A hard drive is so vital and it’s important to take proper care of it and save from getting corrupt – thus saving your data.

Problems in hard drive can cause major data loss and inaccessibility of data. Just imagine, you cannot show photographs, videos of a family function to your dear ones just because your hard disk crashed. Will you not regret the situation of watching and enjoying pictures and videos with your family?

Hard drive crashes can take place due to several reasons; it can be a hardware problem, virus attacks, media errors, spy ware attacks and many other unknown reasons.

Is it possible to identify the problem of your hard drive crash?

Let’s say that your hard drive crashed, but you do not know the reason, why this disaster occurred. You can discover this with the help of flashing light on front of your CPU. This light keeps blinking when the computer system is busy.

If you see the light flashing but your computer system is not able to boot up then it’s a problem related to some software i.e. its an ope
How to Fix a Crashed Hard drive PLUS BONUS

rating system malfunction or a virus contamination. This can be effectively repaired and fixed by formatting the computer system thus saving your important data and files.

But the worst still resides, if the flashing light does not function while booting. It means that your hard drive is not able to run and is not performing any activity – A Mechanical problem.

It may sound good to purchase a new hard drive in this scenario but doesn’t the corrupt hard drive store your important data? At this point, you should always take services of hard drive recovery specialists, a professional data recovery service provider who can actually recover your lost data without causing any harm to it.

There are times when your hard drive gives indications of some mishappenings about to happen; like, creepy noises from the hard drive, automatic shutdowns, hanged up OS, slow running of the PC. These indications give you a chance to become alert, careful, and start backing up your data as soon as you notice these happenings.

Here I would like to discuss some causes and solutions to the hard drive recovery.

Why hard drives get corrupt?

The major activity which happens when hard drives crash, is the loss of data. Data Loss is termed as loss of data stored on your hard drive. This data, when damaged is recoverable or unrecoverable depending upon the reason and extent of hard drive corruption.

The general reasons for data loss are poor usage of media, virus attacks and manufacturing defaults.

Improper or Poor usage of the hard drive:

A non-technical person might not be aware of the proper and secure means of using and maintaining of the hard disk. Vibrations or collision, inadequate cleaning, split liquids can damage the hard drive and lead to data loss situations.

Virus Attacks:

Viruses can enter your computer system from nowhere. Whether you download a song, open an email attachment or access any free software provider web site; viruses, spy ware or ad ware can easily make space for themselves and start corrupting your hard drive.

Manufacturing Defaults:

After rigorous testings, 4 or 5 hard drives can be found amongst hundreds which give problems after certain time period of their usage. Defects in your computer system can make the case more worsened but it’s quite possible to recover the maximum or complete data from them.

Measures to Avoid Hard Drive Corruptions

The above points are the major reasons of data loss because of hard drive corruptions. The best and effective measure to avoid such kind of situations is to regularly backup your data or when you notice some strange happenings with your disk drive, start backing up data.

1. Perform regular Backups: The best way to prevent data loss is to backup data on regular basis to an external media like a CD or DVD. This would help you when you face the situation of data loss and can save your pocket from investing on data recovery procedures.

The backed up data can prove useful in case if you need to contact a data recovery company. The data recovery company can effectively help you in data recovery, as you already have backup of your data which will help the data recovery professional to retrieve your data back.

2. Keep your Media Clean: Your hard drive should be important to you as it stores your valuable data. As you keep your important things clean, hard drives should also be cleaned from time to time to keep it safe from dust particles as they damage your hard drive slowly just like slow poison.

“Always remember that it’s the hard drive which makes your OS and PC LIVE.”

3. anti-virus Solution: Regularly scan your PC with good anti-virus software to keep viruses, ad ware, and spy ware at bay. Good firewall and anti virus utilities help to keep your hard drive safe and secure from unwanted attacks.

4. Defragmentation – another good option: Try to defragment your hard drive once a month. By defragmentation it means to organize your data and reduce fragmentation of a file on a storage device by moving separated parts into a contiguous location.

