Anyone can help me? I keep getting referred to this tramadolphentermine.info website which my firewall currently is blocking.

This is my hijackthis log.

Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.1
Scan saved at 09:31:08, on 20/04/2006
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\csrss.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\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\Sygate\SPF\smc.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\Ati2evxx.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccSetMgr.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\SNDSrvc.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\SPBBC\SPBBCSvc.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccEvtMgr.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\brsvc01a.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\brss01a.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\Program Files\Acer\Acer eConsole\MediaServerService.exe
C:\Program Files\Symantec\LiveUpdate\ALUSchedulerSvc.exe
C:\Program Files\Norton AntiVirus\navapsvc.exe
C:\Program Files\Norton AntiVirus\IWP\NPFMntor.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\SnoopFreeSvc.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\wdfmgr.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\wbem\wmiprvse.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\alg.exe
C:\WINDOWS\RTHDCPL.EXE
C:\Acer\Empowering Technology\eRecovery\Monitor.exe
C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.5.0_06\bin\jusched.exe
C:\Program Files\CyberLink\PowerDVD\PDVDServ.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccApp.exe
C:\WINDOWS\AGRSMMSG.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\Acer\Acer eMode Management\AspireService.exe
C:\Program Files\Acer\Acer eConsole\MediaSync.exe
C:\WINDOWS\sm56hlpr.exe
C:\WINDOWS\SnoopFreeUI.exe
C:\Program Files\ScanSoft\PaperPort\pptd40nt.exe
C:\Program Files\Brother\ControlCenter2\brctrcen.exe
C:\Program Files\Winamp\winampa.exe
C:\Program Files\Brother\Brmfcmon\BrMfcWnd.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\SPYWAR~1\swdoctor.exe
C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe
C:\Program Files\Warcraft III\MIRC\mirc.exe
C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe
C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe
C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
C:\Documents and Settings\Alvin\Desktop\HijackThis.exe

