SP3 will not install but no error message

glee · Apr 13, 2010

Exactly, and if it's been sitting there for very long, it may well have

invited root kits aboard.....which is why I have been suggesting

(withoput success) that the OP run a scan from outside Windows, i.e. an

boot CD AV scan.

"PA Bear [MS MVP]" wrote in message

news:O33writ2KHA.4336@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...

> Could be a rogue!

>

> Sunbelt Blog: Fake Microsoft Antispyware Center:

> http://sunbeltblog.blogspot.com/2007/10/fake-microsoft-antispyware-center.html

>

> McAfee Labs Blog: AntiSpyStorm: Fake Microsoft AntiSpyware Center

> pushing Adware

> http://www.avertlabs.com/research/b...-microsoft-antispyware-center-pushing-adware/

>

> Fake Microsoft AntiSpyware Site Aims For Credit Card Numbers

> http://www.informationweek.com/news/internet/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=202401707

>

>

> LewB wrote:

>> In Program Files this is listed as Microsoft Antispyware and has 3

>> folders

>> Deactivated Items, Quarantined, and TempUpdates and 13 files and 17MB

>> total

>> size. Modified on %-% 2006. Perhaps as someone suggested this could

>> be

>> Windows Defender? There is a separate listing for Defender that has

>> a 2007

>> date but the file makeup is much different and has only 4.5MB. I

>> tried to

>> copy this for your review but it won't take here...and I can't copy

>> it as

>> text to Word to send it along either.

>> Lew

>>

>>> On Mon, 12 Apr 2010 09:44:01 -0700, LewB

>>> wrote:

>>>

>>>> I have Microsoft Antispyware Program on this computer, apparently

>>>> there

>>>> since 2006.

>>>

>>>

>>> There is no program with that name. Please clarify exactly what you

>>> mean. Do you mean Defender?

>>>

>>>

>>>

>>>> Was this the predecessor of the MSE program and needs to be

>>>> removed before downloading MSE? I should be able to disable the

>>>> McAfee

>>>> and then run the MSE to see how the two compare?

>>>

>>>

>>> MSE is much better than McAfee.

>>>

>>>

>>>

>>>> I haven't tackled the somewhat involved process recommended by

>>>> Glen and

>>>> for home use question if this is a bit of "overkill"?

>>>> Also I downloaded, installed and ran Malwarebytes and it came

>>>> up with

>>>> two items after hours of full scanning and these were removed. I

>>>> also

>>>> downloaded and installed and ran SuperAntiSpyware and it found

>>>> three items

>>>> from AdWare. What do you folks think about the Spyblaster program

>>>> and

>>>> AdWare?

>>>

>>>

>>>

>>> They are OK, but not a good as Malwarebytes and SuperAntiSpyware. I

>>> would run them *instead* of Malwarebytes and SuperAntiSpyware, but I

>>> don't object to also running them.

>>>

>>>

>>>> I don't know if this thread is being followed by all so will

>>>> copy this

>>>> comment to the others. Thanks.

>>>> Lew

>>>>

>>>>

>>>>

>>>>

>>>> "Ken Blake, MVP" wrote:

>>>>

>>>>> On Tue, 6 Apr 2010 18:17:01 -0700, LewB

>>>>> wrote:

>>>>>

>>>>>> Ok I then would appreciate your best suggestion, free or

>>>>>> otherwise. The

>>>>>> computer store that did some diagnostics for me said they like

>>>>>> Spyseeper

>>>>>> antivirus from Webroot. I had their basic program spyware

>>>>>> program for a

>>>>>> number of years before their antivirus program became available.

>>>>>> There

>>>>>> should be some consensus of opinion from those of you that follow

>>>>>> these

>>>>>> matters closely as to the best two or three or four one should

>>>>>> consider.

>>>>>> Thanks.

>>>>>

>>>>>

>>>>> Here are my recommendations:

>>>>>

>>>>> Get one of the following anti-virus programs

>>>>>

>>>>> The best--NOD32

>>>>>

>>>>> Free and almost as good--Avira, Avast, or Microsoft Security

>>>>> Essentials (as I said in my last message).

>>>>>

>>>>> Also get at least the following two anti-spyware programs (both

>>>>> freeware)--MalwareBytes Anti-Malware and SuperAntiSpyware. Having

>>>>> more

>>>>> than two is even better, but don't run them at the same time.

>>>>>

>>>>>

>>>>>

>>>>>> "Ken Blake, MVP" wrote:

>>>>>>

>>>>>>> On Tue, 6 Apr 2010 08:44:11 -0700, LewB

>>>>>>> wrote:

>>>>>>>

>>>>>>>> Finally a computer wise person said

>>>>>>>> McAfee was available through my cable system (Cox) at no cost

>>>>>>>> so I

>>>>>>>> went for it.

>>>>>>>

>>>>>>>

>>>>>>> Ugh! There are several better anti-virus programs available for

>>>>>>> free:

>>>>>>> Avira, Avast, and Microsoft Security Essentials.

>>>>>>>

>>>>>>>

>>>>>>>> I have always considered it to be in the same league as Norton,

>>>>>>>> etc. I

>>>>>>>

>>>>>>>

>>>>>>> LOL! Yes, it's in *exactly* the same league as Norton. As far as

>>>>>>> I

>>>>>>> (and many others here) am concerned those are the two worst

>>>>>>> anti-virus

>>>>>>> programs available.

>>>>>>>

>>>>>>> It's a big shame, as far as I'm concerned. Twenty years or so

>>>>>>> ago,

>>>>>>> McAfee was the best such program available, Then Norton took

>>>>>>> over as

>>>>>>> the best. But today, Norton is the worst, and McAfee is second

>>>>>>> worst.

>>>>>>> What happened to them and why they went from the top to the

>>>>>>> bottom, I

>>>>>>> don't know.

--

Glen Ventura, MS MVP Oct. 2002 - Sept. 2009

A+

http://dts-l.net/

Ken Blake, MVP · Apr 13, 2010

On Mon, 12 Apr 2010 21:25:01 -0700, LewB

wrote:

> In Program Files this is listed as Microsoft Antispyware and has 3 folders

> Deactivated Items, Quarantined, and TempUpdates and 13 files and 17MB total

> size. Modified on %-% 2006. Perhaps as someone suggested this could be

> Windows Defender?

To my surprise (I didn't remember this at all) Windows Defender was

formerly known as Microsoft Antispyware. See

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microsoft_AntiSpyware

That means you have a *very* old version of it, which you should get

rid of.

> "Ken Blake, MVP" wrote:

>

> > On Mon, 12 Apr 2010 09:44:01 -0700, LewB

> > wrote:

> >

> > > I have Microsoft Antispyware Program on this computer, apparently there

> > > since 2006.

> >

> >

> > There is no program with that name. Please clarify exactly what you

> > mean. Do you mean Defender?

> >

> >

> >

> > > Was this the predecessor of the MSE program and needs to be

> > > removed before downloading MSE? I should be able to disable the McAfee and

> > > then run the MSE to see how the two compare?

> >

> >

> > MSE is much better than McAfee.

> >

> >

> >

> > > I haven't tackled the somewhat involved process recommended by Glen and

> > > for home use question if this is a bit of "overkill"?

> > > Also I downloaded, installed and ran Malwarebytes and it came up with

> > > two items after hours of full scanning and these were removed. I also

> > > downloaded and installed and ran SuperAntiSpyware and it found three items

> > > from AdWare. What do you folks think about the Spyblaster program and AdWare?

> >

> >

> >

> > They are OK, but not a good as Malwarebytes and SuperAntiSpyware. I

> > would run them *instead* of Malwarebytes and SuperAntiSpyware, but I

> > don't object to also running them.

> >

> >

> > > I don't know if this thread is being followed by all so will copy this

> > > comment to the others. Thanks.

> > > Lew

> > >

> > >

> > > --

> > > LJB

> > >

> > >

> > > "Ken Blake, MVP" wrote:

> > >

> > > > On Tue, 6 Apr 2010 18:17:01 -0700, LewB

> > > > wrote:

> > > >

> > > > > Ok I then would appreciate your best suggestion, free or otherwise. The

> > > > > computer store that did some diagnostics for me said they like Spyseeper

> > > > > antivirus from Webroot. I had their basic program spyware program for a

> > > > > number of years before their antivirus program became available. There

> > > > > should be some consensus of opinion from those of you that follow these

> > > > > matters closely as to the best two or three or four one should consider.

> > > > > Thanks.

> > > >

> > > >

> > > > Here are my recommendations:

> > > >

> > > > Get one of the following anti-virus programs

> > > >

> > > > The best--NOD32

> > > >

> > > > Free and almost as good--Avira, Avast, or Microsoft Security

> > > > Essentials (as I said in my last message).

> > > >

> > > > Also get at least the following two anti-spyware programs (both

> > > > freeware)--MalwareBytes Anti-Malware and SuperAntiSpyware. Having more

> > > > than two is even better, but don't run them at the same time.

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > > > > "Ken Blake, MVP" wrote:

> > > > >

> > > > > > On Tue, 6 Apr 2010 08:44:11 -0700, LewB

> > > > > > wrote:

> > > > > >

> > > > > > > Finally a computer wise person said

> > > > > > > McAfee was available through my cable system (Cox) at no cost so I went for

> > > > > > > it.

> > > > > >

> > > > > >

> > > > > > Ugh! There are several better anti-virus programs available for free:

> > > > > > Avira, Avast, and Microsoft Security Essentials.

> > > > > >

> > > > > >

> > > > > > > I have always considered it to be in the same league as Norton, etc. I

> > > > > >

> > > > > >

> > > > > > LOL! Yes, it's in *exactly* the same league as Norton. As far as I

> > > > > > (and many others here) am concerned those are the two worst anti-virus

> > > > > > programs available.

> > > > > >

> > > > > > It's a big shame, as far as I'm concerned. Twenty years or so ago,

> > > > > > McAfee was the best such program available, Then Norton took over as

> > > > > > the best. But today, Norton is the worst, and McAfee is second worst.

> > > > > > What happened to them and why they went from the top to the bottom, I

> > > > > > don't know.

> > > > > >

> > > > > > --

> > > > > > Ken Blake, Microsoft MVP (Windows Desktop Experience) since 2003

> > > > > > Please Reply to the Newsgroup

> > > > > > .

> > > > > >

> > > >

> > > > --

> > > > Ken Blake, Microsoft MVP (Windows Desktop Experience) since 2003

> > > > Please Reply to the Newsgroup

> > > > .

> > > >

> >

> > --

> > Ken Blake, Microsoft MVP (Windows Desktop Experience) since 2003

> > Please Reply to the Newsgroup

> > .

> >

--

Ken Blake, Microsoft MVP (Windows Desktop Experience) since 2003

Please Reply to the Newsgroup

LewB · Apr 13, 2010

The tutorial suggests I make the boot disc on a "clean" computer, not the one

the boot scan is to be used. I have another WIndows computer but there are

similar questions on it regarding viruses/malware. And it has McAfee on it

from Cox. So what if I make the boot disc on it and then use it to boot on

this computer? I have a Mac desktop but you cannot make a Windows boot disc

on that system according to their tech support. I did download the file to

the Mac but when opened only computer gobbledegook comes up. Ken suggests

removing Microsoft Antispyware but do I run an outside scan first before

removal? Clarification of "OP"....Odd Person, Old Person, Operator, or

something else?

Lew

--

LJB

"glee" wrote:

> Exactly, and if it's been sitting there for very long, it may well have

> invited root kits aboard.....which is why I have been suggesting

> (withoput success) that the OP run a scan from outside Windows, i.e. an

> boot CD AV scan.

>

>

> "PA Bear [MS MVP]" wrote in message

> news:O33writ2KHA.4336@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...

> > Could be a rogue!

> >

> > Sunbelt Blog: Fake Microsoft Antispyware Center:

> > http://sunbeltblog.blogspot.com/2007/10/fake-microsoft-antispyware-center.html

> >

> > McAfee Labs Blog: AntiSpyStorm: Fake Microsoft AntiSpyware Center

> > pushing Adware

> > http://www.avertlabs.com/research/b...-microsoft-antispyware-center-pushing-adware/

> >

> > Fake Microsoft AntiSpyware Site Aims For Credit Card Numbers

> > http://www.informationweek.com/news/internet/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=202401707

> >

> >

> > LewB wrote:

> >> In Program Files this is listed as Microsoft Antispyware and has 3

> >> folders

> >> Deactivated Items, Quarantined, and TempUpdates and 13 files and 17MB

> >> total

> >> size. Modified on %-% 2006. Perhaps as someone suggested this could

> >> be

> >> Windows Defender? There is a separate listing for Defender that has

> >> a 2007

> >> date but the file makeup is much different and has only 4.5MB. I

> >> tried to

> >> copy this for your review but it won't take here...and I can't copy

> >> it as

> >> text to Word to send it along either.

> >> Lew

> >>

> >>> On Mon, 12 Apr 2010 09:44:01 -0700, LewB

> >>> wrote:

> >>>

> >>>> I have Microsoft Antispyware Program on this computer, apparently

> >>>> there

> >>>> since 2006.

> >>>

> >>>

> >>> There is no program with that name. Please clarify exactly what you

> >>> mean. Do you mean Defender?

> >>>

> >>>

> >>>

> >>>> Was this the predecessor of the MSE program and needs to be

> >>>> removed before downloading MSE? I should be able to disable the

> >>>> McAfee

> >>>> and then run the MSE to see how the two compare?

> >>>

> >>>

> >>> MSE is much better than McAfee.

> >>>

> >>>

> >>>

> >>>> I haven't tackled the somewhat involved process recommended by

> >>>> Glen and

> >>>> for home use question if this is a bit of "overkill"?

> >>>> Also I downloaded, installed and ran Malwarebytes and it came

> >>>> up with

> >>>> two items after hours of full scanning and these were removed. I

> >>>> also

> >>>> downloaded and installed and ran SuperAntiSpyware and it found

> >>>> three items

> >>>> from AdWare. What do you folks think about the Spyblaster program

> >>>> and

> >>>> AdWare?

> >>>

> >>>

> >>>

> >>> They are OK, but not a good as Malwarebytes and SuperAntiSpyware. I

> >>> would run them *instead* of Malwarebytes and SuperAntiSpyware, but I

> >>> don't object to also running them.

> >>>

> >>>

> >>>> I don't know if this thread is being followed by all so will

> >>>> copy this

> >>>> comment to the others. Thanks.

> >>>> Lew

> >>>>

> >>>>

>

> >>>>

> >>>>

> >>>> "Ken Blake, MVP" wrote:

> >>>>

> >>>>> On Tue, 6 Apr 2010 18:17:01 -0700, LewB

> >>>>> wrote:

> >>>>>

> >>>>>> Ok I then would appreciate your best suggestion, free or

> >>>>>> otherwise. The

> >>>>>> computer store that did some diagnostics for me said they like

> >>>>>> Spyseeper

> >>>>>> antivirus from Webroot. I had their basic program spyware

> >>>>>> program for a

> >>>>>> number of years before their antivirus program became available.

