Dialler - how can I be sure it's gone?

  1. 07-09-2004  #1
    Shiv
    Shiv is offline Newbie

    Dialler - how can I be sure it's gone?

    Ok, a dialler downloaded itself onto my computer. It placed a shortcut on my desktop, one in the taskbar, and on the start menu. It also put itself in start>all programs. I ran AdAware, but none of the things it picked up appeared to be it, though I cant be sure. I deleted all the shortcuts, and pretty much everything else I could find to do with it.
    It's called next+dialler (or maybe its next+dialer). Basically, I want to be sure I've got rid of it and it's not still running and costing me a fortune in phone bills.

    Logfile of HijackThis v1.98.2
    Scan saved at 17:40:57, on 07/09/2004
    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\svchost.exe
    C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
    C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
    C:\WINDOWS\Nhksrv.exe
    C:\WINDOWS\System32\CTsvcCDA.EXE
    C:\WINDOWS\System32\nvsvc32.exe
    C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
    C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\ZoneLabs\vsmon.exe
    C:\WINDOWS\System32\MsPMSPSv.exe
    C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.exe
    C:\WINDOWS\System32\System32.exe
    C:\WINDOWS\System32\devldr32.exe
    C:\Program Files\Adaptec\Easy CD Creator 5\DirectCD\DirectCD.exe
    C:\WINDOWS\DELLMMKB.EXE
    C:\Program Files\Creative\SBLive\Creative Diagnostics 2.0\DIAGENT.EXE
    C:\WINDOWS\System32\GSICON.EXE
    C:\Program Files\Netropa\OSD.exe
    C:\WINDOWS\System32\dslagent.exe
    C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\spoolsvv.exe
    C:\Program Files\Common Files\Real\Update_OB\realsched.exe
    C:\WINDOWS\System32\RUNDLL32.exe
    C:\Program Files\iTunes\iTunesHelper.exe
    C:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe
    C:\Program Files\Zone Labs\ZoneAlarm\zlclient.exe
    C:\Program Files\iPod\bin\iPodService.exe
    C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\Works Shared\wkcalrem.exe
    C:\Program Files\Common Files\Real\Update_OB\realevent.exe
    C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe
    C:\Program Files\Hijack This\hijackthis.exe

