Comments for Viruses: How do I keep myself safe from viruses?

Comment from Ed on 2011-09-23

2011-09-23T22:41:28Z

Dear Sir,
I am going to install internet access to my small business office . I was told by a computer tech I would need a firewall installed with a static IP address. I have a server running off Windows 2003 and 4 workstations on XP. I am required to get a Hippa compliant firewall since I have access to customers information. I am going to use the internet for e-mail and surfing for work related issues. I may from time to time upload small files to insurance companies. I am going to limit access to internet to one computer and I am installing a antiviral and antispyware to go on this computer. My question is do I need a static IP address. The cost between a static and dynamic is quite a difference. Furthermore what internet speeds would I need to perform these uploads and downloads.

I can't say on the internet speeds, since it depends not only on the size of the documents but your own patience and need for speed as well. I'm not sure why a static IP would be needed, to be honest. I'd question the tech that told you that and see if he can explain why.

24-Sep-2011

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Comment from arjun on 2011-09-11

2011-09-12T06:50:38Z

i unable to see run in start menu i have updated my antivirus and scaned the pc, even though i unable to see the run.......plz help me sir

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Comment from Japanimepop on 2011-07-18

2011-07-18T20:00:19Z

Try using internet browsers with extentions added on, like NoScript (for firefox) and pop-up blockers. Sites with pop-ups sometimes give you viruses through the pop-ups when you try to close them. NoScript has to be my favorite though. it almost eliminates the need for an antivirus. But by all means, don't go online without an antivirus. A good free one to use is Avira (there are sites that explain how to disable the nag screen so there's no downsides to it). It got some really high ratings on several magazines and websites.

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Comment from Carlos R Coquet on 2011-06-06

2011-06-06T20:00:43Z

Imagine what the road would be like if you could still buy a car and just drive, without having to get a driver's license!! (As it is, I am amazed at the relative low number of accidents that happen considering how people drive.)
And yet, that where the computer industry is at. If you have the money to buy a computer you can just "drive", without almost any knowledge. And, of course, get hurt !!! Which is what I see every day !! Normally the pain is only losing all your data, sometimes your money and identity. And frequently, causing pain to others by giving away their eMail address !! Welcome to the future. A lot of people are going to have passed on before the average person is "comfortable" with computers.

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Comment from Mike Martin on 2011-06-03

2011-06-04T01:08:24Z

No antivirus is bulletproof for all viruses. Thanks for that. I'm glad someone else has the same opinion and the mention of having a 'backup antivirus' on your system with realtime scanning only working on one. I use exclusions properties on each for the other and found this also keeps them from each other. Again, thanks for the timely advice.

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Comment from Patrik a.k.a. Bambooz on 2011-06-03

2011-06-03T16:16:48Z

there's also a website where you can upload suspicious files to. They will be checked using multiple anti virus programs and on the results page, you'll see which antivirus software "catched" it and get the name of the virus or whatever that the specific tool calls it (so you can search for details on bing/google/yahoo/whatever)

this is NOT a replacement for a antivirus software installed on your computer!
it's merely to check suspicious files that your currently installed antivirus software seems to have missed.

link:
http://virustotal.com

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Comment from Mark J on 2011-06-02

2011-06-02T08:40:34Z

If you want to disable real time protection in MSE you can open MSE click on the Settings tab, select Real Time Protection and uncheck the Real Time Protection checkbox.

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Comment from Ben Jakobsen on 2011-06-01

2011-06-01T22:39:39Z

I currently run Kaspersky 2011. If I disable it, can I install Microsoft Essentials and have it run without conflicting. Can I turn Microsoft Essentials off and enable Kaspersky and use Essentials only when I want to scane with it rather than Kaspersky?

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Comment from sandeep on 2011-06-01

2011-06-01T18:27:37Z

if you use windows there is always a problem with viruses,spyware and many more just shift to unix operating system it is also giving desktop version

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Comment from Mark J on 2011-06-01

2011-06-01T18:22:04Z

Facebook may be a good way to stay in contact with friends, but it can be a minefield of rogue apps. I've come to the conclusion that it's best nevert to click on or subscribe to any apps that are not directly from Facebook.

