Abhishek Baxi (Moderator):Welcome to today’s chat. We will begin this chat in about 2 minutes. Thank you for joining us.
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Abhishek Baxi (Moderator):
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Abhishek Baxi (Moderator):We are pleased to welcome our Expert for today’s chat. I will have him introduce himself now.
HappyAndyK (Expert):Hi ! I am Anand Khanse, a non-techie Windows enthiusiast.
HappyAndyK (Expert):You may have visited my site www.winvistaclub.com  Welcome to todays  webchat on Surfing Web Safely, IE 7 Experience  & Troubleshooting, Browser Hijacks, Internet  Security.
HappyAndyK (Expert):So if you have any questions, feel free to ask.  Meanwhile I would like to provide a few inputs  on the subject.
Abhishek Baxi (Moderator):Let’s begin the chat. We welcome you to begin submitting your questions for our Expert.
HappyAndyK (Expert):Most malware infections are contracted while  surfing the internet. It could be while  downloading some files or while installing some  games or screensavers or even a simple act of  visiting a website or clicking on a link could get  your PC infected.
HappyAndyK (Expert):With Vista's UAC to protect you along with the  Protected Mode of IE7, the chances of a Browser  Hijack is near nil ! Nevertheless one can never  be too sure about these things, so its best to  be safe !
HappyAndyK (Expert):Let me tell you some basics of Safe Surfing and  how you can fortify your Internet Defenses...
HappyAndyK (Expert):Along with your Windows Defender and Vista  Firewall, you definately need a good anti virus.  Today I strongly suggest freeware Avast as its  latest edition also includes addl anti spyware  and anti rootkit protection too !
HappyAndyK (Expert):Having said this, these are 2 things I do and also suggest after a new Windows install.
HappyAndyK (Expert):First, I suggest you download a 'good' Hosts file  from  http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/hosts.htm  and replace your original hosts file situated in  C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc with this one  and then lock it or make it a read-only file.
HappyAndyK (Expert):I also suggest that in The Internet Options >  Security > Restricted Sites, you add a bunch of  nasty sites which are known nasty sites.
HappyAndyK (Expert):To do  so easily, first download freeware ZonedOut. Its is a  simple registry patch that adds a long list of  known porn-sites, cracksites, advertisers,  marketers, and malware pushers to the restricted sites zone of IE. Using ZonedOut you  can add this list easily.
HappyAndyK (Expert):Do this and
HappyAndyK (Expert):chances are high, very high, that  your PC will not be infected, as nasty websites  just wont be opening in your IE7 !
HappyAndyK (Expert):Additionally  you can also install freeware Spyware Blaster  too.  If you need more info, check out  http://www.winvistaclub.com/s1.html
HappyAndyK (Expert):Any qs ?
HappyAndyK (Expert):OK ...
HappyAndyK (Expert):Never click on links, they may not appear to be as they look. If you get doubts, its best to copy- paste the link in the browser bar.
HappyAndyK (Expert):As I mentioned earlier, the Protected Mode  feature in IE7 is really useful as it provides new levels of security and data protection...
HappyAndyK (Expert):Browser today are the most common path to  deliver malware.
HappyAndyK (Expert):And IE is the most attacked  one ...
HappyAndyK (Expert):why ?
HappyAndyK (Expert):not because its not secure,
HappyAndyK (Expert):BUT because  its used by some 65+ % of the people. So it  makes sense for hackers and malware writers to  attack the most prevailant one.
HappyAndyK (Expert):It just gets attacked more (like Windows) because its used by most !
HappyAndyK (Expert):Q: Is it safe to browse the internet without any anti virus as when i am just visiting and reading emails on trusted web site ??
A: No, I wouldnt do that, Email attachments are another source of malware. So an AV is a must imo !
