How can I safely delete entries from HKEY_CURRENT_USER/Software/Microsoft/Windows/CurrentVersions/InternetSettings/ZoneMap/Domains ?

There is numerous items listed I do not want on my computer and programs like Ad-Aware, HiJackThis and RegScrubXP fail to reveal their presence and therefore I cannot delete them.

Assuming I have backed up the registry, can I delete the entries in RegEdit or is there a program I can use to delete the entries?

Many top flight security programs add entries to that major key to prevent users from accidentally going to dangerous sites. I would suggest you do not remove any entries from that key unless you know exactly what you are doing and why. You can also make some changes in that key by using the Security tab in the Internet Options panel of IE without doing direct registry editing.

Yes, that's exactly what I am saying. If you look at the Security tab in IE, you should see those "bad" sites listed under the Restricted sites. As long as sites are listed there, they prevent access to them. No one with even the most minimal knowledge of security issues will have any suspicions that you are visiting those sites when they are listed under that zone. Anyone who does is more than a rank amateur.

The other way to prevent access to those sites is to use one of the HOSTS site restriction lists such as the MVPS HOSTS file. Download HostsXpert from here:

http://www.funkytoad.com/content/view/13/31/

Create a new folder C:\Program Files\HostsXpert and unzip your download into that folder.

Run HostsXpert. Click Make writable if that is the first item at the top of the left hand side. If not, do not click on that button. Next, click on Restore MS HOSTS File.

Click on Download and then MVPs Hosts, and choose Merge File.

When the download completes and the file is merged, click File Handling, and then Make ReadOnly? Then exit HostsXpert.

Since there are always sites that are listed under one but not the other, you might use both methods to prevent accidental access. Security programs such as Spybot S&D modify both the Restricted zone, Firefox restricted lists and HOSTS to prevent access no matter what way you might accidentally try to access many awful sites. BTW, these should be updated frequently, at least once a week, to make sure you have the latest lists.

Other well recognized ways of restricting specific site access are Spybot S&D (do not use TeaTimer), SpywareBlaster, McAfee Site Advisor, Firetrust SiteHound and a number of large block lists from places like this:

http://www.bluetack.co.uk/forums/index.php

Using any of them places lists of sites that have been restricted on your system, in your registry or elsewhere, and should never be confused with sites you actually have visited. I completely admit that some of those site names are enough to make one shudder, but many times, that's the only way to prevent accidental access, or even access simply by opening an email that you shouldn't have opened, but often had no way to know that.

You should look over our forums here. There are many ways to prevent access to "bad" sites, and many other ways to protect yourself on the Internet. A full security package should look like an onion, with multiple layers of protection. It is a "wild, wild, web" out there, lawless and uncontrolled. But, gradually, day by day, volunteer groups like ours are making headway to get the really "bad guys" under control and in many cases, in jail, hopefully with a 500 pound cell mate named "Bubba" to keep them company and warm at night.

Thanks PCBruiser. Your help is appreciated.

Greetings,

PCBruiser:

I've also warned many about not messing with the registry unless they absolutely know what they're doing!

I wouldn't have a clue what to do to edit the registry, so I leave it alone, so I suggest others do the same as well, or you'll just end up back here with more major problems, IMHO.

_________________
Warm Regards,
David (esacnitsuj)
EULAGree With Security

Quote:

"A Weak Mind Can Be Easily Controlled!" "Ni Bastori Carborundum" ©1963 SQIV