msn photovirus (my album.scr (58kb))

arsonistarsonist
edited July 2007 in Spyware & Virus Removal
hi..
i'm stucked with the msn photo virus, got a file "my fotoalbum.src" (yes i thaught i found pics of me and my colleagues and that he made a cool screen saver), I realized that it was the virus some seconds too late.. I've run the steps "before posting" and here is my hijackthis.log I would be helpful if U help, I don't know what to do if my own music creation will be lost.. all names are approx, not sure, don't remember... :(

Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.1
Scan saved at 23:57:26, on 2007-07-03
Platform: Windows XP SP2 (WinNT 5.01.2600)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v7.00 (7.00.6000.16473)

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:\WINDOWS\system32\Ati2evxx.exe
C:\Program\Delade filer\Symantec Shared\ccSetMgr.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\Program\Delade filer\Symantec Shared\ccEvtMgr.exe
C:\Program\Delade filer\Symantec Shared\PIF\{B8E1DD85-8582-4c61-B58F-2F227FCA9A08}\PIFSvc.exe
C:\Program\Delade filer\Symantec Shared\SNDSrvc.exe
C:\Program\Delade filer\Symantec Shared\SPBBC\SPBBCSvc.exe
C:\Program\Delade filer\Symantec Shared\CCPD-LC\symlcsvc.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\Program\Symantec\LiveUpdate\ALUSchedulerSvc.exe
C:\Program\Comodo\Firewall\cmdagent.exe
C:\Program\Norton AntiVirus\navapsvc.exe
C:\Program\Norton AntiVirus\IWP\NPFMntor.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\Program\Java\jre1.6.0_01\bin\jusched.exe
C:\WINDOWS\SOUNDMAN.EXE
C:\Program\ATI Technologies\ATI.ACE\cli.exe
C:\Program\QuickTime\qttask.exe
C:\Program\DAEMON Tools\daemon.exe
C:\Program\Delade filer\Symantec Shared\ccApp.exe
C:\Program\Adobe\Photoshop Album Starter Edition\3.0\Apps\apdproxy.exe
C:\Program\Delade filer\Logitech\QCDriver\LVCOMS.EXE
C:\Program\Delade filer\Real\Update_OB\realsched.exe
C:\Program\SyncroSoft\Pos\H2O\cledx.exe
C:\Program\Sony Ericsson\Mobile2\Application Launcher\Application Launcher.exe
C:\Program\Comodo\Firewall\CPF.exe
C:\Program\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
C:\Program\Spybot - Search & Destroy\TeaTimer.exe
C:\Program\Last.fm\LastFMHelper.exe
C:\Program\Mozilla Firefox\firefox.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\wuauclt.exe
C:\Program\ATI Technologies\ATI.ACE\cli.exe
C:\Program\ATI Technologies\ATI.ACE\cli.exe
C:\Program\Delade filer\Symantec Shared\Security Console\NSCSRVCE.EXE
C:\Program\Delade filer\Teleca Shared\Generic.exe
C:\Program\Sony Ericsson\Mobile2\Mobile Phone Monitor\epmworker.exe
C:\Program\Hijackthis\HijackThis.exe