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Comment from Leigh on 2011-06-01

2011-06-01T15:21:48Z

Leo,
You missed one huge component to a comprehensive security strategy.
It's not only important to make sure your Windows gets updated but it's critically important to keep Adobe Flash/Reader and Java up to date as well.
A very large percentage of todays Malware attacks take advantage of unpatched versions of these products.
Check out: http://www.techjournalsouth.com/2011/02/two-top-malware-attacks-exploiting-holes-in-adobe/

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Comment from Terry Hollett on 2011-06-01

2011-06-01T14:38:09Z

Under that same breath I've got computers bought to me o a regular basis. Windows is updating all the time and so is their anti-virus. And if you want to believe them all they are doing is reading email and on Facebook.

And I do believe they are getting infected from the various scams circulating on that "privacy leech" known as Facebook.

It's true, to many people rely on these procedures and products 100%. They don't bother to learn anything about what's going on in the industry but then are so quick to expose their entire life existence on-line.

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Comment from Saetana on 2011-05-31

2011-06-01T02:56:18Z

I do the same as you Leo and run MSE plus periodic scans with Malwarebytes but I also run the free version of Threatfire (behavioural heuristics scanner - helps prevent against zero day attacks) which can be run alongside any traditional anti-virus software and I haven't had one single problem in the 12 months I've been using this combination of software.

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Comment from DHeym on 2011-05-31

2011-06-01T01:50:46Z

I've been using avast, and then run Spybot regularly. Since using avast, Spybot seldom finds junk any more. I use Firefox, but occasionally IE will bring itself up, that produces one cookie that Spybot catches.

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Comment from On Site PC on 2011-05-31

2011-06-01T00:52:40Z

There is a question about windows updates - over a ten year period I and a group of my customers have stopped most all windows updates, i have none since SP2. (This move was forced because of a program that would only run in XP SP2)
Well the upshot is that attacks on these test machines (compared to continual updated machines) have dramatically dropped by 90%! is this because the hackers are only interested in the challenge of the latest MS "defences" and the old Os's, Sp's are no longer of interest/challenge? Most house holders use email, browse the web, and do a bit of word processing! You don't need a Mac Truck to deliver eggs around town, nor do you need a Ferrari!

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Comment from Jim Hillier on 2011-05-31

2011-05-31T20:31:24Z

Problem is, a lot of people think...'I've got an anti-virus running, I'll be okay'.

The best form of anti-virus is the one between users' ears!!

Use common sense, surf safe and minimal security will be required.

If you must lead a risky internet life, surf in a virtual environment.

Cheers....Jim

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Comment from Rob on 2011-05-31

2011-05-31T20:17:34Z

Same old, same old advice. Stay out of the sex sites!!!! If you must look at that stuff, buy a magazine..

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Comment from SirMarjAlot on 2011-05-31

2011-05-31T18:29:32Z

Iv used various virus software paid and free and at some point they have all failed!

The best bet is to surf the internet as a limited user account and only login to admin when you must install something.

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Comment from Paul Pousson on 2011-05-31

2011-05-31T16:08:27Z

I use Malwarebyte, Spysweeper and Windows Defender. I have both use protection by using Process-Explorer and setting Malwarebyte at Real Time and Spysweeper on High priority just below
it. No conflicts, and I think if Malwarebyte should miss something Spysweeper might pick it up ( in realtime protection).

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Comment from Nelson Kieffer on 2011-05-31

2011-05-31T15:46:14Z

how can you run more than one anti-virus program @ once? As a novice I don't understand how you can download more than one, without them conflicting and causing problems. please explain, also what is this real time scanning?

appreciate your help,

You can download as many as you like. You can install several. The problem arises when more than one tries to scan at the same time as another. "Real time" scanning means scanning as you download to your computer. Only one anti-virus program should be allowed to do that. It contrasts with "static scans" which is where the anti-virus program just runs around and scans all the files on your hard disk - either on a schedule or at your command.

03-Jun-2011

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Comment from Mike on 2011-05-31

2011-05-31T15:46:07Z

"complacency remains all too common."

That's because of all the scare tactics used by companies to make money. EVERYTHING is a virus. Computer doesn't work? It's a virus. (Oh, the plug got disconnected.) I won't name names, but there's a well-known national chain store where you can take a brand new computer freshly loaded with nothing but Windows, never connected to the internet, and they'll offer to clean up all the "spyware" they've found, for an amount up to $100.

Then there's the scare stories by everyone else. Bad guys are just waiting with baited breath for the moment you turn on your computer to infect YOUR machine.

