Some suggestions to keep your computer running smoothly.

This is set up for those people I have helped with their computer problems. For others using this site, you will have to download Ad-Aware and Spybot from the internet and, I would suggest, place them in a folder as I have stated below for ease of use. Please read all information offered by these companies before proceeding. When installing and running program off the internet you are obligated by those providers for following proper procedures.

Housecall from Trendmicro.com is another free virus scanning program that you might try.

On your desktop create a folder named SECURITY. In it place these two files. They are anti-spyware files, Ad-Aware and Spybot. Here is how to run them. I find that no one file gets all the spyware off your computer however these two work well together. There are many other companies offering other products that work as well. I like to perform this at least every other week.

Ad-Aware:

• Double click on Ad-Aware.
• Then update definitions (This keeps you current).
• Next, run Scan Smart System Scan. If you have problem files you will notice that under NEW CRITICAL OBJECTS (Lower left)
• When done scanning, click Next. Then you must click the box next to each item that you want deleted on the left under Object.
• After all are checked click Next then OK to continue.
• When done you can X out.
• This process should take about 2-3 minutes.

Spybot:

• Now go back to your folder and double click on Spybot S&D.
• On the left click search for updates. Check boxes under update and then on top select Download Updates.
• Now click Search & Destroy (Top Left).
• Then Check for Problems (about 5 minutes).
• Then click Fix selected problems (Top) Only those that you want deleted.
• Then Yes to correct.
• Select Don't run at startup. (You can do it manually next time you boot up).
• Click OK and then X out.

(REMEMBER, no software is the end all to safe surfing.) Try to go to well-know acceptable sites only.

Also:
One should consider deleting temporary internet files. You do this when you are on the internet. Choose Tools, Options and look for temporary internet files. Delete all.

When all else fails you may need to do a registry scan. To do this, go to the Merijn.org site and download Hijackthis 1.99.1 to your desktop. After this has been downloaded you will have to unzip this file. Place this file also on your desktop. Run the file and you will get a log file of your registry which will help identify your problems. Then post this on the net into a forum for others to check. One such forum I use is TomCoyote.org. If you are not sure about who you might be talking to look at their profile on the left which should identify them as an administrator or a member who has had numerous postings on that site. With back and forth communication over a few days you should have your problem identified and solved. GOOD LUCK!

Hijackthis Tutorial for your reading pleasure.

HijackThis file

Demystifying the Windows Registry The howto including editing the registry.