Post Fake Anti Virus? (Resolved)

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[FONT=&quot]Got a fake antivirus called "Advanced Virus Remover" with all the fake warnings etc. I have AVG which didn't help so I downloaded MalwareBytes which did appear to remove the fake antivirus however I then began experiencing the "Blue Screen of Death" when attempting to use my bit torrent downloader (Vuze) and also when trying to play some AVIs. I am unable to use System Restore - hitting the button to restore just has no result. Check Disk refuses to work and diagnostics run from start up disk show no problems. Trying to restart from Safe Mode results in 0X0000007B stop error message and trying to run Vuze results in 0X000000DB. Hijack this log is attached. Thanks!!!
[/FONT] Logfile of Trend Micro HijackThis v2.0.2
Scan saved at 12:46:00 AM, on 8/12/2009
Platform: Windows XP SP3 (WinNT 5.01.2600)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v7.00 (7.00.6000.16876)
Boot mode: Normal

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\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\wltrysvc.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\bcmwltry.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\brsvc01a.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\brss01a.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Real\Update_OB\realsched.exe
C:\Program Files\ScanSoft\PaperPort\pptd40nt.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spool\drivers\w32x86\3\hpztsb07.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\hkcmd.exe
C:\Program Files\CyberLink\PowerDVD\DVDLauncher.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\dla\tfswctrl.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\WLTRAY.exe
C:\Program Files\Brother\ControlCenter2\brctrcen.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\M-AudioTaskBarIcon.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\AVG\AVG8\avgtray.exe
C:\Program Files\HP\HP Software Update\HPWuSchd2.exe
C:\Program Files\Java\jre6\bin\jusched.exe
C:\Program Files\iTunes\iTunesHelper.exe
C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
C:\Program Files\Google\GoogleToolbarNotifier\GoogleToolbarNotifier.exe
C:\Program Files\Anonymizer\Anonymizer Software\Anonymizer.exe
C:\Program Files\HP\Digital Imaging\bin\hpqtra08.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Apple\Mobile Device Support\bin\AppleMobileDeviceService.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\AVG\AVG8\avgwdsvc.exe
C:\Program Files\Bonjour\mDNSResponder.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\Brmfrmps.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\M-Audio\Fast Track Pro\MAUSBInst.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\AVG\AVG8\avgam.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\AVG\AVG8\avgrsx.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\AVG\AVG8\avgnsx.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\Anonymizer\Anonymizer Software\Common\AnonMgmtSvc.exe
C:\Program Files\Mozilla Firefox\firefox.exe
C:\Program Files\iPod\bin\iPodService.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\Anonymizer\Anonymizer Software\common\AnonProxy.exe
C:\Program Files\HP\Digital Imaging\bin\hpqSTE08.exe
C:\Program Files\HP\Digital Imaging\bin\hpqbam08.exe
C:\Program Files\HP\Digital Imaging\bin\hpqgpc01.exe
C:\Program Files\Trend Micro\HijackThis\HijackThis.exe

R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=54896
R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://google.com/
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 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=69157
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Search,SearchAssistant =
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Search,CustomizeSearch =
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings,ProxyServer = %3clocal%3e:80
O2 - BHO: HP Print Enhancer - {0347C33E-8762-4905-BF09-768834316C61} - C:\Program Files\HP\Digital Imaging\Smart Web Printing\hpswp_printenhancer.dll
O2 - BHO: Adobe PDF Reader Link Helper - {06849E9F-C8D7-4D59-B87D-784B7D6BE0B3} - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe\Acrobat\ActiveX\AcroIEHelper.dll
O2 - BHO: RealPlayer Download and Record Plugin for Internet Explorer - {3049C3E9-B461-4BC5-8870-4C09146192CA} - C:\Program Files\Real\RealPlayer\rpbrowserrecordplugin.dll
O2 - BHO: WormRadar.com IESiteBlocker.NavFilter - {3CA2F312-6F6E-4B53-A66E-4E65E497C8C0} - C:\Program Files\AVG\AVG8\avgssie.dll
O2 - BHO: DriveLetterAccess - {5CA3D70E-1895-11CF-8E15-001234567890} - C:\WINDOWS\system32\dla\tfswshx.dll
O2 - BHO: Google Toolbar Helper - {AA58ED58-01DD-4d91-8333-CF10577473F7} - C:\Program Files\Google\Google Toolbar\GoogleToolbar.dll
O2 - BHO: Google Toolbar Notifier BHO - {AF69DE43-7D58-4638-B6FA-CE66B5AD205D} - C:\Program Files\Google\GoogleToolbarNotifier\5.1.1309.15642\swg.dll
O2 - BHO: Google Dictionary Compression sdch - {C84D72FE-E17D-4195-BB24-76C02E2E7C4E} - C:\Program Files\Google\Google Toolbar\Component\fastsearch_A8904FB862BD9564.dll
O2 - BHO: Java(tm) Plug-In 2 SSV Helper - {DBC80044-A445-435b-BC74-9C25C1C588A9} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre6\bin\jp2ssv.dll
O2 - BHO: HP Smart BHO Class - {FFFFFFFF-CF4E-4F2B-BDC2-0E72E116A856} - C:\Program Files\HP\Digital Imaging\Smart Web Printing\hpswp_BHO.dll
O3 - Toolbar: Google Toolbar - {2318C2B1-4965-11d4-9B18-009027A5CD4F} - C:\Program Files\Google\Google Toolbar\GoogleToolbar.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [UpdateManager] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Sonic\Update Manager\sgtray.exe" /r
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [TkBellExe] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Real\Update_OB\realsched.exe" -osboot
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SSBkgdUpdate] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Scansoft Shared\SSBkgdUpdate\SSBkgdupdate.exe" -Embedding -boot
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SetDefPrt] C:\Program Files\Brother\Brmfl04a\BrStDvPt.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [PaperPort PTD] C:\Program Files\ScanSoft\PaperPort\pptd40nt.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [IndexSearch] C:\Program Files\ScanSoft\PaperPort\IndexSearch.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [IgfxTray] C:\WINDOWS\system32\igfxtray.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [HPDJ Taskbar Utility] C:\WINDOWS\system32\spool\drivers\w32x86\3\hpztsb07.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [HotKeysCmds] C:\WINDOWS\system32\hkcmd.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [DVDLauncher] "C:\Program Files\CyberLink\PowerDVD\DVDLauncher.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [dla] C:\WINDOWS\system32\dla\tfswctrl.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Dell Wireless Manager UI] C:\WINDOWS\system32\WLTRAY
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ControlCenter2.0] C:\Program Files\Brother\ControlCenter2\brctrcen.exe /autorun
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Adobe Reader Speed Launcher] "C:\Program Files\Adobe\Reader 8.0\Reader\Reader_sl.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [M-Audio Taskbar Icon] C:\WINDOWS\System32\M-AudioTaskBarIcon.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AVG8_TRAY] C:\PROGRA~1\AVG\AVG8\avgtray.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [HP Software Update] C:\Program Files\HP\HP Software Update\HPWuSchd2.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [hpqSRMon] C:\Program Files\HP\Digital Imaging\bin\hpqSRMon.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [QuickTime Task] "C:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe" -atboottime
