOpenAPI.exe
C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\OFFICE11\OUTLOOK.EXE
C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\OFFICE11\WINWORD.EXE
C:\Program Files\MSN Messenger\msnmsgr.exe
C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe
C:\HiJackThis\hijackthis\HijackThis.exe

O2 - BHO: Adobe PDF Reader Link Helper - {06849E9F-C8D7-4D59-B87D-784B7D6BE0B3} - C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 7.0\ActiveX\AcroIEHelper.dll
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {53707962-6F74-2D53-2644-206D7942484F} - C:\PROGRA~1\SPYBOT~1\SDHelper.dll
O2 - BHO: Google Toolbar Helper - {AA58ED58-01DD-4d91-8333-CF10577473F7} - c:\program files\google\googletoolbar2.dll
O3 - Toolbar: &Google - {2318C2B1-4965-11d4-9B18-009027A5CD4F} - c:\program files\google\googletoolbar2.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ATIPTA] C:\Program Files\ATI Technologies\ATI Control Panel\atiptaxx.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Windows Defender] "C:\Program Files\Windows Defender\MSASCui.exe" -hide
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ccApp] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccApp.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [vptray] C:\PROGRA~1\SYMANT~1\VPTray.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [!ewido] "C:\Program Files\ewido anti-spyware 4.0\ewido.exe" /minimized
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [Pqyzsmjx] C:\WINDOWS\?ssembly\wuaclt.exe
O4 - Startup: FileOpenAPI.exe.lnk = C:\Program Files\FileOpen\plug_ins\FileOpenAPI.exe
O4 - Global Startup: AutoCAD Startup Accelerator.lnk = C:\Program Files\Common Files\Autodesk Shared\acstart17.exe
O4 - Global Startup: Scanner File Utility.lnk = ?
O8 - Extra context menu item: &Google Search - res://c:\program files\google\GoogleToolbar2.dll/cmsearch.html
O8 - Extra context menu item: &Search - http://edits.mywebsearch.com/toolbaredits/…arch.jhtml?p=ZB
O8 - Extra context menu item: &Translate English Word - res://c:\program files\google\GoogleToolbar2.dll/cmwordtrans.html
O8 - Extra context menu item: Backward Links - res://c:\program files\google\GoogleToolbar2.dll/cmbacklinks.html
O8 - Extra context menu item: Cached Snapshot of Page - res://c:\program files\google\GoogleToolbar2.dll/cmcache.html
O8 - Extra context menu item: E&xport to Microsoft Excel - res://C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~2\OFFICE11\EXCEL.EXE/3000
O8 - Extra context menu item: Similar Pages - res://c:\program files\google\GoogleToolbar2.dll/cmsimilar.html
O8 - Extra context menu item: Translate Page into English - res://c:\program files\google\GoogleToolbar2.dll/cmtrans.html
O9 - Extra button: Research - {92780B25-18CC-41C8-B9BE-3C9C571A8263} - C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~2\OFFICE11\REFIEBAR.DLL
O9 - Extra button: Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Windows Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
O16 - DPF: {17492023-C23A-453E-A040-C7C580BBF700} (Windows Genuine Advantage Validation Tool) - http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=39204
O16 - DPF: {6414512B-B978-451D-A0D8-FCFDF33E833C} (WUWebControl Class) - http://update.microsoft.com/windowsupdate/…b?1137098295059
O16 - DPF: {6E32070A-766D-4EE6-879C-DC1FA91D2FC3} (MUWebControl Class) - http://update.microsoft.com/microsoftupdat…b?1137100226480
O16 - DPF: {6E5A37BF-FD42-463A-877C-4EB7002E68AE} (Housecall ActiveX 6.5) - http://housecall65.trendmicro.com/housecal…ivex/hcImpl.cab
O16 - DPF: {CE8267C2-D41A-4A50-A69D-F32B5C289F14} (FileOpenInstaller) - http://plugin.fileopen.com/current/FileOpen.CAB
O17 - HKLM\System\CCS\Services\Tcpip\Parameters: Domain = COMPANYNAME.COM
O17 - HKLM\Software\..\Telephony: DomainName = COMPANYNAME.COM
O17 - HKLM\System\CS1\Services\Tcpip\Parameters: Domain = COMPANYNAME.COM
O17 - HKLM\System\CS2\Services\Tcpip\Parameters: Domain = COMPANYNAME.COM
O18 - Protocol: msnim - {828030A1-22C1-4009-854F-8E305202313F} - "C:\PROGRA~1\MSNMES~1\msgrapp.dll" (file missing)
O20 - Winlogon Notify: NavLogon - C:\WINDOWS\system32\NavLogon.dll
O20 - Winlogon Notify: WgaLogon - C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\WgaLogon.dll
O20 - Winlogon Notify: WRNotifier - WRLogonNTF.dll (file missing)
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: Autodesk Licensing Service - Autodesk - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Autodesk Shared\Service\AdskScSrv.exe
O23 - Service: Symantec Event Manager (ccEvtMgr) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccEvtMgr.exe
O23 - Service: Symantec Password Validation (ccPwdSvc) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccPwdSvc.exe
O23 - Service: Symantec Settings Manager (ccSetMgr) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccSetMgr.exe
O23 - Service: Symantec AntiVirus Definition Watcher (DefWatch) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Symantec AntiVirus\DefWatch.exe
O23 - Service: ewido anti-spyware 4.0 guard - Anti-Malware Development a.s. - C:\Program Files\ewido anti-spyware 4.0\guard.exe
O23 - Service: InstallDriver Table Manager (IDriverT) - Macrovision Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\InstallShield\Driver\11\Intel 32\IDriverT.exe
O23 - Service: SAVRoam (SavRoam) - symantec - C:\Program Files\Symantec AntiVirus\SavRoam.exe
O23 - Service: SFUSVC - KYOCERA MITA CORPORATION - C:\Program Files\Kyocera\FileUtility\SFUSVC.exe
O23 - Service: Symantec Network Drivers Service (SNDSrvc) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\SNDSrvc.exe
O23 - Service: Symantec SPBBCSvc (SPBBCSvc) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\SPBBC\SPBBCSvc.exe
O23 - Service: Symantec AntiVirus - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Symantec AntiVirus\Rtvscan.exe
O23 - Service: VNC Server Version 4 (WinVNC4) - Unknown owner - C:\Program Files\RealVNC\VNC4\WinVNC4.exe" -service (file missing)


