This must be a system problem

[BeeCeeBee]

Hi folks.

 

I recently was forced to reformat my hard drive on my Toshiba laptop because it was seriously hijacked. I used the rescue disc provided. Before I did anything I loaded everything I needed to save onto an external hard dirve and scaned it with Avast. It was clean.

 

After the new installation I scanned the external drive again this time with the Norton supplied. It was clean. After that I deleted Norton and added AVG. I again scanned the external drive and again it was clean.

 

Once I reinstalled my broadband network I downloaded IE7 and all updates including Service Pack 3.

 

My problem is that my browser is moving at dialup speed despite the fact that a speed check indicates that everything was about normal. I tried spybot and that found nothing except a few cookies. I played with the startup menu and applications running and nothing helped.

 

I tried one more full scan with AVG at its slowest setting and again all clean.

 

I must be missing something but I don't know what.

 

By the way I also tried firefox and safari and had the same problem.

 

Don't know what to try next. I am not afraid to go into registry edit as lon as I have a specific change in mind.

 

HELP!!!! Please and Thank you.

[Guest Wolfeymole]

Hi Bee

 

Welcome to FPCH

 

Why did you scan the external with Norton?

[BeeCeeBee]

This must be a system problem

 

I scanned with Norton because it was the only AV program that I had once I reloaded the XP. It came with the computer and I did not want to load anything that may have been conaminated before.

[BeeCeeBee]

Sorry did I say thanks for the welcome? Also I don't know if I replied properly so I will try here. If I am doing this wrong I apologise. I used Norton because it was built in and I had no access as yet to get anything else. After I got on line I swirched over to AVG and removed Norton I searched for any remaining componants and deleted them as well.

 

I should add that once I get to a site I can often navigate pretty quickly it is the getting there that takes forever. I use Google as a home page and even that takes forever to load.

[Guest Wolfeymole]

This sounds like Norton came as a bundle and is parked on your recovery partition forever more.

 

I'd delete it completely and run AVG again.

 

If you want to contemplate excellent AV software then consider reading this.

 

http://extremetechsupport.com/forum/malware-removal-av-firewalls-etc/3597-free-pc-help-recommended-security-products.html

[Dalo Harkin]

As Wolfey has said AVG and NORTON are not very good AV programs - I suggest deleting both and then use AVAST or similar to do the search so that its a more comprehensive search

[BeeCeeBee]

I have searched for both Norton and Symantic and nothing pops up. This is also how I got rid of it before after the uninstall. Is there somewhere else I should be looking and would this effect the browser speed? If so how where do I find the Recovery partition. I had used avast for years. Saying that I became infected while it was running It did warn me but then it seems it got in anyway.

 

I was always good up until then.

 

Just am completly confused now and just can't see what would cause this page for example to take so long to load. But then that is why I am asking for help. Point me toward the recovery partition and I will give it a whirl.

 

Thanks, really!

[BeeCeeBee]

Hey Wolfey,

Your mention of recovery led me to look at my restore points since I added quite a few while I was bringing things back. I reloaded windows on sunday morning and updated. I now notice three different automatic recovery points for service pack 3 on Sunday and 2 more on Monday. I named my recoery point so this was obvioulsy automatic. So now I am wondering about whether SP3 could be causing the problem and should I delete it. If so should I try again since I assume that my original version of XP would date back a few years.

 

Let me know what you think. Please.

[Guest Wolfeymole]

Let's just see what is running on that system Bee.

 

Please download the latest version of HijackThis from Trend Micro and click on Download Hijack This Installer and save it to your desktop.

• Doubleclick HJTInstall.exe to install HijackThis.
  
• By default it will install to C:\Program Files\Trend Micro\HijackThis .
  
• Click on Install.
  
• It will create a HijackThis icon on the desktop.
  
• Once installed, it will launch Hijackthis.
  
• Click on the Do a system scan and save a logfile button. It will scan and the log should open in Notepad. Include this log by copying and pasting in your next reply.
  

Notes:

Do not use the AnalyseThis button, its findings are dangerous if misinterpreted.

