I justed downloaded the Microsoft Antispyware Beta. When I logon to my wife's profile I noticed that spyguard was removed from the start folder and I get I warning from Microsoft Antispyware that the iSearch tool bar is trying to install and asking me if I want to clean it. I always click yes and Microsoft Antispyware indicates it has been cleaned, but the next time I log in spyguard is disabled again and I get the iSearch warning again. This does not happen in my profile...

I have started up in safe mode and ran McAfee Antivirus, spybot, adaware, and Microsoft Antispyware. All applications indicate the computer is clean. Can you take a look at the HijackThis log and see if you see anything suspicious?

Thanks


Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.1
Scan saved at 1:39:29 PM, on 3/6/2005
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\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\CTSvcCDA.EXE
C:\Program Files\Network Associates\Common Framework\FrameworkService.exe
C:\Program Files\Network Associates\VirusScan\mcshield.exe
C:\Program Files\Network Associates\VirusScan\vstskmgr.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\VS7Debug\mdm.exe
C:\Program Files\Norton SystemWorks\Norton Utilities\NPROTECT.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\System32\nvsvc32.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\NORTON~2\SPEEDD~1\nopdb.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\MsPMSPSv.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\BCMSMMSG.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\DSentry.exe
C:\Program Files\MUSICMATCH\MUSICMATCH Jukebox\mm_tray.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Real\Update_OB\realsched.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Dell\EUSW\Support.exe
C:\Program Files\Write DVD!\saimon.exe
C:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe
C:\Program Files\MUSICMATCH\MUSICMATCH Jukebox\mmtask.exe
C:\Program Files\Dell\Support\Alert\bin\NotifyAlert.exe
C:\Program Files\Network Associates\VirusScan\SHSTAT.EXE
C:\Program Files\Network Associates\Common Framework\UpdaterUI.exe
C:\Program Files\Microsoft AntiSpyware\gcasServ.exe
C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\Ahead\Ahead\data\Xtras\mssysmgr.exe
C:\Program Files\SpywareGuard\sgmain.exe
C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office10\msoffice.exe
C:\Program Files\SpywareGuard\sgbhp.exe
C:\Program Files\Microsoft AntiSpyware\gcasDtServ.exe
C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe
C:\DOCUME~1\TAMILE~1\LOCALS~1\Temp\Temporary Directory 1 for hijackthis[1].zip\HijackThis.exe

