Spyware, viruses, & security : How to Remove Malware, et al, like the computer repair shops
How to Remove Malware, et al, like the computer repair shops
by katiebug57 - 3/21/07 10:14 AMWindows XP Home Edition, 512 RAM, 260 GB Hard drive
I have "all" the programs that most folks have: Ad-Aware, Spybot, Spysweeper, CrapCleaner, etc.
The problem is that I run those things diligently, and my computer STILL got cluttered with stuff. I don't know how. It cost me a pretty penny to get it cleaned up.
What I want to know is how I can repair my computer like the pros do without having to spend an arm and a leg.
Thanks for the help.
Katie
Hi Katie
by roddy32
- 3/21/07 11:05 AM
In reply to: How to Remove Malware, et al, like the computer repair shops by katiebug57
That would depend on exactly WHAT the computer is being cluttered with. Surfing habits make a huge difference in getting infected with malware also. P2P is an extremely easy way to get malware on the computer. In your list, you didn't mention SpywareBlaster. That prevents SOME of it from installing. If you don't have that, would strongly recommend it. It is free like the other.
http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/spywareblaster.html
Hi Roddy
by katiebug57 - 3/21/07 6:22 PM In reply to: Hi Katie by roddy32
I actually have used Spyware Blaster in the past, but I found Ewido and SpySweeper caught more things.
I'm trying to figure out what to do WHEN I get spyware on my machine that isn't caught by anything I run.
Katie
Katie
by tomron - 3/21/07 6:55 PM In reply to: Hi Roddy by katiebug57"I actually have used Spyware Blaster in the past, but I found Ewido and SpySweeper caught more things"
spyware blaster function is as a preventer,it prevents spyware from being installed inside your computer,it does not function as an anti spyware program,such as avg anti spyware which will remove a threat.
********************
"I'm trying to figure out what to do WHEN I get spyware on my machine that isn't caught by anything I run."
Not sure how too respond too that other then too say install many anti spyware programs.There are no guarantees,so,an ounce of prevention....
Tom
Katie, different malware requires different
by roddy32 - 3/21/07 7:24 PM
In reply to: Hi Roddy by katiebug57
tools to get rid of it. Ewido and SpySweeper are 2 of the better ones BUT there is NOT one single program that will remove everything. You still have not said exactly WHAT it is that you have to keep cleaning up. That brings me back to exactly what I said before. SpywareBlaster prevents many things from being installed in the first place. If they can't install, you have no need to remove them. The "combination" of prevention programs, good scanners and safe surfing will keep the computer cleaner. If you use things like P2P, then you may as well get used to cleaning the computer up constantly.
To all!
by katiebug57 - 3/25/07 12:42 PM In reply to: Hi Katie by roddy32
Got some really great ideas and suggestions. You're all gems!
BTW, to whoever said, I use Sandboxie almost all the time when I surf the web. The place I don't is when I open a link from Outlook onto FF. I haven't figured out how to make that run in the sandbox.
Really, REALLY appreciate everyone.
Katiebug
Oops! Oops! Another question
by katiebug57 - 3/25/07 12:47 PM In reply to: To all! by katiebug57Someone suggested using a hosts file. What is a hosts file and what does it do for me?
Katie
This link explains a Hosts file
by roddy32 - 3/25/07 1:48 PM
In reply to: Oops! Oops! Another question by katiebug57
better than I can. This particular one is also one of the more popular ones.
http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/hosts.htm
You Don't Mention Which Firewall You Use or if....
by tobeach - 3/21/07 11:42 PM In reply to: How to Remove Malware, et al, like the computer repair shops by katiebug57you have a router(with or without hardware firewall built in). I Recommend using one. Hardwired preferred as anything wireless has its' own set of holes.
Also several applications such as Internet Chat, Messenger & even OE have hidden back channels/or flaws that allow in pests. OE's one can be disabled by an add-on for AdawareSE available at Lavasoft's Home Site. Keep the others disabled at start-up until/unless you need to use them.
Using IE for browsing is a pretty good hole in general especially with active-X(including Flash Player & Adobe Reader)enabled.
I'm VERY leery of anything with the word "Toolbar" in it!!
Again: Browsing (say sites with freebie offers of discount coupons/special deals etc can often be a source along with freebie/low cost internet service which may include mandatory ads.
Make "Blank or about blank" your home page and search through Google (remember toolbar?).
Hope this offers some insight in to possible incoming routes . 