R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://www.nus.edu.sg/
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL = http://global.acer.com
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://www.nus.edu.sg/
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Connection Wizard,ShellNext = http://global.acer.com/
O2 - BHO: AcroIEHlprObj Class - {06849E9F-C8D7-4D59-B87D-784B7D6BE0B3} - c:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 7.0\ActiveX\AcroIEHelper.dll
O2 - BHO: PCTools Site Guard - {5C8B2A36-3DB1-42A4-A3CB-D426709BBFEB} - C:\PROGRA~1\SPYWAR~1\tools\iesdsg.dll
O2 - BHO: SSVHelper Class - {761497BB-D6F0-462C-B6EB-D4DAF1D92D43} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.5.0_06\bin\ssv.dll
O2 - BHO: Google Toolbar Helper - {AA58ED58-01DD-4d91-8333-CF10577473F7} - c:\program files\google\googletoolbar2.dll
O2 - BHO: PCTools Browser Monitor - {B56A7D7D-6927-48C8-A975-17DF180C71AC} - C:\PROGRA~1\SPYWAR~1\tools\iesdpb.dll
O2 - BHO: NAV Helper - {BDF3E430-B101-42AD-A544-FADC6B084872} - C:\Program Files\Norton AntiVirus\NavShExt.dll
O3 - Toolbar: Norton AntiVirus - {42CDD1BF-3FFB-4238-8AD1-7859DF00B1D6} - C:\Program Files\Norton AntiVirus\NavShExt.dll
O3 - Toolbar: &Google - {2318C2B1-4965-11d4-9B18-009027A5CD4F} - c:\program files\google\googletoolbar2.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [LaunchApp] Alaunch
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [High Definition Audio Property Page Shortcut] HDAShCut.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [RTHDCPL] RTHDCPL.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Alcmtr] ALCMTR.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ntiMUI] c:\Program Files\NewTech Infosystems\NTI CD & DVD-Maker 7\ntiMUI.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SunJavaUpdateSched] C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.5.0_06\bin\jusched.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [RemoteControl] "C:\Program Files\CyberLink\PowerDVD\PDVDServ.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ccApp] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccApp.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: [eRecoveryService] C:\Acer\Empowering Technology\eRecovery\Monitor.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AGRSMMSG] AGRSMMSG.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AspireService] C:\Program Files\Acer\Acer eMode Management\AspireService.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [MediaSync] C:\Program Files\Acer\Acer eConsole\MediaSync.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SMSERIAL] sm56hlpr.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Symantec NetDriver Monitor] C:\PROGRA~1\SYMNET~1\SNDMon.exe /Consumer
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SnoopFreeUI] SnoopFreeUI.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SmcService] C:\PROGRA~1\Sygate\SPF\smc.exe -startgui
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SSBkgdUpdate] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Scansoft Shared\SSBkgdUpdate\SSBkgdupdate.exe" -Embedding -boot
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [PaperPort PTD] C:\Program Files\ScanSoft\PaperPort\pptd40nt.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [IndexSearch] C:\Program Files\ScanSoft\PaperPort\IndexSearch.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SetDefPrt] C:\Program Files\Brother\Brmfl05a\BrStDvPt.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ControlCenter2.0] C:\Program Files\Brother\ControlCenter2\brctrcen.exe /autorun
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [WinampAgent] C:\Program Files\Winamp\winampa.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [Spyware Doctor] C:\PROGRA~1\SPYWAR~1\swdoctor.exe /Q
O4 - Global Startup: Adobe Reader Speed Launch.lnk = C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 7.0\Reader\reader_sl.exe
O4 - Global Startup: Status Monitor.lnk = C:\Program Files\Brother\Brmfcmon\BrMfcWnd.exe
O8 - Extra context menu item: &Google Search - res://c:\program files\google\GoogleToolbar2.dll/cmsearch.html
O8 - Extra context menu item: &Translate English Word - res://c:\program files\google\GoogleToolbar2.dll/cmwordtrans.html
O8 - Extra context menu item: Backward Links - res://c:\program files\google\GoogleToolbar2.dll/cmbacklinks.html
O8 - Extra context menu item: Cached Snapshot of Page - res://c:\program files\google\GoogleToolbar2.dll/cmcache.html
O8 - Extra context menu item: E&xport to Microsoft Excel - res://C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~3\OFFICE11\EXCEL.EXE/3000
O8 - Extra context menu item: Similar Pages - res://c:\program files\google\GoogleToolbar2.dll/cmsimilar.html
O8 - Extra context menu item: Translate Page into English - res://c:\program files\google\GoogleToolbar2.dll/cmtrans.html
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.5.0_06\bin\ssv.dll
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Sun Java Console - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.5.0_06\bin\ssv.dll
O9 - Extra button: Spyware Doctor - {2D663D1A-8670-49D9-A1A5-4C56B4E14E84} - C:\PROGRA~1\SPYWAR~1\tools\iesdpb.dll
O9 - Extra button: Research - {92780B25-18CC-41C8-B9BE-3C9C571A8263} - C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~3\OFFICE11\REFIEBAR.DLL
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
O16 - DPF: {48884C41-EFAC-433D-958A-9FADAC41408E} (EGamesPlugin Class) - https://www.e-games.com.my/com/EGamesPlugin.cab
O16 - DPF: {9A9307A0-7DA4-4DAF-B042-5009F29E09E1} (ActiveScan Installer Class) - http://acs.pandasoftware.com/actives...ree/asinst.cab
O18 - Protocol: msnim - {828030A1-22C1-4009-854F-8E305202313F} - "C:\PROGRA~1\MSNMES~1\msgrapp.dll" (file missing)
O20 - Winlogon Notify: WRNotifier - WRLogonNTF.dll (file missing)
O23 - Service: Acer Media Server - Acer Inc. - C:\Program Files\Acer\Acer eConsole\MediaServerService.exe
O23 - Service: Ati HotKey Poller - ATI Technologies Inc. - C:\WINDOWS\system32\Ati2evxx.exe
O23 - Service: Automatic LiveUpdate Scheduler - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Symantec\LiveUpdate\ALUSchedulerSvc.exe
O23 - Service: BrSplService (Brother XP spl Service) - brother Industries Ltd - C:\WINDOWS\system32\brsvc01a.exe
O23 - Service: Symantec Event Manager (ccEvtMgr) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccEvtMgr.exe
O23 - Service: Symantec Password Validation (ccPwdSvc) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccPwdSvc.exe
O23 - Service: Symantec Settings Manager (ccSetMgr) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccSetMgr.exe
O23 - Service: LiveUpdate - Symantec Corporation - C:\PROGRA~1\Symantec\LIVEUP~1\LUCOMS~1.EXE
O23 - Service: Norton AntiVirus Auto-Protect Service (navapsvc) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Norton AntiVirus\navapsvc.exe
O23 - Service: Norton AntiVirus Firewall Monitor Service (NPFMntor) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Norton AntiVirus\IWP\NPFMntor.exe
O23 - Service: SAVScan - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Norton AntiVirus\SAVScan.exe
O23 - Service: ScriptBlocking Service (SBService) - Symantec Corporation - C:\PROGRA~1\COMMON~1\SYMANT~1\SCRIPT~1\SBServ.exe
O23 - Service: Sygate Personal Firewall (SmcService) - Sygate Technologies, Inc. - C:\Program Files\Sygate\SPF\smc.exe
O23 - Service: Symantec Network Drivers Service (SNDSrvc) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\SNDSrvc.exe
O23 - Service: Snoop Free Service (SnoopFreeSvc) - Unknown owner - C:\WINDOWS\System32\SnoopFreeSvc.exe
O23 - Service: Symantec SPBBCSvc (SPBBCSvc) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\SPBBC\SPBBCSvc.exe

