I've been not only getting spyware and adware, but also several programs were downloaded to my harddrive. I think some websites I've visited use a an illegal force downloader. Anywho, I had about 400 files that were spyware downloaded to my desktop instantaneously. So I ran Ad-Aware and I thought the problem was gone...boy was I wrong. Once I ran Spy Sweeper, another 500 files were detected that Ad Aware did not catch. I removed about a dozen new programs via the control panel, but they seem to be there. Spy Sweeper recognized 2 programs that wish to boot on startup, but once I go the the path, the folder is not there. Is there anything that I can do to prevent such a huge amount of spyware to have access to me? Would running a firewall help significantly?
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AD-Spyware problem.
- Thread starter Adn4n
- Start date
MrChad
Lifer
There are a couple of measures you can take. I am assuming you are running some variation of XP, if not let me know.
1. Set up a limited user account (not administrator) to use for your everyday computer use (browsing, writing documents, sending email, etc.). Many spyware programs rely on administrator-level access in order to make the nasty system changes that make them so hard to uninstall. By eliminating that access, you can prevent many spyware installers from working in the first place.
2. Install SP2 for XP. There are a number of enhancements to XP's (and Internet Explorer's) security in SP2 that can help you avoid spyware.
3. Use an alternative browser such as Mozilla Firefox. Firefox is less vulnerable than IE to nasty spyware/malware/virus infections (although with SP2 IE is a lot better).
4. Run a spyware scanner program such as Ad-Aware regularly. This should be part of your regular system maintenance, just like anti-virus software.
5. Install and run a firewall. There are many quality free programs available from Microsoft (SP2), Zone Alarm and Kerio. Firewalls are a must for broadband internet connections.
6. Practice safe surfing! Don't visit porn sites and other questionable links. Spyware can pop up anywhere, but it often lives on less-than-reputable websites.
Good luck!
1. Set up a limited user account (not administrator) to use for your everyday computer use (browsing, writing documents, sending email, etc.). Many spyware programs rely on administrator-level access in order to make the nasty system changes that make them so hard to uninstall. By eliminating that access, you can prevent many spyware installers from working in the first place.
2. Install SP2 for XP. There are a number of enhancements to XP's (and Internet Explorer's) security in SP2 that can help you avoid spyware.
3. Use an alternative browser such as Mozilla Firefox. Firefox is less vulnerable than IE to nasty spyware/malware/virus infections (although with SP2 IE is a lot better).
4. Run a spyware scanner program such as Ad-Aware regularly. This should be part of your regular system maintenance, just like anti-virus software.
5. Install and run a firewall. There are many quality free programs available from Microsoft (SP2), Zone Alarm and Kerio. Firewalls are a must for broadband internet connections.
6. Practice safe surfing! Don't visit porn sites and other questionable links. Spyware can pop up anywhere, but it often lives on less-than-reputable websites.
Good luck!
mechBgon
Super Moderator<br>Elite Member
I like all MrChad's advice and I just wanted to add a couple:
[*]Use strong passwords on your user accounts, not weak or blank ones
[*]You may need to disable System Restore to keep Windows from helpfully replacing the deleted spyware 😕:|
[*]If my computer were that far compromised, I would back up my data, download the full Service Pack 2 installer and burn it to CD, and then Drop The Bomb On It? and reinstall Windows from scratch with my network cable unplugged while wearing a tinfoil deflector beanie 😀
[*]...and I'd also get a good hardware firewall jobbie like a Netgear RP614, they're not expensive and make a nice supplement to WinXP SP2's firewall. Newegg = $34 shipped after MIR last I looked.
[*]Once you get SP2 installed, enable software Date Execution Prevention for all software. To enable DEP for all programs, right-click My Computer, choose Properties, then click Advanced on the System Properties panel. Now click the Settings button in the Performance box, and you'll see the DEP tab on the next panel, where you can enable DEP for all software, like this. If this causes an issue with DiVX, make an exception for it.
Good luck 🙂
[*]Use strong passwords on your user accounts, not weak or blank ones
[*]You may need to disable System Restore to keep Windows from helpfully replacing the deleted spyware 😕:|
[*]If my computer were that far compromised, I would back up my data, download the full Service Pack 2 installer and burn it to CD, and then Drop The Bomb On It? and reinstall Windows from scratch with my network cable unplugged while wearing a tinfoil deflector beanie 😀
[*]...and I'd also get a good hardware firewall jobbie like a Netgear RP614, they're not expensive and make a nice supplement to WinXP SP2's firewall. Newegg = $34 shipped after MIR last I looked.
[*]Once you get SP2 installed, enable software Date Execution Prevention for all software. To enable DEP for all programs, right-click My Computer, choose Properties, then click Advanced on the System Properties panel. Now click the Settings button in the Performance box, and you'll see the DEP tab on the next panel, where you can enable DEP for all software, like this. If this causes an issue with DiVX, make an exception for it.
Good luck 🙂
Schadenfroh
Elite Member
see my Guide to the removal and prevention of spyware , go thru the removal steps, post your hijackthis log for review