Here'* a call out to computer people. I keep getting downloader.agent trojan viruses that are detected by my AVG 6.0. I can then virus scan and then get them into the "vault" where I think I can delete the files...BUT they never stop. I still constantly get warnings whenever I use IE. Anyone know how to end this madness?

If you have cable internet you're essentially on a huge network with a bunch of other cable internet customers... their computers could be infected and then attack yours as per the virus' instructions. This is just a half-educated theory though. Firewall software may help out a lot. Try this one, it'* free and it works great for me.

www.kerio.com

Peej I got full versions of Adaware etc, but some of these new trojans are so good, you need to alter the Windows registry, and I wouldnt be doing that without an experts help.

You know how to find me for the full versions of Adaware and various anti spyware/trojan removals. Also check out www.trendmicro.com Might be something there to get you started (does a good scan and locates the problem).

Sol and Merlin 91/97 have proven to me that they are the fellers to talk to.

Directly I suggest in your case, in order to fix your intarweb issues

First thing to do would be to try a different virus scanner. Try www.trendmicro.com

It always helps to try a second one.

If that doesn't work, I have other stuff you can try. It'* a little more tricky.

Yes, that is basically what a trojan is. But even with a firewall, it still needs to be removed. Can't leave something like that hanging around.

How is it coming along Jeanie?

Too many chefs...... had to clean up this topic a bit so Princess Jeanie wouldn't get too confused.

Jeanie.... Sol'* got you on the right track.....

Here'* a quick step-by-step of what I would suggest.....

-Boot the computer into "Safe Mode with Networking Support"
(do this by pressing F8 as soon as your computer powers on, and using the menu)

-Goto http://housecall.antivirus.com
Run the scan on drive C:
(this is the same thing Sol sent you to, just an easier URL to remember)
-Once the scan is complete, delete any infected files, don't worry if it cleaned them or not. Just delete them.

-The goto http://www.lavasoftusa.com
Click on the download.com link and download Ad-Aware SE
-Install that, update it, and run it. When you run it, be sure to select "FULL System Scan" and not just "Smart Scan" which is default. You'll see the options when you goto run the scan.
-When that completes, highlight all the objects and delete them. Just use right click and "Select all" if the list isn't already all selected for you

-Next goto windowsupdate.com and make sure you are fully upto date.
Some people recommend SP2..... if you don't own a 'hardware' firewall, (EG a router) I'd probably suggest updating to SP2 (Service Pack 2). A hardware firewall is still your best option. Do not download any software firewalls, they might help against viruses, but they are pretty poor against hackers (which are rare), but worse they take up system resources and end up slowing your computer down a bit.

If you need anything else feel free to PM myself or Sol.... we seem to be on the same page.

Hope everything works out for you.

Just an aside to Jasons post...Service Pack 2 doesnt jive well with some ISP'*, I know that Sympatico is suggesting that you do not download SP2.

Its up to you, however follow the clean up method that these gents stated is great.

Jim'* right.... I'm not sold on SP2 (I won't have it on my system yet).....
But if you don't install SP2... be sure to a least grab all the Security Updates on Microsofts website for XP.

PJ...since you're in Michigan, it'* likely that your broadband provider is Comcast. I also have Comcast and am yet to have an issue with three different PCs running SP2.

So a software firewall just hogs resources? I was under the impression my software is keeping others on my network from attacking and infecting my computer. I get port scanned all the time, and Kerio keeps other machines at bay. Any time I have an incoming or outgoing connection being established it asks me if I want to allow it or deny it. Wouldn't this theoretically keep her computer more protected?