5. Other Minor Preventive Measures: Some minor precautionary steps also prove helpful to rescue hard drive corruptions. You can implement SPAM guard on your incoming and outgoing emails and delete your temporary internet files on a regular basis.

Update your computer system by regularly by downloading the latest updates for your operating system.

6. Try Third Party Utility: If the case of data loss in your situation is severe, you should always go for corrupt hard drive recovery software. As, if you try to diagnose the corrupt hard drive by your self or through some cheap measures, this could lead to heavy expenditures on hard drive repair and data recovery.

The hard drive data recovery software offered by good data recovery companies are effective, powerful and result oriented data recovery software which can recover every bit of your data from the damaged files.

You can try some good data recovery software available in the market which is specially developed for hard drive recovery, hard drive repair, hard disk recovery and partition data recovery.

These were some preventive measures with which you can save your data from becoming inaccessible.

Neha Gupta

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Spyware was in headlines for the first time in 1999 when a freeware game called ” Elf Bowling” circulated with spying software along with it. Since then spywares are creating a havoc in the computer world. Some of the downloadable software comes with a licensing agreement that a spyware program will be installed along with the requested software. But most of us do not go through the agreement properly.
Spyware exists as independent executable programs. These malicious software have the ability to monitor keystrokes, change the default home page on the Web browser, read cookies, scan files on the hard drive, install other spyware programs and even spy other applications, such as chat programs or word processors. The spywares continuously relay this information back to the person who is spying. He will either use it for advertising/marketing purposes or sell the information to another party.

Steps of protecting your computer against spywares
Protecting against spywares is very essential to safeguard personal identity and other vital information. There are four essential steps that are essential to safeguard your computer against this malicious software.
* Updating the operating system regularly
* Installing an anti virus software and updating it regularly
* Utilizing the firewall software
* Utilizing the anti spyware software
Regularly updating of the operating system
It is always essential to install all security related programs as soon as possible. One of the best ways to do it is by utilizing the automatic update option in the computer. But the problem with this is if the computer components are not genuine but pirated ones, then the automatic updating of the operating system may work. So one has to buy genuine parts and software and keep updating regularly

Installing anti virus software
Anti virus software prevents viruses from getting attached to the programs in the computer and prevent them from corrupting the files. Many reliable anti virus software are available some of which are downloadable for free from the net. But one should regularly update the antivirus software to prevent danger from newer virus threats.

The Firewall utility
Hackers use viruses and Trojan Horses to find unprotected computers and access them to delete information, steal personal information or corrupt the files. Firewall security prevents these hackers from doing these. Three types of firewall security are available
* Hardware routers: for home networks connected to internet
* Wireless routers: for wireless network
* Software firewalls: for single computers

The Anti spyware software
The antispyware software protects the computer from those spying the web browsing habits of the victim, will prevent unwanted pop up windows and prevent uninitiated changes in the computer settings.

Markus Wahlgren

Technorati Tags: Amancio, antispyware, Defender, Microsoft, program, Rosas, windows

Working on the Internet provides Internet marketers with the opportunity to make a living in the comfort of their own home.
For more detail go to: www.activities-little-fingers.com. Computer Security includes threats such as viruses, identity theft, and spy ware, aware to name but a few. The latest statistics show that at least over 900 new viruses are created each month which makes keeping track of them really quite difficult. This article would cover three (3) subtopics namely: The Internet, Spy ware and Antivirus.

Internet

If you use your computer on the internet, you need (at minimum) anti virus software. The problem of computer security is the number one problem in today’s networks and Internet engineering. As hackers use different means to crack the security systems it often happens to be impossible to resist and computer security system fail.

Computer Security on the internet is vital for home and business use as there are increasingly hostile environments when users surf the net. It is very important for users to be educated on the dangers they may face while on the internet. Your computer connected to the internet is similar to your house in many ways. Users search on the internet for free computer security software which they dump into their computers and hope for the best.

The Internet is a wonderful place. Anyone with an Internet connection can stay in touch with family and friends via email. Computer security is growing rapidly by the minute and the only one who has control over their files of information is the user. It is strongly suggested that users equip their pc with an armed fire wall for vital protection.