Remember that all those programs
by ask4anu - 3/21/07 11:59 PM In reply to: How to Remove Malware, et al, like the computer repair shops by katiebug57create FLASE positive including firewall software also
as the windows enviroment may be using any one of those annoying things creating a flase positive
but to clean your pc like a pro all you need is a REAL COPY of the OS you use and not a restore disk and then
boot from it then fallow instructions
1-800-£33†§qüad;©®™
I think I'm getting it
by katiebug57 - 3/22/07 6:59 AM In reply to: Remember that all those programs by ask4anuLike I said, I had Spyware Blaster in the past, but I think the guys who "fixed" my computer deleted it. As far as a firewall, I use Comodo instead of Win Firewall. And, I don't have to worry about Outlook Express as I use Outlook.
When I took my computer in last time, they told me it was "loaded" with spyware, which I had a hard time believing as I run anti-whatever programs all the time.
However, what I have begun doing is using a virtual computer for most of my web surfing. I can't use it all the time, like say, from Outlook, but I'm hoping it keeps things clean.
Thanks for all the great ideas and suggestions.
Katie
They MIGHT have been just looking
by roddy32 - 3/22/07 7:08 AM
In reply to: I think I'm getting it by katiebug57
for extra money out of you. I'm not saying that they were but are there as many ripoff shops as there are legit ones. You're welcome and happy surfing.
Preventing Malware
by rgismondi - 3/23/07 5:40 PM In reply to: I think I'm getting it by katiebug57Katiebug:
There are a number of things that were not mentioned in your posts, or in the replies, and some I wish to emphasize. For example, use a browser such as Firefox or Opera. They are more fully featured, especially Opera, free, and safer and faster. You can use one or all three; but, the independents are less likely to attract malware.
Get a free Hosts file. It takes a bit of understanding, but, it will repay your diligence, greatly. See:
http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/hosts2.htm.
Don't let it intimidate you; it will give a lot of protection, if you read it carefully and use it.
You do not mention an anti-virus. Skip suites, but get an AV. Try AVG free. To guard your Hosts file, Start Page, and Default Search engine, get WinPatrol Free. It also allows you to modify the Startup Folder (MSCONFIG) easier and faster.
Last, be sure your firewall is 2-way. If not, try Zone Alarm free. These tips plus your 2 or 3 anti-spyware scanners should do the trick. However, as already suggested, beware peer-to-peer applications, such as Limewire. They invite strangers into your computer. (Horrors!)
Once you have these things operational, and update and use them regularly, you should have few problems. But, never open unsolicited emails, with ANY email client, never open attachments you are not 100% certain of. And never install software without a strong recommendation from a trusted expert.
~~Robert
Setting up your pc to deal with the problem if it occurs
by computernut - 3/23/07 6:38 PM In reply to: How to Remove Malware, et al, like the computer repair shops by katiebug57I have tried all of the free anti-spyware programs and some that were not free such as Spyware Doctor and the anti-spyware in the Zone Alarm Security suite and they all let me down when I got infected with spyware. True, all of them removed "some" spyware, but none of them removes all spyware and the particular spyware that I had was too much of a problem to ignore. Since I cannot and will not go to a pro each time I get infected I decided I needed some kind of fool proof solution in that event. This solution does require that your computer is free of spyware or viruses when you do it so that may require a complete reinstall of Windows and all your apps. After you are sure your computer is spyware free you need to add a partition to your hard drive or you can add a second hard drive and format it. Your c: drive will contain your operating system and your programs. The second partition , or if you wish, a second hard drive, may be added for this partition, will contain My Documents and any downloaded programs or updates to your computer. It is simpler to do this setup with a clean istall of XP, but it can be done by using a partitioning program such as Partition Magic if you wish to keep your current operating system intact. Once you have setup your computer and made the second partition you need to move My Documents off of the c: drive to the other partition, probably e: or f: depending on how many drives you have. You do this by right clicking on My Documents and choose Properties. In the properties you will see a tab that says "move". Choose the location of the other partition and move it there. Your current documents will now be on the other partition as well as any future documents you save on your computer. Next, you need to have a complete backup image of your c: drive that will allow you to restore your c: drive back to the way it was before you got infected. Make sure you have Windows completely updated and all of your programs and apps installed before making the backup as it will save a great deal of time in the future. Programs for backing up your hard drive which I have used successfully are Acronis True Image and Norton Ghost. I have had a higher degree of success with the Norton Ghost however. Both programs are fairly simple and easy to use and the restoration process only takes about 30-60 minutes. If you are unfamiliar with how to install an operating system you will need help. There is a great deal of step by step instuctions on the internet to help you install XP. Some computer manufacturers such as Gateway or Hewlett Packard make partitions on the hard drive for you already allowing you to restore your system in the event of a crash or other problem such as spyware you cannot get rid of so you may want to check on that. If all this sounds too complicated you could still buy Acronis or Ghost and backup your computer to a USB external hard drive for restoration. You simply install one of the programs and run it. External hard drives are very affordable these days and will easily hold your backup as well as all of your important files. I hope this is of some help as I know of no other way to protect yourself from spyware other than buying a gun and trying to hunt down the spyware programmers!
