Yahoo -- Home Page Hijack

Hi Dr. Dave,

I have always used a firewall. I have my network behind a router, and I used the built-in Windows XP firewall. I used to use Zone Alarm, but from what I can tell, WindowsXP is now using Zone alarm (maybe it's "Zone Alarm Light").

I don't think Windows Firewall uses Zone Alarm, or at least I've never heard of this before.

Should I be using a heftier software firewall than what is built in to WinXP ?

I would say Yes! The Windows Firewall only monitors incoming traffic and not outgoing, that's why I would use a software Firewall. Below is a list of Free software Firewalls.

Comodo << I recommend this
Zone Alarm
Sunbelt Kerio PF
Outpost Firewall

What anti-spyware/adware do you think I should use? You listed quite a few of them. Do you have a favorite or two?

Something that is not listed is AVG Anti-Spyware, which is an excellent Anti-Spyware program. It's a 30 day trial, and after this period the program is still fully functional, however, automatic updates and the resident shield will be disabled. You would still be able to update manually. I have posted instructions for running this program below the following posts, if you want to scan with it.
Please note that this is totally different from AVG Anti-Virus and should not replace it.

I would also definitely download the Hosts file. WinPatrol is another great addition to have with many features; I would give this a try and see what you think of it.

Apart from that, I think you are well protected and I believe you have better browsing habits than most so I don't see many problems.

AVG Anti-Spyware instructions:

Please download AVG Anti-Spyware to your Desktop or to your usual Download Folder.
http://www.ewido.net/en/download/

• Install AVG Anti-Spyware by double clicking the installer.
• Follow the prompts. Make sure that Launch AVG Anti-Spyware is checked.
• On the main screen under Your Computer's security.
  • Click on Change state next to Resident shield. It should now change to inactive.
  • Click on Change state next to Automatic updates. It should now change to inactive.
  • Next to Last Update, click on Update now. (You will need an active internet connection to perform this)
  • Wait until you see the Update succesfull message.
• Right-click the AVG Anti-Spyware Tray Icon and uncheck Start with Windows.
• Right-click the AVG Anti-Spyware Tray Icon and select Exit. Confirm by clicking Yes.

If you are having problems with the updater, you can use this link to manually update ewido.
AVG Anti-Spyware manual updates.
Download the Full database to your Desktop or to your usual Download Folder and install it by double clicking the file. Make sure that AVG Anti-Spyware is closed before installing the update.

Reboot your computer in Safe Mode.

• If the computer is running, shut down Windows, and then turn off the power.
• Wait 30 seconds, and then turn the computer on.
• Start tapping the F8 key. The Windows Advanced Options Menu appears. If you begin tapping the F8 key too soon, some computers display a "keyboard error" message. To resolve this, restart the computer and try again.
• Ensure that the Safe Mode option is selected.
• Press Enter. The computer then begins to start in Safe mode.
• Login on your usual account.

Once in Safe Mode:

Close ALL open Windows / Programs / Folders. Please start AVG Anti-Spyware and run a full scan.

• Click on Scanner on the toolbar.
• Click on the Settings tab.
  • Under How to act?
    • Click on Recommended Action and choose Quarantine from the popup menu.
  • Under How to scan?
    • All checkboxes should be ticked.
  • Under Possibly unwanted software:
    • All checkboxes should be ticked.
  • Under Reports:
    • Select Do not automatically generate reports
  • Under What to scan?
    • Select Scan every file.
• Click on the Scan tab.
• Click on Complete System Scan to start the scan process.
• Let the program scan the machine.
• When the scan has finished, follow the instructions below.
  IMPORTANT : Don't click on the "Save Scan Report" button before you did hit the "Apply all Actions" button.
  • Make sure that Set all elements to: shows Quarantine (1), if not click on the link and choose Quarantine from the popup menu. (2)
  • At the bottom of the window click on the Apply all Actions button. (3)
    [external image: Posted Image]
• When done, click the Save Scan Report button. (4)
  • Click the Save Report as button.
  • Save the report to your Desktop.
• Right-click the AVG Anti-Spyware Tray Icon and select Exit. Confirm by clicking Yes

. Reboot back into Normal Mode

You can post the log here if you want me to look at it for you.

I am grateful for your help, Trogan. I will implent your suggestions. re: Windows fire wall … it uses the Zone Alarm kernel. That's why I called it "Zone Alarm lite". I tested it with Gibson's port test (www.grc.com) …. you're right. It does not trap outbound traffic but the full Zone Alarm does. But it does place your computer in full stealth mode, so if your virus checker doesn't let anything in, I guess you're OK. I will implement your suggestions. Can I make a donation to your or your organization to express my gratitude? Dr. Dave

You're certainly welcome!

You can Donate Here. Thank you for donating.

I'd be happy to answer any question you have, if any.

Done. Thanks again.

You're welcome!

Since this issue appears to be resolved … this Topic has been closed. Glad we could be of assistance.

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