View Full Version : tfthot.exe and x3cqp0.dll
boxfetish
2006-06-24, 05:10
I had some nasty malware on my computer which was causing browser windows with ads to open several times a minute
I have Norton Antivirus Corporate v.10 on my box with up to date virus defs and the lastest versions of adaware and spybot with up to date def files.
I ran a full virus scan in safemode which quarantined most things. I then ran a adware.look2me removal tool and also tried to remove adware.linkmaker unsucessfully.
I then ran spybot and adaware in safe mode and this got rid of even more stuff. Ads no longer open in browser windows and Symantec Auto-Protect is no longer constantly quarantining Adware.Linkmaker (x3cqp0.dll).
The only thing now is that I get a tfthot.exe error message every time I shut down. I am not sure how to remove the remnants of this malware from my computer. I would appreciate any help.
Thanks!
shelf life
2006-06-24, 05:31
hi boxfetish,
read thru this thread, esp. the part about downloading/posting a hjt log.
http://forums.spybot.info/showthread.php?t=288
shelf life
boxfetish
2006-06-24, 05:47
hi boxfetish,
read thru this thread, esp. the part about downloading/posting a hjt log.
http://forums.spybot.info/showthread.php?t=288
shelf life
Okay, thanks! I took this:
"Please do not post HijackThis logs just to check if you are clean or not."
to mean that I should not post one unless asked to.
Anyway, here is my hjt log:
Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.1
Scan saved at 9:38:02 PM, on 6/23/2006
Platform: Windows XP SP2 (WinNT 5.01.2600)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v6.00 SP2 (6.00.2900.2180)
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:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccSetMgr.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccEvtMgr.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\Program Files\Symantec AntiVirus\DefWatch.exe
C:\Program Files\Symantec AntiVirus\Rtvscan.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\Ati2evxx.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\Program Files\Analog Devices\Core\smax4pnp.exe
C:\Program Files\DAEMON Tools\daemon.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccApp.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\SYMANT~1\VPTray.exe
C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.5.0_07\bin\jusched.exe
C:\Program Files\ATI Technologies\ATI.ACE\cli.exe
C:\Program Files\ATI Multimedia\main\ATIDtct.EXE
C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 6.0\Distillr\acrotray.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\rundll32.exe
C:\Program Files\ATI Technologies\ATI.ACE\CLI.exe
C:\Program Files\stickies\stickies.exe
C:\Program Files\ATI Technologies\ATI.ACE\cli.exe
C:\Program Files\Mozilla Firefox\firefox.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\WISPTIS.EXE
C:\Program Files\Mozilla Thunderbird\thunderbird.exe
C:\hijackthis\HijackThis.exe
R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://securityresponse.symantec.com/avcenter/fix_homepage
O2 - BHO: Yvakt Class - {AE0ECC2F-0C33-494C-8B22-B57A7763027F} - C:\WINDOWS\system32\x3cqp0.dll (file missing)
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [High Definition Audio Property Page Shortcut] HDAShCut.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SoundMAXPnP] C:\Program Files\Analog Devices\Core\smax4pnp.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [DAEMON Tools] "C:\Program Files\DAEMON Tools\daemon.exe" -lang 1033
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ccApp] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccApp.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [vptray] C:\PROGRA~1\SYMANT~1\VPTray.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SunJavaUpdateSched] C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.5.0_07\bin\jusched.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Configuration Manager] C:\WINDOWS\cfg32.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NvCplDaemon] RUNDLL32.EXE C:\WINDOWS\system32\NvCpl.dll,NvStartup
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [nwiz] nwiz.exe /install
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NvMediaCenter] RUNDLL32.EXE C:\WINDOWS\system32\NvMcTray.dll,NvTaskbarInit
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NeroFilterCheck] C:\WINDOWS\system32\NeroCheck.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ATICCC] "C:\Program Files\ATI Technologies\ATI.ACE\cli.exe" runtime
O4 - HKLM\..\RunOnce: [I8FZWor] "C:\WINDOWS\system32\gbe90qs.exe" -Ho61xAVDI
