This feature can be particularly useful if you’re opening a file from removable media (CD, DVD, external HDD etc.) and MSE’s real-time virus checker has not had a chance to do a preliminary scan at the file yet. If you’ve turned off real-time virus scanning, this will also help you avoid virus infection.

Caution: Even if a virus checker doesn’t detect a virus, never open a file from an untrusted source.

Realizing I didn’t have an infected file to use for this guide, I went to the source of many viruses: a torrent tracker and grabbed a copy of “Adobe Photoshop Lightroom v3.2″ (don’t worry, I promptly deleted it.)

Scan an File/Folder for Viruses

1. If you don’t already have it installed, download and install Microsoft Security Essentials (learn more about MSE.)

2. Open up Windows Explorer (Winkey+E) and browse to the directory that contains the file/folder you want to scan

3. Right click the file or folder and click Scan with Microsoft Security Essentials…

4. Hopefully your journey ends here and you’re informed the file is clean. If however, the file is infected, continue to the next section.

Remove a Virus with Microsoft Security Essentials

If MSE has detected an infected file, you should delete it immediately.

1. Upon notice of an infected file, click Clean Computer

2. MSE will clean the file from your PC:

3. After the file is clean, you may Close MSE

4. You’re almost done… once you’ve detected a virus on your PC:

• Notify others who may also have the file (did this file come via email?)
• If you run backups, make sure the file is removed from your backups
• If the file came from optical media i.e. CD/DVD, destroy the disc, if possible, to avoid future infection
• Inform the distributor of the file that it’s compromised and should not be shared

If the Virus Can’t be Deleted…

If you’ve followed the steps above but still can’t delete the file, please start a topic in Windows Forums and we’ll help you solve the issue. Beware that some viruses can help identity thieves get your personal information. If you know that a virus is running free on your computer, it might be wise to invest in a LifeLock account as a preventative measure against identity theft. But keep checking back with the Windows Forums, because there aren’t many problems that remain unsolved for long!

About Rich

Rich is the owner and creator of Windows Guides; he spends his time breaking things on his PC so he can write how-to guides to fix the problems he creates.

Many of the recommended tools made it into our top anti-malware programs list and we agree with the recommendations given. Once you’ve removed the malware, you should fix any issues present on your PC and then take steps to protect your PC from future attacks. A good start can be made by reading the PC Security Handbook.

What steps do you recommend when removing malware? How else can you protect your PC from infections?

Malware Removal Guide for Windows | Real Security via Windows Forums

About Rich

Rich is the owner and creator of Windows Guides; he spends his time breaking things on his PC so he can write how-to guides to fix the problems he creates.

Here’s the wording from their security policy:

As set forth in our privacy policy, and in compliance with United States law, Dropbox cooperates with United States law enforcement when it receives valid legal process, which may require Dropbox to provide the contents of your private Dropbox. In these cases, Dropbox will remove Dropbox’s encryption from the files before providing them to law enforcement.

DROPBOX: We’ll Turn Your Files Over To The Government If They Ask Us To | Business Insider

About Rich

Rich is the owner and creator of Windows Guides; he spends his time breaking things on his PC so he can write how-to guides to fix the problems he creates.

Setting up a second (third, fourth … ) account in Outlook.

Adding several accounts to your Outlook 2010 is a simple task. Using them and switching between them is also very easy. What you DO need to decide before adding several accounts is, which will function as your main account, and should the accounts use the same PST-file (the database storing your emails) or should you use separate PST-files ?

Functionality will be the same, no matter what you choose.

In the last section, I will give my thoughts on pros and cons using one or two PST-Files.

Adding more Accounts

1. Click the FILE tab (the yellow one)
2. Click the ACCOUNTS-button and then the Account-Link popping up underneath it.
3. Follow the steps found here.

Choose between the two

1. Start writing a new Email
2. In the top left corner you find the From, To, CC-buttons.
    

   Notice that the FROM-button now has a little arrow attached to it.
   Clicking it will allow you to choose which account to send from

If you have decided to use several PST-files, you may also choose which account to use by simply highlighting the appropriate InBox in the account/folder listing, before opening a new Email Document. Outlook will choose the account corresponding to the InBox selected.

Several Signatures

If you automatically want to add signatures to your new emails, you can set Outlook to use different Signatures for different accounts. Here’s how.

1. Start a new Message
2. Click the Insert Ribbon
   
3. Click the Signature Button
4. Choose Signatures from the drop down menu
5. In the Signatures Dialogue window,  Add and design a new signature

Connecting each signature to a different account

Setting this up, may not be very intuitive to you (Another Note to the Outlook developers). But it is rather simple one you know how.

In the right hand side of the Signatures Window there are three pull-down menus titled “Choose Default Signatures”. It would be fair to assume you choose these settings while creating your Signature, but that’s not it. They have no relations to the Signature creation what so ever. They really should have been put in a separate dialog window. But that’s another discussion.

After creating all of your signatures they will appear in the pull-down menus.

1. In the first pulldown menu, choose which email account to attach a signature to
2. In the second choose which signature to use (if any) when starting a new Email
3. In the third one, choose which signature to use (if any) when replying to an email

The settings are stored immediately and you do not need to close the Signature Window until you’re all done.

Using One or Two PST-files ?

The following reflects my experience. You may experience it differently, and if so please feel free to add your own comments on the matter.

Choosing one PST-file may slow down performance when the one file get large. On the upside, you will only have one set of folders to worry about (one inbox, sent box, deleted items etc.). You will also not need a large monitor to see all inboxes at once in the folder/account listing.

Choosing two PST-files may increase your security and performance as the files will be smaller. Backup and deleting an account will be easier. You get more control over each account. On the downside, you will need a large monitor to be able to see each inbox in the folder/account listing, and you are not able to choose which folders to display in the listing except from expanding (or collapsing) the entire account folder (NOTE to the developers; add this functionality in the next Office)

About Thomas

Computer geek from the age of 7, which amounts to 30 years of computer experience. From the early days (when every computer company had their own OS) of DOS, Windows 1.0 through Seven...

The lack of security may lay in an outdated browser version, but also in the plugins, add ons and what not installed. The over eager use of plugins (as done in MSIE and Firefox) is why I personally dread most browsers. Mostly because these plugins tend to clutter my “browsing space” but also due to the lack of security.

How do you know how safe your browser experience really is ?

The short answer is: BrowserCheck By Qualys

BrowserCheck by Qualys is a free tool that allow you to test your browser and plugins for known security issues, vulnerabilities  and outdated software.  But that’s not all. BrowserCheck also help you solve your discovered problems by offering links to the new and updated software you need to fix your Browser issues.

Clicking on each topic in the results page, will show you which driver, plugin and version BrowserCheck found on your system and what action they recommend you take.

All links is directed to the vendors / developers sites so you don’t risk downloading from an unknown or unsecure site. In other words, the BrowserCheck is not scamming you to use a certain software or paid subscription.

On my first run I found that not only was my browser outdated (by a couple of days), but so were my Flash-, Pdf-, Quicktime and Java plugin. I was able to download and solve these issues within 5 minutes, and now I’m browsing even more secure than before. Now it’s your turn…

https://browsercheck.qualys.com/

About Thomas

Computer geek from the age of 7, which amounts to 30 years of computer experience. From the early days (when every computer company had their own OS) of DOS, Windows 1.0 through Seven...

We have spoken before about removing Windows virus:

Test to See if Your Antivirus Software Works (Safe)

Remove Viruses And Malware in Safe Mode [How To]

Thomas has written a post about a program that restores several windows features:

Re-Enable 2.0 – Restore Windows functionality after virus and Trojan attack [Freeware]

In this post  we are going to use another approach with SuperAntiSpyware portable to do this:

Download the program

The advantages of using a portable program are many. For example we can keep that program on a USB drive. To download SuperAntiSpyware portable go to the following link:

SuperAntiSpyware Portable

and select download as you can see in the image:

Execute the program

Once you have download the program, you will see a “.com” file on your system. The name changes with every download so a virus cannot remove the program. Imagine what can happen if a resident virus detects you have inserted a USB with a file it knows is an antivirus. It can easily delete the file; due to this, the utility changes its name every time.

Double click the .com file and you will see a program like this:

Update the AntiSpyware utility

First of all you need to update the program so it will look if there is something new available. We all know how fast new malware appears so never forget this step.

Apply the  Fixes

Superantispyware hides this utility, full of repairs, into the preferences section so we have to go there:

Go to the repairs tab:

Here are some of the repairs you can select:

Enable start menu run, enable system tray, enable task manager, enable windows control panel, enable windows explorer folder options, home page reset, internet zone security reset, local page reset, remove desktop screen saver, remove explorer policy restrictions, remove internet explorer policy restrictions, and many more.

As you can see SuperAntiSpyware has some useful hidden features that will help you get your computer up and running as normal again.