R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL = http://www.dellnet.com
R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://www.cox.net/
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL = http://www.dellnet.com
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://www.cox.net/
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Connection Wizard,ShellNext = http://www.cox.net/
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings,ProxyOverride = http://localhost
R3 - URLSearchHook: (no name) - _{1C78AB3F-A857-482e-80C0-3A1E5238A565} - (no file)
O2 - BHO: AcroIEHlprObj Class - {06849E9F-C8D7-4D59-B87D-784B7D6BE0B3} - C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 6.0\Reader\ActiveX\AcroIEHelper.dll
O2 - BHO: SpywareGuard Download Protection - {4A368E80-174F-4872-96B5-0B27DDD11DB2} - C:\Program Files\SpywareGuard\dlprotect.dll
O2 - BHO: REALBAR - {4E7BD74F-2B8D-469E-C0FF-FD60B590A87D} - C:\PROGRA~1\COMMON~1\Real\Toolbar\realbar.dll
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {53707962-6F74-2D53-2644-206D7942484F} - C:\PROGRA~1\SPYBOT~1\SDHelper.dll
O3 - Toolbar: REALBAR - {4E7BD74F-2B8D-469E-C0FF-FD60B590A87D} - C:\PROGRA~1\COMMON~1\Real\Toolbar\realbar.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NvCplDaemon] RUNDLL32.EXE C:\WINDOWS\System32\NvCpl.dll,NvStartup
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [BCMSMMSG] BCMSMMSG.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [DVDSentry] C:\WINDOWS\System32\DSentry.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [MMTray] C:\Program Files\MUSICMATCH\MUSICMATCH Jukebox\mm_tray.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [TkBellExe] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Real\Update_OB\realsched.exe" -osboot
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [DwlClient] C:\Program Files\Common Files\Dell\EUSW\Support.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Write DVD-R!] C:\Program Files\Write DVD!\saimon.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [QuickTime Task] "C:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe" -atboottime
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [mmtask] C:\Program Files\MUSICMATCH\MUSICMATCH Jukebox\mmtask.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NeroFilterCheck] C:\WINDOWS\system32\NeroCheck.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ShStatEXE] "C:\Program Files\Network Associates\VirusScan\SHSTAT.EXE" /STANDALONE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [McAfeeUpdaterUI] "C:\Program Files\Network Associates\Common Framework\UpdaterUI.exe" /StartedFromRunKey
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [gcasServ] "C:\Program Files\Microsoft AntiSpyware\gcasServ.exe"
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [MSMSGS] "C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe" /background
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [ctfmon.exe] C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [PhotoShow Deluxe Media Manager] C:\PROGRA~1\Ahead\Ahead\data\Xtras\mssysmgr.exe
O4 - Global Startup: Adobe Gamma Loader.lnk = ?
O4 - Global Startup: Microsoft Office.lnk = C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office10\OSA.EXE
O4 - Global Startup: SpywareGuard.lnk = C:\Program Files\SpywareGuard\sgmain.exe
O8 - Extra context menu item: E&xport to Microsoft Excel - res://C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~2\Office10\EXCEL.EXE/3000
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\Program Files\Java\j2re1.4.2\bin\npjpi142.dll
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Sun Java Console - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\Program Files\Java\j2re1.4.2\bin\npjpi142.dll
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {CD67F990-D8E9-11d2-98FE-00C0F0318AFE} - (no file)
O9 - Extra button: Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Windows Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
O15 - Trusted Zone: *.musicmatch.com
O15 - Trusted Zone: *.musicmatch.com (HKLM)
O16 - DPF: {17492023-C23A-453E-A040-C7C580BBF700} (Windows Genuine Advantage Validation Tool) - http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=36467&clcid=0x409
O16 - DPF: {2BC66F54-93A8-11D3-BEB6-00105AA9B6AE} (Symantec AntiVirus scanner) - http://security.symantec.com/sscv6/SharedC...bin/AvSniff.cab
O16 - DPF: {644E432F-49D3-41A1-8DD5-E099162EEEC5} (Symantec RuFSI Utility Class) - http://security.symantec.com/sscv6/SharedC...n/bin/cabsa.cab
O16 - DPF: {C2FCEF52-ACE9-11D3-BEBD-00105AA9B6AE} (Symantec RuFSI Registry Information Class) - http://security.symantec.com/sscv6/SharedC...n/bin/cabsa.cab
O23 - Service: Creative Service for CDROM Access - Creative Technology Ltd - C:\WINDOWS\System32\CTSvcCDA.EXE
O23 - Service: McAfee Framework Service (McAfeeFramework) - Network Associates, Inc. - C:\Program Files\Network Associates\Common Framework\FrameworkService.exe
O23 - Service: Network Associates McShield (McShield) - Network Associates, Inc. - C:\Program Files\Network Associates\VirusScan\mcshield.exe
O23 - Service: Network Associates Task Manager (McTaskManager) - Network Associates, Inc. - C:\Program Files\Network Associates\VirusScan\vstskmgr.exe
O23 - Service: Intel NCS NetService (NetSvc) - Intel® Corporation - C:\Program Files\Intel\NCS\Sync\NetSvc.exe
O23 - Service: Norton Unerase Protection (NProtectService) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Norton SystemWorks\Norton Utilities\NPROTECT.EXE
O23 - Service: NVIDIA Driver Helper Service (NVSvc) - NVIDIA Corporation - C:\WINDOWS\System32\nvsvc32.exe
O23 - Service: Speed Disk service - Symantec Corporation - C:\PROGRA~1\NORTON~2\SPEEDD~1\nopdb.exe
O23 - Service: SymWMI Service (SymWSC) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\Security Center\SymWSC.exe

That log was clean. If it was made from your profile, please login using your wife's profile and run HiJackThis, posting the log in this thread.

The log I posted was from my wife's profile. I just downloaded Adaware SE (I had Adaware 6) and ran it in both hprofiles. Adaware SE found iSearch, I cleaned it, Adaware inicated that it was successfully cleaned, but when my wife logged in again we got the warning from Microsoft Antispyware that the iSearch Toolbar was trying to install!!!

Adaware indicated the iSearch file was located at c:\install.cab

Any ideas?

OK, then post a log from your profile.

The last thing you need is iSearch installed. If it detects in C:\install.cab, then delete that file. If necessary boot to Safe Mode first.

Attached is the HJT log from my profile. I tried to delete the file c:\install.cab, but it was gone I assume because I cleaned it with Adaware SE. I ran Adaware SE again in safe mode and found it again this time in c:\recycler\nprotect\00150174.cab. Again I cleaned it and did not fild the file when I looked in file mgr. I noticed in the HJT log that I have a nprotect.exe as part of my norton systemworks.

