internet explorer error: winhot32.dll error...explorer will now close

[freytag]

every time i get to certain web pages a window pops up saying that an error has occured in winhot32.dll and explorer will now close. then every time you open the internet after that, that same error will pop up until you restart the computer and then it does it again. the properties of winhot 32.dll say it is a part of winalot32, which i don't know exactly what that is or how to fix it.
any help would be greatly appreciated.

[Rueful Rogue]

You've got bugs in your data. Here is some general info on how you can protect and clean up your problems. Follow these instructions (which came from various contributors on this BLOG) and see if that helps. I assume that you already have some anti-virus protection which is up to date, and that if you are on anything but a dial-up ISP, that you have a firewall. If not, then you were an easy target. Try all of this and then post your results. If this doesn't clean you up, there is more that can be done.
PROTECTING YOUR COMPUTER

Follow these simple steps in order to keep your computer clean and secure:

Check this site for details info on how to protect yourself and you machine!
Secure Your Machine !! http://mvps.org/winhelp2002/unwanted.htm

1. Use an AntiVirus Software - It is very important that your computer has an anti-virus software running on your machine. This alone can save you a lot of trouble with malware in the future.

   See this link for a listing of some online & their stand-alone antivirus programs:

   Virus, Spyware, and Malware Protection and Removal Resources http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=405

2. Update your AntiVirus Software - It is imperative that you update your Antivirus software at least once a week (Even more if you wish). If you do not update your antivirus software then it will not be able to catch any of the new variants that may come out.
3. Use a Firewall - I cannot stress how important it is that you use a Firewall on your computer. Without a firewall your computer is susceptible to being hacked and taken over. I am very serious about this and see it happen almost every day with my clients. Simply using a Firewall in its default configuration can lower your risk greatly.

   For a tutorial on Firewalls and a listing of some available ones see the link below:

   Understanding and Using Firewalls

4. Visit Microsoft's Windows Update Site Frequently - It is important that you visit http://www.windowsupdate.com regularly. This will ensure your computer has always the latest security updates available installed on your computer. If there are new updates to install, install them immediately, reboot your computer, and revisit the site until there are no more critical updates.
5. Install Spybot - Search and Destroy - Install and download Spybot - Search and Destroy with its TeaTimer option. This will provide real-time spyware & hijacker protection on your computer alongside your virus protection. You should also scan your computer with program on a regular basis just as you would an antivirus software.

   
   

A tutorial on installing & using this product can be found here:

Using Spybot - Search & Destroy to remove Spyware , Malware, and Hijackers http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/index.php?showtutorial=43

1. Install Ad-Aware - Install and download Ad-Aware. You should also scan your computer with program on a regular basis just as you would an antivirus software in conjunction with Spybot.

   A tutorial on installing & using this product can be found here:

   Using Ad-aware to remove Spyware, Malware, & Hijackers from Your Computer http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/index.php?showtutorial=48

2. Install SpywareBlaster - SpywareBlaster will add a large list of programs and sites into your Internet Explorer settings that will protect you from running and downloading known malicious programs.

   A tutorial on installing & using this product can be found here:

   Using SpywareBlaster to protect your computer from Spyware and Malware http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/index.php?showtutorial=49

3. Update all these programs regularly - Make sure you update all the programs I have listed regularly. Without regular updates you WILL NOT be protected when new malicious programs are released.

Follow this list and your potential for being infected again will reduce dramatically.

[freytag]

thanks for responding rueful rogue!
i have norton antivirus 2004 version. i have already gone to microsoft and installed all updates, i have downloaded spybot and ran the search and destroy in which it found 37 bad files and deleted them. but none of this has found the winhot32.dll file to be bad and i am still getting the error on the internet. i also scanned just that file-winhot32- with norton and it found no known viruses and said the file was good.

[Rueful Rogue]

You should download and run both the AdAware SE and Spyblaster programs. These two coupled with SpyBot S&D will do a good job cleaning up most of the junk. Then, if necessary, go to: and download HiJackThis. Be sure to create a new folder for this download. Run the program, save the log file in that folder, and then copy and paste it to here. While I haven't learned just how to best interpret them, there are experts here who can help you. Post the log and we'll try to help. But run the other two programs first to clean up what you can.

There is an excellent tutorial on how to use HiJackThis located at: