security2k spyware

Spotty · #1 (**permalink**) 06-09-2005, 10:41 AM

Hello,
I am having problems with my computer at work. A pice of spyware or trojan or something is causing havoc - I can't access most sites to fix because it knows to block it.
Can someone have a look at this HJLog and give me a suggestion on how to remove it. I am pretty sure it is the security2k entries. And I think the msole32.exe and shlog.exe could be problems.

I have booted up in safe mode and deleted them using HijackThis but it returns when I boot up normally.

Thanks in advance!!!

Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.1
Scan saved at 16:31:24, on 06/09/2005
Platform: Windows XP SP2 (WinNT 5.01.2600)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v6.00 SP2 (6.00.2900.2180)

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\spoolsv.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\SYMANT~1\SYMANT~1\DefWatch.exe
C:\Program Files\Executive Software\Diskeeper\DkService.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\SYMANT~1\SYMANT~1\Rtvscan.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\system32\msole32.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\shnlog.exe
C:\Program Files\Symantec_Client_Security\Symantec AntiVirus\vptray.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\intmon.exe
C:\Program Files\Microsoft AntiSpyware\gcasServ.exe
C:\Program Files\Babylon\Babylon.exe
C:\Program Files\Microsoft AntiSpyware\gcasDtServ.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
D:\Program Files\Microsoft Encarta\Encarta Reference Library DVD 2005\EDICT.EXE
C:\DOCUME~1\user\LOCALS~1\Temp\Temporary Directory 4 for hijackthis.zip\HijackThis.exe

R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL = about:blank
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Search_URL = http://www.security2k.net/search.php?qq=%1
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Bar = http://www.security2k.net/bar.html
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page = http://www.security2k.net/search.php?qq=%1
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://www.yahoo.com/
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Search,SearchAssistant = http://www.security2k.net/search.php?qq=%1
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Search,CustomizeSearch = http://www.security2k.net/search.php?qq=%1
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\SearchURL,(Default) = http://www.security2k.net/search.php?qq=%1
R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Local Page = http://www.security2k.net/
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Local Page =
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Int ernet Settings,ProxyServer = 192.168.10.2:8080
O2 - BHO: HP Class - {FFFFFFFF-FFFF-FFFF-FFFF-FFFFFFFFFFFA} - C:\WINDOWS\system32\hpA681.tmp
O3 - Toolbar: Adobe PDF - {47833539-D0C5-4125-9FA8-0819E2EAAC93} - C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 6.0\Acrobat\AcroIEFavClient.dll (file missing)
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [vptray] C:\Program Files\Symantec_Client_Security\Symantec AntiVirus\vptray.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [gcasServ] "C:\Program Files\Microsoft AntiSpyware\gcasServ.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Babylon Client] C:\Program Files\Babylon\Babylon.exe -AutoStart
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [CTFMON.EXE] C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
O4 - Global Startup: Adobe Gamma Loader.lnk = C:\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe\Calibration\Adobe Gamma Loader.exe
O8 - Extra context menu item: E&xport to Microsoft Excel - res://C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~2\OFFICE11\EXCEL.EXE/3000
O9 - Extra button: Research - {92780B25-18CC-41C8-B9BE-3C9C571A8263} - C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~2\OFFICE11\REFIEBAR.DLL
O9 - Extra button: Researcher - {9455301C-CF6B-11D3-A266-00C04F689C50} - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\Encarta Researcher\EROPROJ.DLL
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {B205A35E-1FC4-4CE3-818B-899DBBB3388C} - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\Encarta Search Bar\ENCSBAR.DLL
O16 - DPF: {4F1E5B1A-2A80-42CA-8532-2D05CB959537} (MSN Photo Upload Tool) - http://by16fd.bay16.hotmail.msn.com/...s/MsnPUpld.cab
O16 - DPF: {6414512B-B978-451D-A0D8-FCFDF33E833C} (WUWebControl Class) - http://update.microsoft.com/windowsu...?1121568789656
O17 - HKLM\System\CCS\Services\Tcpip\..\{4D778DE8-0C09-4FB6-8E76-C5497A390A32}: NameServer = 192.168.10.2
O23 - Service: Adobe LM Service - Unknown owner - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe Systems Shared\Service\Adobelmsvc.exe
O23 - Service: C-DillaCdaC11BA - Macrovision - C:\WINDOWS\System32\drivers\CDAC11BA.EXE
O23 - Service: DefWatch - Symantec Corporation - C:\PROGRA~1\SYMANT~1\SYMANT~1\DefWatch.exe
O23 - Service: Diskeeper - Executive Software International, Inc. - C:\Program Files\Executive Software\Diskeeper\DkService.exe
O23 - Service: Symantec AntiVirus Client (Norton AntiVirus Server) - Symantec Corporation - C:\PROGRA~1\SYMANT~1\SYMANT~1\Rtvscan.exe