R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://securityresponse.symantec.com/avcenter/fix_homepage/
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=69157
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Search_URL = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=54896
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=54896
R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Toolbar,LinksFolderName = Länkar
O2 - BHO: Adobe PDF Reader Link Helper - {06849E9F-C8D7-4D59-B87D-784B7D6BE0B3} - C:\Program\Adobe\Acrobat 7.0\ActiveX\AcroIEHelper.dll
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {53707962-6F74-2D53-2644-206D7942484F} - C:\Program\SPYBOT~1\SDHelper.dll
O2 - BHO: SSVHelper Class - {761497BB-D6F0-462C-B6EB-D4DAF1D92D43} - C:\Program\Java\jre1.6.0_01\bin\ssv.dll
O2 - BHO: Windows Live Sign-in Helper - {9030D464-4C02-4ABF-8ECC-5164760863C6} - C:\Program\Delade filer\Microsoft Shared\Windows Live\WindowsLiveLogin.dll
O2 - BHO: NAV Helper - {A8F38D8D-E480-4D52-B7A2-731BB6995FDD} - C:\Program\Norton AntiVirus\NavShExt.dll
O3 - Toolbar: Norton AntiVirus - {C4069E3A-68F1-403E-B40E-20066696354B} - C:\Program\Norton AntiVirus\NavShExt.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SunJavaUpdateSched] "C:\Program\Java\jre1.6.0_01\bin\jusched.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Cmaudio] RunDll32 cmicnfg.cpl,CMICtrlWnd
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ATIPTA] atiptaxx.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Soltek] C:\WINDOWS\system32\autorun.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NeroCheck] C:\WINDOWS\system32\NeroCheck.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AceGain LiveUpdate] C:\Program\AceGain\LiveUpdate\LiveUpdate.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SoundMan] SOUNDMAN.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ATICCC] "C:\Program\ATI Technologies\ATI.ACE\cli.exe" runtime -Delay
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [QuickTime Task] "C:\Program\QuickTime\qttask.exe" -atboottime
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [DAEMON Tools] "C:\Program\DAEMON Tools\daemon.exe" -lang 1033
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ccApp] "C:\Program\Delade filer\Symantec Shared\ccApp.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Adobe Photo Downloader] "C:\Program\Adobe\Photoshop Album Starter Edition\3.0\Apps\apdproxy.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [LVCOMS] C:\Program\Delade filer\Logitech\QCDriver\LVCOMS.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [TkBellExe] "C:\Program\Delade filer\Real\Update_OB\realsched.exe" -osboot
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [H2O] C:\Program\SyncroSoft\Pos\H2O\cledx.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Symantec PIF AlertEng] "C:\Program\Delade filer\Symantec Shared\PIF\{B8E1DD85-8582-4c61-B58F-2F227FCA9A08}\PIFSvc.exe" /a /m "C:\Program\Delade filer\Symantec Shared\PIF\{B8E1DD85-8582-4c61-B58F-2F227FCA9A08}\AlertEng.dll"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Sony Ericsson PC Suite] "C:\Program\Sony Ericsson\Mobile2\Application Launcher\Application Launcher.exe" /startoptions
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [COMODO Firewall Pro] "C:\Program\Comodo\Firewall\CPF.exe" /background
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [MSMSGS] "C:\Program\Messenger\msmsgs.exe" /background
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [ctfmon.exe] C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [SpybotSD TeaTimer] C:\Program\Spybot - Search & Destroy\TeaTimer.exe
O4 - Global Startup: Last.fm Helper.lnk = C:\Program\Last.fm\LastFMHelper.exe
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\Program\Java\jre1.6.0_01\bin\ssv.dll
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Sun Java-konsol - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\Program\Java\jre1.6.0_01\bin\ssv.dll
