acpi.sys infected with Packed.Protector.C

otl txt file continued

color=#A23BEC]< %appdata%\*.* >[/color]
[2009/12/03 07:33:02 | 000,008,063 | ---- | M] () -- C:\Documents and Settings\user\Application Data\com.koingosw.AlarmClockPro9.xml
[2007/05/21 05:26:11 | 000,000,062 | -HS- | M] () -- C:\Documents and Settings\user\Application Data\desktop.ini
[2007/09/23 10:26:59 | 000,204,672 | ---- | M] () -- C:\Documents and Settings\user\Application Data\GDIPFONTCACHEV1.DAT
[2010/04/23 09:46:53 | 000,000,016 | ---- | M] () -- C:\Documents and Settings\user\Application Data\kcmdte.dat
[2010/05/03 14:05:14 | 000,000,106 | ---- | M] () -- C:\Documents and Settings\user\Application Data\netstat.bat


< MD5 for: AGP440.SYS >
[2006/02/28 13:00:00 | 018,738,937 | ---- | M] () .cab file -- C:\WINDOWS\Driver Cache\i386\sp2.cab:AGP440.sys
[2008/04/13 19:36:38 | 000,042,368 | ---- | M] (Microsoft Corporation) MD5=08FD04AA961BDC77FB983F328334E3D7 -- C:\WINDOWS\SoftwareDistribution\Download\dd9ab5193501484cf5e6884fa1d22f9e\agp440.sys

< MD5 for: ATAPI.SYS >
[2006/02/28 13:00:00 | 018,738,937 | ---- | M] () .cab file -- C:\WINDOWS\Driver Cache\i386\sp2.cab:atapi.sys
[2008/04/13 19:40:30 | 000,096,512 | ---- | M] (Microsoft Corporation) MD5=9F3A2F5AA6875C72BF062C712CFA2674 -- C:\WINDOWS\SoftwareDistribution\Download\dd9ab5193501484cf5e6884fa1d22f9e\atapi.sys
[2004/08/03 22:59:44 | 000,095,360 | ---- | M] (Microsoft Corporation) MD5=CDFE4411A69C224BD1D11B2DA92DAC51 -- C:\WINDOWS\ERDNT\cache\atapi.sys
[2004/08/03 22:59:44 | 000,095,360 | ---- | M] (Microsoft Corporation) MD5=CDFE4411A69C224BD1D11B2DA92DAC51 -- C:\WINDOWS\system32\dllcache\atapi.sys
[2004/08/03 22:59:44 | 000,095,360 | ---- | M] (Microsoft Corporation) MD5=CDFE4411A69C224BD1D11B2DA92DAC51 -- C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\atapi.sys
[2006/02/28 13:00:00 | 000,095,360 | ---- | M] (Microsoft Corporation) MD5=CDFE4411A69C224BD1D11B2DA92DAC51 -- C:\WINDOWS\system32\ReinstallBackups\0006\DriverFiles\i386\atapi.sys

< MD5 for: DISK.SYS >
[2006/02/28 13:00:00 | 018,738,937 | ---- | M] () .cab file -- C:\WINDOWS\Driver Cache\i386\sp2.cab:disk.sys
[2006/02/28 13:00:00 | 000,036,352 | ---- | M] (Microsoft Corporation) MD5=00CA44E4534865F8A3B64F7C0984BFF0 -- C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\disk.sys
[2008/04/13 19:40:47 | 000,036,352 | ---- | M] (Microsoft Corporation) MD5=044452051F3E02E7963599FC8F4F3E25 -- C:\WINDOWS\SoftwareDistribution\Download\dd9ab5193501484cf5e6884fa1d22f9e\disk.sys

