Having a problem with my laptop

  1. #1
    sammie is offline Junior Member

    Having a problem with my laptop

    My laptop is working very slow
    It seems it might have spywares downloaded

    So i am putting my hijackthislog file here

    this one is the latest

    Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.0
    Scan saved at 19:46:33, on 26/01/2005
    Platform: Windows XP SP1 (WinNT 5.01.2600)
    MSIE: Internet Explorer v6.00 SP1 (6.00.2800.1106)

    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:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
    C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
    C:\Program Files\ATI Technologies\ATI Control Panel\atiptaxx.exe
    C:\WINDOWS\SOUNDMAN.EXE
    C:\WINDOWS\AGRSMMSG.exe
    C:\Program Files\Synaptics\SynTP\SynTPLpr.exe
    C:\Program Files\Synaptics\SynTP\SynTPEnh.exe
    C:\Program Files\Java\j2re1.4.2_01\bin\jusched.exe
    C:\Program Files\Aspire Arcade\PCMService.exe
    C:\Program Files\CRW\shwicon.exe
    C:\PROGRA~1\LAUNCH~1\CPLCL32.EXE
    C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVG6\avgcc32.exe
    C:\Program Files\HP\hpcoretech\hpcmpmgr.exe
    C:\WINDOWS\System32\spool\drivers\w32x86\3\hpztsb1 0.exe
    C:\Program Files\Hewlett-Packard\HP Software Update\HPWuSchd2.exe
    C:\WINDOWS\System32\ctfmon.exe
    C:\Program Files\Microsoft Money\System\Money Express.exe
    C:\Documents and Settings\KIRAN\Application Data\mdtr.exe
    C:\Program Files\Nikon\NkView6\NkvMon.exe
    C:\Program Files\Sony Handheld\HOTSYNC.EXE
    C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVG6\avgserv.exe
    C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\VS7Debug\mdm.exe
    C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
    C:\WINDOWS\System32\wuauclt.exe
    C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe
    C:\WINDOWS\System32\wuauclt.exe
    C:\Documents and Settings\KIRAN\My Documents\hijackthis.exe

    R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://www.moneycontrol.com/login/login.php
    O2 - BHO: AcroIEHlprObj Class - {06849E9F-C8D7-4D59-B87D-784B7D6BE0B3} - C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 5.0\Reader\ActiveX\AcroIEHelper.ocx
    O2 - BHO: (no name) - {53707962-6F74-2D53-2644-206D7942484F} - C:\Program Files\Spybot - Search & Destroy\SDHelper.dll
    O3 - Toolbar: &Radio - {8E718888-423F-11D2-876E-00A0C9082467} - C:\WINDOWS\System32\msdxm.ocx
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [LaunchApp] Alaunch
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ATIModeChange] Ati2mdxx.exe
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ATIPTA] C:\Program Files\ATI Technologies\ATI Control Panel\atiptaxx.exe
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SoundMan] SOUNDMAN.EXE
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AGRSMMSG] AGRSMMSG.exe
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SynTPLpr] C:\Program Files\Synaptics\SynTP\SynTPLpr.exe
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SynTPEnh] C:\Program Files\Synaptics\SynTP\SynTPEnh.exe
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SunJavaUpdateSched] C:\Program Files\Java\j2re1.4.2_01\bin\jusched.exe
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [PCMService] "C:\Program Files\Aspire Arcade\PCMService.exe"
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ShowIcon_Chander_CRW Series Driver v1.17r019] "C:\Program Files\CRW\shwicon.exe" -t"Chander\CRW Series Driver v1.17r019"
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [LManager] C:\PROGRA~1\LAUNCH~1\CPLCL32.EXE
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AVG_CC] C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVG6\avgcc32.exe /STARTUP
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [LanGuard] "C:\WINDOWS\languard.exe"
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [HP Component Manager] "C:\Program Files\HP\hpcoretech\hpcmpmgr.exe"
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [HPDJ Taskbar Utility] C:\WINDOWS\System32\spool\drivers\w32x86\3\hpztsb1 0.exe
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [HP Software Update] "C:\Program Files\Hewlett-Packard\HP Software Update\HPWuSchd2.exe"
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [idev] C:\WINDOWS\idev.exe
    O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [ctfmon.exe] C:\WINDOWS\System32\ctfmon.exe
    O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [MoneyAgent] "C:\Program Files\Microsoft Money\System\Money Express.exe"
    O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [Ttah] C:\Documents and Settings\KIRAN\Application Data\mdtr.exe
    O4 - Startup: HotSync Manager.lnk = C:\Program Files\Sony Handheld\HOTSYNC.EXE
    O4 - Global Startup: Microsoft Office.lnk = C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office10\OSA.EXE
    O4 - Global Startup: NkvMon.exe.lnk = C:\Program Files\Nikon\NkView6\NkvMon.exe
    O8 - Extra context menu item: E&xport to Microsoft Excel - res://C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~2\Office10\EXCEL.EXE/3000
    O9 - Extra button: Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Program Files\Messenger\MSMSGS.EXE
    O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Program Files\Messenger\MSMSGS.EXE
    O15 - Trusted Zone: *.crazywinnings.com
    O15 - Trusted Zone: *.skoobidoo.com
    O15 - Trusted Zone: *.windupdates.com
    O15 - Trusted Zone: *.crazywinnings.com (HKLM)
    O15 - Trusted Zone: *.skoobidoo.com (HKLM)
    O15 - Trusted Zone: *.windupdates.com (HKLM)
    O15 - Trusted IP range: 67.19.185.246
    O15 - Trusted IP range: 67.19.185.246 (HKLM)
    O17 - HKLM\System\CCS\Services\Tcpip\..\{93D245F3-DE51-4009-9FA1-E876A46BE21B}: NameServer = 202.54.1.30 203.197.12.30
    O18 - Protocol: cetihpz - {CF184AD3-CDCB-4168-A3F7-8E447D129300} - C:\Program Files\HP\hpcoretech\comp\hpuiprot.dll
    O23 - Service: Ati HotKey Poller - Unknown - C:\WINDOWS\System32\Ati2evxx.exe
    O23 - Service: AVG6 Service - GRISOFT s.r.o - C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVG6\avgserv.exe


  2. #2
    owen is offline D-A-L Team Member (UK)
    Close all browser windows, restart Hijack This and put a checkmark next to the following entries:

    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [idev] C:\WINDOWS\idev.exe
    O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [Ttah] C:\Documents and Settings\KIRAN\Application Data\mdtr.exe

    Click Fix Checked

    Then boot into Safe Mode and ensure that you are showing Hidden Files and Folders.

    Delete the following files and folders:
    C:\WINDOWS\idev.exe
    C:\Documents and Settings\KIRAN\Application Data\mdtr.exe

    Reboot

    Then download the attached DelDomains.zip. Unzip it and right click the file DelDomains.inf and from the drop down menu, click Install. It will perform a silent process.

    Warning: This will delete all sites in the IE Trusted and Restricted Zones! If you have made immunizations with software such as SpywareBlaster and Spybot, you will need to perform them again after this procedure.

    Post a fresh Hijack This log.
    Attached Files

  3. #3
    sammie is offline Junior Member
    Thank you very much

  4. #4
    owen is offline D-A-L Team Member (UK)
    Can you post a last log for final checkups please.

  5. #5
    sammie is offline Junior Member
    Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.0
    Scan saved at 14:00:57, on 29/01/2005
    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:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
    C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
    C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgamsvr.exe
    C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgupsvc.exe
    C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\VS7Debug\mdm.exe
    C:\Program Files\ATI Technologies\ATI Control Panel\atiptaxx.exe
    C:\WINDOWS\SOUNDMAN.EXE
    C:\WINDOWS\AGRSMMSG.exe
    C:\Program Files\Synaptics\SynTP\SynTPLpr.exe
    C:\Program Files\Synaptics\SynTP\SynTPEnh.exe
    C:\Program Files\Java\j2re1.4.2_01\bin\jusched.exe
    C:\Program Files\Aspire Arcade\PCMService.exe
    C:\Program Files\CRW\shwicon.exe
    C:\PROGRA~1\LAUNCH~1\CPLCL32.EXE
    C:\WINDOWS\languard.exe
    C:\Program Files\HP\hpcoretech\hpcmpmgr.exe
    C:\WINDOWS\System32\spool\drivers\w32x86\3\hpztsb1 0.exe
    C:\Program Files\Hewlett-Packard\HP Software Update\HPWuSchd2.exe
    C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgcc.exe
    C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
    C:\Program Files\Microsoft Money\System\Money Express.exe
    C:\Program Files\Nikon\NkView6\NkvMon.exe
    C:\Program Files\Sony Handheld\HOTSYNC.EXE
    C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
    C:\WINDOWS\system32\wuauclt.exe
    C:\Documents and Settings\KIRAN\My Documents\hijackthis.exe

    R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://www.moneycontrol.com/login/login.php
    O2 - BHO: AcroIEHlprObj Class - {06849E9F-C8D7-4D59-B87D-784B7D6BE0B3} - C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 5.0\Reader\ActiveX\AcroIEHelper.ocx
    O2 - BHO: (no name) - {53707962-6F74-2D53-2644-206D7942484F} - C:\Program Files\Spybot - Search & Destroy\SDHelper.dll
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [LaunchApp] Alaunch
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ATIModeChange] Ati2mdxx.exe
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ATIPTA] C:\Program Files\ATI Technologies\ATI Control Panel\atiptaxx.exe
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SoundMan] SOUNDMAN.EXE
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AGRSMMSG] AGRSMMSG.exe
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SynTPLpr] C:\Program Files\Synaptics\SynTP\SynTPLpr.exe
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SynTPEnh] C:\Program Files\Synaptics\SynTP\SynTPEnh.exe
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SunJavaUpdateSched] C:\Program Files\Java\j2re1.4.2_01\bin\jusched.exe
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [PCMService] "C:\Program Files\Aspire Arcade\PCMService.exe"
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ShowIcon_Chander_CRW Series Driver v1.17r019] "C:\Program Files\CRW\shwicon.exe" -t"Chander\CRW Series Driver v1.17r019"
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [LManager] C:\PROGRA~1\LAUNCH~1\CPLCL32.EXE
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [LanGuard] "C:\WINDOWS\languard.exe"
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [HP Component Manager] "C:\Program Files\HP\hpcoretech\hpcmpmgr.exe"
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [HPDJ Taskbar Utility] C:\WINDOWS\System32\spool\drivers\w32x86\3\hpztsb1 0.exe
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [HP Software Update] "C:\Program Files\Hewlett-Packard\HP Software Update\HPWuSchd2.exe"
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AVG7_CC] C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgcc.exe /STARTUP
    O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [ctfmon.exe] C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
    O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [MoneyAgent] "C:\Program Files\Microsoft Money\System\Money Express.exe"
    O4 - Startup: HotSync Manager.lnk = C:\Program Files\Sony Handheld\HOTSYNC.EXE
    O4 - Global Startup: Microsoft Office.lnk = C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office10\OSA.EXE
    O4 - Global Startup: NkvMon.exe.lnk = C:\Program Files\Nikon\NkView6\NkvMon.exe
    O8 - Extra context menu item: E&xport to Microsoft Excel - res://C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~2\Office10\EXCEL.EXE/3000
    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
    O15 - Trusted Zone: *.crazywinnings.com
    O15 - Trusted Zone: *.skoobidoo.com
    O15 - Trusted Zone: *.windupdates.com
    O15 - Trusted Zone: *.crazywinnings.com (HKLM)
    O15 - Trusted Zone: *.skoobidoo.com (HKLM)
    O15 - Trusted Zone: *.windupdates.com (HKLM)
    O15 - Trusted IP range: 67.19.185.246
    O15 - Trusted IP range: 67.19.185.246 (HKLM)
    O18 - Protocol: cetihpz - {CF184AD3-CDCB-4168-A3F7-8E447D129300} - C:\Program Files\HP\hpcoretech\comp\hpuiprot.dll
    O23 - Service: Ati HotKey Poller - Unknown - C:\WINDOWS\System32\Ati2evxx.exe
    O23 - Service: AVG7 Alert Manager Server - GRISOFT, s.r.o. - C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgamsvr.exe
    O23 - Service: AVG7 Update Service - GRISOFT, s.r.o. - C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgupsvc.exe

  6. #6
    owen is offline D-A-L Team Member (UK)
    Close all browser windows, restart Hijack This and put a checkmark next to the following entries:

    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [LManager] C:\PROGRA~1\LAUNCH~1\CPLCL32.EXE
    Do you know what this is? If you don't, fix it and also delete the file later on italics.

    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [LanGuard] "C:\WINDOWS\languard.exe"

    Click Fix Checked

    Then boot into Safe Mode and ensure that you are showing Hidden Files and Folders.

    Delete the following files and folders:
    C:\Program Files\LAUNCH~1
    C:\WINDOWS\languard.exe

    Reboot

    Please download the attached DelDomains.zip. Unzip it and right click the file DelDomains.inf and from the drop down menu, click Install. It will perform a silent process.

    Warning: This will delete all sites in the IE Trusted and Restricted Zones! If you have made immunizations with software such as SpywareBlaster and Spybot, you will need to perform them again after this procedure.

    Post a fresh log
    Attached Files

  7. #7
    sammie is offline Junior Member
    Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.0
    Scan saved at 10:04:30, on 31/01/2005
    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:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
    C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgamsvr.exe
    C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgupsvc.exe
    C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\VS7Debug\mdm.exe
    C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
    C:\Program Files\ATI Technologies\ATI Control Panel\atiptaxx.exe
    C:\WINDOWS\SOUNDMAN.EXE
    C:\WINDOWS\AGRSMMSG.exe
    C:\Program Files\Synaptics\SynTP\SynTPLpr.exe
    C:\Program Files\Synaptics\SynTP\SynTPEnh.exe
    C:\Program Files\Java\j2re1.4.2_01\bin\jusched.exe
    C:\Program Files\Aspire Arcade\PCMService.exe
    C:\Program Files\CRW\shwicon.exe
    C:\Program Files\HP\hpcoretech\hpcmpmgr.exe
    C:\WINDOWS\System32\spool\drivers\w32x86\3\hpztsb1 0.exe
    C:\Program Files\Hewlett-Packard\HP Software Update\HPWuSchd2.exe
    C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgcc.exe
    C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
    C:\Program Files\Microsoft Money\System\Money Express.exe
    C:\Program Files\Nikon\NkView6\NkvMon.exe
    C:\Program Files\Sony Handheld\HOTSYNC.EXE
    C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
    C:\WINDOWS\system32\wuauclt.exe
    C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe
    C:\Documents and Settings\KIRAN\My Documents\hijackthis.exe

    R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://www.moneycontrol.com/login/login.php
    O2 - BHO: AcroIEHlprObj Class - {06849E9F-C8D7-4D59-B87D-784B7D6BE0B3} - C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 5.0\Reader\ActiveX\AcroIEHelper.ocx
    O2 - BHO: (no name) - {53707962-6F74-2D53-2644-206D7942484F} - C:\Program Files\Spybot - Search & Destroy\SDHelper.dll
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [LaunchApp] Alaunch
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ATIModeChange] Ati2mdxx.exe
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ATIPTA] C:\Program Files\ATI Technologies\ATI Control Panel\atiptaxx.exe
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SoundMan] SOUNDMAN.EXE
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AGRSMMSG] AGRSMMSG.exe
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SynTPLpr] C:\Program Files\Synaptics\SynTP\SynTPLpr.exe
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SynTPEnh] C:\Program Files\Synaptics\SynTP\SynTPEnh.exe
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SunJavaUpdateSched] C:\Program Files\Java\j2re1.4.2_01\bin\jusched.exe
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [PCMService] "C:\Program Files\Aspire Arcade\PCMService.exe"
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ShowIcon_Chander_CRW Series Driver v1.17r019] "C:\Program Files\CRW\shwicon.exe" -t"Chander\CRW Series Driver v1.17r019"
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [HP Component Manager] "C:\Program Files\HP\hpcoretech\hpcmpmgr.exe"
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [HPDJ Taskbar Utility] C:\WINDOWS\System32\spool\drivers\w32x86\3\hpztsb1 0.exe
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [HP Software Update] "C:\Program Files\Hewlett-Packard\HP Software Update\HPWuSchd2.exe"
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AVG7_CC] C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgcc.exe /STARTUP
    O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [ctfmon.exe] C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
    O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [MoneyAgent] "C:\Program Files\Microsoft Money\System\Money Express.exe"
    O4 - Startup: HotSync Manager.lnk = C:\Program Files\Sony Handheld\HOTSYNC.EXE
    O4 - Global Startup: Microsoft Office.lnk = C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office10\OSA.EXE
    O4 - Global Startup: NkvMon.exe.lnk = C:\Program Files\Nikon\NkView6\NkvMon.exe
    O8 - Extra context menu item: E&xport to Microsoft Excel - res://C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~2\Office10\EXCEL.EXE/3000
    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
    O17 - HKLM\System\CCS\Services\Tcpip\..\{93D245F3-DE51-4009-9FA1-E876A46BE21B}: NameServer = 202.54.1.30 203.197.12.30
    O18 - Protocol: cetihpz - {CF184AD3-CDCB-4168-A3F7-8E447D129300} - C:\Program Files\HP\hpcoretech\comp\hpuiprot.dll
    O23 - Service: Ati HotKey Poller - Unknown - C:\WINDOWS\System32\Ati2evxx.exe
    O23 - Service: AVG7 Alert Manager Server - GRISOFT, s.r.o. - C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgamsvr.exe
    O23 - Service: AVG7 Update Service - GRISOFT, s.r.o. - C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgupsvc.exe

  8. #8
    owen is offline D-A-L Team Member (UK)
    Thats a clean log, how are things running?

