NewDotNet

What is NewDotNet? Is it spyware? Adware? Is it actually malicious, or just misunderstood software with a reputation problem?

NewDotNet, or "New.net", is a program that has come bundled with free programs such as KaZaA and Webshots. If you believe in guilt by association, you could conclude that since it is pushed by file sharing programs (commonly used to illegally upload/download music and movies), then it must be malware. But it actually does not spy on you, and does not generate popups. It allows the system to recognize non-standard top-level domain names registered through the company - .xxx, .mp3, .free, .shop, .sport... The file is called newdotnetn_nn.dll (where n represents the version) and is loaded at startup via the Run key. Symptoms of its install include network slowness and system instability.

If you find New.net on your system, remove it by simply going to Add or Remove Programs and uninstalling it. Full step-by-step instructions can be found at New.net's FAQ. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO MANUALLY REMOVE IT. The dll makes changes to Winsock, and removing it will result in the loss of network and Internet access. However, if you have reached that point already and want to fix Winsock, here's how to do it:

- Download and run LSPFix.exe from cexx.org
- Download and run WinsockXPFix.exe from Spychecker.com
(If you're still using Windows 95, 98, or ME - download and run winsock2fix.)

LSP-Fix will repair damaged LSP chains in Winsock. LSP stands for Layered Service Provider and is inserted into the Windows TCP/IP stacks. WinsockXPFix will repair the remainder of Winsock.

For more detailed information about New.Net, visit:

SpywareGuide - New.Net

Cexx.org - Foistware: New Net, Inc. DLL