    R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL = http://www.euro.dell.com/countries/u...en/default.htm
    R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Bar = http://searchcentrix.com/sidecat.jsp...08152174411123
    R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page = http://www.searchwww.com/
    R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://www.google.co.uk/
    R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://www.euro.dell.com/countries/u...en/default.htm
    R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Search,SearchAssistant = http://www.searchwww.com/bar.html
    R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\SearchURL,(Default) = http://www.searchwww.com/search.cgi?s=%s
    R3 - URLSearchHook: (no name) - _{CFBFAE00-17A6-11D0-99CB-00C04FD64497} - (no file)
    F2 - REG:system.ini: Shell=Explorer.exe C:\WINDOWS\System32\System32.exe
    O2 - BHO: AcroIEHlprObj Class - {06849E9F-C8D7-4D59-B87D-784B7D6BE0B3} - C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 5.0\Reader\ActiveX\AcroIEHelper.ocx
    O2 - BHO: PK IE Plugin - {1E1B2879-88FF-11D3-8D96-D7ACAC95951A} - C:\WINDOWS\System32\bpkwb.dll
    O2 - BHO: (no name) - {83DE62E0-5805-11D8-9B25-00E04C60FAF2} - C:\WINDOWS\2_0_1browserhelper2.dll
    O2 - BHO: brdg Class - {9C691A33-7DDA-4C2F-BE4C-C176083F35CF} - C:\WINDOWS\Downloaded Program Files\bridge.dll
    O3 - Toolbar: &Radio - {8E718888-423F-11D2-876E-00A0C9082467} - C:\WINDOWS\System32\msdxm.ocx
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NvCplDaemon] RUNDLL32.EXE C:\WINDOWS\System32\NvCpl.dll,NvStartup
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [UpdReg] C:\WINDOWS\Updreg.exe
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AHQInit] C:\Program Files\Creative\SBLive\Program\AHQInit.exe
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AdaptecDirectCD] "C:\Program Files\Adaptec\Easy CD Creator 5\DirectCD\DirectCD.exe"
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [WorksFUD] C:\Program Files\Microsoft Works\wkfud.exe
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Microsoft Works Portfolio] C:\Program Files\Microsoft Works\WksSb.exe /AllUsers
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Microsoft Works Update Detection] C:\Program Files\Microsoft Works\WkDetect.exe
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [DellTouch] C:\WINDOWS\DELLMMKB.EXE
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [DIAGENT] C:\Program Files\Creative\SBLive\Creative Diagnostics 2.0\DIAGENT.EXE startup
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [GSICONEXE] GSICON.EXE
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [DSLAGENTEXE] dslagent.exe USB
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Launcher] "C:\Program Files\MLH\launcher.exe" /P
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [nwiz] nwiz.exe /install
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [spoolsvv] C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\spoolsvv.exe -invisible
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [TkBellExe] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Real\Update_OB\realsched.exe" -osboot
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [WildTangent CDA] RUNDLL32.exe "C:\Program Files\WildTangent\Apps\CDA\cdaEngine0400.dll",cdaE ngineMain
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [RunDLL] rundll32.exe "C:\WINDOWS\Downloaded Program Files\bridge.dll",Load
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [iTunesHelper] C:\Program Files\iTunes\iTunesHelper.exe
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [QuickTime Task] "C:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe" -atboottime
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Zone Labs Client] "C:\Program Files\Zone Labs\ZoneAlarm\zlclient.exe"
    O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [sws.exe] c:\program files\HaldexLtd\stnd493\1284640.exe -remove
    O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [Steam] "c:\program files\steam\steam.exe" -silent
    O4 - Global Startup: Adobe Gamma Loader.lnk = C:\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe\Calibration\Adobe Gamma Loader.exe
    O4 - Global Startup: Microsoft Office.lnk = C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office\OSA9.EXE
    O4 - Global Startup: Microsoft Works Calendar Reminders.lnk = ?
    O4 - Global Startup: Picture Package Menu.lnk = ?
    O4 - Global Startup: Picture Package VCD Maker.lnk = ?
    O8 - Extra context menu item: Shorten URL - http://www.cjb.net/menuext.html
    O9 - Extra button: AOL Instant Messenger (TM) - {AC9E2541-2814-11d5-BC6D-00B0D0A1DE45} - C:\Program Files\AIM95\aim.exe (file missing)
    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
    O12 - Plugin for .spop: C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\Plugins\NPDocBox.dll
    O16 - DPF: {41F17733-B041-4099-A042-B518BB6A408C} - http://a1540.g.akamai.net/7/1540/52/...eInstaller.exe
    O16 - DPF: {65E7DB1D-0101-4100-BD66-C5C78C917F93} (WTDMMPVersion Class) - http://www.wildtangent.com/multiplay...mmp/wtinst.cab
    O16 - DPF: {886DDE35-E955-11D0-A707-000000521958} - http://69.56.176.78/webplugin.cab
    O16 - DPF: {9C691A33-7DDA-4C2F-BE4C-C176083F35CF} (brdg Class) - http://static.flingstone.com/cab/200...Inc/bridge.cab
    O16 - DPF: {F04A8AE2-A59D-11D2-8792-00C04F8EF29D} (Hotmail Attachments Control) - http://by24fd.bay24.hotmail.msn.com/...x/HMAtchmt.ocx
    O16 - DPF: {F57D17AE-CE37-4BC8-B232-EA57747BE5E7} - http://66.230.146.53/EPlugin_GB.cab
    O16 - DPF: {FFA6CE4C-2199-4A4F-9542-12E0163D6841} - http://sessa.isprime.com:8080/tel2net/CABDialer.cab
    O17 - HKLM\System\CCS\Services\Tcpip\..\{0360EE01-05E3-408B-A16F-8C5724537284}: NameServer = 194.74.65.68 194.72.9.38
    O17 - HKLM\System\CS1\Services\Tcpip\..\{0360EE01-05E3-408B-A16F-8C5724537284}: NameServer = 194.74.65.68 194.72.9.38


