Best way to secure an ME machine from adware/spyware.

[TrueWisdom]

Ok, I recently removed a TON of spyware and adware from a friend's machine. He's running an archaic computer, though--an Athlon 850MHz with 64MB of SDRAM, with Windows ME installed on it. After 3 hours of uninstalling bad programs, maunally cleaning the registry, scanning with Spybot, installing the latest (as of 2003) updates, sticking AVG free on there, and password-protecting the accounts, I left believing that he had a secure computer. He called me yesterday (it's been about two weeks) and said that he was getting so many popups now that he could not use the machine. I don't know why he waited so long to contact me, but I'm going over there today to finish the job and I was wondering if anyone had particular tips for getting Windows ME more secure? I'm sure that he has bad browsing habits, but there's got to be a way to get past this. I've read the spyware thread and I plan on also installing SpywareBlaster, but after I do that, is there anything I should pay particular attention to?

 

[BlueWeasel]

Ad-aware, SpywareBlaster, Spybot S&D, and Firefox (if you can get him to switch from IE) should help tremendously.

 

[1Cheap2Crazy]

HOSTS file

 

[mechBgon]

I'd suggest Kaspersky or McAfee antivirus software and Webroot Spysweeper, plus tack on another 128MB of RAM so it doesn't crawl. If you get Kaspersky, use the Extended Databases option in Threats & Exclusions. Presumably he already has firewall protection (router or firewall software)?

Bigger picture: WinXP or Win2000 would be so much more securable. Limited account and common sense/user education = no adware/spyware.

 

[HeliosUtH]

First of all. Install Win 98SE with this service pack http://exuberant.ms11.net/98sesp.html. Then, you could use:
For Antivirus: BitDefender 8 pro: http://www.bitdefender.com or something like NOD32 antivirus (very good).
For Firewall: Sygate Personal Firewall PRO or Agnitum Outpost Firewall PRO.
For Removing any unwanted tenants: Ad-Aware SE ... set it to scan when the computer starts.
For Explorer: Use Firefox 1.0.6 with the additional plugins
For Supidity: Advise your friend not to open every pop-up windows he sees or any mail atach. Also instruct him to get his mail online, rather than use mail client ... i hate that thing.

 

[Diz2K2]

Google Toolbar is good for blocking those unwanted pop-ups
http://toolbar.google.com

 

[JBT]

Best way to secure an ME machine from adware/spyware.

Switch to Windows XP