XP auto download security updates

[Guest]

About 3-4 weeks ago when I was downloading some security updates (and I admit
I was not paying much attention at the time as will become apparent) there
was a pop up that appeared concerning downloading a program that would ( I
think) check the legitimacy of windows programs on my hard drive.
It said something like "to check the legitimacy of “ and “this can be turned
off using the registry“.
Unfortunately ever since I down loaded this program my system has slowed
down so much it is driving me crazy.
As soon as I click on any folder or try checking email it takes about 30
seconds before there is any sign of anything happening (although there is
hard drive activity).
Any help with this would be greatly appreciated.
PS,
Sorry this is so long.

 

[Ken Blake, MVP]

About 3-4 weeks ago when I was downloading some security updates (and
I admit I was not paying much attention at the time as will become
apparent) there was a pop up that appeared concerning downloading a
program that would ( I think) check the legitimacy of windows
programs on my hard drive.
It said something like "to check the legitimacy of " and "this can be
turned off using the registry".
Unfortunately ever since I down loaded this program my system has
slowed down so much it is driving me crazy.
As soon as I click on any folder or try checking email it takes about
30 seconds before there is any sign of anything happening (although
there is hard drive activity).
Any help with this would be greatly appreciated.

Any time you get a pop-up advising you to install something, treat it with
*extreme* suspicion. It sounds very much like you downloaded and installed
spyware.

Do you run any anti-spware software? Which? Is it (are they) up-to-date? I
would recommend that at a minimum you install and run Ad-aware and Spybot
Search and Destroy.

 

[Guest]

Any time you get a pop-up advising you to install something, treat it with
*extreme* suspicion. It sounds very much like you downloaded and installed
spyware.

Do you run any anti-spware software? Which? Is it (are they) up-to-date? I
would recommend that at a minimum you install and run Ad-aware and Spybot
Search and Destroy.

I was on the microsoft update page when it happened.
I run 3 spyware programs (updated and run weekly)
Webroot, Spyware Doctor and ZoneAlarm Pro.
Also update my virus protection program (ZoneAlarm) weekly.