To hear it told, there's a veritable Virus Apocolypse coming, and nothing you can do will stop it. You can only hope that you're one of the few lucky ones to escape, regardless which A-V you use, if any. To make it worse, anyone who's picked up a couple buzzwords is an "expert". So you have the equivalent of the blind leading the blind.

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Comment from arshad on 2011-05-28

2011-05-29T03:25:50Z

best antivirus is to switch to linux from windows. ur life will suddenly become virus free(almost). for those who dnt want 2 scale the learning curve ladder, 'Ylmf OS' looks just like windows and even runs windows programs thru "wine". n best of all its free 100%. u cn try it inside inside windows as well. u ppl wont b disappointed. arshad

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Comment from Eric Ted on 2011-02-27

2011-02-27T09:48:58Z

I know I have a virus on my computer, all the symptoms are there, I think i know were the virus is located, but it doesn't show, even if i choose show all hidden files, and then change the file type. I use avast, malwarebytes, super anti spyware, Iobit 360 and none of them show a virus, BUT I KNOW I HAVE ONE!

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Comment from Joel Goodwin on 2010-10-25

2010-10-25T21:35:17Z

Hey Leo,

Thanks to your suggestion, my computer is a happy camper now. I ran Malwarebytes on my computer and it found over 800 infections. I was fighting trying to get a anti-virus program reloaded on my computer with no luck. I paused long enough to look at what the task manager would not display and I found your artical about how to fix that issue. After running Malwarebytes on my system, all of the issues I was having were resolved. Thanks a million!! Joel

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Comment from Anonymous on 2010-03-11

2010-03-11T20:47:49Z

Hi Leo,
I've read through and found your recommendations very useful. Just one question though: I recently reinstalled the operating system on my laptop because I believe the machine was infected with a virus and probably came through my yahoo account. Now everything is fine and I have installed "Karpesky" antivirus 2010. Is it safe for me to log into this yahoo account without causing any new harm? I've opened a new account but still need to get to old one to get my contacts list and some other useful emails. I thought since I have antivirus on it, it would be ok since the program would catch any viruses whereas before, I didn't have it on since it had long expired. Please advise. Thanks!

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Comment from Mohammad on 2009-12-28

2009-12-29T04:47:19Z

Hi
I need to download some files from Internet. If I used a download accelerator program such as OrbitDownloader or so on, can virus access to computer?
I use McAfee as Anti Virus in my computer.

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Comment from Shadmin on 2009-11-01

2009-11-02T01:20:57Z

I have had my share of viral issues and used more than a few scanners? I was using McAfee as my main Internet Security + AV program along with Ad-Aware and Spybot as secondary scanners. This worked quite well for a while from 1999 to 2003! Then the company switched to Trend AV and so I switched to Trend at work and Norton 2003 at home and continued to use Ad-Aware and Spybot as secondary scanners. Then in 2006 I used Norton only and did fine until late 2008! So now I have Norton 360 and am using PC Tools Spyware Doctor along with Malwarebytes Anti Malware as secondary scanners which is working quite well! I do regular scheduled scans which I keep an eye on to see whats attempting to infect/invade my computer? I run full scans when the computer is not being used! I am also using a Registry Tool to keep my registry orderly and this has helped keep my computer speeding along! So far I have not had any compatibility or conflict issues between Norton and Spyware Doctor! I have been fortunate to not have issues with Norton since 2003 and it has done a decent job catching most threats, but as I say supplementing with a couple of secondary AV/Security programs is definitely recommended as Leo also stated! The only complaint is there Customer Service, it's not that they are rude or not helpful, just have a hard time understanding some of them on the phone cause their English is not great? The reality of the Cyberworld today demands preemptive action and as Leo stated "Complacency is simply not an option" not if you want your computing experience to be a happy, positive one? Just a thought, beware of the masquerade AV programs which are really malware and will install one of several Trojans on your computer which tell you your computer is infected with a bunch of viruses when it is actually not! Do some targeted research BEFORE downloading any AV/Security freeware or shareware programs! It's a brave new world out there!

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Comment from Mike on 2009-10-13

2009-10-13T20:08:04Z

The reason complacency is so rampant is due to over-inundation. Everyone who's peddling worthless software does his best to convince you of utter destruction just waiting to hit your computer. Add to that all the pseudo-experts who proclaim the sky is falling, and it sounds like computer euthanasia is more humane. I could complain that my computer stopped working after pushing it out a 5th floor window and still find people who proclaim it to be a virus that's responsible.

