The results…

Now, WinBubble 1.75 Beta 1 is finished and plans for the Beta 2 version is on the way.

Beta 1: Increasing the Usability of Icon Tab

1. The Icon Tab now supports DLL and EXE File Icons.
2. The Drive Icon Customization can now detect different types of Drives (Fixed disk, CD/DVD, Virtual Drives, Network Drives, and Removable Drives).
3. You can now customized your Drive Icons, Computer, Network, Control Panel Icon and Open Folder Icon without downloading icons from the Internet. You can accessed it easily using the Recommended or Suggested Vista Icons from your Windows System Files (Imageres.dll, Shell32.dll and others)
4. Username folder and Desktop Icon Restore and Customization was added.
5. Recycle Bin Icon Customization now automatically detects the current status.

Beta 2 Priority: Quality VS Quantity (Day 6, 7-8)

WinBubble now has a lot of Customization and Tweaks that is useful. The software can be use by Beginners, Intermediate and Advanced Windows Users.

In Beta 2, I will check and verify ONE BY ONE all the features (along with Beta testers) in the program. Detailing if the feature is needed or not and If there’s a need to add another feature.

In the coming days, I’m going to post if there’s a new feature that was requested or given by the users.

PLEASE STAY TUNED AND WAIT FOR THE FINAL RELEASE!

Another new term that I can add to my Web vocabulary, “Malspam”.

I found an interesting article “Penetrating the Zombie Collective: Spam as an International Security Issue“, where it goes on to discuss how spam messages have plagued computer users as long as email inboxes have been in existence. The new common nature of spam messages is that they have evolved into much more than your normal run-of-the-mill spam email that you may have had in the past. Spam has taken on a new very ugly face called malspam which this interesting article explains as being a variant of spam messages that intentionally capitalizes on a computer user’s weak information security.

What exactly is Malspam?

The popularly exploited “CNN.com Daily Top 10” malspam message that we previously wrote about is only one recent example of malspam that is plaguing the internet world today. Malspam messages utilize popular subject lines to entice computer users such current events and hot topics. Dictionaries will tell you that spam is defined as unsolicited usually commercial e-mail sent to a large number of addresses. Now, let’s beef up the term by basically adding malware to the equation and you simply get malspam. Malspam is new form of spam that is initially presented in the form of a spam message but the malicious linking embedded within a malspam message makes it very different from a normal spam message that you may be familiar with.

Spam dates back to the 1970’s and the rate of spam messages evolving into something different and more malicious has only increased exponentially just recently. It is estimated that 80% of the newer spam messages result from automated sources and security compromised systems that are controlled remotely by spam senders. It was also said by some sources that 80% of spam comes from about 200 spammers who reside in the U.S. The percent of spammers outside of the U.S. is on a steady rise where the messages include more malware. Because most Malware code writers reside outside of the U.S. and more spam message sources are increasing outside of the U.S., we are starting to more malspam messages. It works hand in hand unfortunately.

What does Malspam look like?

Ever get those emails that are titled something that is currently being talked about in the media or even subjects that are related to something that you know is totally bogus? Wheather a malspam message title is true or not, it usually makes out to be something that sparks people interest such as our previous post “New Malicious Spam Email: CNN Alerts: My Custom Alert” post explains. Malspam messages may have titles similar or related to the subjects below.

• Obama is gay
• Britney Spears loses kids
• McCain drops out of running
• McCain names VP post
• Justine Timberlake gay video
• CNN.com Daily Top 10
• CNN Alerts: My Custom Alert
• 50 Cent sues Taco Bell

All of the above would spark your interest if it were true or false wouldn’t it? If you received a few emails with those titles would you open the email and proceed to read it with a slight possibility of clicking on a link within the message to confirm the story? This is where the malspam attack happens. If you make the mistake of opening a message using a subject similar to the list above then you may be greeted by a notification that says “Flash player: Incorrect version”. The message is bogus and tries to get you to download a new Flash player which in reality is a malicious file that may download and install malware onto your computer.

Malspam Tip: It is advisable that you monitor security sites that provide information warning you of recent malspam messages or new threats to look out for. The best thing that you can do is delete a message if you are even a little uncertain about it.