Do not have Hijackthis fix anything yet. Most of what it finds will be harmless, or required for your computer to run like it should.

[BeeCeeBee]

Will do but it may not be until tomorrow. THANKS!!!

[Guest Wolfeymole]

Oh I think we'll be here tomorrow Bee. :D

[BeeCeeBee]

OK did it already. Am I wrong that there seems to be some sort of conflict between start page settings? Never mind I will just leave it to you to look. Here it is

 

Logfile of Trend Micro HijackThis v2.0.2

Scan saved at 7:46:57 PM, on 10/9/2008

Platform: Windows XP SP3 (WinNT 5.01.2600)

MSIE: Internet Explorer v7.00 (7.00.6000.16705)

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\spoolsv.exe

C:\PROGRA~1\AVG\AVG8\avgwdsvc.exe

C:\Program Files\Bonjour\mDNSResponder.exe

C:\WINDOWS\system32\DVDRAMSV.exe

C:\WINDOWS\system32\tcpsvcs.exe

C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe

C:\PROGRA~1\AVG\AVG8\avgrsx.exe

C:\PROGRA~1\AVG\AVG8\avgemc.exe

C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE

C:\Program Files\Apoint2K\Apoint.exe

C:\WINDOWS\AGRSMMSG.exe

C:\WINDOWS\system32\ZoomingHook.exe

C:\WINDOWS\system32\TPSMain.exe

C:\Program Files\Toshiba\Tvs\TvsTray.exe

C:\WINDOWS\system32\dla\tfswctrl.exe

C:\WINDOWS\system32\hkcmd.exe

C:\PROGRA~1\AVG\AVG8\avgtray.exe

C:\Program Files\TOSHIBA\TOSHIBA Zooming Utility\SmoothView.exe

C:\Program Files\TOSHIBA\TOSCDSPD\toscdspd.exe

C:\Program Files\Spybot - Search & Destroy\TeaTimer.exe

C:\Program Files\DAEMON Tools Lite\daemon.exe

C:\Program Files\Apoint2K\Apntex.exe

C:\WINDOWS\system32\TPSBattM.exe

C:\WINDOWS\system32\RAMASST.exe

C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe

C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe

C:\Program Files\Trend Micro\HijackThis\HijackThis.exe

R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = Google

R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL = MSN.com

R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Search_URL = Live Search

R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page = Live Search

R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = MSN.com

R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Connection Wizard,ShellNext = http://192.168.1.254/

R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings,ProxyOverride = *.local

O2 - BHO: AcroIEHlprObj Class - {06849E9F-C8D7-4D59-B87D-784B7D6BE0B3} - C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 6.0\Reader\ActiveX\AcroIEHelper.dll

O2 - BHO: WormRadar.com IESiteBlocker.NavFilter - {3CA2F312-6F6E-4B53-A66E-4E65E497C8C0} - C:\Program Files\AVG\AVG8\avgssie.dll

O2 - BHO: Spybot-S&D IE Protection - {53707962-6F74-2D53-2644-206D7942484F} - C:\PROGRA~1\SPYBOT~1\SDHelper.dll

O2 - BHO: DriveLetterAccess - {5CA3D70E-1895-11CF-8E15-001234567890} - C:\WINDOWS\system32\dla\tfswshx.dll

O2 - BHO: AVG Security Toolbar - {A057A204-BACC-4D26-9990-79A187E2698E} - C:\PROGRA~1\AVG\AVG8\AVGTOO~1.DLL

O3 - Toolbar: AVG Security Toolbar - {A057A204-BACC-4D26-9990-79A187E2698E} - C:\PROGRA~1\AVG\AVG8\AVGTOO~1.DLL

O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Apoint] C:\Program Files\Apoint2K\Apoint.exe

O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AGRSMMSG] AGRSMMSG.exe

O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [sVPWUTIL] C:\Program Files\Toshiba\Windows Utilities\SVPWUTIL.exe SVPwUTIL

O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Zooming] ZoomingHook.exe

O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [TPSMain] TPSMain.exe

O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Tvs] C:\Program Files\Toshiba\Tvs\TvsTray.exe

O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [dla] C:\WINDOWS\system32\dla\tfswctrl.exe

