ads234 redirect

Hello,

Whenever navigating the internet I get redirected to ads234.com and then to my selected website. How can I rid of this redirect? I have spyblaster and spyguard running. Here is my Hijackthis Log:

Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.0
Scan saved at 9:54:14 AM, on 12/23/2004
Platform: Windows XP SP2 (WinNT 5.01.2600)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v6.00 SP2 (6.00.2900.2180)

Running processes:
C:\WINDOWS\System32\smss.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\winlogon.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\services.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\lsass.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\Citrix\ICA Client\ssonsvr.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\ehome\ehtray.exe
C:\windows\system\hpsysdrv.exe
C:\Program Files\USB Storage RW\shwicon.exe
C:\Program Files\Hewlett-Packard\Digital Imaging\Unload\hpqcmon.exe
C:\HP\KBD\KBD.EXE
C:\Program Files\VERITAS Software\Update Manager\sgtray.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\CTHELPER.EXE
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\Works Shared\WkUFind.exe
C:\Program Files\Zone Labs\ZoneAlarm\zlclient.exe
C:\Program Files\Microsoft IntelliType Pro\type32.exe
C:\Program Files\Microsoft IntelliPoint\point32.exe
C:\Program Files\Trend Micro\PC-cillin 2003\pccguide.exe
C:\Program Files\Trend Micro\PC-cillin 2003\PCCClient.exe
C:\Program Files\Trend Micro\PC-cillin 2003\Pop3trap.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Real\Update_OB\realsched.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\RUNDLL32.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\system32\ZoneLabs\vsmon.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
C:\Program Files\Microsoft ActiveSync\WCESCOMM.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\system32\w?nlogon.exe
C:\Documents and Settings\Administrator\Application Data\atea.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\CTsvcCDA.exe
C:\WINDOWS\ehome\ehSched.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\VS7Debug\mdm.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\nvsvc32.exe
C:\Program Files\SpywareGuard\sgmain.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\Trend Micro\PC-cillin 2003\Tmntsrv.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\MsPMSPSv.exe
C:\Program Files\Trend Micro\PC-cillin 2003\tmproxy.exe
C:\WINDOWS\ehome\ehmsas.exe
C:\Program Files\SpywareGuard\sgbhp.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\wuauclt.exe
c:\Program Files\Hewlett-Packard\HP Share-to-Web\hpgs2wnf.exe
C:\HJT\HijackThis.exe

