RazeSpyware

[scsilverado]

Hello I'm infected with "RazeSpyware", I have run the Spybot, Ad-Aware and Hyjackthis.  So attatched is the log file.

Thanks

Mike

[attachment deleted by admin]

[Corrine]

Hi, scsilverado.  I've copy/pasted your log here as it is much easier to follow that way.

Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.1
Scan saved at 4:18:45 PM, on 12/13/2005
Platform: Windows XP SP1 (WinNT 5.01.2600)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v6.00 SP1 (6.00.2800.1106)

Running processes:
C:\WINDOWS\System32\smss.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\winlogon.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\services.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\lsass.exe
C:\Program Files\Novadigm\AXF\Bin\XFSrvcNT.Exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\Program Files\Network Associates\Common Framework\FrameworkService.exe
C:\Program Files\Network Associates\VirusScan\Mcshield.exe
C:\Program Files\Network Associates\VirusScan\VsTskMgr.exe
C:\Program Files\Novadigm\radsched.exe
C:\Program Files\Novadigm\Radstgms.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\System32\hkcmd.exe
C:\Program Files\Novadigm\radtray.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Real\Update_OB\realsched.exe
C:\Program Files\Network Associates\VirusScan\SHSTAT.EXE
C:\Program Files\Network Associates\Common Framework\UpdaterUI.exe
C:\Program Files\iTunes\iTunesHelper.exe
C:\Program Files\Winamp\winampa.exe
C:\Program Files\iPod\bin\iPodService.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\WScript.exe
C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Messenger\ymsgr_tray.exe
C:\Novell\GroupWise\GrpWise.exe
C:\Novell\GroupWise\GWSync.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\ntvdm.exe
C:\Program Files\HijackThis\HijackThis.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe

R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://my.musc.edu/
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL = http://www.yahoo.com
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Connection Wizard,ShellNext = http://my.musc.edu/?default=hospital
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Window Title = Microsoft Internet Explorer provided by The Medical University of SC
R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Toolbar,LinksFolderName =
R3 - URLSearchHook: (no name) - {87766247-311C-43B4-8499-3D5FEC94A183} - (no file)
O2 - BHO: SpywareBlock Class - {0A87E45F-537A-40B4-B812-E2544C21A09F} - C:\Program Files\SpyCatcher 2006\SCActiveBlock.dll
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {53707962-6F74-2D53-2644-206D7942484F} - C:\Program Files\Spybot - Search & Destroy\SDHelper.dll
O2 - BHO: Yahoo! IE Services Button - {5BAB4B5B-68BC-4B02-94D6-2FC0DE4A7897} - C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Common\yiesrvc.dll
O2 - BHO: Google Toolbar Helper - {AA58ED58-01DD-4d91-8333-CF10577473F7} - c:\program files\google\googletoolbar4.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [IgfxTray] C:\WINDOWS\System32\igfxtray.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [HotKeysCmds] C:\WINDOWS\System32\hkcmd.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Synchronization Manager] %SystemRoot%\system32\mobsync.exe /logon
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Radia Connect] c:\progra~1\novadigm\radrexxw userlogin.rex
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [RUNRADTRAY] C:\Program Files\Novadigm\radtray.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Client Access Service] "C:\Program Files\IBM\Client Access\cwbsvstr.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Client Access Help Update] "C:\Program Files\IBM\Client Access\cwbinhlp.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Client Access Check Version] "C:\Program Files\IBM\Client Access\cwbckver.exe" LOGIN
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Client Access Express Welcome] "C:\Program Files\IBM\Client Access\cwbwlwiz.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Lynx Systray] c:\windows\system32\LynxInfoUtility.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [TkBellExe] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Real\Update_OB\realsched.exe"  -osboot
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ShStatEXE] "C:\Program Files\Network Associates\VirusScan\SHSTAT.EXE" /STANDALONE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [McAfeeUpdaterUI] "C:\Program Files\Network Associates\Common Framework\UpdaterUI.exe" /StartedFromRunKey
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [iTunesHelper] "C:\Program Files\iTunes\iTunesHelper.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [QuickTime Task] "C:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe" -atboottime
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [WinampAgent] C:\Program Files\Winamp\winampa.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SpyCatcher Reminder] "C:\Program Files\SpyCatcher 2006\SpyCatcher.exe" reminder
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [Yahoo! Pager] C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Messenger\ypager.exe -quiet
O4 - Startup: Scheduler.lnk = C:\Program Files\SpyCatcher 2006\Scheduler daemon.exe
O4 - Global Startup: Microsoft Office.lnk = C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office10\OSA.EXE
O4 - Global Startup: SpyCatcher Protector.lnk = C:\Program Files\SpyCatcher 2006\Protector.exe
O6 - HKCU\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Control Panel present
O8 - Extra context menu item: &Yahoo! Search - file:///C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Common/ycsrch.htm
O8 - Extra context menu item: E&xport to Microsoft Excel - res://c:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~2\Office10\EXCEL.EXE/3000
O8 - Extra context menu item: Yahoo! &Dictionary - file:///C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Common/ycdict.htm
O8 - Extra context menu item: Yahoo! &Maps - file:///C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Common/ycmap.htm
O8 - Extra context menu item: Yahoo! &SMS - file:///C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Common/ycsms.htm
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\WINDOWS\System32\msjava.dll
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Sun Java Console - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\WINDOWS\System32\msjava.dll
O9 - Extra button: Yahoo! Services - {5BAB4B5B-68BC-4B02-94D6-2FC0DE4A7897} - C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Common\yiesrvc.dll
O9 - Extra button: Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Program Files\Messenger\MSMSGS.EXE
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Program Files\Messenger\MSMSGS.EXE
O12 - Plugin for .spop: C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\PLUGINS\NPDocBox.dll
O14 - IERESET.INF: START_PAGE_URL=http://my.musc.edu/
O16 - DPF: {30528230-99F7-4BB4-88D8-FA1D4F56A2AB} (YInstStarter Class) - C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Common\yinsthelper.dll
O16 - DPF: {41F17733-B041-4099-A042-B518BB6A408C} - http://a1540.g.akamai.net/7/1540/52/20030530/qtinstall.info.apple.com/bonnie/us/win/QuickTimeInstaller.exe
O16 - DPF: {6E32070A-766D-4EE6-879C-DC1FA91D2FC3} (MUWebControl Class) - http://update.microsoft.com/microsoftupdate/v6/V5Controls/en/x86/client/muweb_site.cab?1133951647502
O16 - DPF: {BAC01377-73DD-4796-854D-2A8997E3D68A} (Yahoo! Photos Easy Upload Tool Class) - http://us.dl1.yimg.com/download.yahoo.com/dl/installs/ydropper/ydropper1_6us.cab
O17 - HKLM\System\CCS\Services\Tcpip\Parameters: Domain = clinlan.local
O17 - HKLM\Software\..\Telephony: DomainName = clinlan.local
O17 - HKLM\System\CS1\Services\Tcpip\Parameters: Domain = clinlan.local
O20 - AppInit_DLLs: interceptor.dll
O20 - Winlogon Notify: igfxcui - C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\igfxsrvc.dll
O20 - Winlogon Notify: WRNotifier - C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\WRLogonNTF.dll
O23 - Service: InstallDriver Table Manager (IDriverT) - Macrovision Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\InstallShield\Driver\11\Intel 32\IDriverT.exe
O23 - Service: iPodService - Apple Computer, Inc. - C:\Program Files\iPod\bin\iPodService.exe
O23 - Service: McAfee Framework Service (McAfeeFramework) - Unknown owner - C:\Program Files\Network Associates\Common Framework\FrameworkService.exe" /ServiceStart (file missing)
O23 - Service: Network Associates McShield (McShield) - Network Associates, Inc. - C:\Program Files\Network Associates\VirusScan\Mcshield.exe
O23 - Service: Network Associates Task Manager (McTaskManager) - Network Associates, Inc. - C:\Program Files\Network Associates\VirusScan\VsTskMgr.exe
O23 - Service: Radia Notify Daemon (radexecd) - Unknown owner - C:\Program Files\Novadigm\radexecd.exe (file missing)
O23 - Service: Radia Scheduler Daemon (radsched) - Novadigm - C:\Program Files\Novadigm\radsched.exe
O23 - Service: Radia MSI Redirector (Radstgms) - Novadigm - C:\Program Files\Novadigm\Radstgms.exe
O23 - Service: XFSrvcNT - Novadigm Inc. - C:\Program Files\Novadigm\AXF\Bin\XFSrvcNT.Exe

