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grateful
2006-03-25, 12:26
:) Hi

I need some help please ! :scratch:

I have Windows 98 2nd Edition ... and use AVG Anti Virus ... I have installed SpyBot S&D, AdAware,SpyWare Guard and SpyBlaster ...

I have run programs and keep getting lots of critical problems ? My computer also runs very slowly ...so I am hoping you can help ... Below is my HJT Log

Please let me know if anything else is required ?

Many thanks and kind regards

Grateful

My HJT Log

Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.1
Scan saved at 9:13:32 PM, on 25/03/2006
Platform: Windows 98 SE (Win9x 4.10.2222A)
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\MPREXE.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\mmtask.tsk
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\MSTASK.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\WILD FILE\GOBACK\GBPOLL.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\KB891711\KB891711.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\EXPLORER.EXE
C:\OPLIMIT\OCRAWARE.EXE
C:\OPLIMIT\OCRAWR32.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\TASKMON.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\SYSTRAY.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\SYNAPTICS\SYNTP\SYNTPLPR.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\SYNAPTICS\SYNTP\SYNTPENH.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\GWHOTKEY.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\PRPCUI.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\ATI2EVXX.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\ATIPTAXX.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\ATI2CWXX.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\COMMON FILES\REAL\UPDATE_OB\EVNTSVC.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\HPONLREG\REMIND32.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\GRISOFT\AVG FREE\AVGCC.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\GRISOFT\AVG FREE\AVGEMC.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\GRISOFT\AVG FREE\AVGAMSVR.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\MEDIA ACCESS\MEDIAACCK.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\SPYBOT - SEARCH & DESTROY\TEATIMER.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\EZ-S.M.A.R.T\EZSMART.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\MEDIA ACCESS\MEDIAACCESS.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\WILD FILE\GOBACK\GBMENU.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\COMMON FILES\MICROSOFT SHARED\WORKS SHARED\WKCALREM.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\HEWLETT-PACKARD\HP OFFICEJET PRO 1170C SERIES\HPMSP2IA.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\hpmdlbia.exe
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\WMIEXE.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\SPYWAREGUARD\SGMAIN.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\HEWLETT-PACKARD\HP OFFICEJET PRO 1170C SERIES\HPMSP4IA.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\HEWLETT-PACKARD\HP OFFICEJET PRO 1170C SERIES\HPMSP4IA.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\MICROSOFT OFFICE\OFFICE\1033\MSOFFICE.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\INCREDIMAIL\BIN\IMAPP.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\SPYWAREGUARD\SGBHP.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\RNAAPP.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\TAPISRV.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\MOZILLA FIREFOX\FIREFOX.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\SPOOL32.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\PSTORES.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\HEWLETT-PACKARD\HP OFFICEJET PRO 1170C SERIES\HPMSP4IA.EXE
C:\MY DOCUMENTS\SPYWARE STUFF\HIJACK THIS\HIJACKTHIS.EXE

