Spy Sherrif hijacking

Unknown

Hi,

I've been hijacked by Spy Sherrif and I've followed your instructions to the point where I'd like to have someone evaluate my log.

I'd really appreciate any help you can give me.

Here's my log:

Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.1
Scan saved at 1:29:19 PM, on 12/9/2005
Platform: Windows ME (Win9x 4.90.3000)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v6.00 SP1 (6.00.2800.1106)

Running processes:
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\KERNEL32.DLL
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\MSGSRV32.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\SPOOL32.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\MPREXE.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\MSTASK.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\SSDPSRV.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\COMMON FILES\SYMANTEC SHARED\CCEVTMGR.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\COMMON FILES\SYMANTEC SHARED\CCSETMGR.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\NORTON ANTIVIRUS\IWP\NPFMNTOR.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\STIMON.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\mmtask.tsk
C:\WINDOWS\EXPLORER.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\RESTORE\STMGR.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\TASKMON.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\SYSTRAY.EXE
C:\COMPAQ\CPQINET\CPQINET.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\SYNAPTICS\SYNTP\SYNTPLPR.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\COMPAQ\EASY ACCESS BUTTON SUPPORT\BTTNSERV.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\WMIEXE.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\SYNAPTICS\SYNTP\SYNTPENH.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\COMPAQ\EASY ACCESS BUTTON SUPPORT\CPQEADM.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\COMPAQ\EASY ACCESS BUTTON SUPPORT\EAUSBKBD.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\COMMON FILES\SYMANTEC SHARED\CCPD-LC\SYMLCSVC.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\COMMON FILES\SYMANTEC SHARED\CCAPP.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\BROADJUMP\CLIENT FOUNDATION\CFD.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\SUPPORT.COM\BIN\TGCMD.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\QTTASK.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\PRISMSVR.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\HPOOPM07.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\PAYTIME.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\KSUN8400.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\AUTOUPDATE\AUTOUPDATE.EXE
C:\WINSTALL.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\PAYTIME.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\SYWSVCS.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\DDHELP.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\ICWC16GT.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\SPYSHERIFF\SPYSHERIFF.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\EFAX MESSENGER 4.0\J2GDLLCMD.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\EFAX MESSENGER 4.0\J2GTRAY.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\COMMON FILES\MICROSOFT SHARED\WORKS SHARED\WKCALREM.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\MICROSOFT OFFICE\OFFICE\OSA.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\ADOBE\ACROBAT 4.0\DISTILLR\ACROTRAY.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\SBC\CONNECTION MANAGER\CMANAGER.EXE
C:\AMERICA ONLINE 5.0\AOLTRAY.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\2WIRE 802.11G WIRELESS\PRISMCFG.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\WINZIP\WZQKPICK.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\HEWLETT-PACKARD\HP OFFICEJET K SERIES\BIN\HPODEV07.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\BROADJUMP\CORRECTCONNECT ENGINE\CCD.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\HEWLETT-PACKARD\HP OFFICEJET K SERIES\BIN\HPOEVM07.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\INTERNET EXPLORER\IEXPLORE.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\COMMON FILES\SYMANTEC SHARED\SNDSRVC.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\HEWLETT-PACKARD\HP OFFICEJET K SERIES\BIN\HPOSTS07.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\HEWLETT-PACKARD\HP OFFICEJET K SERIES\BIN\HPOFXM07.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\PSTORES.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\WINZIP\WINZIP32.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\TEMP\HIJACKTHIS.EXE