[njustice]

Hello,

Click "Start", "Settings", and then click "Control Panel". Open the "Display" applet.
Click on "Desktop", "Customise Display..." and "Web".
In the box under "Web pages" look for a checkbox named "Security". If found select it and click "Delete".

• Close all programs leaving only HijackThis running.  Place a check against each of the following, making sure you get them all and not any others by mistake:
  R3 - URLSearchHook: (no name) - {87766247-311C-43B4-8499-3D5FEC94A183} - (no file)
  Close all browsers and windows, Click on Fix Checked when finished and exit HijackThis.
  
  
  
  Please download ewido security suite it is a free version of the program.[LIST=1]
  
• Install ewido security suite
  
• When installing, under "Additional Options" uncheck..
  
  
  • Install background guard
    
  • Install scan via context menu
    
• Launch ewido, there should be an icon on your desktop, double-click it.
  
• The program will now open to the main screen.
  
• When you run ewido for the first time, you will get a warning "Database could not be found!".  Click OK.  We will fix this in a moment.
  
  
• You will need to update ewido to the latest definition files.
  
  
  • On the left hand side of the main screen click update.
    
  • Then click on Start Update.
    
• The update will start and a progress bar will show the updates being installed.
  (the status bar at the bottom will display ("Update successful")
  
• Exit ewido.  DO NOT scan yet.
  

If you are having problems with the updater, you can use this link to manually update ewido.
ewido manual updates


Now open ewido and do a scan of your system.

• Click on scanner
  
• Click on Complete System Scan and the scan will begin.
  
• You will be prompted to clean the first infection.
  
• Select "Perform action on all infections", then proceed.
  
• Once the scan has completed, there will be a button located on the bottom of the screen named Save report
  
• Click Save report.
  
• Save the report .txt file to your desktop or a location where you can find it easily.
  
• Post the Ewido log so we can take a look.
  

Reboot your machine and post back a new HJT log and the ewido.txt log file you saved by using Add Reply

[scsilverado]

Thanks I will give this a try.  Here are the results.

Mike

[attachment deleted by admin]

[Paddy]

Hi, scsilverado.  I've copy/pasted your log here as it is much easier to follow



Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.1
Scan saved at 12:58:21 PM, on 12/14/2005
Platform: Windows XP SP1 (WinNT 5.01.2600)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v6.00 SP1 (6.00.2800.1106)

Running processes:
C:\WINDOWS\System32\smss.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\winlogon.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\services.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\lsass.exe
C:\Program Files\Novadigm\AXF\Bin\XFSrvcNT.Exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\Program Files\ewido\security suite\ewidoctrl.exe
C:\Program Files\Network Associates\Common Framework\FrameworkService.exe
C:\Program Files\Network Associates\VirusScan\Mcshield.exe
C:\Program Files\Network Associates\VirusScan\VsTskMgr.exe
C:\Program Files\Novadigm\radsched.exe
C:\Program Files\Novadigm\Radstgms.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\System32\hkcmd.exe
C:\Program Files\Novadigm\radtray.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Real\Update_OB\realsched.exe
C:\Program Files\Network Associates\VirusScan\SHSTAT.EXE
C:\Program Files\Network Associates\Common Framework\UpdaterUI.exe
C:\Program Files\iTunes\iTunesHelper.exe
C:\Program Files\Winamp\winampa.exe
C:\Program Files\iPod\bin\iPodService.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\WScript.exe
C:\Program Files\Microsoft AntiSpyware\gcasDtServ.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\wuauclt.exe
C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Messenger\ymsgr_tray.exe
C:\Program Files\HijackThis\HijackThis.exe