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SunJavaUpdateSched] "C:\Program Files\Java\jre6\bin\jusched.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [iTunesHelper] "C:\Program Files\iTunes\iTunesHelper.exe"
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [MSMSGS] "C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe" /background
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [ctfmon.exe] C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [swg] C:\Program Files\Google\GoogleToolbarNotifier\GoogleToolbarNotifier.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [WinAble] C:\Program Files\WinAble\winable.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [Router] C:\Program Files\Router\Router.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [Anonymizer] C:\Program Files\Anonymizer\Anonymizer Software\Anonymizer.exe -nogui
O4 - Startup: I2P
O4 - Global Startup: Adobe Gamma Loader.lnk = C:\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe\Calibration\Adobe Gamma Loader.exe
O4 - Global Startup: HP Digital Imaging Monitor.lnk = C:\Program Files\HP\Digital Imaging\bin\hpqtra08.exe
O4 - Global Startup: Status Monitor.lnk = C:\Program Files\Brother\Brmfcmon\BrMfcWnd.exe
O4 - Global Startup: Uninstaller tray icon tool.lnk = C:\Program Files\Uninstaller\Tray icon tool.exe
O9 - Extra button: Research - {92780B25-18CC-41C8-B9BE-3C9C571A8263} - C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~2\OFFICE11\REFIEBAR.DLL
O9 - Extra button: HP Smart Select - {DDE87865-83C5-48c4-8357-2F5B1AA84522} - C:\Program Files\HP\Digital Imaging\Smart Web Printing\hpswp_BHO.dll
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {e2e2dd38-d088-4134-82b7-f2ba38496583} - C:\WINDOWS\Network Diagnostic\xpnetdiag.exe
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: @xpsp3res.dll,-20001 - {e2e2dd38-d088-4134-82b7-f2ba38496583} - C:\WINDOWS\Network Diagnostic\xpnetdiag.exe
O9 - Extra button: Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Windows Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
O16 - DPF: {0CCA191D-13A6-4E29-B746-314DEE697D83} (Facebook Photo Uploader 5 Control) - http://upload.facebook.com/controls/2008.10.10_v5.5.8/FacebookPhotoUploader5.cab
O16 - DPF: {17492023-C23A-453E-A040-C7C580BBF700} (Windows Genuine Advantage Validation Tool) - http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=39204
O18 - Protocol: linkscanner - {F274614C-63F8-47D5-A4D1-FBDDE494F8D1} - C:\Program Files\AVG\AVG8\avgpp.dll
O18 - Filter: x-sdch - {B1759355-3EEC-4C1E-B0F1-B719FE26E377} - C:\Program Files\Google\Google Toolbar\Component\fastsearch_A8904FB862BD9564.dll
O20 - Winlogon Notify: avgrsstarter - C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\avgrsstx.dll
O23 - Service: Anonymizer Management Service (AnonMgmtSvc) - Anonymizer - C:\Program Files\Anonymizer\Anonymizer Software\Common\AnonMgmtSvc.exe
O23 - Service: Apple Mobile Device - Apple Inc. - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Apple\Mobile Device Support\bin\AppleMobileDeviceService.exe
O23 - Service: AVG8 WatchDog (avg8wd) - AVG Technologies CZ, s.r.o. - C:\PROGRA~1\AVG\AVG8\avgwdsvc.exe
O23 - Service: Bonjour Service - Apple Inc. - C:\Program Files\Bonjour\mDNSResponder.exe
O23 - Service: Brother Popup Suspend service for Resource manager (brmfrmps) - Brother Industries, Ltd. - C:\WINDOWS\system32\Brmfrmps.exe
O23 - Service: BrSplService (Brother XP spl Service) - brother Industries Ltd - C:\WINDOWS\system32\brsvc01a.exe
O23 - Service: Firebird Server - MAGIX Instance (FirebirdServerMAGIXInstance) - MAGIX® - C:\Program Files\MAGIX\Common\Database\bin\fbserver.exe
O23 - Service: FLEXnet Licensing Service - Macrovision Europe Ltd. - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Macrovision Shared\FLEXnet Publisher\FNPLicensingService.exe
O23 - Service: Google Software Updater (gusvc) - Google - C:\Program Files\Google\Common\Google Updater\GoogleUpdaterService.exe
O23 - Service: iPod Service - Apple Inc. - C:\Program Files\iPod\bin\iPodService.exe
O23 - Service: M-Audio USB Installer (MAudioUSBService) - M-Audio - C:\Program Files\M-Audio\Fast Track Pro\MAUSBInst.exe
O23 - Service: UPnPService - Magix AG - C:\Program Files\Common Files\MAGIX Shared\UPnPService\UPnPService.exe
O23 - Service: Dell Wireless WLAN Tray Service (wltrysvc) - Unknown owner - C:\WINDOWS\System32\wltrysvc.exe