R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL = c:\secure32.html
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Search_URL = http://searchbar.findthewebsiteyouneed.com
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Bar = http://searchbar.findthewebsiteyouneed.com
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page = http://searchbar.findthewebsiteyouneed.com
R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = c:\secure32.html
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL = c:\secure32.html
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Bar = http://red.clientapps.yahoo.com/cust...search/ie.html
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page = http://searchbar.findthewebsiteyouneed.com
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = c:\secure32.html
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Search,SearchAssistant = http://searchbar.findthewebsiteyouneed.com
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\SearchURL,(Default) = http://red.clientapps.yahoo.com/cust.../www.yahoo.com
R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Local Page = c:\secure32.html
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Local Page = c:\secure32.html
O2 - BHO: CNavExtBho Class - {BDF3E430-B101-42AD-A544-FADC6B084872} - C:\Program Files\Norton AntiVirus\NavShExt.dll
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {016235BE-59D4-4CEB-ADD5-E2378282A1D9} - C:\PROGRAM FILES\APRPS\CXTPLS.DLL
O3 - Toolbar: Norton AntiVirus - {42CDD1BF-3FFB-4238-8AD1-7859DF00B1D6} - C:\Program Files\Norton AntiVirus\NavShExt.dll
O3 - Toolbar: &Radio - {8E718888-423F-11D2-876E-00A0C9082467} - C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\MSDXM.OCX
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ScanRegistry] C:\WINDOWS\scanregw.exe /autorun
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [TaskMonitor] C:\WINDOWS\taskmon.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [PCHealth] C:\WINDOWS\PCHealth\Support\PCHSchd.exe -s
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SystemTray] SysTray.Exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [LoadPowerProfile] Rundll32.exe powrprof.dll,LoadCurrentPwrScheme
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [CPQInet] c:\compaq\CPQInet\CpqInet.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SynTPLpr] C:\Program Files\Synaptics\SynTP\SynTPLpr.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SynTPEnh] C:\Program Files\Synaptics\SynTP\SynTPEnh.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [CPQEASYACC] C:\Program Files\Compaq\Easy Access Button Support\cpqeadm.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [EACLEAN] C:\Program Files\Compaq\Easy Access Button Support\eaclean.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Symantec Core LC] C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\CCPD-LC\symlcsvc.exe start
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ccApp] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccApp.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [BJCFD] C:\Program Files\BroadJump\Client Foundation\CFD.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [tgcmdprovidersbc] "c:\program files\support.com\bin\tgcmd.exe" /server /startmonitor /deaf /nosystray
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [QuickTime Task] "C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\QTTASK.EXE" -atboottime
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [PRISMSVR.EXE] "C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\PRISMSVR.EXE" /APPLY
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [HPAIO_PrintFolderMgr] C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\hpoopm07.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [PayTime] C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\paytime.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [timessquare] C:\WINDOWS\TIMESSQUARE.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [adtech2006] C:\WINDOWS\ADTECH2006.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [qq5W39P] KSUN8400.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AutoUpdater] "c:\Program Files\AutoUpdate\AutoUpdate.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\RunServices: [LoadPowerProfile] Rundll32.exe powrprof.dll,LoadCurrentPwrScheme
O4 - HKLM\..\RunServices: [SchedulingAgent] mstask.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\RunServices: [SSDPSRV] C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\ssdpsrv.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\RunServices: [*StateMgr] C:\WINDOWS\System\Restore\StateMgr.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\RunServices: [ccEvtMgr] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccEvtMgr.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\RunServices: [ccSetMgr] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccSetMgr.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\RunServices: [NPFMonitor] C:\Program Files\Norton AntiVirus\IWP\NPFMntor.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\RunServices: [ScriptBlocking] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\Script Blocking\SBServ.exe" -reg
O4 - HKLM\..\RunServices: [StillImageMonitor] C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\stimon.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [Windows installer] C:\winstall.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [PayTime] C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\paytime.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [aupd] C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\sywsvcs.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [mwzq] C:\STUB_113_4_0_4_0.EXE
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [b9u6RVjmX] ICWC16GT.EXE
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [SpySheriff] C:\PROGRAM FILES\SPYSHERIFF\SpySheriff.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\RunServices: [aupd] C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\sywsvcs.exe
O4 - Startup: Microsoft Works Calendar Reminders.lnk = C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\Works Shared\wkcalrem.exe
O4 - Startup: Office Startup.lnk = C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office\OSA.EXE
O4 - Startup: Acrobat Assistant.lnk = C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 4.0\Distillr\AcroTray.exe
O4 - Startup: Connection Manager.lnk = C:\Program Files\SBC\Connection Manager\CManager.exe
O4 - Startup: America Online 5.0 Tray Icon.lnk = C:\America Online 5.0\aoltray.exe
O4 - Startup: 2Wire Wireless Client.lnk = C:\Program Files\2Wire 802.11g Wireless\PRISMCFG.exe
O4 - Startup: WinZip Quick Pick.lnk = C:\Program Files\WinZip\WZQKPICK.EXE
O4 - Startup: HPAiODevice.lnk = C:\Program Files\Hewlett-Packard\HP OfficeJet K Series\bin\hpodev07.exe
O4 - Global Startup: eFax DllCmd 4.0.lnk = C:\Program Files\eFax Messenger 4.0\J2GDllCmd.exe
O4 - Global Startup: eFax Tray Menu 4.0.lnk = C:\Program Files\eFax Messenger 4.0\J2GTray.exe
O9 - Extra button: Related - {c95fe080-8f5d-11d2-a20b-00aa003c157a} - C:\WINDOWS\web\related.htm
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Show &Related Links - {c95fe080-8f5d-11d2-a20b-00aa003c157a} - C:\WINDOWS\web\related.htm
O9 - Extra button: Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\PROGRA~1\MESSEN~1\MSMSGS.EXE
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: MSN Messenger Service - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\PROGRA~1\MESSEN~1\MSMSGS.EXE
O9 - Extra button: Netnews - {CE5E5F24-04F1-4B60-A06D-3CFA325E409C} - news:worldnet.help.new-users (file missing) (HKCU)
O16 - DPF: {D18F962A-3722-4B59-B08D-28BB9EB2281E} (PhotosCtrl Class) - http://photos.yahoo.com/ocx/us/yexplorer1_9us.cab
O16 - DPF: {30528230-99f7-4bb4-88d8-fa1d4f56a2ab} (YInstStarter Class) - C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\common\yinsthelper.dll
O16 - DPF: {F04A8AE2-A59D-11D2-8792-00C04F8EF29D} (Hotmail Attachments Control) - http://by7fd.bay7.hotmail.msn.com/activex/HMAtchmt.ocx