> >>>>>> There

> >>>>>> should be some consensus of opinion from those of you that follow

> >>>>>> these

> >>>>>> matters closely as to the best two or three or four one should

> >>>>>> consider.

> >>>>>> Thanks.

> >>>>>

> >>>>>

> >>>>> Here are my recommendations:

> >>>>>

> >>>>> Get one of the following anti-virus programs

> >>>>>

> >>>>> The best--NOD32

> >>>>>

> >>>>> Free and almost as good--Avira, Avast, or Microsoft Security

> >>>>> Essentials (as I said in my last message).

> >>>>>

> >>>>> Also get at least the following two anti-spyware programs (both

> >>>>> freeware)--MalwareBytes Anti-Malware and SuperAntiSpyware. Having

> >>>>> more

> >>>>> than two is even better, but don't run them at the same time.

> >>>>>

> >>>>>

> >>>>>

> >>>>>> "Ken Blake, MVP" wrote:

> >>>>>>

> >>>>>>> On Tue, 6 Apr 2010 08:44:11 -0700, LewB

> >>>>>>> wrote:

> >>>>>>>

> >>>>>>>> Finally a computer wise person said

> >>>>>>>> McAfee was available through my cable system (Cox) at no cost

> >>>>>>>> so I

> >>>>>>>> went for it.

> >>>>>>>

> >>>>>>>

> >>>>>>> Ugh! There are several better anti-virus programs available for

> >>>>>>> free:

> >>>>>>> Avira, Avast, and Microsoft Security Essentials.

> >>>>>>>

> >>>>>>>

> >>>>>>>> I have always considered it to be in the same league as Norton,

> >>>>>>>> etc. I

> >>>>>>>

> >>>>>>>

> >>>>>>> LOL! Yes, it's in *exactly* the same league as Norton. As far as

> >>>>>>> I

> >>>>>>> (and many others here) am concerned those are the two worst

> >>>>>>> anti-virus

> >>>>>>> programs available.

> >>>>>>>

> >>>>>>> It's a big shame, as far as I'm concerned. Twenty years or so

> >>>>>>> ago,

> >>>>>>> McAfee was the best such program available, Then Norton took

> >>>>>>> over as

> >>>>>>> the best. But today, Norton is the worst, and McAfee is second

> >>>>>>> worst.

> >>>>>>> What happened to them and why they went from the top to the

> >>>>>>> bottom, I

> >>>>>>> don't know.

>

> --

> Glen Ventura, MS MVP Oct. 2002 - Sept. 2009

> A+

> http://dts-l.net/

>

> .

>

PA Bear [MS MVP] · Apr 13, 2010

If such was the case, Ken, OP would have had Defender Beta installed...which

would have had to be uninstalled (IIRC) before Defender RTW could be

installed. No, I suspect it's a rogue, one that's been present on the

system for several years.

Ken Blake, MVP wrote:

> On Mon, 12 Apr 2010 21:25:01 -0700, LewB

> wrote:

>

>> In Program Files this is listed as Microsoft Antispyware and has 3

>> folders

>> Deactivated Items, Quarantined, and TempUpdates and 13 files and 17MB

>> total

>> size. Modified on %-% 2006. Perhaps as someone suggested this could be

>> Windows Defender?

>

>

> To my surprise (I didn't remember this at all) Windows Defender was

> formerly known as Microsoft Antispyware. See

>

> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microsoft_AntiSpyware

>

>

> That means you have a *very* old version of it, which you should get

> rid of.

>

>

>> "Ken Blake, MVP" wrote:

>>

>>> On Mon, 12 Apr 2010 09:44:01 -0700, LewB

>>> wrote:

>>>

>>>> I have Microsoft Antispyware Program on this computer, apparently

>>>> there

>>>> since 2006.

>>>

>>>

>>> There is no program with that name. Please clarify exactly what you

>>> mean. Do you mean Defender?

>>>

>>>

>>>

>>>> Was this the predecessor of the MSE program and needs to be

>>>> removed before downloading MSE? I should be able to disable the McAfee

>>>> and then run the MSE to see how the two compare?

>>>

>>>

>>> MSE is much better than McAfee.

>>>

>>>

>>>

>>>> I haven't tackled the somewhat involved process recommended by Glen

>>>> and for home use question if this is a bit of "overkill"?

>>>> Also I downloaded, installed and ran Malwarebytes and it came up

>>>> with

>>>> two items after hours of full scanning and these were removed. I also

>>>> downloaded and installed and ran SuperAntiSpyware and it found three

>>>> items from AdWare. What do you folks think about the Spyblaster

>>>> program

>>>> and AdWare?

>>>

>>>

>>>

>>> They are OK, but not a good as Malwarebytes and SuperAntiSpyware. I

>>> would run them *instead* of Malwarebytes and SuperAntiSpyware, but I

>>> don't object to also running them.

>>>

>>>

>>>> I don't know if this thread is being followed by all so will copy

>>>> this

>>>> comment to the others. Thanks.

>>>> Lew

>>>>

>>>>

>>>> --

>>>> LJB

>>>>

>>>>

>>>> "Ken Blake, MVP" wrote:

>>>>

>>>>> On Tue, 6 Apr 2010 18:17:01 -0700, LewB

>>>>> wrote:

>>>>>

>>>>>> Ok I then would appreciate your best suggestion, free or otherwise.

>>>>>> The computer store that did some diagnostics for me said they like

>>>>>> Spyseeper antivirus from Webroot. I had their basic program spyware

>>>>>> program for a number of years before their antivirus program became

>>>>>> available. There should be some consensus of opinion from those of

>>>>>> you that follow these matters closely as to the best two or three or

>>>>>> four one should consider. Thanks.

>>>>>

>>>>>

>>>>> Here are my recommendations:

>>>>>

>>>>> Get one of the following anti-virus programs

>>>>>

>>>>> The best--NOD32

>>>>>

>>>>> Free and almost as good--Avira, Avast, or Microsoft Security

>>>>> Essentials (as I said in my last message).

>>>>>

>>>>> Also get at least the following two anti-spyware programs (both

>>>>> freeware)--MalwareBytes Anti-Malware and SuperAntiSpyware. Having more

>>>>> than two is even better, but don't run them at the same time.

>>>>>

>>>>>

>>>>>

>>>>>> "Ken Blake, MVP" wrote:

>>>>>>

>>>>>>> On Tue, 6 Apr 2010 08:44:11 -0700, LewB

>>>>>>> wrote:

>>>>>>>

>>>>>>>> Finally a computer wise person said

>>>>>>>> McAfee was available through my cable system (Cox) at no cost so I

>>>>>>>> went for it.

>>>>>>>

>>>>>>>

>>>>>>> Ugh! There are several better anti-virus programs available for

>>>>>>> free:

>>>>>>> Avira, Avast, and Microsoft Security Essentials.

>>>>>>>

>>>>>>>

>>>>>>>> I have always considered it to be in the same league as Norton,

>>>>>>>> etc.

>>>>>>>> I

>>>>>>>

>>>>>>>

>>>>>>> LOL! Yes, it's in *exactly* the same league as Norton. As far as I

>>>>>>> (and many others here) am concerned those are the two worst

>>>>>>> anti-virus

>>>>>>> programs available.

>>>>>>>

>>>>>>> It's a big shame, as far as I'm concerned. Twenty years or so ago,

>>>>>>> McAfee was the best such program available, Then Norton took over as

>>>>>>> the best. But today, Norton is the worst, and McAfee is second

>>>>>>> worst.

>>>>>>> What happened to them and why they went from the top to the bottom,

>>>>>>> I

>>>>>>> don't know.

>>>>>>>

>>>>>>> --

>>>>>>> Ken Blake, Microsoft MVP (Windows Desktop Experience) since 2003

>>>>>>> Please Reply to the Newsgroup

>>>>>>> .

>>>>>>>

>>>>>

>>>>> --

>>>>> Ken Blake, Microsoft MVP (Windows Desktop Experience) since 2003

>>>>> Please Reply to the Newsgroup

>>>>> .

>>>>>

>>>

>>> --

>>> Ken Blake, Microsoft MVP (Windows Desktop Experience) since 2003

>>> Please Reply to the Newsgroup

>>> .

glee · Apr 13, 2010

Since you don't know if you have a clean system, you'll have to try it

on a questionable system. You can download it to one of your Windows

systems, put a CD in the burner and double-click the downloaded exe file

to have it burn a bootable disc.

OR

You can double-click the exe file without putting a CD in the burner,

and when it can't continue and you quit, it will offer to save a disc

image as an .iso file on your hard drive. If you choose that option,

you can then use an .iso burning app to make a CD from the .iso

Making the CD from an .iso can be done with third-party burning

programs, such as Nero, ImgBurn, or the free ISO Recorder.

"Odd person" sounds good to me! ;-) Actually OP stands for "Original

Post-er" or "Original Post" in the newsgroups.

--

Glen Ventura, MS MVP Oct. 2002 - Sept. 2009

A+

http://dts-l.net/

"LewB" wrote in message

news:761AD82F-A693-42A2-982C-108A9401632E@microsoft.com...

> The tutorial suggests I make the boot disc on a "clean" computer, not

> the one

> the boot scan is to be used. I have another WIndows computer but

> there are

> similar questions on it regarding viruses/malware. And it has McAfee

> on it

> from Cox. So what if I make the boot disc on it and then use it to

> boot on

> this computer? I have a Mac desktop but you cannot make a Windows

> boot disc

> on that system according to their tech support. I did download the

> file to

> the Mac but when opened only computer gobbledegook comes up. Ken

> suggests

> removing Microsoft Antispyware but do I run an outside scan first

> before

> removal? Clarification of "OP"....Odd Person, Old Person, Operator,

> or

> something else?

> Lew

>

> --

> LJB

>

>

> "glee" wrote:

>

>> Exactly, and if it's been sitting there for very long, it may well

>> have

>> invited root kits aboard.....which is why I have been suggesting

>> (withoput success) that the OP run a scan from outside Windows, i.e.

>> an

>> boot CD AV scan.

>>

>>

>> "PA Bear [MS MVP]" wrote in message

>> news:O33writ2KHA.4336@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...

>> > Could be a rogue!

>> >

>> > Sunbelt Blog: Fake Microsoft Antispyware Center:

>> > http://sunbeltblog.blogspot.com/2007/10/fake-microsoft-antispyware-center.html

>> >

>> > McAfee Labs Blog: AntiSpyStorm: Fake Microsoft AntiSpyware Center

>> > pushing Adware

>> > http://www.avertlabs.com/research/b...-microsoft-antispyware-center-pushing-adware/

>> >

>> > Fake Microsoft AntiSpyware Site Aims For Credit Card Numbers

>> > http://www.informationweek.com/news/internet/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=202401707

>> >

>> >

>> > LewB wrote:

>> >> In Program Files this is listed as Microsoft Antispyware and has 3

>> >> folders

>> >> Deactivated Items, Quarantined, and TempUpdates and 13 files and

>> >> 17MB

>> >> total

>> >> size. Modified on %-% 2006. Perhaps as someone suggested this

>> >> could

>> >> be

>> >> Windows Defender? There is a separate listing for Defender that

>> >> has

>> >> a 2007

>> >> date but the file makeup is much different and has only 4.5MB. I

>> >> tried to

>> >> copy this for your review but it won't take here...and I can't

>> >> copy

>> >> it as

>> >> text to Word to send it along either.

>> >> Lew

>> >>

>> >>> On Mon, 12 Apr 2010 09:44:01 -0700, LewB

>> >>> wrote:

>> >>>

>> >>>> I have Microsoft Antispyware Program on this computer,

>> >>>> apparently

>> >>>> there

>> >>>> since 2006.

>> >>>

>> >>>

>> >>> There is no program with that name. Please clarify exactly what

>> >>> you

>> >>> mean. Do you mean Defender?

>> >>>

>> >>>

>> >>>

>> >>>> Was this the predecessor of the MSE program and needs to be

>> >>>> removed before downloading MSE? I should be able to disable the

>> >>>> McAfee

>> >>>> and then run the MSE to see how the two compare?

>> >>>

>> >>>

>> >>> MSE is much better than McAfee.

>> >>>

>> >>>

>> >>>

>> >>>> I haven't tackled the somewhat involved process recommended

>> >>>> by

>> >>>> Glen and

>> >>>> for home use question if this is a bit of "overkill"?

>> >>>> Also I downloaded, installed and ran Malwarebytes and it

>> >>>> came

>> >>>> up with

>> >>>> two items after hours of full scanning and these were removed.

>> >>>> I

>> >>>> also

>> >>>> downloaded and installed and ran SuperAntiSpyware and it found

>> >>>> three items

>> >>>> from AdWare. What do you folks think about the Spyblaster

>> >>>> program

>> >>>> and

>> >>>> AdWare?

>> >>>

>> >>>

>> >>>

>> >>> They are OK, but not a good as Malwarebytes and SuperAntiSpyware.

>> >>> I

>> >>> would run them *instead* of Malwarebytes and SuperAntiSpyware,

>> >>> but I

>> >>> don't object to also running them.

>> >>>

>> >>>

>> >>>> I don't know if this thread is being followed by all so will

>> >>>> copy this

>> >>>> comment to the others. Thanks.

>> >>>> Lew

>> >>>>

>> >>>>

>>

>> >>>>

>> >>>>

>> >>>> "Ken Blake, MVP" wrote:

>> >>>>

>> >>>>> On Tue, 6 Apr 2010 18:17:01 -0700, LewB

>> >>>>> wrote:

>> >>>>>

>> >>>>>> Ok I then would appreciate your best suggestion, free or

>> >>>>>> otherwise. The

>> >>>>>> computer store that did some diagnostics for me said they like

>> >>>>>> Spyseeper

>> >>>>>> antivirus from Webroot. I had their basic program spyware

>> >>>>>> program for a

>> >>>>>> number of years before their antivirus program became

>> >>>>>> available.

>> >>>>>> There

>> >>>>>> should be some consensus of opinion from those of you that

>> >>>>>> follow

>> >>>>>> these

>> >>>>>> matters closely as to the best two or three or four one should

>> >>>>>> consider.

>> >>>>>> Thanks.

>> >>>>>

>> >>>>>

>> >>>>> Here are my recommendations:

>> >>>>>

>> >>>>> Get one of the following anti-virus programs

>> >>>>>

>> >>>>> The best--NOD32

>> >>>>>

>> >>>>> Free and almost as good--Avira, Avast, or Microsoft Security

>> >>>>> Essentials (as I said in my last message).

>> >>>>>

>> >>>>> Also get at least the following two anti-spyware programs (both

>> >>>>> freeware)--MalwareBytes Anti-Malware and SuperAntiSpyware.

