also @ TechSpot: Google, Samsung unveil Chromebook, Chromebox with Chrome OS 19

TechSpot

[Solved] Problems with Win32/Z bot G in the system Volume Information Directory please help

Discussion in 'Virus and Malware Removal' started by Rich108, Feb 7, 2011.

Thread Status:
Not open for further replies.
  1. Rich108 Newcomer, in training

    Logfile of Trend Micro HijackThis v2.0.4
    Scan saved at 2:52:50 PM, on 2/12/2011
    Platform: Windows XP SP2 (WinNT 5.01.2600)
    MSIE: Internet Explorer v8.00 (8.00.6001.18702)
    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:\Program Files\Trusteer\Rapport\bin\RapportMgmtService.exe
    C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
    C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
    C:\Program Files\Lavasoft\Ad-Aware\AAWService.exe
    C:\Program Files\Alwil Software\Avast5\AvastSvc.exe
    C:\WINDOWS\system32\VTTimer.exe
    C:\WINDOWS\SOUNDMAN.EXE
    C:\Apps\Powercinema\PCMService.exe
    C:\Program Files\Common Files\Real\Update_OB\realsched.exe
    C:\Program Files\DivX\DivX Update\DivXUpdate.exe
    C:\Program Files\iTunes\iTunesHelper.exe
    C:\Program Files\Alwil Software\Avast5\avastUI.exe
    C:\Program Files\SUPERAntiSpyware\SUPERAntiSpyware.exe
    C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
    C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
    C:\PROGRA~1\COMMON~1\AOL\ACS\AOLacsd.exe
    C:\Program Files\Common Files\Apple\Mobile Device Support\AppleMobileDeviceService.exe
    C:\Program Files\Bonjour\mDNSResponder.exe
    C:\Program Files\Java\jre6\bin\jqs.exe
    C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\VS7DEBUG\MDM.EXE
    C:\Program Files\iPod\bin\iPodService.exe
    C:\WINDOWS\system32\wscntfy.exe
    C:\Program Files\Trusteer\Rapport\bin\RapportService.exe
    C:\Program Files\Lavasoft\Ad-Aware\AAWTray.exe
    C:\WINDOWS\explorer.exe
    C:\Documents and Settings\Richard\Desktop\HijackThis.exe

