My Windows XP got hacked or something... "/

[annamariall]

Well, there's a flashing icon at the bottom with all the other icons, and its really bothering me.  Time to time it also comes up with a pop-up message.  If I right or left click it, it goes to the website http://www.spylocked.com/.

These are pictures of the icon that flashes back&forth and the pop-up message.  Anyone know my options to fix this? >_<

[patio]

I found the following description of the product from a very trusted security site:

aggressive, deceptive advertising; stealth installs (1); false positives work as goad to purchase; uses inadequate scan/detection scheme; same app as AdwareDelete, AntiSpyZone, AntiVirus Gold, MalwareWiped, SpyAxe, SpyFalcon, Spyware Sheriff, SpywareStrike, TitanShield AntiSpyware, & VirusBlast [A: 4-11-07 / U: 4-11-07]

This is what is known as scumware because all they want is your money...

DLoad and run a little program called Shoot the Messenger which will turn off the garbage you are recieving.

Next re-boot into safemode and run all your security apps and let them fix what they find .

Report back with results and a list of all your protection programs.

[annamariall]

Okay, I'm sorry.  I can reboot into safemode, but I'm completely lost as to what I'm supposed to do after.

Oh, and I only have spysweeper. >_>

[GX1_Man]

You do not have an antivirus?

[patio]

Oh, and I only have spysweeper. >_>

This is not good...

[CBMatt]

Since nobody's suggesting any protection, I guess I will...

First, get CCleaner (install without Yahoo! toolbar) and clean up with the Cleaner and Issues features.

For anti-virus, download and install AVG Free.  And for spyware, get AdAware SE Personal and Spybot Search & Destroy.  Update all of these programs and scan with them in Safe Mode (one at a time).  Let them clean whatever they find.

And because I'm sure you'll need a little bit of extra cleaning up, download HijackThis to its own folder and post a log for me to look at.

[patio]

Okay, I'm sorry.  I can reboot into safemode, but I'm completely lost as to what I'm supposed to do after.

Oh, and I only have spysweeper. >_>

Have you done what i suggested yet ? ?

To enter safemode repeatedly tap the F8 key on restart before the Windows logo loads up...

[annamariall]

Alright, well, my friend suggested http://housecall65.trendmicro.com/ that to me, so it's what I'm currently doing right now.  I'm going to do the safemode scanning in a few hours, when my family won't bother me about it <.< And so far I've downloaded CCleaner, and am in the process of AVG Free.

[GX1_Man]

Be sure and post back on everything that is found. It may take a couple of posts to get it all listed. 

[patio]

I hate not being answered direct questions...but let us know anyways.