An advice is to use Microsoft Windows Update to keep your Operating System and Internet Explorer patched. Other advice could be to only conduct Internet transactions that have secured processing. for more detail go to:www.fire-itup.comEven if you have a computer connected to the Internet only to play the latest games or to send email to friends and family, your computer could be a target.

Although confidentiality, integrity and authenticity are the most important things when it comes to computer security in general, for everyday internet users, privacy is the most important one, because many people think that they have nothing to hide or the information they give doesn’t seem sensitive when they register with an internet service/site.

Spy ware

An avenue for Spy ware to infect your machine is through popular Peer-to-Peer File sharing software such as Kazan. Extreme spy ware like Root kits and other advanced spy ware have fundamentally changed the playing field in today’s computer security.

While it may seem to be common sense, many of the most widely-spread attacks have involved spy ware and email attachment worms. Often these packages come as “suites” including a firewall and Spy ware scanner. They scan and destroy spy ware as it’s found in the user’s computer.

Regardless of the type of spy ware, it can slow your computer to a crawl and needs to be removed from your computer. Spy ware occurs when certain websites run programs in the back ground of your computer while gleaning information from it. There is now a bill in the US Congress to make Spy ware illegal.

Aadhar

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Spyware exists as independent executable programs. These malicious software have the ability to monitor keystrokes, change the default home page on the Web browser, read cookies, scan files on the hard drive, install other spyware programs and even spy other applications, such as chat programs or word processors. The spywares continuously relay this information back to the person who is spying. He will either use it for advertising/marketing purposes or sell the information to another party. 

Steps of protecting your computer against spywares
Protecting against spywares is very essential to safeguard personal identity and other vital information. There are four essential steps that are essential to safeguard your computer against this malicious software.

Updating the operating system regularly

Installing an anti virus software and updating it regularly

Utilizing the firewall software

Utilizing the anti spyware software

Regularly updating of the operating system
It is always essential to install all security related programs as soon as possible. One of the best ways to do it is by utilizing the automatic update option in the computer. But the problem with this is if the computer components are not genuine but pirated ones, then the automatic updating of the operating system may work. So one has to buy genuine parts and software and keep updating regularly

ChiefJoboo’s Tech Tips – How to Clean, Speed Up, and Protect Your PC…Without the BS

Installing anti virus software
Anti virus software prevents viruses from getting attached to the programs in the computer and prevent them from corrupting the files. Many reliable anti virus software are available some of which are downloadable for free from the net. But one should regularly update the antivirus software to prevent danger from newer virus threats.

The Firewall utility
Hackers use viruses and Trojan Horses to find unprotected computers and access them to delete information, steal personal information or corrupt the files. Firewall security prevents these hackers from doing these. Three types of firewall security are available

Hardware routers: for home networks connected to internet

Wireless routers: for wireless network

Software firewalls: for single computers

The Anti spyware software
The antispyware software protects the computer from those spying the web browsing habits of the victim, will prevent unwanted pop up windows and prevent uninitiated changes in the computer settings.

Markus Wahlgren

Technorati Tags: 8.5, adware, anti-malware, avg, ccleaner, chiefjoboo, clean, computer, crash, error, fix, framework, how to clean my computer, malware, Malwarebytes, msi, noob, problem, registry, regseeker, spyware, superantispyware, virus

Few greater security threats exist on the Internet than rogue security tools.  iSafe Antivirus is just one of many programs that were created with the thought that it wasn’t enough to just infect computers with advertising software.  They take it a step further, going from being merely annoying to being unapologetically criminal.

One could almost say with the presence of rogue security tools that adware and spyware are passé.  Rogue software like iSafe Antivirus certainly does represent a new generation of infections.  Unfortunately, it’s virtually impossible for the creators to be arrested and jailed at this time.

The concept that iSafe Antivirus and its ilk operate from is pretty simple.  Secretly infect a computer, make the user think that they’re the only ones who can get rid of it, charge them an arm and a leg for it, and don’t deliver as promised.  That’s the scam in summary.