    R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://securityresponse.symantec.com/avcenter/fix_homepage
    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
    R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Connection Wizard,ShellNext = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=74005
    R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings,ProxyOverride = *.local
    O2 - BHO: AcroIEHelperStub - {18DF081C-E8AD-4283-A596-FA578C2EBDC3} - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe\Acrobat\ActiveX\AcroIEHelperShim.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} - (no file)
    O2 - BHO: Google Toolbar Notifier BHO - {AF69DE43-7D58-4638-B6FA-CE66B5AD205D} - C:\Program Files\Google\GoogleToolbarNotifier\5.2.4204.1700\swg.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: JQSIEStartDetectorImpl - {E7E6F031-17CE-4C07-BC86-EABFE594F69C} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre6\lib\deploy\jqs\ie\jqs_plugin.dll
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [VTTimer] VTTimer.exe
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SoundMan] SOUNDMAN.EXE
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [PCMService] "c:\Apps\Powercinema\PCMService.exe"
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NeroFilterCheck] C:\WINDOWS\system32\NeroCheck.exe
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AppleSyncNotifier] C:\Program Files\Common Files\Apple\Mobile Device Support\AppleSyncNotifier.exe
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [TkBellExe] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Real\Update_OB\realsched.exe" -osboot
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SunJavaUpdateSched] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Java\Java Update\jusched.exe"
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [DivXUpdate] "C:\Program Files\DivX\DivX Update\DivXUpdate.exe" /CHECKNOW
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Adobe Reader Speed Launcher] "C:\Program Files\Adobe\Reader 9.0\Reader\Reader_sl.exe"
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Adobe ARM] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe\ARM\1.0\AdobeARM.exe"
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [iTunesHelper] "C:\Program Files\iTunes\iTunesHelper.exe"
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [avast5] "C:\Program Files\Alwil Software\Avast5\avastUI.exe" /nogui
    O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [SUPERAntiSpyware] C:\Program Files\SUPERAntiSpyware\SUPERAntiSpyware.exe
    O4 - HKUS\S-1-5-18\..\Run: [CTFMON.EXE] C:\WINDOWS\System32\CTFMON.EXE (User 'SYSTEM')
    O4 - HKUS\.DEFAULT\..\Run: [CTFMON.EXE] C:\WINDOWS\System32\CTFMON.EXE (User 'Default user')
    O4 - Startup: autobahn.lnk = C:\Documents and Settings\Richard\Local Settings\Application Data\Autobahn\autobahn.exe
    O8 - Extra context menu item: E&xport to Microsoft Excel - res://C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~3\OFFICE11\EXCEL.EXE/3000
    O9 - Extra button: Research - {92780B25-18CC-41C8-B9BE-3C9C571A8263} - C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~3\OFFICE11\REFIEBAR.DLL
    O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {CD67F990-D8E9-11d2-98FE-00C0F0318AFE} - (no file)
    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 (file missing)
    O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Windows Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe (file missing)
    O14 - IERESET.INF: START_PAGE_URL=file://C:\APPS\IE\offline\uk.htm
    O16 - DPF: DigiChat Applet - http://host19.digichat.com/DigiChat/DigiClasses/Client_IE.cab
    O16 - DPF: {1754A1BA-A1DF-4F10-B199-AA55AA1A120F} - https://signup.msn.com/pages/MsnInstC.cab
    O16 - DPF: {3EA4FA88-E0BE-419A-A732-9B79B87A6ED0} (CTVUAxCtrl Object) - http://dl.tvunetworks.com/TVUAx.cab
    O16 - DPF: {6414512B-B978-451D-A0D8-FCFDF33E833C} (WUWebControl Class) - http://v5.windowsupdate.microsoft.c...ls/en/x86/client/wuweb_site.cab?1094347499875
    O16 - DPF: {6A344D34-5231-452A-8A57-D064AC9B7862} - https://webdl.symantec.com/activex/symdlmgr.cab
    O16 - DPF: {78ABDC59-D8E7-44D3-9A76-9A0918C52B4A} - http://dl.uc.sina.com/cab/downloader.cab
    O16 - DPF: {9A9307A0-7DA4-4DAF-B042-5009F29E09E1} - http://www.pandasoftware.com/activescan/as5/asinst.cab
    O16 - DPF: {B020B534-4AA2-4B99-BD6D-5F6EE286DF5C} - https://a248.e.akamai.net/f/248/546...img/operations/symbizpr/xcontrol/SymDlBrg.cab
    O16 - DPF: {D27CDB6E-AE6D-11CF-96B8-444553534400} - http://fpdownload2.macromedia.com/get/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab
    O16 - DPF: {D4003189-95B1-4A2F-9A87-F2B03665960D} (VodClient Control Class) - http://www.vexcast.com/download/vexcast.cab
    O16 - DPF: {F58E1CEF-A068-4C15-BA5E-587CAF3EE8C6} - http://chat.msn.com/bin/msnchat45.cab
    O20 - Winlogon Notify: !SASWinLogon - C:\Program Files\SUPERAntiSpyware\SASWINLO.DLL
    O22 - SharedTaskScheduler: Browseui preloader - {438755C2-A8BA-11D1-B96B-00A0C90312E1} - C:\WINDOWS\System32\browseui.dll
    O22 - SharedTaskScheduler: Component Categories cache daemon - {8C7461EF-2B13-11d2-BE35-3078302C2030} - C:\WINDOWS\System32\browseui.dll
    O23 - Service: AOL Connectivity Service (AOL ACS) - America Online, Inc. - C:\PROGRA~1\COMMON~1\AOL\ACS\AOLacsd.exe
    O23 - Service: Apple Mobile Device - Apple Inc. - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Apple\Mobile Device Support\AppleMobileDeviceService.exe
    O23 - Service: avast! Antivirus - AVAST Software - C:\Program Files\Alwil Software\Avast5\AvastSvc.exe
    O23 - Service: Bonjour Service - Apple Inc. - C:\Program Files\Bonjour\mDNSResponder.exe
    O23 - Service: Google Update Service (gupdate) (gupdate) - Google Inc. - C:\Program Files\Google\Update\GoogleUpdate.exe
    O23 - Service: Google Software Updater (gusvc) - Google - C:\Program Files\Google\Common\Google Updater\GoogleUpdaterService.exe
    O23 - Service: InstallDriver Table Manager (IDriverT) - Unknown owner - C:\Program Files\Common Files\InstallShield\Driver\11\Intel 32\IDriverT.exe (file missing)
    O23 - Service: iPod Service - Apple Inc. - C:\Program Files\iPod\bin\iPodService.exe
    O23 - Service: Java Quick Starter (JavaQuickStarterService) - Sun Microsystems, Inc. - C:\Program Files\Java\jre6\bin\jqs.exe
    O23 - Service: Lavasoft Ad-Aware Service - Lavasoft Limited - C:\Program Files\Lavasoft\Ad-Aware\AAWService.exe
    O23 - Service: Rapport Management Service (RapportMgmtService) - Trusteer Ltd. - C:\Program Files\Trusteer\Rapport\bin\RapportMgmtService.exe
    O23 - Service: Windows Media Player Network Sharing Service (WMPNetworkSvc) - Unknown owner - C:\Program Files\Windows Media Player\WMPNetwk.exe (file missing)