O4 - HKLM\..\RunOnce: [refdft] cmd /c IF EXIST "C:\WINDOWS\system32\ftuninst.exe" del /s /q "C:\WINDOWS\system32\ftuninst.exe"
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [ATI DeviceDetect] C:\Program Files\ATI Multimedia\main\ATIDtct.EXE
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [ATI Remote Control] C:\Program Files\ATI Multimedia\RemCtrl\ATIRW.exe
O4 - Startup: Stickies.lnk = C:\Program Files\stickies\stickies.exe
O4 - Global Startup: Acrobat Assistant.lnk = C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 6.0\Distillr\acrotray.exe
O4 - Global Startup: Adobe Gamma Loader.lnk = C:\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe\Calibration\Adobe Gamma Loader.exe
O4 - Global Startup: Catalyst System Tray.lnk = C:\Program Files\ATI Technologies\ATI.ACE\CLI.exe
O8 - Extra context menu item: E&xport to Microsoft Excel - res://C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~2\OFFICE11\EXCEL.EXE/3000
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.5.0_07\bin\ssv.dll
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Sun Java Console - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.5.0_07\bin\ssv.dll
O9 - Extra button: ATI TV - {44226DFF-747E-4edc-B30C-78752E50CD0C} - C:\Program Files\ATI Multimedia\dtv\EXPLBAR.DLL
O9 - Extra button: Research - {92780B25-18CC-41C8-B9BE-3C9C571A8263} - C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~2\OFFICE11\REFIEBAR.DLL
O9 - Extra button: Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe (file missing)
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Windows Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe (file missing)
O18 - Filter: text/html - {DA28E0DB-229C-4003-827E-96AE15AD90FB} - C:\WINDOWS\system32\x3cqp0.dll
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: Symantec Event Manager (ccEvtMgr) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccEvtMgr.exe
O23 - Service: Symantec Password Validation (ccPwdSvc) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccPwdSvc.exe
O23 - Service: Symantec Settings Manager (ccSetMgr) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccSetMgr.exe
O23 - Service: Symantec AntiVirus Definition Watcher (DefWatch) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Symantec AntiVirus\DefWatch.exe
O23 - Service: NVIDIA Display Driver Service (NVSvc) - NVIDIA Corporation - C:\WINDOWS\system32\nvsvc32.exe
O23 - Service: SAVRoam (SavRoam) - symantec - C:\Program Files\Symantec AntiVirus\SavRoam.exe
O23 - Service: Symantec Network Drivers Service (SNDSrvc) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\SNDSrvc.exe
O23 - Service: Symantec SPBBCSvc (SPBBCSvc) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\SPBBC\SPBBCSvc.exe
O23 - Service: Symantec AntiVirus - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Symantec AntiVirus\Rtvscan.exe
shelf life
2006-06-24, 06:09
hi boxfetish,
lets try this, first we will boot to safe mode then run hjt and look for and delete some files. ok, first make sure files are set to show:
FOr XP: on the desktop double click my computer,go to tools>folder options>view> then select "show hidden files and folders", then UNcheck "hide protected operating system files " also UNcheck "hide extensions for known file types" click apply to all folders, apply then ok
might want to copy/paste the rest of this to notepad and save it somewhere so you can read it in safe mode.
to get into safe mode you tap the f8 key during a computer restart. chose the safe mode option from the list. once in safe mode:
scan with HJT, put a checkmark beside the items below, close all windows and click fix checked.
O2 - BHO: Yvakt Class - {AE0ECC2F-0C33-494C-8B22-B57A7763027F} - C:\WINDOWS\system32\x3cqp0.dll (file missing)
O4 - HKLM\..\RunOnce: [I8FZWor] "C:\WINDOWS\system32\gbe90qs.exe" -Ho61xAVDI
O4 - HKLM\..\RunOnce: [refdft] cmd /c IF EXIST "C:\WINDOWS\system32\ftuninst.exe" del /s /q "C:\WINDOWS\system32\ftuninst.exe"
----------------------------------
ok now see if you can find and delete these:
gbe90qs.exe, located here>>C:\WINDOWS\system32
ftuninst.exe, located here>>C:\WINDOWS\system32
------------------------------------
reboot computer normally, download install and update ewido anti malware:
1. Download Ewido and install
Ewido anti malware. It is a free trial version of the program:
http://www.ewido.net/en/download/
2. Install ewido anti malware
3. Launch ewido, there should be an icon on your desktop double-click it.
4. The program will now go to the main screen
You will need to update ewido to the latest definition files.
