IE 6 Crashes When Launched

[Guest]

Up until a few days ago all was well with IE for me. Then suddenly I can't
use it.

I'm running Windows ME.

I can check my e-mail with no problem. I can also use some programs that
establish a Net connection, such as Norton LiveUpdate and Spybot -- I could
even download updates using those programs.

Here's what happens:

If I click on a hyperlink within an e-mail message or if I attempt to launch
IE6, IE will start to load but is immediately replaced with the following
blue screen:

Windows

An error has occurred. To continue, [blah blah blah, the usual thing about
hitting Enter to return to Windows or Ctrl+Alt+Del to restart].

Error : 06 : 4F4C : 00005058

Press any key to continue.


I've Googled for that error message in vain.

I'm not terribly technically adept, so I fumbled around trying various
things until I was finally able to get IE going again. I thought running
Norton Systemworks might help, so I went to install that and wound up having
major problems with it (conflicts between my existing version of Norton
Antivirus and the one in Systemworks, I think) and dealt with that for a few
hours.

What I think actually helped was doing a System Restore. After that I was
able to use IE again -- but only for a few hours.

Later in the day, I ran Windows Update and downloaded a couple of critical
updates to IE6. I'm wondering if one of those is now hosing my ability to
connect to the Internet with IE. But if so, what caused the problem
originally, before I installed those updates?

I also tried using an old version of Netscape I have on that machine to see
if I could connect that way. I was able to open the Netscape home page, but
as soon as I clicked on a link within it, I wound up with the same error.

I've managed to put a Band-aid on this problem a couple of times by running
System Restore. I'm only able to run IE for a few hours this way, though;
eventually I wind up getting that same blue screen.

The latest wrinkle is that I now am getting that same error message when I
try to run a Find from the Start menu.

 

[jopa66]

I don't have a Windows ME machine handy to check this out but, in Control
Panel > Add/Remove Programs, if there is an entry for Internet Explorer you
may be able to do a repair. Just click like you are going to uninstall and a
window should pop up giving you the option to repair the installation. Post
back if you need more help. Keep in mind that if many things are going wrong
the best solution may be a complete format/ re-install of the OS and all
your software. This is not as daunting as it may sound, and will certainly
fix anything gone wrong. Use this idea as a last resort solution and make
sure any important data is backed up so you can restore it.

--
~john aka: jopa

In

Up until a few days ago all was well with IE for me. Then suddenly I can't
use it.

I'm running Windows ME.

I can check my e-mail with no problem. I can also use some programs that
establish a Net connection, such as Norton LiveUpdate and Spybot -- I
could even download updates using those programs.

Here's what happens:

If I click on a hyperlink within an e-mail message or if I attempt to
launch IE6, IE will start to load but is immediately replaced with the
following blue screen:

Windows

An error has occurred. To continue, [blah blah blah, the usual thing about
hitting Enter to return to Windows or Ctrl+Alt+Del to restart].

Error : 06 : 4F4C : 00005058

Press any key to continue.


I've Googled for that error message in vain.

I'm not terribly technically adept, so I fumbled around trying various
things until I was finally able to get IE going again. I thought running
Norton Systemworks might help, so I went to install that and wound up
having major problems with it (conflicts between my existing version of
Norton Antivirus and the one in Systemworks, I think) and dealt with that
for a few hours.

What I think actually helped was doing a System Restore. After that I was
able to use IE again -- but only for a few hours.

Later in the day, I ran Windows Update and downloaded a couple of critical
updates to IE6. I'm wondering if one of those is now hosing my ability to
connect to the Internet with IE. But if so, what caused the problem
originally, before I installed those updates?

I also tried using an old version of Netscape I have on that machine to
see if I could connect that way. I was able to open the Netscape home
page, but as soon as I clicked on a link within it, I wound up with the
same error.

I've managed to put a Band-aid on this problem a couple of times by
running System Restore. I'm only able to run IE for a few hours this way,
though; eventually I wind up getting that same blue screen.

