Csrss.exe

Hi!
There are a few problems. I have AVG and Mbam and Anti spyware running. They detect trojans but do not delete. I suspect these Trojans may cause a lot of harm. Please help. I am pasting HJT log for your ref.

Logfile of Trend Micro HijackThis v2.0.2
Scan saved at 7:07:55 PM, on 4/13/2010
Platform: Windows XP SP3 (WinNT 5.01.2600)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v7.00 (7.00.6000.21183)
Boot mode: Normal

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:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\RTHDCPL.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\AVG\AVG8\avgwdsvc.exe
C:\Program Files\Nero\Nero 7\InCD\InCDsrv.exe
C:\Program Files\iResearchPanel\browser_plugin.exe
C:\Program Files\Java\jre6\bin\jqs.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\VS7DEBUG\MDM.EXE
C:\PROGRA~1\QUICKH~1\QUICKH~1\opssvc.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\QUICKH~1\QUICKH~1\EMLPROXY.EXE
C:\PROGRA~1\QUICKH~1\QUICKH~1\quhlpsvc.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\QUICKH~1\QUICKH~1\scanwscs.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\AVG\AVG8\avgam.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\AVG\AVG8\avgrsx.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\AVG\AVG8\avgnsx.exe
C:\Program Files\TuneUp Utilities 2010\TuneUpUtilitiesService32.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\AVG\AVG8\avgemc.exe
C:\Program Files\AVG\AVG8\avgcsrvx.exe
C:\Program Files\TuneUp Utilities 2010\TuneUpUtilitiesApp32.exe
C:\Program Files\Mozilla Firefox\firefox.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\wscntfy.exe
C:\Program Files\Java\jre6\bin\java.exe
C:\Program Files\Trend Micro\HijackThis\HijackThis.exe