Have you received any email messages that were titled with any of the subjects listed above? Did you end up opening that message?

Do you know what Antispyware 2008 XP is?

DESCRIPTION

Antispyware 2008 XP a.k.a. Antispyware2008XP or AntispywareXP2008, is a vicious rogue anti-spyware program which is known to be installed undetected at times from a Trojan infection such as Vundo or Zlob. Antispyware 2008 XP was found to target Italian speaking areas of the world but can be installed on any computer that is connected to the internet.

Antispyware 2008 XP, after installed, annoys most computer users with popup alerts and messages which are all proven to be bogus reports of infections that are not present on your machine. Antispyware 2008 XP will eventually prompt you to purchase the full version of Antispyware 2008 XP but you must not proceed.

In non-techie terms: Do not purchase Antispyware 2008 XP under any circumstances. It does not remove spyware or fix your computer. All Antispyware 2008 XP will do for you is waste your time and money.

Aliases: Antispyware 2008 XP, Antispyware2008XP, Antispyware XP 2008, AntispywareXP2008.

Antispyware 2008 XP Automatic Removal Instructions

This automatic removal method is for non-techie computer users. If you’re too lazy to learn about spyware removal or how to access sensitive files in your computer, then this is the method for you.
Before you start: Print or bookmark these instructions because you’ll have to reboot into Safe Mode. Also back up your computer in case you make a mistake.

1. Download and save SmitFraudFix to your desktop.
2. Restart your computer in Safe Mode (how to do safe mode). Once the
   desktop appears, double click on the SmitfraudFix.exe on your desktop.
3. After the credits screen, you’ll see a menu. Select the option number 2, which is ‘Clean (safe mode recommended)’, and then
   press Enter to delete infect files.
4. SmitFraudFix will begin cleaning your computer and take a series of cleanup processes. When the process is over, it will automatically begin the Disk Cleanup program.
5. Once the Disk Cleanup program is complete, you will be prompted with the message ‘Registry cleaning - Do you want to clean the registry’. Answer Y (Yes) and hit Enter. Reboot your computer.
6. SmitFraudFix will now check if wininet.dll is infected. SmitFraudFix will ask you whether to replace the infected file (if there’s any) ‘Replace infected
   file?’ Answer by typing Y (Yes) and hit Enter.
7. Reboot your computer to complete the cleaning process.
8. After reboot, a Notepad screen may appear containing a log of all the files
   removed from your computer. If it doesn’t appear, a file will be created called
   rapport.txt in the root of your drive, (Local Disk C:).
9. Restart your computer in Safe Mode (how to do safe mode).
10. Go to C:\Windows\Temp, click Edit, click Select All, press DELETE, and then
    click Yes to confirm that you want all the items to go to the Recycle Bin.
11. Go to C:\Documents and Settings\[LISTED USER]\Local Settings\Temp, click Edit, click Select All, press DELETE, and then click Yes to confirm that
    you want all the items to go to the Recycle Bin.
12. Reboot your computer back to normal mode. Go to Windows Update and download all critical updates.

Antispyware 2008 XP Manual Removal Instructions

This manual removal method is for techie computer users. Antispyware 2008 XP manual removal may be difficult and time consuming to remove. There’s no guarantee that Antispyware 2008 XP will be removed completely. So read the Antispyware 2008 XP removal steps carefully and good luck.
Before you start: Close all programs and Internet browsers. Also back up your computer in case you make a mistake and your computer stops working.

