Ive turned over a new leaf

tomsie100

Hello all
I am hopeing to clear my computer of all mallicious spyware virsus and trogans software. I was given up looking at filthy websites just got sick of it and want a safe computer. A while ago someone was steeling stuf on my credit card. I know it mighnt of been off the computer but i still feel unsure about it. I have deleted all illict files. And would be gratefull if someone gave me a list of stuff to do.
I dont have an antivirsus, and just want a safe computer.
Help is appriciated.

optiplexgx270

I dont have an antivirsus, and just want a safe computer.

Number 1 format the pc and reinstall windows/whatever
Number 2 get some form of antivirsus
Number 3 get some form of antispyware

kippy

Hey there
Few things we need to know.
What operating system are you using?
Some people would recommend that you format your system and install everything again then follow these instructions below.
If you dont feel the need to do that then follow the instructions below anyway.

First of all I would patch your operating system with the latest patches and updates.
They I would download and update a copy of AVG antivirus-its free. Run a scan-make sure theres nothing there.
Then if you are using windows download Microsoft antispyware and Adaware-both free-update and run scans-remove anything that come through in the scans.
Finally get a firewall if you are going to be online a lot-something like zonealarm.
Its also free. I like free stuff.
Most important thing-ensure you patch your system regularily and keep the antivirus and spyware signatures up to date.
Let me know if you have any questions.

odie

If you are using WinXP or 2000 use the Ewido Security software, can be downloaded from my signature below. Be sure to download and apply the updates.

It hasn't failed me yet in completely removing malware from a PC.

smeggle

It would help to know your operating system but I'd say it's safe to assume your using xp.

First of 'Don't' use an Admin account to connect to the internet. Your just asking for trouble.

As has been said the best way is to start from a fresh install. Remember to back up the stuff you want to keep, then format and re-install.

When you first boot to the new os you'll need to re-install every thing you want to use again. You have a chioce here to 'Install for all users' or not. I generally choose no (Single user pc - so no need).

Install your security programs such as Anti Virus, Firewall, Anti spyware but install these for all users. Now create yourself a seperate limited 'User' account. In xp you will need to create a 'User Admin' account first. Your operating still in the 'Default Administrator' account at this point. Set-up your internet connection wether that be dial up or LAN/WAN or what ever you use.

Now log off as admin and log in as the limited user. Check and make sure you can connect, (You need to allow permissions via the admin account if not).

By doing that you have made it that bit more difficult for your system to be compromised. It can be done but it's a lot harder than when direct access is given by using an administrative account.

You'll need stuff like this;

AVG Free - http://free.grisoft.com/doc/Get+AVG+FREE/lng/us/tpl/v5
Zone Alarm - http://www.zonealarm.com
SpyBot - http://www.safer-networking.org/en/index.html
Ad-Aware - http://www.lavasoft.com
Firefox - http://www.mozilla.org
Thunderbird (e-mail client) - http://www.mozilla.org

A handy tool is 'Hijack This' available at www.lurkhere.com but do be careful when your using it. It shows just what is running in I.E. and a lot more.

Once you finish doing what you want online any thing you want to keep you transfer to your 'Main Account' or Admin Account. As Admin you can access anywhere on your pc. You then delete what you have stored in the user account. It's not needed really as you only want this account for internet use and keeping it clean and tidy will do more to help than anything else.

Some recommend updates some don't. Personally I don't use them and I've only used SP2 once. Currently I only use sp1 and some selected updates. I've found that odd times settings will get messed up after using microsoft updates because things will be reset to there default settings. I had an audio update totally mess my divx settings up, so my advice there would be to be selective but not to ignore them as they are important as well.

Only other thing is to switch of error reporting and especially 'Allow Remote Assistance'. (Right Click on 'My Computer' - settings are in there). Why MS leave this set as a default allowed protocol is beyond me as it's one of the easiest ways to compromise xp.

Anyway that little lot should help you a bit...

Mutant_Fruit

And for gods sake, disable "System Restore". Unfortunately, it isn't being used in the way microsoft originally thought, its being used as a nice place to safely stote virus's and other malicious software. Disable that, then run your anti-spyware/anti-virus software.

Otherwise you run the (extremely likely) risk that you won't remove the spyware/virus completely. It'll still lurk in system restore, and pop back out when you reboot.