Computer Security & Viruses/Email problem

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Question
I run windows XP system and only use Internet based email. The problem is that people in my list of contacts sometimes get email that is claimed to be from me but is not. I am not sure if I have a problem or not, but I want to check things out. Any ideas?

Answer
Hi John

I'd be happy to help you check out your system for signs of malware.  Please download and install HijackThis:

http://www.trendsecure.com/portal/en-US/_download/HJTInstall.exe

Make sure you close EVERY open window and ALL browser windows. The only thing that should be open is the HijackThis program.
Double-click on the file you just downloaded.
Click on the "Install" button.
Upon install, HijackThis should open for you.
Should it not open, go to C:\Program Files\Trend Micro\HijackThis and double click on HijackThis.exe
Choose 'Do a system scan and save a log file'.
Copy the text file which opens in Notepad and paste it in your follow-up to me.
* Do not fix any entries in HijackThis, as they may be harmless.

Brian

Computer Security & Viruses

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Brian Benosky

Expertise

I will help you in eradicating malware and all forms of virus/trojans/adware. I can answer all PC-related hardware issues. I can also troubleshoot Windows OS errors (all versions) and other software problems. HijackThis logs are a MUST for virus related help. If you do not know how to do this, I have posted easy-to-follow instructions on the Ask a Question page. Every computer infection is different, so I will give you personal instructions on how to remove the malware, not a 'pat' answer. You can be assured of a prompt, polite, and knowledgeable response in all regards.

Experience

I have over 25 years experience in using, building, and repairing computers. I have helped over two thousand people here on AllExperts, with consistent Top Feedback Scores. Please look at my answers here: http://en.allexperts.com/q/Computer-Security-Viruses-1737/indexExp_84308.htm I am also a Top Contributor of General Computing answers in Yahoo! Questions.

Education/Credentials
College Educated Self-taught Computer Skills

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