The latest wrinkle is that I now am getting that same error message when I
try to run a Find from the Start menu.

 

[Guest]

Thank you, John. It seems to be working! Since I've thought I had this fixed
before, I'll be holding my breath, thinking I could crash at any time, but so
far, so good. I appreciate your help!

 

[Frank Saunders, MS-MVP IE/OE]

Up until a few days ago all was well with IE for me. Then suddenly I can't
use it.

I'm running Windows ME.

I can check my e-mail with no problem. I can also use some programs that
establish a Net connection, such as Norton LiveUpdate and Spybot -- I
could
even download updates using those programs.

Here's what happens:

If I click on a hyperlink within an e-mail message or if I attempt to
launch
IE6, IE will start to load but is immediately replaced with the following
blue screen:

Windows

An error has occurred. To continue, [blah blah blah, the usual thing about
hitting Enter to return to Windows or Ctrl+Alt+Del to restart].

Error : 06 : 4F4C : 00005058

Press any key to continue.


I've Googled for that error message in vain.

I'm not terribly technically adept, so I fumbled around trying various
things until I was finally able to get IE going again. I thought running
Norton Systemworks might help, so I went to install that and wound up
having
major problems with it (conflicts between my existing version of Norton
Antivirus and the one in Systemworks, I think) and dealt with that for a
few
hours.

What I think actually helped was doing a System Restore. After that I was
able to use IE again -- but only for a few hours.

Later in the day, I ran Windows Update and downloaded a couple of critical
updates to IE6. I'm wondering if one of those is now hosing my ability to
connect to the Internet with IE. But if so, what caused the problem
originally, before I installed those updates?

I also tried using an old version of Netscape I have on that machine to
see
if I could connect that way. I was able to open the Netscape home page,
but
as soon as I clicked on a link within it, I wound up with the same error.

I've managed to put a Band-aid on this problem a couple of times by
running
System Restore. I'm only able to run IE for a few hours this way, though;
eventually I wind up getting that same blue screen.

The latest wrinkle is that I now am getting that same error message when I
try to run a Find from the Start menu.

First eliminate any spyware.
What You Should Know About Spyware
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware/devioussoftware.mspx

CAUTION!!!!! Removing some spyware can damage the Winsock stact. Before
you try to remove spyware using any of these programs , download a copy of
LSP-Fix - a free program to repair damaged Winsock 2 stacks (all Windows
versions)
http://www.cexx.org/lspfix.htm
Winsockfix for W95, W98, ME, NT, 2000, XP
http://www.tacktech.com/pub/winsockfix/WinsockFix.zip
Directions here: http://www.tacktech.com/display.cfm?ttid=257
WinXP:
Get WinSockxpFix
http://www.spychecker.com/program/winsockxpfix.html
How to Reset Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/299357
In WinXP SP2: You can fix Winsock by going to Start | Run and typing
CMD
In the command window type
netsh winsock reset

See
Dealing with Unwanted Malware, Parasites, Toolbars and Search Engines
http://mvps.org/winhelp2002/unwanted.htm

Note that AdAware and SpyBot S & D will each catch some things the other
won't. Also, each needs to be updated with the program's update function
before every use, even when just downloaded. There's also a lot more to do
than just those two programs. CWShredder is also available here:
http://www.intermute.com/products/cwshredder
**Post your HijackThis log to
http://forums.spywareinfo.com/
http://forums.tomcoyote.org/
http://castlecops.com/forum67.html
http://www.wilderssecurity.com/ or the Spyware forum at
http://forum.aumha.org/viewforum.php?f=30 for expert analysis, not here.**
Alternative download pages for Ad-Aware, Spybot, HijackThis and CWShredder
may be found on this page:
http://aumha.org/a/parasite.htm.

See this link for information about malware:
http://arstechnica.com/articles/paedia/malware.ars

If nothing there helps, please post back to this thread.

