Trojan Downloader Agent 11Q/12D infecting my sis

Unknown

Hi! my sister pc got infected by this trojan that makes the home page of the IE blank. Its not only the IE, also the explorer to explore any folder is infected, every time i run a window of both the AVG resident shows up saying that a file is infected. These files are, most of the times, different, not always the same 2-3, and they are .exe files. Also i get unwanted bookmarks and the S&D sometimes tells me that a registry entry has been changed. I have used AVG, adaware SE personal 1.05 and S&D 1.3 and the problem is still there.

What can i do? Could you please help me get this virus out of my sis comp?
Here is the log from hijackthis, thanks.



Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.1
Scan saved at 02:42:56 a.m., on 07/05/2005
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:\Archivos de programa\Archivos comunes\Symantec Shared\ccSetMgr.exe
C:\Archivos de programa\Archivos comunes\Symantec Shared\ccEvtMgr.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\ARCHIV~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgamsvr.exe
C:\ARCHIV~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgupsvc.exe
C:\Archivos de programa\Archivos comunes\Microsoft Shared\VS7Debug\mdm.exe
C:\Archivos de programa\Norton SystemWorks\Norton Antivirus\navapsvc.exe
C:\ARCHIV~1\NORTON~1\NORTON~2\NPROTECT.EXE
C:\Archivos de programa\Analog Devices\SoundMAX\SMAgent.exe
C:\ARCHIV~1\NORTON~1\NORTON~2\SPEEDD~1\NOPDB.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\Archivos de programa\Archivos comunes\Symantec Shared\CCPD-LC\symlcsvc.exe
C:\Archivos de programa\Norton SystemWorks\Norton Antivirus\SAVScan.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\Ati2evxx.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\Archivos de programa\Analog Devices\SoundMAX\SMax4PNP.exe
C:\Archivos de programa\ATI Technologies\ATI Control Panel\atiptaxx.exe
C:\Archivos de programa\Archivos comunes\Symantec Shared\ccApp.exe
C:\Archivos de programa\Archivos comunes\Symantec Shared\ccApp.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\spool\DRIVERS\W32X86\2\bgsmsnd.exe
C:\ARCHIV~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgcc.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\ctfmon.exe
C:\Archivos de programa\Mozilla Firefox\firefox.exe
C:\Archivos de programa\Spybot - Search & Destroy\TeaTimer.exe
C:\Hijackthis\HijackThis.exe