R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = about:blank
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=69157
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Search_URL = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=54896
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=54896
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=69157
O2 - BHO: Adobe PDF Reader Link Helper - {06849E9F-C8D7-4D59-B87D-784B7D6BE0B3} - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe\Acrobat\ActiveX\AcroIEHelper.dll
O2 - BHO: RealPlayer Download and Record Plugin for Internet Explorer - {3049C3E9-B461-4BC5-8870-4C09146192CA} - C:\Program Files\Real\RealPlayer\rpbrowserrecordplugin.dll
O2 - BHO: WormRadar.com IESiteBlocker.NavFilter - {3CA2F312-6F6E-4B53-A66E-4E65E497C8C0} - C:\Program Files\AVG\AVG8\avgssie.dll
O2 - BHO: iResearchPanelBHO.BHO - {714B8934-DCD3-42A7-A370-5B4A33A1100E} - C:\Program Files\iResearchPanel\BHO.dll
O2 - BHO: Java™ Plug-In 2 SSV Helper - {DBC80044-A445-435b-BC74-9C25C1C588A9} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre6\bin\jp2ssv.dll
O2 - BHO: JQSIEStartDetectorImpl - {E7E6F031-17CE-4C07-BC86-EABFE594F69C} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre6\lib\deploy\jqs\ie\jqs_plugin.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [HotKeysCmds] C:\WINDOWS\system32\hkcmd.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [RTHDCPL] RTHDCPL.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SkyTel] SkyTel.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Alcmtr] ALCMTR.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AVG8_TRAY] C:\PROGRA~1\AVG\AVG8\avgtray.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Email Protection] C:\PROGRA~1\QUICKH~1\QUICKH~1\EMLPROUI.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [TkBellExe] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Real\Update_OB\realsched.exe" -osboot
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [SUPERAntiSpyware] C:\Program Files\SUPERAntiSpyware\SUPERAntiSpyware.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [ctfmon.exe] C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
O4 - HKUS\S-1-5-19\..\RunOnce: [ShowDeskFix] regsvr32 /s /n /i:u shell32 (User 'LOCAL SERVICE')
O4 - HKUS\S-1-5-20\..\RunOnce: [ShowDeskFix] regsvr32 /s /n /i:u shell32 (User 'NETWORK SERVICE')
O4 - HKUS\S-1-5-18\..\RunOnce: [ShowDeskFix] regsvr32 /s /n /i:u shell32 (User 'SYSTEM')
O4 - HKUS\.DEFAULT\..\RunOnce: [ShowDeskFix] regsvr32 /s /n /i:u shell32 (User 'Default user')
O8 - Extra context menu item: &WordWeb... - res://C:\WINDOWS\system32\wweb32.dll/lookup.html
O8 - Extra context menu item: E&xport to Microsoft Excel - res://C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~2\OFFICE11\EXCEL.EXE/3000
O9 - Extra button: Research - {92780B25-18CC-41C8-B9BE-3C9C571A8263} - C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~2\OFFICE11\REFIEBAR.DLL
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {e2e2dd38-d088-4134-82b7-f2ba38496583} - C:\WINDOWS\Network Diagnostic\xpnetdiag.exe
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: @xpsp3res.dll,-20001 - {e2e2dd38-d088-4134-82b7-f2ba38496583} - C:\WINDOWS\Network Diagnostic\xpnetdiag.exe
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {E57F3E1C-58CE-4B73-BCD0-BA34553E8731} - C:\WINDOWS\system32\shdocvw.dll
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: &iResearchPanel - {E57F3E1C-58CE-4B73-BCD0-BA34553E8731} - C:\WINDOWS\system32\shdocvw.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
O17 - HKLM\System\CCS\Services\Tcpip\..\{124B2C41-F7AE-4619-B7A2-91BB13F84B39}: NameServer = 192.168.71.1,202.88.130.15
O17 - HKLM\System\CS1\Services\Tcpip\..\{124B2C41-F7AE-4619-B7A2-91BB13F84B39}: NameServer = 192.168.71.1,202.88.130.15
O17 - HKLM\System\CS3\Services\Tcpip\..\{124B2C41-F7AE-4619-B7A2-91BB13F84B39}: NameServer = 192.168.71.1,202.88.130.15
O18 - Protocol: linkscanner - {F274614C-63F8-47D5-A4D1-FBDDE494F8D1} - C:\Program Files\AVG\AVG8\avgpp.dll
O20 - AppInit_DLLs: app_dll.dll
O20 - Winlogon Notify: !SASWinLogon - C:\Program Files\SUPERAntiSpyware\SASWINLO.dll
O20 - Winlogon Notify: avgrsstarter - C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\avgrsstx.dll
O23 - Service: AVG8 E-mail Scanner (avg8emc) - AVG Technologies CZ, s.r.o. - C:\PROGRA~1\AVG\AVG8\avgemc.exe
O23 - Service: AVG8 WatchDog (avg8wd) - AVG Technologies CZ, s.r.o. - C:\PROGRA~1\AVG\AVG8\avgwdsvc.exe
O23 - Service: InCD Helper (InCDsrv) - Nero AG - C:\Program Files\Nero\Nero 7\InCD\InCDsrv.exe
O23 - Service: iResearchPanel - Unknown owner - C:\Program Files\iResearchPanel\browser_plugin.exe
O23 - Service: Java Quick Starter (JavaQuickStarterService) - Sun Microsystems, Inc. - C:\Program Files\Java\jre6\bin\jqs.exe
O23 - Service: NBService - Nero AG - C:\Program Files\Nero\Nero 7\Nero BackItUp\NBService.exe
O23 - Service: NMIndexingService - Nero AG - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Ahead\Lib\NMIndexingService.exe
O23 - Service: Online Protection System - Quick Heal Technologies (P) Ltd. - C:\PROGRA~1\QUICKH~1\QUICKH~1\opssvc.exe
O23 - Service: Quick Heal Antivirus Plus Mail Protection - Quick Heal Technologies (P) Ltd. - C:\PROGRA~1\QUICKH~1\QUICKH~1\EMLPROXY.EXE
O23 - Service: Quick Update Service - Quick Heal Technologies (P) Ltd. - C:\PROGRA~1\QUICKH~1\QUICKH~1\quhlpsvc.exe
O23 - Service: Quick Heal Helper Service WSC (ScanWscS) - Quick Heal Technologies (P) Ltd. - C:\PROGRA~1\QUICKH~1\QUICKH~1\scanwscs.exe
O23 - Service: ServiceLayer - Nokia. - C:\Program Files\Common Files\PCSuite\Services\ServiceLayer.exe
O23 - Service: TuneUp Drive Defrag Service (TuneUp.Defrag) - TuneUp Software - C:\Program Files\TuneUp Utilities 2010\TuneUpDefragService.exe
O23 - Service: TuneUp Utilities Service (TuneUp.UtilitiesSvc) - TuneUp Software - C:\Program Files\TuneUp Utilities 2010\TuneUpUtilitiesService32.exe

