Glad your computer is running better and you are rid of the cartoon! Your hijackthis log appears to be clean.
I would recommend using software firewall instead of the Windows XP firewall and I gave you a link. I do know there are some free firewalls for personal use. If you have more questions about those ports or firewalls, I recommend posting here:
STEP 1.
====== System Restore for Windows XP Reset and Re-enable your System Restore to remove infected files that have been backed up by Windows. The files in System Restore are protected to prevent any programs changing those files. This is the only way to clean these files: (You will lose all previous restore points which are likely to be infected)
Turn off System Restore.
On the Desktop, right-click My Computer.
Click Properties.
Click the System Restore tab.
Check Turn off System Restore.
Click Apply, and then click OK.
Reboot.
Turn ON System Restore.
On the Desktop, right-click My Computer.
Click Properties.
Click the System Restore tab.
UN-Check *Turn off System Restore*.
Click Apply, and then click OK.
STEP 2.
====== DON’T BECOME OVERCONFIDENT WITH ANTIVIRUS APPLICATIONS INSTALLED!!!
Stay up to date on security patches and be extremely wary of clicking on links and attachments that arrive unbidden in instant messages and e-mail.
"The number one thing the majority of the malicious code we're seeing now does is disable or delete anti-virus and other security software," Dunham said. "In a lot of cases, once the user clicks on that attachment, it's already too late."
Now that you are clean, please follow these simple steps in order to keep your computer clean and secure:
Use a Firewall - For a tutorial on Firewalls and a listing of some available ones see the link below: Understanding and Using Firewalls
Install Spybot - Search and Destroy - Install and download Spybot - Search and Destroy with its TeaTimer option. This will provide realtime spyware & hijacker protection on your computer alongside your virus protection. You should also scan your computer with program on a regular basis just as you would an antivirus software.
A tutorial on installing & using this product can be found here: Using Spybot - Search & Destroy to remove Spyware , Malware, and Hijackers
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.
Glad we could be of assistance. This topic is now closed. If you wish it reopened, please send us an email (Click for address) with a link to your thread.
Do not bother contacting us if you are not the topic starter. A valid, working link to the closed topic is required along with the user name used. If the user name does not match the one in the thread linked, the email will be deleted.
Make sure you use proper prevention to keep from having problems occur to your computer in the future.
