Outline of ntl:Netguard
What is ntl:Netguard?
ntl Netguard is a package of services, specifically designed to keep you safe and secure online. This first release includes Anti-virus software, a Pop-up Blocker, Privacy Manager and Form Filler, offering you protection from viruses, slow browsing and offensive pop-up ads. The main features are:
- ntl Netguard Anti-virus - provides you with full-scale protection against malicious viruses,worms, andtrojans. Our powerful Anti-virus software runs in the background, to block incoming virus attacks.
- ntl Netguard Pop-up Blocker - prevents annoying pop-ups from interrupting your Internet browsing experience. It keeps your Internet connection clean, uncluttered, and fast.
- ntl Netguard Privacy Manager - cleans traces of data left behind from Windows and your browser, prevents personal information from leaving your computer, and manages yourcookies.
- ntl Netguard Form Filler/Password Manager - helps you complete online registration forms with a single mouse click. The Password Manager stores and encrypts your login information, keeping it safe from hackers or people who may want to use your personal information.
Netguard will be developed to include an advanced Firewall, Parental Controls and Anti-spyware tools in the near future.
How can I ensure that ntl Netguard is protecting me?
You have several options to determine that you are being protected by your security services:- set up weekly Anti-virus scans to scan your entire computer
- add some text (such as your address) to the Protect Personal Information feature within the Privacy Manager and deliberately try to send it out via email on in a web form. You should receive a prompt asking for permission to allow or block the message before releasing it over the Internet
- run the Privacy Manager and see how much disk space is recovered
Installing and using ntl Netguard
Which operating systems are compatible with Netguard?
ntl Netguard will run on Windows 98 Second Edition, Windows Millennium (ME), Windows 2000, Windows XP Home & Windows XP Pro. Visit the system requirements section for more details.
Can I install ntl Netguard on Windows 2000 and Windows XP if I'm not the administrator?
You need to have administrator rights to install Netguard on Windows 2000 and Windows XP computers.
The preparation to install Netguard seems a little slow. Is this normal?
The time it takes for the preparation to install the programme may vary, depending on the configuration of your hardware and software.
How should I configure ntl Netguard for multiple user accounts on Windows XP?
The administrator should log into each Windows account, and adjust the settings appropriate for that profile. You can individually configure Privacy Manager, Pop-up Blocker and Form Filler for each Windows User Account. Settings for each account are maintained independently. This gives you flexibility of having some options available in some Windows accounts, while not in others.
To keep your computer secure at all times, the Netguard Anti-virus and password settings are common across all Windows User Accounts.
What do I need to install ntl Netguard?
You must have administrator rights, and your computer must meet the system requirements. You should also ensure that your computer is not using any other anti-virus software, which may cause conflicts that could cause your computer to crash.
What is needed for activation?
- You must have at least Internet Explorer 5.01 Service Pack 1 while installing Netguard. Once installed most of Netguard's features will work withother browsers
- Default Internet Explorer settings - cookies and SSL connections are required
- You must be connected to an ntl Internet connection, i.e. an ntl IP address.
Will Netguard work with all browsers, including Netscape and Opera ?
To install Netguard, you must use Internet Explorer.
Once installed, many of Netguard's features are independent of your browser, so Netguard Anti-virus will function normally whether you are using Netscape, Opera or Internet Explorer.
However, the Form Filler/Password Manager and the Pop-up Blocker use technology that is specific to Internet Explorer, so they will only function if you use Internet Explorer as your browser.
The Ad Blocker will continue to block ads with all browsers, but the right-click option to add more ads to the Block Ads list will only work with Internet Explorer. Internet Explorer is also required during the install process.
Will Netguard work with the Netscape Communicator & Thunderbird email?
Netguard has been tested with the Netscape and other browsers and works fine. If you use Netscape Communicator (and Thunderbird) email software, you need to be aware that it stores all your email in one file. If Netguard finds a virus in that one email file, and cannot disinfect it, it will alert you as to the risk of deleting your inbox, and will advise you on what to do next.
