%USERPROFILE% created as a folder, Windows Defender stops working

[Guest]

I maintain a five-computer XP PRO peer network at my wife's business. I have
been a professional computer consultant for a very long time. The first
problem started when Windows Defender stopped working on most of the
machines. Next, several of the computers started having a folder named
%USERPROFILE% created most of the time off the desktop but I have since found
similar folders in random locations.

I contacted Windows Defender support and the tech guided me through
uninstalling and reinstalling Defender using the Windows Installation Cleanup
tool. This fix lasted about two or three days. She also told me this was most
likely using MySpace. I then adjusted IE so that no one could browse MySpace.

We are behind a hardware firewall, Windows XP firewall runs on all machines,
and we use AVG Pro anti-virus on all machines. All machines are setup to
automatically download and install the latest Windows update. AVG updates
every morning and scans every morning, ditto for Defender when it works.

No one installs software without prior approval. The only software the staff
installs relates to the business, and is provided from quality oem vendors.
It is rare that additional software is installed by anyone other than me.

Yesterday %USERPROFILE% showed up again on two machines. I am out of
imagination as to what can be causing this problem.

HELP!!!!

All suggestions very much appreciated. Please let me know if I can provide
any further information.

Thanks in advance.

Bud Izen
Scrapbook Fever
Salem Oregon

 

[Guest]

try norton anti-virus protection trial 2007 off of there web site, I have
found that windows protection is not the best, I would try getting your
firewall and other protecton from another protecter then windows stuff.

 

[Guest]

I appreciate the thought, Anson, but your response does not appear to address
my problem. AVG anti-virus is NOT an MS product. I have had more trouble over
the years with Norton products than I care to recount. If anyone uses and
likes them, more power to you. Just not for me and my systems.

I am having a difficult time imagining that the use of MS spyware or the
Windows XP firewall is causing or contributing to my problem regarding the
creation of the %USERPROFILE% directories.

I am hoping for a more relevant response.

Thanks

Bud