O9 - Extra button: bet365 Poker - {B1BA4A3F-1C95-497b-9F82-F8DA4A5C89DD} - C:\Program\bet365MPP\MPPoker.exe
O9 - Extra button: Ladbrokes Poker - {C2A80015-C447-4dc4-82DD-AED83D6ED57E} - C:\Program\ladbrokesMPP\MPPoker.exe
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {e2e2dd38-d088-4134-82b7-f2ba38496583} - %windir%\Network Diagnostic\xpnetdiag.exe (file missing)
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: @xpsp3res.dll,-20001 - {e2e2dd38-d088-4134-82b7-f2ba38496583} - %windir%\Network Diagnostic\xpnetdiag.exe (file missing)
O9 - Extra button: Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Program\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Windows Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Program\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
O11 - Options group: [INTERNATIONAL] International*
O16 - DPF: {0EB0E74A-2A76-4AB3-A7FB-9BD8C29F7F75} (CKAVWebScan Object) - http://www.kaspersky.com/kos/eng/partner/default/kavwebscan_unicode.cab
O16 - DPF: {17492023-C23A-453E-A040-C7C580BBF700} (Windows Genuine Advantage Validation Tool) - http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=39204
O16 - DPF: {9A9307A0-7DA4-4DAF-B042-5009F29E09E1} (ActiveScan Installer Class) - http://acs.pandasoftware.com/activescan/as5free/asinst.cab
O18 - Protocol: livecall - {828030A1-22C1-4009-854F-8E305202313F} - C:\Program\MSNMES~1\MSGRAP~1.DLL
O18 - Protocol: msnim - {828030A1-22C1-4009-854F-8E305202313F} - C:\Program\MSNMES~1\MSGRAP~1.DLL
O20 - Winlogon Notify: WgaLogon - C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\WgaLogon.dll
O21 - SSODL: system32 - {69D652DD-5ED0-437C-8A39-95E117456712} - sysprinters.dll (file missing)
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: Automatisk LiveUpdate-schemaläggare - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program\Symantec\LiveUpdate\ALUSchedulerSvc.exe
O23 - Service: Symantec Event Manager (ccEvtMgr) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program\Delade filer\Symantec Shared\ccEvtMgr.exe
O23 - Service: Symantec Settings Manager (ccSetMgr) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program\Delade filer\Symantec Shared\ccSetMgr.exe
O23 - Service: Comodo Application Agent (CmdAgent) - COMODO - C:\Program\Comodo\Firewall\cmdagent.exe
O23 - Service: InstallDriver Table Manager (IDriverT) - Macrovision Corporation - C:\Program\Delade filer\InstallShield\Driver\1150\Intel 32\IDriverT.exe
O23 - Service: LiveUpdate - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program\Symantec\LIVEUP~1\LUCOMS~1.EXE
O23 - Service: LiveUpdate Notice Service - Unknown owner - C:\Program\Delade filer\Symantec Shared\PIF\{B8E1DD85-8582-4c61-B58F-2F227FCA9A08}\PIFSvc.exe" /m "C:\Program\Delade filer\Symantec Shared\PIF\{B8E1DD85-8582-4c61-B58F-2F227FCA9A08}\PifEng.dll (file missing)
O23 - Service: Norton AntiVirus Auto Protect-tjänst (navapsvc) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program\Norton AntiVirus\navapsvc.exe
O23 - Service: Norton AntiVirus Firewall Monitor Service (NPFMntor) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program\Norton AntiVirus\IWP\NPFMntor.exe
O23 - Service: Norton Protection Center Service (NSCService) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program\Delade filer\Symantec Shared\Security Console\NSCSRVCE.EXE
O23 - Service: Symantec AVScan (SAVScan) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program\Norton AntiVirus\SAVScan.exe
O23 - Service: Symantec Network Drivers Service (SNDSrvc) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program\Delade filer\Symantec Shared\SNDSrvc.exe
O23 - Service: SPBBCSvc - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program\Delade filer\Symantec Shared\SPBBC\SPBBCSvc.exe
O23 - Service: Symantec Core LC - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program\Delade filer\Symantec Shared\CCPD-LC\symlcsvc.exe

