Get your machine fully patched before worry about that.
PS: If you're running WinXP SP1, you can install SP3 (manually) and avoid
installing SP2 and over 100 post-SP2 updates entirely.
I would make absolutely certain that the machine doesn't have any
hijackware issues before installing SP2 or SP3.
Checking for/Help with Hijackware
http://aumha.org/a/parasite.htm
http://aumha.org/a/quickfix.htm
http://aumha.net/viewtopic.php?t=5878
http://wiki.castlecops.com/Malware_Removal_and_Prevention:_Introduction
http://mvps.org/winhelp2002/unwanted.htm
http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/data/prevention.htm
http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/tshoot.html
http://www.mvps.org/sramesh2k/Malware_Defence.htm
http://defendingyourmachine2.blogspot.com/
http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/page2.html#Removing_Malware
When all else fails, HijackThis v2.0.2
(
http://aumha.org/downloads/hijackthis.exe) is the preferred tool to use.
It will help you to both identify and remove any hijackware/spyware with
assistance from an expert. **Post your log to
http://aumha.net/viewforum.php?f=30,
http://forums.spybot.info/forumdisplay.php?f=22,
http://castlecops.com/forum67.html, or other appropriate forums for
review
by an expert in such matters, not here.**
If the procedures look too complex - and there is no shame in admitting
this isn't your cup of tea - take the machine to a local, reputable and
independent (i.e., not BigBoxStoreUSA) computer repair shop.
--
~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
MS MVP-IE, Mail, Security, Windows Desktop Experience - since 2002
AumHa VSOP & Admin
http://aumha.net
DTS-L
http://dts-l.net/
JHL wrote:
I'll upgrade to sp2 or sp3 this weekend. I thought I had all the
updates
installed until I found out about sp3 recently, then found out there was
sp2. I don't know where I missed it.
So, the router isn't giving me protection?
:
You've got more immediate issues to attend to, JHL:
The ICF firewall in WinXP SP1 is not nearly as robust as the Windos
Firewall in WinXP SP2/SP3! See
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/bb457156.aspx
Your computer remains vulnerable to thousands of security exploits
without
being fully patched! Get on this right way!
[All anti-virus applications are third-party.]
Protect Your PC!
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/computer/default.mspx
Learn how to protect your PC by taking three simple steps
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?familyid=3AD23728-4973-4DA5-9836-602954130D38
--
~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
MS MVP-IE, Mail, Security, Windows Desktop Experience - since 2002
AumHa VSOP & Admin
http://aumha.net
DTS-L
http://dts-l.net/
JHL wrote:
Hello,
Using XP Home SP1, have a wired-router b/w cable modem and PC
I’m considering switching to the Windows XP Home supplied firewall and
a
3rd
party AV (free) program. I have been a ZA user (both free and paid
versions) and need some advice. I switched to the Windows FW and went
to
the Shield Up site to see what it says about my PC. All but port 113
was
closed, the rest of my PC ports were stealth.
How do I close or stealth/hide this port using the Windows FW?
Thanks
JHL