O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [HotKeysCmds] C:\WINDOWS\system32\hkcmd.exe

O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AVG8_TRAY] C:\PROGRA~1\AVG\AVG8\avgtray.exe

O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [smoothView] C:\Program Files\TOSHIBA\TOSHIBA Zooming Utility\SmoothView.exe

O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [QuickTime Task] "C:\Program Files\QuickTime\QTTask.exe" -atboottime

O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [TOSCDSPD] C:\Program Files\TOSHIBA\TOSCDSPD\toscdspd.exe

O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [spybotSD TeaTimer] C:\Program Files\Spybot - Search & Destroy\TeaTimer.exe

O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [DAEMON Tools Lite] "C:\Program Files\DAEMON Tools Lite\daemon.exe" -autorun

O4 - Global Startup: RAMASST.lnk = C:\WINDOWS\system32\RAMASST.exe

O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.5.0\bin\npjpi150.dll

O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Sun Java Console - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.5.0\bin\npjpi150.dll

O9 - Extra button: Bonjour - {7F9DB11C-E358-4ca6-A83D-ACC663939424} - C:\Program Files\Bonjour\ExplorerPlugin.dll

O9 - Extra button: Research - {92780B25-18CC-41C8-B9BE-3C9C571A8263} - C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~2\OFFICE11\REFIEBAR.DLL

O9 - Extra button: PartyPoker.com - {B7FE5D70-9AA2-40F1-9C6B-12A255F085E1} - C:\Program Files\PartyGaming\PartyPoker\RunApp.exe

O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: PartyPoker.com - {B7FE5D70-9AA2-40F1-9C6B-12A255F085E1} - C:\Program Files\PartyGaming\PartyPoker\RunApp.exe

O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {DFB852A3-47F8-48C4-A200-58CAB36FD2A2} - C:\PROGRA~1\SPYBOT~1\SDHelper.dll

O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Spybot - Search & Destroy Configuration - {DFB852A3-47F8-48C4-A200-58CAB36FD2A2} - C:\PROGRA~1\SPYBOT~1\SDHelper.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: 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

O16 - DPF: {6F15128C-E66A-490C-B848-5000B5ABEEAC} (HP Download Manager) - https://h20436.www2.hp.com/ediags/dex/secure/HPDEXAXO.cab

O16 - DPF: {D27CDB6E-AE6D-11CF-96B8-444553540000} (Shockwave Flash Object) - http://fpdownload2.macromedia.com/get/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab

O18 - Protocol: linkscanner - {F274614C-63F8-47D5-A4D1-FBDDE494F8D1} - C:\Program Files\AVG\AVG8\avgpp.dll

O20 - AppInit_DLLs: avgrsstx.dll

O23 - Service: AVG Free8 E-mail Scanner (avg8emc) - AVG Technologies CZ, s.r.o. - C:\PROGRA~1\AVG\AVG8\avgemc.exe

O23 - Service: AVG Free8 WatchDog (avg8wd) - AVG Technologies CZ, s.r.o. - C:\PROGRA~1\AVG\AVG8\avgwdsvc.exe

O23 - Service: Bonjour Service - Apple Inc. - C:\Program Files\Bonjour\mDNSResponder.exe

O23 - Service: DVD-RAM_Service - Matsu****a Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. - C:\WINDOWS\system32\DVDRAMSV.exe

O23 - Service: Pml Driver HPZ12 - HP - C:\WINDOWS\system32\HPZipm12.exe

--

End of file - 6407 bytes

[Guest Wolfeymole]

Ok well that Party Poker crap does you no favours and needs dumping.

 

In the meantime;

 

Your computer could be infected with Malware.

 

• Malware is software designed to infiltrate or damage a computer system without the owner's informed consent.
  It is a combination of the words malicious and software.
  The expression is a general term used by computer professionals to mean a variety of forms of hostile, intrusive, or annoying software or program code.
  