    --
    End of file - 8647 bytes

    I have an external drive that I use to store music and videos that now has $AVG folder and a Recycler folder that weren't there b4 my issues with computer should this be a cause for concern ?
  2. Bobbye Helper on the Fringe

    Regarding Hitman Pro: you made an assumption that was based on incorrect data> you 'assumed' that because Hitman Pro brought these processes up that they were 'bad' and causing your problems:
    FYI:
    1. bsdiff and bspatch are tools for building and applying patches to binary files

    2. libexpatw.dll is part of HP Photosmart C6180 All-In-One printer/scanner/fax/copier

    3. ssleay32.dll is a module associated with The OpenSSL Toolkit from The OpenSSL Project, http://www.openssl.org/

    4. msmsgs.exe is Related to Microsoft's Windows Messenger. Here is what it deleted:
    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)


    5. tkjvrup.exe is the only process I cannot identify with only the file information. I would have 'looked' at the file first. It could have or may not have been malware.

    The only questionable entry is #5. The others weren't malware.
    ===========================================
    Regarding the AVG Virus Vault or any quarantine folder in an antivirus program:
    Once an entry is found and quarantined, it is no longer active in the system

    Connect the drive> do a right click> Delete on the $AVG folder
    Try using the same directions I gave you for removing the files in the Recycler. Remember, you are only looking for the SID number I gave you and the Recycle Bin must be empty before deleting the file.
    ====================================
    Please reopen HijackThis to 'do system scan only.' Check each of the following, if present:

    R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://securityresponse.symantec.com...r/fix_homepage
    O2 - BHO: WormRadar.com IESiteBlocker.NavFilter - {3CA2F312-6F6E-4B53-A66E-4E65E497C8C0} - (no file)
    O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {CD67F990-D8E9-11d2-98FE-00C0F0318AFE} - (no file)
    O16 - DPF: {6A344D34-5231-452A-8A57-D064AC9B7862} - https://webdl.symantec.com/activex/symdlmgr.cab
    O16 - DPF: {9A9307A0-7DA4-4DAF-B042-5009F29E09E1} - http://www.pandasoftware.com/activescan/as5/asinst.cab