About Angel Luis

I am an Engineer of Telecommunications that love computers. My first computer was a Commodore 16kb, about 25 years ago and since then I am always fighting computers problems. Please visit my entries and ask me about whatever problem you have, I will be pleased to help you. My email is discoveryourpc [at] gmail [dot] com. You can follow me on twitter @agenlu or read my blog www.discoveryourpc.net

A while back we looked at how could disable IE9’s GPU rendering abilities.

As other browsers in the market are yet to fully catch up to Microsoft in this arena, GPU rendering or acceleration will likely not be enabled by default.

If you use Google Chrome and it’s at version 8 or above (Wrench > About Google Chrome) and your hardware can support it, GPU acceleration and rendering can be enabled.

This Quick Tip is going to show you how.

Step 1.

Open Google Chrome, in the address bar (Ctrl+L) type about:flags and hit Enter

Step 2.

Please take note of this warning;

These experimental features may change, break, or disappear at any time. We make absolutely no guarantees about what may happen if you turn one of these experiments on, and your browser may even spontaneously combust. Jokes aside, your browser may delete all your data, or your security and privacy could be compromised in unexpected ways. Please proceed with caution.

If you’re happy with this, scroll down the page and find GPU Accelerated Compositing and GPU Accelerated Canvas 2D.

Click Enable under each one and restart Chrome to see the changes. Maybe even head over to beautyoftheweb.com and compare the 2 browsers.

How do you think Chrome stacks up to IE9 in this department?  Let us know in the comments.

About Stu

Setup a Proxy Server using Google App Engine

This tutorial has been on my mind off and on for several months now. Joining the team here at Windows Guides has given me the opportunity to finally post it. After my son asked me a few weeks ago for a good proxy I thought maybe I dedicate this and the next tutorial to him.

This is a long yet not a really difficult tutorial if you follow along. I have done my best to simplify it as much as possible. May I suggest you read the whole thing and get your downloads together before you start.

Google Account Setup

In order to set up your new proxy you will need to have a Google account.

Google app engine

Go to Google app engine and sign-in using your Google account.

Verify Account by SMS

Click the “Create an Application” button. Since this is your first time, Google will send a verification code via SMS to your mobile phone number.

If you get to this point and find your carrier not listed. You can sign up for a phone number at Google voice and register with the number you choose from Google Voice.

Authentication Code Has Been Sent.

Type the code you were sent to create apps with Google App Engine. Click the Send button.

Choose a Domain. Agree to the Google Terms.

Choose a domain name that will host your proxy server. Use a something unique to you, this is your permanent  sub-domain name. Then make sure the domain is available, agree to the Google Terms and click save. The sub-domain is also your App ID and will uniquely identify your proxy application.

For this example, we’ll use jttm-server-prox as the App ID though you are free to choose any other unique name. The jttm being my sons initials and unique to him.

Application Registered Successfully.

Once you have agreed to the terms your and everything is set, the Application Registered Successfully window will appear. Your ID is registered and waiting for you to use it for the first time. There are a couple of pieces missing yet from the puzzle so let’s get jiggy with it.

Download the Python 2.6.6 MSI installer.

It’s time to create and upload the proxy server application to Google App Engine. Go to python.org, download the 2.6.6 MSI installer.

Opening python-2.6.6 msi.

Check the save file radio button and then click save file.

Save the file to your desktop.

Save the installer to your desktop.

Python 2.6.6 Icon

Now click the cute little icon to get your install started. Accepting all the defaults in the install seems to make life much easier.

Do you want to run this file?

Of course we do, Click the run button.

Select whether to install Python 2.6.6 for all users of this computer.

You can switch whether to allow other users to use the Python program or not, we are just accepting the defaults, Click Next.

Select Destination Directory.

Again we are just accepting the defaults. Click next. Note: If you change the destination you will alter other parts of the tutorial.

Customize Python 2.6.6.

No need to change anything here. Click next.

Installing Python 2.6.6.

Wait for it.

Completing the Python 2.6.6 Installer.

Click the Finish button and Python is installed. Now we need to install the Google App Engine itself.

Google App Engine SDK

Once Python is installed, go to Google.com, download the Google App Engine SDK for Python and install it accepting all the defaults throughout the install.

GoogleAppEngine-1.4.22 msi.

Click on the save radio button then click save file. Save it to your desktop same as you did the Python 2.6.6. installer.

GoogleApps icon.

Click the new Google App icon to start the install.

Do you want to run this file?

Click the Run button.

Google App Engine Setup.

Click Next.