--
End of file - 7175 bytes

Edited by boopme, 13 April 2010 - 09:23 AM.
Moved to Virus,Trojan and Malware removal logs~~boopme

Isnt here anyone who can help me with this?!


===========

Hello

While we understand your frustration at having to wait, please note that Bleeping Computer deals with several hundred requests for assistance such as yours on a daily basis. As a result, our backlog is quite large as are other comparable sites that help others with malware issues. Although our HJT Team members work on hundreds of requests each day, they are all volunteers who work logs when they can and are able to do so. No one is paid by Bleeping Computer for their assistance to our members.

Further, our malware removal staff is comprised of team members with various levels of skill and expertise to deal with thousands of malware variants, some more complex than others. Although we try to take DDS/HJT logs in order (starting with the oldest), it is often the skill level of the particular helper and sometimes the operating system that dictates which logs get selected first. Some infections are more complicated than others and require a higher skill level to remove. Without that skill level attempted removal could result in disastrous results. In other instances, the helper may not be familiar with the operating system that you are using, since they use another. In either case, neither of us want someone to assist you who is not familiar with your issue and attempt to fix it.

We ask that once you have posted your log and are waiting, please DO NOT "bump" your thread or make further replies until it has been responded to by a member of the Malware Response Team. The reason we ask this or do not respond to your requests is because that would remove you from the active queue that Techs and Staff have access to. The malware staff checks the forum for postings that have 0 replies as this makes it easier for them to identify those who have not been helped. If you post another response, there will be 1 reply. A team member, looking for a new log to work may assume another HJT Team member is already assisting you and not open the thread to respond.

That is why I have made an edit to your last post, instead of a reply. Please do not multiple post here, as that only pushes you further down the queue and causes confusion to the staff.

Please be patient. It may take several days, up to more than a week, perhaps less, to get a response but your log will be reviewed and answered as soon as possible. I advise checking your topic once a day for responses as the e-mail notification system is unreliable.

Thank you for understanding.

Elise - forum moderator

Edited by elise025, 15 April 2010 - 08:56 AM.

Hello ,
And to the Bleeping Computer Malware Removal Forum. My name is Elise and I'll be glad to help you with your computer problems.

I will be working on your malware issues, this may or may not solve other issues you may have with your machine.

Please note that whatever repairs we make, are for fixing your computer problems only and by no means should be used on another computer.

• The cleaning process is not instant. Logs can take some time to research, so please be patient with me. I know that you need your computer working as quickly as possible, and I will work hard to help see that happen.
• Please reply using the Add/Reply button in the lower right hand corner of your screen. Do not start a new topic.
• The logs that you post should be pasted directly into the reply. Only attach them if requested or if they do not fit into the post.
• Unfortunately, if I do not hear back from you within 5 days, I will be forced to close your topic. If you still need help after I have closed your topic, send me or a moderator a personal message with the address of the thread or feel free to create a new one.

You may want to keep the link to this topic in your favorites. Alternatively, you can click the button at the top bar of this topic and Track this Topic, where you can choose email notifications. The topics you are tracking are shown here.
-----------------------------------------------------------

If you have since resolved the original problem you were having, we would appreciate you letting us know. If not please perform the following steps below so we can have a look at the current condition of your machine.

If you have not done so, include a clear description of the problems you're having, along with any steps you may have performed so far.