R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Bar = res://C:\WINDOWS\kdwmq.dll/sp.html#83556
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page = res://C:\WINDOWS\kdwmq.dll/sp.html#83556
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL = about:blank
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Search_URL = res://C:\WINDOWS\kdwmq.dll/sp.html#83556
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Bar = res://C:\WINDOWS\kdwmq.dll/sp.html#83556
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page = res://C:\WINDOWS\kdwmq.dll/sp.html#83556
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Search,SearchAssistant = res://C:\WINDOWS\kdwmq.dll/sp.html#83556
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Search,SearchAssistant = res://C:\WINDOWS\kdwmq.dll/sp.html#83556
R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Toolbar,LinksFolderName = Vínculos
R3 - Default URLSearchHook is missing
O2 - BHO: AcroIEHlprObj Class - {06849E9F-C8D7-4D59-B87D-784B7D6BE0B3} - C:\Archivos de programa\Adobe\Acrobat 6.0\Reader\ActiveX\AcroIEHelper.dll
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {2F71C161-9404-0890-EE38-E0DB36A3CA46} - C:\WINDOWS\javawi.dll
O2 - BHO: CNavExtBho Class - {BDF3E430-B101-42AD-A544-FADC6B084872} - C:\Archivos de programa\Norton SystemWorks\Norton Antivirus\NavShExt.dll
O3 - Toolbar: Norton AntiVirus - {42CDD1BF-3FFB-4238-8AD1-7859DF00B1D6} - C:\Archivos de programa\Norton SystemWorks\Norton Antivirus\NavShExt.dll
O3 - Toolbar: &Radio - {8E718888-423F-11D2-876E-00A0C9082467} - C:\WINDOWS\System32\msdxm.ocx
O3 - Toolbar: Yahoo! Companion - {EF99BD32-C1FB-11D2-892F-0090271D4F88} - C:\Archivos de programa\Yahoo!\Companion\Installs\cpn\ycomp5_5_7_0.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NeroCheck] C:\WINDOWS\System32\\NeroCheck.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SoundMAXPnP] C:\Archivos de programa\Analog Devices\SoundMAX\SMax4PNP.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SoundMAX] "C:\Archivos de programa\Analog Devices\SoundMAX\Smax4.exe" /tray
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ATIPTA] C:\Archivos de programa\ATI Technologies\ATI Control Panel\atiptaxx.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ccApp] "C:\Archivos de programa\Archivos comunes\Symantec Shared\ccApp.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [bgsmsnd.exe] C:\WINDOWS\System32\spool\DRIVERS\W32X86\2\bgsmsnd.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AVG7_CC] C:\ARCHIV~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgcc.exe /STARTUP
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [QuickTime Task] "C:\Archivos de programa\QuickTime\qttask.exe" -atboottime
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [IEXPLORE.EXE] C:\Archivos de programa\Internet Explorer\IEXPLORE.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Symantec NetDriver Monitor] C:\ARCHIV~1\SYMNET~1\SNDMon.exe /Consumer
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [CTFMON.EXE] C:\WINDOWS\System32\ctfmon.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [SpybotSD TeaTimer] C:\Archivos de programa\Spybot - Search & Destroy\TeaTimer.exe
O4 - Global Startup: Microsoft Office.lnk = C:\Archivos de programa\Microsoft Office\Office10\OSA.EXE
O4 - Global Startup: Adobe Gamma Loader.lnk = C:\Archivos de programa\Archivos comunes\Adobe\Calibration\Adobe Gamma Loader.exe
O8 - Extra context menu item: Bajar web con LeechGet - file://C:\Archivos de programa\LeechGet 2002\\Parser.html
O8 - Extra context menu item: Descargar usando el Asistente de Descargas - file://C:\Archivos de programa\LeechGet 2002\\Wizard.html
O8 - Extra context menu item: Descargar usando LeechGet - file://C:\Archivos de programa\LeechGet 2002\\AddUrl.html
O8 - Extra context menu item: E&xportar a Microsoft Excel - res://C:\ARCHIV~1\MICROS~2\Office10\EXCEL.EXE/3000
O16 - DPF: {4F1E5B1A-2A80-42CA-8532-2D05CB959537} (MSN Photo Upload Tool) - http://by22fd.bay22.hotmail.msn.com/resources/MsnPUpld.cab
O16 - DPF: {B38870E4-7ECB-40DA-8C6A-595F0A5519FF} (MsnMessengerSetupDownloadControl Class) - http://messenger.msn.com/download/msnmessengersetupdownloader.cab
O23 - Service: Ati HotKey Poller - ATI Technologies Inc. - C:\WINDOWS\System32\Ati2evxx.exe
O23 - Service: ATI Smart - Unknown owner - C:\WINDOWS\system32\ati2sgag.exe
O23 - Service: AVG7 Alert Manager Server (Avg7Alrt) - GRISOFT, s.r.o. - C:\ARCHIV~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgamsvr.exe
O23 - Service: AVG7 Update Service (Avg7UpdSvc) - GRISOFT, s.r.o. - C:\ARCHIV~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgupsvc.exe
O23 - Service: Symantec Event Manager (ccEvtMgr) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Archivos de programa\Archivos comunes\Symantec Shared\ccEvtMgr.exe
O23 - Service: Symantec Password Validation (ccPwdSvc) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Archivos de programa\Archivos comunes\Symantec Shared\ccPwdSvc.exe
O23 - Service: Symantec Settings Manager (ccSetMgr) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Archivos de programa\Archivos comunes\Symantec Shared\ccSetMgr.exe
O23 - Service: Norton AntiVirus Auto Protect Service (navapsvc) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Archivos de programa\Norton SystemWorks\Norton Antivirus\navapsvc.exe
O23 - Service: Norton Unerase Protection (NProtectService) - Symantec Corporation - C:\ARCHIV~1\NORTON~1\NORTON~2\NPROTECT.EXE
O23 - Service: SAVScan - Symantec Corporation - C:\Archivos de programa\Norton SystemWorks\Norton Antivirus\SAVScan.exe
O23 - Service: ScriptBlocking Service (SBService) - Symantec Corporation - C:\ARCHIV~1\ARCHIV~1\SYMANT~1\SCRIPT~1\SBServ.exe
O23 - Service: Symantec Network Drivers Service (SNDSrvc) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Archivos de programa\Archivos comunes\Symantec Shared\SNDSrvc.exe
O23 - Service: SoundMAX Agent Service (SoundMAX Agent Service (default)) - Analog Devices, Inc. - C:\Archivos de programa\Analog Devices\SoundMAX\SMAgent.exe
O23 - Service: Speed Disk service - Symantec Corporation - C:\ARCHIV~1\NORTON~1\NORTON~2\SPEEDD~1\NOPDB.EXE
O23 - Service: Symantec Core LC - Symantec Corporation - C:\Archivos de programa\Archivos comunes\Symantec Shared\CCPD-LC\symlcsvc.exe

Buckeye_Sam

You need to disable Spybot's Teatimer function before you proceed with this fix.
http://russelltexas.com/malware/teatimer.htm


Please download CWShredder but don't run it yet.