R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://my.musc.edu/
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL = http://www.yahoo.com
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://my.musc.edu/
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Connection Wizard,ShellNext = http://my.musc.edu/?default=hospital
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Window Title = Microsoft Internet Explorer provided by The Medical University of SC
R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Toolbar,LinksFolderName =
O2 - BHO: SpywareBlock Class - {0A87E45F-537A-40B4-B812-E2544C21A09F} - C:\Program Files\SpyCatcher 2006\SCActiveBlock.dll
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {53707962-6F74-2D53-2644-206D7942484F} - C:\Program Files\Spybot - Search & Destroy\SDHelper.dll
O2 - BHO: Yahoo! IE Services Button - {5BAB4B5B-68BC-4B02-94D6-2FC0DE4A7897} - C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Common\yiesrvc.dll
O2 - BHO: Google Toolbar Helper - {AA58ED58-01DD-4d91-8333-CF10577473F7} - c:\program files\google\googletoolbar4.dll
O3 - Toolbar: &Radio - {8E718888-423F-11D2-876E-00A0C9082467} - C:\WINDOWS\system32\msdxm.ocx
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [IgfxTray] C:\WINDOWS\System32\igfxtray.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [HotKeysCmds] C:\WINDOWS\System32\hkcmd.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Synchronization Manager] %SystemRoot%\system32\mobsync.exe /logon
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Radia Connect] c:\progra~1\novadigm\radrexxw userlogin.rex
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [RUNRADTRAY] C:\Program Files\Novadigm\radtray.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Client Access Service] "C:\Program Files\IBM\Client Access\cwbsvstr.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Client Access Help Update] "C:\Program Files\IBM\Client Access\cwbinhlp.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Client Access Check Version] "C:\Program Files\IBM\Client Access\cwbckver.exe" LOGIN
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Client Access Express Welcome] "C:\Program Files\IBM\Client Access\cwbwlwiz.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Lynx Systray] c:\windows\system32\LynxInfoUtility.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [TkBellExe] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Real\Update_OB\realsched.exe"  -osboot
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ShStatEXE] "C:\Program Files\Network Associates\VirusScan\SHSTAT.EXE" /STANDALONE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [McAfeeUpdaterUI] "C:\Program Files\Network Associates\Common Framework\UpdaterUI.exe" /StartedFromRunKey
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [iTunesHelper] "C:\Program Files\iTunes\iTunesHelper.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [QuickTime Task] "C:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe" -atboottime
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [WinampAgent] C:\Program Files\Winamp\winampa.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SpyCatcher Reminder] "C:\Program Files\SpyCatcher 2006\SpyCatcher.exe" reminder
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [gcasServ] "C:\Program Files\Microsoft AntiSpyware\gcasServ.exe"
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [Yahoo! Pager] C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Messenger\ypager.exe -quiet
O4 - Startup: Scheduler.lnk = C:\Program Files\SpyCatcher 2006\Scheduler daemon.exe
O4 - Global Startup: Microsoft Office.lnk = C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office10\OSA.EXE
O4 - Global Startup: SpyCatcher Protector.lnk = C:\Program Files\SpyCatcher 2006\Protector.exe
O6 - HKCU\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Control Panel present