>> >>>>> Having

>> >>>>> more

>> >>>>> than two is even better, but don't run them at the same time.

>> >>>>>

>> >>>>>

>> >>>>>

>> >>>>>> "Ken Blake, MVP" wrote:

>> >>>>>>

>> >>>>>>> On Tue, 6 Apr 2010 08:44:11 -0700, LewB

>> >>>>>>> wrote:

>> >>>>>>>

>> >>>>>>>> Finally a computer wise person said

>> >>>>>>>> McAfee was available through my cable system (Cox) at no

>> >>>>>>>> cost

>> >>>>>>>> so I

>> >>>>>>>> went for it.

>> >>>>>>>

>> >>>>>>>

>> >>>>>>> Ugh! There are several better anti-virus programs available

>> >>>>>>> for

>> >>>>>>> free:

>> >>>>>>> Avira, Avast, and Microsoft Security Essentials.

>> >>>>>>>

>> >>>>>>>

>> >>>>>>>> I have always considered it to be in the same league as

>> >>>>>>>> Norton,

>> >>>>>>>> etc. I

>> >>>>>>>

>> >>>>>>>

>> >>>>>>> LOL! Yes, it's in *exactly* the same league as Norton. As far

>> >>>>>>> as

>> >>>>>>> I

>> >>>>>>> (and many others here) am concerned those are the two worst

>> >>>>>>> anti-virus

>> >>>>>>> programs available.

>> >>>>>>>

>> >>>>>>> It's a big shame, as far as I'm concerned. Twenty years or so

>> >>>>>>> ago,

>> >>>>>>> McAfee was the best such program available, Then Norton took

>> >>>>>>> over as

>> >>>>>>> the best. But today, Norton is the worst, and McAfee is

>> >>>>>>> second

>> >>>>>>> worst.

>> >>>>>>> What happened to them and why they went from the top to the

>> >>>>>>> bottom, I

>> >>>>>>> don't know.

>>

>> --

>> Glen Ventura, MS MVP Oct. 2002 - Sept. 2009

>> A+

>> http://dts-l.net/

>>

>> .

>>

Ken Blake, MVP · Apr 13, 2010

On Tue, 13 Apr 2010 13:27:13 -0400, "PA Bear [MS MVP]"

wrote:

> If such was the case, Ken, OP would have had Defender Beta installed...which

> would have had to be uninstalled (IIRC) before Defender RTW could be

> installed. No, I suspect it's a rogue, one that's been present on the

> system for several years.

OK, thanks Robear. I'll believe you, but I've never seen or heard of

that rogue before.

> Ken Blake, MVP wrote:

> > On Mon, 12 Apr 2010 21:25:01 -0700, LewB

> > wrote:

> >

> >> In Program Files this is listed as Microsoft Antispyware and has 3

> >> folders

> >> Deactivated Items, Quarantined, and TempUpdates and 13 files and 17MB

> >> total

> >> size. Modified on %-% 2006. Perhaps as someone suggested this could be

> >> Windows Defender?

> >

> >

> > To my surprise (I didn't remember this at all) Windows Defender was

> > formerly known as Microsoft Antispyware. See

> >

> > http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microsoft_AntiSpyware

--

Ken Blake, Microsoft MVP (Windows Desktop Experience) since 2003

Please Reply to the Newsgroup

PA Bear [MS MVP] · Apr 13, 2010

Ken Blake, MVP wrote:

>> If such was the case, Ken, OP would have had Defender Beta

>> installed...which would have had to be uninstalled (IIRC) before Defender

>> RTW could be installed. No, I suspect it's a rogue, one that's been

>> present on the system for several years.

>

> OK, thanks Robear. I'll believe you, but I've never seen or heard of

> that rogue before.

That one dates from Oct-07. If you weren't "toiling" in the hijackware

forums, etc., back then, you prolly wouldn't have heard of it.

There are scores of others you've probably never heard of either; e.g.,

http://lmgtfy.com/?q=fakealert+variant

Ken Blake, MVP · Apr 13, 2010

On Tue, 13 Apr 2010 17:05:19 -0400, "PA Bear [MS MVP]"

wrote:

> Ken Blake, MVP wrote:

> >> If such was the case, Ken, OP would have had Defender Beta

> >> installed...which would have had to be uninstalled (IIRC) before Defender

> >> RTW could be installed. No, I suspect it's a rogue, one that's been

> >> present on the system for several years.

> >

> > OK, thanks Robear. I'll believe you, but I've never seen or heard of

> > that rogue before.

>

> That one dates from Oct-07. If you weren't "toiling" in the hijackware

> forums, etc., back then, you prolly wouldn't have heard of it.

>

> There are scores of others you've probably never heard of either; e.g.,

> http://lmgtfy.com/?q=fakealert+variant

I'm sure you're right. I don't pretend to have heard of them

all--maybe not even most of them.

--

Ken Blake, Microsoft MVP (Windows Desktop Experience) since 2003

Please Reply to the Newsgroup

LewB · Apr 13, 2010

Well I do have an Isobuster 2.0 program on this computer that I used to make

a slipstream for Windows XP to make XP SP2 disc for a backup program

(Retrospect) a few years ago. It was complicated but did work although I

have never had to use it. Anyway is this a better, safer way to make the

boot disc on the second "uncertain re:clean" computer??

Lew

--

LJB

"glee" wrote:

> Since you don't know if you have a clean system, you'll have to try it

> on a questionable system. You can download it to one of your Windows

> systems, put a CD in the burner and double-click the downloaded exe file

> to have it burn a bootable disc.

> OR

> You can double-click the exe file without putting a CD in the burner,

> and when it can't continue and you quit, it will offer to save a disc

> image as an .iso file on your hard drive. If you choose that option,

> you can then use an .iso burning app to make a CD from the .iso

>

> Making the CD from an .iso can be done with third-party burning

> programs, such as Nero, ImgBurn, or the free ISO Recorder.

>

> "Odd person" sounds good to me! ;-) Actually OP stands for "Original

> Post-er" or "Original Post" in the newsgroups.

> --

> Glen Ventura, MS MVP Oct. 2002 - Sept. 2009

> A+

> http://dts-l.net/

>

>

> "LewB" wrote in message

> news:761AD82F-A693-42A2-982C-108A9401632E@microsoft.com...

> > The tutorial suggests I make the boot disc on a "clean" computer, not

> > the one

> > the boot scan is to be used. I have another WIndows computer but

> > there are

> > similar questions on it regarding viruses/malware. And it has McAfee

> > on it

> > from Cox. So what if I make the boot disc on it and then use it to

> > boot on

> > this computer? I have a Mac desktop but you cannot make a Windows

> > boot disc

> > on that system according to their tech support. I did download the

> > file to

> > the Mac but when opened only computer gobbledegook comes up. Ken

> > suggests

> > removing Microsoft Antispyware but do I run an outside scan first

> > before

> > removal? Clarification of "OP"....Odd Person, Old Person, Operator,

> > or

> > something else?

> > Lew

> >

> > --

> > LJB

> >

> >

> > "glee" wrote:

> >

> >> Exactly, and if it's been sitting there for very long, it may well

> >> have

> >> invited root kits aboard.....which is why I have been suggesting

> >> (withoput success) that the OP run a scan from outside Windows, i.e.

> >> an

> >> boot CD AV scan.

> >>

> >>

> >> "PA Bear [MS MVP]" wrote in message

> >> news:O33writ2KHA.4336@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...

> >> > Could be a rogue!

> >> >

> >> > Sunbelt Blog: Fake Microsoft Antispyware Center:

> >> > http://sunbeltblog.blogspot.com/2007/10/fake-microsoft-antispyware-center.html

> >> >

> >> > McAfee Labs Blog: AntiSpyStorm: Fake Microsoft AntiSpyware Center

> >> > pushing Adware

> >> > http://www.avertlabs.com/research/b...-microsoft-antispyware-center-pushing-adware/

> >> >

> >> > Fake Microsoft AntiSpyware Site Aims For Credit Card Numbers

> >> > http://www.informationweek.com/news/internet/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=202401707

> >> >

> >> >

> >> > LewB wrote:

> >> >> In Program Files this is listed as Microsoft Antispyware and has 3

> >> >> folders

> >> >> Deactivated Items, Quarantined, and TempUpdates and 13 files and

> >> >> 17MB

> >> >> total

> >> >> size. Modified on %-% 2006. Perhaps as someone suggested this

> >> >> could

> >> >> be

> >> >> Windows Defender? There is a separate listing for Defender that

> >> >> has

> >> >> a 2007

> >> >> date but the file makeup is much different and has only 4.5MB. I

> >> >> tried to

> >> >> copy this for your review but it won't take here...and I can't

> >> >> copy

> >> >> it as

> >> >> text to Word to send it along either.

> >> >> Lew

> >> >>

> >> >>> On Mon, 12 Apr 2010 09:44:01 -0700, LewB

> >> >>> wrote:

> >> >>>

> >> >>>> I have Microsoft Antispyware Program on this computer,

> >> >>>> apparently

> >> >>>> there

> >> >>>> since 2006.

> >> >>>

> >> >>>

> >> >>> There is no program with that name. Please clarify exactly what

> >> >>> you

> >> >>> mean. Do you mean Defender?

> >> >>>

> >> >>>

> >> >>>

> >> >>>> Was this the predecessor of the MSE program and needs to be

> >> >>>> removed before downloading MSE? I should be able to disable the

> >> >>>> McAfee

> >> >>>> and then run the MSE to see how the two compare?

> >> >>>

> >> >>>

> >> >>> MSE is much better than McAfee.

> >> >>>

> >> >>>

> >> >>>

> >> >>>> I haven't tackled the somewhat involved process recommended

> >> >>>> by

> >> >>>> Glen and

> >> >>>> for home use question if this is a bit of "overkill"?

> >> >>>> Also I downloaded, installed and ran Malwarebytes and it

> >> >>>> came

> >> >>>> up with

> >> >>>> two items after hours of full scanning and these were removed.

> >> >>>> I

> >> >>>> also

> >> >>>> downloaded and installed and ran SuperAntiSpyware and it found

> >> >>>> three items

> >> >>>> from AdWare. What do you folks think about the Spyblaster

> >> >>>> program

> >> >>>> and

> >> >>>> AdWare?

> >> >>>

> >> >>>

> >> >>>

> >> >>> They are OK, but not a good as Malwarebytes and SuperAntiSpyware.

> >> >>> I

> >> >>> would run them *instead* of Malwarebytes and SuperAntiSpyware,

> >> >>> but I

> >> >>> don't object to also running them.

> >> >>>

> >> >>>

> >> >>>> I don't know if this thread is being followed by all so will

> >> >>>> copy this

> >> >>>> comment to the others. Thanks.

> >> >>>> Lew

> >> >>>>

> >> >>>>

> >>

> >> >>>>

> >> >>>>

> >> >>>> "Ken Blake, MVP" wrote:

> >> >>>>

> >> >>>>> On Tue, 6 Apr 2010 18:17:01 -0700, LewB

> >> >>>>> wrote:

> >> >>>>>

> >> >>>>>> Ok I then would appreciate your best suggestion, free or

> >> >>>>>> otherwise. The

> >> >>>>>> computer store that did some diagnostics for me said they like

> >> >>>>>> Spyseeper

> >> >>>>>> antivirus from Webroot. I had their basic program spyware

> >> >>>>>> program for a

> >> >>>>>> number of years before their antivirus program became

> >> >>>>>> available.

> >> >>>>>> There

> >> >>>>>> should be some consensus of opinion from those of you that

> >> >>>>>> follow

> >> >>>>>> these

> >> >>>>>> matters closely as to the best two or three or four one should

> >> >>>>>> consider.

> >> >>>>>> Thanks.

> >> >>>>>

> >> >>>>>

> >> >>>>> Here are my recommendations:

> >> >>>>>

> >> >>>>> Get one of the following anti-virus programs

> >> >>>>>

> >> >>>>> The best--NOD32

> >> >>>>>

> >> >>>>> Free and almost as good--Avira, Avast, or Microsoft Security

> >> >>>>> Essentials (as I said in my last message).

> >> >>>>>

> >> >>>>> Also get at least the following two anti-spyware programs (both

> >> >>>>> freeware)--MalwareBytes Anti-Malware and SuperAntiSpyware.

> >> >>>>> Having

> >> >>>>> more

> >> >>>>> than two is even better, but don't run them at the same time.

> >> >>>>>

> >> >>>>>

> >> >>>>>

> >> >>>>>> "Ken Blake, MVP" wrote:

> >> >>>>>>

> >> >>>>>>> On Tue, 6 Apr 2010 08:44:11 -0700, LewB

> >> >>>>>>> wrote:

> >> >>>>>>>

> >> >>>>>>>> Finally a computer wise person said

> >> >>>>>>>> McAfee was available through my cable system (Cox) at no

> >> >>>>>>>> cost

> >> >>>>>>>> so I

> >> >>>>>>>> went for it.

> >> >>>>>>>

> >> >>>>>>>

> >> >>>>>>> Ugh! There are several better anti-virus programs available

> >> >>>>>>> for

> >> >>>>>>> free:

> >> >>>>>>> Avira, Avast, and Microsoft Security Essentials.

> >> >>>>>>>

> >> >>>>>>>

> >> >>>>>>>> I have always considered it to be in the same league as

> >> >>>>>>>> Norton,

> >> >>>>>>>> etc. I

> >> >>>>>>>

> >> >>>>>>>

> >> >>>>>>> LOL! Yes, it's in *exactly* the same league as Norton. As far

> >> >>>>>>> as

> >> >>>>>>> I

> >> >>>>>>> (and many others here) am concerned those are the two worst

> >> >>>>>>> anti-virus

> >> >>>>>>> programs available.

> >> >>>>>>>

> >> >>>>>>> It's a big shame, as far as I'm concerned. Twenty years or so

> >> >>>>>>> ago,

> >> >>>>>>> McAfee was the best such program available, Then Norton took

> >> >>>>>>> over as

> >> >>>>>>> the best. But today, Norton is the worst, and McAfee is

> >> >>>>>>> second

> >> >>>>>>> worst.

> >> >>>>>>> What happened to them and why they went from the top to the

> >> >>>>>>> bottom, I

> >> >>>>>>> don't know.

> >>

> >> --

> >> Glen Ventura, MS MVP Oct. 2002 - Sept. 2009

> >> A+

> >> http://dts-l.net/

> >>

> >> .

> >>

>

> .

>

LewB · Apr 13, 2010

Ok so the consensus is this is a rogue file. Did I download this because it

looked real and is, in fact, I presume from you discussions, malware??

Anyway the basis question of how to deal with it has not been answered. The

program is not listed in Add/Remove in CP and in Program Files there is no

uninstall file among the 13 after the 3 folders. There is a cleaner.log and

an error.log (both on Notepad) and on opening them a fair bit of activity is

listed. I tried to copy to a new files I created in Word and then place it

here but it won't let me do it.

