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Spyware / Malware / Virus Removal

[Resolved] internet connection pop-ups

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Post #1
Greetings to you all,

This is the first time I am posting in this forum, so I hope I don't mess up.
I have been facing in the last days an increasing amount of pop-ups while online. The connection suddenly stops and I am asked to connect through my home ADSL connection, even if I am at the University using its independent wireless connection. I wonder that I might be infected with some trojan. Each day that I make my Ad-aware scan I get several "Critical Objects" so I think it may be way deep in my system always regenerating after I take it down with the Ad-aware scanns…

So here's the log. I am not a computer expert so I hope someone can understand what is going on.

Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.1
Scan saved at 16:57:57, on 30-10-2007
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:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\Programas\Intel\Wireless\Bin\EvtEng.exe
C:\Programas\Intel\Wireless\Bin\S24EvMon.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\Ati2evxx.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\Programas\AntiVir PersonalEdition Classic\avguard.exe
C:\Acer\eManager\anbmServ.exe
C:\Programas\AntiVir PersonalEdition Classic\sched.exe
C:\Programas\Intel\Wireless\Bin\RegSrvc.exe
C:\Programas\Sygate\SPF\smc.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\Programas\Synaptics\SynTP\SynTPLpr.exe
C:\Programas\Synaptics\SynTP\SynTPEnh.exe
C:\Programas\ATI Technologies\ATI Control Panel\atiptaxx.exe
C:\acer\epm\epm-dm.exe
C:\Programas\Launch Manager\QtZgAcer.EXE
C:\Programas\AntiVir PersonalEdition Classic\avgnt.exe
C:\Programas\D-Link\AirPlus G\AirGCFG.exe
C:\Programas\ANI\ANIWZCS2 Service\WZCSLDR2.exe
C:\Programas\CyberLink\PowerDVD\PDVDServ.exe
C:\Programas\Adobe\Acrobat 8.0\Acrobat\Acrotray.exe
C:\Programas\MSN Messenger\MsnMsgr.Exe
C:\Programas\DAEMON Tools\daemon.exe
C:\Programas\Adobe\Acrobat 8.0\Acrobat\acrobat_sl.exe
C:\Programas\Ficheiros comuns\Macrovision Shared\FLEXnet Publisher\FNPLicensingService.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\MOZILL~1\FIREFOX.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\system32\wuauclt.exe
C:\Programas\Hijackthis\HijackThis.exe