F1 - win.ini: load=C:\OPLIMIT\ocraware.exe
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {53707962-6F74-2D53-2644-206D7942484F} - C:\PROGRA~1\SPYBOT~1\SDHELPER.DLL
O2 - BHO: SpywareGuard Download Protection - {4A368E80-174F-4872-96B5-0B27DDD11DB2} - C:\PROGRAM FILES\SPYWAREGUARD\DLPROTECT.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: [SystemTray] SysTray.Exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [LoadPowerProfile] Rundll32.exe powrprof.dll,LoadCurrentPwrScheme
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: [SourcePath] c:\cabs\gwreg.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Multi-function Keyboard] GWHotKey.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [PRPCMonitor] PRPCUI.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ATIPOLAB] ati2evxx.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AtiPTA] Atiptaxx.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Ati2cwxx] Ati2cwxx.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [CriticalUpdate] C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\wucrtupd.exe -startup
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [IncrediMail] C:\Program Files\IncrediMail\bin\IncMail.exe /c
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [TkBellExe] C:\Program Files\Common Files\Real\Update_OB\evntsvc.exe -osboot
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [HP Product Registration] C:\WINDOWS\HPOnLReg\Remind32.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AVG7_CC] C:\PROGRA~1\GRISOFT\AVGFRE~1\AVGCC.EXE /STARTUP
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AVG7_EMC] C:\PROGRA~1\GRISOFT\AVGFRE~1\AVGEMC.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AVG7_AMSVR] C:\PROGRA~1\GRISOFT\AVGFRE~1\AVGAMSVR.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Media Access] C:\PROGRAM FILES\MEDIA ACCESS\MediaAccK.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [rgxad] C:\WINDOWS\rgxad.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [4d75k05b] C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\4d75k05b.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\RunServices: [LoadPowerProfile] Rundll32.exe powrprof.dll,LoadCurrentPwrScheme
O4 - HKLM\..\RunServices: [SchedulingAgent] mstask.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\RunServices: [GoBack Polling Service] C:\Program Files\Wild File\GoBack\GBPoll.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\RunServices: [KB891711] C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\KB891711\KB891711.EXE
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [SpybotSD TeaTimer] C:\PROGRAM FILES\SPYBOT - SEARCH & DESTROY\TeaTimer.exe
O4 - Startup: EZSMART App.lnk = C:\Program Files\EZ-S.M.A.R.T\EZSMART.exe
O4 - Startup: GoBack.lnk = C:\Program Files\Wild File\GoBack\GBMenu.exe
O4 - Startup: Microsoft Works Calendar Reminders.lnk = C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\Works Shared\wkcalrem.exe
O4 - Startup: Microsoft Office.lnk = C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office\OSA9.EXE
O4 - Startup: HP ScanPicture.lnk = C:\Program Files\Hewlett-Packard\HP OfficeJet Pro 1170C Series\hpmsp2ia.exe
O4 - Startup: HP 1170 FPB.lnk = C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\hpmdlbia.exe
O4 - Startup: Web Reminder.lnk = C:\Program Files\Hewlett-Packard\HP OfficeJet Pro 1170C Series\reminder.exe
O4 - Startup: SpywareGuard.lnk = C:\Program Files\SpywareGuard\sgmain.exe
O8 - Extra context menu item: &Add animation to IncrediMail Style Box - C:\PROGRA~1\INCRED~1\bin\resources\WebMenuImg.htm
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: (no name) - {CD67F990-D8E9-11d2-98FE-00C0F0318AFE} - (no file)
O16 - DPF: {E936C500-D12E-11D2-9E4D-0080C84BBDBB} (National Internet Banking Custom) - http://www.national.com.au/rib/afs/v3002/cabinet/NABcustom.cab
O16 - DPF: {B8D69BC3-E4DE-11D1-9BA1-0000C006B0D8} (National Internet Banking Images) - http://www.national.com.au/rib/afs/v3002/cabinet/images.cab
O16 - DPF: NeuronData Classes - http://www.national.com.au/rib/afs/v3002/cabinet/neuron.cab
O16 - DPF: NAB PCIB Classes - http://www.national.com.au/rib/afs/v3002/cabinet/pcib.cab
O16 - DPF: {F00F4763-7355-4725-82F7-0DA94A256D46} (IncrediMail) - http://www2.incredimail.com/contents/setup/downloader/imloader.cab
O16 - DPF: {15AD6789-CDB4-47E1-A9DA-992EE8E6BAD6} - http://static.windupdates.com/cab/6247971CanadaInc/ie/bridge-c17.cab
O16 - DPF: {205FF73B-CA67-11D5-99DD-444553540000} - http://www.spywarestormer.com/files2/Install.cab
shelf life
2006-03-27, 03:59
hi grateful,

before you do anything, disable spybots tea timer so it will allow us to make some changes:
1. Run Spybot-S&D in Advanced Mode.
2. If it is not already set to do this Go to the Mode menu select "Advanced Mode"
3. On the left hand side, Click on Tools
4. Then click on the Resident Icon in the List
5. Uncheck "Resident TeaTimer" and OK any prompts.
6. Restart your computer.
-----------------------------------
ok next thing, look in add/remove programs panel and uninstall this if present:
MEDIA ACCESS

next:
scan with HJT, put a checkmark beside the items below, close all windows and click fix checked.

O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Media Access] C:\PROGRAM FILES\MEDIA ACCESS\MediaAccK.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [rgxad] C:\WINDOWS\rgxad.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [4d75k05b] C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\4d75k05b.exe

O16 - DPF: {15AD6789-CDB4-47E1-A9DA-992EE8E6BAD6} - http://static.windupdates.com/cab/62...bridge-c17.cab

O16 - DPF: {205FF73B-CA67-11D5-99DD-444553540000} - http://www.spywarestormer.com/files2/Install.cab
--------------------------------
reboot once, rescan and post a new hjt log...........shelf life
grateful
2006-03-27, 12:46
:) Hi shelf life :angel:

I have done as requested ... except that when fix checking items I could not find the first one ( O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Media Access] C:\PROGRAM FILES\MEDIA ACCESS\MediaAccK.exe ) ... I assume it was deleted when I removed the program Media Access from Add/Remove Programs ? ...Other than that everything else went accoding to plan ! :bigthumb:

I was not sure if you wanted me to "switch" the "tea timer' back on ?