    Close all Windows except HijackThis and click on "Fix Checked."
  3. Rich108 Newcomer, in training

    as u can probably tell from our interaction I don't have a great deal of knowledge about the problems I am having as have never encountered them until I was trying to sort out a friends pc who has even less knowledge than me. He didn't have any sort of anti virus/malware/spyware protection and whilst trying to use my limited know how to resolve his issues i made the stupid mistake of transporting programs from mine to his via a usb storage device that would have been ok if i hadn't in a moment of tremendous stupidity i plugged the same usb device back into my pc. My computer then started making strange noises and wasn't functioning as normal. I managed to rid myself of some of the issues with Superantispyware and malwarebytes but then i stupidly did a system restore and my internal hard drive was making a strange noise every four seconds and my pc was very slow, after i ran hitman pro 3.5 the hard drive stopped making noises and my pc seemed more healthy thus my false assumptions that the software was trustworthy. I know better now. Do you think that the files it has deleted has anything to do with Windows installer appearing a lot of the time when it isn't needed ? I got rid of the avg vault from my external drive and the recycler file still wont let me delete it but you said it want much to worry about so am happy with that. All the lines that u listed where in the system scan in hijack this so done as you instructed and Fix checked. Thanks
  4. Bobbye Helper on the Fringe

    Rich, if you have problems in the future, it's always best to give as much information as you can. Telling us the malware came from an infected flash drive. There are some types of malware with a frequent transmission by flash drives. Although you did so in good faith, connecting to a computer with no security with a flash drive is not something you want to do.

    I cannot tell you what the significance of the file removals by Hitman were because I don't have enough information.

    When you try the Recycler again, after showing the hidden files, double click on Recycler and see if more than 1 SID is showing. If so, you need to look for the SID I gave you.

    Removing all of the tools we used and the files and folders they created
    • Uninstall ComboFix and all Backups of the files it deleted
    • Click START> then RUN
    • Now type Combofix /Uninstall in the runbox and click OK. Note the space between the X and the U, it needs to be there.
      [IMG]
    • Download OTCleanIt by OldTimer and save it to your Desktop.
    • Double click OTCleanIt.exe.
    • Click the CleanUp! button.
    • If you are prompted to Reboot during the cleanup, select Yes.
    • The tool will delete itself once it finishes.

    Note: If you receive a warning from your firewall or other security programs regarding OTC attempting to contact the internet, please allow it to do so.
    • You should now set a new Restore Point and remove the old restore points to prevent infection from any previous Restore Points.
    • Go to Start > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools
    • Click "System Restore".
    • Choose "Create a Restore Point" on the first screen then click "Next".
    • Give the Restore Point a name> click "Create".
    • Go back and follow the path to > System Tools.
      [*]Choose Disc Cleanup
      [*]Click "OK" to select the partition or drive you want.
      [*]Click the "More Options" Tab.
      [*]Click "Clean Up" in the System Restore section to remove all previous Restore Points except the newly created one.


    Empty the Recycle Bin
    Lt me know if you have any more questions.
  5. Rich108 Newcomer, in training

    I am sorry that I didn't provide you with a fuller accurate description of how my system became infected in the first place. I am extremely grateful that you have given your valuable time and expertise to resolve the issues I have been having. I was in a mad rush the day that I made the mistake that infected my machine under normal circumstances i would not have done something so stupid. I have followed your instructions in your last post regarding combofix, OTCleanlt and have set a new clean restore point. Does this now mean that my initial issues have been resolved ? The file with the name SID S-1-5-21-1495889697-3474788689-3807336589-1009 is still present in the recycler in my C, E and G drives but it will not let me delete it as said before even with the recycle bin being empty before I delete it. As you have said before this isn't that much of an issue. The only other issues I have are to do with windows installer always appearing at start-up and when software is opening up, that wasn't happening before my problems and something to do withe jusched.exe has encountered a problem and needs to close dialog box that comes up whenever my computer starts that has been present ever since tried to get rid of previous Java updates. I realise that these problems are probably better suited to a different section of the forum so maybe i should post the last two problems there
  6. Bobbye Helper on the Fringe

