HOW TO CLEAN UP A HACKED OR VIRUS RIDDEN WINDOWS COMPUTER

We frequently are asked to help with computers that have been taken over
by one of the spyware, virus, or worm programs that seem to be going
around.  So, while we don't claim to be experts, here are some hints 
that may be helpful.  These are notes, not detailed instructions, but 
you may find them helpful:

1. If you have a microsoft computer do all the upgrades.  See
www.microsoft.com
2. If you have spyware/viruses and Norton Antivirus doesn't work, one
program to try to find and remove them is "hijackthis" (find through
google)  Another good program is "spysweeper" by webroot.com.  Run all
diagnostics in SAFE MODE, but update first in regular mode using
Spysweeper's internal "Update" button.
3. You can reduce the danger by using mozilla.org's mozilla Firefox
browser (safer than Internet Explorer)  After installing Firefox: 
install flash.com's flash and shockwave, then  Sun.com's java for 
webbrowsers
(offline installation).
4. Never open attachments unless you KNOW for sure what they are.  This 
is the main way computers get hacked.
5. Internet Connection Setting Control Panel: Program (uncheck "IE is
desfault"); click restore defaults; Advanced (click restore defaults).
6. Extreme option: Internet Security Control Panel -- slide all security
knobs to HIGH security; Windows Update won't work with this, so you have
so temporarily slide knobs lower just to run Windows Update.
7. Worse Case: spyware not removed using above techniques -- format 
drive, reinstall all.