Expensice Phone costs - dialler or Plug ins?

PCNovice · #1 (**permalink**) 16-01-2005, 07:53 PM

Got a shock the other day when my phone bill showed 5 amounts of almost £20 each for some website that seems to charge £1.5 per minute. On closer examination it seems to have stemmed from a MSN Messenger connection that has managed to connect me to an expensive "adult" Spanish website. Looking through Google has indicated that there are problems with a msntmpuk folder and "associated" buttons. There is indeed a msntmpuk directory on my hard disk containing 5 files and one refers to a mis programas site which appears to charge a max of 1.06 euros ( less than £1.5).

We have run the latest Hijack This and the log is shown below.
Grateful your advice on best method of removing all references to this site and expensive dial ups. Also we don't really need Msn Messaging so that could also be removed to stop further intrusions.
We have noticed that there are 2 or 3 new icons on the interent explorer tool bar including a msn messaging and the mis programas one. It would be nice to get rid of these too!

Any help would be most gratefully received

Thanks

PC Novice

Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.0
Scan saved at 17:10:52, on 16/01/2005
Platform: Windows XP SP1 (WinNT 5.01.2600)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v6.00 SP1 (6.00.2800.1106)

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\S24EvMon.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Command Software Shared\Scanner\css-avs.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Command Software Shared\Communication\css_1630.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\VS7Debug\mdm.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\RegSrvc.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\RoamMgr.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\Sophos SWEEP for NT\SWNETSUP.EXE
C:\Program Files\Sophos SWEEP for NT\SWEEPSRV.SYS
C:\Program Files\Intel\Switching\User\RoamSvc.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\ZCfgSvc.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\System32\igfxtray.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\hkcmd.exe
C:\Program Files\Apoint\Apoint.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\pctspk.exe
C:\Program Files\Intel\NCS\PROSet\PRONoMgr.exe
C:\Program Files\Dell\QuickSet\quickset.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\DSentry.exe
C:\Program Files\Roxio\Easy CD Creator 5\DirectCD\DirectCD.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\COMMON~1\COMMAN~1\Scanner\dvprpt.exe
C:\Program Files\Command Software\F-prot\f-agent.exe
C:\Program Files\iTunes\iTunesHelper.exe
C:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe
C:\Program Files\Hotbar\bin\4.5.1.0\WeatherOnTray.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Command Software Shared\Scanner\dvpapi.exe
C:\Program Files\Hotbar\bin\4.5.1.0\HbInst.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\ctfmon.exe
C:\Program Files\iPod\bin\iPodService.exe
C:\Program Files\Apoint\Apntex.exe
C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
C:\Program Files\Hewlett-Packard\Digital Imaging\bin\hpohmr08.exe
C:\Program Files\Hewlett-Packard\Digital Imaging\bin\hpotdd01.exe
C:\Program Files\Sophos SWEEP for NT\ICMON.EXE
C:\Program Files\Hewlett-Packard\Digital Imaging\bin\hpoevm08.exe
C:\Program Files\Hewlett-Packard\Digital Imaging\Bin\hpoSTS08.exe
C:\Program Files\Hewlett-Packard\Digital Imaging\Bin\hpoSTS08.exe
C:\HijackThis\HijackThis.exe

R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL = http://www.euro.dell.com/countries/u...en/default.htm
R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://www.ngfl.gov.uk/
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL = http://www.euro.dell.com/countries/u...en/default.htm
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://www.euro.dell.com/countries/u...en/default.htm
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Search,SearchAssistant = http://www.hotbar.com/dyn/hotbar/3.0...chPageHome.htm
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Int ernet

