Secure DNS Servers

Using a Secure DNS Server is a easy and in this case, a free way to prevent viruses and other nastys from attacking your computer. Any computer can use a Secure DNS Server. Windows XP, Vista, 7, any version of a MAC, Linux, or Unix. It doesn't take too long to setup on your computer and you don't have to install a thing.

To explain. Your computer connects to the internet. In order to use a Secure DNS Server you just change one of your internet settings and your done. And all of your web surfing is sent through a Secure DNS Server that will automatically block bad stuff. Plus prevent certain attacks that can occur in order to eaves drop on your information. Again the one ASG found to be the best Secure DNS is FREE!

Now to the point. ASG has been extensively testing free secure dns solutions. After testing we have determined Comodo Secure DNS is the most powerful free solution on the market.

TESTING RESULTS:

1. Comodo has a vast database of bad websites and ASG experienced a lot of protection from Comodo Secure DNS while surfing unsafe websites.
2. Comodo Servers offer a high speed connection all of the time. No down time or slow downs were experienced.
3. Protection against DNS Cache Poisoning Attacks. Which can be used to eaves drop on your information.
4. ASG estimates Comodo to block 1-2 bad sites a month for high usage internet surfers. That is a lot of possible viruses blocked.
5. Did ASG test any other DNS providers? Yes. (OpenDNS, and ClearCloud. Neither compared to the Free options of Comodo.) If you have another free dns to test please email us. Click on the contact link on the website.

GO TO COMODO DNS SITE: (Get started, Instructions for all types of computers, macs and more)

Comodo Secure DNS - 100% Free !

A virus is blocking programs and exe files from running. Here's how to fix it. XP, Vista and 7

This can work 2 different ways.

1. One virus will just intercept processes.
2. The other virus will actually rewrite file associations and anything you try to open causes the virus to open.`
   

In order to stream line your fix for the virus. We are putting the steps from easiest to hardest. These steps are made to help fix the issue so that you can run antivirus and other programs again. Remember to run a scan with more than 1 antivirus before you reboot your computer. You can follow this link for a free list of other antivirus software tested and approved by ASG.

Step 1) If you can open your browser. Open it and go to http://support.microsoft.com/kb/950505    and run the fix it. This will fix the exe file associations and hopefully you can then run your antivirus and destroy the virus.

Step 2) If you still cant open programs try this fix from ASG. Works with XP, Vista and 7. Just download it and run it. Allow changes to your registry when asked. You may get an error in Vista and 7 but ignore it. The programs should work right away. It not, a reboot may be needed. Click here

Step 3) If you can run programs now. Then run your antivirus. Update it. Then scan. Afterwards make sure you scan with at least one more antivirus. You can follow this link for a free list of other antivirus software tested and approved by ASG. All antivirus is 100% free.

Step 4) If you still cant open programs. Try this fix from SuperAntispyware.com. It runs the fix using a cmd file. Here is a link to the webpage. Here is a direct link to the file in case the page is moved.

Every Time you Open Internet Explorer it crashes every time and you think its a Virus.

Follow the steps below to fix the issue

Here are steps on how to fix the issue. Keep in mind these steps are only good if you think a virus is causing the issue. If Internet Explorer is damaged in some other way, these fixes may not work.

First - Try to open Internet Explorer with no add ons and see if it opens OK. If it does open OK, then ASG recommends resetting Internet Explorer.

How to Run IE with No Addons:

The easy way is to click start, then click accessories, then click system tools, then click the Icon that says "Internet Explorer (No Add-ons)"

If you cant find that link. Then you will need to find a shortcut for Internet Explorer that you usually click on in order to open Internet Explorer. Right click on that short cut and choose properties. Then click the tab at the top called Shortcut. Then you should see a path in the target box called "C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe" we will need to change that path to this "C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe" -extoff

Notice that is a space and then type the -extoff. Then click OK to close your properties window and run Internet Explorer. It should open Internet Explorer and tell you that it is running without addons.

Did it Work? If it did. Go ahead and reset your Internet Explorer settings. Follow the steps below to do that.

How to Reset Internet Explorer Settings:

With Internet Explorer open. Click tools, Internet Options, then click the Advanced tab up at the top of Internet Options. Then at the bottom of that tab, click the Reset... button. This will Delete All Temp Files, Disable all Browser addons (including toolbars) and reset Internet Explorer to a brand new state. No history, no nothing. Then go ahead and close Internet Explorer. Then try to open Internet Explorer normally, without running it without addons. If it opens just fine, then your done. If it still crashes continue with the steps below.

Second - Trying manually deleting the Addons from Internet Explorer.

Go into Add Remove programs and uninstall every toolbar and anything else in the list that claims its an addon for Internet Explorer. Reboot if you are prompted, this is very important to make sure we troubleshoot correctly.

Next, go to this folder. C:\windows\downloaded program files and delete everything. Nothing in this folder should be unsafe to delete. It it is unsafe to delete, for instance, you need it. Remember you can always reinstall it later after fixing Internet Explorer.

Next, go ahead and try out Internet Explorer again. It should work fine as long as you deleted everything out of that folder.

Third - If Internet Explorer still crashes when you open it and you really think its a virus. Then ASG suggests follow the steps for removing viruses and spyware. Click this link for steps that were made by ASG on how to remove viruses and spyware.

Tired of Getting Viruses?

ASG found the Fix. It's 100% Free

ASG is in no way affiliated with Comodo. But we do love their software. The latest versions of Comodo Security Software include a new Sand Boxing feature. Any time a new program is started on your computer it is sent straight to the sand box. Its a way of protecting your computer with the highest state of the art security on the market. We cant believe its 100% free.

ASG stands behind Comodo on this one. You can download and install the Free Comodo Security Software and thats all you have to do. No special steps. Then you have Best security on the Market. You can surf the web without worrying about what virus will get you next. Comodo's software was tested by 2 different security testing firms that test all the big names like Norton, McAfee, Trend Micro and left them all in the dust. Comodo is the only company to Score a perfect 100% in preventing viruses from installing on your computer. Stopping the problem dead in its tracks every time.

Like we said. Install it and thats it. Were not getting any money for this, we just want everyone to be protected. As always ASG recommends using more than one antivirus to clean your computer if a virus is already on it. But to prevent a new virus, you cannot find anything better than Comodo. We will let you know if anything changes.

Click here to go to Comodo Website to Download

NOTE* ASG is not affiliated with Comodo in any way. We have only tested and approved their software. ASG does not offer any real guarantees with Comodo software. ASG has only tested and approved Comodo as being the best virus prevention software currently on the market.

Internet or Network wont connect. It says "Acquiring network address" and never gets an IP address. It shows an IP of 0.0.0.0 in the status of the network connection. If you try to repair the connection, you get an error saying "windows could not finish repairing the problem because the following action cannot be completed, Clearing the DNS Cache". These steps should only be needed if you think you had or have a virus on your computer.

If you think you have a Virus on your computer. Click on the link and follow these steps from ASG to remove the Virus or Spyware.

If you think the virus is gone but you are still having the issue. Follow the steps below to fix the issue.

If the issue happens again after you reboot your computer. You will need to take additional steps to hunt down the issue. Click here to jump to those steps.

How to fix the issue with Windows saying "Acquiring network address" after having a virus.

Windows XP, Vista and 7:

1. Click Start, then click Run. Type in regedt32 and hit enter to open the registry editor.
2. In the registry editor. Go to this location. HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\Tcpip
3. Under each folder, you want to right click and choose Permissions and be sure that the permissions are set. If the permissions are blank, we know that is the cause of your issue.
   
4. To fix it. Right click on the Folder called Tcpip. Choose Permissions. Click the Advanced button. Put a check in the box that says "replace permission entries on all child objects with entries shown here that apply to child objects"
5. Click OK to apply the permissions. It will ask if your sure, choose Yes and OK again to apply the changes.
   
6. Then try to repair your Network Connection. It should work fine.
   

If the issue keeps coming back after Rebooting. Here how to track it down.

Windows XP, Vista and 7:

First you want to check MSCONFIG and see if any startup items are in there that maybe causing this issue. To be sure, you can just disable all startup items. Here are those steps.

• Click Start, Click Run and type MSCONFIG and hit enter.
• Click on the Startup Tab at the top.
• Click the "Disable All" button and reboot your pc. Then apply the fix to the registry again and reconnect to the internet. Then reboot your pc and see if the internet connection is broken again. If it is broken after rebooting, then follow the steps below to hunt for the issue.
  

Second you have to understand. If the issue was fixed and after you rebooted it was broken again. Then something is happening during startup. A file or program is running on startup that is breaking it again. We need to find that startup item and delete it.
Here are the startup locations for just about every Windows Computer. Check each folder location and make sure no mysterious files are in there. If you are unsure of a file. Please check with another Tech to be sure. Also if you cannot find one of these folders. That is OK, it will not harm your computers network connection. Then apply the fix to the registry again and reconnect to the internet. Then reboot your pc and see if the internet connection is broken again. If it is broken after rebooting, then follow the steps below to hunt for the issue.

• C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Start Menu\Programs\Startup
• C:\Documents and Settings\[your user name]\Start Menu\Programs\Startup
• C:\Documents and Settings\[any other usernames]\Start Menu\Programs\Startup
• C:\Documents and Settings\Administrator\Start Menu\Programs\Startup
• C:\Documents and Settings\Default User\Start Menu\Programs\Startup
• C:\WinNT\Profiles\All Users\Start Menu\Programs\Startup
• C:\WinNT\Profiles\[your user name]\Start Menu\Programs\Startup
• C:\WinNT\Profiles\Administrator\Start Menu\Programs\Startup
• C:\WinNT\Profiles\Default User\Start Menu\Programs\Startup
• C:\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup
• C:\Windows\All Users\Start Menu\Programs\Startup

Third you will want to check Registry Startup Locations. Those locations are listed below. Just like the second step, you want to remove any items that shouldn't be there. If you are unsure of something to delete. Please double check with another Tech so you dont damage your registry. Then apply the fix to the registry again and reconnect to the internet. Then reboot your pc and see if the internet connection is broken again. If it is broken after rebooting, then follow the steps below to hunt for the issue.

• HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\currentversion\Run

• HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\currentversion\runonce

• HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\currentversion\runservices

• HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\currentversion\runservicesonce

• HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Ext\Stats

• HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\currentversion\Policies\Explorer\Run
  

• HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\windowsnt\currentversion\Windows

• HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\currentversion\Run

• HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\currentversion\runonce

• HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\currentversion\runonceex

• HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\currentversion\runservices

• HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\currentversion\runservicesonce

• HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\currentversion\Policies\Explorer\Run

• HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\windowsnt\currentversion\Windows

• HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\windowsnt\currentversion\Winlogon

• HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\windowsnt\currentversion\Windows\appinit_dlls

• HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\currentversion\Explorer\sharedtaskscheduler

• HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon\Notify

• HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\SharedTools\MSConfig\startupfolder

• HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\SharedTools\MSConfig\startupreg

Forth option. You want to check common virus locations for the virus. Check the list of folders below for programs or files that shouldn't be there and delete them. Always double check with a Tech if you are not sure. Then apply the fix to the registry again and reconnect to the internet. Then reboot your pc and see if the internet connection is broken again. If it is broken after rebooting, then follow the steps below to hunt for the issue.

• c:\windows\system32\drivers
  c:\Users\username\AppData\Local\Temp
  c:\windows\system32
  c:\
  c:\windows\temp
  c:\windows
  c:\program files
  C:\windows\Downloaded Program Files

Firth option. You can use Autoruns to check for services and other Startup and Run locations in Windows. If this step fails, we recommend you either take you PC to a Professional Tech or Reinstall Windows.

1. Download and Install Autoruns from Microsoft.
2. Run the Program and look over all of the Areas and look for any items that maybe a Virus. If you are unsure please double check with another Tech.
3. Delete any virus items or items you know should not be there.
   

A virus can cause this message to appear when you try to install programs on your computer. If you used to be able to install programs but no longer can. You can try the repair below. Keep in mind you must reboot your computer afterward's for it to take effect. Why do I have to reboot? This repair is a repair to your computers registry. When you boot up your computer, the registry is read 1 time. Then that's it, your computer knows what is in the registry and doesn't care to check again until after you reboot.

For Windows XP:

1. Click Start
2. Click on Run and type regedt32 and hit enter. This will open the registry editor.
3. In the Registry Editor, there are 2 separate sides to this window. In the left side, you need to find the folder called HOTKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE, next is "Software", then Policies, then Microsoft, then Windows and then the Installer folder.
4. Now look in the right hand side of the Register Editor and you should see a registry key called DisableMSI. Double click on it and change the value to 0 - that is a zero not the letter O

For Windows Vista and Windows 7:

1. Click Start (the windows logo button)
   
2. Type regedt32 in the search box of the start menu and hit enter. This will open the registry editor.
   
3. In the Registry Editor, there are 2 separate sides to this window. In the left side, you need to find the folder called HOTKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE, next is "Software", then Policies, then Microsoft, then Windows and then the Installer folder.
4. Now look in the right hand side of the Register Editor and you should see a registry key called DisableMSI. Double click on it and change the value to 0 - that is a zero not the letter O

IF THE DisableMSI option is not showing up. Follow the steps below.