Thanks!

Phyllis
(Baseball)

Trogan

Hi,

Please move HJT from your Desktop to its own folder on your C: so backups can be created. Do this before continuing.
--


Download CWShredder 2.19 from here. EXIT for now.
--

View hidden files and folders - explained here

Go into Safe Mode - explained here
--


Check the following in HJT and click 'Fix Checked' - Close ALL open Browsers first

R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL = c:\secure32.html
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Search_URL = http://searchbar.findthewebsiteyouneed.com
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Bar = http://searchbar.findthewebsiteyouneed.com
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page = http://searchbar.findthewebsiteyouneed.com
R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = c:\secure32.html
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL = c:\secure32.html
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Bar = http://red.clientapps.yahoo.com/cust...search/ie.html
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page = http://searchbar.findthewebsiteyouneed.com
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = c:\secure32.html
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Search,SearchAssistant = http://searchbar.findthewebsiteyouneed.com
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\SearchURL,(Default) = http://red.clientapps.yahoo.com/cust.../www.yahoo.com
R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Local Page = c:\secure32.html
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Local Page = c:\secure32.html

O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [PayTime] C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\paytime.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [timessquare] C:\WINDOWS\TIMESSQUARE.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [adtech2006] C:\WINDOWS\ADTECH2006.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [qq5W39P] KSUN8400.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AutoUpdater] "c:\Program Files\AutoUpdate\AutoUpdate.exe"
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [PayTime] C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\paytime.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [aupd] C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\sywsvcs.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [mwzq] C:\STUB_113_4_0_4_0.EXE
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [b9u6RVjmX] ICWC16GT.EXE
O4 - HKCU\..\RunServices: [aupd] C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\sywsvcs.exe
--

Find and Delete the following if present:

c:\secure32.html << this file
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\paytime.exe << this file
C:\WINDOWS\TIMESSQUARE.exe << this file
C:\WINDOWS\ADTECH2006.exe << this file
c:\Program Files\AutoUpdate << this file
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\sywsvcs.exe << this file
C:\STUB_113_4_0_4_0.EXE << this file



Open CWShredder and hit the FIX button- Close all browser and explorer windows before pressing the fix button.. Run the scan TWICE.