R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL = http://global.acer.com
R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Toolbar,LinksFolderName = Hiperligações
O2 - BHO: Adobe PDF Reader Link Helper - {06849E9F-C8D7-4D59-B87D-784B7D6BE0B3} - C:\Programas\Ficheiros comuns\Adobe\Acrobat\ActiveX\AcroIEHelper.dll
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {7E853D72-626A-48EC-A868-BA8D5E23E045} - (no file)
O2 - BHO: Adobe PDF Conversion Toolbar Helper - {AE7CD045-E861-484f-8273-0445EE161910} - C:\Programas\Adobe\Acrobat 8.0\Acrobat\AcroIEFavClient.dll
O3 - Toolbar: Adobe PDF - {47833539-D0C5-4125-9FA8-0819E2EAAC93} - C:\Programas\Adobe\Acrobat 8.0\Acrobat\AcroIEFavClient.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [LaunchApp] Alaunch
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [IgfxTray] C:\WINDOWS\system32\igfxtray.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [HotKeysCmds] C:\WINDOWS\system32\hkcmd.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SynTPLpr] C:\Programas\Synaptics\SynTP\SynTPLpr.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SynTPEnh] C:\Programas\Synaptics\SynTP\SynTPEnh.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [IMJPMIG8.1] "C:\WINDOWS\IME\imjp8_1\IMJPMIG.EXE" /Spoil /RemAdvDef /Migration32
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [MSPY2002] C:\WINDOWS\system32\IME\PINTLGNT\ImScInst.exe /SYNC
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [PHIME2002ASync] C:\WINDOWS\system32\IME\TINTLGNT\TINTSETP.EXE /SYNC
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [PHIME2002A] C:\WINDOWS\system32\IME\TINTLGNT\TINTSETP.EXE /IMEName
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ATIPTA] C:\Programas\ATI Technologies\ATI Control Panel\atiptaxx.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [EPM-DM] c:\acer\epm\epm-dm.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ePowerManagement] C:\Acer\ePM\ePM.exe boot
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [LManager] C:\Programas\Launch Manager\QtZgAcer.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [avgnt] "C:\Programas\AntiVir PersonalEdition Classic\avgnt.exe" /min
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [D-Link AirPlus G] C:\Programas\D-Link\AirPlus G\AirGCFG.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ANIWZCS2Service] C:\Programas\ANI\ANIWZCS2 Service\WZCSLDR2.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [RemoteControl] C:\Programas\CyberLink\PowerDVD\PDVDServ.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SmcService] C:\PROGRA~1\Sygate\SPF\smc.exe -startgui
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Acrobat Assistant 8.0] "C:\Programas\Adobe\Acrobat 8.0\Acrobat\Acrotray.exe"
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [MsnMsgr] "C:\Programas\MSN Messenger\MsnMsgr.Exe" /background
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [WhenUSave] "C:\Programas\Save\Save.exe"
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [DAEMON Tools] "C:\Programas\DAEMON Tools\daemon.exe" -lang 1033
O4 - Global Startup: Adobe Acrobat Speed Launcher.lnk = ?
O4 - Global Startup: Adobe Acrobat Synchronizer.lnk = C:\Programas\Adobe\Acrobat 8.0\Acrobat\AdobeCollabSync.exe
O8 - Extra context menu item: Append to existing PDF - res://C:\Programas\Adobe\Acrobat 8.0\Acrobat\AcroIEFavClient.dll/AcroIEAppend.html