“How does iSafe Antivirus infect a computer?” you might ask.  They lie in wait at infected websites.  The websites more often than not involve watching videos, especially ones that might involve copyright violations by their presence.  Adult content Web sites have been noted as being infected as well.  Web sites can be easily cloned, so there’s no sure answer on how to avoid them.

An infection from iSafe Antivirus begins the moment you click on an infected icon.  It shows you that you’re downloading a video codec, which is actually the Zlob Trojan Downloader.  This program bypasses your computer’s security and installs iSafe Antivirus.

From there, iSafe Antivirus takes over.  You get a pop-up that asks you if you want a scan, and regardless of your answer, it starts.  It then tells you that your computer has a virus infection.  Not just any virus infection, but the very mother of infections.  Your computer would have already crashed if it was true.

Then, iSafe Antivirus tells you that you have to get their full version to clean up your computer.  This is where the truly criminal part begins.  First of all, it’s a scam, if you’re lucky.  The software doesn’t work; it’s only a shell program.  But that’s not as bad as it gets.

There is full potential if you buy iSafe Antivirus that they will steal your identity.  Corrupt people have access to your credit account, and there’s really no telling what they’ll do with it.  Is that a risk that you’re willing to take?

Even if you avoid this problem, you still have to get rid of iSafe Antivirus.  That is, unless you like being interrupted every ten minutes by a so called virus scan.  It’s also set up to run every time you boot your computer, so a restart doesn’t lay it to rest, either.

To clarify a possible mistake when trying to get rid of iSafe Antivirus, you should know that it’s not a virus.  Rogue security tools are a bundle of spyware, so you should use an antispyware program, not an antivirus to get rid of them.  Make sure that you have the best available.

Carl Atkinson

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Internet

If you use your computer on the internet, you need (at minimum) anti virus software. The problem of computer security is the number one problem in today’s networks and Internet engineering. As hackers use different means to crack the security systems it often happens to be impossible to resist and computer security system fail.

Computer Security on the internet is vital for home and business use as there are increasingly hostile environments when users surf the net. It is very important for users to be educated on the dangers they may face while on the internet. Your computer connected to the internet is similar to your house in many ways. Users search on the internet for free computer security software which they dump into their computers and hope for the best.

The Internet is a wonderful place. Anyone with an Internet connection can stay in touch with family and friends via email. Computer security is growing rapidly by the minute and the only one who has control over their files of information is the user. It is strongly suggested that users equip their pc with an armed fire wall for vital protection.

An advice is to use Microsoft Windows Update to keep your operating system and Internet Explorer patched. Other advice could be to only conduct Internet transactions that have secured processing. for more detail go to:www.fire-itup.comEven if you have a computer connected to the Internet only to play the latest games or to send email to friends and family, your computer could be a target.

Although confidentiality, integrity and authenticity are the most important things when it comes to computer security in general, for everyday internet users, privacy is the most important one, because many people think that they have nothing to hide or the information they give doesn’t seem sensitive when they register with an internet service/site.

Spy ware

An avenue for Spy ware to infect your machine is through popular Peer-to-Peer File sharing software such as Kazan. Extreme spy ware like Root kits and other advanced spy ware have fundamentally changed the playing field in today’s computer security.

While it may seem to be common sense, many of the most widely-spread attacks have involved spy ware and email attachment worms. Often these packages come as “suites” including a firewall and Spy ware scanner. They scan and destroy spy ware as it’s found in the user’s computer.

Regardless of the type of spy ware, it can slow your computer to a crawl and needs to be removed from your computer. Spy ware occurs when certain websites run programs in the back ground of your computer while gleaning information from it. There is now a bill in the US Congress to make Spy ware illegal.

Aadhar

Become a part of The Web Prosperity Team, Free Business Opportunity to join where you are a part of a Team that is looking out for your success. The Hottest products that all Internet Marketers need including Webinar Services, Video and Audio Hosting, Autoresponders, and more, Make Money off this industry with our Team. Making Money Online with Web Prosperity Compensation Plan {Web Prosperity} Internet Marketing Tools www.thewebprosperityteam.com

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If your windows registry has too many useless information and program applications, your computer may encounter various errors such as system crashes, computer freezing and other problems. This program will crack down the origin of these problems and fix errors in your windows registry. The good thing about this registry cleaner is its money back guarantee.