--
Frank Saunders, MS-MVP, IE/OE
Please respond in Newsgroup only. Do not send email
http://www.fjsmjs.com
Protect your PC
http://www.microsoft.com./athome/security/protect/default.aspx
http://defendingyourmachine.blogspot.com/

 

[jopa66]

You're welcome.

--
~john aka: jopa

In

Thank you, John. It seems to be working! Since I've thought I had this
fixed before, I'll be holding my breath, thinking I could crash at any
time, but so far, so good. I appreciate your help!

 

[Guest]

I'm on WINDOWS XP and my IE crashes whenever I open it too.
But i can't find the repair for IE on the add/remove programs

 

[jopa66]

In

I'm on WINDOWS XP and my IE crashes whenever I open it too.
But i can't find the repair for IE on the add/remove programs

Richard, you don't have this option in Windows XP.

To check for corrupted or missing files - click Start>Run and type in
"sfc/scannow" (no quotes) and be sure
to have your Windows XP disk handy. This will repair and re-register any
existing problems with the OS.

It's also possible that you are infected with a virus or spyware. Be sure to
run Antivirus, Ad-Aware and Spybot scans in SafeMode after you have disabled
System Restore. The enclosed guide will help you with links to tools and
online forums for more advice.

If you really need to repair/re-install IE try this link:

Repair or Reinstall Internet Explorer6 and Outlook Express 6
http://www.theeldergeek.com/repair_reinstall_ie_and_oe_6.htm

--
~john aka: jopa

WARNING: If your PC is already infested with spyware/adware, resist the
temptation to impulse buying of anti-spyware products that you see on the
Net or receive as e-mail Spam. Many unscrupulous companies/individuals are
trying to "cash-in" on people's need for anti-spyware products. Some of
these applications are mere rip-offs of Spybot S&D or Ad-Aware and many are
known to create problems on your machine just to try and sell you the way to
"fix" it. Vendors of "rogue/suspect" anti-spyware products advertise heavily
via Google's "AdWords" or use other deceptive advertising. Proof of this can
be found here:
http://www.spywarewarrior.com/rogue_anti-spyware.htm
http://www.spywarewarrior.com/family_resemblances.htm

Instead, you can get help online from a corps of savvy volunteers who
specialize in busting spyware.

CAUTION!!! Some malware may kill your internet connection when you remove
it. This program, LSPFIX, should enable you to regain your connection by
correcting the errors in your registry. Before you try to remove spyware
using any of the programs below, download a copy of LSPFIX and WINSOCKXPFIX
from the following sites, just-in-case:
http://www.cexx.org/lspfix.htm
http://www.spychecker.com/program/winsockxpfix.html

First:
I suggest you read this informative tutorial:
Dealing with Unwanted Spyware and Parasites
http://mvps.org/winhelp2002/unwanted.htm

And for expert online help, the following links are recommended:
http://forums.spywareinfo.com/index.php OR
http://www.spywarewarrior.com/ OR
http://forum.aumha.org/

The folks at these forums have a lot of experience in dealing with
Hijackers/Spyware/Malware. There is no charge for the help and information
available although donations are accepted. Be sure to read the guidelines,
and following their instructions you will download a little program called
HijackThis. Its purpose is simply to scan your computer and generate a LOG
of everything that is running at that moment. It does not decide what is
Good or Bad. That's what the experts at the forums will do. So *DO NOT* just
arbitrarily start deleting what it finds.

Next:
To use these forums, set up an account and post your LOG there, not here.
Someone will analyze it and let you know if anything is amuck and what you
can do to fix it. In the event your chosen site is down -- go here for a
list of other Security Analysis sites and/or forums: http://a-sap.org/


<<<BACKUP>>> <<<BACKUP>>> <<<BACKUP>>>

The FIRST and most important defense in any security program is protection
of your DATA!! When any data gets lost through infection, human error or
perhaps hard drive failure you are then able to restore the files by simply
copying them back to your repaired system. Windows Restore will *not* save
Emails, Address book, documents, photos, music, Favorites and/or Bookmarks,
or anything else created by you using a program installed on the PC. Only
you can determine what is too important to lose. Find a method that works
for you, do a backup and then test it to ensure you could recover. Try to
automate the process as much as possible so the system does the work.