O8 - Extra context menu item: Convert link target to Adobe PDF - res://C:\Programas\Adobe\Acrobat 8.0\Acrobat\AcroIEFavClient.dll/AcroIECapture.html
O8 - Extra context menu item: Convert link target to existing PDF - res://C:\Programas\Adobe\Acrobat 8.0\Acrobat\AcroIEFavClient.dll/AcroIEAppend.html
O8 - Extra context menu item: Convert selected links to Adobe PDF - res://C:\Programas\Adobe\Acrobat 8.0\Acrobat\AcroIEFavClient.dll/AcroIECaptureSelLinks.html
O8 - Extra context menu item: Convert selected links to existing PDF - res://C:\Programas\Adobe\Acrobat 8.0\Acrobat\AcroIEFavClient.dll/AcroIEAppendSelLinks.html
O8 - Extra context menu item: Convert selection to Adobe PDF - res://C:\Programas\Adobe\Acrobat 8.0\Acrobat\AcroIEFavClient.dll/AcroIECapture.html
O8 - Extra context menu item: Convert selection to existing PDF - res://C:\Programas\Adobe\Acrobat 8.0\Acrobat\AcroIEFavClient.dll/AcroIEAppend.html
O8 - Extra context menu item: Convert to Adobe PDF - res://C:\Programas\Adobe\Acrobat 8.0\Acrobat\AcroIEFavClient.dll/AcroIECapture.html
O8 - Extra context menu item: E&xportar para o Microsoft Excel - res://C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~2\OFFICE11\EXCEL.EXE/3000
O9 - Extra button: Pesquisar - {92780B25-18CC-41C8-B9BE-3C9C571A8263} - C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~2\OFFICE11\REFIEBAR.DLL
O9 - Extra button: Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Programas\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Windows Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Programas\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
O18 - Protocol: livecall - {828030A1-22C1-4009-854F-8E305202313F} - C:\PROGRA~1\MSNMES~1\MSGRAP~1.DLL
O18 - Protocol: msnim - {828030A1-22C1-4009-854F-8E305202313F} - C:\PROGRA~1\MSNMES~1\MSGRAP~1.DLL
O20 - Winlogon Notify: igfxcui - C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\igfxsrvc.dll
O21 - SSODL: WPDShServiceObj - {AAA288BA-9A4C-45B0-95D7-94D524869DB5} - C:\WINDOWS\system32\WPDShServiceObj.dll
O23 - Service: Notebook Manager Service (anbmService) - OSA Technologies Inc. - C:\Acer\eManager\anbmServ.exe
O23 - Service: ANIWZCSd Service (ANIWZCSdService) - Alpha Networks Inc. - C:\Programas\ANI\ANIWZCS2 Service\ANIWZCSdS.exe
O23 - Service: AntiVir PersonalEdition Classic Scheduler (AntiVirScheduler) - Avira GmbH - C:\Programas\AntiVir PersonalEdition Classic\sched.exe
O23 - Service: AntiVir PersonalEdition Classic Guard (AntiVirService) - Avira GmbH - C:\Programas\AntiVir PersonalEdition Classic\avguard.exe
O23 - Service: Ati HotKey Poller - ATI Technologies Inc. - C:\WINDOWS\system32\Ati2evxx.exe
O23 - Service: EvtEng - Intel Corporation - C:\Programas\Intel\Wireless\Bin\EvtEng.exe
O23 - Service: FLEXnet Licensing Service - Macrovision Europe Ltd. - C:\Programas\Ficheiros comuns\Macrovision Shared\FLEXnet Publisher\FNPLicensingService.exe
O23 - Service: RegSrvc - Intel Corporation - C:\Programas\Intel\Wireless\Bin\RegSrvc.exe
O23 - Service: Remote Packet Capture Protocol v.0 (experimental) (rpcapd) - Unknown owner - %ProgramFiles%\WinPcap\rpcapd.exe" -d -f "%ProgramFiles%\WinPcap\rpcapd.ini (file missing)
O23 - Service: Spectrum24 Event Monitor (S24EventMonitor) - Intel Corporation - C:\Programas\Intel\Wireless\Bin\S24EvMon.exe
O23 - Service: Sygate Personal Firewall Pro (SmcService) - Sygate Technologies, Inc. - C:\Programas\Sygate\SPF\smc.exe

