AboutDoug Woodall Expertise I can answer questions pertaining to threats to Online Security.
I cant answer questions as to when, if ever IE will ever be secure.
Experience I have 15 years of experience learning the intricaticies of online safety. I have a online business where I provide inofrmation and recommend products to combat online threats.
Organizations International Webmasters Association.
Publications Ezine Articles, Zinos, Article City, NewsVine, Info World, Jogena, Article99, Epinions, Bestezines, ect
Education/Credentials Self taught
Awards and Honors My articles have earned me Trusted Author Status at ImpactArticles.com. Also My Website is recognized by Learning Fountain and ISafe.
Question Hi Doug,
First, I want you to know that I really appreciate your time and efforts responding to my questions. I hope you do not mind me combining a few questions within the same email (if you don't have the time then a response to question #1 would be greatly appreciated).
(1) I just installed ThreatFire (from PC Tools) and when I ran the first scan it alerted me to the fact that I had a trojan (specifically Adware.Agent.DUCT). I had the option to put it in quarantine so that's what I did...so ThreatFire quarantined a file and a Registry Key. The specific file was located in "Downloaded Program Files" within Windows. The .exe file that was quarantined is "imloader.exe". I tried doing some research on "imloader" and from what I understand it's part of the Incredimail application....however, I gather, that some say it may not be and therefore should be deleted. All seems to work fine on my PC with this in quarantine (including Incredimail) ---EXCEPT--- since putting this in quarantine, I have tried to download the Avant Browser and also Registry Mechanic from PC Tools (for a trial period). I had problems with both downloads and therefore installation failed. Not the same error message for both. MY QUESTION is: given my details above, is "imloader" required for downloading products like Avant Browser or PC Tools products (like Registry Mechanic) or can I safely delete these two items from my quarantine?
(2) I currently use Hauri ViRobot Desktop 5.5 in combination with ThreatFire (free version) for my antivirus protection. I also have the free version of ZoneAlarm installed and I frequently also scan for spyware/adware with Ad-Aware from Lavasoft. I also have a D-Linx Router because I have 2 computers. I feel all this adds up to very good protection. Do you agree?
(3) For other general PC health I frequently use CCleaner and System Mechanic 6. What do you think of these two products?
(4) Is there anythin you would recommend?
Thank you so very much again..I really apreciate your time.
Steen
Answer Hi Steen,
Imloader is not considered to be a pest. I dont know why ThreatFire saw it as being connected with Adware Agent. Adware agent is spyware that comes bundled with SmitFraud.
Its not a trojan. PC tools is probably flagging it as destructive.
I would uninstall Incredimail, first back up your data. Then re-install and see what ThreatFire thinks.
I dont know why it would interfere with dnloads.
Is ZoneAlarm maybe the cause here? Try dnloading CCleaner again and see if it comes thru ok.
Ive never used ThreatFire, but PC Tools make great products.
Heres the link to their Forum http://www.pctools.com/forum/
ZoneAlarm is a great Firewall, you cant go wrong here.
CCleaner I use myself, nothing better except "Hijack This".
Ive never used Sys Mechanic but Ive seen the last review at cnet and they gave it 3 out of 5 stars.
I would ask the folks at PC Tools Forum in the ThreatFire section if they have any advice. I still dont know what any of this would connect to as far as dnloads.
