That is good to hear.
We do have some housekeeping to tend to, please continue with these final instructions and helpful links.
Reset hidden/system files and folders
Windows XP
===============
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.
Enable Windows Auto Update
*Go to
Start>
Run - type
wuaucpl.cpl
*Tick on the checkbox - "
Automatically download the updates, and install them on the schedule that I specify".
Click on "
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
This will prevent any reinfection from previous restore points.
Now that you are clean, to help protect your computer in the future I recommend that you get the following free programs if you do not already have them:
Download 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 .
Download Spyware Guard to catch and block spyware before it can execute.
Download 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, and 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
Download
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'. Next click on
Immunize to your left. Click the
Immunize button on top to Immunize your computer - you should do this each time there is an update. Click 'Check for Problems' and fix all the entries, which are indicated in
RED.
Download
Adaware SE and install it if you don't have it already. Make sure it's the newest version and check for any updates before running it. Go to this
Site to get the plug-in for fixing VX2 variants. Also make sure to
Customize the settings in Adaware for better scan results. Run the scan and fix everything that it finds.
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'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? by Tony Klein
THE ANTI-SPYWARE TUTORIAL
MAKING INTERNET EXPLORER SAFER
Understanding and Using Firewalls
**Be very wary with any security software that is advertised in popups or in other ways. They are not only usually of no use, but often have malware in them.
Follow this list and your potential for being infected again will reduce dramatically.