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We have a couple last things to take care of and then you're good to go.
Uninstall ComboFix from your computer:
- Click on Start > Run
- Type Combofix /u in the run box and click Ok. Note the space between the x and the /u, it needs to be there.
Please download OTC to your desktop.
- Double-click OTC to run it. (Vista users, please right click on OTC and select "Run as an Administrator")
- Click on the CleanUp! button and follow the prompts.
- You will be asked to reboot the machine to finish the Cleanup process, choose Yes.
- After the reboot all the tools we used should be gone.
Here are some tips to reduce the potential for malware infection in the future; I strongly that you read them and take them to heart so that you don't have to endure the process of cleaning your computer again.
Make proper use of your antivirus and firewall
Antivirus and Firewall programs are integral to your computer security. However, just having them installed isn't enough. The definitions of these programs are frequently updated to detect the latest malware, and if you don't keep up with these updates then you'll be vulnerable to infection. Many antivirus and firewall programs have automatic update features, make use of those if you can. If your program doesn't, then get in the habit of routinely performing manual updates, because it's important.
You should keep your antivirus and firewall guard enabled at all times, don't shut them off unless there's a specific reason to do so. Also, regularly performing a full system scan with your antivirus program is a good idea to make sure you're still clean. Once a week works well for many people. You can set the scan to run during a time when you don't plan to use the computer and just leave it to complete on its own.
If you don't have a firewall, some great free options you can test out are: Online Armor, Outpost, and Sunbelt. I'd highly recommend that you install one of those. If you do decide to use a 3rd party firewall program, please be sure to disable the Windows firewall as per these instructions so they don't conflict:
- Please click on Start -> Control Panel
- Double click Windows Firewall
- Click Change Settings
- Choose Off to disable Windows Firewall.
Use a safer web browser
Internet Explorer is not the most secure tool for browsing the web. It has been known to be very susceptible to infection, and there are a few good free alternatives: Firefox, Opera, and Google Chrome. All of these are excellent faster, safer, more powerful and functional free alternatives to Internet Explorer. It's definitely worth the short period of adjustment to start using one of these. If you wish to continue using Internet Explorer, it would be a good idea to follow the tutorial here which will help you to make IE much safer.
These browser add-ons will help to make your browser safer:
Web of Trust warns you about risky websites that try to scam visitors, deliver malware or send spam. WOT's color-coded icons show you ratings for 21 million websites, helping you avoid the dangerous ones: Green to go, Yellow for caution, and Red to stop. Available for Firefox and Internet Explorer.
NoScript helps to block malicious scripts and in general gives you much better control over what types of things webpages can do to your computer while you're browsing. Available for Firefox only.
These are just a couple of the most popular add-ons, if you're interested in more, take a look at this article.
Exercise common sense
Having security programs installed is very helpful to you, but none of them have the gift of human thought. The best way to make sure you don't get infected is to look before you leap. Be careful of what websites you visit - if a site looks suspicious, trust your instincts and get out of there. Be careful of what attachments you open in emails and files you download from websites - check them over carefully and look at the file extensions to make sure that you know what you're getting. Using peer-to-peer file sharing programs or downloading cracks and keygens is something else to avoid - the files you will be downloading are infected in the vast majority of cases, and the benefits simply aren't worth the risk to your computer.
Keep up on Windows updates
Along with keeping all of the security programs that you choose to use updated, it is also important to keep up on system updates from Microsoft, as these patch critical security vulnerabilities and help to keep you safe. Typically the windows update icon will appear in your taskbar when new updates are available, whenever you see it you should open the menu up and install the updates that are available. Although it may be an annoyance, that little bit of extra time it takes to stay updated is very well worth it instead of getting infected from an exploit and having to clean your PC again.
Slow computer?
If your computer begins to slow down again in the future for no particular reason, your first step should not be to come back to the malware forum. As your computer ages and is used, its parts wear, files and programs accumulate, and its performance speed can decrease. To restore your computer's performance to its best possible level, follow the steps in this guide written by tech expert Artellos.
I'll leave this thread open for a couple days in case you come across any lingering problems that need fixing, then I'll close it up. If you need it reopened for any reason just shoot me a PM. It's been a pleasure working with you, now best of luck!
Cheers,
Dave
Edited by Transience, 26 August 2009 - 08:46 AM.
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