Re: POSSIBLE HACK...PLEASE, PLEASE HELP!

I am actually posting this reply via the 98 Second Edition side of my
computer which was not hacked in 2007 after the APS network was hacked and
the XP Professional side was compromised, the 98 SE side rode through the
onslaught like a champ without noticing any problems despite the fact that it
was hooked up to the Internet. This is my main reason for my debate with
Steve Riley but I will discuss that later in the appropriate topic area of
this newsgroup. Identity Theft is really terrible. I want to rant and rave
about my problems but will not redirect to help you.

Okay, first come to grips with the worst case scenario although it might not
be the worst case, I feel it is better to get that over with first and then
try not to worry. Secondly, make sure the compromised portion (XP Home) side
of the PC is not connected to the Internet. I figure we are talking about a
single operating system and do not have to deal with Virtual Machines and or
Dual or Tri-Boots. Please correct me if I am wrong. Since the problem is
with Windows XP Home then I certainly would allow a copy of Windows Live One
Care to attempt to fix the problem. Unfortunately, for you this is a
terrible scenario but it will be useful for Microsoft and others to see how
effectively Windows Live One Care can fix your problem. This will make a
great test case to see the effectiveness of Windows Live One Care. Just so
you all know, I enjoy using Microsoft technology but will not limit myself to
a single software or hardware manufacturer. It must be all fully customized
for me to meet my needs and please sorry Annie but do not see me as
insensitive since your case may indeed help all users out.

1. Try to Install and Run Windows Live One Care --- use cd and make sure
your ethernet, usb or phone cord is not connected --- this is a critical step
as far as not being connected to the Internet with that machine or at least
within the compromised operating system (I presume broadband --- cable/dsl or
narrowband if dial-up) ---- access me and others with another non-compromised
machine at this Microsoft Newsgroup ---- Please let us know the results and I
will attempt to provide further assistant --- Milo, Steve Riley and others
are welcome to add their feedback to this case as well to help Annie.

"Annie" wrote:

Thank you, Dan and Milo.

So what is the next step? I'm not going to turn on that computer just yet.
Where do I find the PE_Sality / PE_Patch at a safe site and should I download
that first before anything else? Should I then run the programs Dan
suggested...in that order?

I'm running Windows XP Home edition on that computer.

I checked my IP addresses per Shenan's advice, they're different. I tried
to login as 'admin' and put the default password in. I then got a 'warning'
screen' so just clicked cancel because I didn't know where that was going to
take me. Could I have clicked OK and then just closed the next page had it
submitted? I realize if I did go to the next page my password was 'not'
changed from the default which is bad. I just didn't know where to take it
from there.

Thank you so much for your help.

One more thing...if this was what Milo said it was..does someone out there
have all my personal data (documents, photos, passwords, etc.).




"Dan" wrote:

Sorry, Shenan. I disagree. AVG Free 7.5 antivirus is a good program.
Unfortunately with Free AVG 8, the company apparently broke many of their own
rules and I cannot suggest AVG anymore unless a user is running the legacy
version with AVG 7.5 in which support supposedly is ending in August.

The reason is that AVG 8 has too many false positives on both my system and
my dad's machine when we tried it on XP Professional for me and XP Home for
him. I do not like to disagree with an MVP and please do not jump down my
throat and forgive me for stating my opinion. I am not overly happy with
Avast either if the user is using a 9x machine (such as Windows 98 Second
Edition) but if the machine is using a more modern operating system such as
Windows XP then I would suggest Microsoft's antivirus of Windows Live One
Care because I have not had issues with it so far except the stupid red
notification it gives me because I do not enable automatic updates since I
enjoy reading about every security update.

"Shenan Stanley" wrote:

Annie wrote:
Windows firewall and Zone Alarm firewall. Which one do you
recommend I keep on?

Given that you are asking - the Windows Firewall will be more than
sufficient and easier to use and keep updated.

My Suggestion: Uninstall Zone Alarm completely and just utilize the built in
Windows XP Firewall and an updated antivirus application. Occassionally run
an AntiSpyware application to see if you have been infested with anything
and/or purchase one. SuperAntiSpyware is a good free/for pay one. AVG
AntiVirus is a good Free AV application (8.0).

--
Shenan Stanley
MS-MVP
--
How To Ask Questions The Smart Way
http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html



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