I've deleted some files like winres.dll and winjt32.dll, some sudoku installer and prosearching.com but the win.tmp files are still coming back....

Thank you kind souls.

Please disable the following application(s), as it/they may hinder the removal of some entries. Otherwise, certain cleaning attempts may be wrongly recognized and blocked as hijacking attempts or other potentially inappropriate behavior. You can re-enable such tools after your computer is clean.


Disable Spyware Doctor

1. Click the Spyware Doctor icon in the System Tray.
2. Click Settings.
3. Click Startup Settings under Pick a Category.
4. Uncheck Run at Windows startup.
5. Click Apply and Exit Spyware Doctor.

Download the latest version of CWSHredder to your desktop from here:
http://cwshredder.net/bin/CWShredder.exe

Run this application, initially, ONLY to search for UPDATES.
You may have to do this on another PC - it simply downloads the latest EXE and overwrites the current one (512K).





Please download, install, update and scan your system with the free (trial) version of Ewido TROJAN scanner
[Developed for Windows 2000 and XP]:

1. When installing, under "Additional Options" uncheck "Install background guard" and "Install scan via context menu".
2. When you run ewido for the first time, you will get a warning "Database could not be found!". Click OK. We will fix this in a moment.
3. From the main ewido screen, click on update in the left menu, then click the Start update button.
4. After the update finishes (the status bar at the bottom will display "Update successful"), click on the Scanner button in the left menu, then click on the Start button. This scan can take quite a while to run, so time to go get a drink and a snack....
5. If ewido finds anything, it will pop up a notification. You can select "clean" and check the boxes "Perform action with all infections" and "Create encrypted backup" before clicking on OK.
6. When the scan finishes, click on "Save Report". This will create a text file. Please then paste the contents of the text file to this thread.

Note: Ewido is a free trial product for 14 days. Since Ewido is a trial version, the realtime guard and automatic update will stop functioning after 14 days. We are not installing the guard because it might interfere with the cleanup or the malware removal process. You can use Ewido as an on-demand scanner (recommended) but you will have to manually update the definition file each time you scan. If you decide to purchase Ewido, you can enable the 'Realtime Protect' and 'Automatic Update' functions by clicking on the 'Status' bar (Top left) and clicking on both items under "Your Security Status".

REBOOT.




SAFEMODE: Boot into safe mode by tapping the F8 key at restart and choosing 'safe mode' menu option (explained here if needed).


NOW, run CWShredder
-Click on the: ‘Fix’ button
-Follow the prompts, and press OK



REBOOT.


Is the blocked site still appearing?

Thank you for your prompt reply.

This is the report from the scan.

