Now I want you to clean up some loose ends and take some precautions to avoid being re-infected
- If you reconfigured Windows to show hidden files you should reset this to its original state using the instructions from here except that
- Under the "Hidden files and folders" heading put a mark for "Do not show hidden files and folders".
- Uncheck "Display content of system folders"
- Check the "Hide protected operating system files (recommended)" option.
- Under the "Hidden files and folders" heading put a mark for "Do not show hidden files and folders".
- Clean out Temporary Files etc. Download System Security Suite from http://www.igorshpak.net/software/3ssetup104.zip. Extract it from the zip file into a folder and double click on sss.exe. Check the boxes under the 'Items to Clear' tab and click 'Clear Selected Items'. Reboot when prompted. It is a good idea to do this every few weeks as a lot of junk collects there over time.
- . Disable and Enable System Restore.
If you are using Windows ME or XP then you should disable and re-enable system restore to make sure there are no infected files found in a restore point left over from what we have just cleaned.
You can find instructions on how to enable and re-enable system restore here:- Managing Windows Millennium System Restore
or - Windows XP System Restore Guide
- Re-enable system restore with instructions from tutorial above
- Managing Windows Millennium System Restore
- Make your Internet Explorer more secure - This can be done by following these simple instructions:
- From within Internet Explorer click on the Tools menu and then click on Options.
- Click once on the Security tab
- Click once on the Internet icon so it becomes highlighted.
- Click once on the Custom Level button.
- Change the Download signed ActiveX controls to Prompt
- Change the Download unsigned ActiveX controls to Disable
- Change the Initialize and script ActiveX controls not marked as safe to Disable
- Change the Installation of desktop items to Prompt
- Change the Launching programs and files in an IFRAME to Prompt
- Change the Navigate sub-frames across different domains to Prompt
- When all these settings have been made, click on the OK button.
- If it prompts you as to whether or not you want to save the settings, press the Yes button.
- Change the Download signed ActiveX controls to Prompt
- Next press the Apply button and then the OK to exit the Internet Properties page.
- From within Internet Explorer click on the Tools menu and then click on Options.
Many exploits are directed at Internet Explorer, you don't have to use it. Try a different browser like
Firefox . It is also worth trying Thunderbird for controlling spam in your e-mail.
[*]Always use a anti-virus program and KEEP IT UPDATED
It is imperative that you update your Antivirus software at least once a week (Even more if you wish). If you do not update your antivirus software then it will not be able to catch any of the new variants that may come out.
This alone can save you a lot of trouble with malware in the future.
[*] Always use a firewall.
I can not stress how important it is that you use a Firewall on your computer.
Without a firewall your computer is susceptible to being hacked and taken over. I am very serious about this and see it happen to often with my clients. Simply using a Firewall in its default configuration can lower your risk greatly.
Be restrictive with granting access to the internet. If you are unsure if the program really needs the access, test it by denying the access and see if this has any negative effects. If not, make the block permanent.
[*]Never run two Antivirus programs or two Firewalls at the same time. They can interfere with each other and cause problems.
[*] [b]MOST IMPORTANT : You Need to keep “Windowsâ€