    Theres a fair bit of stuff I can see just by looking at it shouldnt be there, but Im not sure which bits I should delete etc.

    Thanks
    Last edited by Shiv; 07-09-2004 at 05:04 PM.

  3. 07-09-2004  #2
    owen
    owen is offline D-A-L Team Member (UK)
    Hello,
    Close all browser windows, restart Hijack This and put a checkmark next to the following entries:

    R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Bar = http://searchcentrix.com/sidecat.js...508152174411123
    R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page = http://www.searchwww.com/
    R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Search,SearchAssistant = http://www.searchwww.com/bar.html
    R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\SearchURL,(Default) = http://www.searchwww.com/search.cgi?s=%s
    R3 - URLSearchHook: (no name) - _{CFBFAE00-17A6-11D0-99CB-00C04FD64497} - (no file)
    F2 - REG:system.ini: Shell=Explorer.exe C:\WINDOWS\System32\System32.exe
    O2 - BHO: PK IE Plugin - {1E1B2879-88FF-11D3-8D96-D7ACAC95951A} - C:\WINDOWS\System32\bpkwb.dll
    O2 - BHO: (no name) - {83DE62E0-5805-11D8-9B25-00E04C60FAF2} - C:\WINDOWS\2_0_1browserhelper2.dll
    O2 - BHO: brdg Class - {9C691A33-7DDA-4C2F-BE4C-C176083F35CF} - C:\WINDOWS\Downloaded Program Files\bridge.dll
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Launcher] "C:\Program Files\MLH\launcher.exe" /P
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [spoolsvv] C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\spoolsvv.exe -invisible
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [RunDLL] rundll32.exe "C:\WINDOWS\Downloaded Program Files\bridge.dll",Load
    O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [sws.exe] c:\program files\HaldexLtd\stnd493\1284640.exe -remove
    O4 - Global Startup: Microsoft Works Calendar Reminders.lnk = ?
    O4 - Global Startup: Picture Package Menu.lnk = ?
    O9 - Extra button: AOL Instant Messenger (TM) - {AC9E2541-2814-11d5-BC6D-00B0D0A1DE45} - C:\Program Files\AIM95\aim.exe (file missing)
    O16 - DPF: {F57D17AE-CE37-4BC8-B232-EA57747BE5E7} - http://66.230.146.53/EPlugin_GB.cab
    O16 - DPF: {FFA6CE4C-2199-4A4F-9542-12E0163D6841} - http://sessa.isprime.com:8080/tel2net/CABDialer.cab

    The following are optional fixes:
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [WorksFUD] C:\Program Files\Microsoft Works\wkfud.exe
    A marketing program for MS Works

    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Microsoft Works Portfolio] C:\Program Files\Microsoft Works\WksSb.exe /AllUsers
    The Works Portfolio tool lets you collect and organize text and pictures from the Web or your favorite program.Can be prevented from starting from a setting within Portfolio

    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Microsoft Works Update Detection] C:\Program Files\Microsoft Works\WkDetect.exe
    Checks for updates to MS Works

    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [UpdReg] C:\WINDOWS\Updreg.exe
    Reminder to update Creative Soundcards. If you fix this entry, also delete the following file C:\WINDOWS\Updreg.exe

    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [TkBellExe] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Real\Update_OB\realsched.exe" -osboot
    Application Scheduler installed along with RealOne Player. Once installed, it runs independently of RealOne Player. To disable "tkbell.exe" in the new version (1) Start RealOne Player (2) Tools -> Preferences (3) Automatic services in the Categories pane (4) Uncheck all options and then OK

