Setting Up the Windows System Shields

You can set up Spy Sweeper to continuously monitor several Windows system settings. These are settings that some potentially unwanted programs change if you are not protected.

If the shields are unavailable (dimmed), you may not have access to this function. For more information, see Understanding How Spy Sweeper Works with Multiple User Accounts.

To set up the Windows System Shields:

Start Spy Sweeper, if it is not already open, and display the main window.
For more information, see Starting Spy Sweeper.
In the icon panel, click Shields.
For information about the Spy Sweeper window, see Understanding the Spy Sweeper Window.
The Shields panel displays, showing a summary of the available shields and their status.
Click the Windows System tab.
The Windows System tab displays.
Select the options you want to use.

Click to see a description of each option.

Option	Description
Windows System Shields
ActiveX Shield	This option actively watches for programs that install ActiveX technology on your computer. Whenever a program tries to install ActiveX technology, Spy Sweeper lets you know and gives you the option to continue the installation or to stop it. ActiveX technology is a group of functions developed by Microsoft that let programs share information. Many legitimate programs use ActiveX, but some potentially unwanted programs also use ActiveX to install themselves. If you have Spy Sweeper with AntiVirus, whenever a virus tries to install ActiveX technology, Spy Sweeper lets you know and gives you the option to continue the installation or to stop it.
Prompt Only for Known Spyware Items	Select this option to have Spy Sweeper watch for only known potentially unwanted programs (that are in the Spy Sweeper definitions) that try to install ActiveX technology. Turning this option on will reduce the number of alerts you receive, but could permit new potentially unwanted programs (that are not yet in the Spy Sweeper definitions) to install.
Alternate Data Stream Execution	(Applies only to Windows NT, 2000, and XP.) This option actively watches for programs that try to start from an alternative data stream (ADS). Turning on this shield lets Spy Sweeper alert you if a program tries to start from an ADS. ADS is a highly technical way to hide images, data, or code in a file and can be used to hide malicious code. The hidden content is impossible to detect using regularly-available tools, such as Windows Explorer. If you have Spy Sweeper with AntiVirus, this option actively watches for viruses that try to start from an alternate data stream.
Windows Messenger Service	(Applies only to Windows NT, 2000, and XP.) This option turns off and actively watches the Microsoft Messenger Service. This service is not an instant messaging program and does not affect your use of instant messaging. This service is often used for sending spam (unwanted e-mail) and creating pop-up ads. Turning off the service stops these types of spam and pop-ups. If your computer is in your home, you can turn off this service without any problem. If you work in a corporate environment, contact your system administrator to find out if your company uses the service to communicate with company employees. If you are not sure, leave the service turned on until you find out.
Critical Windows System Shields
Memory	This option sweeps your computer's random access memory (RAM) frequently looking for potentially unwanted programs. It only sweeps memory when Spy Sweeper is open in the system tray in the lower-right corner of your screen. If you have Spy Sweeper with AntiVirus, this option sweeps your computer's random access memory (RAM) frequently looking for viruses. It only sweeps memory when Spy Sweeper is open in the system tray in the lower-right corner of your screen.
Installation	This option actively watches for known potentially unwanted programs (that are in the Spy Sweeper definitions) that try to install themselves on your computer. Whenever a potentially unwanted program tries to install itself, Spy Sweeper lets you know and gives you the option to block or allow the installation. This option also actively watches for potentially unwanted programs that try to start when you start a program on your computer and when you save to your disk drive. Whenever Spy Sweeper detects a potentially unwanted program in either of these situations, Spy Sweeper lets you know and gives you the option to block or allow the action. If you block the action Spy Sweeper places the file that tried to install, start, or save itself in Quarantine. You can then remove or restore the file. For more information, see Handling Quarantined Items. If you have Spy Sweeper with AntiVirus, this option actively watches for known viruses that try to install themselves on your computer or save themselves to your disk drive. Whenever known viruses try to install or save themselves on your computer, Spy Sweeper lets you know and gives you the option to block or allow the action.
Automatically Quarantine Potential Threats Found by This Shield	This option automatically stops the installation, startup, or saving of known potentially unwanted programs (that are in the Spy Sweeper definitions) and places the file that tried to install, start, or save itself in Quarantine, without alerting you.
Automatically Quarantine Viruses Found	This option automatically stops the installation, startup, or saving of known viruses (that are in the Spy Sweeper definitions) and places the file that tried to install, start, or save itself in Quarantine, without alerting you.
Verify Programs Running in Protected Memory Space	This option isolates and examines suspect processes when you start a program and looks for potentially unwanted programs. The process isolation gives Spy Sweeper a better chance to see what the process does. If the process matches a Spy Sweeper definition, Spy Sweeper lets you know and gives you the option to block or allow the startup. Select this option if you want stronger protection against potentially unwanted programs. If programs take longer to start up than you want, deselect this option.
Scan for Viruses When Starting Applications	This option actively watches for viruses that try to start when you start a program on your computer. Whenever Spy Sweeper detects a virus trying to start, Spy Sweeper lets you know and gives you the option to block or allow the startup. Select this option if you want stronger protection against viruses. If programs take longer to start up than you want, deselect this option.
Keylogger	A keylogger is a type of system monitor that has the ability to monitor all keystrokes on your computer, which can capture your credit card numbers, passwords, and other personal information. This shield looks for any programs that are tracking your keystrokes and blocks the program from doing so.