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Spyware / Malware / Virus Removal

Pleease Help!

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 Advice, software, and links below may be out of date — treat specific steps and download links with caution.

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I had my computer cleaned not a week ago. I am searching for 2 specific files, one for xo and another for Quake 3. But thats not important right now because in 4 years this computer has never been worse. On one of the sites I got SO infected.. I cant do anything, cant even get on the internet, i get a BLUE inet browser saying system 32, and its soooo slow! here is my hijackthis! log. I have to communicate through this third computer in my house which is wired to the router because the otehr one (DellfromHell on this site) used wireless and somehow i think my pc has affected that ones internet :(. Thanks so much.

Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.1
Scan saved at 11:46:28 PM, on 12/27/2006
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\csrss.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:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\Ati2evxx.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\Program Files\Grisoft\AVG Anti-Spyware 7.5\guard.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccSetMgr.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\cisvc.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\CTSVCCDA.EXE
C:\Program Files\Symantec AntiVirus\DefWatch.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\srvany.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\resetservice.exe
C:\Program Files\Spyware Doctor\sdhelp.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\SYMANT~1\VPTray.exe
C:\Program Files\Alcohol Soft\Alcohol 120\StarWind\StarWindService.exe
C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.5.0_09\bin\jusched.exe
C:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe
C:\Program Files\ATI Technologies\ATI.ACE\CLI.EXE
C:\Program Files\Common Files\{E0A72FF3-0729-1033-0407-050208050001}\Update.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\Symantec AntiVirus\Rtvscan.exe
C:\Program Files\ATI Multimedia\main\ATIDtct.EXE
C:\Program Files\ATI Multimedia\RemCtrl\ATIRW.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccEvtMgr.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
C:\Documents and Settings\bob\Application Data\?ymbols\n?tepad.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\rundll32.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\wuauclt.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\wbem\wmiprvse.exe
C:\Documents and Settings\bob\Desktop\hijackthis\HijackThis.exe

