help with my hjt log

[NonSuch]

I stopped using Norton years ago because it didn't update the virus definitions often enough, in my opinion. I don't know how it is now. I also feel it's a terrible resource hog, especially the Norton Internet Security suite. On my machines, I use avast! antivirus and Kerio Personal Firewall. You may find that AVG and Kerio Personal Firewall are a good combination for you. That's most likely the combination I would go with.

Whatever you choose, you must make sure that the virus definitions are being updated frequently. Additionally, no antivirus can protect you against all the new/unknown threats for which they have not yet developed protetion. The best protection for that is you. You must be careful not to open e-mails from unknown sources, and avoid clicking on links in e-mails and instant messages. Dubious sites must be avoided at all costs as well as all unknown/unverified downloads.

[tanyasm]

Can I keep trackseraser, CCleaner, and Microsoft Anti spyware or should I delete that too.


Thank you,

Tanya

[NonSuch]

Can I keep trackseraser, CCleaner, and Microsoft Anti spyware or should I delete that too.


Thank you,

Tanya

Tanya,

The programs you mention should not conflict with your antivirus and/or firewall. Keep them. They're all good to use.

The following information is what I usually give to people once their systems are clean and yours appears to fall into that category now. Perhaps this will help to clear up some of your questions and/or concerns. Remember, in addition to removing the extraneous antivirus and firewall programs, you also need to install Windows updates. An updated system is more secure against malware attacks.

Now that you are clean, please follow these simple steps in order to keep your computer clean and secure:

1. 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.
   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
   
2. Make your Internet Explorer more secure - This can be done by following these simple instructions:
   
   
   1. From within Internet Explorer click on the Tools menu and then click on Options.
   2. Click once on the Security tab
   3. Click once on the Internet icon so it becomes highlighted.
   4. Click once on the Custom Level button.
      
      
      
      1. Change the Download signed ActiveX controls to Prompt
      2. Change the Download unsigned ActiveX controls to Disable
      3. Change the Initialise and script ActiveX controls not marked as safe to Disable
      4. Change the Installation of desktop items to Prompt
      5. Change the Launching programs and files in an IFRAME to Prompt
      6. Change the Navigate sub-frames across different domains to Prompt
      7. When all these settings have been made, click on the OK button.
      8. If it prompts you as to whether or not you want to save the settings, press the Yes button.
   5. Next press the Apply button and then the OK to exit the Internet Properties page.
3. Use an Anti Virus Software - It is very important that your computer has an anti-virus software running on your machine. This alone can save you a lot of trouble with malware in the future. See this link for a listing of some online & their stand-alone anti virus programs:
   Computer Safety On line - Anti-Virus
   
4. Update your Antivirus Software - It is imperative that you update your Antivirus software at least once a week, preferably daily. 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.
   
5. Use a Firewall - It is vitally important that you install and use a firewall on your computer. Without a firewall, your computer is susceptible to being hacked and taken over. Simply using a firewall in its default configuration can lower your risk greatly. For an article on firewalls and a listing of some available ones see the link below:
   Computer Safety On line - Software Firewalls
   
6. Visit Microsoft's Windows Update Site Frequently - It is important that you visit http://www.windowsupdate.com regularly. This will ensure your computer always has the latest security updates available installed on your computer. If there are new updates to install, install them immediately, reboot your computer, and revisit the site until there are no more critical updates.
   
7. Install Spybot - Search and Destroy - Install and download Spybot - Search and Destroy with its TeaTimer option.
   This will provide real-time spyware & hijacker protection on your computer alongside your virus protection. You should also scan your computer with program on a regular basis just as you would an anti virus software. A tutorial on installing & using this product can be found here:
   Instructions for - Spybot S & D and Ad-aware
   
8. Install Ad-Aware - Install and download Ad-Aware. You should also scan your computer with the program on a regular basis just as you would an anti virus software in conjunction with Spybot. A tutorial on installing & using this product can be found here:
   Instructions for - Spybot S & D and Ad-aware
   
9. Install SpywareBlaster - SpywareBlaster will add a large list of programs and sites into your Internet Explorer settings that will protect you from running and downloading known malicious programs. A article on anti-malware products with links for this program and others can be found here:
   Computer Safety on line - Anti-Malware
   
10. Update all these programs regularly - Make sure you update all the programs I have listed regularly. Without regular updates you WILL NOT be protected when new malicious programs are released.

Follow this list and your potential for being infected again will reduce dramatically.

[tanyasm]

I am trying to uninstall the sbc yahoo online protection. I cannot find the program to uninstall. I went to start, control panel, add/remove programs but it is not showing sbc yahoo online protection or computer associates vet. Where else should I look for this program?

[NonSuch]

I'm not familiar with the program, so I'm afraid I can't help you there. I would suggest you contact SBC Yahoo, or see if that information is available on their web site.

[tanyasm]

I was reading on kerio personal firewall website and read that kerio personal firewall software is going to be discontinued December 31, 2005. What other firewall do you recommend?

Tanya

[NonSuch]

Tanya,

Actually, Sunbelt Software (an excellent and highly respected company) is acquiring Kerio Personal Firewall and will continue to support and improve the product. You can read about it here...

http://castlecops.com/article-6377--0-0.html

[NonSuch]

Glad we could be of assistance.

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