This cleaner provides a user-friendly application that is best for everyone especially for those who are computer beginners. At the top of the graphic, you can find a forward and back arrow, which makes it easier to use. Compared to other registry cleaners, Error Smart can find more system errors with the same amount of time.

This cleaner also has four additional features including Startup Program Manager, Full Registry Backup Utility, Browser Helper Object Manager and Add/Remove Program Manager. In addition, Error Smart Registry Cleaner is a lot cheaper than several other registry cleaners in the market are. Error Smart is the best and the complete registry cleaner that can fix your windows registry problems.

Computer Tips & Techniques : How to Scan & Remove Viruses for Free

Several reviews about Error Smart can attest that it is one of the most trusted registry cleaners in the market. It can scan the hard drive of your computer, determine and analyze the errors as well as repair the problems. With Error Smart, your computer system performance can increase the speed up to seventy percent. This registry cleaner can work on different computer troubles such as failed installations, incomplete installations, virus and spyware infections and driver issues that results to slow down the performance of your computer. Error Smart can provide the most effective way in cleaning your windows registry in no time. Error Smart has an advanced error detection that has the capability to scan and repair computer errors in just several minutes.

Error Smart is the registry cleaner that has the easiest and most effective software interface, which can be used by all people regardless of their level of expertise. It also has an automated utility that does not require a manual repair. You do not have to worry about complicated instructions. For people who do not want to waste their precious time in understanding complex application procedures, Error Smart is the best option.

Another advantage of this cleaner is their ‘live chat’ feature, which can provide users the necessary support they need. Unlike other registry cleaners, Error Smart can guarantee the easiest way to repair troubles in your windows registry in a cheaper and faster way possible.

Kelly Purdenn

Technorati Tags: computer programs, computer tips, computers, FLV, MP3, RAR, ringtone, virus

Trojan software programs are just one of the threats that affect Internet security, and any malicious software program can cause a wide variety of problems and weaknesses in your PC. Anti virus software programs are critical, because of the large number of Internet security threats out there on the world wide web. Some of the more serious programs can hijack your computer, access everything that is on your system, or even cause physical damage and system failures that will not allow your system to start up ever again. A new PC can be quite costly, so it is essential that you protect your system against Trojans and other Internet security threats.

The best way to avoid any malicious programs, including Trojans and viruses, is to be very careful about clicking anything. Many Trojans do not use force to enter your computer, instead they trick you into believing that the program or prompt is legitimate. Once you click the agreement or okay button, the Trojan will download, and may have the ability to download or activate other harmful programs as well. Always read the entire agreement, warning, or prompt, and think carefully before you agree. If you are not sure what a program is or does, do not allow it to run or install. This will protect you against Trojans and viruses that may cause irreparable harm to your system and your data.

Anti virus programs that are legitimate can help identify these harmful programs, many times before the Trojan can even get on your PC. It is important that these programs are updated daily, to prevent against any new threats recently identified. You also need to scan your system at least once a day for the best Internet security and computer protection. It may be necessary to scan more often if the program detects problems. Anti virus software can prevent Trojans and viruses, and increases your level of Internet security.

Use care when surfing on the web to prevent Trojans and other malware programs from gaining access to your PC. Some websites may be infected, either intentionally or without the site being aware of a third party infection, and if you visit one of these sites you may get a prompt that is misleading, or spyware may be downloaded secretly in the background, so you do not even realize it. Use caution and common sense when surfing the web. Only visit sites that you know are legitimate and infection free. This will minimize the risks of a Trojan or virus infecting your system.

To prevent viruses, Trojans, and other malicious software from causing problems on your computer, you should have Internet security programs and processes that are layered. Start by being careful to read everything before allowing a program to install or run. Make sure you have a quality anti virus program installed and updated, and that this program runs a daily scan to detect these infections. Be careful which sites you visit, because some sites can have harmful components. These steps will help you protect your system and Internet security.

