Do I Need To Do A System Recovery?

[Trish]

I'm really upset. I suppose I unknowingly hit a button
that downloaded parasites onto my computer. I installed a
pop-up blocker but one of my co-workers told me that as
long as I have my current computer, I'll continue to
recieve dozens of pop-ups a day and the only thing the
pop-up blocker does is block them so I don't see them
on-screen but they're being stored on my hard drive.

He said I will need to delete everything from my hard drive
and do a complete System Recovery before the security of my
system is compromised because these hackers know my IP
address! I am very despondent about this and want to know
if you'd suggest this. Since my computer is under warranty,
should I call Compaq and have this done or is there
ANYTHING I can do to alleviate the problem? This is maddening!

 

[Jack Seredyniecki]

Don't listen to stupid people, Trish!
Download, Install and Run AdAware 6.0 from Lavasoft or Spybot S&D (search
www.download.com for it) to remove spyware from your PC and immunize it.

 

[PS]

Trish-

Don't restore your system, make it secure!

You could try this free spyware remover:

http://www.intermute.com/spysubtract/

Does your ocmputer have AntiVirus software (Norton antivirus, Symantec
antivirus, Mcafee, etc)? If so, are the defenitions up to date?

Here are some free scanners

Symantec Security Check

http://security.symantec.com/sscv6/default.asp?langid=ie&venid=sym

This link incudes a free online virus scan, in case you aren't running
antivirus software

If your OS is Windows XP, you can install the Internet Connection Firewall

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/using/howto/networking/icf.asp

If its not XP, consider downloading the free Zonealarm

http://www.zonelabs.com/download.html

This may sound like alot, but its better than re-installing the OS!

Good Luck!

PS

"This post represents MY opinion and experiences only"

 

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

Trish;
Your friend is mistaken.
Run an updated virus scan. (to be sure virus is not related)
Or Scan for Viruses online:
http://security.symantec.com/ssc/home.asp?j=1&langid=ie&venid=sym&plfid=23&pkj=IRLFIZTYMWPAZTJWUFJ
Run Disk Cleanup checking all boxes except "Compress old files"
Start/All Programs/Accessories/System Tools/Disk Clean-up
Check this link:
http://www.aumha.org/a/noads.php
Run Ad-Aware (free version) or Spybot to check for spyware:
http://www.lavasoft.de/ (Update if you already have it)
Or
http://spybot.eon.net.au/ (Update if you already have it)

 

[PS]

forgot to include this link

This link incudes a free online virus scan, in case you aren't running
antivirus software

http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPOR...f2caae2e8ecbcd3d88256b7d006808b2?OpenDocument

 

[Trish]

-----Original Message-----
Trish-

Don't restore your system, make it secure!

You could try this free spyware remover:

http://www.intermute.com/spysubtract/

Does your ocmputer have AntiVirus software (Norton antivirus, Symantec
antivirus, Mcafee, etc)? If so, are the defenitions up to date?

Here are some free scanners

Symantec Security Check

http://security.symantec.com/sscv6/default.asp?langid=ie&venid=sym

This link incudes a free online virus scan, in case you aren't running
antivirus software

If your OS is Windows XP, you can install the Internet Connection Firewall

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/using/howto/networking/icf.asp

If its not XP, consider downloading the free Zonealarm

http://www.zonelabs.com/download.html

This may sound like alot, but its better than re-installing the OS!

Good Luck!

PS

"This post represents MY opinion and experiences only"


maddening!


.
Yes, I do have UPDATED Norton Anti-Virus software and I

did a complete computer scan and nothing came up. YES, my
firewalls are enabled. I run Windows XP and I installed "12
Ghosts" pop-up blocker - do I need another one?? I'm
concerned about blocked ads being stored on my computer.
Also, is he correct in that since they have my IP address,
they'll bombard me with this trash forever???

*Sorry to sound so alarmed, but I really am!

 

[PS]

Trish-

Definately install one of the spyware detectors that have been suggested.
You shouldn't need more than one pop-up blocker.

One last tip, disable the Messenger Service.

Start --> Control Panel -->

(If you have Category View) Performance and Maintenance --> Administrative
Tools --> Services
(If you have Classic View) Administrative Tools --> Services

Set the messenger service to Disabled

Now even if they know your IP, they can't send you pop-ups through the
messenger service!

With updated NAV, a firewall, messenger shutoff, and a spyware client, you
will be fine

Good Luck!

PS

"This post represents MY opinion and experiences only"

 

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

Don't be lulled into a false sense of security.
Why suggest disabling Messenger Service?
Just in case to stop the message?
That is not a good reason.
If you have a firewall correctly set-up, Messenger Service ads will
not get through.
If the Messenger Service ads do get through, you then know you have a
far worse problem.
The Messenger Service ads are completely harmless, however the fact
they get through indicates major issues with your firewall.
At that point, what else gets through?
I usually suggest use Messenger Service as a canary.
Also some applications make use of Messenger Service locally.