How do I change my Netguard password?
In the Netguard menu, select the "General" option, and then select "Password". Please note that you must know the existing password to change it.
Do I need to keep the Netguard download on my desktop?
You should save the programme to your Desktop when you initially download it from our website. This is the default location in the programme. Once you have installed the software, you can move the file you downloaded to a folder where it's not clogging up the Desktop if you wish.
However, you should not move this Netguard programme icon as you need this to open and configure Netguard.
What if someone tries to uninstall Netguard without my permission?
After installation, we recommend that you create a password and turn on password protection. This will ensure other users cannot uninstall Netguard or change the settings.
If you have a Windows XP computer with more than one user account, the administrator can set up individual Netguard settings on each account, and users who don't have administrator rights cannot change the Netguard settings.
Back to Top
ntl Netguard Anti-virus
What is ntl Netguard Anti-virus and why do I need it?
A virus is a programme that is specifically designed to add itself to your computer without your knowledge or permission. The virus can corrupt your data and damage files. Anti-virus software helps to protect your computer by working constantly in the background to detect and disinfect or delete viruses. We recommend that you perform an anti-virus scan on your computer at least once a week.
Will Netguard protect me from new virus infections?
New viruses are created every day, but when you're connected to the Internet, Netguard Anti-virus automatically checks for updates every few hours. As long as you keep this as the default mode, you will continue to be protected from new viruses. You should also enable real-time protection (enabled by default in Netguard) to minimise the risk of new infections. However it is still possible to pick up some viruses, as nothing can guarantee 100% protection from future threats.
What if there's a virus on my computer before install Netguard?
If Netguard is installed after a virus has infected your computer, Netguard will attempt to clean the infected files. However, it is possible that some pre-existing virus files cannot be disinfected or deleted, as they may exist as running processes. These will be flagged for removal upon restarting. A virus may prevent you from installing Netguard. In this case, you may need to try running other virus removal tools, such as Microsoft's Malicious Software Removal Tool, which can clean a variety of viruses in circulation.
What are the Netguard Anti-virus scanning options?
Your anti-virus can "Scan Now" (on your prompt) as well as continuously with real-time scanning. By default, the Netguard Anti-virus real-time virus protection is enabled. We strongly recommend that you do a complete scan of your computer with “Scan Now” at least once a week – check out helpful online tutorials for more information. Netguard Anti-virus is also accessible from Windows Explorer, by right-clicking the file or folder that you would like to scan.
ntl Netguard Anti-virus sometimes deletes viruses without being prompted. When and why does this occur?
This can occur if a worm is detected on your system. Netguard Anti-virus automatically detects and deletes worms, and any files on your computer that it cannot disinfect as part of its continuous scanning, ensuring that your computer is protected.
Does the Anti-virus scan incoming email?
Yes - Netguard Anti-virus will scan incoming POP3 emails. It scans the body of the message as well as any attachments. If a virus is found, then information about the virus is added to the top of the message, and all infected attachments are disinfected or deleted.
How does Netguard handle compressed and encrypted files?
Netguard recognises certain files as compressed or encrypted files and checks them during the scan of incoming email messages and attachments. Attachments that are not recognised will not be scanned, but will still be allowed through, and can be downloaded normally. During a system scan, compressed files will need to be unpacked to perform a scan on the contents. Some popular supported types of compressed files are: zip, .cab, .tar, .gz, .izh and .arj.
Encrypted files are password-protected, and will not be scanned by real-time scan or full system scan, but will be allowed to download as normal. If an infected attachment is downloaded without being scanned, the real-time protection and system scans will detect the infection once the file is decrypted, so that your computer is still protected.
Does Netguard Anti-virus report its scanning results in a log?
Yes. Logs are kept of all your scans, including information on deleted or disinfected files.
How does Netguard check for viruses? I never see it perform a scan on my computer.
