PC diagnostics (2004)

Restoration is an easy to use and straight forward tool to undelete files that were removed from the recycle bin or directly deleted from within Windows. Upon start, you can scan for all files that may be recovered and also limit the results by entering a search term or extension.

In addition, Restoration also provides an option to wipe the found files beyond simple recovery. And as such it is not only a data-recovery tool but also a security cleanup application. You can use it after deletion of confidential documents, embarrassing files and so on.

The program is very small and standalone, it does not require installation and can also run from a Floppy disk. Restoration works with FAT and NTFS as well as digital cameras cards.

Diagnostics

Data Lifeguard Online Diagnostics

http://support.wdc.com/dlg/

The Data Lifeguard Online Diagnostics service is a free web-based diagnostic utility capable of testing any manufacturers EIDE hard drive. If you encounter problems and suspect the drive is faulty, we request you run our diagnostic utility first before returning it. All too often, drives are returned which are working properly. By using Data Lifeguard, you can confirm the condition of the drive. Using our Data Lifeguard software appropriately can save you valuable time, money, and the trouble of returning a drive.

· Online Diagnostics - Register as a new user or Login (existing user)

· Data Lifeguard Utilities - Download Data Lifeguard Tools

Microsoft Online Crash Analysis

http://oca.microsoft.com/en/windiag.asp

If you are experiencing problems while running Windows, you can use the diagnostic to determine whether the problems are caused by failing hardware, such as RAM or the memory system of your motherboard. Windows Memory Diagnostic is designed to be easy and fast. On most configurations, you can download the diagnostic, read the documentation, run the test and complete the first test pass in less than 30 minutes.

Symantec DeepSight Analyzer

http://analyzer.symantec.com/downloadnis.asp

DeepSight Analyzer allows you to track and report on events that are being observed by your personal security products. Your security events are automatically submitted to Symantec by a software program called DeepSight Extractor. Once submitted, your security events join those of thousands of other individuals, and allow Symantec to see wide-spread attack activity on the Internet. This is a corporate level product that makes a record of incidents on your computer.

Other

Symantec Downloads

http://www.symantec.com/downloads/

Norton AntiVirus, Norton AntiSpam, pcAnywhere, latest certified antivirus definitions, etc.

Microsoft Download Center

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/search.aspx?displaylang=en

MALWARE WATCH LIST (according to Kim Komando)

Ezula

Ezula is advertising software. It includes a component that reinstalls it if it is not completely removed. Trying to kill it with anti-virus software probably won't work.

Recommendation: Remove with Ad-aware and Spybot Search & Destroy.

Keen Value

Keen Value is advertising software. Trying to kill it with anti-virus software probably won't work.

Recommendation: Remove with Ad-aware and Spybot Search & Destroy.

Plexus-A

The worm opens a backdoor in infected computers. That could allow hackers to use the computer to send spam or attack other machines.

Recommendation: Install and update anti-virus software, install a firewall (such as ZoneAlarm, http://www.zonelabs.com) and keep Windows updated.

`Netsky.P`

Netsky.P is going around again. This time, it is disguised as a Harry Potter game. That tricks people into opening the attachment.

Don't open this or any other spam. Delete it. You'll save yourself a lot of grief.