this is my first time writing to a forum and im hoping this will help me out some. i got my computer fixed by a proffesional, and second day i got it back i started to have problems again. first of all when i start up internet explorer it will sometimes give me a message that says it needs to close and wants to send an error report. i have no option but to close it but i dont send the error reports. whats causing it to close it what can i do to keep it from happening. second my computer will crash when accessing to certain files. this is why i had to turn my computer to an expert, and found out that the there was something wrong with the hard drive. i replaced it and now the problems are back again. now it crashes constantly when i play lost planet and im thinking it has something to do with the game being on the hard drive, but there is enough memory to support it though. it also crashes when i install xp updates and my computer wont install some either and wants to send an error report. so thats all the problems that have on it right now. if i have any more ill keep wirting...

Hi Nog and welcome. First, I am sorry no one has responded to your problem by now. If this is still a problem it would help to know more about your computer, make and model, amount of RAM, type video, and version of Windows.

i got my computer fixed by a proffesional, and second day i got it back i started to have problems again.

Then take it back!

first of all when i start up internet explorer it will sometimes give me a message that says it needs to close and wants to send an error report. i have no option but to close it but i dont send the error reports.

Every time you start IE? If you can get in just once, go to your Add-in manager and disable any BHO that is not from MS.

second my computer will crash when accessing to certain files. this is why i had to turn my computer to an expert, and found out that the there was something wrong with the hard drive.

By "certain files" do you mean specific files? Or a certain type of files, such as all .exe or all .mp3 files? And was this problem consistent? And was this "expert" in a shop, or a neighbor or friend who tinkers with computers? I am not getting a warm fuzzy that he truly is an expert.

now it crashes constantly when i play lost planet

This could be any number of things - corrupt graphics driver, heat, failing motherboard, weak or failing power supply, leaky capacitors. Does it fail in the same spot all the time? Right away or after you have been playing for awhile?

Is the computer clean of heat trapping dust? Are all fans spinning properly? What are your CPU temperatures?

Have you scanned for malware? See my canned text below if you do not have a complete arsenal of tools.
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Canned Text - Cleaning Out Malware/Practicing Safe Computing

Why Are We Here? It is a sad fact we as users must be the security linchpins protecting our computers, our personal information, and most importantly, our children from the bad guys in cyberspace. Let's put the blame where it belongs; on the bad guys! Not Microsoft, not Windows, not Bill Gates. Bad guys put us in this position. These bad guys include hackers, thieves, spammers, software pirates, corrupt Internet Service Providers (ISPs), corrupt governments/government leaders, illegal software users, juvenile misfits, and cyber-terrorists. These scumbags have forced the rest of us to become Information Technology (IT) security experts just so we and our families can safely use our computers in our own homes. Failure to keep our systems free from malware may result in the computer being compromised, and turned into a threat against the rest of us!

What can we, as computer/Internet users do about it? Two things:

1. Practice Safe Computing! Keep systems patched, updated, scanned and blocked, and use a disciplined approach to operating the computer and using the Internet.
   
   
   • Patch operating systems and applications to the latest security patches, including XP SP2 and Internet Explorer 7 (IE7)
     
   • Update anti-malware signature/definition files promptly and apply operating system critical updates in a timely manner (see "Windows Update" under "Prevent Re-Infestation" below)
     
   • Scan using "real-time" anti-malware scanners for viruses, worms, Trojans, and spyware
     
   • Block unauthorized access attempts, spam and pop-ups using a good client-based (software) firewall, spam blocker, and pop-up blocker.
     
   • Self Discipline, the most crucial! Self discipline includes:
     
     • NEVER click on "To stop getting these spam messages, click here" links
       
     • NEVER click on any links in unsolicited pop-ups or email
       
     • NEVER open attachments or downloads without first scanning for malware - regardless the source
       
     • NEVER visit sites bad guys are known to wallow in: such as porn, gambling and Peer to Peer (P2P) sites where illegal file sharing is tolerated
       
       and finally...
       
       
     • NEVER skip any of the above.
   