***Always follow safe Internet practices:***

1. Keep your virus definitions up to date, and scan your system regularly.

2. Keep your anti-spyware up to date, and scan your system regularly.

NOTE: WindowsME/XP users should disable system restore prior to scanning.
Run scans in SAFE Mode to ensure complete removal, then turn System Restore
on again and create a new Restore Point.

3. Don't open email, or download attachments from unrecognized email
addresses.

4. Be careful when downloading email attachments, EVEN FROM PEOPLE YOU KNOW!
Many viruses, worms, and trojans infect a person's system then immediately
spread themselves to the people in the infected person's address book via
email attachments.

5. Be careful downloading files from the Internet. Scan all downloaded files
with a reliable UP-TO-DATE antivirus program. Scan "zip" files BEFORE
unzipping, and scan all unzipped files BEFORE USING THEM.

6. Keep your Windows and IE current with all the latest patches and updates.

7. USE A FIREWALL.


Scumware/Cr@pware - Removal & Protection Tools:
Most experts and computer professionals will agree that no *one* tool can do
everything when it comes to spyware/adware. The following list represents
some of the most popular and trustworthy programs available. Most of them
are FREE and compliment each other, meaning one may catch something that
another might miss. Some are quite specialized, while others like Spybot and
Ad-Aware are more generalized.

CWShredder™ Version 2.1 (FREE) - stand-alone version
Removes all variations of the spyware/hijacker "CoolWebSearch".
This is the first line of defense whenever you suspect possible parasite
infestation. Some current variations of CoolWebSearch block Ad-Aware and
Spybot from catching everything.
http://majorgeeks.com/download3019.html
http://www.intermute.com/spysubtract/cwshredder_download.html


Some variants of CoolWebSearch will close every browser window visiting many
anti-spyware sites, anti-virus sites or even Windows Update. It will even
close Spybot S&D and some other anti-spyware applications when you try to
use them. To eliminate this threat, use CWS.SmartKiller Removal Utility:
http://www.safer-networking.org/minifiles.html
http://majorgeeks.com/download4113.html


Spybot S&D (FREE)
Removes hijackers, spyware, adware, usage tracks and more. Resident
""TeaTimer"" feature monitors crucial processes on your machine. It
immediately detects known malicious processes wanting to start and
terminates them. In addition, TeaTimer detects when something wants to
change some critical registry keys. It can protect you against such changes
giving you an option to "Allow" or "Deny" the change.
http://www.safer-networking.org/en/index.html
http://majorgeeks.com/download2471.html


Ad-Aware (FREE) & Pro
Protects against Data-mining, Ad-Ware, Parasites, Scumware, selected
Trojans, Dialers, Malware, Browser hijackers, and tracking components.
http://www.lavasoftusa.com/software/adaware/
http://majorgeeks.com/download506.html


a-squared (a²) (FREE) & Pro
TROJAN Scanner - A complementary product to antivirus software and desktop
firewalls. This scanner specifically targets and removes over 20,000
Trojans, Dialers, Worms and other dangerous programs used by attackers to
spy on or damage your private data.
http://www.emsisoft.com/en/software/free/


HijackThis (FREE)
As mentioned above -- USE WITH CAUTION -- Just scan your machine, then save
& post the log to: Spywareinfo or other forum.
http://majorgeeks.com/download3155.html
http://www.tomcoyote.org/hjt/
TUTORIAL: HJT http://www.pchell.com/support/hijackthistutorial.shtml


SpywareBlaster 3.3 (FREE)
Prevent spyware from installing in the first place! Prevent the installation
of ActiveX-based spyware, adware, browser hijackers, dialers, and other
potentially unwanted pests. Block spyware/tracking cookies in Internet
Explorer and Mozilla/Firefox
http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/spywareblaster.html
http://majorgeeks.com/download2859.html


McAfee Stinger (FREE)
Stinger is a stand-alone utility used to detect and remove specific viruses.
It is not a substitute for full anti-virus protection. Download a *fresh*
copy each time you need it.
http://vil.nai.com/vil/stinger/


Check your browser settings here:
http://www.jasons-toolbox.com/BrowserSecurity/
A series of "tests" (and suggested fixes) to help tweak IE's settings to
help prevent infections when surfing the web.