PS.: As I am trying to send this post it hapenned several times…
Post #2
Hi Crespo

Looks like you've installed Daemon Tools with sponsors. Uninstall it now (you may reinstall without sponsors when system is clean).

Remove WhenUSave (or something with similar name) if found thru add/remove programs.


Start hjt, click do a system scan only, check:
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {7E853D72-626A-48EC-A868-BA8D5E23E045} - (no file)
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [WhenUSave] "C:\Programas\Save\Save.exe"

Close browsers and other windows. Click fix checked.

Delete following folder if found:
C:\Programas\Save

Post a fresh hjt log.
Post #3
Hello there Blade81,

Many thanks for your help in the first place.
I have strictly followed your instructions. I haven't found anything similar or equal to WhenUSave on the add/remove programs in the control panel nor I found any Save folder in the programs folder.
Nevertheless I hope it won't happen anymore, let's see what happens in the next days.
Here's the new log:

Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.1
Scan saved at 13:31:48, on 03-11-2007
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:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\Programas\Intel\Wireless\Bin\EvtEng.exe
C:\Programas\Intel\Wireless\Bin\S24EvMon.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\Ati2evxx.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\Programas\AntiVir PersonalEdition Classic\avguard.exe
C:\Programas\Synaptics\SynTP\SynTPLpr.exe
C:\Programas\Synaptics\SynTP\SynTPEnh.exe
C:\Programas\ATI Technologies\ATI Control Panel\atiptaxx.exe
C:\acer\epm\epm-dm.exe
C:\Programas\Launch Manager\QtZgAcer.EXE
C:\Programas\AntiVir PersonalEdition Classic\avgnt.exe
C:\Programas\D-Link\AirPlus G\AirGCFG.exe
C:\Programas\ANI\ANIWZCS2 Service\WZCSLDR2.exe
C:\Programas\CyberLink\PowerDVD\PDVDServ.exe
C:\Programas\Adobe\Acrobat 8.0\Acrobat\Acrotray.exe
C:\Programas\MSN Messenger\MsnMsgr.Exe
C:\Acer\eManager\anbmServ.exe
C:\Programas\ANI\ANIWZCS2 Service\ANIWZCSdS.exe
C:\Programas\AntiVir PersonalEdition Classic\sched.exe
C:\Programas\Intel\Wireless\Bin\RegSrvc.exe
C:\Programas\Sygate\SPF\smc.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\Programas\Ficheiros comuns\Macrovision Shared\FLEXnet Publisher\FNPLicensingService.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\MOZILL~1\FIREFOX.EXE
C:\Programas\Hijackthis\HijackThis.exe

