MAP said:
Install a better firewall here is a free one.
http://smb.sygate.com/free/spf_download.php
I agree that there are better firewalls, but I would first find out what
is shutting down the Windows one. Certainly you should look in the
Event Viewer for clues, but you really should begin by doing a scan
with a current version (not earlier than 2003) antivirus using updated
definitions. Run your scan in Safe Mode. Then continue your cleaning by
removing any other malware, as follows:
Remove spyware with Spybot Search & Destroy (
www.safer-networking.org)
and Ad-aware (
www.lavasoftusa.com). These programs are free, so use
them both since they complement each other. There is a new version of
CWShredder from
http://www.intermute.com/spysubtract/cwshredder_download.html. I would
not install the other Intermute programs, however. Alternately, there
are CoolWebSearch malware removal steps at
http://www.silentrunners.org/sr_cwsremoval.html. A combination of
HijackThis and About:Buster (
http://www.majorgeeks.com) works well in
removing homepage hijackers. Always read the instructions before
running a spyware removal tool. Be sure to update these programs before
running, and it is a good idea to do virus/spyware scans in Safe Mode.
Make sure you are able to see all hidden files and extensions (View tab
in Folder Options).
Again, make sure you do all scans in Safe Mode. Then if you want a more
full-featured firewall, the free Sygate one MAP referenced is good - I
use that one here on the Windows boxen - or the free ZoneAlarm program
is also good.
Malke