--
End of file - 10717 bytes

Katana

Please note that all instructions given are customised for this computer only,
the tools used may cause damage if used on a computer with different infections.

If you think you have similar problems, please post a log in the HJT forum and wait for help.

Hello and welcome to the forums

My name is Katana and I will be helping you to remove any infection(s) that you may have.

Please observe these rules while we work:

1. Please Read All Instructions Carefully
2. If you don't understand something, stop and ask! Don't keep going on.
3. Please do not run any other tools or scans whilst I am helping you
4. Failure to reply within 5 days will result in the topic being closed.
5. Please continue to respond until I give you the "All Clear"
   (Just because you can't see a problem doesn't mean it isn't there)

If you can do those few things, everything should go smoothly

Some of the logs I request will be quite large, You may need to split them over a couple of replies.

Please Note, your security programs may give warnings for some of the tools I will ask you to use.
Be assured, any links I give are safe

---

IMPORTANT

Vuze
I'd like you to read the Guidelines for P2P Programs where we explain why it's not a good idea to have them.

Also available here.

My recommendation is you go to Control Panel > Add/Remove Programs and uninstall any P2P programs
Please note: you must NOT use any P2P whilst we are cleaning your machine.


Download and Run RSIT

• Please download Random's System Information Tool by random/random from here and save it to your desktop.
• Double click on RSIT.exe to run RSIT.
• Click Continue at the disclaimer screen.
• Once it has finished, two logs will open:
  
  • log.txt will be opened maximized.
  • info.txt will be opened minimized.
• Please post the contents of both log.txt and info.txt.
  ( They can also be found in the C:\RSIT folder )

Please Download GMER to your desktop

Download GMER and extract it to your desktop.

***Please close any open programs ***

Double-click gmer.exe. The program will begin to run.

Note:- If GMER doesn't run, please Reboot and then rename gmer.exe to Look.exe and try again

**Caution**
These types of scans can produce false positives. Do NOT take any action on any "<--- ROOKIT" entries unless advised by a trained Security Analyst

If possible rootkit activity is found, you will be asked if you would like to perform a full scan.

• Click Yes.
  
• Once the scan is complete, you may receive another notice about rootkit activity.
• Click OK.
  
• GMER will produce a log. Click on the Save button, and save the log as gmer.txt somewhere you can easily find it, such as your desktop.

If you do not receive notice about possible rootkit activity remain on the Rootkit/Malware tab & make sure the 'Show All' button is unticked.

• Click the Scan button and let the program do its work. GMER will produce a log.
• Click on the Save button, and save the log as gmer.txt somewhere you can easily find it, such as your desktop.

DO NOT touch the PC at ALL for Whatever reason/s until it has 100% completed its scan, or attempted scan in case of some error etc !

Please post the results from the GMER scan in your reply.

sgtleisure

Katana wrote:

Please note that all instructions given are customised for this computer only,
the tools used may cause damage if used on a computer with different infections.

If you think you have similar problems, please post a log in the HJT forum and wait for help.

Hello and welcome to the forums

My name is Katana and I will be helping you to remove any infection(s) that you may have.


Please observe these rules while we work:

1. Please Read All Instructions Carefully
2. If you don't understand something, stop and ask! Don't keep going on.
3. Please do not run any other tools or scans whilst I am helping you
4. Failure to reply within 5 days will result in the topic being closed.
5. Please continue to respond until I give you the "All Clear"
   (Just because you can't see a problem doesn't mean it isn't there)

If you can do those few things, everything should go smoothly

Some of the logs I request will be quite large, You may need to split them over a couple of replies.

Please Note, your security programs may give warnings for some of the tools I will ask you to use.
Be assured, any links I give are safe

---

IMPORTANT

Vuze
I'd like you to read the Guidelines for P2P Programs where we explain why it's not a good idea to have them.

Also available here.

My recommendation is you go to Control Panel > Add/Remove Programs and uninstall any P2P programs
Please note: you must NOT use any P2P whilst we are cleaning your machine.


Download and Run RSIT

• Please download Random's System Information Tool by random/random from here and save it to your desktop.
• Double click on RSIT.exe to run RSIT.
• Click Continue at the disclaimer screen.
• Once it has finished, two logs will open:
  
  • log.txt will be opened maximized.
  • info.txt will be opened minimized.
• Please post the contents of both log.txt and info.txt.
  ( They can also be found in the C:\RSIT folder )

Please Download GMER to your desktop

Download GMER and extract it to your desktop.

***Please close any open programs ***

Double-click gmer.exe. The program will begin to run.

Note:- If GMER doesn't run, please Reboot and then rename gmer.exe to Look.exe and try again

**Caution**
These types of scans can produce false positives. Do NOT take any action on any "<--- ROOKIT" entries unless advised by a trained Security Analyst


If possible rootkit activity is found, you will be asked if you would like to perform a full scan.

• Click Yes.
  
• Once the scan is complete, you may receive another notice about rootkit activity.
• Click OK.
  
• GMER will produce a log. Click on the Save button, and save the log as gmer.txt somewhere you can easily find it, such as your desktop.

If you do not receive notice about possible rootkit activity remain on the Rootkit/Malware tab & make sure the 'Show All' button is unticked.

• Click the Scan button and let the program do its work. GMER will produce a log.
• Click on the Save button, and save the log as gmer.txt somewhere you can easily find it, such as your desktop.

DO NOT touch the PC at ALL for Whatever reason/s until it has 100% completed its scan, or attempted scan in case of some error etc !

Please post the results from the GMER scan in your reply.