Comments

  • TroganTrogan London, UK
    edited July 2007
    Hi arsonist,

    You have Norton Firewall; is that enabled? If so, then please uninstall Comodo Firewall via Add/Remove programs as you should only have one Firewall program running.

    Please do the following...

    1. I need you to scan a file:
    • Go to VirusTotal
    • Copy and paste the following file path into the Search Box at the top of the page:
        C:\WINDOWS\system32\autorun.exe
      [*]Click on the Send button
      [*]Save a copy of the results and post them in your next reply.

      2. Download SmitfraudFix (by S!Ri) to your Desktop.
      http://siri.urz.free.fr/Fix/SmitfraudFix.zip
      Extract all the files to your Destop. A folder named SmitfraudFix will be created on your Desktop.

      Open the SmitfraudFix folder and double-click smitfraudfix.cmd
      Select option #1 - Search by typing 1 and press Enter
      This program will scan large amounts of files on your computer for known patterns so please be patient while it works. When it is done, the results of the scan will be displayed and it will create a log named rapport.txt in the root of your drive, eg: Local Disk C: or partition where your operating system is installed. Please post that log along with all others requested in your next reply.

      IMPORTANT: Do NOT run any other options until you are asked to do so!

      3. Please post the following...

      Scan results
      SmitfraudFix report
      New HijackThis log
    • arsonistarsonist
      edited July 2007
      there is the logs...
    • TroganTrogan London, UK
      edited July 2007
      Hi arsonist,

      You have a Keylogger on your computer. Cause of this, you are strongly advised to do the following immediately!:
      • Disconnect infected computer from the internet and from any networked computers until the computer can be cleaned.
      • Call all of your banks, credit card companies, financial institutions and inform them that you may be a victim of identity theft and to put a watch on your accounts or change all your account numbers.
      • From a clean computer, change *all* of your online passwords -- for ISP login, email, banks, financial accounts, PayPal, eBay, online companies, and any online forums or groups you belong to.
        • Do NOT change passwords or do any transactions while using the infected computer because the attacker will get the new passwords and transaction information.
      Please do the following...

      1. Open HijackThis
      - Click the Do a system scan only button
      - Check the following entries (below)

      O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Soltek] C:\WINDOWS\system32\autorun.exe

      O21 - SSODL: system32 - {69D652DD-5ED0-437C-8A39-95E117456712} - (no file)

      - Close ALL open windows (especially Internet Explorer!)
      - Click Fix Checked
      Close HiajckThis

      2. Run HijackThis and click on Open the Misc Tools section.
      Click on Delete a file on reboot...
      Copy and paste the following into the "File name:" text box and then click Open:

      C:\WINDOWS\system32\autorun.exe

      When you are asked "Do you want to restart your computer now?", click OK.

      Your PC MUST reboot to delete the file!

      3. Download this file to your Desktop - combofix.exe
      Double click combofix.exe & follow the prompts.
      When finished, it shall produce a log for you. Post that log in your next reply

      Note:
      Do not mouseclick combofix's window whilst it's running. That may cause it to stall

      4. I need to see another log from HijackThis.
      • Run Hijackthis.
      • Click on Open the Misc Tools section.
      • Next click on Open uninstall manager.
      • Press the Save list button.
      • Save the file to your desktop, with the default name of uninstall_list
      • Copy & Paste the entire contents of that file in your in your next post.
      5. Please post the following...

      ComboFix log
      Uninstall list
      New HijackThis log
    • arsonistarsonist
      edited July 2007
      It's done and here are the logs:
      Also after I restarted the computer after the deleting section Norton found several viruses in C:\Documents and Settings\hemma\ if it was important...
    • TroganTrogan London, UK
      edited July 2007
      Hi arsonist,
      Also after I restarted the computer after the deleting section Norton found several viruses in C:\Documents and Settings\hemma\ if it was important...
      What did Norton detect? And what are the full file locations?

      Please do the following...

      1. Your Java is out of date. Older versions have vulnerabilities that malware can use to infect your system. Please follow these steps to remove older version Java components and update to the latest version...

      Updating Java:
      • Download the latest version of Java Runtime Environment (JRE) 6u2.
      • Scroll down to where it says "The J2SE Runtime Environment (JRE) allows end-users to run Java applications."
      • Click the "Download" button to the right.
      • Check the box that says: "Accept License Agreement."
      • The page will refresh.
      • Click on the link to download Windows Offline Installation with or without Multi-language and save to your desktop.
      • Close any programs you may have running - especially your web browser.
      • Go to Start > Control Panel double-click on Add/Remove programs and remove the following...
        • J2SE Runtime Environment 5.0 Update 10
        • J2SE Runtime Environment 5.0 Update 11
        • J2SE Runtime Environment 5.0 Update 4
        • J2SE Runtime Environment 5.0 Update 6
        • J2SE Runtime Environment 5.0 Update 9
        • Java 2 Runtime Environment, SE v1.4.2_05
        • Java(TM) SE Runtime Environment 6 Update 1
      • Reboot your computer once all Java components are removed.
      • Then from your desktop double-click on jre-6u2-windows-i586-p.exe to install the newest version.
      2. You may wish to Print or Save the following instructions, as the internet will not be available once in Safe Mode!