HappyAndyK (Expert):In Protected Mode, IE7 in Vista cannot modify user or system files and settings without user consent.
HappyAndyK (Expert):Protected Mode requires the user to  confirm any activity that tries to put something  on your machine or start another program.
HappyAndyK (Expert):By  ensuring the user consents to these kinds of  actions, the likelihood of automated and/or  unwanted software installation is reduced. In  Protected Mode IE writes/reads special Low  versions of the cache, TEMP folder, Cookies and  History.
HappyAndyK (Expert):More of that here athttp://www.winvistaclub.com/f11.html 
HappyAndyK (Expert):The pop up blocker and the phishing filter are two other imp security features in IE7.
HappyAndyK (Expert):Some have faced the probelm of websites loading when the phishing filter is on; but MS has released some hotfix for it. Id suggest you keep both on always.
HappyAndyK (Expert):Q: Sir, can u please tell us What exactly a spyware do ??
A: Spyware are programs you dont want installed on your computer ! For not only do they install without your consent, but they also cause damage ! You must have a good anti-spy on yr pc and that where your windows defender helps you. More on spyware at (where else ) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spyware :)
HappyAndyK (Expert):Q: but I have notice that phishing filter slows down surfing. ?
A: Thats what I just mentioned above. let me quote from my site : If your IE 7 loads slowly or if your computer responds slowly as the Phishing Filter is 'on', it occur because IE7 evaluates the Webpage content. This problem is accentuated when the web page contains many frames or when you browse many frames in a short time. In such a case CPU usage may shoot up, causing IE7 or your computer to freeze. If you are facing this problem, I suggest you download the "KB928089" fix and install it. Download for 32 bit Vista <http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=B0AA2270-D034-4A49-B3BD-C7FBD0CA90DF&displaylang=en>. Download for 64 bit Vista. <http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=24C8A05F-1B87-4F1E-8DA3-A25F6A521896&displaylang=en>
HappyAndyK (Expert):Q: will windows vista protect me from spyware ?? or I need any other software ??
A: One AV may suffice in protecting you. One Anti-spy may or may not ! As long as you have your UAC and Defender running on, you should be well protected ! But should your PC nevertheless get infected, just one anti-spy may not do a good and complete job at removing it. You can in such cases use another freeware like Spybot to remove your infection completely. And dont forget to run CCleaner after it. It will remove all the residual leftover junk registry entries of the spyware !
HappyAndyK (Expert):In the eventuality that your IE7 does get  hijacked, you may need to do this:
HappyAndyK (Expert):From IE7 > Tools > manage add-ons, see if you can find some suspicious looking addons.
HappyAndyK (Expert):The run a full scan of your Windows Defender  and maybe an addl anti-spyware too.
HappyAndyK (Expert):If the  problem still persists, you can get your Hijack  This logfile auto-analysed at www.hijackthis.de
HappyAndyK (Expert):They will give you their recomendations
HappyAndyK (Expert):BUT use your discretion on what entries you may need to remove.
HappyAndyK (Expert):Or else its best to get advice from a  good forum like say Microsoft Technet or Castlecops.
HappyAndyK (Expert):Yes Admuncher is a great softie to blocks ads ! But you can also try IE7 Pro Addon from http://www.ie7pro.com/
HappyAndyK (Expert):Q: Also anti virus costs a lot, where can i find free anti virus ?? which one do u suggest to use ??
A: Today I strongly suggest freeware Avast, as its latest edition also includes addl anti spyware and anti rootkit protection too ! Otherwise AVG and Avira are some other good freeware.
HappyAndyK (Expert):This chat is also about troubleshooting IE7 issues ...
HappyAndyK (Expert):Some very common problems have been addressed athttp://www.winvistaclub.com/t16.html  along with some useful tips.

