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Old 08-14-2007, 10:17 PM   #6 (permalink)
Ried
Assistant Manager, TSF Academy; Moderator/Analyst Security Team
 
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Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Ohio
Posts: 26,938
OS: WinXP and Vista


Re: computer really jumpy, 'system' process at 50%

Thanks for letting me know.

Since you've reformatted, now would be a good time to set up protection.

To help protect your computer in the future I recommend that you get the following free programs if you do not already have them:

McAfee Site Advisor--free version. The folks there check out websites and based on their findings, rate it as Safe, Unknown, Caution, or Bad.

SpywareBlaster 3.5.1 to help prevent spyware from installing in the first place. Install & update SpywareBlaster with the latest definitions. After you have updated, click the button - enable protection for all unprotected items.

IE-SPYAD.EXE to block access to malicious websites so you cannot be redirected to them from an infected site or email. IE/Spyad places more than 4000 dubious websites and domains in the IE Restricted list. This severely impairs attempts to infect your system. It basically prevents any downloads (Cookies etc) from the sites listed, although you will still be able to connect to the sites. This is a self-extracting .ZIP file, save it to your desktop. Once downloaded, double-click on it to extract the files inside (default dir is C:\IE-SPYAD)
  • Now navigate to C:\ie-spyad. Double click to open it.
  • From within the folder, double-click install.bat
  • Select Option #2 - Install the new IE-SPYAD list, by typing 2
  • Then return to the main menu.
  • Select option #4 - Add the old porn sites domain, by typing 4

Spybot - Search & Destroy 1.4
Run Spybot and click on the 'Search for Updates' button. Install any updates that are available.
  • Now click Mode menu and choose 'Advanced Mode'.
  • Click on Immunize to your left.
  • Next, click the Immunize button on top to Immunize your computer - you need to do this each time there is an update.
  • Click 'Check for Problems' and fix all the entries, which are indicated in RED.

Update all these programs regularly. Without regular updates you will not be protected when new malicious programs are released.

In light of your recent issue, I'm sure you'd like to avoid any future infections. Please take a look at these well written articles:

PC Safety and Security--What Do I Need?

HOW DID I GET INFECTED IN THE FIRST PLACE? by Tony Klein
THE ANTI-SPYWARE TUTORIAL
MAKING INTERNET EXPLORER SAFER
Understanding and Using Firewalls
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