Settings,ProxyServer = proxy1.equinoxsolutions.com:80
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Int ernet Settings,ProxyOverride = 127.0.0.1
O2 - BHO: rtc - {0610C4E6-A0D0-45d8-B6CB-3CCD74296EBB} - C:\WINDOWS\System32\rtc.dll
O2 - BHO: AcroIEHlprObj Class - {06849E9F-C8D7-4D59-B87D-784B7D6BE0B3} - C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 6.0\Reader\ActiveX\AcroIEHelper.dll
O2 - BHO: Hotbar - {B195B3B3-8A05-11D3-97A4-0004ACA6948E} - C:\Program Files\Hotbar\bin\4.5.1.0\HbHostIE.dll
O3 - Toolbar: &Radio - {8E718888-423F-11D2-876E-00A0C9082467} - C:\WINDOWS\System32\msdxm.ocx
O3 - Toolbar: &Hotbar - {B195B3B3-8A05-11D3-97A4-0004ACA6948E} - C:\Program Files\Hotbar\bin\4.5.1.0\HbHostIE.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [IgfxTray] C:\WINDOWS\System32\igfxtray.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [HotKeysCmds] C:\WINDOWS\System32\hkcmd.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Apoint] C:\Program Files\Apoint\Apoint.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [PCTVOICE] pctspk.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [PRONoMgr.exe] C:\Program Files\Intel\NCS\PROSet\PRONoMgr.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Dell QuickSet] C:\Program Files\Dell\QuickSet\quickset.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [DVDSentry] C:\WINDOWS\System32\DSentry.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AdaptecDirectCD] C:\Program Files\Roxio\Easy CD Creator 5\DirectCD\DirectCD.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Dvprpt] C:\PROGRA~1\COMMON~1\COMMAN~1\Scanner\dvprpt.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [F-agent] C:\Program Files\Command Software\F-prot\f-agent.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [iTunesHelper] C:\Program Files\iTunes\iTunesHelper.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [QuickTime Task] "C:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe" -atboottime
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [WeatherOnTray] C:\Program Files\Hotbar\bin\4.5.1.0\WeatherOnTray.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Hotbar] C:\Program Files\Hotbar\bin\4.5.1.0\HbInst.exe /Upgrade
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [ctfmon.exe] C:\WINDOWS\System32\ctfmon.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [MSMSGS] "C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe" /background
O4 - Global Startup: hp psc 1000 series.lnk = ?
O4 - Global Startup: hpoddt01.exe.lnk = ?
O4 - Global Startup: InterCheck Monitor.LNK = C:\Program Files\Sophos SWEEP for NT\ICMON.EXE
O4 - Global Startup: Microsoft Office.lnk = C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office10\OSA.EXE
O8 - Extra context menu item: E&xport to Microsoft Excel - res://C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~2\Office10\EXCEL.EXE/3000
O9 - Extra button: Msn Messenger - {068C36CF-483E-4CA8-A7F2-10EFFDA49C45} - http://www.accesoplugin.com/prom/a_m...uk&ver=1&t=new (file missing)
O9 - Extra button: Mis Programas - {4358161B-A4B8-498E-8019-3DAB50DFD578} - http://www.accesoplugin.com/prom/a_p...uk&ver=1&t=new (file missing)
O9 - Extra button: Msn Messenger - {C8950078-94A4-4C32-BB9C-4666357965AF} - C:\msntmpuk\index.htm
O9 - Extra button: Related - {c95fe080-8f5d-11d2-a20b-00aa003c157a} - C:\WINDOWS\web\related.htm
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Show &Related Links - {c95fe080-8f5d-11d2-a20b-00aa003c157a} - C:\WINDOWS\web\related.htm
O9 - Extra button: Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Program Files\Messenger\MSMSGS.EXE
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Program Files\Messenger\MSMSGS.EXE
O16 - DPF: {2C0F2AEA-3A9B-46DB-A7BE-80FF329E415D} (PremiumInternacional Class) - http://www.accesoplugin.com/dialerca...ernacional.cab
O20 - AppInit_DLLs: C:\WINDOWS\System32\rtc.dll
O23 - Service: CSS AV Scheduler - Unknown - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Command Software Shared\Scanner\css-avs.exe
O23 - Service: CSS Communication Agent - Unknown - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Command Software Shared\Communication\css_1630.exe
O23 - Service: DvpApi - Unknown - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Command Software Shared\Scanner\dvpapi.exe
O23 - Service: Adapter Switching - Intel Corporation - C:\Program Files\Intel\Switching\User\RoamSvc.exe
O23 - Service: iPod Service - Apple Computer, Inc. - C:\Program Files\iPod\bin\iPodService.exe
O23 - Service: Intel NCS NetService - Intel(R) Corporation - C:\Program Files\Intel\NCS\Sync\NetSvc.exe
O23 - Service: Pml Driver HPZ12 - HP - C:\WINDOWS\System32\HPZipm12.exe
O23 - Service: RegSrvc - Intel Corporation - C:\WINDOWS\System32\RegSrvc.exe
O23 - Service: RoamMgr - Intel Corporation - C:\WINDOWS\System32\RoamMgr.exe
O23 - Service: Spectrum24 Event Monitor - Intel Corporation - C:\WINDOWS\System32\S24EvMon.exe
O23 - Service: Sophos Anti-Virus Network - Sophos Plc - C:\Program Files\Sophos SWEEP for NT\SWNETSUP.EXE
O23 - Service: Sophos Anti-Virus - Sophos Plc - C:\Program Files\Sophos SWEEP for NT\SWEEPSRV.SYS