      Please download AVG Anti-Spyware to your Desktop or to your usual Download Folder.
      http://www.ewido.net/en/download/
      • Install AVG Anti-Spyware by double clicking the installer.
      • Follow the prompts. Make sure that Launch AVG Anti-Spyware is checked.
      • On the main screen under Your Computer's security.
        • Click on Change state next to Resident shield. It should now change to inactive.
        • Click on Change state next to Automatic updates. It should now change to inactive.
        • Next to Last Update, click on Update now. (You will need an active internet connection to perform this)
        • Wait until you see the Update succesfull message.
      • Right-click the AVG Anti-Spyware Tray Icon and uncheck Start with Windows.
      • Right-click the AVG Anti-Spyware Tray Icon and select Exit. Confirm by clicking Yes.
      If you are having problems with the updater, you can use this link to manually update ewido.
      AVG Anti-Spyware manual updates.
      Download the Full database to your Desktop or to your usual Download Folder and install it by double clicking the file. Make sure that AVG Anti-Spyware is closed before installing the update.

      Reboot your computer in Safe Mode.
      • If the computer is running, shut down Windows, and then turn off the power.
      • Wait 30 seconds, and then turn the computer on.
      • Start tapping the F8 key. The Windows Advanced Options Menu appears. If you begin tapping the F8 key too soon, some computers display a "keyboard error" message. To resolve this, restart the computer and try again.
      • Ensure that the Safe Mode option is selected.
      • Press Enter. The computer then begins to start in Safe mode.
      • Login on your usual account.
      Once in Safe Mode:

      Close ALL open Windows / Programs / Folders. Please start AVG Anti-Spyware and run a full scan.
      • Click on Scanner on the toolbar.
      • Click on the Settings tab.
        • Under How to act?
          • Click on Recommended Action and choose Quarantine from the popup menu.
        • Under How to scan?
          • All checkboxes should be ticked.
        • Under Possibly unwanted software:
          • All checkboxes should be ticked.
        • Under Reports:
          • Select Do not automatically generate reports
        • Under What to scan?
          • Select Scan every file.
      • Click on the Scan tab.
      • Click on Complete System Scan to start the scan process.
      • Let the program scan the machine.
      • When the scan has finished, follow the instructions below.
        IMPORTANT : Don't click on the "Save Scan Report" button before you did hit the "Apply all Actions" button.
        • Make sure that Set all elements to: shows Quarantine (1), if not click on the link and choose Quarantine from the popup menu. (2)
        • At the bottom of the window click on the Apply all Actions button. (3)
          scanavgjk2.jpg
      • When done, click the Save Scan Report button. (4)
        • Click the Save Report as button.
        • Save the report to your Desktop.
      • Right-click the AVG Anti-Spyware Tray Icon and select Exit. Confirm by clicking Yes.
      Reboot back into Normal Mode and post a new HijackThis log, along with the AVG Anti-Spyware log.
    • arsonistarsonist
      edited July 2007
      it was maybe 10 exe files which was infected, mostly trojan horses.
      norton auto-deleted them, and I don't know where to find the log.
    • TroganTrogan London, UK
      edited July 2007
      OK, that's fine. Carry on with the rest of the instructions.
    • arsonistarsonist
      edited July 2007
      yes yes! after I did it in normal mode I realized that I forgot to put the computer into safe mode, so now 4h later it's done BUT I selected Delete instead of Quarantine, I hope that it wouldn't be a problem, anyway I saw "photo album" with the status clean!!