When the real-time virus protection is selected, Netguard Anti-virus runs continuously in the background to monitor your system for viruses. When manual or scheduled scans occur, the Netguard Anti-virus icon displays in the lower-right corner.
Netguard Anti-virus tells me it will take a long time to scan my computer. Does it really take that long?
The time displayed is a rough estimate. The time estimate gets more precise as the scan progresses.
What do I do if Netguard Anti-virus finds a virus but doesn't delete it?
Netguard will automatically provide information on how to deal with the infected file. The infection may be in the System Restore files, which are more difficult to disinfect as they are protected by your operating system. It is sometimes necessary to disable the "System Restore" feature in Windows and run another scan. If you disable the System Restore feature, you should create a new restore point. For more information about how to do this, visit the help section of Window by clicking on "Start" > "Help.
Netguard Anti-virus didn’t detect a virus, but I used another virus scanner and it found one. How can this happen?
Different anti-virus packages operate in different ways, and viruses may be identified differently from product to product. Some anti-virus software may detect and classify spyware programmes as viruses. Also, you should always update your anti-virus software before you perform a scan, to ensure it has the most up to date information about the viruses in circulation.
Back to TopAdditional Security Tools: Pop-up Blocker, Privacy Manager, Form Filler
What is a pop-up blocker?
Pop-ups are advertisements that appear as a separate window while you are surfing the Internet. Some people find these annoying, as they can appear often, and slow down a browsing session. ntl Netguard Pop-up Blocker helps to eliminate these pop-ups so you can browse the Internet, hassle-free.
How come some pop-ups still appear?
Netguard by default allows certain advertisers to deliver pop-ups, but if you wish, you can add them to your personal blocklist. More information on this can be in the Help menu at the top of your Netguard screen.
Are the credit card details stored in the Form Filler secure?
It is your responsibility to keep your details secure. The data is stored in an encrypted file on your computer that is virtually impossible to hack into, but you should make sure that you set a password in Netguard so that other users of your computer cannot access the details stored in the From filler. For more details, refer to the Help menu at the top of your Netguard screen.
Why do some ads appear after I've blocked them in the Ad Blocker?
You need to shut down your browser before some changes and additions to the Ad Blocker take effect.
What are cookies, and how does ntl Netguard Privacy Manager handle them?
Cookies are text files that Web sites sometimes place on your computer. The sites use these files to identify you when you return to the site. Cookies not only help sites in identifying repeat visitors, but they also allow them to offer you a customised experience when you return to a particular site – you’ll be familiar with this type of personalisation if you regularly shop online.
ntl Netguard Privacy Manager gives you control over which cookies are allowed to stay on your system. The Privacy Manager also includes options for you to decide to permit certain cookies to remain on your computer, by adding their domains to a Trusted Web sites list - click on the help menu in Netguard for further info. You have the option of moving your regularly-used website domains that contain cookies to the Trusted Web sites list. This will ensure that the cookies for these domains remain on your computer, so you do not have to recreate your profile for these websites, while deleting unnecessary cookies helps to protect your privacy.
What’s the difference between the Pop-up Blocker and the Ad Blocker?
The Pop-up Blocker and the Ad Blocker both block ads. The Ad Blocker blocks ads that appear within the webpages you visit – including banners and side panel ads. The Pop-up Blocker blocks ads that pop up or pop under in their own separate window.
Back to TopTroubleshooting ntl Netguard
What should I do if I get an Error 1935 when I install Netguard?
If you get an error like this - Error 1935. An error occurred during the installation of assembly Mircosoft.MSXML2 - you may need to apply the latest Microsoft service pack updates to fix this. Please consult the Microsoft Update website for more information.
What should I do if the Netguard install takes a long time?
The Netguard install should not normally take more than a few minutes. If is taking a lot longer, you should check that your computer meets the system requirements , and ensure that no other applications are running in the background that may be slowing down your computer.
What should I do if the authentication signature is not found during install?