Check security settings here:
https://www.grc.com/x/ne.dll?bh0bkyd2
http://www.pcflank.com/test.htm


General computer check and tune-up
PC Pitstop
http://www.pcpitstop.com/


If you need a good (FREE) antivirus:
AVG
http://free.grisoft.com/freeweb.php
AVAST
http://www.avast.com/eng/avast_4_home.html


Online Virus Scanner:
-you are wise to use one or more of these in conjunction with your own
antivirus. Never install more than one AntiVirus or Firewall app on a single
machine.

Trendmicro
http://housecall.trendmicro.com/

BitDefender
http://www.bitdefender.com/scan/licence.php

RAV AntiVirus
http://www.ravantivirus.com/scan/

eTrust Antivirus
http://www3.ca.com/securityadvisor/virusinfo/scan.aspx

Panda ActiveScan
http://www.pandasoftware.com/activescan/com/activescan_principal.htm


If you need a good (FREE) Firewall:
ZoneAlarm (FREE) & Pro
http://www.zonelabs.com/store/content/company/products/znalm/freeDownload.jsp
Sygate Personal Firewall (FREE) & Pro
http://smb.sygate.com/free/spf_download.php



This may sound like a lot of work and it is. But, if you follow this
outline, you'll learn a whole lot in the process and have a much more secure
computer.
--
~john aka: jopa
rev. 03.14.05




In

 

[jopa66]

click Start>Run and type in

"sfc /scannow" (no quotes) and be sure - (there is a space between SFC
and the forward slash - sorry)
to have your Windows XP disk handy.

 

[Frank Saunders, MS-MVP IE/OE]

I'm on WINDOWS XP and my IE crashes whenever I open it too.
But i can't find the repair for IE on the add/remove programs

How to Reinstall or Repair Internet Explorer and Outlook Express in Windows
XP
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=318378

--
Frank Saunders, MS-MVP, IE/OE
Please respond in Newsgroup only. Do not send email
http://www.fjsmjs.com
Protect your PC
http://www.microsoft.com./athome/security/protect/default.aspx
http://defendingyourmachine.blogspot.com/

 

[Guest]

Predictably enough, it's screwed up again this morning. I ran the repair
again, but this time, it didn't work at all.

I regularly run Spybot, and it didn't catch anything I haven't seen before.

 

[jopa66]

In

Predictably enough, it's screwed up again this morning. I ran the repair
again, but this time, it didn't work at all.

I regularly run Spybot, and it didn't catch anything I haven't seen
before.

It's very possible that spyware of some kind is causing this. Spybot is a
great tool but should not be used alone. I suggest you also download
Ad-Aware. Be sure both are updated as well as Norton, then run your scans in
SafeMode. If you find anything, disable System Restore in case anything is
hiding in there. Once you are cleaned, then re-enable System Restore and
create a new Restore Point. Use the guide below for links to more tools and
advice. It may also be a good idea to create a HJT Log and post it to
spywareinfo or other security forum.

--
~john aka: jopa

WARNING: If your PC is already infested with spyware/adware, resist the
temptation to impulse buying of anti-spyware products that you see on the
Net or receive as e-mail Spam. Many unscrupulous companies/individuals are
trying to "cash-in" on people's need for anti-spyware products. Some of
these applications are mere rip-offs of Spybot S&D or Ad-Aware and many are
known to create problems on your machine just to try and sell you the way to
"fix" it. Vendors of "rogue/suspect" anti-spyware products advertise heavily
via Google's "AdWords" or use other deceptive advertising. Proof of this can
be found here:
http://www.spywarewarrior.com/rogue_anti-spyware.htm
http://www.spywarewarrior.com/family_resemblances.htm

Instead, you can get help online from a corps of savvy volunteers who
specialize in busting spyware.