If you have already posted a log, please do so again, as your situation may have changed.
Use the 'Add Reply' and add the new log to this thread.

We need to see some information about what is happening in your machine. Please perform the following scan:

• Please download OTL from one of the following mirrors:
  • This is THE Mirror
• Save it to your desktop.
• Double click on the icon on your desktop.
• Click the "Scan All Users" checkbox.
• Push the button.
• Two reports will open, copy and paste them in a reply here:
  • OTListIt.txt <-- Will be opened
  • Extra.txt <-- Will be minimized

Please download GMER from one of the following locations and save it to your desktop:

• Main Mirror
  This version will download a randomly named file (Recommended)
• Zipped Mirror
  This version will download a zip file you will need to extract first. If you use this mirror, please extract the zip file to your desktop.

• Disconnect from the Internet and close all running programs.
• Temporarily disable any real-time active protection so your security programs will not conflict with gmer's driver.
• Double-click on the randomly named GMER file (i.e. n7gmo46c.exe) and allow the gmer.sys driver to load if asked.
• Note: If you downloaded the zipped version, extract the file to its own folder such as C:\gmer and then double-click on gmer.exe.
  
  
  
• GMER will open to the Rootkit/Malware tab and perform an automatic quick scan when first run. (do not use the computer while the scan is in progress)
• If you receive a WARNING!!! about rootkit activity and are asked to fully scan your system...click NO.
• Now click the Scan button. If you see a rootkit warning window, click OK.
• When the scan is finished, click the Save... button to save the scan results to your Desktop. Save the file as gmer.log.
• Click the Copy button and paste the results into your next reply.
• Exit GMER and re-enable all active protection when done.

-- If you encounter any problems, try running GMER in Safe Mode.

-------------------------------------------------------------
In the meantime please, do NOT install any new programs or update anything unless told to do so while we are fixing your problem

If you still need help, please include the following in your next reply

• A detailed description of your problems
• A new OTL log (don't forget extra.txt)
• GMER log

Thanks and again sorry for the delay.

Hi.. Thanks for the reply. Really appreciate the assistance.

My anti virus and anti spam scans always detect trojans but somehow can never clean them.
My system has become painfully slow, it has 3 GB RAM.
Start up and shut down are very slow as well.
System hangs and restarts unexpectedly.

These are the major problems. I have attached the logs you have asked for.
Many thanks.

Hello newhorizon,

P2P WARNING
-------------------
Going over your logs I noticed that you have uTorrent installed.

• Avoid gaming sites, pirated software, cracking tools, keygens, and peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing programs.
• They are a security risk which can make your computer susceptible to a smörgåsbord of malware infections, remote attacks, exposure of personal information, and identity theft. Many malicious worms and Trojans spread across P2P file sharing networks, gaming and underground sites.
• Users visiting such pages may see innocuous-looking banner ads containing code which can trigger pop-up ads and malicious Flash ads that install viruses, Trojans and spyware. Ads are a target for hackers because they offer a stealthy way to distribute malware to a wide range of Internet users.
• The best way to reduce the risk of infection is to avoid these types of web sites and not use any P2P applications.

It is pretty much certain that if you continue to use P2P programs, you will get infected again.
I would recommend that you uninstall uTorrent, however that choice is up to you. If you choose to remove these programs, you can do so via Start > Control Panel > Add/Remove Programs.

If you wish to keep it, please do not use it until your computer is cleaned.


COMBOFIX
---------------
Please download ComboFix from one of these locations:

Bleepingcomputer
ForoSpyware

• Disable your AntiVirus and AntiSpyware applications, usually via a right click on the System Tray icon. They may otherwise interfere with our tools. (Click on this link to see a list of programs that should be disabled. The list is not all inclusive.)
• Double click on Combofix.exe and follow the prompts.
• As part of it's process, ComboFix will check to see if the Microsoft Windows Recovery Console is installed. With malware infections being as they are today, it's strongly recommended to have this pre-installed on your machine before doing any malware removal. It will allow you to boot up into a special recovery/repair mode that will allow us to more easily help you should your computer have a problem after an attempted removal of malware.
• Follow the prompts to allow ComboFix to download and install the Microsoft Windows Recovery Console, and when prompted, agree to the End-User License Agreement to install the Microsoft Windows Recovery Console.