**I have replaced my companies name in the O17 entries with "COMPANYNAME".

Thanks for any and all help.

-SM
Post #2
Hi I'm Angelfire777 and it'll be my pleasure to assist you in your problem. Reasearching Hijackthis logs could take sometime so please, be patient while I research a fix for you. Also, I have to let experts check my fixes first before bringing them to you. Please observe these while we work: 1.) Please stick with this thread until we are finished, do not start a new topic here or start a new thread at other forums. Do not worry, We were trained to help and never give up until we get you all fixed up. 2.) Stop if you have questions!! Never proceed if something is unclear to you. We don't want to start all over again. 3.) Avoid downloading other applications or other anti-spyware programs unless you really need to. 4.) Lastly, please be patient and never lose hope. Sometimes, it will take us several tries and posts to get something done. Sit back tight, I'll be back for you!
Post #3
Look in your control panels add/remove programs for PuritySCAN By OIN, OuterInfo, OIN or similar , click on it and click remove.
Reboot and delete this folder if found:
C:\Program Files\PurityScan

If not listed, download and run this uninstaller:
Uninstaller

Tutorial for the uninstaller if needed

Reboot when done and delete this folder if found:
C:\Program Files\PurityScan

Post a fresh HJT log.
Post #4
I get the following error message when trying to run the uninstaller you linked:

"The program was unable to run because it is corrupted or incomplete…"

I tried downloading it 5 times. No change.

With a trial version of spysweeper, and running spybot and Ewido (in safe mode) I have finally started coming up empty. I have not had a popup in the last half day from either IE or Symantic.

Latest log. I hope it looks clean. :)

Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.1
Scan saved at 9:57:43 AM, on 9/14/2006
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\Ati2evxx.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\Windows Defender\MsMpEng.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccSetMgr.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccEvtMgr.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\Program Files\Symantec AntiVirus\DefWatch.exe
C:\Program Files\ewido anti-spyware 4.0\guard.exe
C:\Program Files\Symantec AntiVirus\SavRoam.exe
C:\Program Files\Kyocera\FileUtility\SFUSVC.exe
C:\Program Files\Symantec AntiVirus\Rtvscan.exe
C:\Program Files\Kyocera\FileUtility\nsCatCom.exe
C:\Program Files\Webroot\Spy Sweeper\SpySweeper.exe
C:\Program Files\RealVNC\VNC4\WinVNC4.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\Ati2evxx.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\Program Files\ATI Technologies\ATI Control Panel\atiptaxx.exe
C:\Program Files\Windows Defender\MSASCui.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccApp.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\SYMANT~1\VPTray.exe
C:\Program Files\ewido anti-spyware 4.0\ewido.exe
C:\Program Files\Kyocera\FileUtility\NsCatCom.exe
C:\Program Files\FileOpen\plug_ins\FileOpenAPI.exe
C:\Program Files\MSN Messenger\msnmsgr.exe
C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe
C:\HiJackThis\hijackthis\HijackThis.exe

O2 - BHO: Adobe PDF Reader Link Helper - {06849E9F-C8D7-4D59-B87D-784B7D6BE0B3} - C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 7.0\ActiveX\AcroIEHelper.dll
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {53707962-6F74-2D53-2644-206D7942484F} - C:\PROGRA~1\SPYBOT~1\SDHelper.dll
O2 - BHO: Google Toolbar Helper - {AA58ED58-01DD-4d91-8333-CF10577473F7} - c:\program files\google\googletoolbar2.dll
O3 - Toolbar: &Google - {2318C2B1-4965-11d4-9B18-009027A5CD4F} - c:\program files\google\googletoolbar2.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ATIPTA] "C:\Program Files\ATI Technologies\ATI Control Panel\atiptaxx.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Windows Defender] "C:\Program Files\Windows Defender\MSASCui.exe" -hide
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ccApp] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccApp.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [vptray] C:\PROGRA~1\SYMANT~1\VPTray.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [!ewido] "C:\Program Files\ewido anti-spyware 4.0\ewido.exe" /minimized
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SpySweeper] "C:\Program Files\Webroot\Spy Sweeper\SpySweeperUI.exe" /startintray
O4 - Startup: FileOpenAPI.exe.lnk = C:\Program Files\FileOpen\plug_ins\FileOpenAPI.exe
O4 - Global Startup: AutoCAD Startup Accelerator.lnk = C:\Program Files\Common Files\Autodesk Shared\acstart17.exe
O4 - Global Startup: Scanner File Utility.lnk = ?
O8 - Extra context menu item: &Google Search - res://c:\program files\google\GoogleToolbar2.dll/cmsearch.html
O8 - Extra context menu item: &Search - http://edits.mywebsearch.com/toolbaredits/…arch.jhtml?p=ZB
O8 - Extra context menu item: &Translate English Word - res://c:\program files\google\GoogleToolbar2.dll/cmwordtrans.html
O8 - Extra context menu item: Backward Links - res://c:\program files\google\GoogleToolbar2.dll/cmbacklinks.html
O8 - Extra context menu item: Cached Snapshot of Page - res://c:\program files\google\GoogleToolbar2.dll/cmcache.html
O8 - Extra context menu item: E&xport to Microsoft Excel - res://C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~2\OFFICE11\EXCEL.EXE/3000
O8 - Extra context menu item: Similar Pages - res://c:\program files\google\GoogleToolbar2.dll/cmsimilar.html
O8 - Extra context menu item: Translate Page into English - res://c:\program files\google\GoogleToolbar2.dll/cmtrans.html
O9 - Extra button: Research - {92780B25-18CC-41C8-B9BE-3C9C571A8263} - C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~2\OFFICE11\REFIEBAR.DLL
O9 - Extra button: Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Windows Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
O16 - DPF: {17492023-C23A-453E-A040-C7C580BBF700} (Windows Genuine Advantage Validation Tool) - http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=39204
O16 - DPF: {6414512B-B978-451D-A0D8-FCFDF33E833C} (WUWebControl Class) - http://update.microsoft.com/windowsupdate/…b?1137098295059
O16 - DPF: {6E32070A-766D-4EE6-879C-DC1FA91D2FC3} (MUWebControl Class) - http://update.microsoft.com/microsoftupdat…b?1137100226480
O16 - DPF: {6E5A37BF-FD42-463A-877C-4EB7002E68AE} (Housecall ActiveX 6.5) - http://housecall65.trendmicro.com/housecal…ivex/hcImpl.cab
O16 - DPF: {CE8267C2-D41A-4A50-A69D-F32B5C289F14} (FileOpenInstaller) - http://plugin.fileopen.com/current/FileOpen.CAB
O17 - HKLM\System\CCS\Services\Tcpip\Parameters: Domain = COMPANYNAME.COM
O17 - HKLM\Software\..\Telephony: DomainName = COMPANYNAME.COM
O17 - HKLM\System\CS1\Services\Tcpip\Parameters: Domain = COMPANYNAME.COM
O17 - HKLM\System\CS2\Services\Tcpip\Parameters: Domain = COMPANYNAME.COM
O18 - Protocol: msnim - {828030A1-22C1-4009-854F-8E305202313F} - "C:\PROGRA~1\MSNMES~1\msgrapp.dll" (file missing)
O20 - Winlogon Notify: NavLogon - C:\WINDOWS\system32\NavLogon.dll
O20 - Winlogon Notify: WgaLogon - C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\WgaLogon.dll
O20 - Winlogon Notify: WRNotifier - C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\WRLogonNTF.dll
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: Autodesk Licensing Service - Autodesk - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Autodesk Shared\Service\AdskScSrv.exe
O23 - Service: Symantec Event Manager (ccEvtMgr) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccEvtMgr.exe
O23 - Service: Symantec Password Validation (ccPwdSvc) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccPwdSvc.exe
O23 - Service: Symantec Settings Manager (ccSetMgr) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccSetMgr.exe
O23 - Service: Symantec AntiVirus Definition Watcher (DefWatch) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Symantec AntiVirus\DefWatch.exe
O23 - Service: ewido anti-spyware 4.0 guard - Anti-Malware Development a.s. - C:\Program Files\ewido anti-spyware 4.0\guard.exe
O23 - Service: InstallDriver Table Manager (IDriverT) - Macrovision Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\InstallShield\Driver\11\Intel 32\IDriverT.exe
O23 - Service: SAVRoam (SavRoam) - symantec - C:\Program Files\Symantec AntiVirus\SavRoam.exe
O23 - Service: SFUSVC - KYOCERA MITA CORPORATION - C:\Program Files\Kyocera\FileUtility\SFUSVC.exe
O23 - Service: Symantec Network Drivers Service (SNDSrvc) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\SNDSrvc.exe
O23 - Service: Symantec SPBBCSvc (SPBBCSvc) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\SPBBC\SPBBCSvc.exe
O23 - Service: Symantec AntiVirus - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Symantec AntiVirus\Rtvscan.exe
O23 - Service: Webroot Spy Sweeper Engine (WebrootSpySweeperService) - Webroot Software, Inc. - C:\Program Files\Webroot\Spy Sweeper\SpySweeper.exe
O23 - Service: VNC Server Version 4 (WinVNC4) - Unknown owner - C:\Program Files\RealVNC\VNC4\WinVNC4.exe" -service (file missing)