As you and Ken have been in contact I will not copy this to him. Thanks

to all of you for your continuing input and help.

Lew

--

LJB

"PA Bear [MS MVP]" wrote:

> If such was the case, Ken, OP would have had Defender Beta installed...which

> would have had to be uninstalled (IIRC) before Defender RTW could be

> installed. No, I suspect it's a rogue, one that's been present on the

> system for several years.

>

> Ken Blake, MVP wrote:

> > On Mon, 12 Apr 2010 21:25:01 -0700, LewB

> > wrote:

> >

> >> In Program Files this is listed as Microsoft Antispyware and has 3

> >> folders

> >> Deactivated Items, Quarantined, and TempUpdates and 13 files and 17MB

> >> total

> >> size. Modified on %-% 2006. Perhaps as someone suggested this could be

> >> Windows Defender?

> >

> >

> > To my surprise (I didn't remember this at all) Windows Defender was

> > formerly known as Microsoft Antispyware. See

> >

> > http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microsoft_AntiSpyware

> >

> >

> > That means you have a *very* old version of it, which you should get

> > rid of.

> >

> >

> >> "Ken Blake, MVP" wrote:

> >>

> >>> On Mon, 12 Apr 2010 09:44:01 -0700, LewB

> >>> wrote:

> >>>

> >>>> I have Microsoft Antispyware Program on this computer, apparently

> >>>> there

> >>>> since 2006.

> >>>

> >>>

> >>> There is no program with that name. Please clarify exactly what you

> >>> mean. Do you mean Defender?

> >>>

> >>>

> >>>

> >>>> Was this the predecessor of the MSE program and needs to be

> >>>> removed before downloading MSE? I should be able to disable the McAfee

> >>>> and then run the MSE to see how the two compare?

> >>>

> >>>

> >>> MSE is much better than McAfee.

> >>>

> >>>

> >>>

> >>>> I haven't tackled the somewhat involved process recommended by Glen

> >>>> and for home use question if this is a bit of "overkill"?

> >>>> Also I downloaded, installed and ran Malwarebytes and it came up

> >>>> with

> >>>> two items after hours of full scanning and these were removed. I also

> >>>> downloaded and installed and ran SuperAntiSpyware and it found three

> >>>> items from AdWare. What do you folks think about the Spyblaster

> >>>> program

> >>>> and AdWare?

> >>>

> >>>

> >>>

> >>> They are OK, but not a good as Malwarebytes and SuperAntiSpyware. I

> >>> would run them *instead* of Malwarebytes and SuperAntiSpyware, but I

> >>> don't object to also running them.

> >>>

> >>>

> >>>> I don't know if this thread is being followed by all so will copy

> >>>> this

> >>>> comment to the others. Thanks.

> >>>> Lew

> >>>>

> >>>>

> >>>> --

> >>>> LJB

> >>>>

> >>>>

> >>>> "Ken Blake, MVP" wrote:

> >>>>

> >>>>> On Tue, 6 Apr 2010 18:17:01 -0700, LewB

> >>>>> wrote:

> >>>>>

> >>>>>> Ok I then would appreciate your best suggestion, free or otherwise.

> >>>>>> The computer store that did some diagnostics for me said they like

> >>>>>> Spyseeper antivirus from Webroot. I had their basic program spyware

> >>>>>> program for a number of years before their antivirus program became

> >>>>>> available. There should be some consensus of opinion from those of

> >>>>>> you that follow these matters closely as to the best two or three or

> >>>>>> four one should consider. Thanks.

> >>>>>

> >>>>>

> >>>>> Here are my recommendations:

> >>>>>

> >>>>> Get one of the following anti-virus programs

> >>>>>

> >>>>> The best--NOD32

> >>>>>

> >>>>> Free and almost as good--Avira, Avast, or Microsoft Security

> >>>>> Essentials (as I said in my last message).

> >>>>>

> >>>>> Also get at least the following two anti-spyware programs (both

> >>>>> freeware)--MalwareBytes Anti-Malware and SuperAntiSpyware. Having more

> >>>>> than two is even better, but don't run them at the same time.

> >>>>>

> >>>>>

> >>>>>

> >>>>>> "Ken Blake, MVP" wrote:

> >>>>>>

> >>>>>>> On Tue, 6 Apr 2010 08:44:11 -0700, LewB

> >>>>>>> wrote:

> >>>>>>>

> >>>>>>>> Finally a computer wise person said

> >>>>>>>> McAfee was available through my cable system (Cox) at no cost so I

> >>>>>>>> went for it.

> >>>>>>>

> >>>>>>>

> >>>>>>> Ugh! There are several better anti-virus programs available for

> >>>>>>> free:

> >>>>>>> Avira, Avast, and Microsoft Security Essentials.

> >>>>>>>

> >>>>>>>

> >>>>>>>> I have always considered it to be in the same league as Norton,

> >>>>>>>> etc.

> >>>>>>>> I

> >>>>>>>

> >>>>>>>

> >>>>>>> LOL! Yes, it's in *exactly* the same league as Norton. As far as I

> >>>>>>> (and many others here) am concerned those are the two worst

> >>>>>>> anti-virus

> >>>>>>> programs available.

> >>>>>>>

> >>>>>>> It's a big shame, as far as I'm concerned. Twenty years or so ago,

> >>>>>>> McAfee was the best such program available, Then Norton took over as

> >>>>>>> the best. But today, Norton is the worst, and McAfee is second

> >>>>>>> worst.

> >>>>>>> What happened to them and why they went from the top to the bottom,

> >>>>>>> I

> >>>>>>> don't know.

> >>>>>>>

> >>>>>>> --

> >>>>>>> Ken Blake, Microsoft MVP (Windows Desktop Experience) since 2003

> >>>>>>> Please Reply to the Newsgroup

> >>>>>>> .

> >>>>>>>

> >>>>>

> >>>>> --

> >>>>> Ken Blake, Microsoft MVP (Windows Desktop Experience) since 2003

> >>>>> Please Reply to the Newsgroup

> >>>>> .

> >>>>>

> >>>

> >>> --

> >>> Ken Blake, Microsoft MVP (Windows Desktop Experience) since 2003

> >>> Please Reply to the Newsgroup

> >>> .

>

> .

>

glee · Apr 13, 2010

I don't think it will matter which method you use...try whichever is

easiest. If the process completes successfully, and boots, it should be

OK.

--

Glen Ventura, MS MVP Oct. 2002 - Sept. 2009

A+

http://dts-l.net/

"LewB" wrote in message

news:AA836C7B-F528-4F69-A990-863957DB7AAE@microsoft.com...

> Well I do have an Isobuster 2.0 program on this computer that I used

> to make

> a slipstream for Windows XP to make XP SP2 disc for a backup program

> (Retrospect) a few years ago. It was complicated but did work

> although I

> have never had to use it. Anyway is this a better, safer way to make

> the

> boot disc on the second "uncertain re:clean" computer??

> Lew

> --

> LJB

>

>

> "glee" wrote:

>

>> Since you don't know if you have a clean system, you'll have to try

>> it

>> on a questionable system. You can download it to one of your Windows

>> systems, put a CD in the burner and double-click the downloaded exe

>> file

>> to have it burn a bootable disc.

>> OR

>> You can double-click the exe file without putting a CD in the burner,

>> and when it can't continue and you quit, it will offer to save a disc

>> image as an .iso file on your hard drive. If you choose that option,

>> you can then use an .iso burning app to make a CD from the .iso

>>

>> Making the CD from an .iso can be done with third-party burning

>> programs, such as Nero, ImgBurn, or the free ISO Recorder.

>>

>> "Odd person" sounds good to me! ;-) Actually OP stands for

>> "Original

>> Post-er" or "Original Post" in the newsgroups.

>> --

>> Glen Ventura, MS MVP Oct. 2002 - Sept. 2009

>> A+

>> http://dts-l.net/

>>

>>

>> "LewB" wrote in message

>> news:761AD82F-A693-42A2-982C-108A9401632E@microsoft.com...

>> > The tutorial suggests I make the boot disc on a "clean" computer,

>> > not

>> > the one

>> > the boot scan is to be used. I have another WIndows computer but

>> > there are

>> > similar questions on it regarding viruses/malware. And it has

>> > McAfee

>> > on it

>> > from Cox. So what if I make the boot disc on it and then use it to

>> > boot on

>> > this computer? I have a Mac desktop but you cannot make a Windows

>> > boot disc

>> > on that system according to their tech support. I did download the

>> > file to

>> > the Mac but when opened only computer gobbledegook comes up. Ken

>> > suggests

>> > removing Microsoft Antispyware but do I run an outside scan first

>> > before

>> > removal? Clarification of "OP"....Odd Person, Old Person,

>> > Operator,

>> > or

>> > something else?

>> > Lew

>> >

>> > --

>> > LJB

>> >

>> >

>> > "glee" wrote:

>> >

>> >> Exactly, and if it's been sitting there for very long, it may well

>> >> have

>> >> invited root kits aboard.....which is why I have been suggesting

>> >> (withoput success) that the OP run a scan from outside Windows,

>> >> i.e.

>> >> an

>> >> boot CD AV scan.

>> >>

>> >>

>> >> "PA Bear [MS MVP]" wrote in message

>> >> news:O33writ2KHA.4336@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...

>> >> > Could be a rogue!

>> >> >

>> >> > Sunbelt Blog: Fake Microsoft Antispyware Center:

>> >> > http://sunbeltblog.blogspot.com/2007/10/fake-microsoft-antispyware-center.html

>> >> >

>> >> > McAfee Labs Blog: AntiSpyStorm: Fake Microsoft AntiSpyware

>> >> > Center

>> >> > pushing Adware

>> >> > http://www.avertlabs.com/research/b...-microsoft-antispyware-center-pushing-adware/

>> >> >

>> >> > Fake Microsoft AntiSpyware Site Aims For Credit Card Numbers

>> >> > http://www.informationweek.com/news/internet/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=202401707

>> >> >

>> >> >

>> >> > LewB wrote:

>> >> >> In Program Files this is listed as Microsoft Antispyware and

>> >> >> has 3

>> >> >> folders

>> >> >> Deactivated Items, Quarantined, and TempUpdates and 13 files

>> >> >> and

>> >> >> 17MB

>> >> >> total

>> >> >> size. Modified on %-% 2006. Perhaps as someone suggested this

>> >> >> could

>> >> >> be

>> >> >> Windows Defender? There is a separate listing for Defender

>> >> >> that

>> >> >> has

>> >> >> a 2007

>> >> >> date but the file makeup is much different and has only 4.5MB.

>> >> >> I

>> >> >> tried to

>> >> >> copy this for your review but it won't take here...and I can't

>> >> >> copy

>> >> >> it as

>> >> >> text to Word to send it along either.

>> >> >> Lew

>> >> >>

>> >> >>> On Mon, 12 Apr 2010 09:44:01 -0700, LewB

>> >> >>> wrote:

>> >> >>>

>> >> >>>> I have Microsoft Antispyware Program on this computer,

>> >> >>>> apparently

>> >> >>>> there

>> >> >>>> since 2006.

>> >> >>>

>> >> >>>

>> >> >>> There is no program with that name. Please clarify exactly

>> >> >>> what

>> >> >>> you

>> >> >>> mean. Do you mean Defender?

>> >> >>>

>> >> >>>

>> >> >>>

>> >> >>>> Was this the predecessor of the MSE program and needs to be

>> >> >>>> removed before downloading MSE? I should be able to disable

>> >> >>>> the

>> >> >>>> McAfee

>> >> >>>> and then run the MSE to see how the two compare?

>> >> >>>

>> >> >>>

>> >> >>> MSE is much better than McAfee.

>> >> >>>

>> >> >>>

>> >> >>>

>> >> >>>> I haven't tackled the somewhat involved process

>> >> >>>> recommended

>> >> >>>> by

>> >> >>>> Glen and

>> >> >>>> for home use question if this is a bit of "overkill"?

>> >> >>>> Also I downloaded, installed and ran Malwarebytes and it

>> >> >>>> came

>> >> >>>> up with

>> >> >>>> two items after hours of full scanning and these were

>> >> >>>> removed.

>> >> >>>> I

>> >> >>>> also

>> >> >>>> downloaded and installed and ran SuperAntiSpyware and it

>> >> >>>> found

>> >> >>>> three items

>> >> >>>> from AdWare. What do you folks think about the Spyblaster

>> >> >>>> program

>> >> >>>> and

>> >> >>>> AdWare?

>> >> >>>

>> >> >>>

>> >> >>>

>> >> >>> They are OK, but not a good as Malwarebytes and

>> >> >>> SuperAntiSpyware.

>> >> >>> I

>> >> >>> would run them *instead* of Malwarebytes and SuperAntiSpyware,

>> >> >>> but I

>> >> >>> don't object to also running them.

>> >> >>>

>> >> >>>

>> >> >>>> I don't know if this thread is being followed by all so

>> >> >>>> will

>> >> >>>> copy this

>> >> >>>> comment to the others. Thanks.

>> >> >>>> Lew

>> >> >>>>

>> >> >>>>

>> >>

>> >> >>>>

>> >> >>>>

>> >> >>>> "Ken Blake, MVP" wrote:

>> >> >>>>

>> >> >>>>> On Tue, 6 Apr 2010 18:17:01 -0700, LewB

>> >> >>>>> wrote:

>> >> >>>>>

>> >> >>>>>> Ok I then would appreciate your best suggestion, free or

>> >> >>>>>> otherwise. The

>> >> >>>>>> computer store that did some diagnostics for me said they

>> >> >>>>>> like

>> >> >>>>>> Spyseeper

>> >> >>>>>> antivirus from Webroot. I had their basic program spyware

>> >> >>>>>> program for a

>> >> >>>>>> number of years before their antivirus program became

>> >> >>>>>> available.

>> >> >>>>>> There

>> >> >>>>>> should be some consensus of opinion from those of you that

>> >> >>>>>> follow

>> >> >>>>>> these

>> >> >>>>>> matters closely as to the best two or three or four one

>> >> >>>>>> should

>> >> >>>>>> consider.

>> >> >>>>>> Thanks.

>> >> >>>>>

>> >> >>>>>

>> >> >>>>> Here are my recommendations:

>> >> >>>>>

>> >> >>>>> Get one of the following anti-virus programs

>> >> >>>>>

>> >> >>>>> The best--NOD32

>> >> >>>>>

>> >> >>>>> Free and almost as good--Avira, Avast, or Microsoft Security

>> >> >>>>> Essentials (as I said in my last message).

>> >> >>>>>

>> >> >>>>> Also get at least the following two anti-spyware programs

>> >> >>>>> (both

>> >> >>>>> freeware)--MalwareBytes Anti-Malware and SuperAntiSpyware.

