Ok, the protection part to your computer
This is what I suggest Edward
If everything is running better
You should disable system restore---restart your computer--enable system restore
This will clear all your restore points and ensure you don't restore any nasties
Once reenabled it will create a fresh restore point
How to Disable and Re-enable System Restore featureOnce back in Windows and System Restore is reenabled
You should set up protection against future attacks
SpywareBlaster 3.3 by JavaCool*Will block bad ActiveX Controls
*Block Malevolent cookies in Internet Explorer and Firefox
*Restrict actions of potentially dangerous sites in Internet Explorer
IE-Spyad---IE-SPYAD puts over 5000 sites in your restricted zone so you'll be protected when you visit innocent-looking sites that aren't actually innocent at all.
Here is a tutorial and download link
TUTORIAL==
Link to TutorialDownload linkWith both, Check for updates every couple of weeks
Keep the link to IE-Spyad bookmarked so you can check for updates
SpywareBlaster, after every update just simply enable all protection
IE-Spyad is compatible with XP SP2 also
The reason I mention XP SP2>>you mentioned your in need of Windows updates
and you are, this is important in keeping your system secure
Here's what I suggest
If your version of Windows is legit, definitely update
Before installing Service pack2 I usually recommend running an Online virus scan
at either
Housecall's or Panda's
http://www.pandasoftware.com/activescan/co...n_principal.htmhttp://housecall.trendmicro.com/This is just a double check to ensure you don't have no Malware hiding on your computer
Since you installed AVG7 and ran a scan, you shouldn't have to run the online scans
But keep those links bookmarked, never hurts to do a double check once in a while
==Make sure you check for updates with Ad-Aware and run a scan
If you are running the latest version of Spybot>>Which is Spybot 1.3 that should do
If you would also like to run Ad-Aware, let me know and I'll supply you with a link
Restart the computer
Empty those temp folders, do a Disk CleanUp
START>>RUN>>type in
cleanmgrHit OK
or, better yet
==Download and Install this small program
to help clean your temp folders,cookies, etc...
Windows CleanupGive the link time to load or try it twice, it may be busy
==Open Windows CleanUp!>>START>>programs>>Cleanup!
Click on the CleanUp button, let it finish scanning for files, when it's done
Log off and back on again
Defrag your Hard Drive>>Best done in Safe mode
START>>All Programs>>Accessories>>System Tools>>Disk Defragmenter
Create a fresh restore point
START>>All programs>>Accessories>>System Tools>>System Restore
Create a New Restore Point>>Name it and click Create
Now that your system is prepared
Print off the info from Microsoft to Recover your system in case of a bad install
Don't let this frighten you, Just keep it on hand in case you need it
I've never had to do this on any SP2 I installed
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?...=windowsxpsp2kbTemporarily Disable any Security software
before visiting so it won't interfere with the installation
Visit Windows updates and Install all Critical Updates and Service Packs
Don't install the Recommended updates(Unless wanted)
Restart your computer when prompted and revisit Windows updates until you have all Critical updates (High Priority) installed
When your satisfied you have them all installed
Restart your computer one last time
Back in Windows, Run Windows CleanUp! one more time
Restart the computer again, don't just log off and on
That should do it, your all updated
Read this link
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/sp2/sp2_whattoknow.mspx