Download Ad-aware SE 1.05
Install the program and launch it. First, in the main window, look in the bottom right corner and click on Check for updates now and download the latest reference files. Exit Adaware for now.


Make sure that you can VIEW ALL HIDDEN FILES.

Run Hijackthis again, click scan, and Put a checkmark next to each of these. Then close all other windows--you should only see HijackThis on your Desktop--and click the Fix Checked button.

R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Bar = res://C:\WINDOWS\kdwmq.dll/sp.html#83556
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page = res://C:\WINDOWS\kdwmq.dll/sp.html#83556
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL = about:blank
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Search_URL = res://C:\WINDOWS\kdwmq.dll/sp.html#83556
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Bar = res://C:\WINDOWS\kdwmq.dll/sp.html#83556
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page = res://C:\WINDOWS\kdwmq.dll/sp.html#83556
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Search,SearchAssistant = res://C:\WINDOWS\kdwmq.dll/sp.html#83556
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Search,SearchAssistant = res://C:\WINDOWS\kdwmq.dll/sp.html#83556
R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Toolbar,LinksFolderName = Vínculos
R3 - Default URLSearchHook is missing
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {2F71C161-9404-0890-EE38-E0DB36A3CA46} - C:\WINDOWS\javawi.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [IEXPLORE.EXE] C:\Archivos de programa\Internet Explorer\IEXPLORE.EXE



Reboot your computer into SAFE MODE


Now run CWShredder, making sure to click "Fix".


Then delete these files or directories (Do not be concerned if they do not exist)

C:\WINDOWS\javawi.dll
C:\WINDOWS\kdwmq.dll


Run a full scan with Adaware.

Reboot your computer to go back to normal mode and post a new log.

Lucas

ok, it seems to be gone! THANK YOU BUCKEYE_SAM, u were most kind and helpful!!! here goes the new log:


Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.1
Scan saved at 01:24:34 a.m., on 09/05/2005
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:\Archivos de programa\Archivos comunes\Symantec Shared\ccSetMgr.exe
C:\Archivos de programa\Archivos comunes\Symantec Shared\ccEvtMgr.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\ARCHIV~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgamsvr.exe
C:\ARCHIV~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgupsvc.exe
C:\Archivos de programa\Archivos comunes\Microsoft Shared\VS7Debug\mdm.exe
C:\Archivos de programa\Norton SystemWorks\Norton Antivirus\navapsvc.exe
C:\ARCHIV~1\NORTON~1\NORTON~2\NPROTECT.EXE
C:\Archivos de programa\Analog Devices\SoundMAX\SMAgent.exe
C:\ARCHIV~1\NORTON~1\NORTON~2\SPEEDD~1\NOPDB.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\Archivos de programa\Archivos comunes\Symantec Shared\CCPD-LC\symlcsvc.exe
C:\Archivos de programa\Norton SystemWorks\Norton Antivirus\SAVScan.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\wuauclt.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\Ati2evxx.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\Archivos de programa\Analog Devices\SoundMAX\SMax4PNP.exe
C:\Archivos de programa\Analog Devices\SoundMAX\Smax4.exe
C:\Archivos de programa\ATI Technologies\ATI Control Panel\atiptaxx.exe
C:\Archivos de programa\Archivos comunes\Symantec Shared\ccApp.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\spool\DRIVERS\W32X86\2\bgsmsnd.exe
C:\ARCHIV~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgcc.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\ctfmon.exe
C:\Hijackthis\HijackThis.exe
C:\Archivos de programa\Mozilla Firefox\firefox.exe