End-User License Agreement

Check I accept the terms in the License Agreement box and click the Next button.

Destination Folder.

Accept the defaults here and click the Next button. Note: If you change the destination folder you will alter the tutorial in the final stages.

Ready to install Google App Engine.

Shucks, isn’t that why we’re here. Click the Install button.

Installing Google App Engine.

Again we wait for it. A few seconds later.

Completed the Google App Engine Setup Wizard.

Poof, Click the Finish button and the App Engine is installed. Now lets work it.

Google App Engine Icon.

Start the Google App Engine Launcher program from the new jet engine icon now on your desktop. Notice in the background.

Warning Prerequisites for App Engine Development are missing!

A warning window will appear, this is ok since we haven’t set App Engine up yet. Just click the OK button to close this and go to the next step.

Google App Launcher.

With Google App Launcher window open we need to do some set up here.

Preferences.

Click Edit, then Preferences from the drop down menu. Set the correct values (See screenshot above). You can type these values in or browse to the correct folder and find the value that way. Note: If you use a different version of Python the Python Path will change. Also if you changed any install path on either install this is changed.

Here are the paths just in case you can’t see them in the screenshot. Just copy and paste.
C:\Python26\pythonw.exe      C:\Program Files\Google\google_appengine      C:\Windows\notpad.exe Click ok when finished.

Download this zip file and extract the file to a folder on your desktop. The zip file contains a couple of text files written in HTML and Python that you can read and edit with notepad. These will be uploaded in the next step.

Add Existing Application.

Back at your App Engine Launcher. Click File then Add Existing Application from the drop down under the Google App Launcher program and browse to the directory or folder that you just created from the zip file you downloaded.

Your_App_ID

Single click Your_App_ID to highlight it, Click the Edit button and replace “YOUR_APP_ID” with the ID sub-domain that you reserved earlier. The one I created is jttm-server-prox.

YOUR_APP_ID 2

You should end up with something like this except with your sub-domain name you created earlier. Getting excited we’re almost finished.

Deploy Application to Google.

Click the Deploy tab then type in your Google credentials and Click the OK button.

Deployment to Google.

Deployment to Google window will come up; let it work its magic.

Deployment to Google Finished.

The last message is pretty straight forward, Just X out.

Open a browser and type in your address like so… http://jttm-server-prox.appspot.com/ replacing with your ID.

You can edit the main.html file that came in the zip file with notepad to change the appearance of your proxy server. Once you make a change then you hit the deploy button on the Google App Engine Launcher.

This is a really simple program with no security except obscurity involved. You’ll find some website will not work well. I’m working on a secure proxy for the next tutorial so keep an eye open.

Well it was good for me; was it good for you? See you next time.

Rick Mizell

Python 2.6.6 MSI installer

Google App Engine SDK

zip file

About Rick

The original HighTechRedNeck in Nashville Tn. I run a small "Not just another Computer Repair Co." in Nashville. My interest are anything with an IP address with an emphasis in Data Recoveries, Ethical Hacking and Digital Forensics. Don't bother asking what my Certs are, I have a few, but I am a true blue Home Schooled Geek. Set up my first e-mail in 1995 and been a Geeking ever since. If you want to know more try Google. Be Blessed and Hack Well!

Its been a long wait for some of us but it’s officially here, finally!

Microsoft have released Service Pack 1 for Windows 7 bringing notable new features such as Dynamic Memory, Remote FX and improved HDMI audio device performance. Security updates and hotfixes have also been rolled up into the SP.

Before you dive in to downloading and installing, please check out all the documentation to ensure your install goes smoothly.

Prerequisites :

• Your current operating system must be the Release to Manufacturing (RTM) version of Windows 7 (build 7600). (How Do I Know Which Operating System I am Using? [Quick Tip])
• Users updating through Windows Update/WSUS must install the Servicing Stack Update (SSU) that handles the installation and removal of software updates, language packs, and optional Windows features. This update is necessary to successfully install or uninstall the service pack; it also improves the performance and reliability of the service pack installation. This update is part of the standalone update package and will be offered as a separate package on Windows Update.

Documentation:

• Deployment Guide for Windows 7 with SP1
• Hotfixes and Security Updates included in Windows 7 SP1
• Release Notes for Windows 7 with SP1
• Notable Changes in Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 Service Pack 1

Update Readiness Tools:

• Windows 7 x86
• Windows 7 x64

SP1 Download Links:

• Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 Service Pack 1
• Windows 7 SP1 x86 (538MB EXE)
• Windows 7 SP1 x64 (903MB EXE)
• Windows 7 SP1 x86 and x64 (1953MB ISO)

Physical Media:

• Service Pack 1 Physical Media Ordering

Cleanup:

Note that this removes backup files created during the SP installation thus the SP cannot be uninstalled after this operation has completed.

