RE: HELP! res: shdoclc.dll/dnserror.htm error

Pattinson26 · #1 (**permalink**) 22-02-2005, 12:25 PM

Hi Owen,

I have followed your instructions and here is my log file after running Spybot and Adaware... (Jephree directed me here to post it)

Hope you can help?

Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.1
Scan saved at 21:04:37, on 21/02/2005
Platform: Windows 2000 SP1 (WinNT 5.00.2195)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v6.00 SP1 (6.00.2800.1106)

Running processes:
C:\WINNT\System32\smss.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\winlogon.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\services.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\lsass.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\SNDSrvc.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccSetMgr.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\SPBBC\SPBBCSvc.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccEvtMgr.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\WINNT\System32\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\Norton AntiVirus\navapsvc.exe
C:\Program Files\Norton AntiVirus\IWP\NPFMntor.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\regsvc.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\MSTask.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\CCPD-LC\symlcsvc.exe
C:\WINNT\System32\WBEM\WinMgmt.exe
C:\WINNT\Explorer.exe
C:\WINNT\nysyfe.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccApp.exe
C:\Program Files\Szzimth\Jbib.exe
C:\WINNT\msexploren.exe
C:\WINNT\clfmon.exe
C:\WINNT\System32\internat.exe
C:\Documents and Settings\New User\Desktop\PC FIX\HijackThis.exe

R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://www.google.co.uk/
R3 - URLSearchHook: (no name) - _{CFBFAE00-17A6-11D0-99CB-00C04FD64497} - (no file)
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Synchronization Manager] mobsync.exe /logon
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Windows Compliant] yndudx.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Security Antivirus Xp 1] inetfor.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Microsoft WinUpdate] Winlogin.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Start Upping] taksmgr.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [FBfLxr] C:\WINNT\nysyfe.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ccApp] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccApp.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SSC_UserPrompt] C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\Security Center\UsrPrmpt.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Symantec NetDriver Monitor] C:\PROGRA~1\SYMNET~1\SNDMon.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [¢‰¸ÓÝ4ö©È
¤Á<›¸ÉoUC:\Program Files\ISTsvc\istsvc.exe] C:\WINNT\nysyfe.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Ayxxkn] C:\Program Files\Szzimth\Jbib.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Microsofts Security Manager] qlcn.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SvcH0st] C:\WINNT\msexploren.exe /i
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [clfmon] C:\WINNT\clfmon.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [antiware] c:\winnt\system32\eliteeju32.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\RunServices: [Windows Compliant] yndudx.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\RunServices: [Security Antivirus Xp 1] inetfor.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\RunServices: [Microsoft WinUpdate] Winlogin.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\RunServices: [Start Upping] taksmgr.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\RunServices: [Microsofts Security Manager] qlcn.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [internat.exe] internat.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [Windows Compliant] yndudx.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [Security Antivirus Xp 1] inetfor.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [Microsoft WinUpdate] Winlogin.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [Start Upping] taksmgr.exe
O4 - Global Startup: Adobe Gamma Loader.lnk = C:\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe\Calibration\Adobe Gamma Loader.exe
O4 - Global Startup: Microsoft Office.lnk = C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office\OSA9.EXE
O12 - Plugin for .mpeg: C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\PLUGINS\npqtplugin3.dll
O12 - Plugin for .spop: C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\Plugins\NPDocBox.dll
O16 - DPF: {1803B9EF-9905-4F34-AFC4-05D1BAB28801} (RegUserCfgUI Class) - http://us.dl1.yimg.com/download.yah..._1/yregucfg.cab
O16 - DPF: {30CE93AE-4987-483C-9ABE-F2BD5301AB70} - http://64.156.31.79/100039/uk/ringtone/ringtone.exe
O23 - Service: Symantec Event Manager (ccEvtMgr) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccEvtMgr.exe
O23 - Service: Symantec Password Validation (ccPwdSvc) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccPwdSvc.exe
O23 - Service: Symantec Settings Manager (ccSetMgr) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccSetMgr.exe
O23 - Service: Logical Disk Manager Administrative Service (dmadmin) - VERITAS Software Corp. - C:\WINNT\System32\dmadmin.exe
O23 - Service: Norton AntiVirus Auto-Protect Service (navapsvc) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Norton AntiVirus\navapsvc.exe
O23 - Service: Norton AntiVirus Firewall Monitor Service (NPFMntor) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Norton AntiVirus\IWP\NPFMntor.exe
O23 - Service: SAVScan - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Norton AntiVirus\SAVScan.exe
O23 - Service: ScriptBlocking Service (SBService) - Symantec Corporation - C:\PROGRA~1\COMMON~1\SYMANT~1\SCRIPT~1\SBServ.exe
O23 - Service: Symantec Network Drivers Service (SNDSrvc) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\SNDSrvc.exe
O23 - Service: Symantec SPBBCSvc (SPBBCSvc) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\SPBBC\SPBBCSvc.exe
O23 - Service: Symantec Core LC - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\CCPD-LC\symlcsvc.exe
O23 - Service: ZESOFT - Unknown owner - C:\WINNT\zeta.exe (file missing)

