Browser Hijacker

My computer is running somewhat slow and restarts itself every 5 minutes or so. Could someone help me? I'll post a HJT log. I just wanna get this post in before it restarts itself.

EDIT: Here's the logfile:

View attachment 21542


Thank you!

Your HJT log looks clean.

Go and read this thread HERE and see if it helps you to identify the culprit.

If it doesn`t, please attach 5 or 6 of your latest minidumps.

Regards Howard

Thanks. What's a "minidump"?

A minidump is a snapshot of what was happening when Windows crashed and can contain useful info as to what caused the crash.

You will find you mindumps in the C:\windows\minidumps folder.

Regards Howard

I'm not sure if this is the correct forum, but how often should one change their password?

I`d say every six months or sooner if you think there`s a chance it`s been compromised.

Regards Howard

I change all my passwords ( including TechSpot's ) around every other month or so, But that's just me

I can't find the "C:\windows\minidump" folder. Could someone help me? Where should I look?

Thanks.

Is Windows setup to write minidumps?

Right click my computer, and select properties, and then the advanced tab.

Under startup and recovery click on settings. Make sure the write debugging information box is set to small memory dump. Also make sure that the overwrite any existing file box isn`t checked. Click ok/apply/ok.

Reboot your computer.

Now when your system crashes, Windows should write a minidump to the folder c:\windows/minidump

Regards Howard

I'm sorry that this has nothing to do with security, but how do you erase your hard drive? I'm thinking about donating my old computers to Goodwill but don't want my tax returns and all that stuff to remain on my hard drive. How can I erase EVERYTHING on the hard drive and how can I be 100% sure it is truly erased?

Thanks.

One of the best ways to totally erase your hard drive is to run your hard drive manufacturers utility and zero fill the drive.

If you can`t find it, take a look at this thread HERE.

Regards Howard

Thanks Howard. Could you recommend a desktop? I'm looking to buy a new one. Preferably under $1000 (it's not for gaming or the such).

Thanks again.

I suggest you open a new thread in our Cpu`s Chipsets and Mobo`s forum.

You`ll probably get lots of advice there.

Regards Howard

I have a few questions.

1). If I have multiple user accounts on my computer, would a virus, spyware, etc. scan, scan every user account? If so, which user name should I start the scan in? The Owner/Admin account?

2). If I have multiple user account on my computer, would a file I downloaded on one username appear on every user name? Would my browsing history, search history, etc. appear on every username? If I added a song to iTunes on one username, would it be added to iTunes on the other usernames?

3). What does the Owner/Admin account have that the other usernames do not?


Thank you.

(3) The names make no difference, but the privileges to. We assume that the
Admin account name is associated with the Admin privilege. An Admin account
can do ANYTHING to the computer, while a Limited (LUA) account can not
install programs nor modify system settings.
(2) If you login as admin, then you can access anything. Do that and then
navigate to \Documents and Settings. Under that are all the accounts.
Click on any and you will see each has a Doucments\ folder. If properly configured, you can also see that each as a unique Applications Data\ and Local Settings\ directories. THUS, data unique to the user is segregate and
(for LUA accounts) inaccessible by the other non-admin users.
(1) Some applications install as a private copy for the current user while others
(like iTunes) will install for All Users. Each user will have their own Playlist.

Whenever I try to "Immunize" Spybot S&D, it says "I'm lacking admin. privileges". What does this mean and how can I get through it? I am using my computer's admin. account BTW.

Could anyone help me please?

Thanks you :wave:

See HERE for further info. Apparently this is a small bug in SS&D.

Regards Howard

So the bug will be fixed with the next update?

Do you have an idea of when that will be?

Thank you!

No mate I don`t.

I take it you`re using the latest version 1.5.1? If not, I suggest you uninstall and reinstall, see if that helps.

Regards Howard