Removed Spyware returns despite cleanings

Tech-Archive recommends: Repair Windows Errors & Optimize Windows Performance

From: Ron (anonymous_at_discussions.microsoft.com)
Date: 09/21/04 

Date: Mon, 20 Sep 2004 22:13:11 -0700

Hi,

I have posted and received replies to my spyware/malware
question a while back but I can't relocate the thread
(even though I found it upon 'search').

I run WinsXP home ed., and IE 6.

In a nutshell:
I chased a hundred or more Spywares off my PC by
following a stringent detecting and cleansing protocol
prescribed to me here by a consultant. (Including the
various AV scans, Ad-Aware SE, Spybot-Search & Destroy,
SpywareBlaster, WinPatrol, etc., etc.
I disabled System Restore, ran 'safe' mode, and followed
every instruction accurately. And it seemed to work.
Scans eventually showed no further Spyware. (No viruses
were present). I set up a Sygate Firewall (freeware)
which appears to be closely screening any intruding sites
trying to get into my system.

Problem: when I leave safe mode and allow 'normal' boot,
then fire up my browser, I almost immediately see Spyware
seizing my PC. The screen slows a virtual halt, but I
see the hard drive working diligently to re-infest my
system.
Sure enough, when I run Spybot I see 70-100 Spyware
entries. Interestingly, Ad-Aware only shows a few along
with some 'negligible' items.

If I can manage to navigate through websites and carry
out operations without masive delays should I just "live"
with these infections? My PC seems to be running better
than when it was first infected, possibly because my
Sygate firewall seems more vigilant.

Any thoughts as to how I can obtain better protection? (I
KNOW I should have just reformated my CD, but I wanted
to learn about protecting my system through hands on
experience).

 

Relevant Pages

  • Re: Removed Spyware returns despite cleanings
    ... >>Scans eventually showed no further Spyware. ... >>which appears to be closely screening any intruding ... >>Sygate firewall seems more vigilant. ... >>Any thoughts as to how I can obtain better protection? ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.general)
  • Re: Unwanted Security Toolbar
    ... Disable the e-mail scanning function during installation (Custom ... It includes ANTI-SPYWARE protection, certified by the West Coast Labs ... (add it to your arsenal and use it as a "second opinion" av scanner). ... WD monitors the start-registry and hooks registers/files to prevent spyware ...
    (microsoft.public.security.virus)
  • Re: Spyware is only a marketing gimmick?
    ... > a decent job at protecting your system from spyware. ... > for separate antispyware applications is not required provided the AV ... > protection is adequate to prevent such things. ... Matt Gibson - GSEC ...
    (microsoft.public.security.virus)
  • Re: Mac Spyware?
    ... the best protection because malware is not the only threat. ... I don't know much about Mac virus protection ... If any Mac user tells you that there is no spyware on Macs, ... But spyware can be put on a machine using those security holes. ...
    (comp.sys.mac.advocacy)
  • Re: Removed Spyware returns despite cleanings
    ... Also locate the folder named "Prefetch" in the windows directory. ... >> which appears to be closely screening any intruding sites ... >> then fire up my browser, I almost immediately see Spyware ... >> Any thoughts as to how I can obtain better protection? ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.general)