R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL = http://global.acer.com
R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Toolbar,LinksFolderName = Hiperligações
O2 - BHO: Adobe PDF Reader Link Helper - {06849E9F-C8D7-4D59-B87D-784B7D6BE0B3} - C:\Programas\Ficheiros comuns\Adobe\Acrobat\ActiveX\AcroIEHelper.dll
O2 - BHO: Adobe PDF Conversion Toolbar Helper - {AE7CD045-E861-484f-8273-0445EE161910} - C:\Programas\Adobe\Acrobat 8.0\Acrobat\AcroIEFavClient.dll
O3 - Toolbar: Adobe PDF - {47833539-D0C5-4125-9FA8-0819E2EAAC93} - C:\Programas\Adobe\Acrobat 8.0\Acrobat\AcroIEFavClient.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [LaunchApp] Alaunch
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [IgfxTray] C:\WINDOWS\system32\igfxtray.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [HotKeysCmds] C:\WINDOWS\system32\hkcmd.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SynTPLpr] C:\Programas\Synaptics\SynTP\SynTPLpr.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SynTPEnh] C:\Programas\Synaptics\SynTP\SynTPEnh.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [IMJPMIG8.1] "C:\WINDOWS\IME\imjp8_1\IMJPMIG.EXE" /Spoil /RemAdvDef /Migration32
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [MSPY2002] C:\WINDOWS\system32\IME\PINTLGNT\ImScInst.exe /SYNC
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [PHIME2002ASync] C:\WINDOWS\system32\IME\TINTLGNT\TINTSETP.EXE /SYNC
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [PHIME2002A] C:\WINDOWS\system32\IME\TINTLGNT\TINTSETP.EXE /IMEName
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ATIPTA] C:\Programas\ATI Technologies\ATI Control Panel\atiptaxx.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [EPM-DM] c:\acer\epm\epm-dm.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ePowerManagement] C:\Acer\ePM\ePM.exe boot
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [LManager] C:\Programas\Launch Manager\QtZgAcer.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [avgnt] "C:\Programas\AntiVir PersonalEdition Classic\avgnt.exe" /min
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [D-Link AirPlus G] C:\Programas\D-Link\AirPlus G\AirGCFG.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ANIWZCS2Service] C:\Programas\ANI\ANIWZCS2 Service\WZCSLDR2.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [RemoteControl] C:\Programas\CyberLink\PowerDVD\PDVDServ.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SmcService] C:\PROGRA~1\Sygate\SPF\smc.exe -startgui
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Acrobat Assistant 8.0] "C:\Programas\Adobe\Acrobat 8.0\Acrobat\Acrotray.exe"
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [MsnMsgr] "C:\Programas\MSN Messenger\MsnMsgr.Exe" /background
O4 - Global Startup: Adobe Acrobat Speed Launcher.lnk = ?
O4 - Global Startup: Adobe Acrobat Synchronizer.lnk = C:\Programas\Adobe\Acrobat 8.0\Acrobat\AdobeCollabSync.exe
O8 - Extra context menu item: Append to existing PDF - res://C:\Programas\Adobe\Acrobat 8.0\Acrobat\AcroIEFavClient.dll/AcroIEAppend.html
O8 - Extra context menu item: Convert link target to Adobe PDF - res://C:\Programas\Adobe\Acrobat 8.0\Acrobat\AcroIEFavClient.dll/AcroIECapture.html
O8 - Extra context menu item: Convert link target to existing PDF - res://C:\Programas\Adobe\Acrobat 8.0\Acrobat\AcroIEFavClient.dll/AcroIEAppend.html
O8 - Extra context menu item: Convert selected links to Adobe PDF - res://C:\Programas\Adobe\Acrobat 8.0\Acrobat\AcroIEFavClient.dll/AcroIECaptureSelLinks.html
O8 - Extra context menu item: Convert selected links to existing PDF - res://C:\Programas\Adobe\Acrobat 8.0\Acrobat\AcroIEFavClient.dll/AcroIEAppendSelLinks.html
O8 - Extra context menu item: Convert selection to Adobe PDF - res://C:\Programas\Adobe\Acrobat 8.0\Acrobat\AcroIEFavClient.dll/AcroIECapture.html
O8 - Extra context menu item: Convert selection to existing PDF - res://C:\Programas\Adobe\Acrobat 8.0\Acrobat\AcroIEFavClient.dll/AcroIEAppend.html
O8 - Extra context menu item: Convert to Adobe PDF - res://C:\Programas\Adobe\Acrobat 8.0\Acrobat\AcroIEFavClient.dll/AcroIECapture.html
O8 - Extra context menu item: E&xportar para o Microsoft Excel - res://C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~2\OFFICE11\EXCEL.EXE/3000
O9 - Extra button: Pesquisar - {92780B25-18CC-41C8-B9BE-3C9C571A8263} - C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~2\OFFICE11\REFIEBAR.DLL
O9 - Extra button: Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Programas\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Windows Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Programas\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
O18 - Protocol: livecall - {828030A1-22C1-4009-854F-8E305202313F} - C:\PROGRA~1\MSNMES~1\MSGRAP~1.DLL
O18 - Protocol: msnim - {828030A1-22C1-4009-854F-8E305202313F} - C:\PROGRA~1\MSNMES~1\MSGRAP~1.DLL
O20 - Winlogon Notify: igfxcui - C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\igfxsrvc.dll
O21 - SSODL: WPDShServiceObj - {AAA288BA-9A4C-45B0-95D7-94D524869DB5} - C:\WINDOWS\system32\WPDShServiceObj.dll
O23 - Service: Notebook Manager Service (anbmService) - OSA Technologies Inc. - C:\Acer\eManager\anbmServ.exe
O23 - Service: ANIWZCSd Service (ANIWZCSdService) - Alpha Networks Inc. - C:\Programas\ANI\ANIWZCS2 Service\ANIWZCSdS.exe
O23 - Service: AntiVir PersonalEdition Classic Scheduler (AntiVirScheduler) - Avira GmbH - C:\Programas\AntiVir PersonalEdition Classic\sched.exe
O23 - Service: AntiVir PersonalEdition Classic Guard (AntiVirService) - Avira GmbH - C:\Programas\AntiVir PersonalEdition Classic\avguard.exe
O23 - Service: Ati HotKey Poller - ATI Technologies Inc. - C:\WINDOWS\system32\Ati2evxx.exe
O23 - Service: EvtEng - Intel Corporation - C:\Programas\Intel\Wireless\Bin\EvtEng.exe
O23 - Service: FLEXnet Licensing Service - Macrovision Europe Ltd. - C:\Programas\Ficheiros comuns\Macrovision Shared\FLEXnet Publisher\FNPLicensingService.exe
O23 - Service: RegSrvc - Intel Corporation - C:\Programas\Intel\Wireless\Bin\RegSrvc.exe
O23 - Service: Remote Packet Capture Protocol v.0 (experimental) (rpcapd) - Unknown owner - %ProgramFiles%\WinPcap\rpcapd.exe" -d -f "%ProgramFiles%\WinPcap\rpcapd.ini (file missing)
O23 - Service: Spectrum24 Event Monitor (S24EventMonitor) - Intel Corporation - C:\Programas\Intel\Wireless\Bin\S24EvMon.exe
O23 - Service: Sygate Personal Firewall Pro (SmcService) - Sygate Technologies, Inc. - C:\Programas\Sygate\SPF\smc.exe


