Run Spyware
Antispyware
If your friends have this particular infection, there is a tool to remove it. Pass on the following:
Please download
MsnCleaner.zip, but don't use it yet.
- Please reboot into Safe Mode (tap F8 just before Windows starts to load and select Safe Mode from the list).
- Double-click MsnCleaner.zip
- Double-click MsnCleaner.exe to run it.
- Click the Analyze button.
- A report will be created once after you finish scanning.
- If it finds an infection, click the Delete button.
- Now, please reboot back to normal mode.
I'd also suggest having them post a HijackThis log here.
These sort of problems are often removed by Antispyware programs, an antivirus program alone is not sufficient protection. Some other tips to help prevent infections:
It is important to keep Windows up to date. Either enable
Automatic Updates under Start -> Control Panel -> Automatic Updates or get into the habit of checking Windows Update regularly. They usually have security updates every month. You can set Windows to notify you of Updates so that you can choose, but only do this if you believe you are able to understand which ones are needed.
This is a crucial security measuer.
As a minimum, you need at least an antivirus, firewall and some type of anti-spyware program.
Some good free firewalls are
ZoneAlarm,
Kerio, or
Outpost
A tutorial on understanding and using firewalls may be found
here.
Some good Antispyware programs are listed below. They are either
free or have free versions of commercial programs:
Spybot-Search & Destroy
A tutorial on using Spybot to remove spyware from your computer may be found
here. Please also remember to enable Spybot's
Immunize and TeaTimer features if you don't have the resident part of another anti-spyware program running.
SpywareBlaster
A tutorial on using SpywareBlaster to prevent malware from ever installing on your computer may be found
here.
SpywareGuard
A tutorial on using SpywareGuard for real-time protection against spyware and hijackers may be found
here.
If you use Internet Explorer, it is a good idea to use
IE-Spyad which provides protections against malicious websites.