owen · #2 (**permalink**) 25-02-2005, 05:52 PM

Sorry about the response time.

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

R3 - URLSearchHook: (no name) - _{CFBFAE00-17A6-11D0-99CB-00C04FD64497} - (no file)
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Windows Compliant] yndudx.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Security Antivirus Xp 1] inetfor.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Microsoft WinUpdate] Winlogin.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Start Upping] taksmgr.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [FBfLxr] C:\WINNT\nysyfe.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [¢‰¸ÓÝ4ö©È
¤Á<›¸ÉoUC:\Program Files\ISTsvc\istsvc.exe] C:\WINNT\nysyfe.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Ayxxkn] C:\Program Files\Szzimth\Jbib.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Microsofts Security Manager] qlcn.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SvcH0st] C:\WINNT\msexploren.exe /i
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [clfmon] C:\WINNT\clfmon.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [antiware] c:\winnt\system32\eliteeju32.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\RunServices: [Windows Compliant] yndudx.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\RunServices: [Security Antivirus Xp 1] inetfor.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\RunServices: [Microsoft WinUpdate] Winlogin.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\RunServices: [Start Upping] taksmgr.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\RunServices: [Microsofts Security Manager] qlcn.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [Windows Compliant] yndudx.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [Security Antivirus Xp 1] inetfor.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [Microsoft WinUpdate] Winlogin.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [Start Upping] taksmgr.exe
O16 - DPF: {30CE93AE-4987-483C-9ABE-F2BD5301AB70} - http://64.156.31.79/100039/uk/ringtone/ringtone.exe
O23 - Service: ZESOFT - Unknown owner - C:\WINNT\zeta.exe (file missing)

Click Fix Checked

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

Delete the following files and folders. Search for files without a specific location:
yndudx.exe
inetfor.exe
Winlogin.exe
taksmgr.exe
C:\WINNT\nysyfe.exe
C:\Program Files\ISTsvc
C:\Program Files\Szzimth
qlcn.exe
C:\WINNT\msexploren.exe
C:\WINNT\clfmon.exe
c:\winnt\system32\eliteeju32.exe
C:\WINNT\zeta.exe

Reboot and post a fresh log

Pattinson26 · #3 (**permalink**) 02-03-2005, 11:47 PM

Hi Owen, Thanks for your response... Sorry for the delayed reply!

I have followed your instructions but just wanted to let you know the problems i experienced whilst doing them.

Whilst rebooting in safe mode the computer "blue screened" and crashed. After the restart i searched for the files you highlighhted but the following weren't there:

inetfor.exe
Winlogin.exe
taksmgr.exe
qlcn.exe
C:\WINNT\msexploren.exe
C:\WINNT\clfmon.exe
c:\winnt\system32\eliteeju32.exe
C:\WINNT\zeta.exe

Below is the Updated log file... hope all the above makes sense and you can still help? Thanks a million!

Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.1
Scan saved at 23:03:27, on 02/03/2005
Platform: Windows 2000 SP1 (WinNT 5.00.2195)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v6.00 SP1 (6.00.2800.1106)

Running processes:
C:\WINNT\System32\smss.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\winlogon.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\services.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\lsass.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\SNDSrvc.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccSetMgr.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\SPBBC\SPBBCSvc.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccEvtMgr.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\WINNT\System32\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\Norton AntiVirus\navapsvc.exe
C:\Program Files\Norton AntiVirus\IWP\NPFMntor.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\regsvc.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\MSTask.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\CCPD-LC\symlcsvc.exe
C:\WINNT\Explorer.exe
C:\WINNT\System32\WBEM\WinMgmt.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\Security Center\UsrPrmpt.exe
C:\WINNT\realsched.exe
C:\WINNT\gcasServ.exe
C:\WINNT\shch.exe
C:\WINNT\System32\internat.exe
C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\IEXPLORE.EXE
C:\Documents and Settings\New User\Desktop\PC FIX\HijackThis.exe