>> >> >>>>> Having

>> >> >>>>> more

>> >> >>>>> than two is even better, but don't run them at the same

>> >> >>>>> time.

>> >> >>>>>

>> >> >>>>>

>> >> >>>>>

>> >> >>>>>> "Ken Blake, MVP" wrote:

>> >> >>>>>>

>> >> >>>>>>> On Tue, 6 Apr 2010 08:44:11 -0700, LewB

>> >> >>>>>>> wrote:

>> >> >>>>>>>

>> >> >>>>>>>> Finally a computer wise person said

>> >> >>>>>>>> McAfee was available through my cable system (Cox) at no

>> >> >>>>>>>> cost

>> >> >>>>>>>> so I

>> >> >>>>>>>> went for it.

>> >> >>>>>>>

>> >> >>>>>>>

>> >> >>>>>>> Ugh! There are several better anti-virus programs

>> >> >>>>>>> available

>> >> >>>>>>> for

>> >> >>>>>>> free:

>> >> >>>>>>> Avira, Avast, and Microsoft Security Essentials.

>> >> >>>>>>>

>> >> >>>>>>>

>> >> >>>>>>>> I have always considered it to be in the same league as

>> >> >>>>>>>> Norton,

>> >> >>>>>>>> etc. I

>> >> >>>>>>>

>> >> >>>>>>>

>> >> >>>>>>> LOL! Yes, it's in *exactly* the same league as Norton. As

>> >> >>>>>>> far

>> >> >>>>>>> as

>> >> >>>>>>> I

>> >> >>>>>>> (and many others here) am concerned those are the two

>> >> >>>>>>> worst

>> >> >>>>>>> anti-virus

>> >> >>>>>>> programs available.

>> >> >>>>>>>

>> >> >>>>>>> It's a big shame, as far as I'm concerned. Twenty years or

>> >> >>>>>>> so

>> >> >>>>>>> ago,

>> >> >>>>>>> McAfee was the best such program available, Then Norton

>> >> >>>>>>> took

>> >> >>>>>>> over as

>> >> >>>>>>> the best. But today, Norton is the worst, and McAfee is

>> >> >>>>>>> second

>> >> >>>>>>> worst.

>> >> >>>>>>> What happened to them and why they went from the top to

>> >> >>>>>>> the

>> >> >>>>>>> bottom, I

>> >> >>>>>>> don't know.

>> >>

>> >> --

>> >> Glen Ventura, MS MVP Oct. 2002 - Sept. 2009

>> >> A+

>> >> http://dts-l.net/

>> >>

>> >> .

>> >>

>>

>> .

>>

Ken Blake, MVP · Apr 13, 2010

On Tue, 13 Apr 2010 18:31:01 -0700, LewB

wrote:

> Ok so the consensus is this is a rogue file. Did I download this because it

> looked real and is, in fact, I presume from you discussions, malware??

> Anyway the basis question of how to deal with it has not been answered. The

> program is not listed in Add/Remove in CP and in Program Files there is no

> uninstall file among the 13 after the 3 folders. There is a cleaner.log and

> an error.log (both on Notepad) and on opening them a fair bit of activity is

> listed. I tried to copy to a new files I created in Word and then place it

> here but it won't let me do it.

> As you and Ken have been in contact I will not copy this to him. Thanks

> to all of you for your continuing input and help.

Contact or not, all of those of us who participate in this newsgroup

get to see all the messages.

You're welcome. Glad to help. But Robear had more accurate info than I

did.

> "PA Bear [MS MVP]" wrote:

>

> > If such was the case, Ken, OP would have had Defender Beta installed...which

> > would have had to be uninstalled (IIRC) before Defender RTW could be

> > installed. No, I suspect it's a rogue, one that's been present on the

> > system for several years.

> >

> > Ken Blake, MVP wrote:

> > > On Mon, 12 Apr 2010 21:25:01 -0700, LewB

> > > wrote:

> > >

> > >> In Program Files this is listed as Microsoft Antispyware and has 3

> > >> folders

> > >> Deactivated Items, Quarantined, and TempUpdates and 13 files and 17MB

> > >> total

> > >> size. Modified on %-% 2006. Perhaps as someone suggested this could be

> > >> Windows Defender?

> > >

> > >

> > > To my surprise (I didn't remember this at all) Windows Defender was

> > > formerly known as Microsoft Antispyware. See

> > >

> > > http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microsoft_AntiSpyware

> > >

> > >

> > > That means you have a *very* old version of it, which you should get

> > > rid of.

> > >

> > >

> > >> "Ken Blake, MVP" wrote:

> > >>

> > >>> On Mon, 12 Apr 2010 09:44:01 -0700, LewB

> > >>> wrote:

> > >>>

> > >>>> I have Microsoft Antispyware Program on this computer, apparently

> > >>>> there

> > >>>> since 2006.

> > >>>

> > >>>

> > >>> There is no program with that name. Please clarify exactly what you

> > >>> mean. Do you mean Defender?

> > >>>

> > >>>

> > >>>

> > >>>> Was this the predecessor of the MSE program and needs to be

> > >>>> removed before downloading MSE? I should be able to disable the McAfee

> > >>>> and then run the MSE to see how the two compare?

> > >>>

> > >>>

> > >>> MSE is much better than McAfee.

> > >>>

> > >>>

> > >>>

> > >>>> I haven't tackled the somewhat involved process recommended by Glen

> > >>>> and for home use question if this is a bit of "overkill"?

> > >>>> Also I downloaded, installed and ran Malwarebytes and it came up

> > >>>> with

> > >>>> two items after hours of full scanning and these were removed. I also

> > >>>> downloaded and installed and ran SuperAntiSpyware and it found three

> > >>>> items from AdWare. What do you folks think about the Spyblaster

> > >>>> program

> > >>>> and AdWare?

> > >>>

> > >>>

> > >>>

> > >>> They are OK, but not a good as Malwarebytes and SuperAntiSpyware. I

> > >>> would run them *instead* of Malwarebytes and SuperAntiSpyware, but I

> > >>> don't object to also running them.

> > >>>

> > >>>

> > >>>> I don't know if this thread is being followed by all so will copy

> > >>>> this

> > >>>> comment to the others. Thanks.

> > >>>> Lew

> > >>>>

> > >>>>

> > >>>> --

> > >>>> LJB

> > >>>>

> > >>>>

> > >>>> "Ken Blake, MVP" wrote:

> > >>>>

> > >>>>> On Tue, 6 Apr 2010 18:17:01 -0700, LewB

> > >>>>> wrote:

> > >>>>>

> > >>>>>> Ok I then would appreciate your best suggestion, free or otherwise.

> > >>>>>> The computer store that did some diagnostics for me said they like

> > >>>>>> Spyseeper antivirus from Webroot. I had their basic program spyware

> > >>>>>> program for a number of years before their antivirus program became

> > >>>>>> available. There should be some consensus of opinion from those of

> > >>>>>> you that follow these matters closely as to the best two or three or

> > >>>>>> four one should consider. Thanks.

> > >>>>>

> > >>>>>

> > >>>>> Here are my recommendations:

> > >>>>>

> > >>>>> Get one of the following anti-virus programs

> > >>>>>

> > >>>>> The best--NOD32

> > >>>>>

> > >>>>> Free and almost as good--Avira, Avast, or Microsoft Security

> > >>>>> Essentials (as I said in my last message).

> > >>>>>

> > >>>>> Also get at least the following two anti-spyware programs (both

> > >>>>> freeware)--MalwareBytes Anti-Malware and SuperAntiSpyware. Having more

> > >>>>> than two is even better, but don't run them at the same time.

> > >>>>>

> > >>>>>

> > >>>>>

> > >>>>>> "Ken Blake, MVP" wrote:

> > >>>>>>

> > >>>>>>> On Tue, 6 Apr 2010 08:44:11 -0700, LewB

> > >>>>>>> wrote:

> > >>>>>>>

> > >>>>>>>> Finally a computer wise person said

> > >>>>>>>> McAfee was available through my cable system (Cox) at no cost so I

> > >>>>>>>> went for it.

> > >>>>>>>

> > >>>>>>>

> > >>>>>>> Ugh! There are several better anti-virus programs available for

> > >>>>>>> free:

> > >>>>>>> Avira, Avast, and Microsoft Security Essentials.

> > >>>>>>>

> > >>>>>>>

> > >>>>>>>> I have always considered it to be in the same league as Norton,

> > >>>>>>>> etc.

> > >>>>>>>> I

> > >>>>>>>

> > >>>>>>>

> > >>>>>>> LOL! Yes, it's in *exactly* the same league as Norton. As far as I

> > >>>>>>> (and many others here) am concerned those are the two worst

> > >>>>>>> anti-virus

> > >>>>>>> programs available.

> > >>>>>>>

> > >>>>>>> It's a big shame, as far as I'm concerned. Twenty years or so ago,

> > >>>>>>> McAfee was the best such program available, Then Norton took over as

> > >>>>>>> the best. But today, Norton is the worst, and McAfee is second

> > >>>>>>> worst.

> > >>>>>>> What happened to them and why they went from the top to the bottom,

> > >>>>>>> I

> > >>>>>>> don't know.

> > >>>>>>>

> > >>>>>>> --

> > >>>>>>> Ken Blake, Microsoft MVP (Windows Desktop Experience) since 2003

> > >>>>>>> Please Reply to the Newsgroup

> > >>>>>>> .

> > >>>>>>>

> > >>>>>

> > >>>>> --

> > >>>>> Ken Blake, Microsoft MVP (Windows Desktop Experience) since 2003

> > >>>>> Please Reply to the Newsgroup

> > >>>>> .

> > >>>>>

> > >>>

> > >>> --

> > >>> Ken Blake, Microsoft MVP (Windows Desktop Experience) since 2003

> > >>> Please Reply to the Newsgroup

> > >>> .

> >

> > .

> >

--

Ken Blake, Microsoft MVP (Windows Desktop Experience) since 2003

Please Reply to the Newsgroup

PA Bear [MS MVP] · Apr 14, 2010

Back-up any personal data (none of which should be considered 100%

trustworthy at this point) then format the HDD & do a clean install of

Windows. Please note that a Repair Install (AKA in-place upgrade) will NOT

fix this!

HOW TO do a clean install of WinXP: See

http://michaelstevenstech.com/cleanxpinstall.html#steps and/or Method 1 in

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/978307

After the clean install, you will have the equivalent of a "new computer" so

take care of everything on the following page before otherwise connecting

the machine to the internet or a local network (i.e., other computers) and

before using a flash drive or SDCard that isn't brand-new or hasn't been

freshly formatted:

4 steps to help protect your new computer before you go online

http://www.microsoft.com/security/pypc.aspx

Other helpful references include:

HOW TO get a computer running WinXP Gold (no Service Packs) fully patched

(after a clean install)

http://groups.google.com/group/microsoft.public.windowsupdate/msg/3f5afa8ed33e121c

HOW TO get a computer running WinXP SP1(a) or SP2 fully patched (after a

clean install)

http://groups.google.com/group/microsoft.public.windowsxp.general/msg/a066ae41add7dd2b

Tip: After getting the computer fully-patched, download/install KB971029

manually: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/971029

NB: Any Norton or McAfee free-trial that came preinstalled on the computer

when you bought it will be reinstalled (but invalid) when Windows is

reinstalled. You MUST uninstall the free-trial and download/run the

appropriate removal tool before installing any updates, Windows Service

Packs or IE upgrades and before installing your new anti-virus application

(which will require WinXP SP3 to be installed).

Norton Removal Tool

ftp://ftp.symantec.com/public/english_us_canada/removal_tools/Norton_Removal_Tool.exe

McAfee Consumer Products Removal Tool

http://download.mcafee.com/products/licensed/cust_support_patches/MCPR.exe

Also see:

Risks & Benefits of P2P file sharing

http://www.microsoft.com/protect/data/downloadfileshare/filesharing.aspx

http://blogs.technet.com/mmpc/archive/2008/10/06/the-cost-of-free-software.aspx

Steps To Help Prevent Spyware

http://www.microsoft.com/security/spyware/prevent.aspx

Steps to Help Prevent Computer Worms

http://www.microsoft.com/security/worms/prevent.aspx

Avoid Rogue Security Software!

http://www.microsoft.com/security/antivirus/rogue.aspx

If these procedures look too complex - and there is no shame in admitting

this isn't your cup of tea - take the machine to a local, reputable and

independent (i.e., not BigBoxStoreUSA or Geek Squad) computer repair shop.

--

~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)

MS MVP-IE, Mail, Security, Windows Client - since 2002

LewB wrote:

> Ok so the consensus is this is a rogue file. Did I download this because

> it

> looked real and is, in fact, I presume from you discussions, malware??

> Anyway the basis question of how to deal with it has not been answered.

> The

> program is not listed in Add/Remove in CP and in Program Files there is no

> uninstall file among the 13 after the 3 folders. There is a cleaner.log

> and

> an error.log (both on Notepad) and on opening them a fair bit of activity

> is

> listed. I tried to copy to a new files I created in Word and then place

> it

> here but it won't let me do it.

> As you and Ken have been in contact I will not copy this to him. Thanks

> to all of you for your continuing input and help.

LewB · Apr 15, 2010

That's a pretty extensive recommendation for a computer that quite frankly

seems to works normally. I have no qualms about formatting and reinstalling

XP. I do have the original XP discs and would need to work up to SP3. And I

have my Microsoft Office discs. But there are some programs I want to keep

that I purchased/obtained online and there are no installation discs for

them. Some of them have executable (.exe) files associatied with their icons

and double clicking on them starting the installation process as I recall.

Thus if I selectively include these programs in my backup so they will be

included in the restore process, will I be able to reinstall each one that

has an executable file since I will not have an installation disc? That is

my major concern. You advise backing up only those programs/files I know are

trustworthy. How can I tell? If Microsoft Antispyware is a rogue is there

no way to remove it short of what you have written??

Lew

LJB

"PA Bear [MS MVP]" wrote:

> Back-up any personal data (none of which should be considered 100%

> trustworthy at this point) then format the HDD & do a clean install of

> Windows. Please note that a Repair Install (AKA in-place upgrade) will NOT

> fix this!

>

> HOW TO do a clean install of WinXP: See

> http://michaelstevenstech.com/cleanxpinstall.html#steps and/or Method 1 in

> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/978307

>

> After the clean install, you will have the equivalent of a "new computer" so

> take care of everything on the following page before otherwise connecting

> the machine to the internet or a local network (i.e., other computers) and

> before using a flash drive or SDCard that isn't brand-new or hasn't been

> freshly formatted:

>

> 4 steps to help protect your new computer before you go online

> http://www.microsoft.com/security/pypc.aspx

>

> Other helpful references include:

>

> HOW TO get a computer running WinXP Gold (no Service Packs) fully patched

> (after a clean install)

> http://groups.google.com/group/microsoft.public.windowsupdate/msg/3f5afa8ed33e121c

>

> HOW TO get a computer running WinXP SP1(a) or SP2 fully patched (after a

> clean install)

> http://groups.google.com/group/microsoft.public.windowsxp.general/msg/a066ae41add7dd2b

>

> Tip: After getting the computer fully-patched, download/install KB971029

> manually: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/971029

>

> NB: Any Norton or McAfee free-trial that came preinstalled on the computer

> when you bought it will be reinstalled (but invalid) when Windows is

> reinstalled. You MUST uninstall the free-trial and download/run the

> appropriate removal tool before installing any updates, Windows Service

> Packs or IE upgrades and before installing your new anti-virus application

> (which will require WinXP SP3 to be installed).

