NO, NO, Stop!

Your subject title suggested you had a program entitled "XP Cleaner" and that was what I was referring to for you to remove.

You certainly do not want to remove Service Pack 2 from your computer nor all the almost 100 updates since that time.

OK so let's try again. Did you download a cleaning program of any kind recently? Were you having problems you were hoping to cure? There are some excellent free programs out there but there is also a load of scumware that tries to part you from your money.

If you have downloaded a program then try using the Add/Remove feature to uninstall this. Then go back to the original post and follow my instructions first to clean up all fragments left behind plus other nasty stuff. Then use the link Ravencajun provided for Superantispyware. Be sure after you install this program that you immediately look for updates before running the program. Run the complete test and remove what ever it suggests, this may take 40 minutes or more to complete.

Let us know how things work out. Preferably in the original thread so anyone reading it can make sense of the issues at hand. If you get frustrated just walk away for a few minutes and enjoy a coffee or whatever - or stay away longer till you are cool and comfortable.

Oh,Thank you so much,

But why does it ask me for money?

I will be walking away for a couple of hours,i need to go help hubby with the poly for our green house,i don't remember downloading any programes,should i just pay the $39.00?

Before i do any thing else, i will check back with you.

I do so appreciate your help.

Be back in a couple of hours.

Carol

Under no circumstances should you be parting with any money Carol. It asks for money because these people know that a certain percentage of the population will do that which makes them richer and you poorer and still without a usable program.

Thank you,i posted on the orignal post as suggested.All is fine now.

So, how do you feel about the Delux Shield,i did buy that one,( a couple of months ago)and it does not seem to be doing a very good job,when i installed the spyware, it found all kinds of problems.I tryed calling them,(the delux shield) but had to hang on for to long, i will try again tomorrow.

You guys are the best!Thank you so much.

Carol

OH man NO is right definitely never try to get rid of windows xp sp2!!!

Carol please any time you are thinking of getting any type of program come to one of these forums or any good computer forum and ask first!! There are many many bad programs out there that are just hoping someone will come along and give them money for programs that do nothing or even worse they try to sell you a program just so they can then have your credit card info.

I would not have advised you to get the one you got either it is linked to a lot of bad websites, I doubt you will get any assistance from them either.

we can give you links to very good programs that are free that will do a good job.
The one I gave you for the superantispyware is a very good program that is super easy to use and it is free I would advise you to download that one and use it, I even gave you a link to a step by step tutorial you can print out so you can follow it along as you install and use it.

AND absolutely NEVER ever buy or pay money for anything that just pops up on your screen when you are on the internet those are all BAD!!

Just how did you come to find the delux shield that you did buy???

ravencajun,

I bought the delux shield because a friend of mine said that is what she has and it is a good one,i really never had a problem until i bought the shield.Would you recomend that i unsubscribe,and get something different?

Thanks, Carol

I'm happy with Windows Defender.
Runs in the background. Auto Updates, isnt a memory hog or anything. Comes with Vista but works on XP too.
Simple little microsoft program that works.

Here is a link that might be useful: microsoft.//security//defender

I have to echo what ravencajun has told you.
There are many free programmes available that are just as good as the paid ones. Please come in here and ask first.
I have 15 programmes/utilities on my computer and didn't pay for any of them.

If you didn't get it for free, you paid too much...is my motto.

abr4xii,

Can you name a few?Firewall? Antispyware ?I want to pay what you did. :0)

Carol

Free anti spyware programs:-
Spywareblaster
Superantispyware
AVG Anti spyware
Spybot Search & Destroy
Comodo
Windows Defender that Mickie referred to

Anti virus:_
AVG
Avast
AntiVir

Firewall:-
Zonealarm, probably the most popular and easiest
Comodo
Outpost
Kerio

Every one of those comes highly recommended by many. I have or do use all of them except Windows Defender (but any recommendation from Mickie needs no further praise), Kerio and Outpost.

Now, I only use one firewall and one anti virus per computer and mostly 2 but occasionally 3 anti spyware programs per machine. I have been using the free AVG anti Rootkit but on attempting to update it yesterday I am notified that it is no longer free but has been packaged into a larger 'for a fee' program.

I agree with the above list those are all excellent programs.

I personally run zonealarm Pro firewall on all my windows computers but the zonealarm free version is excellent.

and at the very least if you do not install a firewall then go turn on the windows firewall that comes built in, it is better than nothing at all.

I also use SpywareGuard also by javacool the same great folks that give us Spywareblaster.

These links are sites that give you really good lists of programs you can use and trust, they usually keep these list pretty well updated.

http://wiki.castlecops.com/Lists_of_Freeware_Security_Software

Gizmo puts out a great list, I highly recommend his site, he has a ton of good info and his newsletter is excellent I look forward to it.
http://www.techsupportalert.com/best_46_free_utilities.htm
http://www.techsupportalert.com/index.html

And with out a doubt Eric's site is always at the top on the list for recommended sites from me.
http://www.spywarewarrior.com/uiuc/main.htm

Save all those to a faves security folder so you have them handy!

Wow, you guys know a lot,i have bookmarked this page,i really don't think i have a fire wall.All i have right now is Shield Delux-ParetoLogic///and RegCure. I am embarrassed
to admite i know so little about my computer,it's like having a child drive a car and not know how it operates,sorry, the only way i know how to learn is to ask,you have been very kind with your help and i thank you.

Carol