      C:\WINDOWS\myalbum2007.zip/photo album-2007.scr -> Backdoor.IRCBot.acd : Cleaned.

      so I hope it works anyway... here's the logs:

      Edit: I never thaugt music mixing was dangerous : D:\-=Appz=-\MIXING\OtsLabs\OtsStud_1.00.170_pro_crk.exe -> Trojan.Small : Cleaned.
    • TroganTrogan London, UK
      edited July 2007
      Hi arsonist,

      Your HijackThis log is clean. How is the computer?

      You can delete ComboFix now.
    • arsonistarsonist
      edited July 2007
      seems to work fine, except that the wallpaper is gone, but that's not a big deal, gonna check msn now.
    • arsonistarsonist
      edited July 2007
      well msn works fine, but there seems to be a small problem with the start up, the start menu showed up but not the icons on the desktop rebooted and then it worked but it takes longer than usual but maybe thats not because of the virus i got before.
    • TroganTrogan London, UK
      edited July 2007
      Hi arsonist,

      None of the instructions provided would have caused that. Is it still happening?
    • arsonistarsonist
      edited July 2007
      no.. works great now!
      thx alot!!!
    • TroganTrogan London, UK
      edited July 2007
      Glad to hear it! I will mark this resolved, in that case.
      __________________________________

      Here are some tips for a clean and secure computer.

      For XP users.
      It's a good idea to Flush your System Restore points after ridding yourself of malware. You can clean this by doing the following:
      • Click Start | Help and Support | Undo changes to your computer with System Restore.
      • Click Create A Restore Point then click Next. Give it a name it and then click Create, then Close.
      • Close the Help and Support Center box.
      • Click Start | Run and type Cleanmgr
      • Select (C: ) then click OK.
      • Click the More Options tab.
      • Click Clean Up in the System Restore Section.
      This will remove all previous restore points except the newly created one.

      Make your Internet Explorer more secure
      1. From within Internet Explorer click on the Tools menu and then click on Options.
      2. Click on the Security tab
      3. Click the Internet icon so it becomes highlighted.
      4. Click on Default Level and click OK
      5. Click on the Custom Level button.
        • Change the Download signed ActiveX controls to Prompt
        • Change the Download unsigned ActiveX controls to Disable
        • Change the Initialise and script ActiveX controls not marked as safe to Disable
        • Change the Installation of desktop items to Prompt
        • Change the Launching programs and files in an IFRAME to Prompt
        • Change the Navigate sub-frames across different domains to Prompt
        • Internet Explorer 7 users: Check all other items and make sure that they meet the (recommended) setting when applies.
        • When all these settings have been made, click on the OK button.
        • If it prompts you as to whether or not you want to save the
        settings, press the Yes button.
      6. Next press the Apply button and then the OK to exit the Internet Properties page.
      Free programs that may help you in keeping the PC clean
      • 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.
        You can download SpywareBlaster here
        A tutorial can be found here
      • SpywareGuard
        It provides a degree of real-time protection solution against spyware that is a great addition to SpywareBlaster's protection method. An anti-virus program scans files before you open them and prevents execution if a virus is detected - SpywareGuard does the same thing, but for spyware. And you can easily have an anti-virus program running alongside SpywareGuard. It also features Download Protection and Browser Hijacking Protection.
        You can download SpywareGuard here
        A tutorial can be found here
      • IE-SPYAD
        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. It basically prevents any downloads, cookies, scripts from the sites listed, although you will still be able to connect to the sites.
        You can download IE-SPYAD here
        A tutorial can be found here
      • Hosts File
        A Hosts file replaces your current HOSTS file with one containing well known ad, spyware sites etc. Basically, this prevents your coputer from connecting to those sites by redirecting them to 127.0.0.1 which is your local computer.
        A tutorial can be found here
        • MVPS Hosts File
          You can download the MVPS Hosts File here
          Furthermore the website contains useful tips and links to other resources and utilities.
        • Bluetack's Hosts File and Hosts Manager
          Essentially based on the research made by Webhelper, Andrew Clover and Eric L. Howes, it contains most if not all the known spyware sites...sites responsible for hijacks, rogue apllications etc...
          Download Bluetack's Hosts file here
          Download Bluetack's HostsManager here
      Free Spyware Detection and Removal Programs
      • Ad-Aware
        It scans for known spyware on your computer. These scans should be run at least once every two weeks.
        You can download Ad-Aware here
        A tutorial can be found here
      • Spybot - Search & Destroy
        It scans for spyware and other malicious programs. Spybot has preventitive tools that stop programs from even installing on your computer.
        You can download Spybot - S&D here
        A tutorial can be found here
      Before adding any other Spyware Detection and Removal programs always check the Rogue Anti-Spyware List for programs known to be misleading, mistaken, or just outright Foistware.
      You will find the list here

