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Shielding your System > Setting Windows System shields

Setting Windows System shields
You can modify the shields that monitor Windows system settings, which some malware can change if not protected.
To set Windows System shields:
1.
In the Icon panel, click Shields.
The Shields panel opens, showing a summary of the available shields and their status. (If any shields are dimmed, you do not have access to them; see Using multiple accounts.)
2.
Click the Windows System tab.
3.
Select the options you want to use. Items with a green check mark  are enabled.
 
Windows System shields  
ActiveX
Watches for programs that install ActiveX technology on your computer. Whenever a program tries to install ActiveX technology, the Webroot software alerts you and lets you continue the installation or stop it.
This option also blocks any viruses that try to install ActiveX technology, if you have Webroot AntiVirus with AntiSpyware.
ActiveX Shield Options button:
Click to edit the ActiveX shield option.
Prompt me only for known spyware items:
This option watches for only known items from the security definitions that try to install ActiveX technology. Leaving this option turned on will reduce alert notifications, but could permit a new threat to install that is not yet included in the definitions.
Alternate Data Stream Execution
Watches for programs that try to start from an Alternate Data Stream (ADS). Turning on this shield lets the Webroot software alert you if a program tries to start from an ADS.
This option also actively watches for viruses that try to start from an alternate data stream, if you have Webroot AntiVirus with AntiSpyware.
Windows Messenger Service
Applies only to Windows XP. Not available for Vista.
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 determine if your company uses the service to communicate with company employees. If you are not sure, leave the service turned on until you know.
System Services
Monitors the system registry and protects against unwanted services and drivers from installing.
This option also blocks viruses that try to install in the system registry, if you have Webroot AntiVirus with AntiSpyware.
System Services Shield Options button:
Click to edit System Services shield options.
Highest Security:
Select this option to display an alert related to any item detected by the System Services shield.
High Security:
Select this option to allow a signed service, but display an alert when an unsigned service or a potential malware application is detected.
Moderate Security:
Select this option to prompt only when potential malware is detected.
Execution
Watches for known items from the security definitions that try to install themselves. Whenever a potentially unwanted program tries to install itself, the Webroot software alerts you and allows you to block or allow the installation.
This option also actively watches for potentially unwanted programs that try to start when you start a program and when you save to the disk drive. Whenever the Webroot software detects a potentially unwanted program in either of these situations, it alerts you and allows you to block or allow the action. If you block the action, the Webroot software places the file that tried to install, start, or save itself in Quarantine. You can then remove or restore the file. See Managing quarantined items.
This option also watches for viruses that try to install themselves, if you have Webroot AntiVirus with AntiSpyware.
Execution Shield Options button:
Click to edit Execution shield options.
Automatically quarantine programs detected by this shield: Automatically stops the installation, startup, or saving of known items from the security definitions and places the file that tried to install, start, or save itself in Quarantine, without alerting you.
Automatically quarantine viruses detected by these shields: This option automatically stops the installation, startup, or saving of known viruses that are in the security definitions and places the file that tried to install, start, or save itself in Quarantine, without alerting you. You must have Webroot AntiVirus with AntiSpyware.
Scan for viruses when starting applications: This option watches for viruses that try to start when you start a program on your computer, alerts you, and allows you to block or allow the startup. Select this option if you want stronger protection against viruses. If programs take longer to start than you want, deselect this option. You must have Webroot AntiVirus with AntiSpyware.
Analyze executable programs in protected memory space before starting: Isolates and examines suspect processes when you start a program and looks for potentially unwanted programs. The process isolation gives the Webroot software a better chance to see what the process does. If the process matches a security definition, the Webroot software alerts you and allows you to block or allow the startup. Select this option if you want stronger protection against potentially unwanted programs. If programs take a long time to start, deselect this option.
File System
Watches for programs during write and read operations.
This option also blocks any viruses that try to install during write and read operations, if you have Webroot AntiVirus with AntiSpyware.
File System Shield Options button:
Click to edit File System shield options.
Scan on Write: Monitors files or programs that attempt to install (write) to your computer.
Scan on Read: Monitors programs as your computer attempts to read them. You can specify that all files types (extensions) are included by clicking “Conduct full on-read scanning,” or specify that only certain file types are included by clicking “Scan only selected file types on read.” To include only specific file types, select the extension types and click Add to Extensions to Scan. You can also delete items from the list by clicking on the file extension and clicking Delete Selected. To return the list to its original contents, select Reset List to Default.
Automatically quarantine programs detected by this shield: Automatically stops the installation, startup, or saving of known items from the security definitions and places those items in Quarantine, without alerting you.
Automatically quarantine viruses detected by this shield: This option automatically stops the installation, startup, or saving of known viruses that are in the security definitions and places those viruses in Quarantine, without alerting you. You must have Webroot AntiVirus with AntiSpyware.

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