Best regards,

Luís Crespo :)
Post #4
Hi Luís

Well congrats, it appears your system is all clean Are you still noticing any problems? If not, it's time to secure your system to prevent against further intrusions.


THESE STEPS ARE VERY IMPORTANT

Let's reset system restore
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. Please note you need Administrator Access to do clean the restore points.

1. 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.

2. Reboot.

3. 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.
NOTE: only do this ONCE,NOT on a regular basis





UPDATING WINDOWS AND INTERNET EXPLORER

IMPORTANT: You Need to Update Windows and Internet Explorer to protect your computer from the malware that is around on the Internet. Please go to the windows update site to get the critical updates.

If you are running Microsoft Office, or any portion thereof, go to the Microsoft's Office Update site and make sure you have at least all the critical updates installed (Free) Microsoft Office Update.


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.



The following are recommended third party programs that are designed to keep your computer clean. A link as well as a brief description is included with each item.
  • Comodo BOCLEAN <= Stop identity thieves from getting personal information. Instantly detects well over 1,000,000 unique, variant and repack malware in total. And it's free.
  • Download Adaware
    Adaware is a free program. It scans for known spyware on your computer. These scans should be run at least once every two weeks. For more information, see this tutorial
    The program is available for download here
  • Download Spybot
    Spybot is a scanner like adaware. It scans for spyware and other malicious programs. It is important to have both Adaware and Spybot on your computer because each program provides unique detection and pretection measures. Spybot has preventitive tools that stop programs from even installing on your computer.
    To see how to set this up as well as more spybot features, see here
    Spybot can be downloaded at this location
  • Download SpywareBlaster
    Spyware blaster is a program that stops known malicious activex controls from installing on your computer. It works by changing settings in your registry. It makes
    kill bits
    in the registry, so that certain activex controls can't install.
    If you don't know what activex controls are, see here
    You can download SpywareBlaster here here
    SpywareBlaster tutorial
  • Download iespyad
    It puts many bad webpages on your restricted zones list. This means that you can still view the
    bad
    webpages, but the webpages cannot do certain things (such as use javascripts and cookies).
    If you need help understanding how it works, there is a tutorial here
    Download it here
  • hosts file:
    • Every version of windows has a hosts file as part of them.
    • In a very basic sense, they are used to locate webpages.
    • We can customize a hosts file so that it blocks certain webpages.
    • However, it can slow down certain computers.
    • This is why using a hosts file is optional!!
    Download it here. Make sure you read the instructions on how to install the hosts file. There is a good tutorial here
    If you decide to download the hosts file, the slowdown problems can usually be avoided by following these steps:
    • Click the start button (at the lower left hand corner of your screen)
    • Click run
    • In the dialog box, type services.msc
    • hit enter, then locate dns client
    • Highlight it, then double-click it.
    • On the dropdown box, change the setting from automatic to manual.
    • Click ok
  • I see you're also using Firefox. Add-ons like Adblock Plus & NoScript makes surfing with FF even safer.

Just a final reminder for you. I am trying to stress these two points.
UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE!!! Make sure you do this about every 1-2 weeks.
Make sure all of your security programs are up to date.
Run the spybot and adaware regularly. (Once or twice a week minimum.)
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.


Once again, please post and tell me how things are going with your system… problems etc.

Have a great day,
Blade :)


PS. You may now re-install Daemon Tools if needed but remember to do it without installing sponsor (you have to uncheck searchbar option if I recall it right).
Post #5
Hello again Blade81, I have did what you told me to do relating with the System Restore. About the Windows update: well, I think I got that one covered, because I have automatic updates for windows installed and just went to the site and there aren't critical updates for me to do, according to the Microsoft downloader. I have Ad-Aware installed and will try to install some more third party security programs, thanks very much for the advice. Regarding Daemon Tools, I actually won't install it since I also have Alcohol to enable virtual drive devices. Again, best regards from Portugal. :thumbup: Luís Crespo
Post #6
Since this issue appears to be resolved … this Topic has been closed. Glad we could be of assistance. If you're the topic starter, and need this topic reopened, please contact a staff member with the address of the thread. Everyone else please begin a New Topic.

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