Thanks,

-SM
Post #7
Now that you're clean, we need to erase all possible older infected files that may still be lurking on your system.

Download CCleaner from here to clean temp files from your computer.
  • Double click on the file to start the installation of the program.
  • Select your language and click OK, then next.
  • Read the license agreement and click I Agree.
  • Click next to use the default install location. Click Install then finish to complete installation.
  • Double click the CCleaner shortcut on the desktop to start the program.
  • On the "Windows" tab, under "Internet Explorer," uncheck "Cookies" if you do not want them deleted. (If deleted, you will likely need to reenter your passwords at all sites where a cookie is used to recognize you when you visit).
  • If you use either the Firefox or Mozilla browsers, the box to uncheck for "Cookies" is on the Applications tab, under Firefox/Mozilla.
  • Click on the "Options" icon at the left side of the window, then click on "Advanced."
    deselect "Only delete files in Windows Temp folders older than 48 hours."
  • Click on the "Cleaner" icon on the left side of the window, then click Run Cleaner to run the program.
  • Caution: It is not recommended that you use the "Issues" feature unless you are very familiar with the registry as it has been known to find legitimate items.
  • After CCleaner has completed its process, click Exit.
==========================
System Restore makes regular backups of all your settings, if you ever had to use this program to restore your
system to a previous date, you will be infected all over again so we need to clean out the previous Restore Points

Turn off System Restore.
  • Right-click My Computer.
  • Click Properties.
  • Click the System Restore tab.
  • Check Turn off System Restore on all Drives.
  • Click Apply, and then click OK.
Reboot your System

Turn ON System Restore.
  • Right-click My Computer.
  • Click Properties.
  • Click the System Restore tab.
  • UN-Check Turn off System Restore on all Drives.
  • Click Apply, and then click OK.
* Go to Start > Accessories > System Tools > System Restore > Create a New Restore Point
You can name the restore point anything you like, something that you can remember.