R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://www.google.ca/
O1 - Hosts: 12.129.205.209 search.netscape.com12.129.205.209 sitefinder.verisign.com
O2 - BHO: AcroIEHlprObj Class - {06849E9F-C8D7-4D59-B87D-784B7D6BE0B3} - C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 5.0\Acrobat\ActiveX\AcroIEHelper.ocx
O2 - BHO: Assistant - {1B0E7716-898E-48cc-9690-4E338E8DE1D3} - (no file)
O2 - BHO: SpywareGuard Download Protection - {4A368E80-174F-4872-96B5-0B27DDD11DB2} - C:\Program Files\SpywareGuard\dlprotect.dll
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {B0F3A6A2-1B19-4DCC-3E76-6EB35EE10D95} - C:\WINDOWS\system32\nycf.dll
O2 - BHO: Search Help - {E8EAEB34-F7B5-4C55-87FF-720FAF53D841} - C:\Documents and Settings\Administrator\Local Settings\Temp\V.dll
O3 - Toolbar: hp toolkit - {B2847E28-5D7D-4DEB-8B67-05D28BCF79F5} - C:\HP\EXPLOREBAR\HPTOOLKT.DLL
O3 - Toolbar: (no name) - {1B0E7716-898E-48cc-9690-4E338E8DE1D3} - (no file)
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ehTray] C:\WINDOWS\ehome\ehtray.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [hpsysdrv] c:\windows\system\hpsysdrv.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [HotKeysCmds] C:\WINDOWS\System32\hkcmd.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [KYE_Showicon] "C:\Program Files\USB Storage RW\shwicon.exe" -t"KYE\USB Storage RW"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [CamMonitor] c:\Program Files\Hewlett-Packard\Digital Imaging\Unload\hpqcmon.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [KBD] C:\HP\KBD\KBD.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [StorageGuard] "C:\Program Files\VERITAS Software\Update Manager\sgtray.exe" /r
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AutoTBar] C:\hp\bin\autotbar.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Recguard] C:\WINDOWS\SMINST\RECGUARD.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [CTHelper] CTHELPER.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [UpdReg] C:\WINDOWS\UpdReg.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Jet Detection] "C:\Program Files\Creative\SBAudigy\PROGRAM\ADGJDet.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [PinnacleDriverCheck] C:\WINDOWS\System32\PSDrvCheck.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Microsoft Works Update Detection] C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\Works Shared\WkUFind.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Zone Labs Client] "C:\Program Files\Zone Labs\ZoneAlarm\zlclient.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [type32] "C:\Program Files\Microsoft IntelliType Pro\type32.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [IntelliPoint] "C:\Program Files\Microsoft IntelliPoint\point32.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [pccguide.exe] "C:\Program Files\Trend Micro\PC-cillin 2003\pccguide.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [PCCClient.exe] "C:\Program Files\Trend Micro\PC-cillin 2003\PCCClient.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Pop3trap.exe] "C:\Program Files\Trend Micro\PC-cillin 2003\Pop3trap.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [TkBellExe] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Real\Update_OB\realsched.exe" -osboot
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NeroFilterCheck] C:\WINDOWS\system32\NeroCheck.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NvCplDaemon] RUNDLL32.EXE C:\WINDOWS\system32\NvCpl.dll,NvStartup
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [nwiz] nwiz.exe /install
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NvMediaCenter] RUNDLL32.EXE C:\WINDOWS\system32\NvMcTray.dll,NvTaskbarInit
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [PS2] C:\WINDOWS\system32\ps2.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [ctfmon.exe] C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [H/PC Connection Agent] "C:\Program Files\Microsoft ActiveSync\WCESCOMM.EXE"
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [Umlfl] C:\WINDOWS\system32\w?nlogon.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [Iaes] C:\Documents and Settings\Administrator\Application Data\atea.exe
O4 - Startup: SpywareGuard.lnk = C:\Program Files\SpywareGuard\sgmain.exe
O8 - Extra context menu item: E&xport to Microsoft Excel - res://C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~2\Office10\EXCEL.EXE/3000
O9 - Extra button: Create Mobile Favorite - {2EAF5BB1-070F-11D3-9307-00C04FAE2D4F} - C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~4\INetRepl.dll
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {2EAF5BB2-070F-11D3-9307-00C04FAE2D4F} - C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~4\INetRepl.dll
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Create Mobile Favorite... - {2EAF5BB2-070F-11D3-9307-00C04FAE2D4F} - C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~4\INetRepl.dll
O9 - Extra button: Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Windows Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
O12 - Plugin for .spop: C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\Plugins\NPDocBox.dll
O16 - DPF: {CAFEEFAC-0013-0001-0002-ABCDEFFEDCBA} (Java Runtime Environment 1.3.1_02) - http://www.weeklytime.com/WFC/plugins/j2re-1_3_1_02-win.exe
O23 - Service: Creative Service for CDROM Access - Creative Technology Ltd - C:\WINDOWS\System32\CTsvcCDA.exe
O23 - Service: NVIDIA Display Driver Service - NVIDIA Corporation - C:\WINDOWS\system32\nvsvc32.exe
O23 - Service: Sony SPTI Service - Sony Corporation - C:\PROGRA~1\COMMON~1\SONYSH~1\AVLib\Sptisrv.exe
O23 - Service: Trend NT Realtime Service - Trend Micro Incorporated. - C:\Program Files\Trend Micro\PC-cillin 2003\Tmntsrv.exe
O23 - Service: Trend Micro Proxy Service - Trend Micro Incorporated. - C:\Program Files\Trend Micro\PC-cillin 2003\tmproxy.exe

Thanks for your help!

Spaceboy

Hi Spaceboy,

You might want to print these instructions for reference or copy and paste them into notepad and save them on your desktop, as you will be off the internet while using HijackThis.

If you have any questions before starting the fix, please don't hesitate to ask!

Logoff your internet connection. Please press Ctrl-Alt-Delete and open Task Manager. End the following process by selecting it and pressing the End Process button and clicking Yes to the confirmation message:

w?nlogon.exe
atea.exe

Run HijackThis, click scan, place a checkmark next to the following items. Close all browsers and any other windows or the fix may not work! Click "fix checked". It is OK if some of these items are no longer listed.

O1 - Hosts: 12.129.205.209 search.netscape.com12.129.205.209 sitefinder.verisign.com
O2 - BHO: Assistant - {1B0E7716-898E-48cc-9690-4E338E8DE1D3} - (no file)
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {B0F3A6A2-1B19-4DCC-3E76-6EB35EE10D95} - C:\WINDOWS\system32\nycf.dll
O2 - BHO: Search Help - {E8EAEB34-F7B5-4C55-87FF-720FAF53D841} - C:\Documents and Settings\Administrator\Local Settings\Temp\V.dll
O3 - Toolbar: (no name) - {1B0E7716-898E-48cc-9690-4E338E8DE1D3} - (no file)
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [Umlfl] C:\WINDOWS\system32\w?nlogon.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [Iaes] C:\Documents and Settings\Administrator\Application Data\atea.exe

These are resource hogs that can be fixed also:

O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [TkBellExe] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Real\Update_OB\realsched.exe" -osboot

Next...

Boot into Safe Mode. Restart your computer, start tapping F8 when your computer first starts booting, select Safe Mode.

Make sure your computer is configured to show all files and folders.
Click Start.
Open My Computer.
Select the Tools menu and click Folder Options.
Select the View Tab. Under the Hidden Files and Folders heading select Show Hidden Files and Folders.
Uncheck hide extensions for known file types.
Uncheck the Hide Protected Operating System Files option.
Click Yes to confirm.
Click OK.

Search for and delete the following files:

C:\WINDOWS\system32\nycf.dll
C:\Documents and Settings\Administrator\Local Settings\Temp\V.dll
C:\Documents and Settings\Administrator\Application Data\atea.exe

Next....

Go to Start > Run > type "cleanmgr" (without the quotes). > Select the drive to clean up (usually C ) > Place a checkmark next to the following:

Temporary Internet Files
Recycle Bin
Temporary Files

Then click OK.

Reboot normally.

Next...

Download Ad-Aware SE Personal Edition version 1.05 from:

http://www.lavasoft.de/support/download/

Run Adaware, click the "Check for Updates now" link. Install the latest reference file

Perform a "Full system scan" with Adaware. Allow it to remove anything it finds.

Please post a fresh HijackThis log.

Tom

Tommy,

Thanks a bunch for taking a look at my HJT log. Here's the latest after performing the steps above. Note, there was no v.dll on my machine.

Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.0
Scan saved at 10:38:11 PM, on 12/28/2004
Platform: Windows XP SP2 (WinNT 5.01.2600)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v6.00 SP2 (6.00.2900.2180)

Running processes:
C:\WINDOWS\System32\smss.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\winlogon.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\services.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\lsass.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\Citrix\ICA Client\ssonsvr.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\ehome\ehtray.exe
C:\windows\system\hpsysdrv.exe
C:\Program Files\USB Storage RW\shwicon.exe
C:\Program Files\Hewlett-Packard\Digital Imaging\Unload\hpqcmon.exe
C:\HP\KBD\KBD.EXE
C:\Program Files\VERITAS Software\Update Manager\sgtray.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\CTHELPER.EXE
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\Works Shared\WkUFind.exe
C:\Program Files\Zone Labs\ZoneAlarm\zlclient.exe
C:\Program Files\Microsoft IntelliType Pro\type32.exe
C:\Program Files\Microsoft IntelliPoint\point32.exe
C:\Program Files\Trend Micro\PC-cillin 2003\pccguide.exe
C:\Program Files\Trend Micro\PC-cillin 2003\PCCClient.exe
C:\Program Files\Trend Micro\PC-cillin 2003\Pop3trap.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\RUNDLL32.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
C:\Program Files\Microsoft ActiveSync\WCESCOMM.EXE
C:\Program Files\SpywareGuard\sgmain.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\ZoneLabs\vsmon.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\CTsvcCDA.exe
C:\WINDOWS\ehome\ehSched.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\VS7Debug\mdm.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\nvsvc32.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\Trend Micro\PC-cillin 2003\Tmntsrv.exe
C:\Program Files\SpywareGuard\sgbhp.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\MsPMSPSv.exe
C:\Program Files\Trend Micro\PC-cillin 2003\tmproxy.exe
C:\WINDOWS\ehome\ehmsas.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\wuauclt.exe
c:\Program Files\Hewlett-Packard\HP Share-to-Web\hpgs2wnf.exe
C:\HJT\HijackThis.exe

