Solved XP Antivirus 2012 supposedly fixed, but now ping.exe and browser redirect issues

[Bobbye]

Holiday Notice! I will not be working on the threads Sat. Dec. 24 or Sunday Dec. 25. I will begin with the oldest threads first on Monday. I will do my best to get you finished or as far along as I can before that. Please do not send a PM during those days.
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Here are some tips or added security:
Tips for added security and safer browsing: (Links are in Bold Blue)

1. Browser Security
   [o] Safe Settings (Please ignore the suggestion to use the Registry Editor in this section "Creating a Custom Security Zone")
   [o] ZonedOut. This manages the Zones in Internet Explorer. (For IE7 and IE8, Windows 2000 thru Vista. No Windows 7)
   [o] Replace the Host Files
   [o] Google Toolbar Pop Up Blocker
   [o]Web of Trust (WOT) Site Advisor. Traffic-light rating symbols show which rate the site for Trustworthiness, Vendor Reliability, Privacy, Child Safety.
   
2. Have layered Security:
   [o]Antivirus :(only one):Both of the following programs are free and known to be good:
   [o]Avira-AntiVir-Personal-Free-Antivirus
   [o]Avast-Free Antivirus
   [o]Firewall (only one): Use bi-directional firewall. Both of the following programs are free and known to be good:
   [o]Comodo
   [o]Zone Alarm
   
3. Antimalware: I recommend all of the following:
   [o]Spywareblaster: SpywareBlaster protects against bad ActiveX.
   [o]Spybot Search & Destroy
   
4. Updates: Stay current:
   [o] the Microsoft Download Sitefrequently. All updates marked Critical and the current SP updates.
   [o]Adobe Reader Install current, uninstall old.
   [o]Java Updates Install current, uninstall old.
   
5. Tracking Cookies
   Reset Cookie:
   [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
   [o]For Chrome: Tools> Options> Under The Hood> Privacy Section> CHECK 'Restrict how third party Cookies can be used'> Close.
   
6. Do regular Maintenance
   Clean the temporary internet files often:
   [o] Temporary File Cleaner]
   or
   [o] ATF Cleaner by Atribune
7. Restore Points:
   [o]See System Restore Guide
8. 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.

Please let me know if you find any bad link.

Have a Happy and Peaceful Holiday!

 

[TisTheSeason]

soooooooo...is it clean? I mean, are we finished? Do I need to do anything else?

 

[Bobbye]

Yes, you are clean and I have left instructions to remove the tools we used. I'm sorry you didn't understand that.