Neal · #2 (**permalink**) 06-09-2005, 09:10 PM

Hi,

Is this Hijackthis log done while in safe mode?

If it was done from safe mode I am probably not seeing all I need to see.

Download HJT to a cd or floppy on uninfected computer and bring to your infected computer and do a scan from normal mode please.

That is if you can't do it from normal mode.

Please advise. Thanks.

Spotty · #3 (**permalink**) 07-09-2005, 04:08 AM

Thanks for the reply....the HJT listing above was done in normal mode. I've just run it again and its exactly the same.

Any thoughts?

Thanks

Neal · #4 (**permalink**) 08-09-2005, 03:28 AM

OK here we go, if you have to download fix tools to cd or floppy from another computer please do if you can't download them to your computer.

Do you have a proxy server check out this Hijackthis line:
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Int ernet Settings,ProxyServer = 192.168.10.2:8080

You got a lot going on.

Let's tackle the smitfraud infection first.

Please read these instructions carefully and print them out! Be sure to follow ALL instructions!

Please download the trial version of Ewido Security Suite here:Download this to CD or Floppy if needed on an uninfected computer and bring the program to your computer and download to desktop

http://www.ewido.net/en/download/
Install it, and update the definitions to the newest files. Do NOT run a scan yet.

Please right-click: HERE and go to Save As (in Internet Explorer it's "Save Target As") in order to download Grinler's reg file. Save it to your desktop.

Locate "smitfraud.reg" on your desktop and double-click it. When asked if you want to merge with the registry, click YES. Wait for the "merged successfully" prompt then follow the rest of the instructions below.

Go to Start > Control Panel > Add or Remove Programs and remove the following programs, if found:

Security IGuard
Virtual Maid
Search Maid

Exit Add/Remove Programs.

I need you to copy all of the Killbox file paths below and paste them into Notepad.

* Please download the Killbox by Option^Explicit. *In the event you already have Killbox, this is a new version that I need you to download.

Go here to download killBox to CD or Floppy if needed:
KillBox

* Save it to your desktop.

* Please double-click Killbox.exe to run it.

* Select "Delete on Reboot".

* Open the Notepad file where you saved the file paths earlier and copy the file paths below to the clipboard by highlighting ALL of them and pressing CTRL + C

C:\wp.exe
C:\wp.bmp
C:\bsw.exe
C:\Windows\sites.ini
C:\Windows\popuper.exe
C:\Windows\system32\hhk.dll
C:\Windows\System32\wldr.dll
C:\Windows\System32\helper.exe
C:\Windows\System32\intmon.exe
C:\Windows\System32\shnlog.exe
C:\Windows\System32\intmonp.exe
C:\Windows\System32\msmsgs.exe
C:\Windows\system32\msole32.exe
C:\Windows\System32\ole32vbs.exe

* Return to Killbox, go to the File menu, and choose "Paste from Clipboard".

* Click the red-and-white "Delete File" button. Click "Yes" at the Delete on Reboot prompt. Click "No" at the Pending Operations prompt.

If your computer does not restart automatically, please restart it manually.

While your computer is restarting, tap the F8 key continually until a menu appears. Use your up arrow key to highlight Safe Mode, then hit enter.

While in Safe Mode, please do the following:

Run Ewido, and run a full scan. Clean any infected files found, and save the log from the scan.