1. Uninstall Antispyware 2008 XP Program
   Click on Start > Settings > Control Panel > Double-click on Add/Remove Programs. Search for and uninstall Antispyware 2008 XP if found.
2. To stop Antispyware 2008 XP processes (view process removal steps)
   Go to Start > Run > type taskmgr. The click the Processes tab and you’ll see a list of running processes.
   Search and stop these Antispyware 2008 XP processes:
   as2008xp.exe
   setup_100527_3_.exe
   For each unwanted process, right-click on it and then select “End task”.
3. To unregister Antispyware 2008 XP registry keys (view registry keys removal steps)
   Go to Start > Run > type regedit > press OK.
   Edit the value (on the right pane) by right-clicking on it and selecting the Modify option. Select the Delete option.
   Search and delete these Antispyware 2008 XP registry keys:

   HKEY_CURRENT_USERsoftwaresecure solutionsantispyware 2008 xp2.1 installtime
   HKEY_CURRENT_USERsoftwaresecure solutionsantispyware 2008 xp lid
   HKEY_CURRENT_USERsoftwaresecure solutionsantispyware 2008 xp pid
   HKEY_CURRENT_USERsoftwaresecure solutionsantispyware 2008 xp2.1 start counter
   HKEY_CURRENT_USERsoftwaresecure solutionsantispyware 2008 xp lgid
   HKEY_CURRENT_USERsoftwaresecure solutionsantispyware 2008 xp2.1config
   

4. If your homepage has been changed, go to Start > Control Panel > Internet Options > click on the General > click Use Default under Home Page. Add the your desired default homepage, then click Apply > click OK. Open a new web browser to check that you have your desired default homepage.
5. Remove Antispyware 2008 XP Directories.
   To find Antispyware 2008 XP directories, go to Start > My Computer > Local Disk (C:) > Program Files > Show the contents of this folder.
   Search and delete the following Antispyware 2008 XP directories:
   C:\ProgramFiles\Antispyware 2008 XP
   C:\ProgramFiles\Antispyware2008XP

   Right-click on the Antispyware 2008 XP folder and select Delete.
   A message will appear saying ‘Are you sure you want to remove the folder Antispyware 2008 XP and move all its contents to the Recycle Bin?’, click Yes.
   Another message will appear saying ‘Renaming, moving or deleting Antispyware 2008 XP could make some programs not work. Are you sure you want to do this?’, click Yes.

6. To remove Antispyware 2008 XP icons on your Desktop, drag and drop them to the Recycle Bin.

You’ve completed the Antispyware 2008 XP manual removal instructions!
I hope this article has helped you solve your Antispyware 2008 XP problems. If you want to contribute to this article, post your comment below.

Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes. By using this information you agree to be bound by the disclaimer. There’s no guarantee that Antispyware 2008 XP will be completely removed from your computer. Seek professional help if your computer continues to experience problems.

Do you know what WinProtector 3.8 is?

DESCRIPTION

WinProtector 3.8 is a malicious application that was found to be a rogue anti-spyware program. WinProtector 3.8 is usually installed through a browser security hole or from a Trojan which is downloaded through a fake ActiveX Video Codec without your permission. WinProtector 3.8 attempts to get computer users to purchase the full WinProtector 3.8 program through devious actions.

In non-techie terms: After installed, WinProtector 3.8 may bombard you with popups and alert messages that make you believe you have serious infections or parasites on your system. You must remember that these alerts are all fake but you still must remove WinProtector 3.8 because that is the real infection.

Aliases: WinProtector 3.8, Win Protector 3.8.

WinProtector 3.8 Automatic Removal Instructions

This automatic removal method is for non-techie computer users. If you’re too lazy to learn about spyware removal or how to access sensitive files in your computer, then this is the method for you.
Before you start: Print or bookmark these instructions because you’ll have to reboot into Safe Mode. Also back up your computer in case you make a mistake.