**Please note: If the Microsoft Windows Recovery Console is already installed, or if you are running Vista, ComboFix will continue it's malware removal procedures.



Once the Microsoft Windows Recovery Console is installed using ComboFix, you should see the following message:



Click on Yes, to continue scanning for malware.

When finished, it shall produce a log for you. Please include the C:\ComboFix.txt in your next reply.

Hi..
Thanks for the help.
Combo fix does not seem to be working. I am not getting an error for the Recovery console. But there are weird errors about some 'hidec.exe' and later in Dos a blue screen appears with an error that says : System cannot find C:\Combofix|swsc.cfxxe

Please help.

What happens when you ignore these errors, does it continue?

Can you also try to run the scan in safe mode please?

When I run it, ultimately a blue screen opens which does nothing at all until I type 'exit'.

It worked in the safe mode btw. Have attached combofix log.
Thanks

Hi again,

How are things running now? What problems do you still have left?

CF-SCRIPT
-------------
We need to execute a CF-script.

• Close any open browsers.
• Close/disable all anti virus and anti malware programs so they do not interfere with the running of ComboFix.
• Click Start > Run and in the box that opens type notepad and press enter. Copy/paste the text in the codebox below into it:

Save this as CFScript.txt, in the same location as ComboFix.exe



Refering to the picture above, drag CFScript into ComboFix.exe

When finished, it shall produce a log for you at C:\ComboFix.txt which I will require in your next reply.


MALWAREBYTES ANTIMALWARE
-------------------------------------------
Please launch MBAM and update the program before performing a scan.

• If an update is found, the program will automatically update itself. Press the OK button to close that box and continue.
• If you encounter any problems while downloading the definition updates, manually download them from here and just double-click on mbam-rules.exe to install.

On the Scanner tab:

• Make sure the "Perform Full Scan" option is selected.
• Then click on the Scan button.
• If asked to select the drives to scan, leave all the drives selected and click on the Start Scan button.
• The scan will begin and "Scan in progress" will show at the top. It may take some time to complete so please be patient.
• When the scan is finished, a message box will say "The scan completed successfully. Click 'Show Results' to display all objects found".
• Click OK to close the message box and continue with the removal process.

Back at the main Scanner screen:

• Click on the Show Results button to see a list of any malware that was found.
• Make sure that everything is checked, and click Remove Selected.
• When removal is completed, a log report will open in Notepad.
• The log is automatically saved and can be viewed by clicking the Logs tab in MBAM.
• Copy and paste the contents of that report in your next reply. Be sure to post the complete log to include the top portion which shows MBAM's database version and your operating system.
• Exit MBAM when done.

Note: If MBAM encounters a file that is difficult to remove, you will be asked to reboot your computer so MBAM can proceed with the disinfection process. If asked to restart the computer, please do so immediately. Failure to reboot normally (not into safe mode) will prevent MBAM from removing all the malware.

Hi.
Thanks again for the help. I think things are back to normal again.
Have attached the logs you asked for.
Please check.

H again,

TWO ANTIVIRUS PROGRAMS
---------------------------------------
I do not recommend that you have more than one anti virus product installed and running on your computer at a time. The reason for this is that if both products have their automatic (Real-Time) protection switched on, then those products which do not encrypt the virus strings within them can cause other anti virus products to cause "false alarms". It can also lead to a clash as both products fight for access to files which are opened again this is the resident/automatic protection. In general terms, the two programs may conflict and cause:

• False Alarms: When the anti virus software tells you that your PC has a virus when it actually doesn't.
• System Performance Problems: Your system may lock up due to both products attempting to access the same file at the same time.

Therefore please go to add/remove in the control panel and remove either Quick Heal antivirus or AVG.


