View Full Version : UPDATED WINDOWS - Your first line of defense, links and tips
If running Windows XP without a Service Pack and all critical vunerabilites patched.
Example:
Platform: Windows XP
MSIE: Internet Explorer v6.00 (6.00.2600.0000)
Afraid it is not a case of will I get infected despite all my security programs, but how soon.
Before seeking assistance to remove malware, it is critical that you update to Service Pack 1a.
Service Pack 1 (SP1) is no longer available for download.
Get SP1a here : http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?familyid=0136E5F8-1684-4202-B2D0-C6A43430F12A&displaylang=en
Although Windows XP Service Pack 3 is cumulative, meaning it includes Service Pack 1 and all updates predating the release of SP3; before you upgrade to Windows XP SP3 you must ensure the computer is free of malware.
If you are here to be assisted in having an infection removed, please do as little surfing as possible.
When the computer is clean:
Windows XP Service Pack 3 (SP3) is a free update for Windows XP.
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/windowsxp/sp3/default.mspx
SP3 includes all previously released Windows XP updates, including security updates, hotfixes, and select out-of-band releases.
It may take more than one trip to get all the updates, keep going until done, rebooting as requested.
Note You must have either Windows XP Service Pack 1a or Windows XP Service Pack 2 installed in order to install Windows XP Service Pack 3.
Once you have the latest Service Pack please continue to make sure you keep Windows updated with all critical patches.
How to tell if your copy of Windows is genuine. (http://www.microsoft.com/resources/howtotell/ww/windows/default.mspx)
So how did I get infected in the first place? (http://forums.spybot.info/showthread.php?t=279)
Happy 2008 and safe surfing! :)
Microsoft. Windows Help and How-to
Internet Explorer 7 offers improved security and productivity.
By Sandi Hardmeier, Microsoft MVP specializing in Internet Explorer, Outlook Express, and Windows Mail.
http://windowshelp.microsoft.com/Windows/en-US/help/a426bb85-708c-4b75-87e2-874f9be3b4aa1033.mspx
Microsoft. How to Configure Enhanced Security Features for Internet Explorer from Windows XP SP2
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/smallbusiness/prodtech/windowsxp/iesecxp.mspx
Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer (mbsa)
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/tools/mbsahome.mspx
Choose MBSAsetup-EN.msi = (English Version) or the language appropriate for you.
MBSA is a free tool from Microsoft to analyze your PC security for prevention purposes.
MBSA Version 2.0 will scan for common system misconfigurations on Windows 2000, Windows XP, and Windows Server 2003 systems. This program will identify the system security weaknesses in your browser and operating system and provides easy instructions to correct them. This includes any missing critical Windows security updates, system vulnerabilities and your IE Browser security settings.
Microsoft. Latest bulletins by program
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/update/bulletins/default.mspx
Microsoft. Security at Home: Protect yourself.
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/privacy/default.mspx
Microsoft. child safety
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/children/default.mspx
Parent’s Guide to Internet Safety
http://bhandler.spaces.live.com/Blog/cns!1pt1v0Q4vD8jSvNS4lqdAuug!310.entry
Parent's Guide to Microsoft’s Windows Vista
http://bhandler.spaces.live.com/Blog/cns!70F64BC910C9F7F3!2128.entry
Parent's Guide to MySpace
http://bhandler.spaces.live.com/blog/cns!70F64BC910C9F7F3!1045.entry
Parent's Guide to Xbox Live Online Gaming
http://bhandler.spaces.live.com/blog/cns!70F64BC910C9F7F3!1062.entry
Adding sites/servers to the Internet Explorer Restricted Zone
http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/restricted.htm
Blocking Unwanted Parasites with a Hosts File
Use a HOSTS file to block Servers who deliver Web Bugs, 3rd party page Counters, 3rd party Cookies, Ads, Banners and hijackers.
A Hosts File that is frequently updated is available here:
http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/hosts.htm
Rogue/Suspect Anti-Spyware
Check before you install any antispyware program.
http://www.spywarewarrior.com/rogue_anti-spyware.htm
Note that while some programs have been de-listed, it does not mean they are on the recommended list.