>

> Norton Removal Tool

> ftp://ftp.symantec.com/public/english_us_canada/removal_tools/Norton_Removal_Tool.exe

>

> McAfee Consumer Products Removal Tool

> http://download.mcafee.com/products/licensed/cust_support_patches/MCPR.exe

>

> Also see:

>

> Risks & Benefits of P2P file sharing

> http://www.microsoft.com/protect/data/downloadfileshare/filesharing.aspx

> http://blogs.technet.com/mmpc/archive/2008/10/06/the-cost-of-free-software.aspx

>

> Steps To Help Prevent Spyware

> http://www.microsoft.com/security/spyware/prevent.aspx

>

> Steps to Help Prevent Computer Worms

> http://www.microsoft.com/security/worms/prevent.aspx

>

> Avoid Rogue Security Software!

> http://www.microsoft.com/security/antivirus/rogue.aspx

>

> If these procedures look too complex - and there is no shame in admitting

> this isn't your cup of tea - take the machine to a local, reputable and

> independent (i.e., not BigBoxStoreUSA or Geek Squad) computer repair shop.

> --

> ~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)

> MS MVP-IE, Mail, Security, Windows Client - since 2002

>

>

> LewB wrote:

> > Ok so the consensus is this is a rogue file. Did I download this because

> > it

> > looked real and is, in fact, I presume from you discussions, malware??

> > Anyway the basis question of how to deal with it has not been answered.

> > The

> > program is not listed in Add/Remove in CP and in Program Files there is no

> > uninstall file among the 13 after the 3 folders. There is a cleaner.log

> > and

> > an error.log (both on Notepad) and on opening them a fair bit of activity

> > is

> > listed. I tried to copy to a new files I created in Word and then place

> > it

> > here but it won't let me do it.

> > As you and Ken have been in contact I will not copy this to him. Thanks

> > to all of you for your continuing input and help.

>

>

> .

>

PA Bear [MS MVP] · Apr 16, 2010

Do you want a secure, trustworthy computer or do you want to risk losing

those other programs?

LewB wrote:

> That's a pretty extensive recommendation for a computer that quite frankly

> seems to works normally. I have no qualms about formatting and

> reinstalling

> XP. I do have the original XP discs and would need to work up to SP3.

> And

> I have my Microsoft Office discs. But there are some programs I want to

> keep that I purchased/obtained online and there are no installation discs

> for them. Some of them have executable (.exe) files associatied with

> their

> icons and double clicking on them starting the installation process as I

> recall. Thus if I selectively include these programs in my backup so they

> will be included in the restore process, will I be able to reinstall each

> one that has an executable file since I will not have an installation

> disc?

> That is my major concern. You advise backing up only those programs/files

> I

> know are trustworthy. How can I tell? If Microsoft Antispyware is a

> rogue

> is there no way to remove it short of what you have written??

> Lew

> LJB

>

>

> "PA Bear [MS MVP]" wrote:

>

>> Back-up any personal data (none of which should be considered 100%

>> trustworthy at this point) then format the HDD & do a clean install of

>> Windows. Please note that a Repair Install (AKA in-place upgrade) will

>> NOT

>> fix this!

>>

>> HOW TO do a clean install of WinXP: See

>> http://michaelstevenstech.com/cleanxpinstall.html#steps and/or Method 1

>> in

>> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/978307

>>

>> After the clean install, you will have the equivalent of a "new computer"

>> so

>> take care of everything on the following page before otherwise connecting

>> the machine to the internet or a local network (i.e., other computers)

>> and

>> before using a flash drive or SDCard that isn't brand-new or hasn't been

>> freshly formatted:

>>

>> 4 steps to help protect your new computer before you go online

>> http://www.microsoft.com/security/pypc.aspx

>>

>> Other helpful references include:

>>

>> HOW TO get a computer running WinXP Gold (no Service Packs) fully patched

>> (after a clean install)

>> http://groups.google.com/group/microsoft.public.windowsupdate/msg/3f5afa8ed33e121c

>>

>> HOW TO get a computer running WinXP SP1(a) or SP2 fully patched (after a

>> clean install)

>> http://groups.google.com/group/microsoft.public.windowsxp.general/msg/a066ae41add7dd2b

>>

>> Tip: After getting the computer fully-patched, download/install KB971029

>> manually: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/971029

>>

>> NB: Any Norton or McAfee free-trial that came preinstalled on the

>> computer

>> when you bought it will be reinstalled (but invalid) when Windows is

>> reinstalled. You MUST uninstall the free-trial and download/run the

>> appropriate removal tool before installing any updates, Windows Service

>> Packs or IE upgrades and before installing your new anti-virus

>> application

>> (which will require WinXP SP3 to be installed).

>>

>> Norton Removal Tool

>>

>> ftp://ftp.symantec.com/public/english_us_canada/removal_tools/Norton_Removal_Tool.exe

>>

>> McAfee Consumer Products Removal Tool

>>

>> http://download.mcafee.com/products/licensed/cust_support_patches/MCPR.exe

>>

>> Also see:

>>

>> Risks & Benefits of P2P file sharing

>> http://www.microsoft.com/protect/data/downloadfileshare/filesharing.aspx

>> http://blogs.technet.com/mmpc/archive/2008/10/06/the-cost-of-free-software.aspx

>>

>> Steps To Help Prevent Spyware

>> http://www.microsoft.com/security/spyware/prevent.aspx

>>

>> Steps to Help Prevent Computer Worms

>> http://www.microsoft.com/security/worms/prevent.aspx

>>

>> Avoid Rogue Security Software!

>> http://www.microsoft.com/security/antivirus/rogue.aspx

>>

>> If these procedures look too complex - and there is no shame in admitting

>> this isn't your cup of tea - take the machine to a local, reputable and

>> independent (i.e., not BigBoxStoreUSA or Geek Squad) computer repair

>> shop.

>> --

>> ~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)

>> MS MVP-IE, Mail, Security, Windows Client - since 2002

>>

>>

>> LewB wrote:

>>> Ok so the consensus is this is a rogue file. Did I download this because

>>> it

>>> looked real and is, in fact, I presume from you discussions, malware??

>>> Anyway the basis question of how to deal with it has not been answered.

>>> The

>>> program is not listed in Add/Remove in CP and in Program Files there is

>>> no

>>> uninstall file among the 13 after the 3 folders. There is a cleaner.log

>>> and

>>> an error.log (both on Notepad) and on opening them a fair bit of

>>> activity

>>> is

>>> listed. I tried to copy to a new files I created in Word and then place

>>> it

>>> here but it won't let me do it.

>>> As you and Ken have been in contact I will not copy this to him.

>>> Thanks

>>> to all of you for your continuing input and help.

>>

>>

>> .

Michael · Apr 16, 2010

Bear. This is another guy with a 1 track closed mind. Let him go.

--

"Don't pick a fight with an old man.

If he is too old to fight, he'll just kill you."

"PA Bear [MS MVP]" wrote in message

news:eanu#hZ3KHA.4016@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...

> Do you want a secure, trustworthy computer or do you want to risk losing

> those other programs?

>

> LewB wrote:

>> That's a pretty extensive recommendation for a computer that quite

>> frankly

>> seems to works normally. I have no qualms about formatting and

>> reinstalling

>> XP. I do have the original XP discs and would need to work up to SP3.

>> And

>> I have my Microsoft Office discs. But there are some programs I want to

>> keep that I purchased/obtained online and there are no installation discs

>> for them. Some of them have executable (.exe) files associatied with

>> their

>> icons and double clicking on them starting the installation process as I

>> recall. Thus if I selectively include these programs in my backup so they

>> will be included in the restore process, will I be able to reinstall each

>> one that has an executable file since I will not have an installation

>> disc?

>> That is my major concern. You advise backing up only those programs/files

>> I

>> know are trustworthy. How can I tell? If Microsoft Antispyware is a

>> rogue

>> is there no way to remove it short of what you have written??

>> Lew

>> LJB

>>

>>

>> "PA Bear [MS MVP]" wrote:

>>

>>> Back-up any personal data (none of which should be considered 100%

>>> trustworthy at this point) then format the HDD & do a clean install of

>>> Windows. Please note that a Repair Install (AKA in-place upgrade) will

>>> NOT

>>> fix this!

>>>

>>> HOW TO do a clean install of WinXP: See

>>> http://michaelstevenstech.com/cleanxpinstall.html#steps and/or Method 1

>>> in

>>> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/978307

>>>

>>> After the clean install, you will have the equivalent of a "new

>>> computer"

>>> so

>>> take care of everything on the following page before otherwise

>>> connecting

>>> the machine to the internet or a local network (i.e., other computers)

>>> and

>>> before using a flash drive or SDCard that isn't brand-new or hasn't been

>>> freshly formatted:

>>>

>>> 4 steps to help protect your new computer before you go online

>>> http://www.microsoft.com/security/pypc.aspx

>>>

>>> Other helpful references include:

>>>

>>> HOW TO get a computer running WinXP Gold (no Service Packs) fully

>>> patched

>>> (after a clean install)

>>> http://groups.google.com/group/microsoft.public.windowsupdate/msg/3f5afa8ed33e121c

>>>

>>> HOW TO get a computer running WinXP SP1(a) or SP2 fully patched (after a

>>> clean install)

>>> http://groups.google.com/group/microsoft.public.windowsxp.general/msg/a066ae41add7dd2b

>>>

>>> Tip: After getting the computer fully-patched, download/install KB971029

>>> manually: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/971029

>>>

>>> NB: Any Norton or McAfee free-trial that came preinstalled on the

>>> computer

>>> when you bought it will be reinstalled (but invalid) when Windows is

>>> reinstalled. You MUST uninstall the free-trial and download/run the

>>> appropriate removal tool before installing any updates, Windows Service

>>> Packs or IE upgrades and before installing your new anti-virus

>>> application

>>> (which will require WinXP SP3 to be installed).

>>>

>>> Norton Removal Tool

>>>

>>> ftp://ftp.symantec.com/public/english_us_canada/removal_tools/Norton_Removal_Tool.exe

>>>

>>> McAfee Consumer Products Removal Tool

>>>

>>> http://download.mcafee.com/products/licensed/cust_support_patches/MCPR.exe

>>>

>>> Also see:

>>>

>>> Risks & Benefits of P2P file sharing

>>> http://www.microsoft.com/protect/data/downloadfileshare/filesharing.aspx

>>> http://blogs.technet.com/mmpc/archive/2008/10/06/the-cost-of-free-software.aspx

>>>

>>> Steps To Help Prevent Spyware

>>> http://www.microsoft.com/security/spyware/prevent.aspx

>>>

>>> Steps to Help Prevent Computer Worms

>>> http://www.microsoft.com/security/worms/prevent.aspx

>>>

>>> Avoid Rogue Security Software!

>>> http://www.microsoft.com/security/antivirus/rogue.aspx

>>>

>>> If these procedures look too complex - and there is no shame in

>>> admitting

>>> this isn't your cup of tea - take the machine to a local, reputable and

>>> independent (i.e., not BigBoxStoreUSA or Geek Squad) computer repair

>>> shop.

>>> --

>>> ~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)

>>> MS MVP-IE, Mail, Security, Windows Client - since 2002

>>>

>>>

>>> LewB wrote:

>>>> Ok so the consensus is this is a rogue file. Did I download this

>>>> because

>>>> it

>>>> looked real and is, in fact, I presume from you discussions, malware??

>>>> Anyway the basis question of how to deal with it has not been answered.

>>>> The

>>>> program is not listed in Add/Remove in CP and in Program Files there is

>>>> no

>>>> uninstall file among the 13 after the 3 folders. There is a

>>>> cleaner.log

>>>> and

>>>> an error.log (both on Notepad) and on opening them a fair bit of

>>>> activity

>>>> is

>>>> listed. I tried to copy to a new files I created in Word and then

>>>> place

>>>> it

>>>> here but it won't let me do it.

>>>> As you and Ken have been in contact I will not copy this to him.

>>>> Thanks

>>>> to all of you for your continuing input and help.

>>>

>>>

>>> .

>

LewB · Apr 16, 2010

Of course I want to have this computer secure. Reviewing your note of 4-13

you referenced several links about Microsoft Antispyware being a rogue and

these links are dated in late 2007.

Sunbelt Blog: Fake Microsoft Antispyware Center:

http://sunbeltblog.blogspot.com/2007/10/fake-microsoft-antispyware-center.html

McAfee Labs Blog: AntiSpyStorm: Fake Microsoft AntiSpyware Center pushing

Adware

http://www.avertlabs.com/research/b...-microsoft-antispyware-center-pushing-adware/

Fake Microsoft AntiSpyware Site Aims For Credit Card Numbers

http://www.informationweek.com/news/internet/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=202401707

Fake Microsoft AntiSpyware Site Aims For Credit Card Numbers

http://www.informationweek.com/news/internet/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=202401707

The Microsoft Antispyware in my Program Files has a date of February 2005.

Is it possible therefore that this is a valid program as suggested by the

link in Ken's note of 4/13.

To my surprise (I didn't remember this at all) Windows Defender was

formerly known as Microsoft Antispyware. See

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microsoft_AntiSpyware

I'm not trying to be difficult and want to do what is best/right.

Lew

--

LJB

"PA Bear [MS MVP]" wrote:

> Do you want a secure, trustworthy computer or do you want to risk losing

> those other programs?

>

> LewB wrote:

> > That's a pretty extensive recommendation for a computer that quite frankly

> > seems to works normally. I have no qualms about formatting and

> > reinstalling

> > XP. I do have the original XP discs and would need to work up to SP3.

> > And

> > I have my Microsoft Office discs. But there are some programs I want to

> > keep that I purchased/obtained online and there are no installation discs

> > for them. Some of them have executable (.exe) files associatied with

> > their

> > icons and double clicking on them starting the installation process as I

> > recall. Thus if I selectively include these programs in my backup so they

> > will be included in the restore process, will I be able to reinstall each

> > one that has an executable file since I will not have an installation

> > disc?

> > That is my major concern. You advise backing up only those programs/files

> > I

> > know are trustworthy. How can I tell? If Microsoft Antispyware is a

> > rogue

> > is there no way to remove it short of what you have written??

