Looks like some folks have completely broken Microsoft's EMET (Enhanced Mitigation Experience Toolkit) product.
This is technical stuff, but the hackers are going to love it.
I am hardening my old XP computer to keep as a back up (stored off-line), in case I have to trouble shoot a problem with my new 8.1 laptop. I wouldn’t use it online except to go to grab what I need for a computer repair, and using all the protective software that I can, while doing it.
I downloaded EMET for it and used advice from this site, and other sites.
I don’t know what EMET is but I figure, every little bit helps.