   
2. Vote! Demand your elected officials create laws with teeth against cyber-crime. Demand funding so the authorities have the resources needed to fight the bad guys. Elect or demand appointment of judges that levy harsh punishments. Demand the United Nations enforce the existing laws on software counterfeiting.

So, with all that in mind, below is my "canned text" for ridding computers of malware. Use it to clean your systems, then use the tools to keep your systems free of malware. I personally use all these tools on the various computers on my network and frequently recommend them to friends, family, and clients. There are certainly many competing products that are just as effective and by all means, if you are more comfortable with another product, use it. The point is, use it!

Note: Before posting a HijackThis (HJT) log in the appropriate forum, I strongly urge you to run through these scans first. That may just fix your problem so no HJT log will be needed!

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Cleaning out Malware

Important Note 1: For all of the following suggested programs, and before every scan, use each application's "update" feature to ensure you have installed the latest signature/definition files. This is necessary even if you just downloaded the most recent version of the application.

Important Note 2: Be aware that most free software is free for home and non-commercial use only. Be sure to read the end-user licensing agreements (EULAs) before using.

Important Note 3: To avoid conflicts, ensure only one firewall and one "real-time" (also known as "in resident", "in memory", "auto-protect" or "active scanning") scanner program of the same type is running at any given time. That is, have only one firewall, one real-time anti-virus, one real-time anti-spyware, and one real-time anti-Trojan program running at any time.

Important Note 4: Performing major system scans and cleaning is never risk free. Although every program listed here has a long history of reliable performance, things can go wrong, especially with a problem system. Hardware can fail and power line anomalies can wreck havoc - use an uninterpretable power supply (UPS)! Back up your important files regularly. And I recommend you create a System Restore “point” now, before running through the cleaning procedures. System Restore allows you to “roll back” system files, Registry keys, installed programs, etc. to a previous state.

1. Quit all running applications,
2. Go to Start > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools > System Restore,
3. At the System Restore Welcome Screen, click the Create a restore point radio, button, then click Next,
4. Name the Restore point (Example: Before system clean),
5. Click Create.

Begin Cleaning

• Delete Temporary Files before scanning to rid system of thousands of temporary files. This action often significantly reduces scanning times and may clear out files that are corrupt or are infected with malware. Deleting cookies as well ensures all "tracking cookies" are removed too. Note that deleting cookies will force the manual entry of user names and passwords for sites requiring them on your next visit, so make sure you know them.
  
  
  • ATF Cleaner 3 is a simple, easy to use, temporary file cleaner for Windows, Internet Explorer, Firefox, and Opera users.
    
    
  • CCleaner is a popular tool for more advanced users. During installation, uncheck the option to install the Yahoo toolbar. Before first use, check Options > Settings and ensure Only delete files in Windows Temp folders older than 48 hours is unchecked. CCleaner's Issues section is also an excellent Registry cleaner, but as with any Registry cleaner or editing tool, it should only be used with extreme caution by experienced users. I recommend you create a System Restore point, and you should always backup the Registry before making any changes. Be sure to follow CCleaner’s prompts to make the necessary backup.
    
    
  • To delete temporary files directly from the browser without using CCleaner or ATF, do the following:
    
    
    • Internet Explorer 7
      • Click on Tools > Delete Browsing History...,
      • Click the Delete all... button,
      • Check Also delete files and settings stored by add-ons,
      • Click Yes.
    • Internet Explorer 6 or earlier
      • Go to Tools > Internet Options> select the General tab,
      • Click the Delete Cookies button, then OK,
      • Click the Delete Files button, ensure Delete all offline content is checked, then OK.
    • Mozilla Firefox
      • Go to Tools > Options,
      • Click the Privacy button,
      • Click the Clear All button,
      • Click Clear All Information.
    