Original post: 2006-02-12, 22:22
Published: January 6, 2006 | Updated: January 18, 2006
June 30, 2006 will bring a close to Extended Support for Windows 98, Windows 98 Second Edition, and Windows ME as part of the Microsoft Lifecycle Policy. Microsoft will retire public and technical support, including security updates, by this date.
Existing support documents and content, however, will continue to be available through the Microsoft Support Product Solution Center Web site. This Web site will continue to host a wealth of previous How-to, Troubleshooting, and Configuration content for anyone who may need self-service.
Microsoft is retiring support for these products because they are outdated and can expose customers to security risks. We recommend that customers who are still running Windows 98 or Windows Me upgrade to a newer, more secure Microsoft operating system, such as Windows XP, as soon as possible.
Customers who upgrade to Windows XP report improved security, richer functionality, and increased productivity.http://www.microsoft.com/windows/support/endofsupport.mspxMS will -not- provide patch MS06-015 for W98 and WinME
http://forums.spybot.info/showpost.php?p=28463&postcount=39
Complete explanation is in the:
Microsoft Security Bulletin MS06-015 (http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/Bulletin/MS06-015.mspx) FAQ section
Vulnerability in Windows Explorer Could Allow Remote Code Execution (908531)
Microsoft strongly recommends that customers still using Microsoft Windows 98, Microsoft Windows 98 Second Edition (SE), and Microsoft Windows Millennium Edition (ME) protect those systems by placing them behind a perimeter firewall which is filtering traffic on TCP Port 139. Such a firewall will block attacks attempting to exploit this vulnerability from outside of the firewall, as discussed in the workarounds section below.Will Microsoft issue security updates for Microsoft Windows 98, Microsoft Windows 98 Second Edition (SE), and Microsoft Windows Millennium Edition (ME) sometime in the future?
Microsoft has extensively investigated an engineering solution for Microsoft Windows 98, Microsoft Windows 98 Second Edition (SE), and Microsoft Windows Millennium Edition (ME). We have found that these architectures will not support a fix for this issue now or in the future.Note:
Many malware removal helpers are reluctant to try and clean an Operating System that is no longer supported, and therefore cannot be updated or patched.
Such Operating Systems are an open door to infection, security programs are really just a band-aid. :fear:
Many vendors have stopped supporting legacy systems. If you have one, please consider keeping it for word processing only and not surfing.
Windows XP SP1 and SP1a support ends on October 10, 2006
http://support.microsoft.com/gp/lifean19
Support for Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 1 (SP1) and Service Pack 1a (SP1a) ends on October 10, 2006. Microsoft will end support on this date. This also includes security updates for these service packs. Microsoft is providing final notifications to customers regarding the end of support for these products.
Microsoft is ending support for these products as part of the Microsoft Support Lifecycle Service Pack support policy. We recommend that customers who are still running Windows XP SP1 or SP1a upgrade to Windows XP Service Pack 2 as soon as possible.
To determine whether you are running Windows XP SP1, right-click My Computer, and then click Properties. If "Service Pack 1" appears under System, you are running Windows XP SP1. We do not recommend that you install SP1a if you are already running SP1. We recommend that you install Windows XP SP2 if you are running Windows XP SP1 or SP1a.
Remember, one must not install SP2 on an infected machine.
Internet Explorer 7 for Windows XP: http://www.microsoft.com/ie
IE7 Installation and Anti-Malware Applications.
A few people have asked why we recommend temporarily disabling anti-virus or anti-spyware applications (which I’ll refer to together as anti-malware) prior to installing IE7, so here’s a little insight to the situation.
http://blogs.msdn.com/ie/archive/2006/10/11/IE7-Installation-and-Anti_2D00_Malware-Applications.aspx
IEBlog (http://blogs.msdn.com/ie/archive/2006/10/18/internet-explorer-7-for-windows-xp-available-now.aspx)
Microsoft Security Alerts and Advisories in our forum here:
http://forums.spybot.info/showthread.php?t=862
Updated by AplusWebMaster
Microsoft's latest Operating System 'Windows Vista' is due for general release end of January 2007.
