Congratulations pepsigirl, Your system appears to be clean! this may not be your area, but most of my time i spend playing games on pogo now that i have upgraded to the new java it is telling me java is not installed. I am enclosing a copy of the java cosole if you can help.
I am sorry, but this isn't really my area of expertise. You may want to try uninstalling Java, and then re-installing it as something might have gotten borked in the installation process. It could be that there is an issue on Pogo's side of things also. I am afraid other than suggesting those two things, there isn't much I can help you with that.
one more question ken would it hurt my computer to restore it to factory once we have finished and start fresh?
No, it won't "hurt" your computer. If you are talking about reformatting your hard drive back to it's original factory settings, you do have the possibility of losing all of your data. I would suggest that you back up any important files (such as pictures, music, etc) before doing it though. I think that now that we have you clean, and if you take some preventative steps, you hopefully wont have as much trouble. The choice is yours. It just depends on what you want to do.....
Now that you are clean, I got some tips & tricks for you to keep your computer clean and secure. The first few (like removing dangerous tools and Windows Update) have to be done, the others are option (beginning with Spybot S &D).
It may seem like your system will be too much protected with all these things installed, but a lot of programs aren't running always on the background so don't slow down your computer. Please take a look at the following things:
Remove dangerous tools - Because some tools we used can be dangerous if they're used in the wrong way we have to remove some of them. Please remove the following tools:
SDFixDisable 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.
Turn
off System Restore.
On the Desktop, right-click
My ComputerClick
PropertiesClick the
System Restore tab
Check
Turn off System RestoreClick
Apply, and then click
OKReboot.
Turn
on System Restore.
On the Desktop, right-click
My ComputerClick
PropertiesClick the
System Restore tab
Uncheck
Turn off System RestoreClick
Apply, and then click
OKNOTE: only do this ONCE, NOT on a regular basis!Re hide your system files To do so, please follow the steps below:
- Double-click My Computer.
- Click the Tools menu, and then click Folder Options.
- Click the View tab.
- Put a check by "Hide file extensions for known file types."
- Under the "Hidden files" folder, select "Do not show hidden files and folders."
- Check "Hide protected operating system files."
- Click Apply, and then click OK.
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 Initialise 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.
- Next press the Apply button and then the OK to exit the Internet Properties page.
Update your Anti Virus Software - It is imperitive that you update your Anti virus software at least once a week (Even more if you wish). If you do not update your anti virus software then it will not be able to catch any of the new variants that may come out.
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. If you use the Windows Firewall you might think that's sufficient but it only controls one way of the traffic (inbound/outbound not sure). Simply using a Firewall in its default configuration can lower your risk greatly. Here are some firewalls which are free for personal use and most used:
ComodoKerioZoneAlarmVisit Microsoft's Update Site Frequently - It is important that you visit
http://update.microsoft.com/ 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 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:
Tutorail for Spybot S & DInstall 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. You can download it here:
SpywareBlasterInstall WinPatrol - As a robust security monitor,
WinPatrol will alert you to hijackings, malware attacks and critical changes made to your computer without your permission. WinPatrol takes snapshot of your critical system resources and alerts you to any changes that may occur without your knowledge. You can download it from this website:
WinPatrolThe developer is a well-known man in the MalWare Removal business. If you really like WinPatrol think about upgrading to the PLUS version. It will give you additional features and you will only have to pay once, for your whole malware-free life.
Install MVPS HOSTS - This custom hosts file effectively blocks a wide range of unwanted ads, banners, 3rd party Cookies, 3rd party page counters, web bugs, and many hijackers.
For information on how to download and install, please read this tutorial here:
WinHelp2002Note: Be sure to follow the instructions to disable the
DNS Client service
before installing a custom hosts file.
Use an alternative Internet Browser - Many of the exploits are directed to users of Internet Explorer. Try using a different browser instead:
Firefox << Most used, I use this one myself.
OperaBookmark general cleanup links - It could be that your computer is becoming slower and slower. This is not always the cause of malware. Most of the times it's malware when you're computer is suddenly getting slow or doing strange. When the slowdown increases slowly check (so now bookmark) these links for tips & tricks:
Help! My computer is slowSlow Computer? Check here first; it may not be malwareUpdate 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.[/list]
Follow this list and your potential for being infected again will reduce dramatically.
Stand Up and Be Counted!Please take the time to tell us what you would like to be done about the people who are behind all the problems you have had. We can only get something done about this if the people that we help, like you, are prepared to complain. We have a dedicated forum for collecting these complaints called
Malware Complaints. Please register there first! Then follow the instructions here:
<link>
>> Here << you can see how you can help us.
Have a happy computing day!!
Ken