owen · #2 (**permalink**) 17-01-2005, 10:43 PM

First of all, get this clear, its nothing to do with MSN Messenger. Its a program called Accesso Plugin which is a well known Adult Content Dialer.

Close all browser windows, restart Hijack This and put a checkmark next to the following entries:

R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Search,SearchAssistant = http://www.hotbar.com/dyn/hotbar/3....rchPageHome.htm
O2 - BHO: rtc - {0610C4E6-A0D0-45d8-B6CB-3CCD74296EBB} - C:\WINDOWS\System32\rtc.dll
O2 - BHO: Hotbar - {B195B3B3-8A05-11D3-97A4-0004ACA6948E} - C:\Program Files\Hotbar\bin\4.5.1.0\HbHostIE.dll
O3 - Toolbar: &Hotbar - {B195B3B3-8A05-11D3-97A4-0004ACA6948E} - C:\Program Files\Hotbar\bin\4.5.1.0\HbHostIE.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [WeatherOnTray] C:\Program Files\Hotbar\bin\4.5.1.0\WeatherOnTray.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Hotbar] C:\Program Files\Hotbar\bin\4.5.1.0\HbInst.exe /Upgrade
O9 - Extra button: Msn Messenger - {068C36CF-483E-4CA8-A7F2-10EFFDA49C45} - http://www.accesoplugin.com/prom/a_...puk&ver=1&t=new (file missing)
O9 - Extra button: Mis Programas - {4358161B-A4B8-498E-8019-3DAB50DFD578} - http://www.accesoplugin.com/prom/a_...puk&ver=1&t=new (file missing)
O9 - Extra button: Msn Messenger - {C8950078-94A4-4C32-BB9C-4666357965AF} - C:\msntmpuk\index.htm
O16 - DPF: {2C0F2AEA-3A9B-46DB-A7BE-80FF329E415D} (PremiumInternacional Class) - http://www.accesoplugin.com/dialerc...ternacional.cab
O20 - AppInit_DLLs: C:\WINDOWS\System32\rtc.dll

Click Fix Checked

Then boot into Safe Mode and ensure that you are showing Hidden Files and Folders.

Go to the Control Panel and double click Add/Remove programs. Uninstall:
Hotbar

Delete the following files and folders:
C:\WINDOWS\System32\rtc.dll
C:\Program Files\Hotbar
C:\msntmpuk

Reboot and post a fresh log

PCNovice · #3 (**permalink**) 30-01-2005, 10:04 PM

Owen,
Thanks for your reply and clarification on MSN Messenger. Sorry have been away hence tardy reply. Below is the new log after actioning your suggestions. Looks as thought they have all disappeared now. The one thing that puzzles me is though how did the Accesso Plugin get to my PC? Was it the result of some button or popup that I pressed or did it come in like a computer virus? In other words did I have to make a conscious descision to accept something or was I just "infected"?

Here's the new log :-

Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.0
Scan saved at 19:25:50, on 30/01/2005
Platform: Windows XP SP1 (WinNT 5.01.2600)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v6.00 SP1 (6.00.2800.1106)