R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL = c:\secure32.html
R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = c:\secure32.html
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL = c:\secure32.html
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = c:\secure32.html
R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Local Page = c:\secure32.html
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Local Page = c:\secure32.html
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Window Title = Microsoft Internet Explorer provided by Insight Broadband
O3 - Toolbar: Yahoo! Toolbar - {EF99BD32-C1FB-11D2-892F-0090271D4F88} - C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Companion\Installs\cpn\yt.dll
O3 - Toolbar: &Google - {2318C2B1-4965-11d4-9B18-009027A5CD4F} - c:\program files\google\googletoolbar1.dll
O3 - Toolbar: Bar888 - {C1B4DEC2-2623-438e-9CA2-C9043AB28508} - C:\PROGRA~1\COMMON~1\{30A72~1\Bar888.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [CTHelper] CTHELPER.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NvCplDaemon] RUNDLL32.EXE C:\WINDOWS\System32\NvCpl.dll,NvStartup
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ATIPTA] C:\Program Files\ATI Technologies\ATI Control Panel\atiptaxx.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NVMixerTray] "C:\Program Files\NVIDIA Corporation\NvMixer\NVMixerTray.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [vptray] C:\PROGRA~1\SYMANT~1\VPTray.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ccApp] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccApp.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ATICCC] "C:\Program Files\ATI Technologies\ATI.ACE\CLIStart.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SunJavaUpdateSched] "C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.5.0_09\bin\jusched.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [BootSkin Startup Jobs] "C:\PROGRA~1\Stardock\WINCUS~1\BootSkin\BootSkin.exe" /StartupJobs
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [CmPCIaudio] RunDll32 CMICNFG3.CPL,CMICtrlWnd
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [QuickTime Task] "C:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe" -atboottime
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [CloneCDTray] "C:\Program Files\SlySoft\CloneCD\CloneCDTray.exe" /s
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [{E0A72FF3-0729-1033-0407-050208050001}] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\{E0A72FF3-0729-1033-0407-050208050001}\Update.exe" mc-110-12-0000272
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AutoSys] C:\WINDOWS\system32\autosys.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [IpWins] C:\Program Files\ipwins\ipwins.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [ATI Launchpad] "C:\Program Files\ATI Multimedia\main\launchpd.exe"
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [ATI DeviceDetect] C:\Program Files\ATI Multimedia\main\ATIDtct.EXE
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [ATI Remote Control] C:\Program Files\ATI Multimedia\RemCtrl\ATIRW.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [ctfmon.exe] C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [NBJ] "C:\PROGRA~1\Ahead\NEROBA~1\NBJ.exe"
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [Jvtr] C:\Documents and Settings\bob\Application Data\?ymbols\n?tepad.exe
O4 - Startup: PowerReg Scheduler V3.exe
O8 - Extra context menu item: E&xport to Microsoft Excel - res://C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~3\OFFICE11\EXCEL.EXE/3000
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.5.0_09\bin\ssv.dll
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Sun Java Console - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.5.0_09\bin\ssv.dll
O9 - Extra button: Spyware Doctor - {2D663D1A-8670-49D9-A1A5-4C56B4E14E84} - C:\PROGRA~1\SPYWAR~2\tools\iesdpb.dll
O9 - Extra button: ATI TV - {44226DFF-747E-4edc-B30C-78752E50CD0C} - C:\Program Files\ATI Multimedia\tv\EXPLBAR.DLL
O9 - Extra button: Research - {92780B25-18CC-41C8-B9BE-3C9C571A8263} - C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~3\OFFICE11\REFIEBAR.DLL
O9 - Extra button: AIM - {AC9E2541-2814-11d5-BC6D-00B0D0A1DE45} - F:\Program Files\AIM\aim.exe
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
O12 - Plugin for .spop: C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\Plugins\NPDocBox.dll
