I came to my computer yesterday and noticed a file which I did not download, and neither did my brother. It was called "f---Site.exe", placed right on my desktop. I promptly and permanently deleted it since it of course didn't sound good. I just did a search on Google for it and it appears to be a highly corrupted file *duh*. I went back to doing what I always do, browsing the net on forums I'm accustomed to. I thought something was very queer when it took an unusual extra couple seconds to launch Explorer.. and when it (still does) launches, random pop-up ads come up, and I have my homepage set to Google. Very odd. Then is when I also noticed in my msconfig startup list the "Sentry.exe" program. Ah! The culprit. Now what the hell do I do about it? It would be nice if someone can provide the safest means of removal and repair for the reconfiguring that program has done. I did a search on "Sentry" and found the following files on my computer: C:\WINDOWS\ SENTRY.EXE SENTRY.INI C:\WINDOWS\TEMP Sentry.cab Sentry.inf Sentry.exe Sentry.ini I also did a suggested search for the other files mentioned, such as "Screengenie.scr", "ctoe.exe" and "IpInsight.exe" but found nothing. I've already removed "Sentry.exe" from my startup list, and then rebooted-- so hopefully it's deactivated. I just need instructions how to complete the rest of the process. I did a search on computing.net already for this problem, but the thread discussing it didn't really cover specific steps. Any specific steps that can be listed to ensure safe removal/repair would be much appreciated. Thank you in advance, --Jim---

Hi Jim, Please read this thread. http://www.computing.net/windowsme/wwwboard/forum/29443.html There are many suggestions, but the one I recommend is deleting the registry key for Sentry using regedit and deleting the Sentry files you listed . Start...Run...type "regedit" (without quotes of course)...OK Expand the directory tree to this entry: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run Delete the registry key for Sentry. Then delete the Sentry files you listed above. Reboot. That should do it. Make sure you have your virus software current. Also get a firewall if haven't already. Hope it helps. Fun Have Cruptr

Get hold of Ad-Aware, it automates the removal of spyware and detects other parts on your system which are not so easily found...

Hi Jim, I have had the same problem. I had just got finished w/reformating the hard drive and reloaded OS, and programs. Then I activated IP Firewall and BOOM came this sentry.exe, w/norton and zonealarm telling me. I went in w/quikness and got rid of it. Boy I was wondering how you rid it from startup. msconfig, startup, and uncheck is all I know. How do I get rid of it in startup. It's in there twice......