R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://www.google.ca/
O2 - BHO: AcroIEHlprObj Class - {06849E9F-C8D7-4D59-B87D-784B7D6BE0B3} - C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 5.0\Acrobat\ActiveX\AcroIEHelper.ocx
O2 - BHO: SpywareGuard Download Protection - {4A368E80-174F-4872-96B5-0B27DDD11DB2} - C:\Program Files\SpywareGuard\dlprotect.dll
O3 - Toolbar: hp toolkit - {B2847E28-5D7D-4DEB-8B67-05D28BCF79F5} - C:\HP\EXPLOREBAR\HPTOOLKT.DLL
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ehTray] C:\WINDOWS\ehome\ehtray.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [hpsysdrv] c:\windows\system\hpsysdrv.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [HotKeysCmds] C:\WINDOWS\System32\hkcmd.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [KYE_Showicon] "C:\Program Files\USB Storage RW\shwicon.exe" -t"KYE\USB Storage RW"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [CamMonitor] c:\Program Files\Hewlett-Packard\Digital Imaging\Unload\hpqcmon.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [KBD] C:\HP\KBD\KBD.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [StorageGuard] "C:\Program Files\VERITAS Software\Update Manager\sgtray.exe" /r
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AutoTBar] C:\hp\bin\autotbar.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Recguard] C:\WINDOWS\SMINST\RECGUARD.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [CTHelper] CTHELPER.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [UpdReg] C:\WINDOWS\UpdReg.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Jet Detection] "C:\Program Files\Creative\SBAudigy\PROGRAM\ADGJDet.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [PinnacleDriverCheck] C:\WINDOWS\System32\PSDrvCheck.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Microsoft Works Update Detection] C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\Works Shared\WkUFind.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Zone Labs Client] "C:\Program Files\Zone Labs\ZoneAlarm\zlclient.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [type32] "C:\Program Files\Microsoft IntelliType Pro\type32.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [IntelliPoint] "C:\Program Files\Microsoft IntelliPoint\point32.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [pccguide.exe] "C:\Program Files\Trend Micro\PC-cillin 2003\pccguide.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [PCCClient.exe] "C:\Program Files\Trend Micro\PC-cillin 2003\PCCClient.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Pop3trap.exe] "C:\Program Files\Trend Micro\PC-cillin 2003\Pop3trap.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NeroFilterCheck] C:\WINDOWS\system32\NeroCheck.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NvCplDaemon] RUNDLL32.EXE C:\WINDOWS\system32\NvCpl.dll,NvStartup
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [nwiz] nwiz.exe /install
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NvMediaCenter] RUNDLL32.EXE C:\WINDOWS\system32\NvMcTray.dll,NvTaskbarInit
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [ctfmon.exe] C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [H/PC Connection Agent] "C:\Program Files\Microsoft ActiveSync\WCESCOMM.EXE"
O4 - Startup: SpywareGuard.lnk = C:\Program Files\SpywareGuard\sgmain.exe
O8 - Extra context menu item: E&xport to Microsoft Excel - res://C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~2\Office10\EXCEL.EXE/3000
O9 - Extra button: Create Mobile Favorite - {2EAF5BB1-070F-11D3-9307-00C04FAE2D4F} - C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~4\INetRepl.dll
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {2EAF5BB2-070F-11D3-9307-00C04FAE2D4F} - C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~4\INetRepl.dll
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Create Mobile Favorite... - {2EAF5BB2-070F-11D3-9307-00C04FAE2D4F} - C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~4\INetRepl.dll
O9 - Extra button: Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Windows Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
O12 - Plugin for .spop: C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\Plugins\NPDocBox.dll
O16 - DPF: {CAFEEFAC-0013-0001-0002-ABCDEFFEDCBA} (Java Runtime Environment 1.3.1_02) - http://www.weeklytime.com/WFC/plugins/j2re-1_3_1_02-win.exe
O23 - Service: Creative Service for CDROM Access - Creative Technology Ltd - C:\WINDOWS\System32\CTsvcCDA.exe
O23 - Service: NVIDIA Display Driver Service - NVIDIA Corporation - C:\WINDOWS\system32\nvsvc32.exe
O23 - Service: Sony SPTI Service - Sony Corporation - C:\PROGRA~1\COMMON~1\SONYSH~1\AVLib\Sptisrv.exe
O23 - Service: Trend NT Realtime Service - Trend Micro Incorporated. - C:\Program Files\Trend Micro\PC-cillin 2003\Tmntsrv.exe
O23 - Service: Trend Micro Proxy Service - Trend Micro Incorporated. - C:\Program Files\Trend Micro\PC-cillin 2003\tmproxy.exe