1. On the left hand side of the main screen click update
2. Then click on Start Update
Once the updates are installed do the following:
1. Click on scanner
2. Click on Complete System Scan and the scan will begin.
3. NOTE: During some scans with ewido it is finding cases of false positives.**
o You will need to step through the process of cleaning files one-by-one.
o If ewido detects a file you KNOW to be legitimate, select none as the action.
o DO NOT select "Perform action on all infections"
o If you are unsure of any entry found select none for now.
4. Once the scan has completed, there will be a button located on the bottom of the screen named Save report
5. Click Save report.
6. Save the report .txt file to your desktop.
Now close ewido security suite.
--------------------------------------
rescan with hjt and post anew log and the saved ewido log.....shelf life
boxfetish
2006-06-24, 08:46
Okay, did all of those things. My log files were 160,000 characters long (over 300kB) so I cut out all the tracking cookie entries from the ewido log to make it short enought to fit in this post. I assume that you did not need to see any of those, but I can email you the complete log file if needed.
Below is my ewido log, followed by my updated hjt log:
---------------------------------------------------------
ewido anti-spyware - Scan Report
---------------------------------------------------------
+ Created at: 12:32:27 AM 6/24/2006
+ Scan result:
C:\WINDOWS\icont.exe -> Adware.AdURL : Cleaned with backup (quarantined).
C:\WINDOWS\system32\crm.dll.ren -> Adware.Look2Me : Cleaned with backup (quarantined).
C:\WINDOWS\system32\ktj8l71u1.dll.ren -> Adware.Look2Me : Cleaned with backup (quarantined).
C:\WINDOWS\system32tfthot.exe -> Adware.SearchAssistant : Cleaned with backup (quarantined).
G:\SSCC\Ad-ware Tools\backups\backup-20050525-125859-855.dll -> Adware.WebEx : Cleaned with backup (quarantined).
C:\Documents and Settings\Kent\Desktop\Downloads\patch_wga.zip/patch/wga_patch_philka.exe -> Downloader.Harnig.bq : Cleaned with backup (quarantined).
F:\Desktop\Downloads\patch_wga.zip/patch/wga_patch_philka.exe -> Downloader.Harnig.bq : Cleaned with backup (quarantined).
G:\Kent's Profile\Desktop\Downloads\-=www.philka.ru=-patchWGA.zip/patch/wga_patch_philka.exe -> Downloader.Harnig.bq : Cleaned with backup (quarantined).
G:\Software\Tweakxp v4.0.4 Pro.rar/tweak-xp.exe -> Dropper.Agent.adh : Cleaned with backup (quarantined).
G:\Software\AVI.DivX.MPEG.to.DVD.Converter.and.Burner.v1.0.3.WinALL.Cracked-BRD.rar/AVI.DivX.MPEG.to.DVD.Converter.and.Burner.v1.0.3.WinALL.Cracked-BRD\File.DiZ\Installation\887\setup.exe -> Dropper.Agent.pt : Cleaned with backup (quarantined).
G:\Software\Windows Keygens\Rock XP 2.0.exe/RAS.exe -> Not-A-Virus.PSWTool.Win32.RAS.a : Ignored.
G:\Software\Windows Keygens\Rock XP 2.0.exe/xpkey.exe -> Not-A-Virus.PSWTool.Win32.RAS.a : Ignored.
...