 

• Required Cleanup Steps
  
  1. Disable the Spybot Search & Destroy TEA TIMER if you use it and if it is enabled
     
  2. Run a Temporary file and cache cleaner (ATF)
     
  3. Run 2 Anti-Malware scanners (Listed Below)
     
  4. Run an Online Anti-Virus / Anti-Malware Scanner (Listed Below)
     
  5. Clear out old System Restore points
     
  6. If continued Malware type activity is present you may be asked to post a TrendMicro™ HijackThis™ Log file, do not do so unless requested.
     

The reason to run multiple scanners is to ensure that no single scanner is missing something.

The time it takes will vary depending on your system and your internet connection speed.

Typically the SUPERAntiSpyware and Malwarebytes scanners will take between 10 to 90 minutes.

The ESET online scan should take between 1 to 3 hours.

In most cases, these scans will suffice to clean and disinfect your computer.

Heavily infected systems or slower PCs can take much longer to scan and clean.

 

For best results print the following instructions and bookmark this Web page

To keep this guide printer-friendly, use your cursor to highlight the contents below.

From your browser select File - Print and in the printer dialog box under "Print range"

click the

Selection

choice to print out these instructions for removal of malware.

 

 

http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn266/FPCH/Malware%20Guide/printer-selection.gif

 

____________________________________________

STEP 1

• Disable Spybot Search & Destroys' TEA TIMER: (if installed, if not go to Step 2)
  
  
  1. Run Spybot-S&D in Advanced Mode.
     
     
  2. If it is not already set to do this Go to the Mode menu select "Advanced Mode"
     
     
  3. On the left hand side, Click on Tools
     
     
  4. Then click on the Resident Icon in the List
     
     
  5. Uncheck "Resident TeaTimer" and OK any prompts.
     
     
  6. Restart your computer.
     
     

__________________________________________________

STEP 2

• Follow these instructions carefully.
  
  
• Download ATF-Cleaner from
  Snapfiles.com
  to remove un-needed temporary files from your computer that may contain malware.
  
  
• You can also download it from
  Majorgeeks.com
  
  
• When you run ATF-Cleaner, check the items as shown below for Main.
  
  
• For FireFox, be sure to click on the FireFox tab on top and check the items as shown below for FireFox
  
  
• NOTE:
  If you don't have FireFox or Opera installed then they will be grayed out and can be ignored
  
  
• Then click on "Empty Selected".
  
  

http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn266/FPCH/Malware%20Guide/atf-cleaner01.gif

.

http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn266/FPCH/Malware%20Guide/atf-cleaner02.gif

__________________________________________________

STEP 3

• Install and run the free version (not the Professional version) of SUPERAntiSpyware from
  SUPERAntiSpyware.com
  
  
  • Accept any prompts to allow SUPERAntiSpyware to install the latest rules and infection definition files.
    
    
  • You do not have to send them your e-mail address, just click next.
    
    
  • You can leave the automated check for updates on.
    
    
  • You can uncheck "Send a diagnostic report to research center" if you don't want to send the information.
    
    
  • DO NOT
    allow SUPERAntiSpyware to protect your Home Page settings.
    
    
  • On the
    Top Left
    select the
    Scan your computer
    button.
    
    
  • Make sure there is a CHECK MARK on all
    Fixed Drives
    .
    
    
  • Click "Perform a Complete Scan". Click "Next" to Repair issues found and reboot the computer when prompted to do so.
    
    

__________________________________________________

STEP 4

• Install and run
  Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware
  from
  Malwarebytes - (direct download)
  
  
  • Accept all defaults for the installer
    
    
  • Allow the program to update the definitions
    
    
  • Click on the
    Quick Scan
    and click Next.
    
    
  • If any items are found allow it to clean them and then Reboot your computer.
    
    

__________________________________________________

STEP 5

• Run an online scan with ESET from
  Free Virus Scan: Use ESET's Online Antivirus Scanner
  
  
  • You
    must
    use Internet Explorer for this online scan. FireFox, Opera, etc will not work for this scan.
    
    
  • If your computer is running Window's Vista, then you
    must first
    start Internet Explorer as an Administrator. To do so, right-click on the
    Internet Explorer
    icon in the Start Menu and select "
    Run as administrator
    " from the popup context menu.
    
