Possible Malware Issue

[kiranaus]

I assume that my hard disk is pretty old, so is there a specific model that I should be looking for my particular PC model?

[sUBs]

is there a specific model that I should be looking for my particular PC model?

Nope. HDD technology has seen vast improvements in the last 6 years. Current pricing are so much cheaper than back then. Just get an IDE HDD & choose the capacity (number of GBs) that suits your needs most.

Found you a few more links:

http://buildmyown.blogspot.com/2007/...hard-disk.html

http://www.atarimagazines.com/comput...ose_a_hard.php

Some of the current choices:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...NG&Pagesize=50

[kiranaus]

Before I start with more questions, I'd just like to thank both you, sUBs, and chemist, for your outstanding advice and support that allowed me to resolve the various issues that pervade my technological reality (I'm working on my ignorance). Thank-you so very much.

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I purchased a knew internal hard disk drive and installed it in my computer, but I left the old one in as well. I was wondering how I can utilize the drives so that the new one is my primary drive from while the other I can use very much like a disk drive that is accessible under My Computer. At the moment the SETUP configuration following the boot tells me that the old HD is the primary master (device 0) while the new one is PS (device 1). I thought that since the HD interfaces via SATA standard, I didn't have to worry about the master-slave component...
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I'm also pleased that this thread has remained open long enough for me to continue my troublshooting. I wasn't sure what the forum policy was on duration before a thread is locked, but I remain relieved nonetheless.

Thanks again I hope I won't have to bother you for much longer.

[chemist]

You are very welcome.

I purchased a knew internal hard disk drive and installed it in my computer, but I left the old one in as well. I was wondering how I can utilize the drives so that the new one is my primary drive from while the other I can use very much like a disk drive that is accessible under My Computer. At the moment the SETUP configuration following the boot tells me that the old HD is the primary master (device 0) while the new one is PS (device 1). I thought that since the HD interfaces via SATA standard, I didn't have to worry about the master-slave component...

As the focus of this forum is malware removal, I suggest you seek expert advice in our Hardware Support Forum

They are more knowledgeable about your present issues. Let us know if we can be of further assistance.

[kiranaus]

Understood. You guys probably have your hands full as it is.
Thanks for the help.

[chemist]

Here are some recommendations for your new hard drive:

MICROSOFT UPDATES
It is very important that you get all of the critical updates for your Operating System and Internet Explorer. Keeping your OS and browser up to date will help make you less susceptible to attacks by Trojans and viruses. Please go to Microsoft and download all the critical updates to help prevent possible re-infection.

ANTIVIRUS PROGRAM
It is imperative that you have an AntiVirus program running on your computer. Connecting to the internet without an AntiVirus program is an open invitation for infection. Here are a few very good free Antivirus products which are available:
Select one of these, or another of your choice. Download, install, update definitions, and run a full system scan.

Do not install more than one AntiVirus program as they will conflict with each other.

• Avira Antivir PersonalEdition Classic
• Avast!
• AVG

FIREWALL
Using a third-party Firewall will allow you to give/deny access for applications that want to go online. Select one of these, or another of your choice:

Do not install more than one Firewall program as they will conflict with each other.

• Comodo Firewall Pro
• Sunbelt Personal Firewall
• ZoneAlarm Free Firewall

SPYWARE PREVENTION
This is a good time to set up protection against further attacks. In light of your recent problem, I'm sure you'd like to avoid any future infections. Please read these well written articles:

• How Did I Get Infected In The First Place? by TonyKlein
• PC Safety and Security--What Do I Need?

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

• SpywareBlaster 4.1 prevents the installation of ActiveX-based malware, blocks cookies, and restricts the actions of "bad" sites in Internet Explorer. See tutorial here
  
• SpywareGuard catches and blocks spyware installation and browser hijacking in real-time. See tutorial here
  
• IE-Spyad is another excellent program that places over 5000 dubious websites and domains in the IE Restricted list, which will help prevent attempts to infect your system. It basically prevents any downloads from the sites listed, although you will still be able to connect to the site. See tutorial here
  
• MVPS HOSTS FILE replaces your current HOSTS file with one that will restrict known ad sites from serving you unsolicited advertisements. It basically prevents your computer from connecting to those sites by redirecting them to 127.0.0.1, which is the IP of your local computer. See guide here and for Windows Vista here
  
• Spybot - Search & Destroy 1.5.2 is an excellent spyware remover and also offers real-time protection against critical registry changes. Don't use the Immunize feature if you use SpywareBlaster. See tutorial here

Keep your antivirus program and antispyware programs updated and scan with them on a regular basis.