Thanks! (Re: 46 Critical Updates)

[M. Renae]

Thanks so much! I have just now put on the ZoneAlarm that
you suggested to someone else and the pop ups have finally
stopped. I had already put on Spybots as you had also
suggested to someone else and I did these XP updates:
kb835732; sp1; 826939. If I had the sasser and/or blaster,
wouldn't the Spybot have caught it? I am going to follow
your suggestions to others and do the following before I do
the updates you have suggested in response to my 46
Critical Updates message: 1. Download four more software
package solutions for spyware/adware/popups (I will keep
two and delete the others after they have run); 2. Disable
Messenger Service; 3. Add Antivirus Software; and, 4.
Disable unused service/startup apps. All of this should
keep my computer fairly safe. Thanks again, everyone, for
your time and help.

 

[Roger Abell]

Did you mention allowing Windows Update to run
on scheduled ??

 

[Tin]

load more software on your system is not exactly a long term solutions. your
antivirus/popup/spyware software can only protect you of what it programmed
to. All the unknown are bypassed. i';ve seen spyware/virus/worm that can
passthrough and cripple all sort of detection/protection you might have on
your system. Not to mention performance issues with all those extra
software.

My recommendation is get a good antivirus software and keep it up-to-date
with signatures. Turn on your built-in firewall and keep up with crtical
patches from microsoft. Make sure your Internet Zone is set to at least
Medium to prevent any activeX from loading auto. and disable all third-party
extensions in IE. Last but not least, check your system startup once in a
while or when you feared something might have injected into your startup
with MSCONFIG.exe. Don't forget to check this directory \windows\Downloaded
Program Files for suspicous activeX.