In an elevated command prompt run

dism /online /cleanup-image /spsuperseded

Troubleshooting:

• "The following updates might need to be reinstalled" message when you try to install SP1 for Windows 7 or for Windows Server 2008 R2

Uninstallation:

Providing you haven’t run cleanup, you can uninstall the SP by running (in an elevated command prompt)

wusa /uninstall /kb:976932

About Stu

SUPERAntiSpyware

A few weeks ago Mike Duncan, Director of Business Development at SUPERAntiSpyware.com asked me to take a peek at their software. Being the Geek that never sleeps and challenge accepted off we go on passage into the world of SUPERAntiSpyware.

The results of the testing are beyond the scope of where this post leads but let’s say this, SUPERAntiSpyware has replaced the previous Anti-Malware software installed on this geeks PC’s and no computer leaves this shop without a free version installed.

The masses of features that come with the Free Version launch SUPERAntiSpyware right to top of the class adding the features you get from the website itself make the grade an A+.

Never saying SUPERAntiSpyware is the greatest and  should absolutely never be your only layer of protection. Multiple layers of security software should exist and SUPERAntiSpyware is designed to exemplify and accolade other security applications.

Ed note: You can install this right along side your current anti-malware program (i.e. Microsoft Security Essentials) but avoid running scans with both programs at the same time as there will be conflicts.

With SUPERAntiSpyware Free Edition you receive:

• Quick, complete and custom Scanning of your hard drives, removable drives, memory and registry.
• Top notch detection and removal of any Adware, Malware, Trojans, Worms, Spyware, Hi-Jack Protection, Key-Loggers.
• Trust items and exclude folder where you can place trusted or excluded folder and files to help speed up scans.

BootSafe that simplifies the process of booting into safe mode and Repairs allow you to fix and or repair items that may have been damaged by the gremlins attacking your system.

Rick’s Tip: The repair option can be used to fix the listed problems on PC’s that are not or previously infected. These applications such as Task Manager just for one reason or another no longer work. Quick fixed for me a few times this week alone.

SUPERAntiSpyware Online Scan detects and removes spyware/malware infections. The scanner doesn’t install anything on your Start Menu or Program Files and does not need to be uninstalled.

The SUPERAntiSpyware Portable Scan is free for personal use. The scanner contains the latest definitions so you don’t need Internet access on the infected system to scan. If your running SUPERAntiSpyware Portable from Portable Apps you can still update.

Threat Research Center is a list of new threats discovered and removed today that were not detected by other anti-malware/spyware programs.

If you don’t like downloading anything from the Internet a CD can be purchased. An extra fully registered copy of SUPERAntiSpyware Professional as well as an Upgrade to a lifetime subscription of SUPERAntiSpyware can be found through the order page.

Volume and site licensing for SUPERAntiSpyware to Corporate/Enterprise as well as special quotes to educational and non-profit organizations can be found at the Volume/Site Licensing Information page.

If you ever need to manually update your definitions exit SUPERAntiSpyware, and then click the link at the bottom of the Database Definition Information page. Save the file to your desktop or where ever you can find it then click it to run the installer. Once the installation is complete, exit and restart SUPERAntiSpyware for the new definitions to be active.

Often spyware will attack the very software you are using to protect your computer. With SUPERAntiSpyware you can download two .exe files, RUNSAS.EXE and SASSAFERUN.COM disguised variably to sham the spyware and launch SUPERAntiSpyware.

Rick’s Tip: Change the name to “iexplore.exe” without the quotes. Most malware wants access to the internet so will allow Internet explorer to run. If a failure to execute dialog box appears, move the box out of the way and try again.

Obviously everything loaded into SUPERAntiSpyware can’t be mentioned here so a complete with screen-shot  documentation and help are available.

Download SUPERAntiSpyware

About Rick

The original HighTechRedNeck in Nashville Tn. I run a small "Not just another Computer Repair Co." in Nashville. My interest are anything with an IP address with an emphasis in Data Recoveries, Ethical Hacking and Digital Forensics. Don't bother asking what my Certs are, I have a few, but I am a true blue Home Schooled Geek. Set up my first e-mail in 1995 and been a Geeking ever since. If you want to know more try Google. Be Blessed and Hack Well!