    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [WildTangent CDA] RUNDLL32.exe "C:\Program Files\WildTangent\Apps\CDA\cdaEngine0400.dll",cdaE ngineMain
    O16 - DPF: {65E7DB1D-0101-4100-BD66-C5C78C917F93} (WTDMMPVersion Class) - http://www.wildtangent.com/multipla...smmp/wtinst.cab
    Wildtangent is foistware which means it installed with totally unrelated programs. If you fix these entries, uninstall Wildtangent via Add/Remove programs in the Control Panel

    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [iTunesHelper] C:\Program Files\iTunes\iTunesHelper.exe
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [QuickTime Task] "C:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe" -atboottime
    System Tray access for QuickTime and iTunes. Cause slow downs and not needed

    O4 - Global Startup: Microsoft Office.lnk = C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office\OSA9.EXE
    Resource hog that launches common MS Office components to help speed up the launch of Office programs. Some users claim there's no difference with or without it but it isn't required anyway. Different filenames used for different variants

    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\System32\System32.exe
    C:\Program Files\MLH
    C:\WINDOWS\Downloaded Program Files\bridge.dll
    C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\spoolsvv.exe (Caution: Only delete this file and not anything similar)
    c:\program files\HaldexLtd

    Then reboot and post a fresh log
  4. 07-09-2004  #3
    Shiv
    Shiv is offline Newbie
    Logfile of HijackThis v1.98.2
    Scan saved at 22:33:46, on 07/09/2004
    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\svchost.exe
    C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
    C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
    C:\WINDOWS\Nhksrv.exe
    C:\WINDOWS\System32\CTsvcCDA.EXE
    C:\WINDOWS\System32\nvsvc32.exe
    C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
    C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\ZoneLabs\vsmon.exe
    C:\WINDOWS\System32\MsPMSPSv.exe
    C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
    C:\Program Files\Adaptec\Easy CD Creator 5\DirectCD\DirectCD.exe
    C:\WINDOWS\DELLMMKB.EXE
    C:\Program Files\Creative\SBLive\Creative Diagnostics 2.0\DIAGENT.EXE
    C:\WINDOWS\System32\devldr32.exe
    C:\WINDOWS\System32\GSICON.EXE
    C:\WINDOWS\System32\dslagent.exe
    C:\Program Files\Common Files\Real\Update_OB\realsched.exe
    C:\WINDOWS\System32\RUNDLL32.exe
    C:\Program Files\iTunes\iTunesHelper.exe
    C:\Program Files\Netropa\OSD.exe
    C:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe
    C:\Program Files\Zone Labs\ZoneAlarm\zlclient.exe
    C:\Program Files\iPod\bin\iPodService.exe
    C:\Program Files\Sony Corporation\Picture Package\Picture Package Menu\SonyTray.exe
    C:\Program Files\Sony Corporation\Picture Package\Picture Package Applications\Residence.exe
    C:\WINDOWS\System32\wuauclt.exe
    C:\Program Files\Hijack This\hijackthis.exe