< MD5 for: EVENTLOG.DLL >
[2008/04/14 01:11:53 | 000,056,320 | ---- | M] (Microsoft Corporation) MD5=6D4FEB43EE538FC5428CC7F0565AA656 -- C:\WINDOWS\SoftwareDistribution\Download\dd9ab5193501484cf5e6884fa1d22f9e\eventlog.dll
[2006/02/28 13:00:00 | 000,055,808 | ---- | M] (Microsoft Corporation) MD5=82B24CB70E5944E6E34662205A2A5B78 -- C:\WINDOWS\ERDNT\cache\eventlog.dll
[2006/02/28 13:00:00 | 000,055,808 | ---- | M] (Microsoft Corporation) MD5=82B24CB70E5944E6E34662205A2A5B78 -- C:\WINDOWS\system32\dllcache\eventlog.dll
[2006/02/28 13:00:00 | 000,055,808 | ---- | M] (Microsoft Corporation) MD5=82B24CB70E5944E6E34662205A2A5B78 -- C:\WINDOWS\system32\eventlog.dll

< MD5 for: IASTOR.SYS >
[2006/02/21 17:44:30 | 000,250,368 | ---- | M] (Intel Corporation) MD5=88B1943ECFF661F765228099138CF6AB -- C:\WINDOWS\OemDir\iaStor.sys
[2006/02/21 17:44:30 | 000,250,368 | ---- | M] (Intel Corporation) MD5=88B1943ECFF661F765228099138CF6AB -- C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\iaStor.sys

< MD5 for: NETLOGON.DLL >
[2008/04/14 01:12:01 | 000,407,040 | ---- | M] (Microsoft Corporation) MD5=1B7F071C51B77C272875C3A23E1E4550 -- C:\WINDOWS\SoftwareDistribution\Download\dd9ab5193501484cf5e6884fa1d22f9e\netlogon.dll
[2009/02/06 19:46:09 | 000,408,064 | ---- | M] (Microsoft Corporation) MD5=6C476D33D82F1054849790181E8F7772 -- C:\WINDOWS\$hf_mig$\KB968389\SP2QFE\netlogon.dll
[2009/02/06 19:46:09 | 000,408,064 | ---- | M] (Microsoft Corporation) MD5=6C476D33D82F1054849790181E8F7772 -- C:\WINDOWS\$hf_mig$\KB975467\SP2QFE\netlogon.dll
[2006/02/28 13:00:00 | 000,407,040 | ---- | M] (Microsoft Corporation) MD5=96353FCECBA774BB8DA74A1C6507015A -- C:\WINDOWS\ERDNT\cache\netlogon.dll
[2006/02/28 13:00:00 | 000,407,040 | ---- | M] (Microsoft Corporation) MD5=96353FCECBA774BB8DA74A1C6507015A -- C:\WINDOWS\system32\dllcache\netlogon.dll
[2006/02/28 13:00:00 | 000,407,040 | ---- | M] (Microsoft Corporation) MD5=96353FCECBA774BB8DA74A1C6507015A -- C:\WINDOWS\system32\netlogon.dll

< MD5 for: SCECLI.DLL >
[2006/02/28 13:00:00 | 000,180,224 | ---- | M] (Microsoft Corporation) MD5=0F78E27F563F2AAF74B91A49E2ABF19A -- C:\WINDOWS\ERDNT\cache\scecli.dll
[2006/02/28 13:00:00 | 000,180,224 | ---- | M] (Microsoft Corporation) MD5=0F78E27F563F2AAF74B91A49E2ABF19A -- C:\WINDOWS\system32\dllcache\scecli.dll
[2006/02/28 13:00:00 | 000,180,224 | ---- | M] (Microsoft Corporation) MD5=0F78E27F563F2AAF74B91A49E2ABF19A -- C:\WINDOWS\system32\scecli.dll
[2008/04/14 01:12:05 | 000,181,248 | ---- | M] (Microsoft Corporation) MD5=A86BB5E61BF3E39B62AB4C7E7085A084 -- C:\WINDOWS\SoftwareDistribution\Download\dd9ab5193501484cf5e6884fa1d22f9e\scecli.dll