Below is HJT log after changes

Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.1
Scan saved at 7:57:53 PM, on 27/03/2006
Platform: Windows 98 SE (Win9x 4.10.2222A)
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\MPREXE.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\mmtask.tsk
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\MSTASK.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\WILD FILE\GOBACK\GBPOLL.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\KB891711\KB891711.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\EXPLORER.EXE
C:\OPLIMIT\OCRAWARE.EXE
C:\OPLIMIT\OCRAWR32.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\TASKMON.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\SYSTRAY.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\SYNAPTICS\SYNTP\SYNTPLPR.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\SYNAPTICS\SYNTP\SYNTPENH.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\GWHOTKEY.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\PRPCUI.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\ATI2EVXX.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\ATIPTAXX.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\ATI2CWXX.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\COMMON FILES\REAL\UPDATE_OB\EVNTSVC.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\HPONLREG\REMIND32.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\GRISOFT\AVG FREE\AVGCC.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\GRISOFT\AVG FREE\AVGEMC.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\GRISOFT\AVG FREE\AVGAMSVR.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\EZ-S.M.A.R.T\EZSMART.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\WILD FILE\GOBACK\GBMENU.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\COMMON FILES\MICROSOFT SHARED\WORKS SHARED\WKCALREM.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\WMIEXE.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\HEWLETT-PACKARD\HP OFFICEJET PRO 1170C SERIES\HPMSP2IA.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\hpmdlbia.exe
C:\PROGRAM FILES\SPYWAREGUARD\SGMAIN.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\HEWLETT-PACKARD\HP OFFICEJET PRO 1170C SERIES\HPMSP4IA.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\HEWLETT-PACKARD\HP OFFICEJET PRO 1170C SERIES\HPMSP4IA.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\HEWLETT-PACKARD\HP OFFICEJET PRO 1170C SERIES\HPMSP4IA.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\MICROSOFT OFFICE\OFFICE\1033\MSOFFICE.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\INCREDIMAIL\BIN\IMAPP.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\SPYWAREGUARD\SGBHP.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\RNAAPP.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\TAPISRV.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\NOTEPAD.EXE
C:\MY DOCUMENTS\SPYWARE STUFF\HIJACK THIS\HIJACKTHIS.EXE