Remy Na

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But no matter how many benefits the internet offers us, there are also disadvantages with it. But with good protection, awareness and basic knowledge, you can avoid getting the disadvantages that it has. People who have been using the internet for years or someone that’s considered as expert or professional knows why a computer system sometimes get damages and troubles. Without prior knowledge, your system unit will really get damaged without you knowing it. But there are also people that even t
Is Your PC Freezing? Learn How to Fix It Today For FREE!

hey’re not a professional, knows how to take charge of theirs computer system. There are many resources that a person can get knowledge and many information ideas or facts about the security of ones computer.

When browse all through different websites searching something that can help you with computer care, make sure to read on different informative articles posted there. Most of them are free to access so you don’t have to worry about any cost. One of the most important things that you should really consider is getting tools for your system unit that helps when you’re browsing over the internet. There are different software that you can also download for free like a spyware remover, spyware detector or spyware scanner. Spywares are the infectious virus that causes damage to ones computer system. Mostly, it comes together with a file that’s been downloaded using the internet. They really cause trouble as it makes the computer runs slower, and sometimes the systems files become corrupted. Will there be an owner willing to happen to their computer system?

If you have those tools, you can securely use your computer with confidence that won’t harm your system as much as the feeling of one spying over you and getting your personal information. But sometimes that you already have used tools to help you out with the problem, and you still experience some errors related to it. Will there be solution? Try using a spyware scanner. There are many available free spyware scans over the internet that you can use hassle free. Getting a scan by using a free spyware scanner will help your computer prevent those malicious software that you think give the bad effects.

When choosing a free spyware scanner, make a research about it that will make you choose which of the different software will give you more benefits. Also consider knowing the security and website’s legitimacy so you can’t be fool by many bad guys who offers free tools over the internet. A free spyware scan will make your browsing a lot better.

Kelly Purden

Technorati Tags: ad-aware, adaware, best, clean, cleaner, cleaners, computer, fix, free, Microsoft, PC, registry, slow, spyware, up, vista, windows, xp

Who would think I was capable of such revengeful thoughts about the parties responsible for inflicting my poor computer with spyware? Well, after the trauma of having gone through such an experience for the first time, I was sorely tempted by the occult section of curses and witchcraft at my local bookstore. Growl!

Basically, I am a normal person using a home computer to perform simple normal tasks such as word processing, writing emails, internet banking, and surfing the Internet for useful information. Ok, I also have a weakness for looking for bargains on good old eBay (sheepish grin) and Paypal is quite a handy option for easy purchasing.

Problem:

Great dismay and panic hit when my pc started popping up strange windows or messages. With my limited IT knowledge, I ran a Norton virus scan which obviously revealed a number of problems. But the Symantec removal tool did not remove the spyware and I could not even log onto a couple of password protected sites. My beloved pc was infected with some malware or adware or trojan, among which, I believe was WinFixer and a Trojan Vundo. I did not know how to get rid of Vundo or how to remove WinFixer. (Or perhaps they were the one and same thing?). But at that point, I did not know any better, so began the laborious task of searching for information on how to get rid of the spyware.

Research:

From my search, I found out that the Trojan Vundo is a trojan horse that causes popups advertising rogue antispyware programs. For example, the program called Sysprotect is advertised in many of the popup windows as seen from the screenshot below. Vundo infects a computer by creating a DLL file in the Windows system directory and writes registry entries causing Windows to inject the file into winlogon.exe.

WinFixer, on the other hand, has siblings as it is identical to WinAntiVirus and ErrorSafe. And these programs all claim to repair problems within your computer system. By installing the program on your computer, you will likely end up receiving false information about your computer. Naturally, this will confuse you into believing your PC is infected with viruses, spyware and/or other forms of malware.

The popups and forced downloads apparently mirror “marketing” strategies of many spyware programs. And at times, infected computers will reduce in their level of speed and performance. Well, this all explained what was probably happening to my pc, and I knew I had to figure out how to get rid of WinFixer and Vundo before they drove me mad.