This can occur if your Internet Explorer browser settings have been changed from their default values. Additionally you may find that you need to visit Microsoft Update to ensure that you have all the up to date available patches. You should also check that your computer's system date is correct so that the Netguard installation certificates will be valid.
What should I do if download of Netguard from the ntl website is taking a long time?
Download should not take more than around 5 minutes if you have a Broadband connection. If it is taking a lot longer, this could be because you have lost your connection to the download server. Please try starting the download again if this happens.
What should I do if Netguard is not able to validate my services?
If you have a firewall installed, please check to ensure it is allowing Netguard access to the Internet so that it can activate. You may also need to check your computer's clock in the bottom right hand corner. It's possible that an incorrect will invalidate the Netguard security certificate.
I've got a problem with my anti-spam program?
Netguard is not compatible with some anti-spam clients such as SpamPal. You may have to switch off the Netguard "scan mail" option to receive your mail, and then scan it manually. To do this go to the Anti-virus preference in Netguard and untick the "Scan Incoming email messages and attachments (POP3)" box.
What should I do if Netguard install appears to stall on an ADSL modem router connection?
Netguard may tell you there is no Internet connection on start-up if you use an ADSL modem router. Netguard requires an Internet connection to complete activation. Once connection re-established, Netguard activation will recommence automatically.
What should I do if the Netguard scan appears to stall?
The Netguard scan can appear to freeze while scanning large files. It can take a long time to scan certain compressed files (often found in games), and Netguard may appear to stall while actually still scanning. It is a good idea to defragment your disk to help speed up Netguard. This will also benefit your PC in general. Instructions on how to do this can be found in your Windows help screens.
Why am I asked to reboot in order to complete a Netguard scan?
If Netguard finds a suspect file that is currently being used by the operating system, it may require you to reboot your computer before it can continue the scan. This is a feature of some viruses that can seriously damage your computer, and it is best to allow this reboot to clean the virus off your computer.
Why can some files not be scanned by Netguard?
Password-protected files can't be scanned. However once the contents are extracted, real-time scanning, if enabled, will protect you from any viruses contained in these files.
Why does my computer or Internet connection seem to slow down when I install Netguard?
Make sure your computer meets the system requirements, ideally the recommended specification. Netguard carries out many tests and scans on data going in and out of your computer, and the short time added in order to do this is worth it in order to keep you safe.
My firewall is asking me to allow RPS.exe or Netguard to access the Internet? Should I allow it?
Yes. RPS is Radialpoint Security Services, who provide the software that runs ntl Netguard. For Netguard to run properly, you need to allow RPS.exe or Netguard to communicate with the Internet in order to download updates, and keep virus definitions up to date. Alternatively, if you are not prompted, you may need to go directly into your firewall settings to allow Netguard to have Internet access.
Can I use Netguard if Norton Internet Security or McAfee VirusScan installed on my computer?
If you have any of the following security packages, we strongly recommend that you disable the anti-virus application before you install Netguard, as running two anti-virus packages may cause your computer to slow down or crash:
- McAfee Suite 7.0
- Symantec [Norton] Security Suite 2004
- Symantec [Norton] Security Suite 2005
- Symantec [Norton] Internet Security Suite 2005, AntiSpyware edition
- Trend Micro 2005 v12
- ZoneAlarm Security Suite 5.5
For information on uninstalling or disabling anti-virus software, you should refer to the help screens in your existing security package.
If these packages have a firewall, they may ask you if you want to allow RPS.exe or Netguard to connect to the Internet. RPS is Radialpoint Security Services, who provide the software that runs ntl Netguard. For Netguard to run properly, you need to allow RPS.exe or Netguard to communicate with the Internet.
McAfee VirusScan is causing a problem with Netguard. How can I fix this?
We recommend that you do not use Netguard with any other anti-virus package on your computer. There is a particular problem with McAfee VirusScan 8.0 DAT version 4.0.4400 in that it detects the Netguard anti-virus driver css-dvp.sys as a virus. The file cannot be disinfected, so McAfee VirusScan will suggest to you to delete the file. If the file is deleted, Netguard Anti-virus will no longer function. If you update the McAfee DAT files, the latest version will not detect Netguard as a virus.