A tutorial for System Restore is available HERE
==========================
*hide system files:

Windows XP
  • Click Start.
  • Open My Computer.
  • Select the Tools menu and click Folder Options.
  • Select the View Tab.
  • Under the Hidden files and folders heading select Do not show hidden files and folders.
  • Check the Hide protected operating system files option.
  • Click Yes to confirm.
  • Click OK.
================================================
Here are some free programs that can help you improve your pc's security.
  • Firewall Application - Systems nowadays really need a firewall to secure the over 65,000 ports in your system. Here are some free and good firewalls.

    » ZoneAlarm

    Note:**It is easy to setup and it is indeed a very good firewall**

    » Kerio

    Note: **Also a very good firewall and it almost uses NO resources.**

  • If you are using IE then I think it is time to change to Mozilla FireFox. Mozilla FireFox offers not only better security but it also has more features than IE
    Remember that sometimes you still need to use IE for certain sites like Microsoft Updates

  • AntiSpyWare Applications - This programs will deal with the Adwares, Spywares, hijackers and dialers in your system. It is recommended that you download, install and run at least 2 Antispyware applications.

    ­ »Adaware - This is a great free program by Lavasoft. It deals with spyware cookies, spywares, hijackers, dialers in your system. This is a must have program to keep your computer secure.
    ~You can download it from here
    ~There is a tutorial on how to use Adaware properly here

    »Spybot Search and Destroy - This is also a great Antispyware program by Patrick Kolla. It has a Tea-Timer feature which works like Spyware Guard. Use Tea-Timer only when you don't choose to install Spyware Guard.
    ~You can download it from here . Just choose a mirror and off you go.
    ~There is also a tutorial on how to use Spybot properly here

    Note: Make sure you update them at least once every two weeks or once a week.
  • Anti-Trojans- Trojans are programs that appear clean, good and entertaining on the outside but are very destructive when you open it. Here are some free programs that deals with trojans:

    »Ewido Anti-Malware- A very very good trojan detector. It is only a trial program and it offers realtime protection for 15 days and after that you can use its on-demand scanner for free. Remember to update its database after installing it.
    ~You can download it from here
    ~If automatic updates wont work you can download the manual updates here

    »A-squared- This is also a great program from Emsisoft. This is a freeware and you can use it to scan your systems for trojans and other forms of malware.
    ~You can download it here
  • MVPS Hosts file- The MVPS Hosts file replaces your current HOSTS file with one containing well known ad sites etc. Basically, this prevents your coputer from connecting to those sites by redirecting them to 127.0.0.1 which is your local computer
    ~You can get MVPS hosts file here
*****FOR MORE REALTIME PROTECTION*****

» Install SpyWare Blaster- It prevents the installation of ActiveX-based spyware, adware, browser hijackers, dialers, and other potentially unwanted software.
~You can download it from here
~You can read the tutorial on how to use Spyware Blaster here

» Install Spyware Guard- This is one of the best realtime protection programs that stops spyware before it is executed. It also prevents spyware from downloading in your system.
~You can download it from here
~You can read the tutorial on how to use Spyware Guard here

» Install WinPatrol - Also a necessary programs because this alerts you if an unknown program tries to install and run in your computer with your notice/approval. Mostly detects malicious Active X and malicious java script files.
~You can download it from here
~You can get some information about the working of WinPatrol HERE

» IESpyAds- A nice little program that can add almost 5000 restricted sites to IE so you will not be redirected to those "bad" sites.
~You can download it from here
~If you want to know how IEspyads work you can take a look at it here
~Please not that IESpyAds only works with IE

» Windows Update- Always check for updates of your operating system to keep yourself protected from its vulnerabilities.
~Get the updates from here

Pls. check out Tony Klein's article "How did I get infected in the first place?"

Remember: It is alright to have more than 3 antispyware applications and realtime protection but never more than 1 AntiVirus or more than 1 Firewall in your system. Always UPDATE your AntiVirus application and do a scan at least once a week together with your AntiSpyware applications to ensure that your system is clean.

Happy Safe Surfing
Post #8
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