I also notice that when I log into my wife's profile Microsoft Antispyware gives me the warning tha the iSearch Tool Bar is trying to installk a search hook and asks me if I would like to block it. I say yes and then it asks me if I would like to remove it. Again, I say yes and Microsoft Antispyware indicates that it has been cleaned. From then on I can log on and off my wifes account without issue, but if I log into my account and then go back to her account I get the warning again. It seems like something in my profile is triggering it to occur in her profile. I also logged into my profile in safe mode and shut down and went to her profile and I did not get the warning so it appears that something in my startup is triggering this. Can you take a look at the log from my profile and see if you see anything suspicious? This is really starting to freak me out!

The HiJackThis log you attached was empty.

Rather than attach, please copy and paste. It's easier on us and you can see if it is all posted.

Also, for MSAS, use Tools -> Real-time Protection -> View Blocked Events, and Tools -> Real-time Protection -> View Security Agent Events and get the information on the file that was triggering the alert.

Sorry about the blank log. Here is the HJT log frommy profile. Also, you instructed me to get the file triggering the alert. Below is the info from the security agent event log. The blocked events log is blank, even when I check it immediately after blocking the iSearch install. I notice the security agent event log alternates between my profile approving spyguard and my wife's profile removing iSearch.

Remove spyware threat iSearch.Toolbar.
Occured on: 3/7/2005 at 6:40:03 PM
The user Tami Levinson, has decided to remove the spyware threat iSearch.Toolbar that has been detected by real-time protection.


Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.1
Scan saved at 9:33:23 PM, on 3/7/2005
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\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\CTSvcCDA.EXE
C:\Program Files\Network Associates\Common Framework\FrameworkService.exe
C:\Program Files\Network Associates\VirusScan\mcshield.exe
C:\Program Files\Network Associates\VirusScan\vstskmgr.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\VS7Debug\mdm.exe
C:\Program Files\Norton SystemWorks\Norton Utilities\NPROTECT.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\System32\nvsvc32.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\NORTON~2\SPEEDD~1\nopdb.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\MsPMSPSv.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\BCMSMMSG.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\DSentry.exe
C:\Program Files\MUSICMATCH\MUSICMATCH Jukebox\mm_tray.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Real\Update_OB\realsched.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Dell\EUSW\Support.exe
C:\Program Files\Write DVD!\saimon.exe
C:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe
C:\Program Files\MUSICMATCH\MUSICMATCH Jukebox\mmtask.exe
C:\Program Files\Network Associates\VirusScan\SHSTAT.EXE
C:\Program Files\Network Associates\Common Framework\UpdaterUI.exe
C:\Program Files\Microsoft AntiSpyware\gcasServ.exe
C:\Program Files\Dell\Support\Alert\bin\NotifyAlert.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\Ahead\Ahead\data\xtras\mssysmgr.exe
C:\Program Files\SpywareGuard\sgmain.exe
C:\Program Files\SpywareGuard\sgbhp.exe
C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office10\msoffice.exe
C:\Program Files\Microsoft AntiSpyware\gcasDtServ.exe
C:\DOCUME~1\JOELLE~1\LOCALS~1\Temp\Temporary Directory 2 for hijackthisv99.1.zip\HijackThis.exe