    jusched.exe is the auto-updater for Java. I have no use for auto-updates so I prevent mine as follows:
    Open the Control Panel> Java> Advanced tab> click on + sign to left of 'JRE Auto-update'> Check 'Never auto-download'> Click on Apply> OK
    Have a look at the Startup menu and make sure jusched.exe isn't checked.
    Almost everyone has the auto-updater checked. Problem is, they get the new update, but Java doesn't overwrite and users forget to uninstall old version. This way, user can keep in mind to uninstall old version when getting new version.
    ============================================
    About the flash drive: Just know that the more I know, the more I can help you. For instance, if I had known about the flash drive sharing, I would have had you disinfect it earlier and cautioned you about not using it until it was clean.
    =============================================
    About the Recycler: you can try doing a double click on the SID to see if it will 'open'. If it does, go to Edit> Select All> Delete. This has to be your account to remove those files. If they won't go, they aren't active in the system and eventually they will be overwritten.
    =============================================
    About MsiExec.exe: MsiExec.exe is the executable for the windows installer. This should only be running while you are running an installer. If this is still running after the installer has completed it should be safe to end this process. Did you abort any setups you had downloaded after the double click to install but before the install was complete?
    =============================================
    If you still have Combofix, I can try to remove the old Java from Firefox:

    Please run this Custom CFScript:

    • [1]. Close any open browsers.
      [2]. Close/disable all anti virus and anti malware programs so they do not interfere with the running of ComboFix.
      [3]. Open notepad> click on Format> Uncheck 'Word Wrap> and copy/paste the text in the code below into it:
    Code:
    Extra::
    File::
    c:\program files\Mozilla Firefox\extensions\{CAFEEFAC-0016-0000-0005-ABCDEFFEDCBA}
    c:\program files\Mozilla Firefox\extensions\{CAFEEFAC-0016-0000-0007-ABCDEFFEDCBA}
    c:\program files\Mozilla Firefox\extensions\{CAFEEFAC-0016-0000-0010-ABCDEFFEDCBA}
    c:\program files\Mozilla Firefox\extensions\{CAFEEFAC-0016-0000-0012-ABCDEFFEDCBA}
    c:\program files\Mozilla Firefox\extensions\{CAFEEFAC-0016-0000-0013-ABCDEFFEDCBA}
    c:\program files\Mozilla Firefox\extensions\{CAFEEFAC-0016-0000-0014-ABCDEFFEDCBA}
    c:\program files\Mozilla Firefox\extensions\{CAFEEFAC-0016-0000-0015-ABCDEFFEDCBA}
    c:\program files\Mozilla Firefox\extensions\{CAFEEFAC-0016-0000-0016-ABCDEFFEDCBA}
    c:\program files\Mozilla Firefox\extensions\{CAFEEFAC-0016-0000-0017-ABCDEFFEDCBA}
    c:\program files\Mozilla Firefox\extensions\{CAFEEFAC-0016-0000-0020-ABCDEFFEDCBA}
    c:\program files\Mozilla Firefox\extensions\{CAFEEFAC-0016-0000-0021-ABCDEFFEDCBA}
    c:\program files\Mozilla Firefox\extensions\{CAFEEFAC-0016-0000-0022-ABCDEFFEDCBA}
    Firefox::
    Firefox-:- Profile- c:\documents and settings\Richard\Application Data\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\qjolvo62.default\
    
    Save this as CFScript.txt, in the same location as ComboFix.exe
    [IMG]

    Referring to the picture above, drag CFScript into ComboFix.exe

    When finished, it will produce a log for you at C:\ComboFix.txt . You do not need to leave the log.
    ====================
    The system is clean. Let me know if there are any more problems.
  7. Rich108 Newcomer, in training

    Thanks very much for all your help it is much appreciated I would like to buy you a beer to thank you for everything you have done for me recently do you have a paypal account I can make a small donation into ? One last thing though do you have any idea why i have folders on my external drive with names like amd64 and i3a6 and another folder called 0751e7ac9f02a515303c7882f62fca1f which contains many folders in it with different numbers inside each is HotFixInstallerUI.dll and eula which is a rich txt word document these folders have appeared recently from nowhere
  8. Bobbye Helper on the Fringe

    Thank you for the offer, but it was my pleasure to help you. I don't accept donations and neither does TechSpot. Go learn a lot and come back and help out!!

    You can do a right click Properties on any of these folders to try and get more info. AMD will be for the processor. i386 is for Intel. We would have picked it up if it had been malware. My rule is that if you don't know, don't delete it. Be sure the hidden files and folders are just that:
    Control Panel> Folder Options> View tab> be sure to check 'don't show hidden files and folders' and check 'hide System files for OS (Recommended)> Apply OK.