  9. #9
    sammie is offline Junior Member
    Great thank you for your expert help

  10. #10
    owen is offline D-A-L Team Member (UK)
    Save 20% on AVG Internet Security 2012 Suite!
    Preventing it returning

    After your problem has been resolved on the forum, it is an absoulute MUST to do the following steps to prevent the problem returning. Click on the link to get access to the software or webpage that I'm referring to.

    1. Visit Windows Update
    Pay a visit to Windows Update and scan for and download ALL Critical Updates and Service Packs. New updates are usually released monthly so check back to Windows Update every month.

    2. Clean Up and Speed Up-
    It is important that after you have had a spyware/virus infection that you clean up your PC (this includes cleaning out usage tracks, temporary files, emptying the recycle bin, etc). It is so important because during the installation and uninstallation of spyware (and most programs), many temporary or useless files are left behind. If you accidently run one of these files, you could end up with the problem returning. See the link above for lots of information on clearing out your PC and improving your PCs performance and general speed.

    3. Consider an alternative browser or tighten IE settings-
    Internet Explorer is installed on most systems and used by the majority of people, so of course its going to be a prime target for malware and hackers. To make the matters worse, Internet Explorer is very vulnerable to hijacks and the automatic installation of programs. This is how a lot of spyware enters your PC in the first place. So unless you secure Internet Explorer, you are seriously at risk. There is risk with any Internet browser, but even when IE is secured, there are still risks. IE can still be exploited as long as installed on your system, you don't necessarily have to use it, so this shows the importance of securing it. Here are five steps to take to Secure IE:
    • Install Sun Java instead of using MS Java VM. Get from www.java.com. Sun Java is much more secure.
    • Scroll up and read about Windows Updates (number 1). This is essential to patch newly discovered flaws in Internet Explorer.
    • Scroll down and read about Spyware Blaster (number 7. This is important so that nasty sites can't exploit your machine.
    • Take a look at the article here. Scroll down to the "If you have to use MSIE" section and have a read of the information about the recommended security settings in IE. A program is also mentioned called IESPYADS, its is worth downloading and installing this.
    If you wish to use an alternative browser that is perhaps more secure than IE, consider Mozilla Firefox, Mozilla, Opera or Netscape.

    4. Download Antivirus Software-
    If you haven't already got Antivirus software, you should download and install AVG Antivirus. It is freeware and is updated nearly every 2 days (sometimes more frequently if there are a lot of new viruses) and in my opinion, is better than some Antivirus software such as Norton. Antivirus software will prevent viruses infecting your system and it is important that you update it every two days or every week at the most.

    5. Download a Firewall-
    If you haven't already got a firewall, it is Very important that you download one. Firewalls will prevent unauthorised access to your computer and stop data leaking out of your computer. You may think that it won't happen to you, but Hackers don't care who you are, what you do, where you live or what you had for tea last Sunday on your holiday in the Lake District, they want your data. Firewalls will keep these sneaks out and one of the best is Sygate Personal Firewall, which happens to be freeware.

    6. Spyware Scanners-
    It is important that as well as having real time spyware protection, you have a spyware scanning application. If you have not already been told to download one earlier in this thread, it is a good idea to download Spybot Search And Destroy and Ad-aware. They are both spyware scanners and will search for a remove spyware. It is recommended that you have both, because one will pick up entries that the other misses. It is even a good idea to download these if you have other programs such as ASE, Spysweeper, Pest Patrol, etc, because one spyware scanner will not pick up everything. Please remember to update your spyware scanners weekly/fortnightly.

    7. Prevent Spyware slipping through Internet Explorer-
    Quite a lot of spyware slips through Internet Explorer if your settings are not tight enough. Spyware Blaster will help you prevent spyware slipping through and installing tracking cookies. Simply run it via Start> Programs> Spyware Blaster and click Enable All Protection and it will protect you. It doesn't even have to be open! Remember to update weekly/fortnightly.

    8. Constant Spyware Protection-
    It is important to have constant spyware protection. Spyware Guard works like an antivirus program but detects Spyware instead. It will constantly protect your system. Check for updates monthly.

    All Of these steps are very important and it is HIGHLY recommended that you download all of the programs mentioned for your own safety. Remember to Update everything (including Windows using Windows Update)! It is also a good idea to perform weekly/fortnightly scans with Spybot S&D, Ad-aware and your antivirus software.

    And last of all, please remember, that common sense is your greatest tool. Without it, spyware and other related Malware would rule!

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