I've subscribed to the major PC magazines and have found them to be little more than extended hype for the products being advertised in their pages. While there may actually be a page or two of worthwhile information, the need to dredge several dozens of pages to reach it is not worthwhile.

And finally, as there is usually more than one way to accomplish a worthwhile task, there are still 'experts' who argue about which method is definitely The Best, and all others are invalid.

Email and occasional web surfing should not require your own personal IT department.

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Comment from Mark Jacobs on 2009-10-07

2009-10-07T18:41:44Z

I use Avast. I works as good as any free AV except it's a little harder to use tham AVG as its interface looks like a mp3 player. I also have the malwarebytes antimalware that Leo recommends installed. Since I didn't pay to register it,so I can only use it as a standalone virus scanner. This is fine as 2 background AVs running at the same time can cause conflict problems.

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Comment from Rob on 2009-07-13

2009-07-13T12:37:07Z

Leo, I've been reeading some of your recommended Virus Program articles. I have only 1 problem with one of them, Panda Security Active Scan 2. I had a suspected virus problem with my computer, even thoufgh I'm running McAfee (set up upload new data and scan daily) on it. PROBLEM: Panda allows you to FREE scan you computer for viruses and finds quite a few. Then to remove them you must subscribe. After you PAY, it runs another scan and FIND NOTHING!!!! Waste of time and money if you ask me...

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Comment from www.pshycic.de.tl on 2009-04-18

2009-04-19T02:27:42Z

well thank you for such a good article.

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Comment from tiffa on 2009-02-26

2009-02-27T01:16:05Z

I've tried going to the referenced anti-virus programs and they're blocked. I tried pinging them and each site times out. When I first noticed this problem I tried running my already installed AVG and the program was blocked and I couldn't run any updates or scans. I tried going to their website and it was also blocked.

I cannot access my task manager, my desktop background changed to a message saying I have a dangerous spyware... it all started on livejournal. Also, internet explorer no longer works. I've been using Safari. When I tried to google or yahoo things on internet explorer, all the results were in big letters and when you clicked on them, several ads would pop up.

I know some of my registry has been infected. I'm not sure where to go from here. Help?

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Comment from dhruv on 2009-02-09

2009-02-09T10:05:19Z

i think my coptr is infected;
i hv 3 partitions c , d ,e
from i can not open e & d until i explore them
and whenever i open a folder in these drives
there is an additional folder in it with same name i can delete them niether i can shredd them.
i have avg antivirus but it can not detect any virus. tell me what to do, my task manager is disabled aslo & it has also deleted my intel graphics accelerator & i can not download it back either. i desperately need ur help.

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Comment from Ian Flikkema on 2008-10-15

2008-10-16T03:49:53Z

Hey Leo,
My computer recently wouldnt let me access the task manager, so I started following the steps on your page http://ask-leo.com/why_is_my_task_manager_disabled_and_how_do_i_fix_it.html
Then discovered the run button is gone. Then it wouldn't let me go into regedit. Any suggestions. Already downloaded activescan 2.0

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Comment from Leo on 2008-07-10

2008-07-10T16:28:45Z

-----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE-----
Hash: SHA1

csrss.exe lsass.exe smss.exe are all part of Windows. Do
*not* remove them.

Leo

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iD8DBQFIdjizCMEe9B/8oqERAk+mAJ4oU15bOfsumf5JPa61VxzOrEUglgCfXwki
rehdsWQISE6yd+hbUw5jl/E=
=wEXC
-----END PGP SIGNATURE-----

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Comment from Yangyadatta on 2008-07-10

2008-07-10T10:05:28Z

Please help me
In my computer there is a big problem

in my task manager there are 3 programs running called csrss.exe lsass.exe smss.exe i dont know these are unknown programs my OS is XP Service pack 2

i think they are using my computer and when i use my computer it hangs after sometime(at least 10 minutes i can use) after system formatting they also remain here they cannot be removed by my any work i cannot remove them

can u have a simple complex any solution to remove these file

i also want to know that is these above programs are come with XP cd sp2

i usually take files from pen drive from cyber net

i collect net files by pen drive
i think they are really viruses

plese sent me some solution to remove them

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Comment from Leo on 2008-05-25

2008-05-25T16:46:07Z

-----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE-----
Hash: SHA1

If you mean svchost.exe, that's an expected and important
windows process. More here:
http://ask-leo.com/what_is_svchost_and_why_is_there_more_than_one_copy_running.html

If you mean svc.host.exe (with an extra dot), then I'm not
sure. All I can recommend is that you run up-to-date
anti-virus and anti-spyware scans.