O16 - DPF: Yahoo! Pool 2 - http://download.games.yahoo.com/games/clients/y/pote_x.cab
O16 - DPF: Yahoo! Spades - http://download.games.yahoo.com/games/clients/y/st2_x.cab
O16 - DPF: {0A5FD7C5-A45C-49FC-ADB5-9952547D5715} (Creative Software AutoUpdate) - http://www.creative.com/su/ocx/15015/CTSUEng.cab
O16 - DPF: {0E5F0222-96B9-11D3-8997-00104BD12D94} (PCPitstop Utility) - http://www.pcpitstop.com/pcpitstop/PCPitStop.CAB
O16 - DPF: {0EB0E74A-2A76-4AB3-A7FB-9BD8C29F7F75} (CKAVWebScan Object) - http://www.kaspersky.com/kos/eng/partner/d…can_unicode.cab
O16 - DPF: {17492023-C23A-453E-A040-C7C580BBF700} (Windows Genuine Advantage Validation Tool) - http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=39204
O16 - DPF: {37A273C2-5129-11D5-BF37-00A0CCE8754B} (TTestGenXInstallObject) - http://www.mathxl.com/wizmodules/testgen/i…GenXInstall.cab
O16 - DPF: {4FE89055-5300-469E-AFAD-DEB3181EDE76} (PearsonAsstX Control) - http://www.mathxl.com/applets/PearsonInstallAsst.cab
O16 - DPF: {6414512B-B978-451D-A0D8-FCFDF33E833C} (WUWebControl Class) - http://update.microsoft.com/microsoftupdat…b?1166510428061
O16 - DPF: {6E32070A-766D-4EE6-879C-DC1FA91D2FC3} (MUWebControl Class) - http://update.microsoft.com/microsoftupdat…b?1166510419077
O16 - DPF: {9B17FE0E-51F2-4692-8B32-8EFB805FC0E7} (HPObjectInstaller Class) - http://h30155.www3.hp.com/ediags/gs/instal…edsolutions.cab
O16 - DPF: {9E58D78E-C5D3-DCF5-F38E-D1FBF76F5CBA} (MNPerformer Class) - http://www.charter.net/files/musicnet/down…merSetup-sa.exe
O16 - DPF: {A93D84FD-641F-43AE-B963-E6FA84BE7FE7} (LinkSys Content Update) - http://www.linksysfix.com/netcheck/53/install/gtdownls.cab
O16 - DPF: {DBA230D1-8467-4e69-987E-5FAE815A3B45} -
O16 - DPF: {F6ACF75C-C32C-447B-9BEF-46B766368D29} (Creative Software AutoUpdate Support Package) - http://www.creative.com/su/ocx/15014/CTPID.cab
O16 - DPF: {FC6703A7-5B7E-4f58-BE6D-2693AA3906AE} (HP Content Update) - http://h30299.www3.hp.com/ediags/hpna/web/…hp.cab?1,0,0,94
O23 - Service: Ati HotKey Poller - ATI Technologies Inc. - C:\WINDOWS\System32\Ati2evxx.exe
O23 - Service: ATI Smart - Unknown owner - C:\WINDOWS\system32\ati2sgag.exe
O23 - Service: AVG Anti-Spyware Guard - Anti-Malware Development a.s. - C:\Program Files\Grisoft\AVG Anti-Spyware 7.5\guard.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: COM+ Messages - Unknown owner - C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchosts.exe" -e mc-110-12-0000272 (file missing)
O23 - Service: Creative Service for CDROM Access - Creative Technology Ltd - C:\WINDOWS\system32\CTSVCCDA.EXE
O23 - Service: Symantec AntiVirus Definition Watcher (DefWatch) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Symantec AntiVirus\DefWatch.exe
O23 - Service: iPod Service - Apple Computer, Inc. - C:\Program Files\iPod\bin\iPodService.exe
O23 - Service: Microsoft authenticate service (MsaSvc) - Unknown owner - C:\WINDOWS\system32\msasvc.exe (file missing)
O23 - Service: NVIDIA Display Driver Service (NVSvc) - NVIDIA Corporation - C:\WINDOWS\System32\nvsvc32.exe
O23 - Service: Pml Driver HPZ12 - HP - C:\WINDOWS\System32\HPZipm12.exe
O23 - Service: Reset 5 - Unknown owner - C:\WINDOWS\system32\srvany.exe
O23 - Service: SAVRoam (SavRoam) - symantec - C:\Program Files\Symantec AntiVirus\SavRoam.exe
O23 - Service: PC Tools Spyware Doctor (SDhelper) - PC Tools Research Pty Ltd - C:\Program Files\Spyware Doctor\sdhelp.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: StarWind iSCSI Service (StarWindService) - Rocket Division Software - C:\Program Files\Alcohol Soft\Alcohol 120\StarWind\StarWindService.exe
O23 - Service: Symantec AntiVirus - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Symantec AntiVirus\Rtvscan.exe
O23 - Service: X10 Device Network Service (x10nets) - Unknown owner - C:\PROGRA~1\ATIMUL~1\RemCtrl\x10nets.exe (file missing)
Welcome to the Forums.
The fixes we will use are specific to your problems and should only be used for this issue on this machine.
Please only use this topic to reply to. Do not start another thread.
If any other issues arise let me know.
The process is not instant. Please continue to review my answers until I tell you your machine is clear. Absence of symptoms does not mean that everything is clear. So lets do this to the end!
Please if you decide to seek help at another forum let us know. There is a shortage of helpers and tying 2 of us up is a waste of time.
If you have any questions about any advice given here please STOP and ask!






