Need Help!

[icymood]

Need help!

Operating System
>> Windows XP SP1
Antivirus Program / Anti-Spyware / Firewall
>> NOD32 v2 / Ad-Aware SE Pro v6
Internet browser
>> Firefox v1
Type of internet connection
>> Dial-up

Details of problem:
I recently reformated my PC and its my first time to use NOD32 and Ad-Aware.
1) I have my NOD32 and Ad-Watch running in the background when I installed Cacheman and ASUS Probe (I set these two to auto-run at start-up) but they don't seem to auto-start until I unchecked the 'Lock start-up selection' in the Blocking Options of Ad-Watch. Will unchecking this option be crucial to my protection (unchecking this made my Cacheman and ASUS Probe autorun at start-up)?
2) My PC can detect my Leadtek TV Tuner as a new hardware but I can't install the driver. I don't know what's happening because I was using my tuner for years now. I also tried unloading (not to run in background) my NOD32 and Ad-Watch but it didn't worked also.
3) I have my NOD32 and Ad-Watch running in the background when I'm connected to the internet but I keep having these irritating Messenger Service window saying that my PC is infected with Spyware / Adware or my PC has been compromised and need to go to a site. This is my first time to encounter such and I want this to stop.

Please help! Thanks!

 

[icymood]

Also, sometimes when I'm turning off my PC I see a Ending Program windows with the name 'should not see me'. Does anyone know what this is?

Hope you can help me out.

 

[mechBgon]

You need to unplug your network cable, blow away your whole Windows installation and follow this advice, starting with the wormproofing, then the Ongoing Prevention stuff. Don't plug the network cable in until you've got your defenses up. Edit: in your case, the telephone cable. *does the secret 56k'er handshake*

Welcome to the Forums

 

[mechBgon]

Also, do not install Cacheman. I'd bet you a it's advertising-supported software.

 

[icymood]

Actually, I was using Norton before and I got tired of it so I reformatted my PC and fresh reinstall Windows XP. I installed NOD32 and Ad-Aware for viruses and spyware protection before I went to the internet to get Windows updates... The thing is that I don't have any software firewall (like Sygate) installed yet. Do you think that may be the prob mechBgon?

 

[mechBgon]

Originally posted by: icymood
Actually, I was using Norton before and I got tired of it so I reformatted my PC and fresh reinstall Windows XP. I installed NOD32 and Ad-Aware for viruses and spyware protection before I went to the internet to get Windows updates... The thing is that I don't have any software firewall (like Sygate) installed yet. Do you think that may be the prob mechBgon?

If NOD32 doesn't have recent antivirus definitions when it's installed, then you are vulnerable until it does. I'm not familiar with NOD32 but most antivirus software also needs some configuration before it's really set up to play hardball anyway.

As you can see from my tips, the #1 thing is to have a firewall so your computer does not "talk to strangers," meaning either script kiddies doing port scans or worm-infected computers trying to tell your computer to download a worm for its very own. So get the free basic ZoneAlarm, burn its installer to CD, and start over. Before dialing up, at least install ZoneAlarm. And I would think twice about reinstalling anything else of questionable origin.

If you don't have access to a fast Internet connection, you can order Service Pack 2 for WinXP from here. It's free, and mine came in about three days. Service Pack 2 fixes the known wormholes and also enables WinXP's own firewall by default.

You should make sure to set a strong password on your Administrator-class accounts and address any other issues that Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer comes up with too. Good luck

 

[icymood]

thanks mechBgon! =)

I already ordered for SP2 when I read your suggestion. Anyway, I'll reformat my PC again. Wheew! What a job to protect a PC?!