< MD5 for: USBSTOR.SYS >
[2006/02/28 13:00:00 | 018,738,937 | ---- | M] () .cab file -- C:\WINDOWS\Driver Cache\i386\sp2.cab:usbstor.sys
[2004/08/03 23:08:48 | 000,026,496 | ---- | M] (Microsoft Corporation) MD5=6CD7B22193718F1D17A47A1CD6D37E75 -- C:\WINDOWS\system32\dllcache\usbstor.sys
[2004/08/03 23:08:48 | 000,026,496 | ---- | M] (Microsoft Corporation) MD5=6CD7B22193718F1D17A47A1CD6D37E75 -- C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\USBSTOR.SYS
[2008/04/13 19:45:38 | 000,026,368 | ---- | M] (Microsoft Corporation) MD5=A32426D9B14A089EAA1D922E0C5801A9 -- C:\WINDOWS\SoftwareDistribution\Download\dd9ab5193501484cf5e6884fa1d22f9e\usbstor.sys

< HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\WindowsUpdate\Auto Update\Results\Install|LastSuccessTime /rs >
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\WindowsUpdate\Auto Update\Results\Install\\LastSuccessTime: 2010-05-13 04:55:22

========== Alternate Data Streams ==========

@Alternate Data Stream - 98 bytes -> C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\TEMP:C63E7DE2
@Alternate Data Stream - 96 bytes -> C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\TEMP:870649A4
@Alternate Data Stream - 167 bytes -> C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\TEMP:B3D74A13
@Alternate Data Stream - 157 bytes -> C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\TEMP:1CE11B51
@Alternate Data Stream - 133 bytes -> C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\TEMP:D53344E0
@Alternate Data Stream - 129 bytes -> C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\TEMP:054B9966
@Alternate Data Stream - 124 bytes -> C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\TEMP:484EC4B1
@Alternate Data Stream - 123 bytes -> C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\TEMP:C5CE2DF6
@Alternate Data Stream - 122 bytes -> C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\TEMP:40D8F125
@Alternate Data Stream - 121 bytes -> C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\TEMP:DFC5A2B2
@Alternate Data Stream - 120 bytes -> C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\TEMP:E80802C7
@Alternate Data Stream - 119 bytes -> C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\TEMP:8401B6D5
@Alternate Data Stream - 118 bytes -> C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\TEMP:5C321E34
@Alternate Data Stream - 115 bytes -> C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\TEMP:A8ADE5D8
@Alternate Data Stream - 114 bytes -> C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\TEMP:EEB25EAE
@Alternate Data Stream - 114 bytes -> C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\TEMP:25249477
@Alternate Data Stream - 114 bytes -> C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\TEMP:1CB4A530
@Alternate Data Stream - 113 bytes -> C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\TEMP:FF566C71
@Alternate Data Stream - 112 bytes -> C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\TEMP:B904C348
@Alternate Data Stream - 110 bytes -> C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\TEMP:0CE7F3C9
@Alternate Data Stream - 108 bytes -> C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\TEMP:4FE42FFC
@Alternate Data Stream - 107 bytes -> C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\TEMP:7B2BB690
@Alternate Data Stream - 105 bytes -> C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\TEMP:E91ADC66
@Alternate Data Stream - 104 bytes -> C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\TEMP:83ACAC73
< End of report >

The extra text didnt pop up and its nowhere to be found

Do you know anything about this proxy server:

IE - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings: "ProxyServer" = 159.145.15.101:80

?

No, nothing at all

The WHOIS reports back:

State of CA Dept. of Consumer Affairs (DCA)

=======
Source: http://samspade.org/whois/159.145.15.101

Is that in USA? how would that get on my computer in UK?

Not sure.

