Malware Problem; DNSChanger.hg

Shaba, just in case I have to go to a reinstall of WinXP (my disc) are there instructions as how to do this as in another link? Just trying to cover my bases in case this is the recommended procedure next. Fred

Hi I don't think that you'll need to re-install XP, but you could try repair installation of XP

Shaba, I think we're good on the malware problem. I looked at the 2 links and tried a IE6 Method 2 "trick" and it got all the way to the end and a box came up and said that I already had a later version of IE6 and would not install it. Soooooo, I tried a little different tac. Although I didn't think it would work, I upgraded WMP10 to WMP11. It WORKED. All the radio icons show up and function. I guess the install replaced whatever corrupt/missing files that were necessary. I am a very happy camper and THANKYOU! One bad thing though is I enjoyed going through the process and read ALOT of other posts. Quite an interesting site with alot of great info as long as you us it carefully and with guidance. It allows one to ask more informed questions. A little knowledge is a dangerous thing, LOL. I assume we can close this out. Thankyou and all your compatriots in malware crime and computer assistance. Fred, San Jose Ca

Hi Great news So you have no more problems left?

I believe I am. While I was at it I found an update to my Wireless and that's improved!! Thankyou again, and be well. Fred

Hi

Then you're clean!

Now that you are clean, please follow these simple steps in order to keep your computer clean and secure:

Go here and download and install JRE 6.0. Click the link that says Download JRE 6.0 . You will then need to select Accept License Agreement and click the Continue button that is beside it. Then click the link that says Windows Offline Installation, Multi-language. Save it to your Desktop. Then go back to your Desktop and double click jre-6-windows-i586.exe to start the install. Once you have it installed, click Start>Run, type in appwiz.cpl and hit Enter. From the list, uninstall J2SE Runtime Environment 5.0.

• Disable and Enable System Restore. - If you are using Windows XP then you should disable and re-enable system restore to make sure there are no infected files found in a restore point.
  
  You can find instructions on how to enable and reenable system restore here:
  
  Windows XP System Restore Guide

Reenable system restore with instructions from tutorial above

• 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 Initialize 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 AntiVirus 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 online & their stand-alone antivirus programs:

Virus, Spyware, and Malware Protection and Removal Resources

• Update your AntiVirus Software - It is imperitive that you update your Antivirus software at least once a week (Even more if you wish). If you do not update your antivirus 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 succeptible to being hacked and taken over. I am very serious about this and see it happen almost every day with my clients. Simply using a Firewall in its default configuration can lower your risk greatly.
  
  For a tutorial on Firewalls and a listing of some available ones see the link below:
  
  Understanding and Using Firewalls
  
  
• 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.
  
  
• Install Ad-Aware - Install and download Ad-Aware. ou should also scan your computer with program on a regular basis just as you would an antivirus software in conjunction with Spybot.
  
  A tutorial on installing & using this product can be found here:
  
  Using Ad-aware to remove Spyware, Malware, & Hijackers from Your Computer
  
• Install SpywareBlaster - SpywareBlaster will added a large list of programs and sites into your Internet Explorer settings that will protect you from running and downloading known malicious programs.
  
  A tutorial on installing & using this product can be found here:
  
  Using SpywareBlaster to protect your computer from Spyware and Malware
  
  
• Update all these programs regularly - Make sure you update all the programs I have listed 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.

Here are some additional utilities that will enhance your safety

• IE/Spyad <= IE/Spyad places over 4000 websites and domains in the IE Restricted list which will severely impair attempts to infect your system. It basically prevents any downloads (Cookies etc) from the sites listed, although you will still be able to connect to the sites.
• MVPS Hosts file <= The MVPS Hosts file replaces your current HOSTS file with one containing well know 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
• Google Toolbar <= Get the free google toolbar to help stop pop up windows.
• Winpatrol <= Download and install the free version of Winpatrol. a tutorial for this product is located here:
  Using Winpatrol to protect your computer from malicious software

Stand Up and Be Counted —> Malware Complaints <— where you can make difference!

The site offers people who have been (or are) victims of malware the opportunity to document their story and, in that way, launch a complaint against the malware and the makers of the malware.

Also, please read this great article by Tony Klein So How Did I Get Infected In First Place

Happy surfing and stay clean!

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