::Report end
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.1
Scan saved at 12:34:59 AM, on 6/24/2006
Platform: Windows XP SP2 (WinNT 5.01.2600)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v6.00 SP2 (6.00.2900.2180)
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:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccSetMgr.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccEvtMgr.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\Program Files\Symantec AntiVirus\DefWatch.exe
C:\Program Files\Symantec AntiVirus\Rtvscan.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\Ati2evxx.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\Program Files\Analog Devices\Core\smax4pnp.exe
C:\Program Files\DAEMON Tools\daemon.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccApp.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\SYMANT~1\VPTray.exe
C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.5.0_07\bin\jusched.exe
C:\Program Files\ATI Technologies\ATI.ACE\cli.exe
C:\Program Files\ATI Multimedia\main\ATIDtct.EXE
C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 6.0\Distillr\acrotray.exe
C:\Program Files\ATI Technologies\ATI.ACE\CLI.exe
C:\Program Files\stickies\stickies.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\rundll32.exe
C:\Program Files\ATI Technologies\ATI.ACE\cli.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\NOTEPAD.EXE
C:\Program Files\ewido anti-spyware 4.0\guard.exe
C:\Program Files\ewido anti-spyware 4.0\ewido.exe
C:\HijackThis\HijackThis.exe
R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://securityresponse.symantec.com/avcenter/fix_homepage
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [High Definition Audio Property Page Shortcut] HDAShCut.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SoundMAXPnP] C:\Program Files\Analog Devices\Core\smax4pnp.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [DAEMON Tools] "C:\Program Files\DAEMON Tools\daemon.exe" -lang 1033
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ccApp] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccApp.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [vptray] C:\PROGRA~1\SYMANT~1\VPTray.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SunJavaUpdateSched] C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.5.0_07\bin\jusched.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Configuration Manager] C:\WINDOWS\cfg32.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NvCplDaemon] RUNDLL32.EXE C:\WINDOWS\system32\NvCpl.dll,NvStartup
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [nwiz] nwiz.exe /install
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NvMediaCenter] RUNDLL32.EXE C:\WINDOWS\system32\NvMcTray.dll,NvTaskbarInit
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NeroFilterCheck] C:\WINDOWS\system32\NeroCheck.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ATICCC] "C:\Program Files\ATI Technologies\ATI.ACE\cli.exe" runtime
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [!ewido] "C:\Program Files\ewido anti-spyware 4.0\ewido.exe" /minimized
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [ATI DeviceDetect] C:\Program Files\ATI Multimedia\main\ATIDtct.EXE
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [ATI Remote Control] C:\Program Files\ATI Multimedia\RemCtrl\ATIRW.exe
O4 - Startup: Stickies.lnk = C:\Program Files\stickies\stickies.exe
O4 - Global Startup: Acrobat Assistant.lnk = C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 6.0\Distillr\acrotray.exe
O4 - Global Startup: Adobe Gamma Loader.lnk = C:\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe\Calibration\Adobe Gamma Loader.exe
O4 - Global Startup: Catalyst System Tray.lnk = C:\Program Files\ATI Technologies\ATI.ACE\CLI.exe
O8 - Extra context menu item: E&xport to Microsoft Excel - res://C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~2\OFFICE11\EXCEL.EXE/3000
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.5.0_07\bin\ssv.dll
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Sun Java Console - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.5.0_07\bin\ssv.dll
O9 - Extra button: ATI TV - {44226DFF-747E-4edc-B30C-78752E50CD0C} - C:\Program Files\ATI Multimedia\dtv\EXPLBAR.DLL
O9 - Extra button: Research - {92780B25-18CC-41C8-B9BE-3C9C571A8263} - C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~2\OFFICE11\REFIEBAR.DLL
O9 - Extra button: Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe (file missing)
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Windows Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe (file missing)
O18 - Filter: text/html - {DA28E0DB-229C-4003-827E-96AE15AD90FB} - C:\WINDOWS\system32\x3cqp0.dll
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: Symantec Event Manager (ccEvtMgr) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccEvtMgr.exe
O23 - Service: Symantec Password Validation (ccPwdSvc) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccPwdSvc.exe
O23 - Service: Symantec Settings Manager (ccSetMgr) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccSetMgr.exe
O23 - Service: Symantec AntiVirus Definition Watcher (DefWatch) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Symantec AntiVirus\DefWatch.exe
O23 - Service: ewido anti-spyware 4.0 guard - Anti-Malware Development a.s. - C:\Program Files\ewido anti-spyware 4.0\guard.exe
O23 - Service: NVIDIA Display Driver Service (NVSvc) - NVIDIA Corporation - C:\WINDOWS\system32\nvsvc32.exe
O23 - Service: SAVRoam (SavRoam) - symantec - C:\Program Files\Symantec AntiVirus\SavRoam.exe
O23 - Service: Symantec Network Drivers Service (SNDSrvc) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\SNDSrvc.exe
O23 - Service: Symantec SPBBCSvc (SPBBCSvc) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\SPBBC\SPBBCSvc.exe
O23 - Service: Symantec AntiVirus - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Symantec AntiVirus\Rtvscan.exe
shelf life
2006-06-24, 23:31
hi boxfetish,
I cut out all the tracking cookie entries from the ewido log to make it short enought to fit in this post. I assume that you did not need to see any of those
correct, cookies are harmless.