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\S24EvMon.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Command Software Shared\Scanner\css-avs.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Command Software Shared\Communication\css_1630.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\VS7Debug\mdm.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\RegSrvc.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\RoamMgr.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\Sophos SWEEP for NT\SWNETSUP.EXE
C:\Program Files\Sophos SWEEP for NT\SWEEPSRV.SYS
C:\Program Files\Intel\Switching\User\RoamSvc.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\ZCfgSvc.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\System32\igfxtray.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\hkcmd.exe
C:\Program Files\Apoint\Apoint.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\pctspk.exe
C:\Program Files\Intel\NCS\PROSet\PRONoMgr.exe
C:\Program Files\Dell\QuickSet\quickset.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\DSentry.exe
C:\Program Files\Roxio\Easy CD Creator 5\DirectCD\DirectCD.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\COMMON~1\COMMAN~1\Scanner\dvprpt.exe
C:\Program Files\Command Software\F-prot\f-agent.exe
C:\Program Files\iTunes\iTunesHelper.exe
C:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\ctfmon.exe
C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Command Software Shared\Scanner\dvpapi.exe
C:\Program Files\Hewlett-Packard\Digital Imaging\bin\hpohmr08.exe
C:\Program Files\Hewlett-Packard\Digital Imaging\bin\hpotdd01.exe
C:\Program Files\iPod\bin\iPodService.exe
C:\Program Files\Sophos SWEEP for NT\ICMON.EXE
C:\Program Files\Apoint\Apntex.exe
C:\Program Files\Hewlett-Packard\Digital Imaging\bin\hpoevm08.exe
C:\Program Files\Hewlett-Packard\Digital Imaging\Bin\hpoSTS08.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\wuauclt.exe
C:\HijackThis\HijackThis.exe
C:\Program Files\Hewlett-Packard\Digital Imaging\Bin\hpoSTS08.exe

R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL = http://www.euro.dell.com/countries/u...en/default.htm
R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://www.ngfl.gov.uk/
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL = http://www.euro.dell.com/countries/u...en/default.htm
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://www.euro.dell.com/countries/u...en/default.htm
O2 - BHO: AcroIEHlprObj Class - {06849E9F-C8D7-4D59-B87D-784B7D6BE0B3} - C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 6.0\Reader\ActiveX\AcroIEHelper.dll
O3 - Toolbar: &Radio - {8E718888-423F-11D2-876E-00A0C9082467} - C:\WINDOWS\System32\msdxm.ocx
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [IgfxTray] C:\WINDOWS\System32\igfxtray.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [HotKeysCmds] C:\WINDOWS\System32\hkcmd.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Apoint] C:\Program Files\Apoint\Apoint.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [PCTVOICE] pctspk.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [PRONoMgr.exe] C:\Program Files\Intel\NCS\PROSet\PRONoMgr.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Dell QuickSet] C:\Program Files\Dell\QuickSet\quickset.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [DVDSentry] C:\WINDOWS\System32\DSentry.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AdaptecDirectCD] C:\Program Files\Roxio\Easy CD Creator 5\DirectCD\DirectCD.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Dvprpt] C:\PROGRA~1\COMMON~1\COMMAN~1\Scanner\dvprpt.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [F-agent] C:\Program Files\Command Software\F-prot\f-agent.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [iTunesHelper] C:\Program Files\iTunes\iTunesHelper.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [QuickTime Task] "C:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe" -atboottime
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [ctfmon.exe] C:\WINDOWS\System32\ctfmon.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [MSMSGS] "C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe" /background
O4 - Global Startup: hp psc 1000 series.lnk = ?
O4 - Global Startup: hpoddt01.exe.lnk = ?
O4 - Global Startup: InterCheck Monitor.LNK = C:\Program Files\Sophos SWEEP for NT\ICMON.EXE
O4 - Global Startup: Microsoft Office.lnk = C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office10\OSA.EXE
O8 - Extra context menu item: E&xport to Microsoft Excel - res://C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~2\Office10\EXCEL.EXE/3000
O9 - Extra button: Related - {c95fe080-8f5d-11d2-a20b-00aa003c157a} - C:\WINDOWS\web\related.htm
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Show &Related Links - {c95fe080-8f5d-11d2-a20b-00aa003c157a} - C:\WINDOWS\web\related.htm
O9 - Extra button: Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Program Files\Messenger\MSMSGS.EXE
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Program Files\Messenger\MSMSGS.EXE
O23 - Service: CSS AV Scheduler - Unknown - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Command Software Shared\Scanner\css-avs.exe
O23 - Service: CSS Communication Agent - Unknown - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Command Software Shared\Communication\css_1630.exe
O23 - Service: DvpApi - Unknown - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Command Software Shared\Scanner\dvpapi.exe
O23 - Service: Adapter Switching - Intel Corporation - C:\Program Files\Intel\Switching\User\RoamSvc.exe
O23 - Service: iPod Service - Apple Computer, Inc. - C:\Program Files\iPod\bin\iPodService.exe
O23 - Service: Intel NCS NetService - Intel(R) Corporation - C:\Program Files\Intel\NCS\Sync\NetSvc.exe
O23 - Service: Pml Driver HPZ12 - HP - C:\WINDOWS\System32\HPZipm12.exe
O23 - Service: RegSrvc - Intel Corporation - C:\WINDOWS\System32\RegSrvc.exe
O23 - Service: RoamMgr - Intel Corporation - C:\WINDOWS\System32\RoamMgr.exe
O23 - Service: Spectrum24 Event Monitor - Intel Corporation - C:\WINDOWS\System32\S24EvMon.exe
O23 - Service: Sophos Anti-Virus Network - Sophos Plc - C:\Program Files\Sophos SWEEP for NT\SWNETSUP.EXE
O23 - Service: Sophos Anti-Virus - Sophos Plc - C:\Program Files\Sophos SWEEP for NT\SWEEPSRV.SYS

