I've got a problem with this actulice bug/popup. I just got this brand new computer a few months ago, Windows XP and I love it. Im completely computer illiterate save checking email and doing internet searches. I really dont know what to do about this actulice thing...Ive tried to read through some of the messages here but I get through most of the steps and then get lost....sorry if this topic has been rehashed over and over again. I downloaded something called Ad-ware and cleaned up my computer really well, it runs much faster, but I still have "actulice popup" whenever I log on. Its not really bothering me and doesnt really seem to be affecting my computer but Id like to see it gone. Anyone know if actulice is a harmless popup, or something much worse? And can someone if possible, walk me through the best way to getting rid of it? Sorry for my extreme lack of computer knowledge....and thanks for any responses! Thanks Bryan

Bryan, Actulice popup is a memory-resident malware that should be removed. So far, these affected executable files have to be removed manually. Reference Top Speed's methodical and in-depth actulice fix for Windows 98 (and other relevant issues) either at, http://www.computing.net/security/wwwboard/forum/11722.html or http://computing.net/security/wwwboard/forum/11772.html It's step-by-step fix for Windows 98, but all operating systems could adopt the fix mentioned above. Windows 2000 is the only Windows operating system without a system configuration utility (at least one not supported by Microsoft), but I provided it's fix in another actulice therad already. To keep you on track on identifying and removing this actulice executable files, here is brief checklist (6 steps) or an overview how to remove actulice popup for all OS but please reference my detailed systematic fix you wanted at the links mentioned for detailed steps: 1. For Windows ME/XP systems, disable System Restore before running antivirus. ME/XP operating systems need to disable System Restore so the antivirus can clean and remove infected EXE and COM files. Here is the reference link to the whys and hows of System Restore for ME/XP, http://www.trendmicro.com/en/security/advisories/win_me_clean.htm 2. Install, update, and run your antivirus program to remove actulice automatically. For free Trend Micro antivirus, run free Housecall scan and then Sysclean Package. The instructions for running Trend Micro antivirus are mentioned in Respose 3-5 at http://computing.net/security/wwwboard/forum/11779.html. 3. If malware remains after automatic removal, remove the actulice changing EXE files manually. These .exe files come under many different names and can change in Windows starup, but these EXE files are from company Thunderdome. 4. Once the malware program file(s) are identified (various .exe file names) from you antivirus software, Task Manager, and msconfig (system configuration uitility), terminate them from memory in Task Manager. W95/98/ME: press CTRL+ALT+DELETE NT/2000/XP: press CTRL+SHIFT+ESC 5. Edit Windows registry to remove autostart and other entries from the Registry 6. Delete EXE files from Program Files and System folders Delete pup.exe and over.exe in Windows Program Files foder Delete any EXE from company thunderdome in either Program Files or System folders. To identify the company name, right-click on the suspected .exe files, select Properties, select Version tab. Hope the check list helps. Have fun. Post any XP specific questions. I am sure someone will be happy to help. NOTE: The Internet, the Novice Section and Windows XP section on computing.net may provide additional information needed to help you navigate in Windows XP or with downloading and installing software issues.

Bryan, now that you have Adaware, a very valuable tool to keep you clean, you must keep it updated manually, check the update every 3 days or so, and do not go any longer than that before running it. I try to do it once a day esp. when I log out for the night. Also, I would encourage you to downlaod and update SopyBot. Keep it in simple mode until you understand it--it's easy. Both very valuable tools for me. (Update it as soon as you download it). If you do not have a firewall--get one immediately >>Kerio, Sygate (mine) ZoneLabs all good FREE firewalls. Thresher

The best place to begin is to cross reference what people posted and access Help library on your computer whenever you need to look up a term or a command. Click the Start button and then select Help. The Help database on your computer provides terms, commands, shortcut keys, troubleshooting engine, and basic terms and functions about your computer. Go to www.support.microsoft.com and select your operating system to search for both basic and technical information you want to know. Computer problems can be a blessing in disguise. I learn more about operating and taking care of my computer when I have to fix my computer.