Next, please enable viewing of hidden files as follows:
1) Go to My Computer, and click on the "Tools" menu
2) Click "Folder options"
3) Select the "View" tab
4) Make sure "Show hidden files and folders" is selected
5) Make sure "Hide extensions for known file types" is unchecked
6) Make sure "Hide protected operating system files (recommended)" is unchecked

Delete the following folders, if they exist:

C:\Program Files\Search Maid
C:\Program Files\Security IGuard
C:\Program Files\Virtual Maid
C:\Windows\System32\Log Files

Run HijackThis and place a check next to the following items:

R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL = about:blank
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Search_URL = http://www.security2k.net/search.php?qq=%1
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Bar = http://www.security2k.net/bar.html
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page = http://www.security2k.net/search.php?qq=%1
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Search,SearchAssistant = http://www.security2k.net/search.php?qq=%1
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Search,CustomizeSearch = http://www.security2k.net/search.php?qq=%1
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\SearchURL,(Default) = http://www.security2k.net/search.php?qq=%1
R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Local Page = http://www.security2k.net/
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Local Page =
O2 - BHO: HP Class - {FFFFFFFF-FFFF-FFFF-FFFF-FFFFFFFFFFFA} - C:\WINDOWS\system32\hpA681.tmp

Then click FIX CHECKED and close HijackThis.

Still in safe mode

Look for this file and delete if there:
C:\WINDOWS\system32\hpA681.tmp < file

Reboot into normal mode.

Please run this online virus scan: ActiveScan - Save the results from the scan!

Restart your computer once more, and please post a new HijackThis log along with the log from Ewido, and the results from ActiveScan.

Spotty · #5 (**permalink**) 08-09-2005, 10:37 AM

Thanks for all the help so far, it would seem to have taken care of the problems. I just ran ActiveScan and no threats were found , but I could not find any option to save a logfile, thus here are only the hijackthis and ewido logs.

Once more many thanks.
---------------------------------------------------------
ewido security suite - Scan report
---------------------------------------------------------

+ Created on: 15:10:59, 08/09/2005
+ Report-Checksum: 7769E6CE

+ Scan result:

C:\WINDOWS\system32\oleext.dll -> Trojan.Small.ev : Cleaned with backup
:mozilla.11:C:\Documents and Settings\user\Application Data\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\19o9kaxz.default\coo kies.txt -> Spyware.Cookie.2o7 : Cleaned with backup
:mozilla.13:C:\Documents and Settings\user\Application Data\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\19o9kaxz.default\coo kies.txt -> Spyware.Cookie.Advertising : Cleaned with backup
:mozilla.14:C:\Documents and Settings\user\Application Data\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\19o9kaxz.default\coo kies.txt -> Spyware.Cookie.Advertising : Cleaned with backup
C:\c.vbs -> TrojanDownloader.Small.f : Cleaned with backup

::Report End

Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.1
Scan saved at 15:13:43, on 08/09/2005
Platform: Windows XP SP2 (WinNT 5.01.2600)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v6.00 SP2 (6.00.2900.2180)

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\Explorer.EXE
C:\DOCUME~1\user\LOCALS~1\Temp\Temporary Directory 5 for hijackthis.zip\HijackThis.exe

R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL = about:blank
R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http:www.google.co.uk
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://www.yahoo.com/
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Local Page =
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Int ernet Settings,ProxyServer = 192.168.10.2:8080
O3 - Toolbar: Adobe PDF - {47833539-D0C5-4125-9FA8-0819E2EAAC93} - C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 6.0\Acrobat\AcroIEFavClient.dll (file missing)
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [vptray] C:\Program Files\Symantec_Client_Security\Symantec AntiVirus\vptray.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [gcasServ] "C:\Program Files\Microsoft AntiSpyware\gcasServ.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Babylon Client] C:\Program Files\Babylon\Babylon.exe -AutoStart
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [CTFMON.EXE] C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
O4 - Global Startup: Adobe Gamma Loader.lnk = C:\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe\Calibration\Adobe Gamma Loader.exe
O8 - Extra context menu item: E&xport to Microsoft Excel - res://C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~2\OFFICE11\EXCEL.EXE/3000
O9 - Extra button: Research - {92780B25-18CC-41C8-B9BE-3C9C571A8263} - C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~2\OFFICE11\REFIEBAR.DLL
O9 - Extra button: Researcher - {9455301C-CF6B-11D3-A266-00C04F689C50} - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\Encarta Researcher\EROPROJ.DLL
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {B205A35E-1FC4-4CE3-818B-899DBBB3388C} - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\Encarta Search Bar\ENCSBAR.DLL
O16 - DPF: {4F1E5B1A-2A80-42CA-8532-2D05CB959537} (MSN Photo Upload Tool) - http://by16fd.bay16.hotmail.msn.com/...s/MsnPUpld.cab
O16 - DPF: {6414512B-B978-451D-A0D8-FCFDF33E833C} (WUWebControl Class) - http://update.microsoft.com/windowsu...?1121568789656
O17 - HKLM\System\CCS\Services\Tcpip\..\{4D778DE8-0C09-4FB6-8E76-C5497A390A32}: NameServer = 192.168.10.2
O23 - Service: Adobe LM Service - Unknown owner - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe Systems Shared\Service\Adobelmsvc.exe
O23 - Service: C-DillaCdaC11BA - Macrovision - C:\WINDOWS\System32\drivers\CDAC11BA.EXE
O23 - Service: DefWatch - Symantec Corporation - C:\PROGRA~1\SYMANT~1\SYMANT~1\DefWatch.exe
O23 - Service: Diskeeper - Executive Software International, Inc. - C:\Program Files\Executive Software\Diskeeper\DkService.exe
O23 - Service: ewido security suite control - ewido networks - C:\Program Files\ewido\security suite\ewidoctrl.exe
O23 - Service: ewido security suite guard - ewido networks - C:\Program Files\ewido\security suite\ewidoguard.exe
O23 - Service: Symantec AntiVirus Client (Norton AntiVirus Server) - Symantec Corporation - C:\PROGRA~1\SYMANT~1\SYMANT~1\Rtvscan.exe

