New PC, never online, but still has spyware

[35mph]

Just a notice, and perhaps someone can add to it...

We have a new workstation (XP Pro) that has NEVER been online, and it already has Alexis and DSO Exploit on it.

We were unable to get an internet connection, so we copied the SpyBot install program to it, and ran it... without any updates... and it found Alexis and DSO Exploit.

I am by no means an expert in this area, but is there a LEGITIMATE reason this fresh-out-of-the-box PC would already have some spyware on it?

 

[aquias]

The DSO exploit is incorrectly reported by Spybot version 1.3. There is an update to version 1.3.1, or the 1.4.2 beta version that will correct this error.

As for finding spyware pre-installed to your system, I'm not suprised. When you purchase a new system you're purchasing bundled software that the manfucturer and software companies have agreed to include.

 

[SuaveRick]

Yup, I'd bet the spyware was there from the install, nothing else.

Depending on who did up your system, it's possible they in-advertintly had spyware in there.

 

[torturedmind]

they usually come from freebies like screensavers, cursors packages, themes, and the likes. but uninstalling them (if you have them installed) won't remove the "packages" that came along with them.

hope this helps. peace!

kilroy
philippines

"If the automobile had followed the same development cycle as the computer, a Rolls-Royce would today cost $100, get one million miles to the gallon, and explode once a year, killing everyone inside."

 

[tazuk]

If memory serves Alexis is reported on all fresh IE installs.

TazUk

Blue-screening PCs since 1998

 

[devastator]

Tazuk is correct, Alexa is installed with all IE, fresh installations.

I don’t know half of you half as well as I should like, and I like less than half of you half as well as you deserve. ~ Baggins