CAUTION!!! Some malware may kill your internet connection when you remove
it. This program, LSPFIX, should enable you to regain your connection by
correcting the errors in your registry. Before you try to remove spyware
using any of the programs below, download a copy of LSPFIX and WINSOCKXPFIX
from the following sites, just-in-case:
http://www.cexx.org/lspfix.htm
http://www.spychecker.com/program/winsockxpfix.html

First:
I suggest you read this informative tutorial:
Dealing with Unwanted Spyware and Parasites
http://mvps.org/winhelp2002/unwanted.htm

And for expert online help, the following links are recommended:
http://forums.spywareinfo.com/index.php OR
http://www.spywarewarrior.com/ OR
http://forum.aumha.org/

The folks at these forums have a lot of experience in dealing with
Hijackers/Spyware/Malware. There is no charge for the help and information
available although donations are accepted. Be sure to read the guidelines,
and following their instructions you will download a little program called
HijackThis. Its purpose is simply to scan your computer and generate a LOG
of everything that is running at that moment. It does not decide what is
Good or Bad. That's what the experts at the forums will do. So *DO NOT* just
arbitrarily start deleting what it finds.

Next:
To use these forums, set up an account and post your LOG there, not here.
Someone will analyze it and let you know if anything is amuck and what you
can do to fix it. In the event your chosen site is down -- go here for a
list of other Security Analysis sites and/or forums: http://a-sap.org/


<<<BACKUP>>> <<<BACKUP>>> <<<BACKUP>>>

The FIRST and most important defense in any security program is protection
of your DATA!! When any data gets lost through infection, human error or
perhaps hard drive failure you are then able to restore the files by simply
copying them back to your repaired system. Windows Restore will *not* save
Emails, Address book, documents, photos, music, Favorites and/or Bookmarks,
or anything else created by you using a program installed on the PC. Only
you can determine what is too important to lose. Find a method that works
for you, do a backup and then test it to ensure you could recover. Try to
automate the process as much as possible so the system does the work.


***Always follow safe Internet practices:***

1. Keep your virus definitions up to date, and scan your system regularly.

2. Keep your anti-spyware up to date, and scan your system regularly.

NOTE: WindowsME/XP users should disable system restore prior to scanning.
Run scans in SAFE Mode to ensure complete removal, then turn System Restore
on again and create a new Restore Point.

3. Don't open email, or download attachments from unrecognized email
addresses.

4. Be careful when downloading email attachments, EVEN FROM PEOPLE YOU KNOW!
Many viruses, worms, and trojans infect a person's system then immediately
spread themselves to the people in the infected person's address book via
email attachments.

5. Be careful downloading files from the Internet. Scan all downloaded files
with a reliable UP-TO-DATE antivirus program. Scan "zip" files BEFORE
unzipping, and scan all unzipped files BEFORE USING THEM.

6. Keep your Windows and IE current with all the latest patches and updates.

7. USE A FIREWALL.


Scumware/Cr@pware - Removal & Protection Tools:
Most experts and computer professionals will agree that no *one* tool can do
everything when it comes to spyware/adware. The following list represents
some of the most popular and trustworthy programs available. Most of them
are FREE and compliment each other, meaning one may catch something that
another might miss. Some are quite specialized, while others like Spybot and
Ad-Aware are more generalized.