O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Synchronization Manager] mobsync.exe /logon
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SSC_UserPrompt] C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\Security Center\UsrPrmpt.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Symantec NetDriver Monitor] C:\PROGRA~1\SYMNET~1\SNDMon.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [TkBellExe] C:\WINNT\realsched.exe /i
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [gcasServ] C:\WINNT\gcasServ.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [WinAmpAgent] C:\WINNT\shch.exe /i
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [internat.exe] internat.exe
O4 - Global Startup: Adobe Gamma Loader.lnk = C:\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe\Calibration\Adobe Gamma Loader.exe
O4 - Global Startup: Microsoft Office.lnk = C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office\OSA9.EXE
O12 - Plugin for .mpeg: C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\PLUGINS\npqtplugin3.dll
O12 - Plugin for .spop: C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\Plugins\NPDocBox.dll
O16 - DPF: {1803B9EF-9905-4F34-AFC4-05D1BAB28801} (RegUserCfgUI Class) - http://us.dl1.yimg.com/download.yaho...1/yregucfg.cab
O17 - HKLM\System\CCS\Services\Tcpip\..\{F92094F9-1666-4968-8316-8D0AC72457A2}: NameServer = 213.1.119.97 213.1.119.98
O23 - Service: Symantec Event Manager (ccEvtMgr) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccEvtMgr.exe
O23 - Service: Symantec Password Validation (ccPwdSvc) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccPwdSvc.exe
O23 - Service: Symantec Settings Manager (ccSetMgr) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccSetMgr.exe
O23 - Service: Logical Disk Manager Administrative Service (dmadmin) - VERITAS Software Corp. - C:\WINNT\System32\dmadmin.exe
O23 - Service: Norton AntiVirus Auto-Protect Service (navapsvc) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Norton AntiVirus\navapsvc.exe
O23 - Service: Norton AntiVirus Firewall Monitor Service (NPFMntor) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Norton AntiVirus\IWP\NPFMntor.exe
O23 - Service: SAVScan - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Norton AntiVirus\SAVScan.exe
O23 - Service: ScriptBlocking Service (SBService) - Symantec Corporation - C:\PROGRA~1\COMMON~1\SYMANT~1\SCRIPT~1\SBServ.exe
O23 - Service: Symantec Network Drivers Service (SNDSrvc) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\SNDSrvc.exe
O23 - Service: Symantec SPBBCSvc (SPBBCSvc) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\SPBBC\SPBBCSvc.exe
O23 - Service: Symantec Core LC - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\CCPD-LC\symlcsvc.exe

Thanks again,
Richard

owen · #4 (**permalink**) 04-03-2005, 12:08 AM

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

O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [TkBellExe] C:\WINNT\realsched.exe /i
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [gcasServ] C:\WINNT\gcasServ.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [WinAmpAgent] C:\WINNT\shch.exe /i

Click Fix Checked

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

Delete the following files and folders:
C:\WINNT\realsched.exe
C:\WINNT\gcasServ.exe
C:\WINNT\shch.exe

Reboot

Get to http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com and get upgraded to Service Pack 4. Then post a fresh log.

Pattinson26 · #5 (**permalink**) 11-03-2005, 09:06 PM

Hi Owen,

Apologies for the late reply i've been away with work...

Thanks for your last reply... the computer is starting to run a little better already but here is my latest reply!

Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.1
Scan saved at 20:04:22, on 11/03/2005
Platform: Windows 2000 SP1 (WinNT 5.00.2195)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v6.00 SP1 (6.00.2800.1106)

Running processes:
C:\WINNT\System32\smss.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\winlogon.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\services.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\lsass.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\SNDSrvc.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\SPBBC\SPBBCSvc.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccSetMgr.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccEvtMgr.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\WINNT\System32\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\Norton AntiVirus\navapsvc.exe
C:\Program Files\Norton AntiVirus\IWP\NPFMntor.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\regsvc.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\MSTask.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\CCPD-LC\symlcsvc.exe
C:\WINNT\System32\WBEM\WinMgmt.exe
C:\WINNT\Explorer.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\Security Center\UsrPrmpt.exe
C:\WINNT\System32\internat.exe
C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\IEXPLORE.EXE
C:\Documents and Settings\New User\Desktop\PC FIX\HijackThis.exe