    
  • To delete temporary and no longer needed files (including old System Restore points) with Windows Disk Cleanup:
    
    
    • In My Computer, right click on drive, then select Properties > Disk Cleanup,
    • When Disk Cleanup calculation is complete, check the desired Files to delete boxes - uncheck Compress old files unless you are very low on disk space (Note: Highlighting each entry will reveal a description of items being deleted),
    • Optional - Remove all System Restore points, except the most recent
      • Click the More Options Tab,
      • Under System Restore, click Clean up... to remove all but the most recent restore points, then follow prompts to complete action,
    • Click OK and follow prompts to complete and exit Disk Cleanup.
  
  TIP - Delete all Temporary Internet Files and Cookies before defragmenting your hard drives. It is counterproductive to defrag with 1000s of tiny temporary files on the drives.

• Scan for Spyware - No one anti-spyware program gets them all. Therefore, it is necessary to use an arsenal of tools. Past controversy over some anti-spyware makers' decisions to delist known spyware emphasizes the need to attack on multiple fronts. I recommend you download, install, and use the latest versions of one or both of the following:
  
  
  • SpyBot Search and Destroy - To avoid possible conflicts with other real-time scanners, I recommend you do not install TeaTimer at this time. Note: Some respected colleagues have reported no conflicts, or performance issues with TeaTimer. If desired, I recommend you enable it at a later date when it will be easy to determine and isolate any conflicts, should they arise.
    
    
  • Ad-Aware 2007 – There have been many complaints about the new Ad-Aware's unnecessary use of system resources. Ad-Aware 2007 installs a program called aawservice.exe, and configures it to run as a "service" that loads at every boot. This occurs even though the free version of Ad-Aware 2007 is "on-demand" only; there is no "real-time" scanning feature. This service consumes 20 to 30Mb of RAM! That's a lot for a file doing nothing most of the time. Even though it consumes few CPU cycles when not active, and readily moves its working set of RAM to the hard drive’s Page File if needed by other programs, the fact the unneeded service runs at every boot up, consumes so much RAM, and does not terminate after exiting Ad-Aware, concerns many. I share that concern. If you choose to use Ad-Aware 2007 (still an excellent anti-spyware program), you may want to change how the service is configured so that it does not start until you call up the program.
    
    • Go to Control Panel > Administrative Tools > Services
    • Right click on Ad-Aware 2007 Service
    • Select Properties
    • From the drop down menu, change "Service type:" to Manual
    • Click Apply, Ok
    Run your scans. When done, to terminate the no longer needed aawservice.exe program, go back into the Control Panel Services applet and stop the service, or reboot your computer. I recommend the latter; complete all your malware scans, then reboot. Rebooting after scans is often a necessary step anyway.
  
  If you don't have a current real-time anti-spyware scanner, get one NOW!. I recommend using one of the following:
  
  
  • Microsoft Windows Defender (XP/Vista)
    or
  • SUPERAntiSpyware Pro - Note that only the Pro (not free) version includes real-time scanning
    alternatively,
  • AVG Free now includes a capable anti-spyware scanner.
  
  WARNING: There are many good anti-spyware alternatives - but there are more malicious fakes! Beware! Ensure any anti-spyware program under consideration is not listed on the Spyware Warrior List of Rogue/Suspect Anti-Spyware Products & Web Sites before even thinking about downloading.

• Scan for Trojans - As in the fight against spyware, it is best to hit Trojans with a variety of weapons.
  
  
  • Trojan Hunter (30-day trial version) - skip if your anti-virus scanner checks for Trojans
    
  • CWShredder (stand-alone version) checks for and cleans all known CoolWebSearch variants

• Scan for Viruses and Worms - Assuming you have an anti-virus program, download the latest signature files and perform a thorough scan. If you don't have an anti-virus program, get one NOW!, update the signature file, and perform a thorough scan. AVG Free is excellent, and starting with version 8.0, now includes a real-time anti-spyware scanner too. Be sure to uncheck the option to install the AVG Security Toolbar (it seems everyone wants to install another toolbar!). I keep one anti-virus program running in "auto-protect" mode at all times, and have another on hand for "on-demand" scanning. Remember to disable the running scanner before scanning with the "on-demand" scanner.
  