Leo

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6D2vewCPgtRZZgBmdklSOZY=
=FJo9
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Comment from rober on 2008-05-23

2008-05-24T04:33:18Z

I have been reading through your website and have already learned so much. I am writing because I have a process "svc.host.exe" runing in my task manager, can you PLEASE walk me through removing the cause for this > Thank You, Robert

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Comment from Seema on 2007-07-09

2007-07-10T05:20:30Z

There are 6 svchost.exe running on my system.My system gets very slow.Three are in small case like "svchost.exe" and three like "SVCHOST.EXE".Is this virus.How to get rid of these .Please help.Thanks

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Comment from Pattie on 2007-06-07

2007-06-07T14:26:32Z

I have: about:blank...how to get rid of this?

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Comment from George Arauz on 2007-05-09

2007-05-10T00:54:56Z

So far using Firefox has been a big help in avoiding SOME viruses. But some still get in.

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Comment from Leo Notenboom on 2007-04-02

2007-04-02T17:54:38Z

-----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE-----
Hash: SHA1

Probably has nothing to do with your Mac or a virus. See this article:
http://ask-leo.com/someones_sending_from_my_email_address_how_do_i_stop_them.html

Leo
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A comment on: Viruses: How do I keep myself safe from viruses?

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Comment from Sharon on 2007-04-02

2007-04-02T08:55:35Z

I've got a Mac. I didn't think it was possible to catch a virus that would steal my email address. But I just got spam sent from my email address to me! What can I do about it?

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Comment from Carl on 2007-01-26

2007-01-27T02:18:10Z

In reality, although everybody says that you need to run a virus program, you do not. I have been online for 7 years now, and have never downloaded a virus. The easiest thing to do is NEVER open a ".exe" file, or open any attachments that come from anybody using Outlook Express. I keep my computer totally up to date (imagine an operating system that is so buggy it needs over 80 updates), but, still the same, it's up to date. I update and run Spyware prgrams (Ad-aware,Spybot, and Windows Defender). I do NOT pay for Spysweeper, as it is not worth it. No program will find ALL spyware (as evident when I run my scans). Lastly, anybosy who knows ANYTHING about the Internet will NOT use IE (any version), but instead will use Firefox (Isn't that little "Click to activate and use this control" pop-up annoying?)? That only occurs with IE, and only because Microsoft lost a lawsuit relating to it's indescrimate use of Active-X controls. A long time ago, I DID use a virus program, but my machine became so slow due to updates and scans that I gave up on them. I've been always been virus free - just by being aware and careful.

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Comment from Brian on 2007-01-18

2007-01-19T03:02:50Z

anyone know what a file called content.IE5\davwafEB\[1].HTM IS? Norton found it for me.

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Comment from Kris on 2006-08-27

2006-08-28T01:21:08Z

recently i was sent a message on aim asking me if it was ok to put a pic of me on myspace and it had a link not realizing this was a virus i responded. everytime i open my aim it will starting sending this same message to everyone on by buddylist.i have scanned for virus on mcafee several times it says it has fixed the problem but it doesnt. 2viruses that keep showing are hacker defender.gen and backdoor-diz any advice

Posted by: kelsey at August 3, 2006 08:28 AM

i am having the same exact problem, i have mcafee spydoctor adaware xoftspy windows defender and a few others and yet it keeps showing back up, please tell me, is there a way to permanently remove it??

thank you, Kris

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Comment from kelsey on 2006-08-03

2006-08-03T15:28:31Z

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Comment from David Guzman on 2006-07-24

2006-07-24T18:30:40Z

I'm using McAfree securitycenter software. Is this a good one to use??? I have a DellXPS 400 for about a 3 months, and I like my machine to be well kept.

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Comment from Betty on 2006-03-27

2006-03-27T14:01:20Z

Hi: How do I delete an e-mail in Outlook before I open it. I got some really bad viruses because I couldn't delete e-mails that I didn't recognize unless I opened them. I had my computer dumped and have the newest Norton. I look for updates for it daily.