Too late - I already reformatted the Hard Drive. It was about time for a spring cleaning anyway. I have 2 questions though. 1. I moved a lot of program files to an external drive to bring back in after I reinstalled the operating system, apps. to convert different file formats mostly. Do I run the risk of reintroducing whatever was wrong if I bring them back in? 2. I would rather occasionally have to start from scratch then give up file sharing so I won't bother you again the next time ( which I'm sure is just a matter of time! ) Given that, do you have any reccomendations on programs I can have on hand to "put out fires" when I do invite the occasional malware in? Thanks for you help!!!

Katana

sgtleisure wrote:

1. I moved a lot of program files to an external drive to bring back in after I reinstalled the operating system, apps. to convert different file formats mostly. Do I run the risk of reintroducing whatever was wrong if I bring them back in?

2. I would rather occasionally have to start from scratch then give up file sharing so I won't bother you again the next time ( which I'm sure is just a matter of time! ) Given that, do you have any reccomendations on programs I can have on hand to "put out fires" when I do invite the occasional malware in? Thanks for you help!!!

1) I recommend you do an online scan while the external drive is connected (See Info Below)
2) In that case I recommend you invest in some Disc Imaging Software.

• Set the computer up as you like to use it
• Create an Image of the disc and save it somewhere safe
• Save all your files on a separate partition (.Mp3, Jpg, doc etc)
• When you get infected again, just replace the image

Online Scanners
I would recommend a scan at one or more of the following sites at least once a month.

http://www.pandasecurity.com/activescan
http://www.kaspersky.com/kos/eng/partner/71706/kavwebscan.html

!!! Make sure that all your programs are updated !!!
Secunia Software Inspector does all the work for you, .... see HERE for details

AntiSpyware

• AntiSpyware is not the same thing as Antivirus.
  Different AntiSpyware programs detect different things, so in this case it is recommended that you have more than one.
  You should only have one running all the time, the other/s should be used "on demand" on a regular basis.
  Most of the programs in this list have a free (for Home Users ) and paid versions,
  it is worth paying for one and having "realtime" protection, unless you intend to do a manual scan often.
• Spybot - Search & Destroy <<< A must have program
  • It includes host protection and registry protection
  • A hosts file is a bit like a phone book, it points to the actual numeric address (i.e. the IP address) from the human friendly name of a website. This feature can be used to block malicious websites
• MalwareBytes Anti-malware <<< A New and effective program
• a-squared Free <<< A good "realtime" or "on demand" scanner
• superantispyware <<< A good "realtime" or "on demand" scanner

Prevention

• These programs don't detect malware, they help stop it getting on your machine in the first place.
  Each does a different job, so you can have more than one
• Winpatrol
  • An excellent startup manager and then some !!
  • Notifies you if programs are added to startup
  • Allows delayed startup
  • A must have addition
• SpywareBlaster 4.0
  • SpywareBlaster sets killbits in the registry to prevent known malicious activex controls from installing themselves on your computer.
• SpywareGuard 2.2
  • SpywareGuard provides real-time protection against spyware.
  • Not required if you have other "realtime" antispyware or Winpatrol
• ZonedOut
  • Formerly known as IE-SPYAD, adds a long list of sites and domains associated with known advertisers and marketers to the Restricted sites zone of Internet Explorer.
• MVPS HOSTS
  • This little program packs a powerful punch as it blocks ads, banners, 3rd party Cookies, 3rd party page counters, web bugs, and many hijackers.
  • For information on how to download and install, please read this tutorial by WinHelp2002.
  • Not required if you are using other host file protections

Internet Browsers

• Microsoft has worked hard to make IE.7 a more secure browser, unfortunately whilst it is still the leading browser of choice it will always be under attack from the bad guys.
  Using a different web browser can help stop malware getting on your machine.
  • 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.
       • 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
       • 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.
    5. Next press the Apply button and then the OK to exit the Internet Properties page.
  
  If you are still using IE6 then either update, or get one of the following.
  • FireFox
    • With many addons available that make customization easy this is a very popular choice
    • NoScript and AdBlockPlus addons are essential
  • Opera
    • Another popular alternative
  • Netscape
    • Another popular alternative
    • Also has Addons available

Cleaning Temporary Internet Files and Tracking Cookies

• Temporary Internet Files are mainly the files that are downloaded when you open a web page.
  Unfortunately, if the site you visit is of a dubious nature or has been hacked, they can also be an entry point for malware.
  It is a good idea to empty the Temporary Internet Files folder on a regular basis.
  