Please run OTL

• Under the Custom Scans/Fixes box at the bottom, copy and paste in the following:
  
  :otl
  @Alternate Data Stream - 98 bytes -> C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\TEMP:C63E7DE2
  @Alternate Data Stream - 96 bytes -> C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\TEMP:870649A4
  @Alternate Data Stream - 167 bytes -> C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\TEMP:B3D74A13
  @Alternate Data Stream - 157 bytes -> C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\TEMP:1CE11B51
  @Alternate Data Stream - 133 bytes -> C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\TEMP:D53344E0
  @Alternate Data Stream - 129 bytes -> C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\TEMP:054B9966
  @Alternate Data Stream - 124 bytes -> C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\TEMP:484EC4B1
  @Alternate Data Stream - 123 bytes -> C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\TEMP:C5CE2DF6
  @Alternate Data Stream - 122 bytes -> C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\TEMP:40D8F125
  @Alternate Data Stream - 121 bytes -> C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\TEMP:DFC5A2B2
  @Alternate Data Stream - 120 bytes -> C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\TEMP:E80802C7
  @Alternate Data Stream - 119 bytes -> C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\TEMP:8401B6D5
  @Alternate Data Stream - 118 bytes -> C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\TEMP:5C321E34
  @Alternate Data Stream - 115 bytes -> C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\TEMP:A8ADE5D8
  @Alternate Data Stream - 114 bytes -> C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\TEMP:EEB25EAE
  @Alternate Data Stream - 114 bytes -> C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\TEMP:25249477
  @Alternate Data Stream - 114 bytes -> C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\TEMP:1CB4A530
  @Alternate Data Stream - 113 bytes -> C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\TEMP:FF566C71
  @Alternate Data Stream - 112 bytes -> C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\TEMP:B904C348
  @Alternate Data Stream - 110 bytes -> C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\TEMP:0CE7F3C9
  @Alternate Data Stream - 108 bytes -> C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\TEMP:4FE42FFC
  @Alternate Data Stream - 107 bytes -> C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\TEMP:7B2BB690
  @Alternate Data Stream - 105 bytes -> C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\TEMP:E91ADC66
  @Alternate Data Stream - 104 bytes -> C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\TEMP:83ACAC73
  IE - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings: "ProxyServer" = 159.145.15.101:80
  
  :commands
  [emptytemp]
  [reboot]
  
  
• Then click the Run Fix button at the top.
  
• Note: The fix for OTL automatically hides your Desktop and Start menu so the fix can be completed. Do not be alerted, this is normal.
  
• Please do not exit the program. It might take a while to fix, but allow it to run. If it asks to reboot the computer, allow it to reboot. If the program freezes, and the computer fails to reboot - let me know.
  Lastly, post the contents of the log. (Located at C:\_OTL\Moved Files)

All processes killed
========== OTL ==========
ADS C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\TEMP:C63E7DE2 deleted successfully.
ADS C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\TEMP:870649A4 deleted successfully.
ADS C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\TEMP:B3D74A13 deleted successfully.
ADS C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\TEMP:1CE11B51 deleted successfully.
ADS C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\TEMP:D53344E0 deleted successfully.
ADS C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\TEMP:054B9966 deleted successfully.
ADS C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\TEMP:484EC4B1 deleted successfully.
ADS C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\TEMP:C5CE2DF6 deleted successfully.
ADS C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\TEMP:40D8F125 deleted successfully.
ADS C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\TEMP:DFC5A2B2 deleted successfully.
ADS C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\TEMP:E80802C7 deleted successfully.
ADS C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\TEMP:8401B6D5 deleted successfully.
ADS C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\TEMP:5C321E34 deleted successfully.
ADS C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\TEMP:A8ADE5D8 deleted successfully.
ADS C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\TEMP:EEB25EAE deleted successfully.
ADS C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\TEMP:25249477 deleted successfully.
ADS C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\TEMP:1CB4A530 deleted successfully.
ADS C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\TEMP:FF566C71 deleted successfully.
ADS C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\TEMP:B904C348 deleted successfully.
ADS C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\TEMP:0CE7F3C9 deleted successfully.
ADS C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\TEMP:4FE42FFC deleted successfully.
ADS C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\TEMP:7B2BB690 deleted successfully.
ADS C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\TEMP:E91ADC66 deleted successfully.
ADS C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\TEMP:83ACAC73 deleted successfully.
HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings\\ProxyServer| /E : value set successfully!
========== COMMANDS ==========

[EMPTYTEMP]

User: Administrator
->Temporary Internet Files folder emptied: 32768 bytes

User: Administrator.USER-76A38EF806
->Temp folder emptied: 0 bytes
->Temporary Internet Files folder emptied: 67 bytes

User: All Users

User: Default User
->Temp folder emptied: 0 bytes
->Temporary Internet Files folder emptied: 33170 bytes
->Flash cache emptied: 41620 bytes

User: Katra

User: LocalService
->Temp folder emptied: 0 bytes
->Temporary Internet Files folder emptied: 65603 bytes

User: NetworkService
->Temp folder emptied: 0 bytes
->Temporary Internet Files folder emptied: 33170 bytes

User: user
->Temp folder emptied: 45970 bytes
->Temporary Internet Files folder emptied: 8023384 bytes
->Java cache emptied: 313397 bytes
->FireFox cache emptied: 10852343 bytes
->Google Chrome cache emptied: 0 bytes
->Flash cache emptied: 90603 bytes

%systemdrive% .tmp files removed: 0 bytes
%systemroot% .tmp files removed: 0 bytes
%systemroot%\System32 .tmp files removed: 0 bytes
%systemroot%\System32\dllcache .tmp files removed: 0 bytes
%systemroot%\System32\drivers .tmp files removed: 0 bytes
Windows Temp folder emptied: 8405015 bytes
%systemroot%\system32\config\systemprofile\Local Settings\Temp folder emptied: 0 bytes
%systemroot%\system32\config\systemprofile\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files folder emptied: 33170 bytes
RecycleBin emptied: 0 bytes

Total Files Cleaned = 27.00 mb


OTL by OldTimer - Version 3.2.4.1 log created on 05132010_195800

Files\Folders moved on Reboot...
File move failed. C:\WINDOWS\temp\hlktmp scheduled to be moved on reboot.

Registry entries deleted on Reboot...

How is your computer running?

Ready for cleanup?

Its running great thank you DragonMaster Jay The cleanest I have felt in weeks lol

I'm ready!

Now to get you off to a good start we will clean your restore points so that all the bad stuff is gone for good. Then if you need to restore at some stage you will be clean. There are several ways to reset your restore points, but this is my method:

• Select Start > All Programs > Accessories > System tools > System Restore.
  
• On the dialogue box that appears select Create a Restore Point
  
• Click NEXT
  
• Enter a name e.g. Clean
  
• Click CREATE

You now have a clean restore point, to get rid of the bad ones:

• Select Start > All Programs > Accessories > System tools > Disk Cleanup.
  
• In the Drop down box that appears select your main drive e.g. C
  
• Click OK
  
• The System will do some calculation and the display a dialogue box with TABS
  
• Select the More Options Tab.
  
• At the bottom will be a system restore box with a CLEANUP button click this
  
• Accept the Warning and select OK again, the program will close and you are done
  

To remove all of the tools we used and the files and folders they created, please do the following:
Please download OTC.exe by OldTimer:

• Save it to your Desktop.
  
• Double click OTC.exe.
  
• Click the CleanUp! button.
  
• If you are prompted to Reboot during the cleanup, select Yes.
  
• The tool will delete itself once it finishes.
  

Note: If any tool, file or folder (belonging to the program we have used) hasn't been deleted, please delete it manually.

==

Please download TFC by OldTimer to your desktop

• Please double-click TFC.exe to run it. (Note: If you are running on Vista, right-click on the file and choose Run As Administrator).
  
• It will close all programs when run, so make sure you have saved all your work before you begin.
  
• Click the Start
  button to begin the process. Depending on how often you clean temp
  files, execution time should be anywhere from a few seconds to a minute
  or two. Let it run uninterrupted to completion.
  
• Once it's finished it should reboot your machine. If it does not, please manually reboot the machine yourself to ensure a complete clean.

==

Download Security Check by screen317 from SpywareInfoforum.org or Changelog.fr.

• Save it to your Desktop.
• Double click SecurityCheck.exe and follow the onscreen instructions inside of the black box.
• A Notepad document should open automatically called checkup.txt; please post the contents of that document.

