a former computer man who worked helping me learn to operate my
machine has access to my computer at any time he wants- he reads my
files -changes things- and i can't reach him - won't answer either the
phone or his email. i want to have the only access  to my computer.
please help me throw him out.

---

Request for Question Clarification by feilong-ga on 27 Apr 2003 10:33 PDT

I saw your reply to my good colleague's request for clarification in
your previous question,
https://answers.google.com/answers/main?cmd=threadview&id=195046

"i have a person i need to stop their entry through the back door of
my computer. i am running windows xl pro they are ably to change
anything they wish . they dont answer their phone anymore. help"

Like Hammer, I'd like to clarify what you mean by "back door":
Is it a code or a program?
If you think it's a code or a program, how did you verify it?
If you were able to verify it, can you describe it to us please?
If you were able to identify this "back door", if it's a program or
code, it can be removed so, did you try to remove it?

---

Clarification of Question by rr3225-ga on 27 Apr 2003 10:47 PDT

i do not know about back doors or any doors---what's the big deal
about back doors?  my computer is being changed at the whim of someone
else. i want it stopped.

---

Request for Question Clarification by serenata-ga on 27 Apr 2003 11:07 PDT

Hello rr3225 ...

It would help for a Googles Answers Researcher to know HOW this person
has access to your computer.

Does this person have physical access?

Or is this person accessing your computer when you are connected to
the Internet?

Any additional information you can give will help the Google Answers
Researchers to know how to help you.

Thank you for your understanding,
Serenata

---

Request for Question Clarification by muhammad-ga on 27 Apr 2003 11:45 PDT

Hello!

Back doors are stealth programs like Trojans (another kind of program
which hides itself and does the stuff it is programmed to do.)

I suspect your computer trainer has installed any such program of your
system. As suggested by a collegue here at Google Answers, intalling
Zone Alarm (http://www.zonelabs.com) and also try searching for any
spy program on your system by using the popular Lava soft's Ad ware.
You can download a free version of the program at
(http://download.com.com/3000-2144-10186632.html?tag=lst-0-1).

It seems that you are a non-technical person and may face diffculty in
performing the above task. Let me know if you need a step-by-step
procedure to install the above software and locate the suspect
software which is spying and helping the person steal the information.

---

Clarification of Question by rr3225-ga on 27 Apr 2003 13:19 PDT

i am always connected to the internet--while the intruder was working
for me he set up the computer so it could be operated from his office
or home. he would talk to me on rhe phone while i was watching the
screen change from his end. i am not certain he has changed anything
lately, he is able to read all my files-bank accounts etc. does that
help you?

I would suggest immediately installing the free version of 
ZoneAlarm, a firewall which will notify you of any attempts
by any program to use your computer. If an attempt is made
which you do not recognize as having been initiated by you
(as when you open your browser, for example), you can deny
access to any and all unrecognized programs.

ZoneAlarm is available from ZoneLabs here:
http://www.zonelabs.com/store/content/company/zap_za_grid_results.jsp?radiobutton1=personal&radiobutton2=desktop&checkbox1=yes&checkbox2=yes&checkbox3=yes&checkbox4=yes&checkbox5=yes&checkbox6=yes&checkbox7=yes&checkbox8=yes&image.x=66&image.y=17

Just click on the Download Now tab at the bottom right,
under the plain ZoneAlarm program.


I would also suggest that you go to Administrative Tools,
under Control Panel, and click on Services. Then right-click
on the Services called 'Remote Registry Service' and 
'Routing and Remote Access'. Select properties for each,
and, under 'Service status' click 'Stop' if they are started,
an select 'Disabled' under 'Startup type'. Even if you are
unable to 'stop' these services at that time, selecting
Disabled under Startup type will prevent them from running 
when you next boot up your computer. 

If this satisfies your needs, let me know, and I'll post it 
as an official answer.

sublime1-ga

He may just be using a program called VNC - http://www.realvnc.com/.
If you can see the mouse moving on your screen when he's accessing it,
then that's probably what it is.

Check your system tray (opposite the Start button, next to the clock)
for a "VNC" icon.

rr3225...

Windows XP Pro comes with a Remote Desktop feature which
would allow your tech person to do exactly what you describe.

To disable this feature, follow the instructions on this
page from Microsoft Support:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=http://support.microsoft.com:80/support/kb/articles/q306/3/00.asp&NoWebContent=1

I would, nevertheless, complete the directions I gave you
in my previous comment, as well.

sublime1-ga

If you have a broadband internet connection (cable modem, etc...), you
might try installing an inexpensive router between your computer and
your network connection.  A good example of a device that would do
everything you need and then some is the D-link Di-704p available for
under $50.  These devices make it quite difficult to gain access to a
computer through traditional networking methods.

http://store.yahoo.com/shopnetlux/dlindi7routp.html