1. Download and save SmitFraudFix to your desktop.
2. Restart your computer in Safe Mode (how to do safe mode). Once the
   desktop appears, double click on the SmitfraudFix.exe on your desktop.
3. After the credits screen, you’ll see a menu. Select the option number 2, which is ‘Clean (safe mode recommended)’, and then
   press Enter to delete infect files.
4. SmitFraudFix will begin cleaning your computer and take a series of cleanup processes. When the process is over, it will automatically begin the Disk Cleanup program.
5. Once the Disk Cleanup program is complete, you will be prompted with the message ‘Registry cleaning - Do you want to clean the registry’. Answer Y (Yes) and hit Enter. Reboot your computer.
6. SmitFraudFix will now check if wininet.dll is infected. SmitFraudFix will ask you whether to replace the infected file (if there’s any) ‘Replace infected
   file?’ Answer by typing Y (Yes) and hit Enter.
7. Reboot your computer to complete the cleaning process.
8. After reboot, a Notepad screen may appear containing a log of all the files
   removed from your computer. If it doesn’t appear, a file will be created called
   rapport.txt in the root of your drive, (Local Disk C:).
9. Restart your computer in Safe Mode (how to do safe mode).
10. Go to C:\Windows\Temp, click Edit, click Select All, press DELETE, and then
    click Yes to confirm that you want all the items to go to the Recycle Bin.
11. Go to C:\Documents and Settings\[LISTED USER]\Local Settings\Temp, click Edit, click Select All, press DELETE, and then click Yes to confirm that
    you want all the items to go to the Recycle Bin.
12. Reboot your computer back to normal mode. Go to Windows Update and download all critical updates.

WinProtector 3.8 Manual Removal Instructions

This manual removal method is for techie computer users. WinProtector 3.8 manual removal may be difficult and time consuming to remove. There’s no guarantee that WinProtector 3.8 will be removed completely. So read the WinProtector 3.8 removal steps carefully and good luck.
Before you start: Close all programs and Internet browsers. Also back up your computer in case you make a mistake and your computer stops working.

1. Uninstall WinProtector 3.8 Program
   Click on Start > Settings > Control Panel > Double-click on Add/Remove Programs. Search for and uninstall WinProtector 3.8 if found.
2. To stop WinProtector 3.8 processes (view process removal steps)
   Go to Start > Run > type taskmgr. The click the Processes tab and you’ll see a list of running processes.
   Search and stop these WinProtector 3.8 processes:
   WinProtector.exe
   netfilter.dll
   ubpr01.exe
   un[1].exe
   AAVSetup[1].exe
   lla1.exe
   lla0.exe
   For each unwanted process, right-click on it and then select “End task”.
3. To Unregister WinProtector 3.8 DLLs (view DLL removal steps)
   Search and unregister these WinProtector 3.8 DLLs:
   219725.dll
   uszhv.dll

   To locate the WinProtector 3.8 DLL path, go to Start > Search > All Files or Folders. Type WinProtector 3.8 and in the Look in: select either My Computer or Local Hard Drives. Click the Search button.
   Once you have the WinProtector 3.8 DLL path, go to Start and then click on Run. In the Run command box, type cmd, and then click on OK.
   To locate the exact DLL path, type cd in order to change the current directory. To display the contents of the directory, use the dir command. To remove the DLL file type regsvr32 /u FILENAME.dll (FILENAME is the name of the file that you want to unregister).

4. To unregister WinProtector 3.8 registry keys (view registry keys removal steps)
   Go to Start > Run > type regedit > press OK.
   Edit the value (on the right pane) by right-clicking on it and selecting the Modify option. Select the Delete option.
   Search and delete these WinProtector 3.8 registry keys:

   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionRunASC32
   HKEY_CURRENT_USERSOFTWAREMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionRunASpyC
   HKEY_CURRENT_USERSOFTWAREMicrosoftInternet ExplorerSearchsearchassistant
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftInternet ExplorerSearchsearchassistant
   HKEY_CURRENT_USERSOFTWAREWeb Technologies
   HKEY_CURRENT_USERSOFTWAREMicrosoftInternet ExplorerMainsearch bar
   HKEY_CURRENT_USERSOFTWAREMicrosoftInternet ExplorerMainsearchmigrateddefaulturl
   HKEY_CURRENT_USERSOFTWAREMicrosoftInternet ExplorerMaindefault_search_url
   HKEY_CURRENT_USERSOFTWAREMicrosoftInternet ExplorerSearchUrlw
   HKEY_CURRENT_USERSOFTWAREMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionRunwblogon
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftInternet ExplorerMaindefault_search_url
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersion
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftInternet ExplorerMainsearch page
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftInternet ExplorerMainsearch bar
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftInternet ExplorerMainsearchmigrateddefaulturl
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftInternet ExplorerSearchUrlw
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftInternet Explorersearchurl
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionExplorerSharedTaskScheduler{629340b5-8df6-4211-9245-a86563a35792}
   HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTCLSID{f58ff278-2198-403b-9170-c95022a194c6}
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftInternet ExplorerExtensions{9034a523-d068-4be8-a284-9df278be776e}
   HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTspywarning.warningbho
   HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTspywarning.warningbho.1
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionExplorerBrowser Helper Objects{f58ff278-2198-403b-9170-c95022a194c6}
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionUninstallWindows
   HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTCLSID{d46beaa4-a304-40b3-a9da-ec7f7f501f25}
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionExplorerBrowser Helper Objects{d46beaa4-a304-40b3-a9da-ec7f7f501f25}
   HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTCLSID{629340b5-8df6-4211-9245-a86563a35792}
   HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTascwarning32.warningbho
   HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTascwarning32.warningbho.1
   HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTCLSID{58472bc6-bea3-42d4-8917-7a8bcb0711b5}
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionExplorerBrowser Helper Objects{58472bc6-bea3-42d4-8917-7a8bcb0711b5}
   HKEY_CURRENT_USERSOFTWAREasc 2.1
   HKEY_CURRENT_USERSOFTWAREASpyC
   Safety Alert
   HKEY_CURRENT_USERSOFTWAREMicrosoftInternet ExplorerSearchScopes{daed9266-8c28-4c1c-8b58-5c66eff1d302}
   HKEY_CURRENT_USERSOFTWAREMicrosoftInternet Explorersearchurl
   HKEY_CURRENT_USERSOFTWAREMicrosoftInternet ExplorerMainsearch page
   

5. If your homepage has been changed, go to Start > Control Panel > Internet Options > click on the General > click Use Default under Home Page. Add the your desired default homepage, then click Apply > click OK. Open a new web browser to check that you have your desired default homepage.
6. Remove WinProtector 3.8 Directories.
   To find WinProtector 3.8 directories, go to Start > My Computer > Local Disk (C:) > Program Files > Show the contents of this folder.
   Search and delete the following WinProtector 3.8 directories:
   C:\ProgramFiles\WinProtector 3.8
   C:\ProgramFiles\Win Protector 3.8
   C:\ProgramFiles\WinProtector
   C:\ProgramFiles\Win Protector

   Right-click on the WinProtector 3.8 folder and select Delete.
   A message will appear saying ‘Are you sure you want to remove the folder WinProtector 3.8 and move all its contents to the Recycle Bin?’, click Yes.
   Another message will appear saying ‘Renaming, moving or deleting WinProtector 3.8 could make some programs not work. Are you sure you want to do this?’, click Yes.

7. To remove WinProtector 3.8 icons on your Desktop, drag and drop them to the Recycle Bin.

You’ve completed the WinProtector 3.8 manual removal instructions!
I hope this article has helped you solve your WinProtector 3.8 problems. If you want to contribute to this article, post your comment below.

Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes. By using this information you agree to be bound by the disclaimer. There’s no guarantee that WinProtector 3.8 will be completely removed from your computer. Seek professional help if your computer continues to experience problems.

Wise spenders include the people who invest largely in their computers. Unlike years way back, a person could easily change any computer peripheral when they buy it separately. But considering prices are not that consumer friendly these days, you have to control that urge and wait for the right time to really change a computer part. In short, living in today’s world needs wise spending including changing computer parts which go at the rate that technology is changing.

Apparently this can be seen at how frequent people are now getting when it comes to upgrading or changing a specific part. Making do with what they have in the form of processors, video cards and hard disks will have to do for the meantime. Gone are the luxury days when a new product would be introduced in the market where a computer owner can just take out the old one and install the new as easily as its plug and play feature.

But the cost of these peripherals is no longer easy to suffice. A mere hundred dollar worth of computer part can be used for another more needed cause. Evidently, wising up to the finance set forth today is a must and people should know better than to spend them unwisely. In short, computers can wait but needs cannot.

Think of it this way. Computers are better off bought as a whole. Part by part you will still get to the point where you will get the same parts in the end. So why spend now when you can get them more advanced later.