R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page =
O2 - BHO: AcroIEHlprObj Class - {06849E9F-C8D7-4D59-B87D-784B7D6BE0B3} - C:\Archivos de programa\Adobe\Acrobat 6.0\Reader\ActiveX\AcroIEHelper.dll
O2 - BHO: CNavExtBho Class - {BDF3E430-B101-42AD-A544-FADC6B084872} - C:\Archivos de programa\Norton SystemWorks\Norton Antivirus\NavShExt.dll
O3 - Toolbar: Norton AntiVirus - {42CDD1BF-3FFB-4238-8AD1-7859DF00B1D6} - C:\Archivos de programa\Norton SystemWorks\Norton Antivirus\NavShExt.dll
O3 - Toolbar: &Radio - {8E718888-423F-11D2-876E-00A0C9082467} - C:\WINDOWS\System32\msdxm.ocx
O3 - Toolbar: Yahoo! Companion - {EF99BD32-C1FB-11D2-892F-0090271D4F88} - C:\Archivos de programa\Yahoo!\Companion\Installs\cpn\ycomp5_5_7_0.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NeroCheck] C:\WINDOWS\System32\\NeroCheck.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SoundMAXPnP] C:\Archivos de programa\Analog Devices\SoundMAX\SMax4PNP.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SoundMAX] "C:\Archivos de programa\Analog Devices\SoundMAX\Smax4.exe" /tray
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ATIPTA] C:\Archivos de programa\ATI Technologies\ATI Control Panel\atiptaxx.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ccApp] "C:\Archivos de programa\Archivos comunes\Symantec Shared\ccApp.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [bgsmsnd.exe] C:\WINDOWS\System32\spool\DRIVERS\W32X86\2\bgsmsnd.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AVG7_CC] C:\ARCHIV~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgcc.exe /STARTUP
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [QuickTime Task] "C:\Archivos de programa\QuickTime\qttask.exe" -atboottime
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Symantec NetDriver Monitor] C:\ARCHIV~1\SYMNET~1\SNDMon.exe /Consumer
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [CTFMON.EXE] C:\WINDOWS\System32\ctfmon.exe
O4 - Global Startup: Microsoft Office.lnk = C:\Archivos de programa\Microsoft Office\Office10\OSA.EXE
O4 - Global Startup: Adobe Gamma Loader.lnk = C:\Archivos de programa\Archivos comunes\Adobe\Calibration\Adobe Gamma Loader.exe
O8 - Extra context menu item: Bajar web con LeechGet - file://C:\Archivos de programa\LeechGet 2002\\Parser.html
O8 - Extra context menu item: Descargar usando el Asistente de Descargas - file://C:\Archivos de programa\LeechGet 2002\\Wizard.html
O8 - Extra context menu item: Descargar usando LeechGet - file://C:\Archivos de programa\LeechGet 2002\\AddUrl.html
O8 - Extra context menu item: E&xportar a Microsoft Excel - res://C:\ARCHIV~1\MICROS~2\Office10\EXCEL.EXE/3000
O16 - DPF: {4F1E5B1A-2A80-42CA-8532-2D05CB959537} (MSN Photo Upload Tool) - http://by22fd.bay22.hotmail.msn.com/resources/MsnPUpld.cab
O16 - DPF: {B38870E4-7ECB-40DA-8C6A-595F0A5519FF} (MsnMessengerSetupDownloadControl Class) - http://messenger.msn.com/download/msnmessengersetupdownloader.cab
O23 - Service: Ati HotKey Poller - ATI Technologies Inc. - C:\WINDOWS\System32\Ati2evxx.exe
O23 - Service: ATI Smart - Unknown owner - C:\WINDOWS\system32\ati2sgag.exe
O23 - Service: AVG7 Alert Manager Server (Avg7Alrt) - GRISOFT, s.r.o. - C:\ARCHIV~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgamsvr.exe
O23 - Service: AVG7 Update Service (Avg7UpdSvc) - GRISOFT, s.r.o. - C:\ARCHIV~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgupsvc.exe
O23 - Service: Symantec Event Manager (ccEvtMgr) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Archivos de programa\Archivos comunes\Symantec Shared\ccEvtMgr.exe
O23 - Service: Symantec Password Validation (ccPwdSvc) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Archivos de programa\Archivos comunes\Symantec Shared\ccPwdSvc.exe
O23 - Service: Symantec Settings Manager (ccSetMgr) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Archivos de programa\Archivos comunes\Symantec Shared\ccSetMgr.exe
O23 - Service: Norton AntiVirus Auto Protect Service (navapsvc) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Archivos de programa\Norton SystemWorks\Norton Antivirus\navapsvc.exe
O23 - Service: Norton Unerase Protection (NProtectService) - Symantec Corporation - C:\ARCHIV~1\NORTON~1\NORTON~2\NPROTECT.EXE
O23 - Service: SAVScan - Symantec Corporation - C:\Archivos de programa\Norton SystemWorks\Norton Antivirus\SAVScan.exe
O23 - Service: ScriptBlocking Service (SBService) - Symantec Corporation - C:\ARCHIV~1\ARCHIV~1\SYMANT~1\SCRIPT~1\SBServ.exe
O23 - Service: Symantec Network Drivers Service (SNDSrvc) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Archivos de programa\Archivos comunes\Symantec Shared\SNDSrvc.exe
O23 - Service: SoundMAX Agent Service (SoundMAX Agent Service (default)) - Analog Devices, Inc. - C:\Archivos de programa\Analog Devices\SoundMAX\SMAgent.exe
O23 - Service: Speed Disk service - Symantec Corporation - C:\ARCHIV~1\NORTON~1\NORTON~2\SPEEDD~1\NOPDB.EXE
O23 - Service: Symantec Core LC - Symantec Corporation - C:\Archivos de programa\Archivos comunes\Symantec Shared\CCPD-LC\symlcsvc.exe