    R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL = http://www.euro.dell.com/countries/u...en/default.htm
    R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://www.euro.dell.com/countries/u...en/default.htm
    O2 - BHO: AcroIEHlprObj Class - {06849E9F-C8D7-4D59-B87D-784B7D6BE0B3} - C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 5.0\Reader\ActiveX\AcroIEHelper.ocx
    O3 - Toolbar: &Radio - {8E718888-423F-11D2-876E-00A0C9082467} - C:\WINDOWS\System32\msdxm.ocx
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NvCplDaemon] RUNDLL32.EXE C:\WINDOWS\System32\NvCpl.dll,NvStartup
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [UpdReg] C:\WINDOWS\Updreg.exe
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AHQInit] C:\Program Files\Creative\SBLive\Program\AHQInit.exe
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AdaptecDirectCD] "C:\Program Files\Adaptec\Easy CD Creator 5\DirectCD\DirectCD.exe"
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [WorksFUD] C:\Program Files\Microsoft Works\wkfud.exe
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Microsoft Works Portfolio] C:\Program Files\Microsoft Works\WksSb.exe /AllUsers
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Microsoft Works Update Detection] C:\Program Files\Microsoft Works\WkDetect.exe
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [DellTouch] C:\WINDOWS\DELLMMKB.EXE
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [DIAGENT] C:\Program Files\Creative\SBLive\Creative Diagnostics 2.0\DIAGENT.EXE startup
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [GSICONEXE] GSICON.EXE
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [DSLAGENTEXE] dslagent.exe USB
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [nwiz] nwiz.exe /install
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [TkBellExe] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Real\Update_OB\realsched.exe" -osboot
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [WildTangent CDA] RUNDLL32.exe "C:\Program Files\WildTangent\Apps\CDA\cdaEngine0400.dll",cdaE ngineMain
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [iTunesHelper] C:\Program Files\iTunes\iTunesHelper.exe
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [QuickTime Task] "C:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe" -atboottime
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Zone Labs Client] "C:\Program Files\Zone Labs\ZoneAlarm\zlclient.exe"
    O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [Steam] "c:\program files\steam\steam.exe" -silent
    O4 - Global Startup: Adobe Gamma Loader.lnk = C:\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe\Calibration\Adobe Gamma Loader.exe
    O4 - Global Startup: Microsoft Office.lnk = C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office\OSA9.EXE
    O4 - Global Startup: Picture Package Menu.lnk = ?
    O4 - Global Startup: Picture Package VCD Maker.lnk = ?
    O8 - Extra context menu item: Shorten URL - http://www.cjb.net/menuext.html
    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
    O12 - Plugin for .spop: C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\Plugins\NPDocBox.dll
    O16 - DPF: {41F17733-B041-4099-A042-B518BB6A408C} - http://a1540.g.akamai.net/7/1540/52/...eInstaller.exe
    O16 - DPF: {65E7DB1D-0101-4100-BD66-C5C78C917F93} (WTDMMPVersion Class) - http://www.wildtangent.com/multiplay...mmp/wtinst.cab
    O16 - DPF: {886DDE35-E955-11D0-A707-000000521958} - http://69.56.176.78/webplugin.cab
    O16 - DPF: {F04A8AE2-A59D-11D2-8792-00C04F8EF29D} (Hotmail Attachments Control) - http://by24fd.bay24.hotmail.msn.com/...x/HMAtchmt.ocx
    O17 - HKLM\System\CCS\Services\Tcpip\..\{0360EE01-05E3-408B-A16F-8C5724537284}: NameServer = 194.74.65.68 194.72.9.38
    O17 - HKLM\System\CS1\Services\Tcpip\..\{0360EE01-05E3-408B-A16F-8C5724537284}: NameServer = 194.74.65.68 194.72.9.38

    Didnt remove any of the optionals, but removed the others. The only one of the 5 at the bottom of the post I couldnt get rid of was c:\program files\haldexltd, because it wasn't there.

    Thanks so much for your time and effort, it makes me feel a lot better knowing Ive got rid of all that stuff, and that there isnt a dialler running costing me megabucks.

    Shiv
  5. 08-09-2004  #4
    owen
    owen is offline D-A-L Team Member (UK)
    That looks clean to me, how are things running?
  6. 08-09-2004  #5
    Shiv
    Shiv is offline Newbie
    Smooth as the proverbial cucumber
  7. 09-09-2004  #6
    owen
    owen is offline D-A-L Team Member (UK)
    Save 20% on AVG Internet Security 2012 Suite!
    Brilliant. Have a read of this info to prevent it returning:

    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. 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.

    3. 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.

    4. 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.

    5. 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.

    6. 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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