F1 - win.ini: load=C:\OPLIMIT\ocraware.exe
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {53707962-6F74-2D53-2644-206D7942484F} - C:\PROGRA~1\SPYBOT~1\SDHELPER.DLL
O2 - BHO: SpywareGuard Download Protection - {4A368E80-174F-4872-96B5-0B27DDD11DB2} - C:\PROGRAM FILES\SPYWAREGUARD\DLPROTECT.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: [SystemTray] SysTray.Exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [LoadPowerProfile] Rundll32.exe powrprof.dll,LoadCurrentPwrScheme
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: [SourcePath] c:\cabs\gwreg.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Multi-function Keyboard] GWHotKey.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [PRPCMonitor] PRPCUI.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ATIPOLAB] ati2evxx.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AtiPTA] Atiptaxx.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Ati2cwxx] Ati2cwxx.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [CriticalUpdate] C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\wucrtupd.exe -startup
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [IncrediMail] C:\Program Files\IncrediMail\bin\IncMail.exe /c
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [TkBellExe] C:\Program Files\Common Files\Real\Update_OB\evntsvc.exe -osboot
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [HP Product Registration] C:\WINDOWS\HPOnLReg\Remind32.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AVG7_CC] C:\PROGRA~1\GRISOFT\AVGFRE~1\AVGCC.EXE /STARTUP
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AVG7_EMC] C:\PROGRA~1\GRISOFT\AVGFRE~1\AVGEMC.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AVG7_AMSVR] C:\PROGRA~1\GRISOFT\AVGFRE~1\AVGAMSVR.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\RunServices: [LoadPowerProfile] Rundll32.exe powrprof.dll,LoadCurrentPwrScheme
O4 - HKLM\..\RunServices: [SchedulingAgent] mstask.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\RunServices: [GoBack Polling Service] C:\Program Files\Wild File\GoBack\GBPoll.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\RunServices: [KB891711] C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\KB891711\KB891711.EXE
O4 - Startup: EZSMART App.lnk = C:\Program Files\EZ-S.M.A.R.T\EZSMART.exe
O4 - Startup: GoBack.lnk = C:\Program Files\Wild File\GoBack\GBMenu.exe
O4 - Startup: Microsoft Works Calendar Reminders.lnk = C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\Works Shared\wkcalrem.exe
O4 - Startup: Microsoft Office.lnk = C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office\OSA9.EXE
O4 - Startup: HP ScanPicture.lnk = C:\Program Files\Hewlett-Packard\HP OfficeJet Pro 1170C Series\hpmsp2ia.exe
O4 - Startup: HP 1170 FPB.lnk = C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\hpmdlbia.exe
O4 - Startup: Web Reminder.lnk = C:\Program Files\Hewlett-Packard\HP OfficeJet Pro 1170C Series\reminder.exe
O4 - Startup: SpywareGuard.lnk = C:\Program Files\SpywareGuard\sgmain.exe
O8 - Extra context menu item: &Add animation to IncrediMail Style Box - C:\PROGRA~1\INCRED~1\bin\resources\WebMenuImg.htm
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: (no name) - {CD67F990-D8E9-11d2-98FE-00C0F0318AFE} - (no file)
O16 - DPF: {E936C500-D12E-11D2-9E4D-0080C84BBDBB} (National Internet Banking Custom) - http://www.national.com.au/rib/afs/v3002/cabinet/NABcustom.cab
O16 - DPF: {B8D69BC3-E4DE-11D1-9BA1-0000C006B0D8} (National Internet Banking Images) - http://www.national.com.au/rib/afs/v3002/cabinet/images.cab
O16 - DPF: NeuronData Classes - http://www.national.com.au/rib/afs/v3002/cabinet/neuron.cab
O16 - DPF: NAB PCIB Classes - http://www.national.com.au/rib/afs/v3002/cabinet/pcib.cab
O16 - DPF: {F00F4763-7355-4725-82F7-0DA94A256D46} (IncrediMail) - http://www2.incredimail.com/contents/setup/downloader/imloader.cab

Awaiting any further instructions ... Thanks heaps for your help :bighug:

Kind Regards

Grateful
shelf life
2006-03-27, 13:30
hi grateful,

good. yes turn tea timer back on. hows your computer running now?
grateful
2006-03-29, 13:56
Hi :)

I have turned tea timer back on and have rescaned using SB s&d / adAware

which have both come up with no problems. :bigthumb: ...Thanks again !

My computer is still running slowly and I still get heaps of junk mail.
I use Out Look Express although I'm not sure if what you have done will fix that anyway ?

Is there a way to stop the junk mail ? ( I try and block as many as I can but have trouble keeping up ! ...Is there any way to multi-block ?) ... should I use a different program ? ...Can you recomend any ?

If there is anything further you can do to help, it would be appreciated but I also realise that you can't do "everything" ... You have helped enormously !

Kind Regards

Grateful
shelf life
2006-03-30, 04:20
hi grateful

once your email address is out you can expect spam. there are some things you can do, see below about outlook express, and never respond to email requests to be removed, taken off the list etc, once you do they know they have a "real" email address.
you might want to try ccleaner or cleanup to help remove stuff of your computer:

the first one will run on W98, not sure about the 2nd one:
http://www.stevengould.org/software/cleanup/
http://www.ccleaner.com/
---------------------------------------------



Make sure you keep your Windows OS current by visiting Windows update (http://v4.windowsupdate.microsoft.com/en/default.asp)
occasionaly to download and install any critical updates and service packs. With out these you are leaving the backdoor open.

Also download, install and keep updated- Antivirus Software (and use only one):
Free for home users:
avast! 4 Home Edition Download (http://www.avast.com/eng/free_virus_protectio.html)
AVG free version 7.0 (http://free.grisoft.com/freeweb.php/doc/2/)
AntiVir Personal Edition (http://www.free-av.com/)

Adjust your browser settings: Change your(active x) settings in IE. With IE open go to tools, internet options, security tab. Click on the internet globe, then custom level. Set the first option "download signed active x controls" to prompt, the next two to disable. Read more:
Internet Explorer Privacy & Security Settings (https://netfiles.uiuc.edu/ehowes/www/btw/ie/ie-opts.htm)
Working with Internet Explorer 6 Security (http://www.microsoft.com/windows/ie/using/howto/security/settings.mspx)
Many exploits are directed at Internet Explorer, you dont have to use it. Try a different browser.
Like Firefox (http://www.mozilla.org/products/firefox/),
And Pegasus Mail for a safer e-mail, no tweaking needed. (http://www.pmail.com/)