Here's the deal, my way.
by Brianstech - 3/23/07 7:28 PM In reply to: How to Remove Malware, et al, like the computer repair shops by katiebug57I'm one of those who makes decent money fixing people's computers. I'm an independent, someone who has gained many clients through my years of knowledge, buying and selling, building, networking, and repairs.
Do you want to know how I keep my own computers running well?
1. I use a hardware router, Linksys, Netgear, D-Link, it doesn't matter. And I don't use extreme security settings.
2. I use Firefox as my browser. Maybe once every few months I'll use Internet Explorer to achieve something I can't with Firefox, and that's usually for experimental purposes. A few years back I got fed up with all the crap invading my computer EVERY FEW MINUTES with IE. Switched to Firefox, and the whole internet world opened its arms to me. I never looked back.
I CANNOT use Firefox without some enhancements. They're called extensions. NoScript is the most important, it won't allow a single site to run scripts (including bad ones) without your approval. Next is Adblock Plus, something that speeds loading times with every click as it blocks all those "leecher" ads from loading. I compliment that with AdBlock FiltersetG Updater.
Go to http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/firefox/ to learn all about it.
Also, I always install SpywareBlaster. I'm not sure exactly how it works, but it helps keep the bad guys out. That's always good.
3. CCleaner. It's a simple small free program I couldn't live without. It takes mere seconds to eliminate all my internet history, cookies and cache. Not to mention emptying the Recycle Bin, and it even has a simple Registry cleaner.
CCleaner is not a security program, it qualifies as a utility. But it makes all my security scanning programs almost completely worthless. I know, I've tested it too many times. After a week or so of internet usage I've run Spybot or AdAware to see they would find the usual list of benign cookies. Running CCleaner first makes AdAware, Spyboy S&D, Ewido, and even Doctor Alex a waste of my time. They all find nothing, for about 2 years now.
http://www.ccleaner.com/
4. Background programs. I DO NOT ALLOW programs to load and run with Windows. Install your camera software, scanner software, TV tuner software, DVD media player, sound card and mixer, Itunes, it doesn't stop. They all want to be in your face every minute you are on your computer. And they are constantly hovering, waiting for you to request their services, at the cost of your time and RAM. Why do they do this? Obviously it's greed.
So you shut them down. And still they occupy CPU cycles while they constantly seek updates because you didn't STOP that also!
I use my digital camera about once every few months, my scanner even less. Why do they embed their software up my operating system's wahoo?
STOP THEM.
5. Email. Not much to say, I simply DON'T allow HTML to get through all three accounts. All my email accounts are set up for "text only", so the crooks can't can't infest my computer as easily. I also take the time to block the address or domain of every spammer, and only get about 2 unwarranted emails a year. I'm very serious.
And my life will never be changed by ANYTHING I read in an email. It's email for gosh sakes! When I read "Your Paypal account has been accessed by a third party", I laughed. I logged onto Paypal to see it was only a scammer's attempt to get me to react through clicking their link to provide them with my account information. THERE ISN'T A SINGLE EMAIL THAT WOULD EVER RAISE MY BLOOD PRESSURE!! Nowadays they can install scary stuff in your PC as soon as you open their email, unless you use "text only".
I almost wish they would still try, but it's been over 2 years since the last scam emails.
THAT ABOUT SUMS IT UP.
I don't use an antivirus although I wouldn't recommend that to all common users.
And I download through torrents (filesharing) while surfing Russian Porno sites. I'm a registered hacker on a few gamer sites. Sometimes I go down those dark internet alleys looking for trouble, and I always find nothing.
I'm also an established member of eBay, almost 5 years of buying and selling on 2 accounts. Established means I'm also an active member of their communities, the Answer Center and different Groups.
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