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Comment from Leo on 2006-03-20

2006-03-20T17:15:45Z

Spyweeeper is an anti-spyware program, you still need an anti-virus program.

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Comment from John on 2006-03-20

2006-03-20T14:34:38Z

I recently installed Spysweeper and removed Norton from my 2005 dell computer. I heard spysweeper is not enough and I should also have 2005 or 2006 norton loaded back on my computer. Is this true and if it is what is the reason?--Thanks

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Comment from margaret frost on 2006-01-31

2006-02-01T00:05:24Z

WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT THIS NEW VIRUS THREAT? THE ONE THAT IS SET TO HIT ON FRI THE 3RD? I THINK THAT IS WHAT HIT MY COMPUTER EARLY IN JANUARY AND THE THING HAS NOT BEEN RIGHT SINCE EVEN THOUGH I DID A SYSTEM RECOVERY. MY TECH TELLS ME THAT THERE ARE PROBABLY STILL REMNANTS LEFT. WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON THIS NEW ONE.

MFROST

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Comment from william on 2006-01-29

2006-01-29T13:52:14Z

Pc Mag jan 21 rates Zone alarm #1 Your buddy David L. likes Panda. Kim K. touts Spy sweeper. David says Spy Sweeper NG. You don't mention Zone Alarm. I just got a new computer and want to install the best anti-virus program. I had Panda 2006 on my old computer. Norton updates messed up my computer. I also had Spy sweeper. I have David's recomendations on spy and PC-cilln (trial) the came with my new dell. What do you think about Zone Alarm. Bill

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Comment from Doug Hagan on 2006-01-28

2006-01-28T15:50:32Z

Unless I missed it, your list of anti-virus s/w vendors did not mention www.eset.com's NOD32. We used to be Norton fans, but Norton 2004 (or 2005) updgrade created some havoc on more than one Windows machine I tend to baby-sit. NOD32's credentials appear, first, valid, and, second, impressive. Any thoughts about this one? Tks!

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Comment from Margaret Frost on 2006-01-25

2006-01-25T23:33:52Z

Thank you I have had problems galore with the Norton updates and in fact have to take the pc in for a good going over. I just recently got my card for pay pal and as soon as I activate the thing, I am going to buy you a cup of coffee.
I will probably end up buying you a house some day with all the questions I always ask. Lol
What a great site this is. Thanks again

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Comment from Leo on 2006-01-24

2006-01-25T06:29:11Z

Well, there isn't some magical number. I have LOTS of free things on my machine and all is well. Others download just one and *poof*. It depends, naturally, on WHAT you are downloading and installing. As you've seen with Norton, even the for-pay programs can have problems. (I've gotten several reports of Norton's 2006 update causing problems. I expect the Norton site to have a fix for it someday.

In general, only download from trustworthy sources. Look for trustworthy recommendations. If you're not sure, don't download and install.

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Comment from MARGARET FROST on 2006-01-24

2006-01-25T03:58:15Z

I meant Trend Micros housecall not trend home. E gad.

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Comment from Margaret Frost on 2006-01-24

2006-01-25T03:52:56Z

I am a new pc owner, bought it in 6/05 and just today had to do a complete system recovery (destructive) as everything our tech support had us do did not work. It all started when I tried to update my Norton, something went wrong and that was that. Since I didnt have any bond to my files, I let them all go.
Okay here is my question: I have Norton and Webroot. My tech told me about hometrend, but how many free things can I download and have them be compatible with what I have already purchased and installed on my pc? H E L PPPPP!

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Comment from ananamous on 2006-01-24

2006-01-24T15:21:25Z

how do i keep my computer away from viruses? well i think i know what it is first are computer is getting old by that I mean we need new updates because are old ones can't do us any good. here's a site www.freewebs.com/automaticupdate best site ever!!! and i think in every file there has to be a virus is that true?

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Comment from James Grimes on 2005-12-15

2005-12-15T19:32:50Z

As an information systems student at a community college, I am asked by several people (after learning from my mom that I am, "into computers") about viruses, worms, etc-and none of this is hard to do. Just get the Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer, Microsoft Antispyware, AVG, Spybot Search & Destroy, and Ad Aware SE. Download them, do any updating necessary, and, if possible, keep them on constant scan. Doing this, and not downloading attachments from emails will keep you safe. Just use your common sense around computers.

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