1. In the right hand side of the Registry Editor. Right click and choose New, Dword Value.
2. Give it the name DisableMSI
3. Then double click on DisableMSI and change the value to 0 - that is a zero not the letter O

If you need help removing the Virus you can click here for Virus Removal Instructions created by ASG.

This System is Shutting Down - Virus

Every time you log into Windows you get the message: This System is Shutting Down. Please save all work in progress and log off. Any unsaved changes will be lost. This shutdown was initiated by.....  and your given about 1 minute before the computer shuts down completely.

This can be caused by a Virus. Usually the virus has caused a required Windows program(called a service) to stop working correctly. As a result the Windows Computer thinks it can no longer run properly and forces it to shutdown. The 1 minute delay is just a nice feature that lets you save your work before Windows finishes shutting down.

The Instructions below are going to show you tricks on how to stop the computer from shutting down and give you a few tricks on how to get your computer running long enough in order to remove the virus.

First Step - How to Stop this Message?

When the message first pops up saying "This System is Shutting Down" you need to type the abort command to stop it from shutting down. The abort command is: shutdown -a

Windows XP - Click Start, Click Run, and type "shutdown -a" and then Click OK. You do not want to type the quotes, just type shutdown -a

Windows Vista & 7 - Click Start, then in the Search Box of the start menu type "shutdown -a" and then Click OK. You do not want to type the quotes, just type shutdown -a

Second Step - If the Shutdown message keeps coming back! Try the steps below.

If the message "This System is Shutting Down" keeps popping up even after you use the abort command shown in step 1. Then you need to try Windows Diagnostic Startup mode.

Windows XP - Click Start, Click Run, and type msconfig and then Click OK. A window will open called System Configuration Utility. On the general tab of the Utility you want to choose Diagnostic Startup - Load basic devices and services only. Then reboot your computer like normal. Once your computer reboots, you should not longer get the message "This System is Shutting Down".

Windows Vista & 7 - Click Start, then in the Search Box of the start menu type msconfig and then Click OK. A window will open called System Configuration Utility. On the general tab of the Utility you want to choose "Diagnostic Startup - Load basic devices and services only". Then reboot your computer like normal. Once your computer reboots, you should not longer get the message "This System is Shutting Down".

NOTE: to switch your computer back to normal startup mode. Just repeat the steps above. Then on the general tab of the System Configuration Utility, choose "Normal Startup - Load all device drivers and services", click OK and reboot like normal. Your done.

Third Step - If the Shutdown message still Pops Up! The steps below will work, but requires a lot of time.

If the message "This System is Shutting Down" keeps popping up even in Diagnostic Startup Mode. You will need to keep using the abort command in step 1 to stop the shutdown. Then you will need to Scan with Antivirus and Antispyware to remove the virus. ASG recommends you use an Antivirus or Antispyware that has an option for Quick Scan. Using a Quick Scan will usually take about 20 minutes at the most to complete. Hopefully after the Quick Scan completes, the virus is damaged or removed enough that you will no longer get the message "This System is Shutting Down" after you reboot.

If you still continue to get the message. Just keep scanning with more Antivirus and Antispyware programs using the quick scan to try and remove the virus. Once the virus is removed you should no longer get the Shutdown message.

If you find this method to be too much, ASG highly suggests reinstalling Windows if you want the fastest resolution.

If you need more Help! ASG has additional Instructions for Removing Viruses and Spyware. Click here for those instructions.

Here are a few Antivirus & Antispyware programs that offer Quick Scan's: A-Squared Antimalware, MalwareBytes, Antivir, SuperAntispyware, SpywareTerminator.

Here is a list of more ASG Tested and Approved Free Antivirus and a list of Free Antispyware

ASG Helps Many Countries

Did you know that ASG is used in over 25 Countries? For more than 4 Years ASG has been online and providing Quality Security Information. ASG started out making Security setups for Windows Computers and eventually went onto testing the Best Security Programs for Windows, MAC and Linux computers.

Today, ASG tests the Best Security Programs, Makes Security Setups for Windows and Now ASG researches the Worst Viruses on the Internet. The Virus Research is all about How ASG can help you Remove Viruses from your Computer. Everyone in the World needs that right?

Welcome to ASG!

* the countries listed above are the countries that use ASG the most. The ASG website was made for use in all countries.

Scan your Computer for a Botnet - With RUBotted

All you do is Install RUBotted and let it run. The program will Monitor your computer for Bot like activity and Notify you if one is found on your computer. Then you can take action to Remove the Bot. Keep in mind RUBotted does not remove the Bot, it only Monitors your computer for Bot activity and then Prompts you telling you a Bot is running on your computer. You will want to Remove the Bot using a good Antivirus or Antispyware.