Why hasn’t MSN Messenger hasn't worked since I installed Netguard?
You must allow MSN Messenger in the Ad Blocker, or else disable the Ad Blocker in Netguard to continue using MSN Messenger.
Ads on websites still appear after I've installed Netguard. What can I do to block them?
This could happen if the ad blocker is not enabled. It could also be because ad servers and webpages update their content regularly to avoid being blocked by ad blockers. In Internet Explorer, you can block an ad by right-clicking on the ad, and selecting Block Ad with ntl Netguard. This will block the ad when you click on the refresh button on your browser.
Why does Netguard try to connect to the Internet when it starts up?
Netguard needs to connect to the Internet to download the latest Anti-virus, Ad Manager and Form Filler updates.
The Form Filler was working, but suddenly stopped appearing on my favourite webpages. How did this happen?
This could happen if the Netguard Browser Helper Object (BHO) has become uninstalled or damaged. To resolve this issue, shut down Netguard. Go to Start -> Programmes -> ntl Netguard -> Diagnostic Utility. Please run all the tests. Once this is done, click Register COM then restart Netguard.
I've just activated the Netguard Anti-virus and I've noticed a slowdown on my computer. Why is this happening?
This problem can occur if you are running more than one anti-virus programme. Essentially, twice as many resources are being used to monitor all the files on your computer. Disabling the other anti-virus programme should resolve this problem. We recommend that you only run one anti-virus programme on your computer.
What do I do if Netguard stalls while scanning a file with a long name?
If Netguard stalls while scanning a file with a very long name, this could be due to the fact that it is scanning a corrupt file in your temporary directory, in which case you can try to remove this file by doing the following:
- 1. Double-click My Computer.
- 2. Right click on C: and click Properties.
- 3. Click the Disk Cleanup button.
- 4. Select the following entries in the list by ticking the box on the left:
- Downloaded Program Files
- Temporary Internet Files
- Recycle Bin
- Temporary Files
- 5. Once they are selected click OK and then Yes. This may take a while.
If this does not resolve the situation, you can try downloading a "file shredder" utility, for example at http://www.east-tec.com/eraser/download.htm, that can delete the TEMP folder and/or those specific corrupted files. Please note that the East-tec file shredder is a third-party software package, and is not supported by ntl.
Can Netguard Anti-virus disinfect the Windows restore directory in Windows XP?
Netguard Anti-virus cannot delete or disinfect a virus in a Window Restore directory that is formatted as NTFS, due to restricted user privileges. This affects all user accounts, including the administrator. To remove this virus from the system files, you first have to manually change the settings to grant yourself the rights to access this folder, and then run the manual scan in the Anti-virus.
- 1. On the Start menu, click Control Panel, and then click System.
- 2. Click System Restore, and then select the Turn off System Restore check box.
- 3. Click OK.
- 4. In ntl netguard, click Anti-virus, and then Scan Now.
- 5. Click the Scan Now button.
How do I uninstall Netguard?
There are two ways that you can remove the programme from your computer. The recommended method is to use the Add or Remove feature in Windows.
Removing Netguard using Add or Remove in Windows XP:
- 1. Click Start > Control Panel
- 2. Double-click Add or Remove Programs
- 3. Select ntl Netguard Security
- 4. Click Remove.
Removing Netguard using Add or Remove in Windows 2000:
- 1. Click Start > Settings >
- 3. Select ntl Netguard Security
- 4. Click Remove.
Removing Netguard using Add or Remove in Windows 98SE or ME:
1. Click Start > Settings > Control Panel
2. Click Add or Remove Programs
3. Select ntl Netguard Security
4. Click the Add or Remove button
5. Follow further Windows the instructions.
The alternative method is to use the uninstall option found by clicking Start > Programmes > ntl Netguard Security > Uninstall ntl Netguard Security.