Your final log is clean! Excellent

How's your computer behaving lately?

Because you were infected, backups of the malware may be in System Restore.

1 Right-click My Computer, and then click Properties.
2 Click the System Restore tab.
3 Check the "Turn off System Restore" or "Turn off System Restore on all drives" check box.
4 Click Apply
5 this will delete all existing restore points. Click Yes to do this.
6 Click OK.

Reboot

1 Right-click My Computer, and then click Properties.
2 Click the System Restore tab.
3 Uncheck the "Turn off System Restore" or "Turn off System Restore on all drives" check box.
4 Click Apply
5 Click OK.

Create a new Restore Point:

Start > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools > System Restore > tick Create a Restore Point > Next > enter a name for the Restore Point Creation (Today, Removed Spyware, etc.) > Create > Close.

The date and time will automatically be added.

Tom

Hey Tom,

Computer seems to be running slow, but this behaviour has been apparent since I got the computer from a friend. I don't think that the slow CPU is a result of the malware but rather the numerous apps that come installed on this HP 864n

Anyway, thanks again for your help!!

Rasta-pasta

Rasta-pasta,

You may have startup programs in your log that are not needed and will speed up your computer if they are disabled.

The startup programs are the 04's in your log. Please keep in mind some of them are necessary, some are not. You can go to:

http://computercops.biz/modules.php?name=StartupList

and see which ones are needed. Be vey careful not to delete or disable processes that are required for startup. Use the key provided at the top of their page to decide if it a required startup program:

KEY:
# "Y" - Normally leave to run at start-up < leave these alone!
# "N" - Not required - typically infrequently used tasks that can be started manually if necessary
# "U" - User's choice - depends whether a user deems it necessary
# "X" - Definitely not required - typically viruses, spyware, adware and "resource hogs"
# "?" - Unknown

When you find an unneeded startup, you might be better disabling through MSConfig, so you can easily reenable it if you change you mind.

Keep in mind this list is kept going by donations and if you feel it has helped you, send them a few bucks sometime.

Next...

These are tools that will help keep you from getting infected again:

SpywareBlaster prevents the installation of ActiveX-based spyware, adware, browser hijackers, dialers, and other potentially unwanted pests. Blocks spyware/tracking cookies in Internet Explorer and Mozilla/Firefox. Restricts the actions of potentially dangerous sites in InternetExplorer.

http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/spywareblaster.html

SpywareGuard provides a real-time protection solution against spyware that is a great addition to SpywareBlaster's protection method.

http://www.wilderssecurity.net/spywareguard.html

IE-SPYAD puts over 4000 sites in your restricted zone so you'll be protected when you visit innocent-looking sites that aren't actually innocent at all.

http://www.staff.uiuc.edu/~ehowes/resource.htm#IESPYAD

MVPS Hosts file replaces your current HOSTS file with one containing well know ad sites etc. Basically, this prevents your computer from connecting to those sites by redirecting them to 127.0.0.1 which is your local computer

http://mvps.org/winhelp2002/hosts.htm

All are very small free programs. Occasionally check for updates.

Check for updates for Windows and Internet Explorer every week or so. Download each critical update one by one, rebooting when necessary.. Repeat this until you get the message "no critical updates available"

http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com/

Please take a minute to read: So how did I get infected in the first place?

http://forums.net-integration.net/i...?showtopic=3051

Also, if you take the time to check over this Home Computer Security guide from CERT and follow it's guidelines, you will have much less computer problems:

http://www.cert.org/homeusers/HomeComputerSecurity/

Tom