Results of screen317's Security Check version 0.99.4
Windows XP Service Pack 2
Out of date service pack!!
Internet Explorer 8
``````````````````````````````
Antivirus/Firewall Check:
Windows Firewall Enabled!
ESET Online Scanner v3
VIPRE Antivirus
```````````````````````````````
Anti-malware/Other Utilities Check:
Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware
Wise Registry Cleaner Free 5.31
Java(TM) 6 Update 20
Adobe Flash Player
Adobe Reader 9.3
````````````````````````````````
Process Check:
objlist.exe by Laurent
Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware mbamservice.exe
Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware mbamgui.exe
````````````````````````````````
DNS Vulnerability Check:
GREAT! (Not vulnerable to DNS cache poisoning)

``````````End of Log````````````

I had to run it in safe mode as it just kept freezing. Was that ok?


I suppose I will have to bite the bullet and update to SP3?

Please read the following information that I have provided, which will help you prevent malicious software in the future. Please keep in mind, malware is a continuous danger on the Internet. It is highly important to stay safe while browsing, to prevent re-infection.

Software recommendations

Firewall

• Tallemu Online Armor: the free version is just as good as the premium. I have linked you to the free version.
  
• Comodo Firewall: the free version is just as good as the premium. I have linked you to the free version. The optional security suite enhances the firewall by 40% increase. If you would like to install the suite that includes antivirus, then remove your old antivirus first.
  
• PC Tools Firewall Plus: free and excellent firewall.

AntiSpyware

• SpywareBlaster
  SpywareBlaster is a program that prevents spyware from installing on your computer. A tutorial on using SpywareBlaster may be found here.
  
• Spybot - Search & Destroy.
  Spybot - Search & Destroy is a spyware and adware removal program. It also has realtime protection, TeaTimer to help safeguard your computer against spyware. (The link for Spybot - Search & Destroy contains a tutorial that will help you download, install, and begin using Spybot).
  

NOTE: Please keep ALL of these programs up-to-date and run them whenever you suspect a problem to prevent malware problems.

Resident Protection help
A number of programs have resident protection and it is a good idea to run the resident protection of one of each type of program to maintain protection. However, it is important to run only one resident program of each type since they can conflict and become less effective. That means only one antivirus, firewall, and scanning anti-spyware program at a time. Passive protectors such as SpywareBlaster can be run with any of them.

Rogue programs help
There are a lot of rogue programs out there that want to scare you into giving them your money and some malware actually claims to be security programs. If you get a popup for a security program that you did not install yourself, do NOT click on it and ask for help immediately. It is very important to run an antivirus and firewall, but you can't always rely on reviews and ads for information. Ask in a security forum that you trust if you are not sure. If you are unsure and looking for anti-spyware programs, you can find out if it is a rogue here:
http://www.spywarewarrior.com/rogue_anti-spyware.htm

Securing your computer

• Windows Updates - It is very important to make sure that both Internet Explorer and Windows are kept current with the latest critical security patches from Microsoft. To do this just start Internet Explorer and select Tools > Windows Update, and follow the online instructions from there.
  
• hpHosts file replaces your current HOSTS file with one containing well known ad sites and other bad sites. This prevents your computer from connecting to those sites by redirecting them to 127.0.0.1, which is your local computer's loopback address, meaning it will be difficult to infect your computer in the future.
  

Please consider using an alternate browser
Mozilla's Firefox browser is a very good alternative. In addition to being generally more secure than Internet Explorer, it has a very good built-in popup blocker and add-ons, like NoScript, can make it even more secure. Opera is another good option.

If you are interested:

• Firefox may be downloaded from here: http://www.getfirefox.com
  
• Opera is available here: http://www.opera.com/download/
  

See this page for more info about malware and prevention.

Thank you for choosing GeekPolice. Please see this page if you would like to leave feedback or contribute to our site. Do you have any more questions?

Thankyou for all your work and your professionalism DragonMaster Jay
Would one of the firewalls listed be better than XP's own firewall?


Thank you again!

Yes. I recommend to choose on of them.