  Scan with one, two or all three (in turn) of these free on-line virus scanners as a double or even triple check. Some very malicious malware have been known to disable PC based ant-virus (AV) scanners. These on-line scanners help compensate for that. Temporarily disable your real-time AV scanner first.
  
  
  • Kaspersky Online Scanner (Items found and not removed will be listed in report.)
    or
  • Trend Micro HouseCall
    or
  • PandaSoft ActiveScan

• Scan for Rootkits - Rootkit is a term originating in the UNIX world to describe a set of "stealthy" tools used to obtain and/or maintain root access. A person with "root" access can do anything. Windows rootkits gain access by exploiting known vulnerabilities on un-patched systems, then use that access to install a "back door" to maintain that access to your system. Use one of the following:
  
  
  • AVG Anti-Rootkit - Now part of the new AVG 8.0 paid versions - but the free anti-rootkit version is still available at PC World (for now)
    or
  • Microsoft Rootkit Revealer
  
  Note: Remember to re-enable any real-time scanning disabled during these scans when done.

Prevent Re-infestation - Use the above tools to clean your system, and to help prevent future attacks from compromising your system again. In addition to those tools you also need the following:

• Firewall - If you are not using a software based firewall, enable Windows Firewall, or get one of those suggested below NOW! Windows Firewall in XPSP2 (known as Internet Connection Firewall, or ICF, in XPSP1) is a basic firewall that generally works well for most users, once properly setup, and if all users with access to that machine practice safe computing with a disciplined approach. However, the XP version can only block unauthorized incoming access attempts. This means XP's Windows Firewall will not prevent Trojans, keyloggers, and other spyware from "phoning home" with your personal information, should they manage to get past your other defenses, or were on your computer prior setting up your defenses. Vista's Windows Firewall with Advance Security is an able, two-way firewall. However, the default configuration is only set to block inbound connections.
  
  Comodo, Kerio and ZoneAlarm, and others block incoming and outgoing unauthorized access attempts by default, and are good alternatives to Windows Firewall. In any case, do not use more than one software based firewall. In most cases, if you install a 3rd party firewall, Windows Firewall will automatically be disabled.
  
  
  • Comodo Firewall Pro (supports XP/Vista, and is free),
    or
  • Sunbelt Personal Firewall (formally Kerio Personal Firewall),
    or
  • ZoneAlarm Free - a long time favorite, is sadly losing support among experts for foisting unwanted extras on unsuspecting users. Be sure to select I only want basic ZoneAlarm protection. This will still down load the entire 38.8Mb Security Suite, but after the 15-day trial period, you should be left with only Zone Alarm Free.
  
  Important Note - Routers and Firewalls: If you have a router you still need a software based firewall on each system on your network. This is true even if it is a network of just one computer. If you are not using a router, you should, especially if you are using broadband (cable or DSL high-speed Internet). Ensure your router uses NAT (Network Address Translation). NAT is a very effective security feature that provides hardware firewall type features. There are several offerings for under $50.00USD. Some offer dial-up support, and some include a print server for network printing. Using a router also allows you to disable printer and Internet connection sharing on your connected computers.
  
  
• Pop-up Blocker - There are several good pop-up blockers, including those found in Internet Explorer 7 and Firefox 2. I recommend you enable them. Many add-in toolbars, such as Google Toolbar and Yahoo Toolbar, also have pop-up blockers. It is fine to also use one of those. However, I caution against using more than two pop-up blockers to avoid conflicts and confusion. The thing to remember is the "self-discipline" portion of Practice Safe Computing from above; if a pop-up gets through, just close the pop-up, do not click on any links.
  
  
• Spam Blocker - Most ISPs offer spam blocking tools and I recommend you enable them. However, NO spam blocker is perfect, so I caution you to remember that. Some spam messages will not be identified, and some legitimate messages will be falsely identified as spam. I recommend you select an option that tags "suspected" spam, and/or moves suspected spam to a spam/quarantine folder, rather than automatically deleting them. For example, my ISP appends (tags) the subject line with "--spam--", which is easy for me, and spam filters, to spot.
  
