On Tue, 11 Nov 2003 03:33:52 GMT, Jon <nospam@all> wrote:

>Somehow this evening my computer has been invaded by software I did not
>deliberately install. When I rebooted my computer (something I must do
>every 3 hours or so, because my OS is ME), there was a splash screen
>informing me that the machine was installing new software - among the
>names were Gameport Joystick and some others. The reboot stalled and I
>had
>to use the 3 finger salute. When it had successfully rebooted, I ran
>two anit-virus scans (Norton and PCillin), as well as SpybotSD. According
>to them, no problems! I did System Restore to the previous day (when
>there
>were no problems). Upon rebooting, the splash screen announced they were
>being installed, again. I looked in the device manager, found Joystick
>and
>removed it, but I am certain that when I reboot, it will reinstall. Using
>jv16 PowerTools, I also found some other questionable programs, whose
>purpose I cannot identify - namely, Humaniz, Oak Technology's Omsg,
>RichFX's Player, and a few other things I don't recognize.
>
>What can I do to permanently get rid of these, and which of them should I
>get rid of?
>
> Many thanks for helpful suggestions,
> Jon

Jon,

Start with spyware analysis. You need to run Spybot S&D and
HijackThis. Go to SWI Forums for advice. Start here:
http://forums.spywareinfo.com/index.php?showtopic=5187

You might want to harden your browser security settings. These are
helpful websites:
http://www.jasons-toolbox.com/BrowserSecurity/
http://bcheck.scanit.be/bcheck/sid-5...31e3/index.php
https://testzone.secunia.com/browser_checker/

Is your Windows ME patched up to date? Make sure.
http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com/

Cheers,

Chuck
I hate spam - PLEASE get rid of the spam before emailing me!
Paranoia comes from experience - and is not necessarily a bad thing.