runner error

[Glaswegian]

Hi jorg

Just a thought - do you still have the original installation programme? You may find that you'll be best re-installing and then uninstalling - sometimes it's the only way.

[austinjorg]

Well, Finally
I went back to the f-secure site and fouind that they had released a newer free download. Downloaded it and then uninstalled it and it said I was protected by "Zone Alarm". I had unloaded and loaded Zone Alarm since you wrote. It looks like the note about anti-virus in security center always refers back to the name of your last virus software, BUT, it's not supposed to say it's running. I don't know if that was a bad release or not but I do know that I'm not ever going to uninstall softwre with the software provided "uninstall"! I'll always use Add/Remove. Thanks for all your help!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
What do you recommend for Anti-Virus software?

[Glaswegian]

Hi jorg

Glad you got it sorted at last. Wish we could have managed it a bit sooner.

My own personal favourite for AV is AVG – you’ll find a reference and link further down this post. So……if there are no more problems we’ll just tidy up. Here are my ‘Keep Clean’ recommendations and I’ll let you get back to your life.


Reset Hidden/System Files
To reset your hidden and system files:

• 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.

System Restore
To turn off System Restore click Start > Right Click My Computer > Properties. Click the System Restore tab and Check "Turn off System Restore" or "Turn off System Restore on all drives" Click Apply. When turning off System Restore, the existing restore points will be deleted. Click Yes to do this then Click OK.

To turn on System Restore by Clicking Start. Right-click My Computer, and then click Properties. Click the System Restore tab. Uncheck "Turn off System Restore" or "Turn off System Restore on all drives." Click Apply, and then OK.

This will create a new Restore Point.



IMPORTANT!!!
Please ensure that Windows is patched against the WMF exploit. This is a dangerous vulnerability that opens the door to multiple infections; and a possible reason you were infected. Visit Window's Update to get the KB912919 patch.



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

Spyware Blaster to help prevent spyware from installing in the first place.
Spyware Guard to catch and block spyware before it can execute.
Spybot - Search & Destroy with its TeaTimer option. This will provide realtime spyware & hijacker protection on your computer alongside your virus protection. You should also scan your computer with the program on a regular basis just as you would an antivirus software. A tutorial on installing & using this product can be found here.


Ad-aware
Download and install Ad-Aware. You should use this program to scan your computer on a regular basis just as you would an antivirus software in conjunction with Spybot. A tutorial on installing & using this product can be found here.


IE-SPYAD
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. A tutorial on installing this product can be found here.


SnoopFree
SnoopFree is a real time monitor that notifies you when a programme wants to record your keystrokes or read your screen.


MVPS Hosts File
The MVPS Hosts file replaces your current HOSTS file with one that will restrict known ad sites from serving you unsolicited advertisements. Basically, this prevents your computer from connecting to those sites by redirecting them to 127.0.0.1 which is the IP of your local computer. Note that if you use a company provided HOSTS file you should not use the MVPS HOSTS file.


Alternate Browsers
Try the following free alternate browsers rather than Internet Explorer
Firefox
Opera


Firewalls
A good firewall will monitor incoming and outgoing traffic. NOTE: Microsoft's Firewall does not monitor outgoing traffic. If you do not have a firewall, here are 3 free ones available for personal use:
Sygate Personal Firewall
ZoneAlarm
Tiny Personal Firewall


Anti Virus Software
It is very important that you have anti-virus software running on your machine. This alone can save you a lot of trouble with malware in the future. See this link for a listing of some online antivirus scanners:
Anti-Spyware Tutorial

Here are two very good free Antivirus products which are available:
Avast!
AVG

It is imperative that you update your Antivirus software at least once a week (Even more if you wish). If you do not update your antivirus software then it will not be able to catch any of the new variants that may come out.


Other Protection
Winpatrol - Download and install the free version of Winpatrol. A tutorial for this product is located here:
Using Winpatrol to protect your computer.


In light of your recent troubles, 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.
Making Internet Explorer Safer.

Keep clean and safe and enjoy your computing!

Please respond to this thread one more time so we can mark this thread as resolved.

[austinjorg]

I'm certainly glad too but by it taking longer, I sure learned a lot. I've got all the tools you introduced me to in a special folder .
Thanks again for all your help!