Neal · #6 (**permalink**) 08-09-2005, 11:38 PM

Looking good, nice job.

Scan with HJT again and put a check next to this item:

R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL = about:blank

Make sure all browsers are closed, windows even this one and click fix checked.

Reboot and post a new HJT log please.

Spotty · #7 (**permalink**) 09-09-2005, 05:23 AM

Everything seems to be working OK now - using Firefox instead of IE. The latest HJT is below.
Brilliant work Neal...thanks again.

Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.1
Scan saved at 11:13:56, on 09/09/2005
Platform: Windows XP SP2 (WinNT 5.01.2600)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v6.00 SP2 (6.00.2900.2180)

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\spoolsv.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\SYMANT~1\SYMANT~1\DefWatch.exe
C:\Program Files\Executive Software\Diskeeper\DkService.exe
C:\Program Files\ewido\security suite\ewidoctrl.exe
C:\Program Files\ewido\security suite\ewidoguard.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\SYMANT~1\SYMANT~1\Rtvscan.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\Program Files\Symantec_Client_Security\Symantec AntiVirus\vptray.exe
C:\Program Files\Microsoft AntiSpyware\gcasServ.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
C:\Program Files\Microsoft AntiSpyware\gcasDtServ.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\DOCUME~1\user\LOCALS~1\Temp\Temporary Directory 7 for hijackthis.zip\HijackThis.exe

R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://yahoo.co.uk/
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://www.yahoo.com/
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Local Page =
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Int ernet Settings,ProxyServer = 192.168.10.2:8080
O3 - Toolbar: Adobe PDF - {47833539-D0C5-4125-9FA8-0819E2EAAC93} - C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 6.0\Acrobat\AcroIEFavClient.dll (file missing)
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [vptray] C:\Program Files\Symantec_Client_Security\Symantec AntiVirus\vptray.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [gcasServ] "C:\Program Files\Microsoft AntiSpyware\gcasServ.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Babylon Client] C:\Program Files\Babylon\Babylon.exe -AutoStart
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [CTFMON.EXE] C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
O4 - Global Startup: Adobe Gamma Loader.lnk = C:\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe\Calibration\Adobe Gamma Loader.exe
O8 - Extra context menu item: E&xport to Microsoft Excel - res://C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~2\OFFICE11\EXCEL.EXE/3000
O9 - Extra button: Research - {92780B25-18CC-41C8-B9BE-3C9C571A8263} - C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~2\OFFICE11\REFIEBAR.DLL
O9 - Extra button: Researcher - {9455301C-CF6B-11D3-A266-00C04F689C50} - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\Encarta Researcher\EROPROJ.DLL
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {B205A35E-1FC4-4CE3-818B-899DBBB3388C} - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\Encarta Search Bar\ENCSBAR.DLL
O16 - DPF: {4F1E5B1A-2A80-42CA-8532-2D05CB959537} (MSN Photo Upload Tool) - http://by16fd.bay16.hotmail.msn.com/...s/MsnPUpld.cab
O16 - DPF: {6414512B-B978-451D-A0D8-FCFDF33E833C} (WUWebControl Class) - http://update.microsoft.com/windowsu...?1121568789656
O16 - DPF: {9A9307A0-7DA4-4DAF-B042-5009F29E09E1} (ActiveScan Installer Class) - http://www.pandasoftware.com/actives...ree/asinst.cab
O17 - HKLM\System\CCS\Services\Tcpip\..\{4D778DE8-0C09-4FB6-8E76-C5497A390A32}: NameServer = 192.168.10.2
O23 - Service: Adobe LM Service - Unknown owner - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe Systems Shared\Service\Adobelmsvc.exe
O23 - Service: C-DillaCdaC11BA - Macrovision - C:\WINDOWS\System32\drivers\CDAC11BA.EXE
O23 - Service: DefWatch - Symantec Corporation - C:\PROGRA~1\SYMANT~1\SYMANT~1\DefWatch.exe
O23 - Service: Diskeeper - Executive Software International, Inc. - C:\Program Files\Executive Software\Diskeeper\DkService.exe
O23 - Service: ewido security suite control - ewido networks - C:\Program Files\ewido\security suite\ewidoctrl.exe
O23 - Service: ewido security suite guard - ewido networks - C:\Program Files\ewido\security suite\ewidoguard.exe
O23 - Service: Symantec AntiVirus Client (Norton AntiVirus Server) - Symantec Corporation - C:\PROGRA~1\SYMANT~1\SYMANT~1\Rtvscan.exe