O8 - Extra context menu item: &Yahoo! Search - file:///C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Common/ycsrch.htm
O8 - Extra context menu item: E&xport to Microsoft Excel - res://c:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~2\Office10\EXCEL.EXE/3000
O8 - Extra context menu item: Yahoo! &Dictionary - file:///C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Common/ycdict.htm
O8 - Extra context menu item: Yahoo! &Maps - file:///C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Common/ycmap.htm
O8 - Extra context menu item: Yahoo! &SMS - file:///C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Common/ycsms.htm
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\WINDOWS\System32\msjava.dll
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Sun Java Console - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\WINDOWS\System32\msjava.dll
O9 - Extra button: Yahoo! Services - {5BAB4B5B-68BC-4B02-94D6-2FC0DE4A7897} - C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Common\yiesrvc.dll
O9 - Extra button: Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Program Files\Messenger\MSMSGS.EXE
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Program Files\Messenger\MSMSGS.EXE
O12 - Plugin for .spop: C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\PLUGINS\NPDocBox.dll
O14 - IERESET.INF: START_PAGE_URL=http://my.musc.edu/
O16 - DPF: {17492023-C23A-453E-A040-C7C580BBF700} (Windows Genuine Advantage Validation Tool) - http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=39204
O16 - DPF: {30528230-99F7-4BB4-88D8-FA1D4F56A2AB} (YInstStarter Class) - C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Common\yinsthelper.dll
O16 - DPF: {41F17733-B041-4099-A042-B518BB6A408C} - http://a1540.g.akamai.net/7/1540/52/20030530/qtinstall.info.apple.com/bonnie/us/win/QuickTimeInstaller.exe
O16 - DPF: {6E32070A-766D-4EE6-879C-DC1FA91D2FC3} (MUWebControl Class) - http://update.microsoft.com/microsoftupdate/v6/V5Controls/en/x86/client/muweb_site.cab?1133951647502
O16 - DPF: {BAC01377-73DD-4796-854D-2A8997E3D68A} (Yahoo! Photos Easy Upload Tool Class) - http://us.dl1.yimg.com/download.yahoo.com/dl/installs/ydropper/ydropper1_6us.cab
O17 - HKLM\System\CCS\Services\Tcpip\Parameters: Domain = clinlan.local
O17 - HKLM\Software\..\Telephony: DomainName = clinlan.local
O17 - HKLM\System\CS1\Services\Tcpip\Parameters: Domain = clinlan.local
O20 - AppInit_DLLs: interceptor.dll
O20 - Winlogon Notify: igfxcui - C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\igfxsrvc.dll
O20 - Winlogon Notify: WRNotifier - C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\WRLogonNTF.dll
O23 - Service: ewido security suite control - ewido networks - C:\Program Files\ewido\security suite\ewidoctrl.exe
O23 - Service: InstallDriver Table Manager (IDriverT) - Macrovision Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\InstallShield\Driver\11\Intel 32\IDriverT.exe
O23 - Service: iPodService - Apple Computer, Inc. - C:\Program Files\iPod\bin\iPodService.exe
O23 - Service: McAfee Framework Service (McAfeeFramework) - Unknown owner - C:\Program Files\Network Associates\Common Framework\FrameworkService.exe" /ServiceStart (file missing)
O23 - Service: Network Associates McShield (McShield) - Network Associates, Inc. - C:\Program Files\Network Associates\VirusScan\Mcshield.exe
O23 - Service: Network Associates Task Manager (McTaskManager) - Network Associates, Inc. - C:\Program Files\Network Associates\VirusScan\VsTskMgr.exe
O23 - Service: Radia Notify Daemon (radexecd) - Unknown owner - C:\Program Files\Novadigm\radexecd.exe (file missing)
O23 - Service: Radia Scheduler Daemon (radsched) - Novadigm - C:\Program Files\Novadigm\radsched.exe
O23 - Service: Radia MSI Redirector (Radstgms) - Novadigm - C:\Program Files\Novadigm\Radstgms.exe
O23 - Service: XFSrvcNT - Novadigm Inc. - C:\Program Files\Novadigm\AXF\Bin\XFSrvcNT.Exe

