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March 17, 2005
Removing Viruses and Spyware
Grisoft AVG - Free software to removes virus, worms, trojan horses.
Spybot Search & Destroy - Free spyware removal tool.
AdAware - Free spyware removal tool.
Microsoft's Windows AnitSpyware - Free spyware removal tool.
Hijack This - Free spyware removal tool.
CodeStuff Starter - Free program that stops TSR's from loading when computer is powered up.
Elite Toolbar Removal - Removes the horrendously complicated Elite Toolbar.
Elite Toolbar Removal - Removes the horrendously complicated Elite Toolbar.
Elite Toolbar Removal - Removes the horrendously complicated Elite Toolbar.
Elite Toolbar Removal - Removes the horrendously complicated Elite Toolbar.
I found this website very useful.
Here are some simple steps you can take to reduce the chance of infection in the future.
1. Visit Windows Update:
Make sure that you have all the Critical Updates recommended for your operating system and IE. The first defense against infection is a properly patched OS.
a. Windows Update: http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com
(corrected - Thanks Robert)2. Adjust your security settings for ActiveX:
Go to Internet Options/Security/Internet, press 'default level', then OK.
Now press "Custom Level."
In the ActiveX section, set the first option, 'Download signed controls', to 'Prompt; set the second option, 'Download unsigned controls', to 'Disable'; and finally, set 'Initialize and Script ActiveX controls not marked as safe" to 'Disable'.3. Download and install the following free programs
a. SpywareBlaster: http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/spywareblaster.html
b. SpywareGuard: http://www.wilderssecurity.net/spywareguard.html
c. IE/Spyad: https://netfiles.uiuc.edu/ehowes/www/resource.htm
d. Bugoff: http://www.majorgeeks.com/download4308.html
4. Install Spyware Detection and Removal Programs:
You may also want to consider installing either or both of AdAware (free version) and Spybot S&D (freeware). Use these programs to regularly scan your system for and remove many forms of spyware/malware.
a. AdAware: http://www.lavasoft.de/
b. Spybot S&D: http://security.kolla.de/index.php?lang=en&page=downloadBefore adding any other Spyware Detection and Removal programs always check the Rogue Anti-Spyware List for programs known to be misleading, mistaken, or just outright "Foistware". You will find the list here: http://www.spywarewarrior.com/rogue_anti-spyware.htm
5. Install 'Spoofstick"
Spoofstick is a simple browser extension that helps users detect spoofed (fake) websites. This extension is free and installs in Internet Explorer and Mozilla Firefox.
a. http://www.corestreet.com/spoofstick6. Use a Firewall - I can not stress how important it is that you use a Firewall on your computer. Without a firewall your computer is susceptible to being hacked and taken over. Simply using a Firewall in its default configuration can lower your risk greatly. See the links below:
a. ZoneAlarm
b. Kerio7. Reset System Restore
If you are using Windows ME or Windows XP, please reset your System Restore. See Windows help for information.
Then after you've done all that.....Run these two free online scans allowing them to fix or delete anything they locate, please note any item they could not remove and the location, post this information in your next thread.
http://www.pandasoftware.com/activescan/com/activescan_principal.htm
http://www.windowsecurity.com/trojanscan/
Posted by Peenie Wallie on March 17, 2005 at 10:10 PM
Comments
Actually, the correct URL for Windows Update is http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com.
Not every version of Windows and/or Internet Explorer supports Version 5 (the "v5" in http://v5.windowsupdate.microsoft.com/en/default.asp) of Windows Update.
For example, I'm testing this from a Windows 2000 Professional workstation with , with Internet Explorer 6.0 SP1, and Windows Update redirects to http://v4.windowsupdate.microsoft.com/en/default.asp
Besides, windowsupdate.microsoft.com is easier write down and remember. And it will automatically re-direct you to the correct version of Windows Update.
Posted by: Robert on March 18, 2005 at 8:57 AM
Removing Viruses and Spyware
Step one: Dart off an email to hottie tech-giggalo
Step two: Enter in subject column: Damsel in distress!
Step three: Require him to zip by to solve problem
Step four: Offer kind gesture of hot meal NO DESSERT!
Step: Tell all cute and available friends about PC-Giggalo service
Posted by: Chica from down the hill on March 18, 2005 at 12:59 PM
Tell all cute and available friends about PC-Giggalo service
Posted by: Chica from down the hill on March 18, 2005 at 12:59 PM
The only people who seem to require my services are the parents of my friends, and their old non-cute neighbors. It's one of the downfalls of being a member of the tech support generation.
The biggest problem was always viruses, spyware, adware, and other malware. There is some stuff out there that is just impossible to remove once a PC gets infected with it. Now I just tell people to stop calling me and just buy a Macintosh.
But if you have any cute and single (or not so happily married) friends, feel free to have them contact me.
Posted by: Robert on March 18, 2005 at 5:25 PM
One of the reasons I like Spybot S&D is that, as of the last time I checked, it's the only free spyware removal program that can be set to update itself, scan, and run quietly in the background.
Simply create a batch file with the following two lines:
cd "C:\Program Files\Spybot - Search & Destroy"
spybotsd /autoupdate /autocheck /autofix /autoclose /autoimmunize /taskbarhide
and use Windows' automatic task scheduler to run it on a regular basis. I set it to "when computer has been idle for more than 10 minutes," but updating once a day or week (at zero dark thirty) should be fine.
Thanks to cybergibbons for that tip.
Posted by: Robert on March 18, 2005 at 5:35 PM
Interesting article!
Where can I find more on this theme?
Posted by: MalkEvange on August 6, 2007 at 1:40 PM