    It's possible that the hidden files and folders have been set to show and you just haven't seen them previously. They aren't 'hidden' because they're bad- it's to keep you from removing them and trashing the system! Leave EULA.rtf' and 'HotFixInstallerUI.dll' Files
    ========================================
    Tips for added security and safer browsing:
    1. Browser Security Settings: Custom is fine if the user did the settings. Mine are Custom. Default is okay too, but sometimes too restrictive.
      This Tutorial will help guide you through Configuring Security Settings, Managing Active X Controls and other safety features: Make Internet Explorer safer.
    2. Have layered Security:
      • Antivirus Software(only one):Both of the following programs are free and known to be good:
        [o]Avira-AntiVir-Personal-Free-Antivirus
        [o]Avast Free Version

        [o]Avira Free
        [o]Avast Home
      • Firewall (only one): Use bi-directional firewall. Both of the following programs are free and known to be good:
        [o]Comodo
        [o]Zone Alarm
      • Antispyware: I recommend all of the following:
        [o]Spywareblaster: SpywareBlaster protects against bad ActiveX. It places kill bits to stop bad Active X controls from being installed. Remember to update it regularly.
      [o]Download ZonedOut and save to your desktop. this replaces IE/Spyad and manages the Zones in Internet explorer. This places over 4000 websites and domains in the IE Restricted list which will severely impair attempts to infect your system. It basically prevents any downloads (Cookies etc) from the sites listed, although you will still be able to connect to the sites.
      For IE7 and IE8, Windows 2000 thru Vista. No Windows 7 yet.
      IE/Spyad is not longer being supported. If you have this on your system, you should replace it with the following program. Make sure your IE8 is Up-to-date before adding sites to your restricted zone.
      Known issue: If you have "immunized" your computer with Spybot Search and Destroy, and use ZonedOut to "Remove All" restricted sites - ZonedOut will remove your trusted sites as well. Note that if you remove Spybot Search and Destroys Immunization the problem goes away...
      [o]Replace the Host Files
      MVPS Hosts files This replaces your current HOSTS file with one containing well know ad sites etc. Basically, this prevents your computer from connecting to those sites by redirecting them to 127.0.0.1 which is your local computer.
      [o]Google Toolbar Get the free google toolbar to help stop pop up windows.
    3. Stay current on updates:
      [o] Visit the Microsoft Download Sitefrequently. You should get All updates marked Critical and the current SP updates.
      [o]Visit this Adobe Reader site often and make sure you have the most current update. Uninstall any earlier updates as they are vulnerabilities.
      [o]Check this site .Java Updates Stay current as most updates are for security. Uninstall any earlier versions in Add/Remove Programs.
    4. Reset Cookies to prevent Tracking Cookies:
      [o]For Internet Explorer: Internet Options (through Tools or Control Panel) Privacy tab> Advanced button> check 'override automatic Cookie handling'> check 'accept first party Cookies'> check 'Block third party Cookies'> check 'allow per session Cookies'> Apply> OK.
      [o]For Firefox: Tools> Options> Privacy> Cookies> check ‘accept Cookies from Sites’> Uncheck 'accept third party Cookies'> Set Keep until 'they expire'. This will allow you to keep Cookies for registered sites and prevent or remove others. (Note: for Firefox v3.5, after Privacy click on 'use custom settings for History.')
      I suggest using the following two add-on for Firefox. They will prevent the Tracking Cookies that come from ads and banners and other sources:
      AdBlock Plus
      Easy List
    5. Do regular Maintenance
      Remove Temporary Internet Files regularly:
      [o]ATF Cleaner by Atribune
      OR
      [o]TFC
      Disable and Enable System Restore:
      [o]See System Restore Guide This will help you understand what this is, why you need to clean and set restore points and what information is in them.
    6. Practice Safe Email Handling
      [o] Don't open email from anyone you don't know.
      [o] Don't open Attachments in the email. Safe to your desktop and scan for viruses using a right click
      [o] Don't leave your personal email address on the internet. Have a separate email account at one of the free web-based emails like Yahoo.
Thread Status:
Not open for further replies.