CWShredder™ Version 2.1 (FREE) - stand-alone version
Removes all variations of the spyware/hijacker "CoolWebSearch".
This is the first line of defense whenever you suspect possible parasite
infestation. Some current variations of CoolWebSearch block Ad-Aware and
Spybot from catching everything.
http://majorgeeks.com/download3019.html
http://www.intermute.com/spysubtract/cwshredder_download.html


Some variants of CoolWebSearch will close every browser window visiting many
anti-spyware sites, anti-virus sites or even Windows Update. It will even
close Spybot S&D and some other anti-spyware applications when you try to
use them. To eliminate this threat, use CWS.SmartKiller Removal Utility:
http://www.safer-networking.org/minifiles.html
http://majorgeeks.com/download4113.html


Spybot S&D (FREE)
Removes hijackers, spyware, adware, usage tracks and more. Resident
""TeaTimer"" feature monitors crucial processes on your machine. It
immediately detects known malicious processes wanting to start and
terminates them. In addition, TeaTimer detects when something wants to
change some critical registry keys. It can protect you against such changes
giving you an option to "Allow" or "Deny" the change.
http://www.safer-networking.org/en/index.html
http://majorgeeks.com/download2471.html


Ad-Aware (FREE) & Pro
Protects against Data-mining, Ad-Ware, Parasites, Scumware, selected
Trojans, Dialers, Malware, Browser hijackers, and tracking components.
http://www.lavasoftusa.com/software/adaware/
http://majorgeeks.com/download506.html


a-squared (a²) (FREE) & Pro
TROJAN Scanner - A complementary product to antivirus software and desktop
firewalls. This scanner specifically targets and removes over 20,000
Trojans, Dialers, Worms and other dangerous programs used by attackers to
spy on or damage your private data.
http://www.emsisoft.com/en/software/free/


HijackThis (FREE)
As mentioned above -- USE WITH CAUTION -- Just scan your machine, then save
& post the log to: Spywareinfo or other forum.
http://majorgeeks.com/download3155.html
http://www.tomcoyote.org/hjt/
TUTORIAL: HJT http://www.pchell.com/support/hijackthistutorial.shtml


SpywareBlaster 3.3 (FREE)
Prevent spyware from installing in the first place! Prevent the installation
of ActiveX-based spyware, adware, browser hijackers, dialers, and other
potentially unwanted pests. Block spyware/tracking cookies in Internet
Explorer and Mozilla/Firefox
http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/spywareblaster.html
http://majorgeeks.com/download2859.html


McAfee Stinger (FREE)
Stinger is a stand-alone utility used to detect and remove specific viruses.
It is not a substitute for full anti-virus protection. Download a *fresh*
copy each time you need it.
http://vil.nai.com/vil/stinger/


Check your browser settings here:
http://www.jasons-toolbox.com/BrowserSecurity/
A series of "tests" (and suggested fixes) to help tweak IE's settings to
help prevent infections when surfing the web.


Check security settings here:
https://www.grc.com/x/ne.dll?bh0bkyd2
http://www.pcflank.com/test.htm


General computer check and tune-up
PC Pitstop
http://www.pcpitstop.com/


If you need a good (FREE) antivirus:
AVG
http://free.grisoft.com/freeweb.php
AVAST
http://www.avast.com/eng/avast_4_home.html


Online Virus Scanner:
-you are wise to use one or more of these in conjunction with your own
antivirus. Never install more than one AntiVirus or Firewall app on a single
machine.

Trendmicro
http://housecall.trendmicro.com/

BitDefender
http://www.bitdefender.com/scan/licence.php

RAV AntiVirus
http://www.ravantivirus.com/scan/

eTrust Antivirus
http://www3.ca.com/securityadvisor/virusinfo/scan.aspx

Panda ActiveScan
http://www.pandasoftware.com/activescan/com/activescan_principal.htm


If you need a good (FREE) Firewall:
ZoneAlarm (FREE) & Pro
http://www.zonelabs.com/store/content/company/products/znalm/freeDownload.jsp
Sygate Personal Firewall (FREE) & Pro
http://smb.sygate.com/free/spf_download.php



This may sound like a lot of work and it is. But, if you follow this
outline, you'll learn a whole lot in the process and have a much more secure
computer.
--
~john aka: jopa
rev. 03.14.05




In

Predictably enough, it's screwed up again this morning. I ran the repair
again, but this time, it didn't work at all.

I regularly run Spybot, and it didn't catch anything I haven't seen
before.

..