    
   
  • Accept the terms and click "Start".
    
    
  • Once the scanner is ready, check "Remove found threats" AND "Scan unwanted applications".
    
    
  • Click "Start" to begin the scan.
    
    
  • When completed restart your computer
    
    

__________________________________________________

Make sure your internet firewall security is enabled, and then please return to

Extreme Tech Support - Free PC Help

and tell us how the computer seems to be operating.

At that time, you will receive instructions to assist you in removing malicious programs from your Add/Remove program list if warranted.

 

If required this is the download link for

TrendMicro™ HijackThis™

Unless instructed to by the Technician helping you then do not download this tool.

 

Once you and the Technician agree that your system appears to be clean then you should delete all your System Restore points and recreate a new one.

Please follow the instructions here

How to turn off and turn on System Restore in Windows XP

How to turn off and turn on System Restore in Windows Vista

 

__________________

[Seth]

Was IE fine before downloading the updates/sp3?

 

Try an IE7 reset:

 

1.Open Internet Explorer 7. 2.Click Tools, and then click Internet Options. 3.Click the Advanced tab. 4.Under Reset Internet Explorer Settings, click Reset.

[BeeCeeBee]

Hi Seth,

The thing is I had the same problem when I tried alternative Browsers

[Seth]

Does the problem occur in Safe Mode With Networking?

[BeeCeeBee]

I never thought to try but I now have and it is no better. I still am wondering about those registry entries for IE they look to me to be in conflict but If I really knew about those things I would not be here.

 

Also I have not as yet followed the process suggested by Wolfey and I will if he thinks it necessary but, in addition to a scan by spybot, norton and AVG I also did one with avast before I switched to AVG. I do intend to switch back to Avast.

 

The only reason I question this is that the Drive was reformatted only on Sunday and all these scans followed. While I did go to several "tools" sites they could not be the source of the problem because I would not have gone there unless it already existed.

[RandyL]

I'll just try to summarize here in order to facilitate.

 

1. You recently formatted which I assume means you reinstalled Windows. You said you did this Sunday the 5th of October, correct?

 

2. This should have put your system back to factory specs and everything should work perfect. After all it did when this computer was new.

 

3. You ran an un-updated Norton scan and an inferior AVG scan. When did you run these? Before or after you installed additional programs?

 

4. On the 9th of October 4 days after the reinstall your HJT partial log shows poker programs etc.

 

5. You have not run our malware scans after installing dubvious programs after the reinstall of Windows.

 

You stated that you had been infested before. You have reinstalled. Your partial log shows a possibility of an infestation. It seems you are reinstalling malware programs.

 

In my opinion you are installing malicious software immediately after reinstalling Windows. This is most likely the source of your problems. It only takes one piece of software. Also you need to install a current decent AV immediately and update it.

 

A system can not run properly if you deliberately install malicious programs.

You also need to install and update a GOOD AV.

After a reinstall this seems obvious.

[Dalo Harkin]

As Randy has said - the VERY first thing that you should do upon reformatting/reinstalling is run any updates in terms of Service packs and MS updates/optional hardware updates through windows and then before ANY other programs are installed the AV and the FIREWALL need to go on!

And if you wanted to a RESTORE POINT created or an image taken and then install any programs you wish - but be aware that if you do not know the source of the programs for example torrents or illegal sites/copied software then the chances are that this is where you problem lies.

[BeeCeeBee]

First and again, thank you all. I feel like a pest but I really want to get it right if I can. I am going to make a few points, wait and then do what I am told. I have noticed a few things.

 

1. It was my fault that the computer became infacted and I know exatly what I did. I did download a bad torrent and avast warned me. Like an idiot I failed to scan the file before I started to use it. It was an .rar file with an installer attached. When I began to open it Avast went crazy and I kept followint directions but I think I let a few by and it was a killer.

 

2. I only installed AVG because the guy at PC world said it was better than avast. OK I am going back to avast.

 

3. Any documents that I reinstalled after reloading XP from the Toshiba disc were scanned by avast before I wiped the disc clean and by both Norton and AVG after. I did not download spybot until after I felt I had a problem.

