Only three things could have happened :
1. User wrong/s/
You ,or your wife , have deleted the files somehow and manually.
Have cleaned them via some utility (but I doubt !!!)
2. Malware infection
You have a virus that has deleted your files
3. Hacker has entered into your PC
So...the sollutions :
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/security/expert/russel_infectedpc.mspx
Microsoft MVP Charlie Russel's article about Dealing with malware
Really good and detailed
http://www.pandasoftware.com/products/activescan/com/activescan_principal.htm
Panda Software free Active Scan,where you can check your
PC for ALL TYPES of security threats and clean viruses and worms
In this Panda web-site you'll be able to check for hacking tools.
If a hacking tool/s/ is found,you need to get a trial version of Panda
version that would clean it.
To prevent hackers and hackers activities you certainly need a firewall .
!!! It is very important to know that you REALLY SHOULD
use only one firewall (to prevent software conflict ) !!!
Firewall is a protective barrier between your PC and the outside world.
It protects you from hackers and other intruders from gaining
remote access to your PC and also from viruses and network worms (like
Sasser).
It also makes your PC invisiable for hacker softwares and
even if hackers find your PC it will block the attack.
Firewalls scans all your incoming (or outgoing) traffic and
immediately block it if it is unsolicated.
** Windows XP **
has integrated firewall -
Internet Connection Firewall (ICF) for SP1 and
Windows Firewall (WF) for SP2
is full firewall ,suitable for all kind of users and connections.
Windows Firewall is designed especially for home users with
not very big computer literacy and that's why it works almost
automatically,asks rarely !
When using it,check the Exception list .
If you are home user and do not want to play network games,exchange files
over chat
or you are connected to internet via none/less secure server, you can check
" Don't allow exception "
This guarantees you maximum protection!
Start - Settings - Contol Panel - Windows Firewall .See its settings.
because ICF is partial firewall made for direct internet connection only
** Windows versions different from XP **
They do not have integrated firewall and they are not protected
from hackers and intruders,network viruses and etc.
They MUST use software firewall.So choose one firewall
You may get Zone Alarm personal (free) from :
http://www.zonelabs.com
Microsoft
suggests 3 + 1 general steps how to protect
your PC and the infomation stored on it,
your privacy and your family
1.Use an internet firewall
2.Enable Automatic Updates for your PC
3.Use an antivirus software
4.Use antispyware software
Goto
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security and learn more
Check the Security Essentials for your OS and also have a look at all
sections!
Panda_man
" Let's beat malware black and blue"
" No new epidemic of all kind of malware -> Panda TruPrevent"
