AIM=Spyware???

**laseranimal** · 03-27-2005, 05:08 PM

nerd question

My 16 year old sister in laws laptop cratered last month, Today I attempted to resurect it, I completely reinstalled XP and had to re install all the drivers and applications. I'm assuming that ment she was starting with a fresh setup. She got a IPOD mini for Easter and I was working on getting it installed I had installed I-tunes and got the Pod up and running, I left her for 15 minutes and she downloaded AIM, and all of a sudden her computer got attacked by pop ups, spyware and a worm. She's had lots of trouble with her computers crashing and burning over the years, her parents and her have blamed it on Gateway making crap computers. Personally I think this may be more of a 16 year old clicking OK without reading what she's doing on the Computer. Am I right? I've now spent the better part of 5 hours getting this computer up and running again. What do I do to make sure it doesn't get F-ed up again

**phUnk** · 03-27-2005, 05:11 PM

After you re-installed XP, did you immediately install Service Pack 2 (unless it was already part of your XP install CD) and then go to Windows Update (http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com/) to make sure you're up to date with all the Microsoft patches?

**Shepherd Wong** · 03-27-2005, 05:32 PM

Gaim, Miranda, Trillian.
In that order.

**Blurred** · 03-27-2005, 06:36 PM

Laser, get aim hacked. It doesn't have the spyware, it's aims version of kazaa lite. You'll have to find the link though, I just got done hiking and I'm feeling lazy.

**laseranimal** · 03-27-2005, 07:46 PM

ok got most of the spyware terminated but I'm having trouble shaking the last two

VX2.Transponder
Type: Browser Plug-in
Threat Level: Severe
Author: Mindset Interactive

Description: VX2 is an Internet Explorer browser helper object that monitors Web page requests and data entered into forms. It sends this information to its remote server, and displays pop-up advertisements. VX2 also collects and sends personal information.

Advice: Severe-risk items have an extreme potential for adverse effect, such as a security exploit, and should be removed.

About Browser Plug-in: A browser plug-in is an application that can be installed within a user's web browser. Plug-ins can come in the form of a toolbar that is included in your web browser or a search or navigation feature to extra task buttons on the browser. Although most plug-ins are designed to perform necessary functions, many plug-ins are harmful to you computer because they have complete access to your web browser and can modify, spy and redirect any task you perform.

eBates.MoeMoneyMaker
Type: Adware
Threat Level: Elevated
Author: Ebates Inc.

Description: ebates Moe MoneyMaker displays pop-up advertisements and disables programs, including pop-up blockers that might interfere with its operation.

Advice: Elevated-risk items have some potential for adverse effect. Users should review such programs and remove them if unwanted.

About Adware: In general, adware is software that displays advertisements, and may be beneficial by subsidizing a program or service. However, certain adware programs may lack authorization, such as installing without prominent notice or showing ads without clear attribution to their source.

I've tried microsoft antispyware and ad aware but they keep popping back up

**ski4life** · 03-27-2005, 08:01 PM

Originally Posted by laseranimal

nerd question

My 16 year old sister in laws laptop cratered last month, Today I attempted to resurect it, I completely reinstalled XP and had to re install all the drivers and applications. I'm assuming that ment she was starting with a fresh setup. She got a IPOD mini for Easter and I was working on getting it installed I had installed I-tunes and got the Pod up and running, I left her for 15 minutes and she downloaded AIM, and all of a sudden her computer got attacked by pop ups, spyware and a worm. She's had lots of trouble with her computers crashing and burning over the years, her parents and her have blamed it on Gateway making crap computers. Personally I think this may be more of a 16 year old clicking OK without reading what she's doing on the Computer. Am I right? I've now spent the better part of 5 hours getting this computer up and running again. What do I do to make sure it doesn't get F-ed up again

AIM embeds spyware in it's later versions, particularly Viewpoint. If you want I can email you older version of AIM that is spyware free, however it will have only basic AIM functions and not the latest features. Good luck.

**phUnk** · 03-27-2005, 08:38 PM

Originally Posted by ski4life

If you want I can email you older version of AIM that is spyware free, however it will have only basic AIM functions and not the latest features. Good luck.

Older versions of a lot of software -> http://www.oldversion.com/

**Blurred** · 03-27-2005, 08:40 PM

here ya go lazy bastard.

http://www.softpedia.com/get/Interne...-Ad-Hack.shtml

**FNG** · 03-27-2005, 08:54 PM

Using a firewall is a good idea too. Try Zone Alarm.

**Droopy** · 03-27-2005, 09:02 PM

SP2 is great. I installed it on my family's computer because of their aptitude for getting all kinds of spywear. I used to have to clean it out for them constantly. It has been 3 months now and there is still no spywear to speak of.

Also AIM installs some other things, like weather bug, which you can just choose not to install during the setup process