[gatorgriz]

Further info for those IT users out there; Netsky.b has been introduced today, yet another virus/worm. McAfee has released two dat files to update their virus software today; the latest, at least on my version is dat 4326. I'd update ASAP if I was running McAfee.

[backhoe]

Alternative browsers:
http://www.mozilla.org/
http://www.opera.com/

Free anti-viral protection:
http://www.grisoft.com/us/us_dwnl_free.php

Popup ad killers:
http://www.bayden.com/popper/

Close that Messenger in Windows XP:
http://grc.com/stm/ShootTheMessenger.htm

Spyware removers:
http://www.safer-networking.org/index.php?lang=en&page=download
http://www.lavasoftusa.com/
http://www.wilderssecurity.net/spywareblaster.html

Good for pre-screening & bouncing SPAM:
http://mailwasher.net/

Script Defender ( stop that nonsense from running unwelcome scripts ):
http://www.analogx.com/welcome.htm

Once you are certain- positive- you have a clean machine, either by removing the bugs, or a clean reinstall on a formatted drive, consider using a spare hard drive to make a mirror copy ( clone ) of your system. Most drive makers offer free drive-to-drive copy software on their sites, or Norton Ghost or xxcopy ( free ) can be used. You then remove the spare, date it, and set aside to swap out in an emergency.

[Concerned]

The FIRST THING to do is IMMEDIATELY go to
http://www.safer-networking.org/
and get Spy-Bot to get RID of the spyware, etc.

I am planning to also get a new email address because spammers/attackers got my email address and make it look like I am SENDING email which I am actually RECEIVING. I don't know if others are getting email "from" me like that or not.

Lockdowncorp.com lets you issue a new email address off the top of your head---at the moment you need a new one---by allowing yout to have an email address like anythingyouwant@yourchoice.spam-stopper.net

ALL email going to yourchoice.spam-stopper.net goes to you and if someone sells your email address, you'll KNOW WHO---and you can give them a piece of your mind!

http://lockdowncorp.com/manual/StartupPrograms.htm
http://lockdowncorp.com

[Fiddlstix]

I don't use XP but I'll Bump the thread to help out

[12chachacha]

Most Dells have a flip up panel on the front.
Open this up and you will see a sticker with
a service code number on it.

[pageonetoo]

Macintosh G4, or G5; Macinosh OS-X, with all of its goodies. Best of all, it almost never crashes...and it is rarely affected by viruses... The smart choice, to a 'T'!

I can think of no better solution!

[Fithee]

Sounds like Welchia Worm or Blaster worm. They are similar. In fact one is a variant of the other. Symantec (Norton Anti-Virus) has a worm removal tool that will inspect your computer and remove the worm. Microsoft now has one too. I have used the Symantec tool and it works well.

Once you remove the worm, you must bring your anti-virus protection current and you must update your windows XP operating system. That is easy to do. Just: (1) click on the START button, then (2) click on SETTINGS, and then (3) click on the CONTROL PANEL. On the left side of the screen you will see a link to update your WindowsXP OS. Click on the link and select all CRITICAL UPDATES for downloading and installation. The 'patches' will self install.

Good Luck!

[PokeyJoe]

I have a Dell and I am running Windows XP.

Call 1-800-624-9897.

Ask for Raji.

He's the guy in Bangalore, India who I trained to do my job.

Sorry I can't help you. I don't do Dell anymore.

[mrsmith]

BTW: It's traditional not to come back and say how it worked out.
To never let anyone know if any of their advice helped you, and not to post anything you learned or noticed that might be helpful to anyone.

I don't know why, but that's the tradition for help threads.

[Faith65]

later....run new virus scan....

[Damagro]

I have tried to go through the manufacturer but their hours are useless and they won't help me without my 24 (yes, 24) digit code to make sure my software isn't pirated.


Actually that is a 25 character alpha numeric code. Dell does not ship the code with the computer. There should be a record of the sale in your name and you may get the code through customer service. You'll only need the numbers from the label on the side of your tower

[TheLion]

The XP Number they want is in the "Control Panel". Open this up and then "System". It is on the first page under "General". in case you can't find the control panel?...get back to me.

[philetus]

winnet - winnet.exe - Process Information

Process File: winnet or winnet.exe
Process Name: CommonName Spyware
Description: Internet Explorer Add-on toolbar from CommonName which enables you to enter keywords or short phrases which will take you straight to the website of the organisation that might have bought those keywords.
Company: CommonName Ltd
System Process: No
Security Risk ( Virus/Trojan/Worm/Adware/Spyware ): Yes
Common Errors: N/A

[VRWC_minion]

Author	Topic
Dr Kimble BigBlueVeteran USA 195 Posts	Posted - 01/17/2004 :  7:20:23 PM       There is a really really annoying error message on my computer that will not go away. The message reads: First off, does anyone know what winnet is? Is it an important file to the computer? Also this error message comes up every three minutes whether I am off or online. It also seems to slow everything down. I did a spybot search and destroy and ad-aware and the thing still comes up. I cleaned it off the msconfig startup. I did a folder search and deleted the file, but one of the three labeled winnet files will not delete it says that the file may be currently in use. I don't know what to do, but it is driving me crazy Please help me.
David Moderator USA 964 Posts	Posted - 01/17/2004 :  7:32:14 PM       http://www.liutilities.com/products/wintaskspro/processlibrary/winnet/ http://www.computerwise.com/software/winnet.htm End the task, search your computer for winnet.exe and delete it. Update your Anti-Virus software. Dave Posting Guidelines | Forum Policies | Fast Help!
Dr Kimble BigBlueVeteran USA 195 Posts	Posted - 01/17/2004 :  9:05:16 PM       Hey yah, I found another form of this winnet thing on my msconfig startup. Thanks for those links, cause now I know all the names associated with the great evil winnet so I could find all of it that spread through my comp.