sUBs

You should fix whatever vulnerabilities found. That's how why you were infected.

Your copy of Windows XP & Internet Explorer is outdated. You're susceptible to infections that may otherwise be prevented on a properly updated system. You should visit Windows Update site and install all available Critical Updates. This will patch your system with the most current security fixes and plug all the known vulnerabilities.

Since you have mistakenly installed Microsoft Antispyware & Spysweeper, why not keep them? They should protect you from future infections. Whilst Norton is a respectable anti-virus program, it offers meagre protection against spyware. Should you decide that they aren't necessary, you can always remove them via the add/remove programs panel.

Your log is clean. Do you have any more problems with your computer? If not, you should be set to go.

However, there still remains a few bits of housekeeping ...

Reset hidden/system files and folders

• Click Start.
• Open My Computer.
• Select the Tools menu and click Folder Options.
• Select the View tab.
• Deselect the Show hidden files and folders option.
• Select the Hide file extensions for known types option.
• Select the Hide protected operating system files option.
• Click Yes to confirm.
• Click OK.

Create a new System Restore point

• click Start >> Run - type SYSDM.CPL & press Enter
• select the System Restore Tab
• tick on the checkbox - "Turn off System Restore on all drives"
• click Apply
• then untick the same checkbox & click OK

Enable Windows Auto Update

• Go to Start>Run - type wuaucpl.cpl
• tick on the checkbox - "Keep my computer up to date"
• Under settings, choose "Automatically download the updates, and install them on the schedule that I specify".
• Click on "OK".

Now that you are clean, to help protect your computer in the future I recommend that you get the following free programs:

• SpywareBlaster to help prevent spyware from installing in the first place.
• SpywareGuard to catch and block spyware before it can execute.
• IESpy-Ad to block access to malicious websites so you cannot be redirected to them from an infected site or email.

If you do not have a firewall, here are 3 free ones available for personal use:

• Sygate Personal Firewall
• Kerio Personal Firewall
• ZoneAlarm

and a good antivirus like the one you are currently using. It is critical to have both a firewall and an anti-virus application and to keep them updated.


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

• HOW DID I GET INFECTED IN THE FIRST PLACE?
• THE ANTI-SPYWARE TUTORIAL

Have a safe & happy computing day.

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