Glad you got it resolved. Sometimes reformatting is the best way to go.
When should I re-format? How should I reinstall?
http://www.dslreports.com/faq/10063
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DON’T BECOME OVERCONFIDENT WITH ANTIVIRUS APPLICATIONS INSTALLED!!!
http://www.malwareremoval.com/forum/viewtop ... 6ea0b5e8ee
Stay up to date on security patches and be extremely wary of clicking on links and attachments that arrive unbidden in instant messages and e-mail.
"The number one thing the majority of the malicious code we're seeing now does is disable or delete anti-virus and other security software," Dunham said. "In a lot of cases, once the user clicks on that attachment, it's already too late."
Now that you are clean, please follow these simple steps in order to keep your computer clean and secure:
- Use an AntiVirus 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 antivirus programs:
Virus, Spyware, and Malware Protection and Removal Resources - Update your AntiVirus Software - 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.
You may already have one installed. - 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. Simply using a Firewall in its default configuration can lower your risk greatly.
For a tutorial on Firewalls and a listing of some available ones see the link below:
Understanding and Using Firewalls - Visit Microsoft's Update Site Frequently - It is important that you visit Windows Updates regularly. This will ensure your computer has always 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.
- Install Spybot - Search and Destroy - Install and download Spybot - Search and Destroy with its TeaTimer option. This will provide realtime 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 antivirus software.
A tutorial on installing & using this product can be found here:
Using Spybot - Search & Destroy to remove Spyware , Malware, and Hijackers - Install Ad-Aware - Install and download Ad-Aware. ou should also scan your computer with program on a regular basis just as you would an antivirus software in conjunction with Spybot.
A tutorial on installing & using this product can be found here:
Using Ad-aware to remove Spyware, Malware, & Hijackers from Your Computer - Install SpywareBlaster - SpywareBlaster will added a large list of programs and sites into your Internet Explorer settings that will protect you from running and downloading known malicious programs.
A tutorial on installing & using this product can be found here:
Using SpywareBlaster to protect your computer from Spyware and Malware - 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.
- More info on how to prevent malware you can also find here (By Tony Klein)
Follow this list and your potential for being infected again will reduce dramatically.
Regards,
Susan