  In addition to ISP based spam blockers, I recommend a client (on your PC) based spam blocker too. There are many to choose from. I use and strongly recommend MailWasher Pro. There is a bit of a learning curve, but by far, what puts it above and beyond all other spamblockers is that you process all your mail from all your accounts on the servers! That is, BEFORE the email is downloaded on to your system. This is huge, in my opinion. Other spamblockers download the entire email (and attachments!), dumps it on to your machine, and then analyzes it for possible malicious code. To me, that's like asking a stranger to step inside your home, THEN asking him what he wants.
  
  
• Windows Update - The vast majority of users allow Windows Update to automatically download and install updates and they never have problems. But Microsoft has not been 100% perfect in pushing out quality updates; some have broken machines. Unfortunately, if all automatic, you don't know exactly what is updated, or when. No problems, if all is well. But I suspect if reading this, your are concerned, like me, about what is happening with your computer. Therefore, I recommend the following:
  • Set Windows Update to "Download updates for me, but let me choose when to install them" or "Notify me but don't automatically download or install them"
  • Use "Custom" install option - research the updates that affect you - do not install yet
  • "Listen" for "chatter" here, and other technical sites and forums
  • Check AskWoody.Com for any update issues that may affect you
  • Use the "Custom" install option to install the updates that affect you

I know all of the above is a lot but this is what it takes to get and keep your systems clean, running at full performance, and safe. Fortunately, it gets easier to manage once it is all set up and you become more familiar with the features. I recommend all scanners be scheduled to update, then scan daily - mine run in the middle of the night. It is an important part of Practicing Safe Computing to also set up a routine to regularly scan your system(s) manually.

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Comment: Security Suites. Security suites, such as Norton 360, ZoneAlarm Security Suite, and others, are complete security packages containing a firewall, anti-virus, anti-spyware, spam blocker, pop-up blocker, and more, all controlled from a single user interface or "Control Center". While certainly suites are less expensive than purchasing separates from several vendors, and easier to use, from a security standpoint, I feel suites are putting all your eggs in one basket. With any business, these suite makers look for ways to cut costs. Any programmer knows that if you can reuse code, you save time and money. Therefore it only follows these makers will reuse code as much as possible in their suites. This has the potential of introducing compromises between the components of the suites, and creating single points of failure, or in the security world, single points of vulnerability. The user interface, update website, scheduler, and files database are 4 examples of possible single points of failure, where a fault in one of those areas may affect several or all tools in the entire suite. If the user interface breaks, for example, all your defenses may be compromised or taken down. In the case of the shared files database, with a suite you have the same group of people deciding which files both the anti-virus application and the anti-spyware application will scan. Is that a problem? I don't know. But I do know from a security standpoint, an "overlapping" defense, where different sets of eyes are watching over things, is much better than a single set.

Even the best suites do not excel in all areas. One may have a superior firewall, but only a fair anti-virus. Another suite may have a great anti-virus, but a weak anti-spyware. If you "roll your own" suite, you can build a superior suite consisting of the best tools in every category that meet the demands for your computing habits.

With that in mind, many of my colleagues have created similar guides for keeping our systems clean and safe. I encourage you to read them all. You will find as many different approaches and tools as there are experts writing about them. That's good as they may suggest a different tool you might include in your arsenal instead of, or in addition to, the those suggested here.

You will also find they all focus on, directly, or implied, the one key element to computer security... You! You can have the best firewall and anti-malware tools, but if you don't maintain a strict discipline when it comes to "Practicing Safe Computing" (see Item 1 above) it's like running a red light at a busy intersection.


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Referrals: If you were referred to this post as part of the resolution process being worked in another thread, when done with the above scans, please post a status update in the original thread.

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DISCLAIMER: Please note this was compiled by me and should in no way be construed as policy of this site, nor is this site responsible for any outcome that may come about by following it. Although many users have successfully used this guide, I cannot guarantee success, nor can I promise any outcome. That said, I have personally used all these products on many computers to prevent infestation, and to rid systems of all malware, and without incident. I anticipate you will have no problems if you follow the stated precautions.

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