the hjt log looks ok
FYI: alot of cracks/keygens are nothing but trojans. Do you trust the source?
pick out one of these for a online scan:
BitDefender Free Online Virus Scan
http://www.bitdefender.com/scan/licence.php
check AutoClean under Scan Options.
Panda ActiveScan
http://www.pandasoftware.com/products/activescan?NRMODE=Published&NRORIGINALURL=%2factivescan&NRNODEGUID=%7b3B202047-35D4-4DA2-B310-B1DBEC2971F2%7d&NRCACHEHINT=Guest
Kaspersky virus scanner
http://www.kaspersky.com/virusscanner
Housecall at TrendMicro
http://housecall.trendmicro.com/housecall/start_corp.asp
check Auto Clean.
F-Secure virus scanner
http://support.f-secure.com/enu/home/ols.shtml
eTrust Antivirus Web Scanner
http://www3.ca.com/securityadvisor/virusinfo/scan.aspx
shelf life
boxfetish
2006-06-25, 03:08
Thanks for all your help! I appreciate it!
shelf life
2006-06-26, 01:54
hi boxfetish,
glad to help. some reference material for you:
Be careful of what you download, and where you download it from. Many programs come bundled with extra software.You may be installing more than you think. 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? 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? Check this database:Spyware Guide (http://www.spywareguide.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.
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:
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. You can have and use more than one browser on your computer.
Like Firefox (http://www.mozilla.org/products/firefox/),
Install a Firewall:A firewall will help to 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.
Zone Alarm (http://www.zonelabs.com/store/content/catalog/products/sku_list_za.jsp?dc=12bms&ctry=US&lang=en&lid=dbtopnav_zass)
OutPost Lite (http://www.agnitum.com/products/outpostfree/download.php)
Jetico Personal Firewall (http://www.jetico.com/index.htm#/jpfirewall.htm)
Outlook Express with the default settings is not secure. It will run scripts, download images etc, just like a browser. You dont have to use it. Windows SP1/SP2 updates have made some improvments to Outlook. Another reason to stay updated.
look here (http://www.codecutters.org/outlook/)
and here (http://www.tames.net/security/oesettings.htm)
Or try Pegasus Mail, safer by default,no tweaking needed. (http://www.pmail.com/)
Make sure you have and keep updated Antivirus software
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/)
Clam Win (http://www.Clamwin.com/component/option,com_frontpage/Itemid,1/)
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 Windows Defender (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.
Dont be tempted to click on popup ads offering free scans or free downloads for malware removers. Read the above line again.
AntiTrojan software to fill in the gap:
a2 free (http://www.emsisoft.com/en/software/free/)
Ewido Anti-Malware (http://www.ewido.net/en/)
Trojan Hunter (30 day trial version) (http://www.misec.net/)
Tauscan trial version (http://www.agnitum.com/products/tauscan/)
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 temp files,history, autoforms etc
ATF cleaner (W2K,XP only) (http://www.atribune.org/content/view/25/2/) cleans out temp files, history etc
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 page (http://security-central.us/SafeHex/index.htm)
Home Computer Security (http://www.cert.org/homeusers/HomeComputerSecurity/)