      WinPatrol

      WinPatrol uses a heuristic approach to detecting attacks and violations of your computing environment. Traditional security programs scan your hard drive searching for previously identified threats. WinPatrol takes snapshot of your critical system resources and alerts you to any changes that may occur without your knowledge. You'll be removing dangerous new programs while others download new reference files.
      • Detect & Neutralize Spyware.
      • Detect & Neutralize ADware.
      • Detect & Neutralize Viral infections.
      • Detect & Neutralize Unwanted IE Add-Ons.
      • Detect & Restore File Type Changes.
      • Automatically Filter Unwanted Cookies.
      • Avoid Start Page Hijacking.
      • Detect changes to HOSTS & critical system files.
      • Kill Multiple Tasks that replicate each other, in a single step!
      • Stop programs that repeatedly add themselves to your Startup List!
      Starting with WinPatrol 9.5 PLUS users also get the addition of Real-time Infiltration Detection so they'll know immediately when changes are made to critical system areas. WinPatrol Free is not demo or trial software. You're welcome to use it as long as you like.
      You can download WinPatrol here
      WinPatrol FAQ

      SiteHound by Firetrust

      Firetrust introduces the SiteHound Toolbar - the safe way to browse the Internet. With SiteHound, when you browse the Internet, you're shown a warning page every time you go to a site which is a known scam, potentially loads viruses or spyware on to your computer, has questionable content or anything you would not consider reasonable. You are shown a warning page with information about that site. From there you can choose to enter the site or go back. SiteHound is a free add-on to Internet Explorer. (Users of Firefox - a version for you is coming soon.) SiteHound's comprehensive database gathers the knowledge from other users and respected experts from the online security community to tell you which sites are real and which are bogus.

      SiteHound will alert you when you enter a site which is known to contain:
      • Fraudulent claims or scams
      • Offensive material
      • Security vulnerabilities
      • Spyware or Adware
      • Spam related material
      • or other content deemed to be unsafe
      Specifically, SiteHound blocks these categories:

      o Adult o Spyware o Spam Advertising o Phishing o Possible scam or fraud o Misleading or False Advertising
      o Pharming o Rogue or Suspect Product o Adware o Malware or Virus

      System Requirements:
      Internet Explorer 5.5+ and Windows 95/98/NT 4/ME/2000/XP

      Product Info & Download: SiteHound Toolbar

      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 the link below for a listing of some online & their stand-alone antivirus programs.
      Computer Safety On line - Anti-Virus
      http://forum.malwareremoval.com/viewtopic.php?p=53#53

      Update your Anti Virus Software

      It is imperative that you update your Anti virus software at least once a week (Even more if you wish). If you do not update your anti virus software then it will not be able to catch any of the new variants that may come out.

      Use a Firewall

      I can not stress enough how important it is that you use a Firewall on your computer. Without a firewall your computer is susceptible to being hacked and taken over. Simply using a Firewall in its default configuration can lower your risk greatly. For an article on Firewalls and a listing of some available ones see the link below.
      Computer Safety On line - Software Firewalls
      http://forum.malwareremoval.com/viewtopic.php?p=56#56
      A tutorial on Understanding and Using Firewalls can be found here

      Happy Surfing! :)
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