Why are you not running Windows XP SP2?

If you have not upgraded to Windows XP SP2 then you are doomed to be infected. There have been hundreds of exploits used to infect your system and Microsoft issues patches monthly via Windows Update. Simply connecting to and browsing the net will get you infected if you have not kept your system patched. Not patching your system not only keeps your system infected but allows it to be used to spread infections and allows hackers to user your system for their criminal deeds. It is your duty as a internet citizen to keep your system patched. If your system is not patched you are contributing to the spread of Malware, Spam and who knows what on the internet.

Note: If your system is infected with malware you should get it cleaned up before installing SP2. After that, having a fully updated SP2 will go a long way in preventing reinfection.

As of October 2006 Microsoft will not even support older versions of Windows XP.

Look at your hijackthis log report to see what version you are running.

Windows XP:

Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.1
Scan saved at 8:03:21 AM, on 5/25/2006
Platform: Windows XP (WinNT 5.01.2600)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v6.00 (6.00.2600.0000)

If that is your version then your system is an open door to infections.


Windows XP SP1.

Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.1
Scan saved at 5:26:23 PM, on 6/30/2006
Platform: Windows XP SP1 (WinNT 5.01.2600)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v6.00 SP1 (6.00.2800.1106)

If that is your version then you have not been keeping your system updated and your system is an open door to infections.


Window XP SP2

Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.1
Scan saved at 23:11:49, on 01/07/2006
Platform: Windows XP SP2 (WinNT 5.01.2600)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v6.00 SP2 (6.00.2900.2180)

That is the latest version. It still does not mean your system is being patched as it should. There have been many patches since Windows XP SP2 was released. If you are not keeping your system patched with the monthly updates from Microsoft then you are still open to many exploits.

Many complain about the size of the updates especially those with dial up connections. That is not an excuse. Microsoft will send you a free CD to do the upgrade. You can then set up your system to automatically download the updates while you are online.

Read what Microsoft has to say at the following link. There are links to order the CD.

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/sp2/default.mspx

Then you need to make sure your system is set up to automatically download updates. I recommend that you set it up to not only automatically download them but automatically install them as well. Some will disagree because occasionally one of the patches will cause problems. Microsoft does fix those when it happens. My view is that by not patching your system you are much more likely to have problems with malware so it is well worth the risk that a patch may cause a small problem to your system some time in the future.

Be a good net citizen. Keep your system patched.

Read how to set up automatic updates here:

http://www.theeldergeek.com/automatic_updates.htm