---------------------------------------------------------
ewido anti-malware - Scan report
---------------------------------------------------------

+ Created on: 12:00:29, 20/04/2006
+ Report-Checksum: 235B7624

+ Scan result:

C:\Documents and Settings\Alvin\Cookies\alvin@as-eu.falkag[1].txt -> TrackingCookie.Falkag : Cleaned with backup
C:\Documents and Settings\Alvin\Cookies\alvin@as1.falkag[1].txt -> TrackingCookie.Falkag : Cleaned with backup
C:\Documents and Settings\Alvin\Cookies\alvin@ehg-dig.hitbox[2].txt -> TrackingCookie.Hitbox : Cleaned with backup
C:\Documents and Settings\Alvin\Cookies\alvin@hitbox[1].txt -> TrackingCookie.Hitbox : Cleaned with backup
C:\Documents and Settings\Alvin\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files\Content.IE5\B6YZLDZR\srvozp[1].exe -> Trojan.Dialer.oy : Cleaned with backup
C:\Documents and Settings\Alvin\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files\Content.IE5\CX27STAF\srvlot[1].exe -> Trojan.Dialer.oy : Cleaned with backup
C:\WINDOWS\temp\win14.tmp.exe -> Trojan.Dialer.oy : Cleaned with backup


::Report End

I'm gonna do the rest of the steps now.

Ok I've run CWShredder in Safe Mode. Nothing found.

Now waiting to see if the win.tmp files will be created or the blocked site will reappear.



OMG the blocked site reappeared....


On a side note, i scanned my computer with panda online activescan

This is the log


Incident Status Location

Adware:adware/swimsuitnetwork Not disinfected C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\MYDLL.dll
Adware:Adware/PicsPlace Not disinfected C:\WINDOWS\temp\win1EB.tmp.exe

Please download ATF Cleaner http://www.atribune.org/ccount/click.php?id=1 by Atribune.
This program is for XP and Windows 2000 only

It does not require any installation and uses minimal system resources. It is set up to clean IE, FireFox and Opera, and detects the browsers you have and grays out the other(s).

• Double-click ATF-Cleaner.exe to run the program.
  Under Main choose: Select All
  Recommend UNCHECKING COOKIES if you rely on system remembered passwords.
  Click the Empty Selected button.

If you use Firefox browser

• Click Firefox at the top and choose: Select All EXCEPT FIREFOX SAVED PASSWORDS
  Click the Empty Selected button.
  NOTE: If you would like to keep your saved passwords, please click No at the prompt.

If you use Opera browser

• Click Opera at the top and choose: Select All EXCEPT COOKIES AND SAVED PASSWORDS
  Click the Empty Selected button.
  NOTE: If you would like to keep your cookies and saved passwords, please click No at the prompt.

Click Exit on the Main menu to close the program.





Also, advisable to cleanout any antivirus quarantine area content.







Download deldomains:
http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/DelDomains.inf
When you click on the link, select Save. Save it to your desktop. Once on the desktop: It appears as an icon that looks like a notebook tablet with a gear overlaid on it.


To use: right-click and select: Install (no need to restart)
Note: This will remove all entries in the "Trusted Zone" and "Ranges" also.


Note: Because this will remove all entries in both the Trusted Zone and the Restricted Zone, any program, tool, or settings that were previously used to set restrictions will need to be reset:
Examples: (if these are being used),

• Spybot's "Immunize" feature is affected, you will need to re-immunize
• SpywareBlaster's "Enable all protection" feature will have to be re-enabled
• IE-SPYADS will have to be reinstalled

Get hoster here:
http://www.funkytoad.com/download/hoster.zip

• Unzip it to a convenient place and run the program.
• If you see in the top BOX (Editing Tools) ‘Your Hosts file is editable’ then press the ‘Restore Microsoft’s Original Hosts File’ button (in the Backup and Restore Tools BOX) and OK.
• If you see red text (‘Hosts file is marked as read only’) then press the ‘Make Hosts Writeable’ button - then the Restore Original Hosts button and OK.
• Close the program.

Delete the following FILES and/or ensure they are no longer present:
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\MYDLL.dll
C:\WINDOWS\temp\win1EB.tmp.exe




Provide any revised feedback, please.