O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Synchronization Manager] mobsync.exe /logon
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SSC_UserPrompt] C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\Security Center\UsrPrmpt.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Symantec NetDriver Monitor] C:\PROGRA~1\SYMNET~1\SNDMon.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [internat.exe] internat.exe
O4 - Global Startup: Adobe Gamma Loader.lnk = C:\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe\Calibration\Adobe Gamma Loader.exe
O4 - Global Startup: Microsoft Office.lnk = C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office\OSA9.EXE
O12 - Plugin for .mpeg: C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\PLUGINS\npqtplugin3.dll
O12 - Plugin for .spop: C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\Plugins\NPDocBox.dll
O16 - DPF: {1803B9EF-9905-4F34-AFC4-05D1BAB28801} (RegUserCfgUI Class) - http://us.dl1.yimg.com/download.yaho...1/yregucfg.cab
O17 - HKLM\System\CCS\Services\Tcpip\..\{F92094F9-1666-4968-8316-8D0AC72457A2}: NameServer = 213.1.119.100 213.1.119.99
O23 - Service: Symantec Event Manager (ccEvtMgr) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccEvtMgr.exe
O23 - Service: Symantec Password Validation (ccPwdSvc) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccPwdSvc.exe
O23 - Service: Symantec Settings Manager (ccSetMgr) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccSetMgr.exe
O23 - Service: Logical Disk Manager Administrative Service (dmadmin) - VERITAS Software Corp. - C:\WINNT\System32\dmadmin.exe
O23 - Service: Norton AntiVirus Auto-Protect Service (navapsvc) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Norton AntiVirus\navapsvc.exe
O23 - Service: Norton AntiVirus Firewall Monitor Service (NPFMntor) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Norton AntiVirus\IWP\NPFMntor.exe
O23 - Service: SAVScan - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Norton AntiVirus\SAVScan.exe
O23 - Service: ScriptBlocking Service (SBService) - Symantec Corporation - C:\PROGRA~1\COMMON~1\SYMANT~1\SCRIPT~1\SBServ.exe
O23 - Service: Symantec Network Drivers Service (SNDSrvc) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\SNDSrvc.exe
O23 - Service: Symantec SPBBCSvc (SPBBCSvc) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\SPBBC\SPBBCSvc.exe
O23 - Service: Symantec Core LC - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\CCPD-LC\symlcsvc.exe

Thanks Again,
Richard

owen · #6 (**permalink**) 12-03-2005, 12:03 AM

Thats a clean log, but as I mentioned, get the Windows Updates and things will run more smoothly.

Pattinson26 · #7 (**permalink**) 14-03-2005, 02:02 PM

Hi Owen...

Thats great news... Thanks for all your help?

One last question though, sorry! The browser now goes straight to "aboutblank"... is that easily fixed?

Thanks again,
Richard

owen · #8 (**permalink**) 15-03-2005, 10:33 PM

Yes just change the homepage. Or go to Tools> Internet Options> Programs and then click the Reset Web Settings button.

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. Clean Up and Speed Up-
It is important that after you have had a spyware/virus infection that you clean up your PC (this includes cleaning out usage tracks, temporary files, emptying the recycle bin, etc). It is so important because during the installation and uninstallation of spyware (and most programs), many temporary or useless files are left behind. If you accidently run one of these files, you could end up with the problem returning. See the link above for lots of information on clearing out your PC and improving your PCs performance and general speed.

3. Consider an alternative browser or tighten IE settings-
Internet Explorer is installed on most systems and used by the majority of people, so of course its going to be a prime target for malware and hackers. To make the matters worse, Internet Explorer is very vulnerable to hijacks and the automatic installation of programs. This is how a lot of spyware enters your PC in the first place. So unless you secure Internet Explorer, you are seriously at risk. There is risk with any Internet browser, but even when IE is secured, there are still risks. IE can still be exploited as long as installed on your system, you don't necessarily have to use it, so this shows the importance of securing it. Here are five steps to take to Secure IE:

Install Sun Java instead of using MS Java VM. Get from www.java.com. Sun Java is much more secure.
Scroll up and read about Windows Updates (number 1). This is essential to patch newly discovered flaws in Internet Explorer.
Scroll down and read about Spyware Blaster (number 7. This is important so that nasty sites can't exploit your machine.
Take a look at the article here. Scroll down to the "If you have to use MSIE" section and have a read of the information about the recommended security settings in IE. A program is also mentioned called IESPYADS, its is worth downloading and installing this.

If you wish to use an alternative browser that is perhaps more secure than IE, consider Mozilla Firefox, Mozilla, Opera or Netscape.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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!