[njustice]

Hello scsilverado, how is your computer running?

[scsilverado]

Hi njustice.  My computer is running great now, thanks to you guys.  I'm also using the EWIDO and hyjackthis on my laptop to.  I may sleep better now.  Thanks for all your help.  I will keep tuning for more updates and changes for spyware.  Have a great Holiday season!!

Mike

[njustice]

[size=9]C:PNGRATULATI:DNS![/size] at last, your system is clean and free of spyware! Want to keep it that way?

Here are some simple steps you can take to reduce the chance of infection in the future. Please do these steps as soon as possible if you haven't already.

1. Visit Windows Update:
Make sure that you have all the Critical Updates recommended for your operating system and IE. The first defense against infection is a properly patched OS.
a. Windows Update: http://v5.windowsupdate.microsoft.com/en/default.asp

2. Adjust your security settings for ActiveX:
Go to Internet Options/Security/Internet, press 'default level', then OK.
Now press "Custom Level."
In the ActiveX section, set the first option, 'Download signed controls', to 'Prompt; set the
second option, 'Download unsigned controls', to 'Disable'; and finally, set 'Initialize and Script ActiveX controls not marked as safe" to 'Disable'.

3. Download and install the following free programs
a. SpywareBlaster: http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/spywareblaster.html
b. SpywareGuard: http://www.wilderssecurity.net/spywareguard.html
c. IE/Spyad: https://netfiles.uiuc.edu/ehowes/www/resource.htm
d. Bugoff: http://www.majorgeeks.com/download4308.html

4. Install Spyware Detection and Removal Programs:
You may also want to consider installing either or both of AdAware (free version) and Spybot S&D (freeware). Use these programs to regularly scan your system for and remove many forms of spyware/malware.
a. AdAware: http://www.lavasoft.de/
b. Spybot S&D: http://security.kolla.de/index.php?lang=en&page=download

Before adding any other Spyware Detection and Removal programs always check the Rogue Anti-Spyware List for programs known to be misleading, mistaken, or just outright "Foistware". You will find the list here: http://www.spywarewarrior.com/rogue_anti-spyware,htm

5. Install 'Spoofstick"
Spoofstick is a simple browser extension that helps users detect spoofed (fake) websites. This extension is free and installs in Internet Explorer and Mozilla Firefox.
a. http://www.corestreet.com/spoofstick

6. Use a Firewall - I can not stress how important it is that you use a Firewall on your computer.  Without a firewall your computer is susceptible to being hacked and taken over. Simply using a Firewall in its default configuration can lower your risk greatly. See the links below:
a. ZoneAlarm
b. Kerio

7. Reset System Restore
If you are using Windows ME or Windows XP, please reset your System Restore.
a. Turn off system restore by right clicking on "My Computer" and go to "Properties"->"System Restore" and check the box for "Turn off System Restore". Click "Apply" and then "OK". Restart your computer. Reverse these steps and turn "System Restore" back on and create a new restore point.

8. Use GoogleToolbar - It's free, blocks popups and takes seconds to install. Use the toolbar without the advanced features enabled(check this during install), the toolbar is completely inert--it doesn't send any information to Google whatsoever as you surf.
a. GoogleToolbar

9. RegScrubXP 3.25 - Safely cleans junk out of the Windows. 2000/XP system registry. All changes made to the registry are fully restorable to it's original condition. 
a. RegScrubXP 3.25

10. Online Virus Scans - Run these on a regular basis(I usually do about once a month or suspect a problem):
a. http://www.pandasoftware.com/activescan/com/activescan_principal.htm
b. http://www.windowsecurity.com/trojanscan/
c. http://housecall.trendmicro.com/
d. http://www.bitdefender.com/scan/licence.php

11. Alternative Browsers - Using an alternative browser other than IE will IMMENSELY reduce the risk of infection:
a. Firefox<==my #1 choice
b. Avant
c. Opera


Good luck, and thanks for coming to our forums for help with your security and malware issues.