There are two ways to help you determine whether your version of Windows is genuine, which will smooth the transition for those of you planning to upgrade.
Not just in preparation for Vista; use these tools if you have experienced any problems when trying to update your Windows Operating System. An unpatched OS is wide open to infection.
Is my copy of Windows genuine? How to Tell (http://www.microsoft.com/resources/howtotell/ww/windows/default.mspx)
If you are running Windows XP or Windows Server 2003, the Windows Validation Assistant can scan your product key to help you determine whether your computer’s operating system is genuine.
Select the method by which you acquired Windows and compare the anti-piracy features included with your product with the anti-piracy features included with genuine Microsoft software.
Purchasing Genuine Microsoft Software (http://www.microsoft.com/resources/howtotell/en/prepurchase.mspx?quizType=pre&compareButton=Compare+Now)
Windows was preinstalled on my new PC (http://www.microsoft.com/resources/howtotell/ww/windows/quiz_coa.mspx?quizType=oem&compareButton=Compare+Now)
Acquired Windows via retail purchase (http://www.microsoft.com/resources/howtotell/ww/windows/quiz_cd.mspx?quizType=ret&compareButton=Compare+Now)
Acquired Windows Upgrade Volume License (http://www.microsoft.com/resources/howtotell/ww/windows/quiz_vol.mspx?quizType=vol&compareButton=Compare+Now)
Office Validation Assistant (http://www.microsoft.com/resources/howtotell/en/office/default.mspx)
How to Tell: Frequently Asked Questions (http://www.microsoft.com/resources/howtotell/en/faq.mspx)
GetReady (http://www.microsoft.com/windowsvista/getready/editions/default.mspx)
Windows Vista Team Blog (http://windowsvistablog.com/blogs/)
Considering the purchase of a second hand computer?
Please make sure you really are getting a bargain and not a paperweight.
The seller should have formatted and reinstalled a legitimate copy of the Operating System.
Provided you with the original software disks, plus any manuals that accompany these disks.
Should you need to format, reinstall, or repair windows you will need one of these tools:
Install disk
Restore disk
Or a working restore partition
Do not accept pirated software.
You can verify the Windows software is legitimate before paying for the PC.
How to tell if your copy of Windows is genuine. (http://www.microsoft.com/resources/howtotell/ww/windows/default.mspx)
If the Operating System is not legitimate then you will not be able to update Windows.
In which case the machine will be infected very quickly once on the WWW and become a liability, no matter what security software is installed.
Often there are good bargains for new PC's, so you may not save much by buying a second-hand one. Especially when the warranty that comes with a new PC is taken into consideration. Any computer over three-four years old may not run the software you wish to install, so check into that as well.
The Elder Geek on Windows XP (http://www.theeldergeek.com/index.htm)
Credit for topic: Mosaic1
REDMOND, Wash. — Jan. 24, 2007
http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/press/2007/jan07/01-24ExtendedSupportWindowsMA.mspx
Today, Microsoft is announcing the addition of an Extended Support phase for the Windows® XP Home Edition and Windows XP Media Center Edition operating systems, providing consumers with an additional phase of support.
With the addition of Extended Support, the support life cycle for Windows XP Home Edition and Windows XP Media Center Edition will include a total of five years of Mainstream Support (until April 2009) and five years of Extended Support, matching the support policy provided for Windows XP Professional.
Windows Life-Cycle Policy (http://www.microsoft.com/windows/lifecycle/default.mspx)
Those considering upgrading to Windows Vista, or who have already done so, often have lots of questions.
The following links are worth bookmarking:
Windows Vista Team Blog (http://windowsvistablog.com/)
Windows Vista Security Blog (http://blogs.msdn.com/windowsvistasecurity/default.aspx)
Windows Vista TechCenter (http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/windowsvista/default.aspx)
What’s changed from Windows XP? (http://windowshelp.microsoft.com/Windows/en-US/help/93929171-8e24-1e6a-cf68-b48eb22073611033.mspx)
Windows Vista Parental Controls (http://www.microsoft.com/protect/products/family/vista.mspx)
Getting Started with User Account Control on Windows Vista (http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/windowsvista/aa906022.aspx)