R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL = http://www.dellnet.com
R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://www.cox.net/
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL = http://www.dellnet.com
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://www.cox.net/
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings,ProxyOverride = http://localhost;
O2 - BHO: AcroIEHlprObj Class - {06849E9F-C8D7-4D59-B87D-784B7D6BE0B3} - C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 6.0\Reader\ActiveX\AcroIEHelper.dll
O2 - BHO: SpywareGuard Download Protection - {4A368E80-174F-4872-96B5-0B27DDD11DB2} - C:\Program Files\SpywareGuard\dlprotect.dll
O2 - BHO: REALBAR - {4E7BD74F-2B8D-469E-C0FF-FD60B590A87D} - C:\PROGRA~1\COMMON~1\Real\Toolbar\realbar.dll
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {53707962-6F74-2D53-2644-206D7942484F} - C:\PROGRA~1\SPYBOT~1\SDHelper.dll
O3 - Toolbar: REALBAR - {4E7BD74F-2B8D-469E-C0FF-FD60B590A87D} - C:\PROGRA~1\COMMON~1\Real\Toolbar\realbar.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NvCplDaemon] RUNDLL32.EXE C:\WINDOWS\System32\NvCpl.dll,NvStartup
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [BCMSMMSG] BCMSMMSG.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [DVDSentry] C:\WINDOWS\System32\DSentry.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [MMTray] C:\Program Files\MUSICMATCH\MUSICMATCH Jukebox\mm_tray.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [TkBellExe] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Real\Update_OB\realsched.exe" -osboot
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [DwlClient] C:\Program Files\Common Files\Dell\EUSW\Support.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Write DVD-R!] C:\Program Files\Write DVD!\saimon.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [QuickTime Task] "C:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe" -atboottime
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [mmtask] C:\Program Files\MUSICMATCH\MUSICMATCH Jukebox\mmtask.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NeroFilterCheck] C:\WINDOWS\system32\NeroCheck.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ShStatEXE] "C:\Program Files\Network Associates\VirusScan\SHSTAT.EXE" /STANDALONE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [McAfeeUpdaterUI] "C:\Program Files\Network Associates\Common Framework\UpdaterUI.exe" /StartedFromRunKey
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [gcasServ] "C:\Program Files\Microsoft AntiSpyware\gcasServ.exe"
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [MSMSGS] "C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe" /background
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [ctfmon.exe] C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [PhotoShow Deluxe Media Manager] C:\PROGRA~1\Ahead\Ahead\data\xtras\mssysmgr.exe
O4 - Startup: SpywareGuard.lnk = C:\Program Files\SpywareGuard\sgmain.exe
O4 - Global Startup: Adobe Gamma Loader.lnk = ?
O4 - Global Startup: Microsoft Office.lnk = C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office10\OSA.EXE
O4 - Global Startup: SpywareGuard.lnk = C:\Program Files\SpywareGuard\sgmain.exe
O8 - Extra context menu item: E&xport to Microsoft Excel - res://C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~2\Office10\EXCEL.EXE/3000
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\Program Files\Java\j2re1.4.2\bin\npjpi142.dll
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Sun Java Console - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\Program Files\Java\j2re1.4.2\bin\npjpi142.dll
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {CD67F990-D8E9-11d2-98FE-00C0F0318AFE} - (no file)
O9 - Extra button: Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Windows Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
O15 - Trusted Zone: *.musicmatch.com (HKLM)
O16 - DPF: {17492023-C23A-453E-A040-C7C580BBF700} (Windows Genuine Advantage Validation Tool) - http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=36467&clcid=0x409
O16 - DPF: {2BC66F54-93A8-11D3-BEB6-00105AA9B6AE} (Symantec AntiVirus scanner) - http://security.symantec.com/sscv6/SharedC...bin/AvSniff.cab
O16 - DPF: {644E432F-49D3-41A1-8DD5-E099162EEEC5} (Symantec RuFSI Utility Class) - http://security.symantec.com/sscv6/SharedC...n/bin/cabsa.cab
O16 - DPF: {C2FCEF52-ACE9-11D3-BEBD-00105AA9B6AE} (Symantec RuFSI Registry Information Class) - http://security.symantec.com/sscv6/SharedC...n/bin/cabsa.cab
O23 - Service: Creative Service for CDROM Access - Creative Technology Ltd - C:\WINDOWS\System32\CTSvcCDA.EXE
O23 - Service: McAfee Framework Service (McAfeeFramework) - Network Associates, Inc. - C:\Program Files\Network Associates\Common Framework\FrameworkService.exe
O23 - Service: Network Associates McShield (McShield) - Network Associates, Inc. - C:\Program Files\Network Associates\VirusScan\mcshield.exe
O23 - Service: Network Associates Task Manager (McTaskManager) - Network Associates, Inc. - C:\Program Files\Network Associates\VirusScan\vstskmgr.exe
O23 - Service: Intel NCS NetService (NetSvc) - Intel® Corporation - C:\Program Files\Intel\NCS\Sync\NetSvc.exe
O23 - Service: Norton Unerase Protection (NProtectService) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Norton SystemWorks\Norton Utilities\NPROTECT.EXE
O23 - Service: NVIDIA Driver Helper Service (NVSvc) - NVIDIA Corporation - C:\WINDOWS\System32\nvsvc32.exe
O23 - Service: Speed Disk service - Symantec Corporation - C:\PROGRA~1\NORTON~2\SPEEDD~1\nopdb.exe
O23 - Service: SymWMI Service (SymWSC) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\Security Center\SymWSC.exe

First:
Found it in your wife's profile. Do this for both profiles just to be safe!