It looks like you have been infected by a backdoor trojan.

This allows hackers to remotely control your computer, steal critical system information and Download and Execute files

Its very possible that anything could have been installed on your computer by the remote attacker, including opening other backdoors and installing rootkits. While we can attempt to clean what we see in your logs, we can't guarantee that your computer will be completely in the clear since we have no way of knowing that has been done to the computer. Your computer could be completely compromised at this moment. It may be prudent to backup your information, reformat, and reinstall.

More information on Remote Access Trojans can be found
http://antivirus.about.com/library/weekly/aa100400a.htm]here

I suggest you do the following immediately:
  • Call all of your banks, credit card companies, financial institutions and inform them that you may be a victim of identity theft and to put a watch on your accounts or change all your account numbers.
  • From a clean computer, change *all* your online passwords – for email, for banks, financial accounts, PayPal, eBay, online companies, any online forums or groups you belong to.
  • Do NOT change passwords or do any transactions while using the infected computer because the attacker will get the new passords and transaction information.
If, however, you decide that the computer is not used for any sensitive work, or if you do not wish to reformat at this time, I can help you clean your computer to the best of my abilities.

Should you have any questions, please feel free to ask.

Please let me know what you decide to do in your next post.

Should you decide to clean this machine start by doing the following.


Any files I ask you to download please do so on the machine that works and transfer them via USB FLASH DRIVE /CD ROM/
or similar device untill your machine works online again
.




_________________________


You are running HJT directly from the desktop.
Create a folder called HJT either in C: or My documents and place the
hijackthis.exe in there.
This will ensure we have back ups made and it doesn't get deleted .


________________
Rename HJT.

Once you have moved hijackthis to its own folder I need you to rename it.
Right click on hijackthis.exe and choose rename from the list
rename it to noname then hit enter once. Leave it for now.






____________________________
Please download the Killbox by Option^Explicit

Note: In the event you already have Killbox, this is a new version that I need you to download.
Save it to your desktop.
Please double-click Killbox.exe to run it.
Select:
Delete on Reboot
then Click on the All Files button.
Please copy the file paths below to the clipboard by highlighting ALL of them and pressing CTRL + C (or, after highlighting, right-click and choose copy):

C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchosts.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\msasvc.exe



Return to Killbox, go to the File menu, and choose Paste from Clipboard.

Click the red-and-white Delete File button. Click Yes at the Delete on Reboot prompt. Click OK at any PendingFileRenameOperations prompt (and please let me know if you receive this message!).

If your computer does not restart automatically, please restart it manually.

If you receive a message such as: "Component 'MsComCtl.ocx' or one of its dependencies not correctly registered: a file is missing or invalid." when trying to run Killbox, click here to download and run missingfilesetup.exe. Then try Killbox again.



__________________________
Go to
Start/control panel/add remove programs ;
And Uninstall

toolbar 888

______________________________
Stop and Disable a Service

Go to Start " Run " type: Services.msc " OK.
Scroll down and find these 2 services:
MsaSvc

COM+ Messages

Double-click on it.
Under the General tab, click the Stop button.
Then as start up type click disable.






______________________________
We need to delete these 2 services
- Start HijackThis…
- Click "Config" button
- Click "Misc Tools" button
- click "Delete an NT Service" button
- Copy and Paste the bold text below in the "Delete an NT Service" window 1 at a time and click OK

MsaSvc

COM+ Messages


close that.



_______________________

1. Download this file - combofix.exe
2. Double click combofix.exe & follow the prompts.
3. When finished, it shall produce a log for you. Post that log in your next reply

Note:
Do not mouseclick combofix's window whilst it's running. That may cause it to stall





______________________
Download SmitfraudFix (by S!Ri) to your Desktop.
http://siri.urz.free.fr/Fix/SmitfraudFix.zip
Extract all the files to your Destop. A folder named SmitfraudFix will be created on your Desktop.


Open the SmitfraudFix folder and double-click smitfraudfix.cmd
Select option #1 - Search by typing 1 and press Enter
This program will scan large amounts of files on your computer for known patterns so please be patient while it works. When it is done, the results of the scan will be displayed and it will create a log named rapport.txt in the root of your drive, eg: Local Disk C: or partition where your operating system is installed. Please post that log along with any others I have asked for in your next reply.

Note : process.exe is detected by some antivirus programs (AntiVir, Dr.Web, Kaspersky) as a "RiskTool"; it is not a virus, but a program used to stop system processes. Antivirus programs cannot distinguish between "good" and "malicious" use of such programs, therefore they may alert the user.


IMPORTANT: Do NOT run any other options until you are asked to do so!



_________________
In your next reply I would like to see:
  • A new HJT log
  • The report from Combo fix
  • The report from Smitfraud
Wow this is scary and disgusting. After reading through your post and especially seeing the suggested actions of notifying banks, financial institutes i am quite nervous and concerned. I believe I am going to have to buy an XP Pro CD again seeing as I do not wish to use home edition and Pro cd has been lost. Is there some way I am able to get certain songs and files off my pc before reformatting.. through same mode? Can you burn cd's in safe mode? Also, by reformatting/repartitioning my drive/drives (I have 2.. will it do both at once.. how does this work or is it automatic?), it will COMPLETELY annhialate everything especially the viruses/trojans correct? Unfortunetly it's Friday and I'll have to wait until Monday to call my financial people, I cannot risk any fruadulent activity. I am disgusted. I absolutely thank you 100 percent for helping me get through this. Will write soon, GreenMachine.
I take it you will reformat.

