At risk files
Summary:
Ways
to eliminate or reduce the number of programs that antivirus/ internet security programs
can not eliminate or find on your personal computer.
Purpose:
To
help delete harmful programs identified as "At Risk" files
by your anti virus program, it can not eliminate. To reduce the number
of programs tracking
your usage of sites visited and gathering personal and confidential
information without your permission.
Problem:
There are spyware & spam programs with destructive code that are
able to elude the most comprehensive antivirus programs on the market
today.
Many
of the top "Old Faithful's" virus protection programs can not protect
your
systems
against
someone
gaining access & control. Most current anti virus programs are signature
based, meaning they send out updates to add to your library of known threats.
They do
not fair well against newer programs designed to disable your protection, even
for a few moments. Plus, these programs can hide themselves in alternate data
streams (ADS) files not viewable with your regular
Windows tools. Be aware these intrusive programs can result from downloads
or attachments, which
do not have to be opened or unzipped.
Advice:
We strongly suggest to combining your antivirus program with a different
spyware
program from a different vendor to eliminate a much larger scope of malware on
your systems. We run two different brands of programs in your off- hours. This
is in
addition
to
our
antivirus program. You will be pleasantly surprised to find one program will
catch
several
problems the others missed due to technology
differences.
If that is not very convenient, opt for the advanced version of your Internet Security program, like Norton 360, Trend Micro Internet Security Pro or CA Internet Security Plus.
Method: Our Protection routine:
1.- We turn all our protection programs on Auto update which helps to insure
the
latest definitions are installed and ready to do battle.
We
run
our
antivirus program on startup so it is always loaded & on gurnard.
2. We
setup in Windows (START> CONTROL PANEL> Scheduled
Tasks) to have all of the
protection programs turned on. First, an antispyware
program
followed
by
a
data
destruction
program on a daily basis.
We run them
in
the
background
when we
are not
busy & spread the timing. Do not have two are running against each other (3 hours). Then, we ask the system to
run a full antivirus scan every Thursday (after our update from Norton
Internet Security is installed every Wednesday).
Our systems run much smoother
and
faster. It
saves
having
to
replace
them
as
often- a
big
time & money saver.
Attempts to delete files in other ways
can result in problems and care must be taken not to delete the wrong files.
For example, they show up in c:\windows, C:\documents and settings.
The particular
upsetting files are ones that end in ".exe" which start most legitimate
programs, Again, exercise care when deleting files and if you are not absolutely
sure,
create a Restore Point prior to the deletion which allows you to recover.
Aggressive web sites are no better
since they have the wrong attitude when it comes to serving your
best
interests. By not asking specially for your permission and informing you
up front of all the potential uses, you are leaving the door unlocked to your
computer and all of the files on it. Many times, when you refuse a cookie
or
download you receive the content anyway.
Manual
Removal Suggestions:
For
Symantec/Norton users
Write down the files that Norton identifies as "At Risk". Click on "Start
button" then Click "Search" from first menu presented on the right
side. (If you are uncertain about deleting vital files, you can create a Restore Point
first and return to your original configuration later. Go to Start> All Programs> Accessories> System
tools> System Restore, Select Create a restore point, type
in something like "bye
spy" for description and proceed.
In the Search feature, select "All files and folders". In "All
or part of the filename" type in the bad file name, such as "belt.exe".
Click on the "Search" button located in the bottom right and wait for
the search to complete. It may result in more that one file being found.
Select only the file name in question and highlight, right click and select "delete" from
the menu. Repeat this procedure for the rest of the offending files. When complete,
return to your first Windows screen and locate the Recycle Bin and empty.
The Norton Anti virus Repair wizard delete functions shows entries it can not
get rid of without a lengthy procedure, examples DJQWAHKQ.EXE, ISDOY.EXE, Xcite.dll,
bi.dll, etc. After delete is completed a red message appears stating: "You
have not eliminated all threats". There are still 12 at-risk files(s) remaining.
For Windows XP users
Run with Microsoft's firewall "on" under Security section
of
the
Control panel. Disable other software-based firewalls or you will experience
slow performance. Many routers come with hardware-based firewalls which run much
faster & can be combined with Microsoft's Windows firewall.
If you own a copy of "Window Washer" start
it up and select
the "One Click Clean up" of the Recycle Bin". We handle other people's files so we use Acronis Disk Cleanser with a high level
of Data
Destruction
Algorithm, such as Peter Gutmann or Bruce Schneier's.
We suggest you re-start your computer after using cleaning programs since many of these problems load
into
memory
without
your permission and do not show in the "Startup" or "Processes
running" features of Windows.
Our policy is to
refuse to purchase any software, hardware or service associated
with an intrusion or that sells our personal information to third parties. In addition, we inform
the same vendors that pay these companies to advertise without our informed permission
that we will not do business with them regardless of the commodity.