Research and solution:

In my initial panic, I reacted by downloading some recommended antispyware programs, namely CounterSpy by Sunbelt Software, XoftSpy by ParetoLogic and Spy Sweeper by Webroot Software Inc. I came to my senses by the third program and stopped myself from paying for another popular program, Spyware Doctor. But hey, all these programs did receive pretty good reviews from the experts at PCWorld, PCMag, CNet, Tucows and AdwareReport. So at the time, I did not feel that I had gone too much overboard

Now, there are many sites listing all sorts of free and paid antispyware programs with a variety of reviews and user opinions on how to remove WinFixer and how to get rid of Vundo. Many of the commercial antispyware program homepages also list very detailed features of their products plus the latest research findings about current spyware threats. Have a look at this webpage that lists some of these reliable programs. www.consumerstyle.com/antispyware

Anyway, an opinion and recommendation I had read when researching for the reliable antispyware programs made heaps sense in that software you pay for is more likely to offer benefits over freeware, i.e., better support, more frequent updates and better pro-active protection measures. One just has to be careful when selecting the programs. According to the comments in the forums and review articles I read, many recommend using at least two programs to be able to catch the latest spyware that either program might miss (that was when I stopped myself from my downloading frenzy). I have learnt much more about my pc now and wish to share and perhaps amuse you my muddled but finally effective measures to cleaning up my pc and removing the spyware.

My actions:

My initial Norton antivirus scan found but was not able to delete Vundo, even after rebooting. The Symantec removal tool did not help at all. I had disconnected from the Internet, disabled system restore, and ran the removal tool, regularly and in safe mode. After numerous startups, varying with safe mode, and disabling antivirus, I even tried to figure out how to remove Vundo manually without messing with the registry, etc. Please note that some people had success with the Symantec removal tools, and some others, like me, did not. Apart from the Trojan Vundo, I was getting quite frustrated at not being able to remove WinFixer for the many windows continually popping up started to slow my computer down, and even freeze it at times.

So I first tried Xoftspy, which was the fastest when scanning my computer. I was pleased to have fewer pop ups, was able to remove WinFixer, and ended with a much faster internet connection.

Then with my next program, Spy Sweeper, I ran it twice and then did a full system scan. Lo and behold, Vundo was gone, no more popups and adware annoyances. I guess this might not work for everyone but it is worth a shot to download Spy Sweeper.

Being still paranoid about the health of my pc, I finally ran the the free two-week trial version of CounterSpy, for extra assurance. Now I was quite impressed as it also included a scheduler, secure file shredder, and a history cleaner that made it simple to set up weekly scans. And there are frequent definition file updates for CounterSpy’s publisher. The company seems to run a well-staffed spyware research department. After a scan, CounterSpy can delete, quarantine, or remove spyware. I was advised not to install Microsoft AntiSpyware alongside older versions of CounterSpy (version 1.5 and below). And it is recommended to get CounterSpy to check for online updates of definitions and program files manually.

Conclusion:

To sum it all, XoftSpy was able to delete WinFixer as the program was able to uninstall WinFixer within fifteen minutes requiring a couple of restarts. As for Spy Sweeper, it managed to remove Vundo with ease. And I have no doubt that CounterSpy has done a great job of keeping my pc free of spyware. I cannot say that I have taken the best approach to solving my problems, but my pc is now running faster than ever and I have been free of WinFixer and Vundo ever since. I just have to remember to be more careful and scan my pc regularly.

One thing is for sure, there are many reliable and popular antispyware programs out there, and many helpful forum chat folk who can lend a hand with plenty of technical advice. You just have to sort out what advice and which steps to take by increasing your own awareness and understanding of your pc and the nasty world of spyware lurking around these days.

Jess Ong

DL: www.megaupload.com This is the one and only keygen for Windows 7. It will generate an activation code for you, which will keep your Windows 7 activated permanently. File is 100% clean, feel free to scan with antivirus. Open it, click Generate to make a key, and use it to activate your copy of Windows 7.

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