  Tracking Cookies are files that websites use to monitor which sites you visit and how often.
  A lot of Antispyware scanners pick up these tracking cookies and flag them as unwanted.
  CAUTION :- If you delete all your cookies you will lose any autologin information for sites that you visit, and will need your passwords
  
  Both of these can be cleaned manually, but a quicker option is to use a program
• ATF Cleaner
  • Free and very simple to use
• CCleaner
  • Free and very flexible, you can chose which cookies to keep

sgtleisure

Katana wrote:

1) I recommend you do an online scan while the external drive is connected (See Info Below)
2) In that case I recommend you invest in some Disc Imaging Software.

• Set the computer up as you like to use it
• Create an Image of the disc and save it somewhere safe
• Save all your files on a separate partition (.Mp3, Jpg, doc etc)
• When you get infected again, just replace the image

Online Scanners
I would recommend a scan at one or more of the following sites at least once a month.

http://www.pandasecurity.com/activescan
http://www.kaspersky.com/kos/eng/partner/71706/kavwebscan.html

!!! Make sure that all your programs are updated !!!
Secunia Software Inspector does all the work for you, .... see HERE for details

AntiSpyware

• AntiSpyware is not the same thing as Antivirus.
  Different AntiSpyware programs detect different things, so in this case it is recommended that you have more than one.
  You should only have one running all the time, the other/s should be used "on demand" on a regular basis.
  Most of the programs in this list have a free (for Home Users ) and paid versions,
  it is worth paying for one and having "realtime" protection, unless you intend to do a manual scan often.
• Spybot - Search & Destroy <<< A must have program
  • It includes host protection and registry protection
  • A hosts file is a bit like a phone book, it points to the actual numeric address (i.e. the IP address) from the human friendly name of a website. This feature can be used to block malicious websites
• MalwareBytes Anti-malware <<< A New and effective program
• a-squared Free <<< A good "realtime" or "on demand" scanner
• superantispyware <<< A good "realtime" or "on demand" scanner

Prevention

• These programs don't detect malware, they help stop it getting on your machine in the first place.
  Each does a different job, so you can have more than one
• Winpatrol
  • An excellent startup manager and then some !!
  • Notifies you if programs are added to startup
  • Allows delayed startup
  • A must have addition
• SpywareBlaster 4.0
  • SpywareBlaster sets killbits in the registry to prevent known malicious activex controls from installing themselves on your computer.
• SpywareGuard 2.2
  • SpywareGuard provides real-time protection against spyware.
  • Not required if you have other "realtime" antispyware or Winpatrol
• ZonedOut
  • Formerly known as IE-SPYAD, adds a long list of sites and domains associated with known advertisers and marketers to the Restricted sites zone of Internet Explorer.
• MVPS HOSTS
  • This little program packs a powerful punch as it blocks ads, banners, 3rd party Cookies, 3rd party page counters, web bugs, and many hijackers.
  • For information on how to download and install, please read this tutorial by WinHelp2002.
  • Not required if you are using other host file protections

Internet Browsers

• Microsoft has worked hard to make IE.7 a more secure browser, unfortunately whilst it is still the leading browser of choice it will always be under attack from the bad guys.
  Using a different web browser can help stop malware getting on your machine.
  • 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.
       • 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
       • 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.
    5. Next press the Apply button and then the OK to exit the Internet Properties page.
  
  If you are still using IE6 then either update, or get one of the following.
  • FireFox
    • With many addons available that make customization easy this is a very popular choice
    • NoScript and AdBlockPlus addons are essential
  • Opera
    • Another popular alternative
  • Netscape
    • Another popular alternative
    • Also has Addons available

Cleaning Temporary Internet Files and Tracking Cookies

• Temporary Internet Files are mainly the files that are downloaded when you open a web page.
  Unfortunately, if the site you visit is of a dubious nature or has been hacked, they can also be an entry point for malware.
  It is a good idea to empty the Temporary Internet Files folder on a regular basis.
  
  Tracking Cookies are files that websites use to monitor which sites you visit and how often.
  A lot of Antispyware scanners pick up these tracking cookies and flag them as unwanted.
  CAUTION :- If you delete all your cookies you will lose any autologin information for sites that you visit, and will need your passwords
  
  Both of these can be cleaned manually, but a quicker option is to use a program
• ATF Cleaner
  • Free and very simple to use
• CCleaner
  • Free and very flexible, you can chose which cookies to keep

I can't thank you enough for your prompt and extremely thorough response - it's funny how someone who's just volunteering for the good of the community can do such a great job while so called "customer service" can just lead you in circles1 Keep up the good work!!!