Reboot into Normal Mode and post a new HJT log

baseball

Trogan_1000 wrote:

Hi,

Please move HJT from your Desktop to its own folder on your C: so backups can be created. Do this before continuing.
--


Download CWShredder 2.19 from here. EXIT for now.
--

View hidden files and folders - explained here

Go into Safe Mode - explained here
--


Check the following in HJT and click 'Fix Checked' - Close ALL open Browsers first

R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL = c:\secure32.html
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Search_URL = http://searchbar.findthewebsiteyouneed.com
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Bar = http://searchbar.findthewebsiteyouneed.com
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page = http://searchbar.findthewebsiteyouneed.com
R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = c:\secure32.html
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL = c:\secure32.html
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Bar = http://red.clientapps.yahoo.com/cust...search/ie.html
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page = http://searchbar.findthewebsiteyouneed.com
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = c:\secure32.html
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Search,SearchAssistant = http://searchbar.findthewebsiteyouneed.com
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\SearchURL,(Default) = http://red.clientapps.yahoo.com/cust.../www.yahoo.com
R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Local Page = c:\secure32.html
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Local Page = c:\secure32.html

O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [PayTime] C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\paytime.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [timessquare] C:\WINDOWS\TIMESSQUARE.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [adtech2006] C:\WINDOWS\ADTECH2006.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [qq5W39P] KSUN8400.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AutoUpdater] "c:\Program Files\AutoUpdate\AutoUpdate.exe"
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [PayTime] C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\paytime.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [aupd] C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\sywsvcs.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [mwzq] C:\STUB_113_4_0_4_0.EXE
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [b9u6RVjmX] ICWC16GT.EXE
O4 - HKCU\..\RunServices: [aupd] C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\sywsvcs.exe
--

Find and Delete the following if present:

c:\secure32.html << this file
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\paytime.exe << this file
C:\WINDOWS\TIMESSQUARE.exe << this file
C:\WINDOWS\ADTECH2006.exe << this file
c:\Program Files\AutoUpdate << this file
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\sywsvcs.exe << this file
C:\STUB_113_4_0_4_0.EXE << this file



Open CWShredder and hit the FIX button- Close all browser and explorer windows before pressing the fix button.. Run the scan TWICE.

Reboot into Normal Mode and post a new HJT log

baseball

Trojan_1000,
Thanks for your help. I followed your instructions and Spy Sherrif was still there. Unfortunately, I made the mistake of thinking I know more than I do and I deleted Spy Sherrif in my Autorun. It totally crashed my machine. I took it in to Best Buy and the Geek Squad said I need a whole new OS. Pretty dumb, right? Thanks for your help anyway. Never go to www.robertsrulesoforder.com, that's where I got it. I'm now going to run Spy Sweep so hopefully, I'll be protected better next time.

Phyllis

Trogan

Sorry about the problem you had. We would have gotten rid of Spy Sherrif on the next round...


Anyhow, here are some instructions to stay secure:

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.
   
   You can find instructions on how to enable and reenable system restore here:
   
   Managing Windows Millenium System Restore
   
   or
   
   Windows XP System Restore Guide
   
   Re-enable 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 imperative 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 this 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 - Download and install Ad-Aware.
   You should also scan your computer with this 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 add 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. IE-SPYAD puts over 5000 sites in your restricted zone so you'll be protected when you visit innocent-looking sites that aren't actually innocent at all.
    
    Using IE-SPYAD to help block unwanted sites and activities
    
    
11. 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.