Outlook Express with the default settings is not secure. It will run scripts, download images etc, just like a browser.
look here (http://www.codecutters.org/outlook/)
and here (http://www.tames.net/security/oesettings.htm)


Install a firewall. A firewall will control what comes in from the internet and what leaves your computer to the internet. A firewall will also alert you when a application trys to connect to the internet from your computer, this is a good way to catch crapware or trojans, trying to connect out bound from your computer- whats that and why does it need a internet connection? You can deny it access it until more investigation is done. Zone Alarm is a free and easy to use firewall, that will provide in and outbound protection. Microsoft XP firewall only provides inbound protection. SP2 adds in and out bound protection which is better than nothing, but is not as robust as third party firewalls, Be sure to run only >one< firewall.If you use another, be sure to disable XP's built in firewall. If you use Zone Alarm learn what needs/uses your internet connection. If something unusal or out of the ordinary "asks" deny it access until more investigation is done.Some of these have learning curves.
Zone Alarm (http://www.zonelabs.com/store/content/home.jsp)
Kerio (Sunbelt Kerio Personal Firewall)"Free Evaluation" (http://www.kerio.com/us/kpf_home.html)
Outpost Firewall (http://www.agnitum.com/products/outpost/)
Outpost Free Basic Firewall (http://www.agnitum.com/products/outpostfree/index.php)
Jetico Personal Firewall (http://www.jetico.com/index.htm#/jpfirewall.htm)
Tiny Firewall (http://www.tinysoftware.com/home/tiny2?s=5375286922906434776A0&&pg=content05&an=tf6_home)
BlackIce (http://www.digitalriver.com/dr/v2/ec_dynamic.main?SP=1&PN=10&sid=26412)



Download one or two of these, install and update before using:(if these are constantly finding malware, then you need to make changes to your browser and or your habits)
CounterSpy (http://www.sunbelt-software.com/)Free trial version
Spybot Search and destroy (http://www.safer-networking.org/en/index.html)
Ad-Aware SE Personal edition (http://www.lavasoft.de/)
Microsoft AntiSpyware (beta version) (http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware/software/default.mspx)
Becarful with spyware "removers and scanners"-- there are many "rogue/suspect" (http://www.spywarewarrior.com/rogue_anti-spyware.htm) programs that "claim to remove" spyware.Check here first.

Other programs to consider:
Process Guard (http://www.diamondcs.com.au/processguard/) stop events/processes with user intervention
SpywareBlaster (http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/index.php?showtutorial=49) add security to IE
IE-SPYAD (https://netfiles.uiuc.edu/ehowes/www/resource.htm#IESPYAD) adds adware peddlers sites/domains to IE restricted zone
CleanUp (http://www.stevengould.org/software/CleanUp/index.html) cleans out temps,history, autoforms etc

AntiTrojan software to fill in the gap:
a2 free (http://www.emsisoft.com/en/software/free/)
Ewido Security Suite (http://www.ewido.net/en/)
Trojan Hunter (30 day trial version) (http://www.misec.net/)
Tauscan trial version (http://www.agnitum.com/products/tauscan/)


Learn More:
Browser Checkup (http://www.jasons-toolbox.com/BrowserSecurity/)
Parasite Free (http://www.doxdesk.com/parasite/prevention.html)
Safe Hex (http://www.claymania.com/safe-hex.html)
Shelf Lifes site (http://security-central.us/SafeHex/index.htm)
Home Computer Security (http://www.cert.org/homeusers/HomeComputerSecurity/)
Wilders Security Advisors (http://www.wilders.org/index.htm)

Watch what you download, and where you download it from. Many programs come bundled with extra software.You may be installing more than you think. Make sure you understand what it is you will be downloading and installing to your computer. Visit the makers website, learn more about the program, Does the program you want come bundled with other "3rd party" programs? What do the 3rd party programs do? Will they deliver ads? Track your surfing habits?. Read the EULA agreement, you know, that paragraph of stuff you "agree to" before the software installs? If you search hard enough you can always find a "clean" alternative to any software. Stay away from warez and crack sites. Becarful what you download from file sharing networks. If you are not sure, scan it with your Antivirus app. A small file (in KB) is probably not what you think it is. DO YOU TRUST THE SOURCE?
tashi
2006-04-02, 21:31
As the problem appears to be resolved this topic will be archived.
If you need it re-opened please send me a pm and provide a link to the thread.

Glad we could help.