RUBotted is made by TrendMicro. Works with Win 2000 SP4, Win XP SP3, Win 2003 SP3, Vista SP2. Here is a Link to the Quick Start Guide and the DOWNLOAD LINK:

RUBotted

If you need to Monitor and Protect your network from Botnets then use OpenDNS. Here is a link to more information.

UPDATE: ASG tested RUBotted with a Real Virus and RUBotted did find the virus as a Bot just as the program is designed. RUBotted did not say which file was causing the issue, which ASG did not find to be good. But after running Antivirus to remove the Virus, RUBotted reported the pc as clean again with no bots found.

NOTE: ASG is not affiliated with Trend Micro in any way. ASG has only tested and approved their software for use.

Cant Install any programs in Windows XP, Vista or 7

your getting the error "administrator has set policies to prevent this installation"

This could be caused by a Virus. Either way, you can fix this by editing the registry. Some things to keep in mind. If it is a virus, you don't want to reboot because the virus could cause more damage. But, if you are going to edit the registry you need to reboot in order to apply the settings. This makes things interesting.

You will need to apply the registry fix first, then try to scan your computer for Viruses and hope it removes the virus before you reboot.

How to Fix the Error:

For Windows XP:

• Click Start
• Click Run
• Type regedt32 in the run box and click OK
• The Registry Editor will open, browse to the Registry Location below:
  
• HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Installer
• In the Installer Folder of the Registry. We need to create a new Key. Right Click in the Installer folder window and choose New, Dword, and name it DisableMSI. Then open the new Registry key and set the Value to 0 -which is a zero
• Now you Done fixing the error, but you still need to Scan for Viruses before Rebooting. The steps for how to scan with Antivirus if you cannot install Antivirus is below.
  

For Windows Vista and Windows 7:

• Click Start
• Type regedt32 in the search box and click OK
• The Registry Editor will open, browse to the Registry Location below:
• HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Installer
• In the Installer Folder of the Registry. We need to create a new Key. Right Click in the Installer folder window and choose New, Dword, and name it DisableMSI. Then open the new Registry key and set the Value to 0 -which is a zero
• Now you Done fixing the error, but you still need to Scan for Viruses before Rebooting. The steps for how to scan with Antivirus if you cannot install Antivirus is below.

How to Scan for Viruses without Installing Antivirus:

You be able to use another computer in order to do this. The computer can be running Windows XP, Vista or Windows 7. Then you must go to that other computer. Download and install and Antivirus or Antispyware or your choice. ASG has a list of Free Antivirus and Free Antispyware. ASG recommends you start out scanning with SuperAntispyware because it is the easiest to use in this situation. Either way, after you get your Antivirus or Antispyware installed. You want to turn it OFF. Then you need to go to the program folder and create a zipped copy of the Antivirus or Antispyware program that you installed. It sounds hard but its pretty easy. Once you get the Antivirus onto your computer, its easy to run a Scan. Keep in mind you want to Scan your computer with at Least 2-4 different Antivirus and Antispyware programs before you reboot. This way you have a good chance or completely removing the virus.

For Windows XP, Windows Vista & Windows 7:

Go to C:\Program Files\Name-of-Antivirus-or-Antispyware

Then right click on the Folder and choose Send to, Compressed (Zipped) Folder.

Now you should be able to find that Zipped folder you just created. You will need to copy that folder onto a Disc or Thumb/Flash Drive and take it to your infected computer. Then copy the Zipped folder onto your Infected computer and unzip it.

Right click on the Zipped File, choose Extract All. Then keep clicking OK on every window it gives you during the extraction. After it's done extracting you can Open that folder and run the Antivirus or Antispyware program that is inside the folder. If it does run properly for you then you will need to try another Antivirus or Antispyware program. ASG has tested SuperAntispyware, Antivir and SpywareTerminator in this way and all 3 work well.

OTHER ALTERNATIVES:

If you need more Help removing the Virus or Spyware from your computer, click on the link below that includes additional steps for removing Malware from your computer.

ASG - How to Remove Malware

You can use an Antivirus Boot CD. This is a process where you would download a New Copy of an Antivirus Boot CD, burn it to CD and Boot your computer from the Disc to scan for Viruses. ASG does not support this method as it can be very complicated walking a user through this process and each computer works differently when booting from a CD. ASG suggests consulting a computer repair service for further help with this type of Removal.