ESET ONLINE SCANNER
----------------------------
I'd like us to scan your machine with ESET OnlineScan

1. Hold down Control and click on the following link to open ESET OnlineScan in a new window.
   ESET OnlineScan
2. Click the button.
3. For alternate browsers only: (Microsoft Internet Explorer users can skip these steps)
   1. Click on to download the ESET Smart Installer. Save it to your desktop.
   2. Double click on the icon on your desktop.
4. Check
5. Click the button.
6. Accept any security warnings from your browser.
7. Check
8. Push the Start button.
9. ESET will then download updates for itself, install itself, and begin scanning your computer. Please be patient as this can take some time.
10. When the scan completes, push
11. Push , and save the file to your desktop using a unique name, such as ESETScan. Include the contents of this report in your next reply.
    Note - when ESET doesn't find any threats, no report will be created.
12. Push the button.
13. Push

Hi
I unistalled Quick heal after your advice. Machine responds fine. The online scan detected 3 anomalies. I've attached the file for you to have a look.
Many thanks.

Hi again,

ALL CLEAN
--------------
Your machine appears to be clean, please take the time to read below on how to secure the machine and take the necessary steps to keep it clean

Please do the following to remove the remaining programs from your PC:

• Delete the tools used during the disinfection:
  • Click start > run and type combofix /uninstall, press enter. This will remove Combofix from your computer.
  • Delete DDS, GMER (this is a random named file) and OTL.

Please read these advices, in order to prevent reinfecting your PC:

1. Install and update the following programs regularly:
   • an outbound firewall
     A comprehensive tutorial and a list of possible firewalls can be found here.
   • an AntiVirus Software
     It is imperative that you update your AntiVirus Software on regular basis.If you do not update your AntiVirus Software then it will not be able to catch the latest threats.
   • an Anti-Spyware program
     Malware Byte's Anti Malware is an excellent Anti-Spyware scanner. It's scan times are usually under ten minutes, and has excellent detection and removal rates.
     SUPERAntiSpyware is another good scanner with high detection and removal rates.
     Both programs are free for non commercial home use but provide a resident and do not nag if you purchase the paid versions.
   • Spyware Blaster
     A tutorial for Spywareblaster can be found here. If you wish, the commercial version provides automatic updating.
   • MVPs hosts file
     A tutorial for MVPs hosts file can be found here. If you would like automatic updates you might want to take a look at HostMan host file manager. For more information on thehosts file, and what it can do for you,please consult the Tutorial on the Hosts file
2. Keep Windows (and your other Microsoft software) up to date!
   I cannot stress how important this is enough. Often holes are found in Internet Explorer or Windows itself that require patching. Sometimes these holes will allow an attacker unrestricted access to your computer.
   Therefore, please, visit the Microsoft Update Website and follow the on screen instructions to setup Microsoft Update. Also follow the instructions to update your system. Please REBOOT and repeat this process until there are no more updates to install!!
3. Keep your other software up to date as well
   Software does not need to be made by Microsoft to be insecure. You can use the Secunia Online Software occasionally to help you check for out of date software on yourmachine.
4. Stay up to date!
   The MOST IMPORTANT part of any security setup is keeping the software up to date. Malware writers release new variants every single day. If your software updates don't keep up, then the malware will always be one step ahead. Not a good thing .

Some more links you might find of interest:

• Miekies' prevention suggestions
• So How did I get infected?
• Microsoft - 'Security at home'
• Calendar of Updates: See which updates have been released.
• How to backup your Data with Cobian Backup:because you never know, when your harddisk might fail
• Commonly UsedFreeware Replacements: a nice list of freeware programs in all categories, that are regarded as useful by the users of this forum.
• osalt: Find (free) open source alternatives to known commercial software.

Please reply to this topic if you have read the above information. If your computer is working fine, this topic will be closed afterwards.

Elise!
Thanks a ton.. You have been very kind, patient and helpful.
I have read and followed your recoomnedations and suggestions.

Kindly assist me with one last thing, why does it take longer for a 'right click' to show options? It used to be much faster.

To be honest, I have no clue why right click menu's are suddenly slow. Are there any options there that weren't first?