Spyware and XP Pro SP2

[welsh_rune]

I have XP Pro on my machine with SP2 (and no updates after SP2) and im having a lot of repeat spyware infections. Once I purge using spybot, the next day they are back again. Is there a vulnerabilty in Sp2 with a hotfix to it post SP2 I can use to stop this reoccuring as it never used to be this bad...

thanks people.

[cluberti]

If your machine really is clean (spyware and viruses), a real-time spyware scanner (like Windows Defender) may be able to keep it away.

[CptMurphy]

The adware probably has a backup install sitting somewhere on your system, most likely in your system32 folder. Run HijackThis! and post up your results. Also, it would help to know what the spyware is. If need be, try using other spyware scanners. Sometimes you need to use as many as 4 to completely keep your system clean, as these programs miss files.

[Andromeda43]

I have XP Pro on my machine with SP2 (and no updates after SP2) and im having a lot of repeat spyware infections. Once I purge using spybot, the next day they are back again. Is there a vulnerabilty in Sp2 with a hotfix to it post SP2 I can use to stop this reoccuring as it never used to be this bad...

thanks people.

So far there is NO Anti-Spyware program that I've ever found that will both clean and protect your PC 100%.

You will need several programs to do the whole job.

Spybot is a good start, but don't forget to get the latest updates every few days and then always click "Immunize" to apply any downloaded Immunizations to the browsers.

Next you'll need "AdAware SE/Personal" to find the spyware that Spybot misses.

Then you'll need "Spyware Blaster" for added spyware blocking.

Windows Defender is good too.....and like the others I've already mentioned....it's FREE.

Next you can download a 30 day trial of "Trojan Hunter" to help you DE-Infest your HD.

Of course you don't want to forget a really good FREE Anti Virus program. I use AVG 7.5 FREE, to keep myself and my hundreds of customers absolutely Virus FREE.

There's more.....there's always more, but that should get you started.

here's some URL's to get you going.

*************************************

These are the programs I use every day to keep my own PC spotlessly clean.

I suggest every person having any Virus or Spyware issues get these programs

and use them immediately.

Do check for updates to all your security software on a DAILY basis.

SPYWARE/Trojan BLOCKERS/REMOVERS:

Trojan Hunter, is a first class Trojan Horse Virus removal program.

The downloaded version is a 30 day, Fully Functional, free trial.

Use the Free Trial to clean up a Dirty system or buy the retail license to have a year of

full service plus updates. Download "Trojan Hunter" here:

http://www.misec.net/trojanhunter/

From the web page, just click "Download Free Trial Version"

It's a 5.9 meg download.

Spybot Search & Destroy, a great anti Spyware program.

Can be downloaded from:

http://www.pcworld.com/downloads/file_desc...id,22262,00.asp

For instructions on how to set up Spybot for best operation,

See my Spybot Setup instructions on this webpage.

AdAware SE/Personal. Another top notch anti Spyware program.

Can be downloaded from:

http://www.majorgeeks.com/download506.html

Spyware Blaster, a great Spyware Blocker.

Protects both I.E. and Mozilla Firefox.

Can be downloaded from:

http://www.majorgeeks.com/download2859.html

ANTI-VIRUS PROTECTION:

AVG 7.5 FREE:

World famous AVG FREE will keep your computer free of viruses, trojans, dialers, etc.

By default, it updates and scans for viruses on a daily basis.

Can be downloaded from:

http://free.grisoft.com/doc/5390/lng/us/tpl/v5

Scroll down the page to the orange area and then click on:

avg75free_430a848.exe (or the currently posted version)

Save to your desktop and run the install from there.

Immediately get updates. More than one may be required.

vCleaner, Stand Alone Virus Checker from Grisoft.

Can be downloaded from:

http://www.grisoft.com/doc/112/lng/us/tpl/tpl01

Save to your Desktop and run from there.

REGISTRY CLEANER:

Easy Cleaner, the best Registry Cleaner I've found so far.

Can be downloaded from:

http://personal.inet.fi/business/toniarts/ecleane.htm

Personal Website = (http://personal.inet.fi/business/toniarts).

Just scroll down to "Download & Installation" and click on the first floppy disk symbol.

RegClean (from Microsoft)

Written back in the good ol' days of Windows 9x, it's still a pretty good Registry Fixer.

It may be used in conjunction with Easy Cleaner.

Both of the above registry cleaners can now be downloaded from my (rented) download

site at:

Here.

Click on "Computer Tools" on the menu to enter the download page.

FIREWALL:

The XP windows firewall is only a 50% firewall, blocking incoming hackers but doing nothing to stop any ET that's already on your PC from "Phoning Home". It seems like almost every program you install anymore, wants to "Phone Home". It's a good idea to NOT allow this activity. My suggested Firewall to prevent this activity is the FREE version of a world famous product called "Zone Alarm".

ZA can be downloaded from:

http://www.zonelabs.com/store/content/cata...lid=dbtopnav_za

Happy Computing!

Andromeda43 B)

[Tarun]

I have XP Pro on my machine with SP2 (and no updates after SP2) and im having a lot of repeat spyware infections. Once I purge using spybot, the next day they are back again. Is there a vulnerabilty in Sp2 with a hotfix to it post SP2 I can use to stop this reoccuring as it never used to be this bad...

thanks people.

You can also post a HijackThis log and we can analyze it for malicious activity.

I can also work with you to help you tighten the security on your computer.

[LLXX]

I have XP Pro on my machine with SP2 (and no updates after SP2) and im having a lot of repeat spyware infections. Once I purge using spybot, the next day they are back again. Is there a vulnerabilty in Sp2 with a hotfix to it post SP2 I can use to stop this reoccuring as it never used to be this bad...

thanks people.

You can also post a HijackThis log and we can analyze it for malicious activity.

I can also work with you to help you tighten the security on your computer.

More like "his program will analyze it somewhat"...

Anyway go here: http://www.msfn.org/board/index.php?showforum=114