HappyAndyK (Expert):IE7 Freezing is one issue which many face, and it is this one that I will touch upon a bit !
HappyAndyK (Expert):First, run your anti-virus and an anti-spyware like Spybot, to check for malware infections.
HappyAndyK (Expert):Clear Cache. Or else run your Junk Cleaner or CCleaner. In IE7, click Tools > Internet options > Security > Reset all zones to Default level
HappyAndyK (Expert):If still you find your IE7 giving problems, close it and run IE (No Add-ons). This opens up the browser without loading any add-ons, toolbars or plug-ins.
HappyAndyK (Expert):If you find it running OK, then the problem is most probably caused by an addon. In such a case then you have two options :
HappyAndyK (Expert):1) use the manage Add-ons tool, and disable each one after the other to find out which one is causing the problem.

HappyAndyK (Expert):2) Else in Internet Options, go to Advanced Tab and click on Reset tab. Restart IE. This step deletes all temp files, disables any add-ons, plug-ins, toolbars and also resets all changed settings to default. Although this is a quick-fix, you will have to re-install the add-ons.
HappyAndyK (Expert):More on the RIES feature of IE7 at http://www.winvistaclub.com/f15.html
HappyAndyK (Expert):If your Internet Explorer Freezes or Restarts frequently, check out Microsoft's Interactive SelfHelpPage for IE7 at http://support.microsoft.com/gp/pc_ie_intro
HappyAndyK (Expert):And what if you are unable to open a website ?
HappyAndyK (Expert):1) First I suggest you clear your cache and try again. Best to use freeware CCleaner to automate and do the cleaning job. Reboot and try again.
HappyAndyK (Expert):2) Else I suggest you scan your computer with your anti virus and anti-spyware, as it is quite possible that it could be a malware wanting to prevent opening of a particular site/s. Please also check if any of your security software / firewall is not blocking the site. 
HappyAndyK (Expert):3) Next have a look at your Hosts file. The Hosts file contains the mappings of IP addresses to host names. It is situated at C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\DRIVERS\ETC.
HappyAndyK (Expert):Open it with Notepad or better still get freeware small utility Hostsman to have a look at it. Check if the site you want to open is mentioned there. If its is present there and if it has the numerals 127.0.0.1 your web page probably wont open as it is the most commonly utilized address for localhost.
HappyAndyK (Expert):4) Add the particular site to the Trusted Sites List, and see if it helps. To do so > Open IE7 > Tools > Internet Options > Security Tab > Trusted Sites > Click Sites > Uncheck 'Require server verification' check box. Now, in the 'Add this website to the zone' box, type the url of the site as, say : http://www.microsoft.com and click Add. Then click OK.
HappyAndyK (Expert):5) You may also want to check if the particular site is blocked by IE. Check Internet Options > Security Tab > Restricted Sites > Sites. Here you can see the Restricted Sites. I suggest you use ZonedOut utility to Add, Delete, Import, Export, sites to this zone.
HappyAndyK (Expert):6) Open Internet Options from the Tools tab of IE7. In Security click 'Reset all zones to default level'. Click Ok. restart IE and try.
HappyAndyK (Expert):7) Or else, 'Reset Internet Explorer Settings'. Open IE > Tools > Internet Options > Advanced tab > Click Reset > Close >OK. Restart IE.
HappyAndyK (Expert):8) From the affected system, see if you can visit the particular site from a proxy site, like kproxy.com etc.
HappyAndyK (Expert):9) Check if you are able to visit the particular site with its numerical IP addresses.
HappyAndyK (Expert):Incidentally, microsoft.com is the most commonly blocked site, by malware.
HappyAndyK (Expert):So for example if it is microsoft.com, see if you can visit it with any of these:
HappyAndyK (Expert):
http://207.46.19.190

http://207.46.193.254

http://207.46.19.254

http://207.46.192.254
HappyAndyK (Expert):If you are able to access it via the IP's, I suggest you flush your DNS cache.
HappyAndyK (Expert):This is how to clear the DNS cache in Vista.
HappyAndyK (Expert):Start > All Programs > Accessories > Command Prompt. Rt-click on it and 'Run As Administrator'. Type the following and hit enter:
HappyAndyK (Expert):ipconfig /flushdns
HappyAndyK (Expert):You should be able to see a confirmation dialog window:
HappyAndyK (Expert):Windows IP Configuration. Successfully flushed the DNS Resolver Cache.
HappyAndyK (Expert):Any questions?
HappyAndyK (Expert):let me tell you why its imp to 'lock' yoir hosts file
HappyAndyK (Expert):Imagine clicking on winvistaclub.com and seeing a completely different Web site load in your browser; Or imagine clicking on Live search, only to fine yourself being directed to some other search engine !
HappyAndyK (Expert):Spyware can redirect Web addresses on your computer by altering your hosts file. this is referred to as the Host File Hijack.
HappyAndyK (Expert):The file's name is simply hosts, with no extension and is situated at C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\DRIVERS\ETC as mentioned earlier above !
HappyAndyK (Expert):Navigate to it, Rt-click on it and open its Properties. now make it into a Read-only file !
HappyAndyK (Expert):This is one must-do, imo :)
HappyAndyK (Expert):Any questions ?
HappyAndyK (Expert):Q: IS THERE ANY FREEWARE ANTIVIRUS FOR X64 BIT ?
A: AVG does support it and its a good AV
HappyAndyK (Expert):Thank you for joining us today on this chat about Windows Vista: Internet.
HappyAndyK (Expert):We hope you join us for our next chat on Windows Vista. Please see the complete schedule of upcoming chats at http://www.microsoft.com/india/communities/chat/default.aspx
HappyAndyK (Expert):We will post the transcript from today’s chat on http://www.microsoft.com/india/communities/chat/Transcripts.aspx
HappyAndyK (Expert):Have A Nice Day ! :)