Download deldomains:
http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/DelDomains.inf
When you click on the link, select Save. Save it to your desktop. Once on the desktop: It appears as an icon that looks like a notebook tablet with a gear overlaid on it.


To use: right-click and select: Install (no need to restart)
Note: This will remove all entries in the "Trusted Zone" and "Ranges" also.


For this section, once I click install is anything supposed to happen?

After all the steps do I need to reboot?

On a side note, the wintfj32.dll i deleted previously came back. I used hijackthis to fix it
I also deleted it in safemode. But the file came back and is still in my system32 folder and now cannot be deleted.

Oh no the blocked site reappeared.

I redid the steps and rebooted to see what happens now.

the win.tmp files are still being created.


I think there are still cws files in my system. I used webroot spy sweeper and it detected something trying to recreate winres.dll.

Now m y firewall is blocking windows NT logon application. Is it something bad?

You have used a good cross-section of tools and still have recurring infection issues. SpySweeper (SS) and Spyware Doctor are very similar type tools. Please show the SS log if available. Not all tools may necesaarily find ALL related infection components - accordingly, any incomplete malware removals simply will not block the malware from re-establishing itself either partially or completely.



Please do an online scan (scan only tool) with Kaspersky WebScanner



[Internet Explorer required]
Go to Kaspersky website: www.kaspersky.com/virusscanner and click on the Kaspersky Online Scanner BUTTON/BOX.

You will be prompted to install an ActiveX component from Kaspersky, Click Yes.

• The program will launch and then begin downloading the latest definition files:
• Once the files have been downloaded click on NEXT
  
• Now click on Scan Settings
• In the scan settings make sure that the following are selected:
  • Scan using the following Anti-Virus database:
    - Extended (if available otherwise Standard)
  • Scan Options:
    - Scan Archives
    - Scan Mail Bases
• Click OK
• Now under select a target to scan:
  • Select My Computer
• This program will start and scan your system.
• The scan will take a while so be patient and let it run.
• Once the scan is complete it will display if your system has been infected.
  • Now click on the Save as Text button:
• Save the file to your desktop.
• Copy and paste that information in your next post.

What do your latest Ewido and Panda scans now show? Or are they showing clean?



Post your latest HijackThis log, please




THere may be something in the following procedures which may help resolve or minimize your current issues:


To help avoid serious infection again, please look carefully at this post for some excellent preventative measures. Prevention must be made the first line of defense to improve upon.



ONLY ONCE you are as clean as possible from any needed cleanup steps - As a final cleanup step (after serious infection), it may be advisable to Reset and Re-enable your System Restore to remove any bad files that MAY have been backed up by Windows . The files in System Restore are protected to prevent any programs changing them. And, this is the only complete way to clean these files: (You will lose all previous restore points which could likely be infected, anyway.)

PLEASE NOTE: you will need to log into your computer with an account that has full administrator access. You will know if the account has administrator access because you will be able to see the System Restore tab. If the tab is missing, you are logged in under a limited account.


(Windows XP)

FOLDER LOCATION: c:\System Volume Information\_restore….

To Turn OFF System Restore.

1. Click the Start button.
2. Right-click My Computer, and then click Properties.
3. On the System Restore tab, check Turn off System Restore or Turn off System Restore on all drives.
4. Click Apply.

REBOOT.

To Turn ON System Restore.

1. Follow the steps in the previous section, but in step 3, uncheck Turn off System Restore or Turn off System Restore on all drives. Then click OK.
2. Create new System Restore points.

(Windows ME)

FOLDER LOCATION: c:\_RESTORE\TEMP\….

