Glad to hear everything is working out fine!
Is the defrag tool the same as the defrag option I choose through system tools? It seemed much faster than that one.
No...Puran is different than the system one. It probably ran quicker because you did the regular defrag with Puran. If you run the Puran boot-time defrag, which goes much deeper, this takes longer and does a better job. I would suggest after all the changes we did with your machine that you run this after doing a regular Puran defrag. You don't normally have to do a Puran boot defrag unless you are doing major changes with your machine.
I gather that I do not need any of the earlier worm/virus removal tools that you suggested earlier
I would keep MBAM, as many of us use this as an on-demand scanner (some use the Pro/resident version) and it does not conflict with Avast. Any of the tools Essexboy used for diagnostics and to remove malware you do not need to keep on your machine.
I really do not think you need to keep Windows Defender on with Avast on an XP machine. This uses a lot of memory and the detection rate of Avast is so much better. Plus you have MBAM as an on-demand scanner, so I see no need for it.
Here are a few suggestions in addition to the ones given to you by Essexboy to keep you and your machine safer in the future:
1. Keep your definitions up to date for both Avast and MBAM.
2. Keep all your shields on with Avast.
3. Update MBAM
prior to scanning, then do Quick scans.
4. Keep your MS Updates current.
5. Add things to your browsers for safer browsing. See my Signature as an example.
6. Use common sense when browsing and do not go to risky sites.
7. When downloading software, read what you are clicking and do not download adware toolbars which are commonly opted in; look before you click or do a Custom install to avoid putting unwanted toolbars on your machine that lead to spyware tracking or adware.
8. Check to see that your software is up to date with the
free Secunia Software Inspector
http://secunia.com/vulnerability_scanning/personal/ since software is changing all the time. This site gives you the vendor's direct download link making it easy to upgrade your software. Many of us here scan our machines weekly.
In addition, now you only have the Windows XP firewall (FW), which is very weak and 1-way protection. I would recommend a third-party 2-way FW for maximum security. Users have reported that the following FW’s have not conflicted with Avast: Online Armor, Comodo (w/o AV), Outpost – all come in free and paid versions, with the paid versions including HIPS and some also include keyloggers as well to increase your protection.
When you feel that your issue is resolved/fixed (no hurry), please go back to the
first open post in this topic, click the modify button in that Post and change the title/subject, add
[Resolved] to the
beginning of the title so this thread can be closed. In the meantime, feel free to ask additional questions.
I wish you a very Happy Holiday as well, and it was our pleasure assisting you.