What could have happened was there was an update that got stuck partially done, and with the partial startup configurations, got a chance to finish. I have seen things get fixed for no good reason whatsoever, before, so I am not too surprised.
We generally leave these threads open for about 10 days before marking them inactive. So if you could run your computer for a couple days, make sure that you reboot a couple times at least during that period, that will give any problem a chance to come back.
I am going to give you the all clear speech. There are a few things for you to do, and there is some information that you may find useful in the future.
Cleaning out Temporary Files etc. There are several different products that you can use for this. You can go thru the Internet Options in the windows Control Panel. There are several programs that also do the job better than windows does it, in my opinion. There is
System Security Suite,
EasyCleaner,
Ccleaner. Also sometimes other program sometimes do it as well as what you originally got it for like ZoneAlarm Security Suite. Just make sure to keep them updated and use them regularly.
Disable and Enable System Restore.
I recommend you turn off System restore, and then turn it back on so that you will not be able to restore your problems to a clean computer.
For XP use these instructions,
Windows XP System Restore Guide Reboot
Re-enable system restore with instructions from tutorial above
Create a System Restore PointGo to all programs, then to accessories, then to system tools, then to system restore. Check the box for create restore point (not select a restore point), then click next and follow the instructions.
Make your Internet Explorer more secure - This can be done by following these simple instructions: (unless you are using ZoneAlarm Security Suite or something similar, then you would secure the browser thru the firewall). There are some good basic instructions for that
here.
Use a different browser other than IE (most exploits are pointed towards IE). One of them is
Firefox.
It is also worth trying
Thunderbird for controlling spam in your e-mail.
Always use an UPDATED anti-virus program Make sure you update this at least weekly, if not more often. This is one thing that may Ave you more than anything else.
Run malware scanners. Three free ones are
Spybot Search and Destroy, and
AdAware and
Malwarebytes' Anti-MalwareAlways use a firewall. Any firewall is better than none, and you should pick a firewall that you will use, as even the best firewall is worthless if you turn it off.
Learn how to use your firewall Only programs that need it should have access to the net. But these are specific to the firewall you use, so you will need to learn how. Several firewalls have support forums here. My page will help you with ZoneAlarm if that is what you choose.
Never run two Antivirus programs or two Firewalls at the same time. They can interfere with each other and cause problems. Some people swear that more protection is provided, but the reverse is true. They tend to argue amongst themselves and end up leaving holes. Now I have more than 1 AV installed on my computer, and I keep them up to date. I only run one at a time, but each program has weakness's, so I keep a backup in case my computer starts acting up.
MOST IMPORTANT : Windows and IE, and whatever other software that you have that connects to the net, needs to be kept updated. The reason is, these programs connect to the net, and if there is an internal security problem, you have already told your firewall to allow the communication, and thus you will have allowed a hole. UPDATES are important. I suggest that you make sure that Windows Updates and the updates for your antivirus and antimalware programs are set for automatic updates. I also suggest running
Secunia PSI. It will monitor the software you have installed and let you know when something needs to be updated.
Don't ever use P2P or filesharing software Even the safest P2P file sharing programs that do not contain bundled spyware, still expose you to risks because of the very nature of the P2P file sharing process. By default, most P2P file sharing programs are configured to automatically launch at startup. They are also configured to allow other P2P users on the same network open access to a shared directory on your computer. The reason for this is simple. File sharing relies on its members giving and gaining unfettered access to computers across the P2P network. However, this practice can make you vulnerable to data and identity theft. Even if you change those risky default settings to a safer configuration, the act of downloading files from an anonymous source greatly increases your exposure to infection. That is because the files you are downloading may actually contain a disguised threat. Many very malicious worms and trojans, such as the Storm Worm, target and spread across P2P files sharing networks because of their known vulnerabilities.
Before using any malware detection / removal software Check with
Rogue/Suspect Spyware List and
Rogue Applications List That way you will know if the program you are looking at is on the up and up. If you want to know how it stacks up against other programs check out
SpywareWarriorWe have a good guide here at
Spyware Hammer on how to prevent Malware in the Future. You might want to peruse this and follow the recommendations in there.
PLEASE READ IT AND FOLLOW THE RECOMMENDATIONS TO PROTECT YOURSELF.
Let us know if you have any more problems, either new or old.
Have a good time surfing the net, but stay safe.
If you have no more problems, let me know and I will mark this as resolved. Or if you have more questions, ask away, that is why I am here.
