Everytime I switch on my laptop, a window opens up with a file called ISTsvc and the address for it says C:\Program Files\ISTsvc. I've no idea what this file is and it won't open when I click on it. Is this a virus or something? How can I stop this opening on start-up? I have Norton Internet Security, but thats all.

Thank you, Shona.

I think I've managed to remove this, I did a search on this site for ISTsvc and found a few posts on it. Downloaded Spy Sweeper which seems to have worked.

Does Spy Sweeper protect my laptop from getting spyware? Or does it just remove Spyware?

Thanks, Shona.

Hi,
ISTsvc is spyware that monitors your browsing habits
Download, update and run Spybot S&D and Ad-Aware SE here
http://www.safer-networking.org
http://www.lavasoftusa.com/support/download/
Both free programs should be able to fix the problem

A removal tool can be found here

http://securityresponse.symantec.com/avcenter/FxIstbar.exe

The file is an advertising search bar highjacker often bringing up porn sties etc when you connect to the internet. When you remove it it is possible that the program from which it downloaded won't work.

Do you have anti virus, spy and adware programs installed on your system to avoid this happening again?? If not post back and we will suggest some (FREE) highly regarded ones to you.

Good luck!

Thanks for the replies.

Ray Peate; I have Norton Internet Security and have just downloaded Spy Sweeper, which I think is just a 30 day trial. So any suggestions of good, free spyware protection would be great!

Thank you.

Norton Internet Security will contain Norton Anti Virus provided you keep it up to date.

Other programs which are very highly regarded to back up your anti virus are:

1. Ad-Aware
http://www.lavasoftusa.com/support/download/

2. Spyware Search & Destroy
http://www.safer-networking.org/en/mirrors/index.html

3. Spyware Blaster
http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/spywareblaster.html

Download 1 & 2, then immediately update each and run them. In Spybot S&D remove anything it finds and highlights in RED. In Ad-Aware remove everything it finds under "Critical Objects"

When you have run these scans then download Spyware Blaster and immediately update it. Make sure all protection is enabled for Internet Explorer and Restricted Sites. You will not need to run this program since it "runs in the background" and helps prevent ad/mal/spyware from getting onto your system.

You MUST remember to check for updates to these programs regularly - weekly at least!

If you experience any problems post back.

Good luck!

Oops!!

No 2. SHOULD read SpyBOT Search & Destroy!
Site is correct, though!!

Apologies.