> > Lew

> > LJB

> >

> >

> > "PA Bear [MS MVP]" wrote:

> >

> >> Back-up any personal data (none of which should be considered 100%

> >> trustworthy at this point) then format the HDD & do a clean install of

> >> Windows. Please note that a Repair Install (AKA in-place upgrade) will

> >> NOT

> >> fix this!

> >>

> >> HOW TO do a clean install of WinXP: See

> >> http://michaelstevenstech.com/cleanxpinstall.html#steps and/or Method 1

> >> in

> >> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/978307

> >>

> >> After the clean install, you will have the equivalent of a "new computer"

> >> so

> >> take care of everything on the following page before otherwise connecting

> >> the machine to the internet or a local network (i.e., other computers)

> >> and

> >> before using a flash drive or SDCard that isn't brand-new or hasn't been

> >> freshly formatted:

> >>

> >> 4 steps to help protect your new computer before you go online

> >> http://www.microsoft.com/security/pypc.aspx

> >>

> >> Other helpful references include:

> >>

> >> HOW TO get a computer running WinXP Gold (no Service Packs) fully patched

> >> (after a clean install)

> >> http://groups.google.com/group/microsoft.public.windowsupdate/msg/3f5afa8ed33e121c

> >>

> >> HOW TO get a computer running WinXP SP1(a) or SP2 fully patched (after a

> >> clean install)

> >> http://groups.google.com/group/microsoft.public.windowsxp.general/msg/a066ae41add7dd2b

> >>

> >> Tip: After getting the computer fully-patched, download/install KB971029

> >> manually: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/971029

> >>

> >> NB: Any Norton or McAfee free-trial that came preinstalled on the

> >> computer

> >> when you bought it will be reinstalled (but invalid) when Windows is

> >> reinstalled. You MUST uninstall the free-trial and download/run the

> >> appropriate removal tool before installing any updates, Windows Service

> >> Packs or IE upgrades and before installing your new anti-virus

> >> application

> >> (which will require WinXP SP3 to be installed).

> >>

> >> Norton Removal Tool

> >>

> >> ftp://ftp.symantec.com/public/english_us_canada/removal_tools/Norton_Removal_Tool.exe

> >>

> >> McAfee Consumer Products Removal Tool

> >>

> >> http://download.mcafee.com/products/licensed/cust_support_patches/MCPR.exe

> >>

> >> Also see:

> >>

> >> Risks & Benefits of P2P file sharing

> >> http://www.microsoft.com/protect/data/downloadfileshare/filesharing.aspx

> >> http://blogs.technet.com/mmpc/archive/2008/10/06/the-cost-of-free-software.aspx

> >>

> >> Steps To Help Prevent Spyware

> >> http://www.microsoft.com/security/spyware/prevent.aspx

> >>

> >> Steps to Help Prevent Computer Worms

> >> http://www.microsoft.com/security/worms/prevent.aspx

> >>

> >> Avoid Rogue Security Software!

> >> http://www.microsoft.com/security/antivirus/rogue.aspx

> >>

> >> If these procedures look too complex - and there is no shame in admitting

> >> this isn't your cup of tea - take the machine to a local, reputable and

> >> independent (i.e., not BigBoxStoreUSA or Geek Squad) computer repair

> >> shop.

> >> --

> >> ~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)

> >> MS MVP-IE, Mail, Security, Windows Client - since 2002

> >>

> >>

> >> LewB wrote:

> >>> Ok so the consensus is this is a rogue file. Did I download this because

> >>> it

> >>> looked real and is, in fact, I presume from you discussions, malware??

> >>> Anyway the basis question of how to deal with it has not been answered.

> >>> The

> >>> program is not listed in Add/Remove in CP and in Program Files there is

> >>> no

> >>> uninstall file among the 13 after the 3 folders. There is a cleaner.log

> >>> and

> >>> an error.log (both on Notepad) and on opening them a fair bit of

> >>> activity

> >>> is

> >>> listed. I tried to copy to a new files I created in Word and then place

> >>> it

> >>> here but it won't let me do it.

> >>> As you and Ken have been in contact I will not copy this to him.

> >>> Thanks

> >>> to all of you for your continuing input and help.

> >>

> >>

> >> .

>

> .

>

PA Bear [MS MVP] · Apr 16, 2010

Did you own the computer in February 2005? [yes/no]

And did you intentionally download/install Windows Defender beta? [yes/no]

And did you uninstall all beta builds before you installed Defender

final/RTW on or shortly after 26 October 2006? [yes/no]

I kinda lost track here: Are you still unable to install SP3? [yes/no]

LewB wrote:

> Of course I want to have this computer secure. Reviewing your note of

> 4-13

> you referenced several links about Microsoft Antispyware being a rogue and

> these links are dated in late 2007.

>

> Sunbelt Blog: Fake Microsoft Antispyware Center:

> http://sunbeltblog.blogspot.com/2007/10/fake-microsoft-antispyware-center.html

>

> McAfee Labs Blog: AntiSpyStorm: Fake Microsoft AntiSpyware Center pushing

> Adware

> http://www.avertlabs.com/research/b...-microsoft-antispyware-center-pushing-adware/

>

> Fake Microsoft AntiSpyware Site Aims For Credit Card Numbers

> http://www.informationweek.com/news/internet/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=202401707

>

>

> Fake Microsoft AntiSpyware Site Aims For Credit Card Numbers

> http://www.informationweek.com/news/internet/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=202401707

>

> The Microsoft Antispyware in my Program Files has a date of February 2005.

> Is it possible therefore that this is a valid program as suggested by the

> link in Ken's note of 4/13.

>

> To my surprise (I didn't remember this at all) Windows Defender was

> formerly known as Microsoft Antispyware. See

>

> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microsoft_AntiSpyware

>

> I'm not trying to be difficult and want to do what is best/right.

>

> Lew

>

>> Do you want a secure, trustworthy computer or do you want to risk losing

>> those other programs?

>>

>> LewB wrote:

>>> That's a pretty extensive recommendation for a computer that quite

>>> frankly

>>> seems to works normally. I have no qualms about formatting and

>>> reinstalling

>>> XP. I do have the original XP discs and would need to work up to SP3.

>>> And

>>> I have my Microsoft Office discs. But there are some programs I want to

>>> keep that I purchased/obtained online and there are no installation

>>> discs

>>> for them. Some of them have executable (.exe) files associatied with

>>> their

>>> icons and double clicking on them starting the installation process as I

>>> recall. Thus if I selectively include these programs in my backup so

>>> they

>>> will be included in the restore process, will I be able to reinstall

>>> each

>>> one that has an executable file since I will not have an installation

>>> disc?

>>> That is my major concern. You advise backing up only those

>>> programs/files

>>> I

>>> know are trustworthy. How can I tell? If Microsoft Antispyware is a

>>> rogue

>>> is there no way to remove it short of what you have written??

>>> Lew

>>> LJB

>>>

>>>

>>> "PA Bear [MS MVP]" wrote:

>>>

>>>> Back-up any personal data (none of which should be considered 100%

>>>> trustworthy at this point) then format the HDD & do a clean install of

>>>> Windows. Please note that a Repair Install (AKA in-place upgrade) will

>>>> NOT

>>>> fix this!

>>>>

>>>> HOW TO do a clean install of WinXP: See

>>>> http://michaelstevenstech.com/cleanxpinstall.html#steps and/or Method 1

>>>> in

>>>> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/978307

>>>>

>>>> After the clean install, you will have the equivalent of a "new

>>>> computer"

>>>> so

>>>> take care of everything on the following page before otherwise

>>>> connecting

>>>> the machine to the internet or a local network (i.e., other computers)

>>>> and

>>>> before using a flash drive or SDCard that isn't brand-new or hasn't

>>>> been

>>>> freshly formatted:

>>>>

>>>> 4 steps to help protect your new computer before you go online

>>>> http://www.microsoft.com/security/pypc.aspx

>>>>

>>>> Other helpful references include:

>>>>

>>>> HOW TO get a computer running WinXP Gold (no Service Packs) fully

>>>> patched

>>>> (after a clean install)

>>>> http://groups.google.com/group/microsoft.public.windowsupdate/msg/3f5afa8ed33e121c

>>>>

>>>> HOW TO get a computer running WinXP SP1(a) or SP2 fully patched (after

>>>> a

>>>> clean install)

>>>> http://groups.google.com/group/microsoft.public.windowsxp.general/msg/a066ae41add7dd2b

>>>>

>>>> Tip: After getting the computer fully-patched, download/install

>>>> KB971029

>>>> manually: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/971029

>>>>

>>>> NB: Any Norton or McAfee free-trial that came preinstalled on the

>>>> computer

>>>> when you bought it will be reinstalled (but invalid) when Windows is

>>>> reinstalled. You MUST uninstall the free-trial and download/run the

>>>> appropriate removal tool before installing any updates, Windows Service

>>>> Packs or IE upgrades and before installing your new anti-virus

>>>> application

>>>> (which will require WinXP SP3 to be installed).

>>>>

>>>> Norton Removal Tool

>>>>

>>>> ftp://ftp.symantec.com/public/english_us_canada/removal_tools/Norton_Removal_Tool.exe

>>>>

>>>> McAfee Consumer Products Removal Tool

>>>>

>>>> http://download.mcafee.com/products/licensed/cust_support_patches/MCPR.exe

>>>>

>>>> Also see:

>>>>

>>>> Risks & Benefits of P2P file sharing

>>>> http://www.microsoft.com/protect/data/downloadfileshare/filesharing.aspx

>>>> http://blogs.technet.com/mmpc/archive/2008/10/06/the-cost-of-free-software.aspx

>>>>

>>>> Steps To Help Prevent Spyware

>>>> http://www.microsoft.com/security/spyware/prevent.aspx

>>>>

>>>> Steps to Help Prevent Computer Worms

>>>> http://www.microsoft.com/security/worms/prevent.aspx

>>>>

>>>> Avoid Rogue Security Software!

>>>> http://www.microsoft.com/security/antivirus/rogue.aspx

>>>>

>>>> If these procedures look too complex - and there is no shame in

>>>> admitting

>>>> this isn't your cup of tea - take the machine to a local, reputable and

>>>> independent (i.e., not BigBoxStoreUSA or Geek Squad) computer repair

>>>> shop.

>>>> --

>>>> ~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)

>>>> MS MVP-IE, Mail, Security, Windows Client - since 2002

>>>>

>>>>

>>>> LewB wrote:

>>>>> Ok so the consensus is this is a rogue file. Did I download this

>>>>> because

>>>>> it

>>>>> looked real and is, in fact, I presume from you discussions, malware??

>>>>> Anyway the basis question of how to deal with it has not been

>>>>> answered.

>>>>> The

>>>>> program is not listed in Add/Remove in CP and in Program Files there

>>>>> is

>>>>> no

>>>>> uninstall file among the 13 after the 3 folders. There is a

>>>>> cleaner.log

>>>>> and

>>>>> an error.log (both on Notepad) and on opening them a fair bit of

>>>>> activity

>>>>> is

>>>>> listed. I tried to copy to a new files I created in Word and then

>>>>> place

>>>>> it

>>>>> here but it won't let me do it.

>>>>> As you and Ken have been in contact I will not copy this to him.

>>>>> Thanks

>>>>> to all of you for your continuing input and help.

>>>>

>>>>

>>>> .

>>

>> .

LewB · Apr 17, 2010

Did you own the computer in February 2005? [yes/no]

Yes, it was custom bult for me in May 2004

And did you intentionally download/install Windows Defender beta? [yes/no]

I don't think so. I rarely if ever have downloaded beta softwae.

And did you uninstall all beta builds before you installed Defender

final/RTW on or shortly after 26 October 2006? [yes/no]

No. The Defender program on my computer is dated January 2007

I kinda lost track here: Are you still unable to install SP3? [yes/no]

No, it was installed after I disabled McAfee.

--

LJB

"PA Bear [MS MVP]" wrote:

> Did you own the computer in February 2005? [yes/no]

>

> And did you intentionally download/install Windows Defender beta? [yes/no]

>

> And did you uninstall all beta builds before you installed Defender

> final/RTW on or shortly after 26 October 2006? [yes/no]

>

> I kinda lost track here: Are you still unable to install SP3? [yes/no]

>

>

> LewB wrote:

> > Of course I want to have this computer secure. Reviewing your note of

> > 4-13

> > you referenced several links about Microsoft Antispyware being a rogue and

> > these links are dated in late 2007.

> >

> > Sunbelt Blog: Fake Microsoft Antispyware Center:

> > http://sunbeltblog.blogspot.com/2007/10/fake-microsoft-antispyware-center.html

> >

> > McAfee Labs Blog: AntiSpyStorm: Fake Microsoft AntiSpyware Center pushing

> > Adware

> > http://www.avertlabs.com/research/b...-microsoft-antispyware-center-pushing-adware/

> >

> > Fake Microsoft AntiSpyware Site Aims For Credit Card Numbers

> > http://www.informationweek.com/news/internet/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=202401707

> >

> >

> > Fake Microsoft AntiSpyware Site Aims For Credit Card Numbers

> > http://www.informationweek.com/news/internet/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=202401707

> >

> > The Microsoft Antispyware in my Program Files has a date of February 2005.

> > Is it possible therefore that this is a valid program as suggested by the

> > link in Ken's note of 4/13.

> >

> > To my surprise (I didn't remember this at all) Windows Defender was

> > formerly known as Microsoft Antispyware. See

> >

> > http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microsoft_AntiSpyware

> >

> > I'm not trying to be difficult and want to do what is best/right.

> >

> > Lew

> >

> >> Do you want a secure, trustworthy computer or do you want to risk losing

> >> those other programs?

> >>

> >> LewB wrote:

> >>> That's a pretty extensive recommendation for a computer that quite

> >>> frankly

> >>> seems to works normally. I have no qualms about formatting and

> >>> reinstalling

> >>> XP. I do have the original XP discs and would need to work up to SP3.

> >>> And

> >>> I have my Microsoft Office discs. But there are some programs I want to

> >>> keep that I purchased/obtained online and there are no installation

> >>> discs

> >>> for them. Some of them have executable (.exe) files associatied with

> >>> their

> >>> icons and double clicking on them starting the installation process as I

> >>> recall. Thus if I selectively include these programs in my backup so

> >>> they

> >>> will be included in the restore process, will I be able to reinstall

> >>> each

> >>> one that has an executable file since I will not have an installation

> >>> disc?

> >>> That is my major concern. You advise backing up only those

> >>> programs/files

> >>> I

> >>> know are trustworthy. How can I tell? If Microsoft Antispyware is a

> >>> rogue

> >>> is there no way to remove it short of what you have written??

