Early January, Base line security scan completed with Norton Virus 2005 installed, all tests passed. A week later, loss of ADSL connection and not able to launch Best of Windows Entertainment (BOWEP). ISP said multiple user broadcasts from system detected. ISP also found duplicate MAC address (600 miles away). ADSL fix was not related to users system. There were issues at the switching station and new ADSL line filter regained internet connection. Complete format of system and installation of Windows XP home Media edition was required to gain access to BOWEP.
Shortly after, BOWEP fails to start again, error message – System32/Autoexec.nt not suitable for MSDOS applications.
Used the MS Knowledge base fix to expand the 3 possible system32 files,(autoexect.nt being one)
On reboot, fix fails. No permanent fix found for this as yet.
Today:
system32/autoexec.nt not suitable for MSDOS apps. System not rebooted, so no reason for this file to suddenly change.
Baseline Security launches, but with errorcode in line 74, code 0, “welcome Html…” Message ignored and continued….. Base line Security Scan runs but advises security update needed.
MS05-009 PNG Buffer overrun. The update will not install as system has Media 10, and is supposed to be fully protected, and patch is only for Media 9.
Firewall on reboot is always turned off! Can be enabled, but never stays functional. Also System Security Centre appears to be launching after all other apps. But as I understand SP2, system security is supposed to be launched before network access.
Norton 2005 shows many Adware infections, even after cleaning with Adaware, and AdwareAway. In fact, they show up right after boot, no other activity.
System has full net access.
Question:
What hit this system?
This appears to indicate frequent hacker attacks, your opinion?
How to prevent this from happening again after once again wiping and re-installing system (most likely cure at this point).