Question on profiles in Windows XP and running Spyware, Virus, Registry checking programs?

[Joe Donaldson]

Thanks for some basic help on a neighbors computer.

I worked on a PC today that needed Norton Installed and Spybot and
Adaware run. Tons of things found as usual. Also RegClean (not
Microsoft's) which analyzes the registry like WinDoctor and can remove
startup entries/uninstall programs (like in Control Panel), etc..

I ran all of these programs on one users profile and thought it would
correct all spyware and such found in other profiles (except startup
programs, etc..)

But I did find I needed to run Adaware, Spybot, and WinDoctor and
Regclean on each users profile after logging in to XP. Is this normal?

I can see each user having their own startup and program files and
look and feel but thought the Adaware, Spybot and some other programs
would affect ALL users.

Thanks for any advice in advance.
Joe

 

[Malke]

Thanks for some basic help on a neighbors computer.

I worked on a PC today that needed Norton Installed and Spybot and
Adaware run. Tons of things found as usual. Also RegClean (not
Microsoft's) which analyzes the registry like WinDoctor and can remove
startup entries/uninstall programs (like in Control Panel), etc..

I ran all of these programs on one users profile and thought it would
correct all spyware and such found in other profiles (except startup
programs, etc..)

But I did find I needed to run Adaware, Spybot, and WinDoctor and
Regclean on each users profile after logging in to XP. Is this normal?

I can see each user having their own startup and program files and
look and feel but thought the Adaware, Spybot and some other programs
would affect ALL users.

Yes, it is normal that you need to run Ad-aware and Spybot S&D in each
user account. While there are registry entries that are global, each
user account also has personalized settings. This also applies to some
Control Panel applet options, like Folder Options to see all files,
Internet Options to Empty Temporary Files on Exit, and the like.

Malke

 

[Joe Donaldson]

Great appreciate it.
Now I need to solve this one problem with a BHO trying to change the
Home Page and it keeps giving me a pop-up. Someone said to run
Hijackthis to get a lob.
I have run all spyware programs, BHO blockers, Norton stuff and
registry insertion programs I know of.

Thanks
Joe

 

[Joe Donaldson]

SO you are also perhaps saying I need to install these in each account
as well?
Or can I hit ctrl alt del twice and sign on as ADMINISTRATOR? Not
sure how that would help since when I hit CTRL ALT DEL 2x, it came up
with one of the users who is an Admin. (XP Home game version)

Thanks for any more input

Joe

 

[Malke]

SO you are also perhaps saying I need to install these in each account
as well?
Or can I hit ctrl alt del twice and sign on as ADMINISTRATOR? Not
sure how that would help since when I hit CTRL ALT DEL 2x, it came up
with one of the users who is an Admin. (XP Home game version)

Thanks for any more input

Joe

No, you don't need to install the programs multiple times, any more than
you would need to with any other program. Just make shortcuts in the
All Users All Programs menu for each account. Then log into each
account and clean away.

It has become quite complicated and time-consuming to clean malware off
a pc. Here's a link to a great page that explains a lot:

http://www.aumha.org/secure.htm

Malke