> >>> Lew

> >>> LJB

> >>>

> >>>

> >>> "PA Bear [MS MVP]" wrote:

> >>>

> >>>> Back-up any personal data (none of which should be considered 100%

> >>>> trustworthy at this point) then format the HDD & do a clean install of

> >>>> Windows. Please note that a Repair Install (AKA in-place upgrade) will

> >>>> NOT

> >>>> fix this!

> >>>>

> >>>> HOW TO do a clean install of WinXP: See

> >>>> http://michaelstevenstech.com/cleanxpinstall.html#steps and/or Method 1

> >>>> in

> >>>> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/978307

> >>>>

> >>>> After the clean install, you will have the equivalent of a "new

> >>>> computer"

> >>>> so

> >>>> take care of everything on the following page before otherwise

> >>>> connecting

> >>>> the machine to the internet or a local network (i.e., other computers)

> >>>> and

> >>>> before using a flash drive or SDCard that isn't brand-new or hasn't

> >>>> been

> >>>> freshly formatted:

> >>>>

> >>>> 4 steps to help protect your new computer before you go online

> >>>> http://www.microsoft.com/security/pypc.aspx

> >>>>

> >>>> Other helpful references include:

> >>>>

> >>>> HOW TO get a computer running WinXP Gold (no Service Packs) fully

> >>>> patched

> >>>> (after a clean install)

> >>>> http://groups.google.com/group/microsoft.public.windowsupdate/msg/3f5afa8ed33e121c

> >>>>

> >>>> HOW TO get a computer running WinXP SP1(a) or SP2 fully patched (after

> >>>> a

> >>>> clean install)

> >>>> http://groups.google.com/group/microsoft.public.windowsxp.general/msg/a066ae41add7dd2b

> >>>>

> >>>> Tip: After getting the computer fully-patched, download/install

> >>>> KB971029

> >>>> manually: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/971029

> >>>>

> >>>> NB: Any Norton or McAfee free-trial that came preinstalled on the

> >>>> computer

> >>>> when you bought it will be reinstalled (but invalid) when Windows is

> >>>> reinstalled. You MUST uninstall the free-trial and download/run the

> >>>> appropriate removal tool before installing any updates, Windows Service

> >>>> Packs or IE upgrades and before installing your new anti-virus

> >>>> application

> >>>> (which will require WinXP SP3 to be installed).

> >>>>

> >>>> Norton Removal Tool

> >>>>

> >>>> ftp://ftp.symantec.com/public/english_us_canada/removal_tools/Norton_Removal_Tool.exe

> >>>>

> >>>> McAfee Consumer Products Removal Tool

> >>>>

> >>>> http://download.mcafee.com/products/licensed/cust_support_patches/MCPR.exe

> >>>>

> >>>> Also see:

> >>>>

> >>>> Risks & Benefits of P2P file sharing

> >>>> http://www.microsoft.com/protect/data/downloadfileshare/filesharing.aspx

> >>>> http://blogs.technet.com/mmpc/archive/2008/10/06/the-cost-of-free-software.aspx

> >>>>

> >>>> Steps To Help Prevent Spyware

> >>>> http://www.microsoft.com/security/spyware/prevent.aspx

> >>>>

> >>>> Steps to Help Prevent Computer Worms

> >>>> http://www.microsoft.com/security/worms/prevent.aspx

> >>>>

> >>>> Avoid Rogue Security Software!

> >>>> http://www.microsoft.com/security/antivirus/rogue.aspx

> >>>>

> >>>> If these procedures look too complex - and there is no shame in

> >>>> admitting

> >>>> this isn't your cup of tea - take the machine to a local, reputable and

> >>>> independent (i.e., not BigBoxStoreUSA or Geek Squad) computer repair

> >>>> shop.

> >>>> --

> >>>> ~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)

> >>>> MS MVP-IE, Mail, Security, Windows Client - since 2002

> >>>>

> >>>>

> >>>> LewB wrote:

> >>>>> Ok so the consensus is this is a rogue file. Did I download this

> >>>>> because

> >>>>> it

> >>>>> looked real and is, in fact, I presume from you discussions, malware??

> >>>>> Anyway the basis question of how to deal with it has not been

> >>>>> answered.

> >>>>> The

> >>>>> program is not listed in Add/Remove in CP and in Program Files there

> >>>>> is

> >>>>> no

> >>>>> uninstall file among the 13 after the 3 folders. There is a

> >>>>> cleaner.log

> >>>>> and

> >>>>> an error.log (both on Notepad) and on opening them a fair bit of

> >>>>> activity

> >>>>> is

> >>>>> listed. I tried to copy to a new files I created in Word and then

> >>>>> place

> >>>>> it

> >>>>> here but it won't let me do it.

> >>>>> As you and Ken have been in contact I will not copy this to him.

> >>>>> Thanks

> >>>>> to all of you for your continuing input and help.

> >>>>

> >>>>

> >>>> .

> >>

> >> .

>

> .

>

PA Bear [MS MVP] · Apr 17, 2010

> ...[SP3] was installed after I disabled McAfee.

And did you re-enable the McAfee application immediately upon rebooting

after you installed SP3?

When (approx. date) does your current McAfee subscription expire?

Has any other McAfee application or a Norton application ever been installed

on the computer (including but not limited to free-trial versions)?

Is Automatic Updates enabled?

Are KB980182 and KB979683 both listed in Add/Remove Programs (after making

sure the Show Updates box at the top is checked/enabled)?

The above notwithstanding, one would expect to find a legitimate listing of

"Microsoft Antispyware" on a WinXP computer if and only if Windows Defender

beta had been installed (and never uninstalled). Do with this information

as you see fit.

LewB wrote:

> Did you own the computer in February 2005? [yes/no]

> Yes, it was custom bult for me in May 2004

>

> And did you intentionally download/install Windows Defender beta? [yes/no]

> I don't think so. I rarely if ever have downloaded beta softwae.

>

> And did you uninstall all beta builds before you installed Defender

> final/RTW on or shortly after 26 October 2006? [yes/no]

> No. The Defender program on my computer is dated January 2007

>

> I kinda lost track here: Are you still unable to install SP3? [yes/no]

> No, it was installed after I disabled McAfee.

>

>> Did you own the computer in February 2005? [yes/no]

>>

>> And did you intentionally download/install Windows Defender beta?

>> [yes/no]

>>

>> And did you uninstall all beta builds before you installed Defender

>> final/RTW on or shortly after 26 October 2006? [yes/no]

>>

>> I kinda lost track here: Are you still unable to install SP3? [yes/no]

>>

>>

>> LewB wrote:

>>> Of course I want to have this computer secure. Reviewing your note of

>>> 4-13

>>> you referenced several links about Microsoft Antispyware being a rogue

>>> and

>>> these links are dated in late 2007.

>>>

>>> Sunbelt Blog: Fake Microsoft Antispyware Center:

>>> http://sunbeltblog.blogspot.com/2007/10/fake-microsoft-antispyware-center.html

>>>

>>> McAfee Labs Blog: AntiSpyStorm: Fake Microsoft AntiSpyware Center

>>> pushing

>>> Adware

>>> http://www.avertlabs.com/research/b...-microsoft-antispyware-center-pushing-adware/

>>>

>>> Fake Microsoft AntiSpyware Site Aims For Credit Card Numbers

>>> http://www.informationweek.com/news/internet/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=202401707

>>>

>>>

>>> Fake Microsoft AntiSpyware Site Aims For Credit Card Numbers

>>> http://www.informationweek.com/news/internet/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=202401707

>>>

>>> The Microsoft Antispyware in my Program Files has a date of February

>>> 2005.

>>> Is it possible therefore that this is a valid program as suggested by

>>> the

>>> link in Ken's note of 4/13.

>>>

>>> To my surprise (I didn't remember this at all) Windows Defender

>>> was

>>> formerly known as Microsoft Antispyware. See

>>>

>>> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microsoft_AntiSpyware

>>>

>>> I'm not trying to be difficult and want to do what is best/right.

>>>

>>> Lew

>>>

>>>> Do you want a secure, trustworthy computer or do you want to risk

>>>> losing

>>>> those other programs?

>>>>

>>>> LewB wrote:

>>>>> That's a pretty extensive recommendation for a computer that quite

>>>>> frankly

>>>>> seems to works normally. I have no qualms about formatting and

>>>>> reinstalling

>>>>> XP. I do have the original XP discs and would need to work up to SP3.

>>>>> And

>>>>> I have my Microsoft Office discs. But there are some programs I want

>>>>> to

>>>>> keep that I purchased/obtained online and there are no installation

>>>>> discs

>>>>> for them. Some of them have executable (.exe) files associatied with

>>>>> their

>>>>> icons and double clicking on them starting the installation process as

>>>>> I

>>>>> recall. Thus if I selectively include these programs in my backup so

>>>>> they

>>>>> will be included in the restore process, will I be able to reinstall

>>>>> each

>>>>> one that has an executable file since I will not have an installation

>>>>> disc?

>>>>> That is my major concern. You advise backing up only those

>>>>> programs/files

>>>>> I

>>>>> know are trustworthy. How can I tell? If Microsoft Antispyware is a

>>>>> rogue

>>>>> is there no way to remove it short of what you have written??

>>>>> Lew

>>>>> LJB

>>>>>

>>>>>

>>>>> "PA Bear [MS MVP]" wrote:

>>>>>

>>>>>> Back-up any personal data (none of which should be considered 100%

>>>>>> trustworthy at this point) then format the HDD & do a clean install

>>>>>> of

>>>>>> Windows. Please note that a Repair Install (AKA in-place upgrade)

>>>>>> will

>>>>>> NOT

>>>>>> fix this!

>>>>>>

>>>>>> HOW TO do a clean install of WinXP: See

>>>>>> http://michaelstevenstech.com/cleanxpinstall.html#steps and/or Method

>>>>>> 1

>>>>>> in

>>>>>> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/978307

>>>>>>

>>>>>> After the clean install, you will have the equivalent of a "new

>>>>>> computer"

>>>>>> so

>>>>>> take care of everything on the following page before otherwise

>>>>>> connecting

>>>>>> the machine to the internet or a local network (i.e., other

>>>>>> computers)

>>>>>> and

>>>>>> before using a flash drive or SDCard that isn't brand-new or hasn't

>>>>>> been

>>>>>> freshly formatted:

>>>>>>

>>>>>> 4 steps to help protect your new computer before you go online

>>>>>> http://www.microsoft.com/security/pypc.aspx

>>>>>>

>>>>>> Other helpful references include:

>>>>>>

>>>>>> HOW TO get a computer running WinXP Gold (no Service Packs) fully

>>>>>> patched

>>>>>> (after a clean install)

>>>>>> http://groups.google.com/group/microsoft.public.windowsupdate/msg/3f5afa8ed33e121c

>>>>>>

>>>>>> HOW TO get a computer running WinXP SP1(a) or SP2 fully patched

>>>>>> (after

>>>>>> a

>>>>>> clean install)

>>>>>> http://groups.google.com/group/microsoft.public.windowsxp.general/msg/a066ae41add7dd2b

>>>>>>

>>>>>> Tip: After getting the computer fully-patched, download/install

>>>>>> KB971029

>>>>>> manually: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/971029

>>>>>>

>>>>>> NB: Any Norton or McAfee free-trial that came preinstalled on the

>>>>>> computer

>>>>>> when you bought it will be reinstalled (but invalid) when Windows is

>>>>>> reinstalled. You MUST uninstall the free-trial and download/run the

>>>>>> appropriate removal tool before installing any updates, Windows

>>>>>> Service

>>>>>> Packs or IE upgrades and before installing your new anti-virus

>>>>>> application

>>>>>> (which will require WinXP SP3 to be installed).

>>>>>>

>>>>>> Norton Removal Tool

>>>>>>

>>>>>> ftp://ftp.symantec.com/public/english_us_canada/removal_tools/Norton_Removal_Tool.exe

>>>>>>

>>>>>> McAfee Consumer Products Removal Tool

>>>>>>

>>>>>> http://download.mcafee.com/products/licensed/cust_support_patches/MCPR.exe

>>>>>>

>>>>>> Also see:

>>>>>>

>>>>>> Risks & Benefits of P2P file sharing

>>>>>> http://www.microsoft.com/protect/data/downloadfileshare/filesharing.aspx

>>>>>> http://blogs.technet.com/mmpc/archive/2008/10/06/the-cost-of-free-software.aspx

>>>>>>

>>>>>> Steps To Help Prevent Spyware

>>>>>> http://www.microsoft.com/security/spyware/prevent.aspx

>>>>>>

>>>>>> Steps to Help Prevent Computer Worms

>>>>>> http://www.microsoft.com/security/worms/prevent.aspx

>>>>>>

>>>>>> Avoid Rogue Security Software!

>>>>>> http://www.microsoft.com/security/antivirus/rogue.aspx

>>>>>>

>>>>>> If these procedures look too complex - and there is no shame in

>>>>>> admitting

>>>>>> this isn't your cup of tea - take the machine to a local, reputable

>>>>>> and

>>>>>> independent (i.e., not BigBoxStoreUSA or Geek Squad) computer repair

>>>>>> shop.

>>>>>> --

>>>>>> ~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)

>>>>>> MS MVP-IE, Mail, Security, Windows Client - since 2002

>>>>>>

>>>>>>

>>>>>> LewB wrote:

>>>>>>> Ok so the consensus is this is a rogue file. Did I download this

>>>>>>> because

>>>>>>> it

>>>>>>> looked real and is, in fact, I presume from you discussions,

>>>>>>> malware??

>>>>>>> Anyway the basis question of how to deal with it has not been

>>>>>>> answered.

>>>>>>> The

>>>>>>> program is not listed in Add/Remove in CP and in Program Files there

>>>>>>> is

>>>>>>> no

>>>>>>> uninstall file among the 13 after the 3 folders. There is a

>>>>>>> cleaner.log

>>>>>>> and

>>>>>>> an error.log (both on Notepad) and on opening them a fair bit of

>>>>>>> activity

>>>>>>> is

>>>>>>> listed. I tried to copy to a new files I created in Word and then

>>>>>>> place

>>>>>>> it

>>>>>>> here but it won't let me do it.

>>>>>>> As you and Ken have been in contact I will not copy this to him.

>>>>>>> Thanks

>>>>>>> to all of you for your continuing input and help.

>>>>>>

>>>>>>

>>>>>> .

>>>>

>>>> .

>>

>> .

SP3 will not install but no error message

glee

Guest

Ken Blake, MVP

Guest

LewB

Guest

PA Bear [MS MVP]

Guest

glee

Guest

Ken Blake, MVP

Guest

PA Bear [MS MVP]

Guest

Ken Blake, MVP

Guest

LewB

Guest

LewB

Guest

glee

Guest

Ken Blake, MVP

Guest

PA Bear [MS MVP]

Guest

LewB

Guest

PA Bear [MS MVP]

Guest

Michael

Guest

LewB

Guest

PA Bear [MS MVP]

Guest

LewB

Guest

PA Bear [MS MVP]

Guest

Similar threads