Thanks in anticipation again

Best Regards

owen · #4 (**permalink**) 01-02-2005, 10:49 PM

Thats now a clean log.

This entry:

O16 - DPF: {2C0F2AEA-3A9B-46DB-A7BE-80FF329E415D} (PremiumInternacional Class) - http://www.accesoplugin.com/dialerc...ternacional.cab

Shows that the Accesso Plugin dialer was downloaded using ActiveX. You either agreed to one of the Windows shown in the attached image below or your ActiveX settings are not tight enough. Scroll down this Article and read the "If you have to use MSIE" section. This has the recommended security settings.

Also have a read of this:

Preventing it returning

After your problem has been resolved on the forum, it is an absoulute MUST to do the following steps to prevent the problem returning. Click on the link to get access to the software or webpage that I'm referring to.

1. Visit Windows Update
Pay a visit to Windows Update and scan for and download ALL Critical Updates and Service Packs. New updates are usually released monthly so check back to Windows Update every month.

2. Download Antivirus Software-
If you haven't already got Antivirus software, you should download and install AVG Antivirus. It is freeware and is updated nearly every 2 days (sometimes more frequently if there are a lot of new viruses) and in my opinion, is better than some Antivirus software such as Norton. Antivirus software will prevent viruses infecting your system and it is important that you update it every two days or every week at the most.

3. Download a Firewall-
If you haven't already got a firewall, it is Very important that you download one. Firewalls will prevent unauthorised access to your computer and stop data leaking out of your computer. You may think that it won't happen to you, but Hackers don't care who you are, what you do, where you live or what you had for tea last Sunday on your holiday in the Lake District, they want your data. Firewalls will keep these sneaks out and one of the best is Sygate Personal Firewall, which happens to be freeware.

4. Spyware Scanners-
It is important that as well as having real time spyware protection, you have a spyware scanning application. If you have not already been told to download one earlier in this thread, it is a good idea to download Spybot Search And Destroy and Ad-aware. They are both spyware scanners and will search for a remove spyware. It is recommended that you have both, because one will pick up entries that the other misses. It is even a good idea to download these if you have other programs such as ASE, Spysweeper, Pest Patrol, etc, because one spyware scanner will not pick up everything. Please remember to update your spyware scanners weekly/fortnightly.

5. Prevent Spyware slipping through Internet Explorer-
Quite a lot of spyware slips through Internet Explorer if your settings are not tight enough. Spyware Blaster will help you prevent spyware slipping through and installing tracking cookies. Simply run it via Start> Programs> Spyware Blaster and click Enable All Protection and it will protect you. It doesn't even have to be open! Remember to update weekly/fortnightly.

6. Constant Spyware Protection-
It is important to have constant spyware protection. Spyware Guard works like an antivirus program but detects Spyware instead. It will constantly protect your system. Check for updates monthly.

All Of these steps are very important and it is HIGHLY recommended that you download all of the programs mentioned for your own safety. Remember to Update everything (including Windows using Windows Update)! It is also a good idea to perform weekly/fortnightly scans with Spybot S&D, Ad-aware and your antivirus software.

And last of all, please remember, that common sense is your greatest tool. Without it, spyware and other related Malware would rule!