 

3.I did not take Part Poker from the old computer but downloaded new. I do enjoy using it small time and always believed it to be pretty reputable. At the same time they did do a major upgrade in the last week or so.

 

4. In addition to everything else I have said I have noticed 2 other things.

At some point after a restart Spybot seems to warn me af a new registry entry for System32/cftmon.exe

 

I also noticed that there is some minor uploading and downloading (the little icon flashing) even when I am doing nothing. Since I use a wireless connection I am assuming that it may just be my laptop checking in with the router but I I dont know enough to assume. I have kept a record of the packets sent and received over a half hour and if anyone thinks that is meningful I will send it on.

 

You probably should also be aware of how I use utorrents. As an American in Ireland I like to download US shows that I pay for over there anyway with my cable service. So I have no guilt feelings and have had no problems until I got stupid.

 

Also despite my profile I am almost 65 years old and was smart enough to find you guys so please don't yell at me.

 

OK now I am going to sit back and wait for a while and then follow instructions.

 

Really thanks, you are appreciated!!!

[Goku]

Hello and Welcome to FPCH Bee. :)

 

Most tech sites frown upon the use of P2P programs because they are mostly used to trade copyrighted materials and are a major source of infection like your case rightly exhibits. For all we know, you might be using the P2P system fairly but I would recommend you not to continue with it or at least have proper protection before downloading a torrent. I personally use Avira AntiVir and think it offers the best free protection out there. If you want to install an Antivirus on your computer, then it better be Avira or Avast than AVG. If you are willing to pay for online security, then Nod32 will offer you the best protection there is.

 

Coming back to your problem, run your computer through the Malware procedure. I am no expert in the Malware removal field but your log does seem to show some infections or rather their remnants. Running the procedure on the affected computer will hopefully fix the problem you face. If not, then it will eliminate the possibility of infection.

 

The loading times might also slow down if there are processes running which make the use of internet, in the background. Does the poker game, you mention, use an active internet connection? If yes, then I would recommend you to uninstall it for the meantime. There might be safe alternatives that we will look for when you have your problem sorted.

 

Hope that clears the confusion. :)

 

-- Goku

[BeeCeeBee]

Thanks Goku.

 

One last question. I am comfortable downloading avast again but is there any advantage to avira? Should I do this before or after I follow the instructions.

 

I am going to follow the detailed instructions given yesterday. In my defence the first thing I did after getting online was update the Norton. I then used it to scan the files on the portable hard drive. I also have come to realise that there are reputable torrent providers whose torrents I have downloaded before without problems and there is also the occaisional jerk who must take pleasure in making others miserable. I should have realised that torrent just didnt look right. Also I never steal music or movies or games from anyone. Just the plain old ordinary free to air programs that don't get broadcast over here.

 

I have already dumped party Poker but do want to download it again. There is an internet version and a program download. I suppose I could stick to just the internet if you think it may pose a problem.

 

Many thanks and if there is nothing further to add in the next while or so I will get started.

[Goku]

I definitely think that Avira is better over Avast but then my opinion might be biased. I will just say this; on a recent poll conducted over one of the other boards of the internet for a free Antivirus alternative, Avira topped the poll according to general consensus. Avast came out second and AVG the third. AVG is disreputed because it is highly targeted by Malware writers as is Norton and McAfee. Though, if you choose Avira, I might guide you more easily among the configuration as I more used to it. The choice is yours to make.

 

Dumping Party Poker is a very good idea as it is not appealing to compromise privacy for entertainment. As I said before, we will look up some alternatives for it when we are done through with your problem.

 

There are no preliminary preparations before performing the procedure so you may as well get started on it. Just post back when you are done with it. I will post some tips to configure Avira efficiently, if of course you choose it. If not, then do a full system scan with whatever Antivirus you go with after you are done with the procedure.

 

Thats all you need to know. Good Luck.

 

-- Goku

Edited October 10, 2008 by Dalo Harkin

[Dalo Harkin]

We do not condone the use of p2p programs, whether you are using them innocently or not - we cannot get involved in p2p issues, it's in our policy.

I think that you have enough of an answer to move on and I am closing this thread -