Buckeye_Sam

Your log is clean!

Now that you are clean, please follow these simple steps in order to keep your computer clean and secure:

1. Disable and Enable System Restore. - If you are using Windows ME or XP then you should disable and reenable system restore to make sure there are no infected files found in a restore point left over from what we have just cleaned.
   
   You can find instructions on how to enable and reenable system restore here:
   
   Managing Windows Millenium System Restore
   
   or
   
   Windows XP System Restore Guide
   
   Renable system restore with instructions from tutorial above
   
   
2. Make your Internet Explorer more secure - This can be done by following these simple instructions:
   1. From within Internet Explorer click on the Tools menu and then click on Options.
   2. Click once on the Security tab
   3. Click once on the Internet icon so it becomes highlighted.
   4. Click once on the Custom Level button.
      1. Change the Download signed ActiveX controls to Prompt
         
      2. Change the Download unsigned ActiveX controls to Disable
         
      3. Change the Initialize and script ActiveX controls not marked as safe to Disable
         
      4. Change the Installation of desktop items to Prompt
         
      5. Change the Launching programs and files in an IFRAME to Prompt
         
      6. Change the Navigate sub-frames across different domains to Prompt
         
      7. When all these settings have been made, click on the OK button.
         
      8. If it prompts you as to whether or not you want to save the settings, press the Yes button.
   5. Next press the Apply button and then the OK to exit the Internet Properties page.
   
   
3. Use an AntiVirus Software - It is very important that your computer has an anti-virus software running on your machine. This alone can save you a lot of trouble with malware in the future.
   
   See this link for a listing of some online & their stand-alone antivirus programs:
   
   Virus, Spyware, and Malware Protection and Removal Resources
   
   
4. Update your AntiVirus Software - It is imperitive that you update your Antivirus software at least once a week (Even more if you wish). If you do not update your antivirus software then it will not be able to catch any of the new variants that may come out.
   
   
5. Use a Firewall - I can not stress how important it is that you use a Firewall on your computer. Without a firewall your computer is succeptible to being hacked and taken over. I am very serious about this and see it happen almost every day with my clients. Simply using a Firewall in its default configuration can lower your risk greatly.
   
   For a tutorial on Firewalls and a listing of some available ones see the link below:
   
   Understanding and Using Firewalls
   
   
6. Visit Microsoft's Windows Update Site Frequently - It is important that you visit http://www.windowsupdate.com regularly. This will ensure your computer has always the latest security updates available installed on your computer. If there are new updates to install, install them immediately, reboot your computer, and revisit the site until there are no more critical updates.
   
   
7. Install Spybot - Search and Destroy - Install and download Spybot - Search and Destroy with its TeaTimer option. This will provide realtime spyware & hijacker protection on your computer alongside your virus protection. You should also scan your computer with program on a regular basis just as you would an antivirus software.
   
   A tutorial on installing & using this product can be found here:
   
   Using Spybot - Search & Destroy to remove Spyware , Malware, and Hijackers
   
   
8. Install Ad-Aware - Install and download Ad-Aware. ou should also scan your computer with program on a regular basis just as you would an antivirus software in conjunction with Spybot.
   
   A tutorial on installing & using this product can be found here:
   
   Using Ad-aware to remove Spyware, Malware, & Hijackers from Your Computer
   
   
9. Install SpywareBlaster - SpywareBlaster will added a large list of programs and sites into your Internet Explorer settings that will protect you from running and downloading known malicious programs.
   
   A tutorial on installing & using this product can be found here:
   
   Using SpywareBlaster to protect your computer from Spyware and Malware
   
   
10. Update all these programs regularly - Make sure you update all the programs I have listed regularly. Without regular updates you WILL NOT be protected when new malicious programs are released.

Follow this list and your potential for being infected again will reduce dramatically.