As far as formating 2 partitions /hard drives you will have to tell windows which to format during the install process.

Yes reformatting will wipe everything out, both good and bad stuff.

You can use this computer in normal mode while you back stuff up.
I would just take it off the internet while you use it. ( Pull the internet plug) This will stop them from gaining acsess .
The only thing I see infected now is your C drive.


You can back up your music and such to CD/ usb flash drive . Just choose the folder where you important files and music are and write them to CD. You may have to split them up so they are small enough to fit.


Heres a good link on reformatting also.

http://spyware-free.us/tutorials/reformat/

Let me know for certain what you decide to do.
I'm taking only a few cruciala files off my infected C: drive. I'm in safe mode looking at my Microsoft Inbox. I only see files from latest 2 weeks ago. I usually could see everything.. even from last year. I HOPE the hacker didn't take those files off my pc. I bought a few things a month or 2 ago and i'm sure confermation was sent but as i remember there isnt any crucial information… I hope. Where could these files have gone. If i find them i will copy to my F: (uninfected) drive before i reformat my C:. Thanks.
You may try this to see if some of the files got hidden by malware. Although I'm not certain this is the case.

You didn't by chance try a system restore to a time before you had theose files that you can't find did you.
I'm not suggesting you try this now. Just save what you can first.

___________________________________
Reconfigure Windows XP to show hidden files::

Click Start. My Computer.
Select the Tools menu Folder Options. Select the View Tab.
Under the Hidden files and folders heading select "Show hidden files and folders".
Uncheck the "Hide protected operating system files (recommended)" option.
Uncheck the "Hide file extensions for known file types" option.
Click Yes to confirm. Click OK.
I have tried the above recommended action with no luck. Is there a folder I can see all my messages in? Or normally are the emails stored on the server? _________________________________________________________________________ :D :D Thank you again in advance for helping me. :D :D _________________________________________________________________________ I have next to no files on my F: drive which is the drive that is not infected. When i completely reformat / repartition my C: drive, will my secondary drive (F:) also have the same operating system and work perfectly with the new XP Pro cd I am buying? This was also the time that I am going to upgrade some parts in my pc that are outdated. I have good soundcard, fre plugNplay devices, videocardd, harddrives, and peripheral components.. but I'll need a new motherboard, processor, possibly power supply and case if the current config isnt fully comptable etc.. Can you recommend a company to physically see what i have to work with and tell me what is compatable with my setupand/or put the new components together? I would like to possibly get a dualcore processor and have a fast system. Would that "GeekSquad" be able to work with lets say hardware not from bestbuy?
Formatting
Once you partioin your C drive and reinstall windows. Your computer will automatically be able to read most all the files on the F drive. You do not need a operating system on the F drive to recognize and open the files. It's just the same as a CD or flash/ usb thumb drive. Windows regognizes the files and opens them with the appropiate program.
One thing you may notice in the beginning. Windows wil not recognize certain files untill the appropiate program is installed.
Lets say you have some Microsoft word documents or excell or some others on the F drive. Windows will not know what to do with them untill Microsoft word/excell is installed. So once windows is installed you will have to reinstall any other programs you used before to create/save the files on the F drive. This holds true for many programs I have just used the two I mentioned as an example.


Parts
I know a few people that have gone to the geek squad for help. They seemed pleased with what they can do.
One thing to keep in mind is how much are you going to spend updating a computer. Mother board and processor are the heart and lungs of a computer. Ram/memory may need to be changed to go with the new Motherboard. The price of those and the labor to replace them may almost be the cost of an average machine unless you can do it yourself. Just something to keep in mind.

Messages.
I assume you mean E mail messages. Depending on your mail server they may be left on the server or may not. They may be in a deleted folder in your mail program also. Also look in the sent folder.