See the following link for instructions:
http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT...rc=sec_doc_nam




To reduce the re-infection potential for malware and protect your PC against spyware, here are a few helpful suggestions:

1. Keep Windows and Internet Explorer current with the latest critical security updates from Microsoft . This will patch many of the security holes through which attackers can gain access to your computer . You CANNOT complete this update using an alternate browser – you must use Internet Explorer.
   http://v5.windowsupdate.microsoft.com/v5co...t.aspx?ln=en-us
   http://www.microsoft.com/windows/ie/default.asp
   
   • http://www.securityfocus.com/news/11273
     If you surf to questionable (blockable) parts of the Web, you could encounter sites that compromise your PC without any user interaction. In experiments [reported Aug 2005], Microsoft identified 752 specific addresses owned by 287 Web sites that contain programs able to install themselves on a completely unpatched Windows XP system. Also, be aware that the WinXP Service Pack 2 was an update that focused almost exclusively on security. Also reported was that a fully patched Windows XP SP2 system cannot be compromised by any such discovered rogue Web sites.
   
   
2. Run your antivirus software regularly, and to keep its definitions up-to-date. If you are thinking about switching (using a real-time AV tool only one at a time), there are some good free Antivirus programs that are decent, including AVG and Avast!.
   AVG: http://free.grisoft.com/doc/1
   Avast: http://www.avast.com/eng/avast_4_home.html
   
   
3. In addition to using Ad-aware, consider using another free malware scanning/removal program :
   Adaware SE: http://www.download.com/Ad-Aware-SE-Person...ubj=dl&tag=top5
   Spybot S&D: http://www.download.com/Spybot-Search-Dest...tml?tag=lst-0-1
   MS Antispyware beta: http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/s...re/default.mspx
   
   
4. Consider using a free firewall if you are not already using one (use only one firewall at a time – normally you will need to disable the MS firewall). Some good free ones (for incoming and added outgoing traffic protection) are:
   Kerio Personal Firewall: http://www.sunbelt-software.com/Kerio.cfm
   *** After 30 days, Kerio shuts down selected features, but will continue to run in 'free' mode.
   Zone Alarm: http://www.zonelabs.com/store/content/company/products/znalm/comparison.jsp?lid=ho_za
   
   It is not a bad idea to also consider using a Router/Hardware firewall device where you have a High-Speed Internet access connection. A software firewall may occasionally need to be disabled or it gets/remains disabled by someone or something. Such an added layer of security consistency has a lot of merit to it.
   
   
5. Consider using an alternate free browser for general web surfing but you must use IE for windows updates.
   Mozilla Firefox: http://www.mozilla.org/products/firefox/
   
   
6. Consider increasing your browser security by using these programs:
   SpywareGuard will help protect your homepage from being hijacked: http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/spywareguard.html
   SpywareBlaster will increase browser protection by blocking access to thousands of known malware sites by adding them to IE's restricted sites zone. It essentially blocks known- bad ActiveX program items from being installed or running on your computer. Download it here: http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/spywareblaster.html
   • If you use SpywareBlaster, you can also use a customblocklist to add even more entries into IE restricted sites zone. Go to this site for the current list and how to use instructions: http://customblockinglist.cjb.net/
     
   • IE-SPYAD is similar in that it adds thousands more known malware sites to IE's restricted zone. Download it here:
     http://www.spywarewarrior.com/uiuc/resource.htm
   
   
7. A HOSTS file can block Internet access to thousands of known-bad sites by not allowing you any easy browser access to such sites knowingly or unknowingly. Use HJT to determine if a current HOSTS file exists and any contents therein:
   • Run the HiJackThis tool and select ‘Open the Misc Tools section’.
   • Next select ‘Open host file manager’ button.
   • Use the ‘Open in Notepad’ button in XP/W2K or use WORDPAD if necessary [type wordpad.exe in the RUN box (Start>Run)] and load the FILE PATH identified in HJT.
   • Go to http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/hosts.txt . # Read the initial instructions #. Copy and paste (append or replace) the RELEVANT host address entry contents of that file into Notepad or Wordpad and save the updated file contents.
     
     EXCERPT:
     #start of lines added by WinHelp2002
     # [Misc A - Z]
     127.0.0.1 phpadsnew.abac.com
     127.0.0.1 a.abnad.net
     127.0.0.1 e.abnad.net
     127.0.0.1 www.accoona.com #[Adware-Accoona][Adware.Atoolb][Panda.Accoona]
     .
     .
     .
     #end of lines added by WinHelp2002

*Remember just like your primary anti-virus software, it is important to:

• Keep all of these programs up-to-date, and
• Use them on a regular basis.