Neal · #8 (**permalink**) 09-09-2005, 11:12 PM

Thanks for the kind comments.

Your log is clean.

Here are some preventative programs for you.
Just disregard any of these you might have.
Also if you could send a private message to one of the moderators letting them know this is resolved so they can move it to the resolved area. Thanks. Be sure and include the link to this thread like this:

Resolved Thread

Or like this: security2k spyware

If you are no longer having any more trouble here is some preventative measures for you.

Here are some preventive measures you can take to keep your computer from getting infected again. also keep all these and Ad-awareSE and SpybotS&D updated.

Flush your restore points in ME and XP, by turning System Restore off and then back on.
This will create a fresh restore point.

Explained here:
Windows XP: service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT/tsgen...src=sec_doc_nam

Microsoft ME:
http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT...rc=sec_doc_nam

To reduce the re-infection potential for malware and protect yourself against spyware, here are a few helpful suggestions:

1. Keep Windows and Internet Explorer current with the latest critical security updates from Microsoft. This will patch many of the security holes through which attackers can gain access to your computer. You CANNOT complete this update using an alternate browser.
http://v5.windowsupdate.microsoft.co....aspx?ln=en-us

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/ie/default.asp

2. Run your antivirus software regularly, and to keep its definitions up-to-date. If you are thinking about switching, there are a some good free Antivirus programs that are decent, including AVG and Avast!.
AVG: http://free.grisoft.com/doc/1

Avast: http://www.avast.com/eng/avast_4_home.html

3. In addtion to using Ad-aware consider using another free malware scanning/removal program:
MS Antispyware beta: http://www.microsoft.com/athome/secu...e/default.mspx

4. Consider using a free firewall if you are not already using one. Some good free ones are:
Sygate: http://smb.sygate.com/products/spf_standard.htm

Zone Alarm: http://www.zonelabs.com/store/conten....jsp?lid=ho_za

5. Consider using an alternate free browser for general web surfing but you must use IE for windows update.
Mozilla Firefox: http://www.mozilla.org/products/firefox/

6. Consider increasing your browser security by using these programs:
SpywareGuard will protect your homepage from being hijacked: http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/spywareguard.html
SpywareBlaster will increase browser protection by blocking hundreds of known malware sites by adding them to IE's restricted sites zone. Download it here:

http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/spywareblaster.html

If you use SpywareBlaster, you can also use a customblocklist to add even more entries into IE restricted sites zone. Go to this site for the current list and how to use instructions: http://customblockinglist.cjb.net/

IE-SPYAD is similar in that it adds thousands more known malware sites to IE's restricted zone. Download it here:
https://netfiles.uiuc.edu/ehowes/www/resource.htm

*Remember just like your primary anti-virus software, it is important to keep all of these programs up-to-date and use them on a regular basis. It's Free