Anything else feel free to ask.
Thanks again for unmatched support. I'm looking at going 64bit, Dual-Core, 2gigs RAM, PCI_Express 512Mhz, and if need be new fans, case and power supply. This seems logical and a step into the "fast" realm?? Obviously the 64 bit system needs a 64 bit operating system to be truley worth having 64bit technology.. I've heard WindowsVista is full of 'real time' environments that are a waste of everything. Is it worth going Vista?.. and it's not 64 bit yet either though? Or how about Windows XP Pro 64 bit version.. if it exists? I was wondering what your thoughts on this were on any of these ideas, improvements, or any suggestions for a better setup. :) I'm excited to be upgrading!

Thanks again for unmatched support.

I'm looking at going 64bit, Dual-Core, 2gigs RAM, PCI_Express 512Mhz, and if need be new fans, case and power supply. This seems logical and a step into the "fast" realm??


Yup That ought to get you there. [external image: Posted Image]

Obviously the 64 bit system needs a 64 bit operating system to be truley worth having 64bit technology.. I've heard WindowsVista is full of 'real time' environments that are a waste of everything. Is it worth going Vista?.. and it's not 64 bit yet either though? Or how about Windows XP Pro 64 bit version.. if it exists? I was wondering what your thoughts on this were on any of these ideas, improvements, or any suggestions for a better setup. :) I'm excited to be upgrading!


As far as Vista is concerned my rule of thumb is simple. I do not indulge in any new major software until it's been around and used by the masses for 6 months or more. To many things that probably couldn't be tested for. I don't think Vista has a 64 bit version yet.
Personaly I am quite happy for now with XP Pro. I to have a 64 bit processor but never indulged in to the 64 bit version.

Just remember the very first thing you do is get good anti virus up and running before you connect to the net. Then a firewall.
I will list a few good and free anti virus programs and firewalls for you to consider.




I will list 2 free anti virus programs just choose 1.

AVG FREE

Avast






A few words on Microsofts XP firewall. It only works in one direction. Incoming.
That means if something gets by it you would never know it was trying
to contact the internet.
Example: A bad program installs itself. You would never know it was contacting the internet.
Downloading other nasties and so forth.

If you decide to run one of these you should be certain Microsofts firewall is disabled.
To disable it.

I will list a few free firewalls for you. These are good (free) firewalls:

Never run 2 firwalls together. They will interfere with each other.
So just download and install one!



Zone Alarm Easiest to use
Kerio
Sygate
Outpost

Safe and Happy surfing.
Hey! I'm please to announce my new PC is being built! I have taken your info. above and will install one of each, an antivirus and firewall! I have norton corporate edition (which wasn't catching some stuff before is that why I should have an antispyware too?) and I have AVG. So it makes sense to run the following for best protection… ? AVG – Anti-Spyware Norton Corporate – Anti-Virus (and) one of the firewalls listed directly above __________________________________________________________________ :lol: :) :lol: :) :lol: :) MY NEW COMPUTER SPECS!: > AMD X2 4600+ > Gigabyte M55SLI SLI/1394 > 300GB SATA 7200 8MB Cache Seagate SATA ll > (2) Geforce 7600GT - 256M PCI-E SLI :thumbup: > Windows XP Media Center Edition > (4) 80MM Case Fans w/drive power conntector > Thermaltake 700 Watt PS > 2GB Corsair XMS2 Xtreme Performance DDR2 RAM :thumbup: >> not to forget I'll be using my same GreenMachine Case, 19" NEC MultiSync 90GX2 OptiClear, Razer mouse and mouse pad… am i forgetting anything!! ahh well that's a start! :thumbup:
You sound like a proud PaPa. :rofl:

And rightfully so. Nice Machine. I am happy for you.

One thing I will make mention for you. And this is just simply friendy advice from another gamer or used to be.
A very well respected ( top dog if you will) had a list that I can't find right now of the top 10 reasons people get infected.

Well to the top of that list is looking for free stuff. In your case possibly files for a game. We all become vunerable for a quick fix. Guess who knows this also? Malware writers.
You need to be very careful of who says your getting something free. I know how frustrating it can be when something like this doesn't work. So do malware writers .
So with that freindly advice behind us .
Iwish you the very best in your online experiences and
Congrats on the new machine! [external image: Posted Image]
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http://forums.tomcoyote.org/index.php?showtopic=31418

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