Launch Notepad, and copy/paste the box below into a new text file. Save it as fixme.reg and save it on your Desktop.

Locate fixme.reg on your Desktop and double-click on it.
You will receive a prompt similar to: "Do you wish to merge the information into the registry?".
Answer 'Yes' and wait for a message to appear similar to "Merged Successfully".


Then check both profiles out and let me know if the problem is gone.

LoPhatPhuud Rocks!!!

That did it, I am not getting the iSearch warning in MSAS anymore. I really appreciate your help with this.

My pleasure...


At last, your system is clean and free of spyware! Want to keep it that way?

Here are some simple steps you can take to reduce the chance of infection in the future.

1. Visit Windows Update:
Make sure that you have all the Critical Updates recommended for your operating system and Internet Explorer. The first defense against infection is a properly patched Operating System.
a. Windows Update: http://v5.windowsupdate.microsoft.com/en/default.asp

2. Adjust your security settings for ActiveX:
Select Internet Options from the Control Panels, or from Internet Explorer (Tools -> Internet Options)
Press 'default level', then OK
Now press "Custom Level."

In the ActiveX controls and plug-ins section set these options:
'Download singed ActiveX controls' - Prompt
'Download unsigned ActiveX controls' - Disable
'Initialize and script ActiveX controls not maked as safe'- Disable
All other options accept the default

3. Download and install the following free programs
a. SpywareBlaster: http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/spywareblaster.html
b. IE/Spyad: https://netfiles.uiuc.edu/ehowes/www/resource.htm
c. BHODemon: http://www.definitivesolutions.com/bhodemon.htm
d. Bugoff: http://castlecops.com/downloads-file-374.html

4. Install Spyware Detection and Removal Programs:
You may also want to consider installing one of the following:
a. Microsoft AntiSpyware: http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/s...re/default.mspx
NOTE: MS AntiSpyware only runs on Windows 2000, XP, and 2003.
b. Spybot S&D: http://security.kolla.de/index.php?lang=en&page=download
c. AdAware: http://www.lavasoft.de/ Due to AdAware's recent decision to remove WhenU from its detection database, only to quickly add it back in response to public outcry I can no longer recommend this product as a first line of defense. For those interested, here is a link to discussion regarding this: http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,12665642~mode=flat

Use these programs to regularly scan your system for and remove many forms of spyware/malware. I recommend and use Micosoft AntiSpyware.

If you use, or plan on using, additional spyware/malware detection and/or removal programs, please check Items 8 and 9.

5. Install 'Spoofstick"
Spoofstick is a simple browser extension that helps users detect spoofed (fake) websites. This extension is free and installs in Internet Explorer and Mozilla Firefox.
a. http://www.corestreet.com/spoofstick

6. Reset System Restore
If you are using Windows ME or Windows XP, please reset your System Restore. See Windows help for information.

7. Clean Temporary Files and Folders
Double Click My Computer (WinXP: Navigate to Start --->My Computer)
You will see an icon representing your harddrive (most likely C: Drive) Right Click on the hard drive icon and click Properties at the bottom of the fly out window. On the very first tab (General) you will see a button labeled "Disk Cleanup"...click that button.

Make sure the following are checked:
Downloaded Program Files
Temporary Internet Files and
Recycle Bin

Click OK and Disk Cleanup will delete those files for you.

8. Rogue/Suspect Anti-Spyware
Before using or purchasing any Spyware/Malware protection/removal program, always check the Rogue/Suspect Spyware List. It will save you a lot of grief, as well as money if you are thinking of purchasing. Here is the link: http://www.spywarewarrior.com/rogue_anti-spyware.htm

9. Anti-Spyware Programs Compared
Want to know just how effective your anti-spyware program is? Wonder how well any of the "rogue" programs listed above work? Check this link for an independent comparison of several anti-spyware programs: http://www.spywarewarrior.com/asw-test-guide.htm

10. Alternate Browser
Consider using an alternate browser as your default. I recommend and use Firefox as my primary browser. It is still necessary to keep Internet Explorer current and protected in order to use Windows Update.


For more information about Spyware, the tools available, and other informative material, including information on how you may have been infected in the first place, please check out this link: http://forum.gladiator-antivirus.com/index...?showtopic=9857

"It is your responsibility to read and adhere to the End User Licensing Agreement (EULA) of all software and services mentioned."

Good luck, and thanks for coming to our forums for help with your security and malware issues.