[Varayana]

Nope. My computer is actually running faster now that all those temp files and stuff have been cleared. I just needed to be sure everything looked clean on my end since my computer was compromised last weekend. Thank you so much for helping me. I truly appreciate it. I guess you can consider this case closed. Thank you again for helping me.

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Hi,

As your computer appears clean, let's remove the tools we've been using and create a new restore point.

Please follow these steps.

-- Step 1 --

• Download OTC to your desktop and run it
• Click Yes to beginning the Cleanup process and remove these components, including this application.
• You will be asked to reboot the machine to finish the Cleanup process. Choose Yes.

-- Step 2 --

Follow these instructions to delete old restore points and create a new one.

• Right-click on My Computer and select Properties.
• Click the System Restore tab.
• Check Turn off System Restore.
• Click Apply then click Yes to confirm. This will remove all your System Restore points and infected files.
• Now uncheck the Turn off System Restore, click Apply then OK.

A new Restore Point has now been created containing backup files for your computer that are clean. You can create additional Restore Points at any time. Click here for instructions.


Here are some measures you can take to ensure that your computer remains clean.

1. Updates

Windows Updates

It is essential that you regularly check and install the latest Windows Updates. Vulnerabilities within Windows can leave your computer open to infection. Regular updates are released to fix these security vulnerabilities. It is recommended that you set Windows to check, download and install your updates automatically.

• Click Start
• Select Control Panel
• Click on Automatic (recommended)
• Set the day and time for the update check. Set this to a time when your computer will normally be on and connected to the internet.
• Click Apply then OK.

Java Updates

As with Windows, Java also needs to be regularly updated to fix security vulnerabilites. You can download the latest version of the Java Runtime Environment (JRE) from here. Download, install and reboot your computer. You also need to uininstall older versions of Java.

• Click Start
• Select Control Panel
• Select Add or Remove Programs
• Remove all Java updates except the latest one you have just installed.

Adobe Updates

You should ensure you use the latest Adobe Acrobat Reader and install any security updates that are released. You can download the latest reader and updates from here.

Other Updates

Regularly check for updates for all your security programs including firewall, antivirus, antispyware etc

2. Security Programs

Here is a list of security programs that I would recommend.

Firewall

A firewall is essential to stop hackers infiltrating your computer. The following firewalls are free for personal use. Do not install more than one firewall.

Zone Alarm is an excellent free basic firewall which is very easy to use.
Online-Armor Free is a more advanced firewall which includes a Host Intrusion Protection System (HIPS). This ensures that unrecognised programs will not run unless you give permission.

Antivirus

An antivirus program is essential. The following antivirus programs are free for personal use. Do not use more than one antivirus and always update virus definitions regularly.

AVG
Avira Free
Avast

Anti-Malware

Malwarebytes Anti-Malware MBAM is an excellent anti-malware tool that should be updated and a Quick Scan performed regularly. A Full Scan does not have to be carried out on such a regular basis as the developers aim to detect the vast majority of malware with the Quick Scan. The scanner is free for on-demand scans only.

Ad-Aware, Spybot, SuperAntispyware and A-Squared Free are also very good anti-malware programs that are free for on-demand scans. Spybot has a real-time protection feature called TeaTimer.

Prevention

SpywareBlaster is an excellent free tool for preventing the installation of spyware.
SpywareGuard offers real-time protection so that spyware is detected and blocked before it can do any harm.

Cleaner

ATF Cleaner removes temporary Internet Explorer, Firefox and Windows files.

Browser

Firefox is an alternative browser to Internet Explorer and is more secure.
NoScript is an add-on for Firefox and prevents execution of malicious scripts.
MVPS is a HOSTS file to replace your existing file. This prevents you connecting to a list of well-known ad sites.

[hammerman]

Hi,

As your computer appears clean, let's remove the tools we've been using and create a new restore point.

Please follow these steps.

-- Step 1 --

• Download OTC to your desktop and run it
• Click Yes to beginning the Cleanup process and remove these components, including this application.
• You will be asked to reboot the machine to finish the Cleanup process. Choose Yes.

-- Step 2 --

Follow these instructions to delete old restore points and create a new one.

• Right-click on My Computer and select Properties.
• Click the System Restore tab.
• Check Turn off System Restore.
• Click Apply then click Yes to confirm. This will remove all your System Restore points and infected files.
• Now uncheck the Turn off System Restore, click Apply then OK.

A new Restore Point has now been created containing backup files for your computer that are clean. You can create additional Restore Points at any time. Click here for instructions.


Here are some measures you can take to ensure that your computer remains clean.

1. Updates

Windows Updates

It is essential that you regularly check and install the latest Windows Updates. Vulnerabilities within Windows can leave your computer open to infection. Regular updates are released to fix these security vulnerabilities. It is recommended that you set Windows to check, download and install your updates automatically.

• Click Start
• Select Control Panel
• Click on Automatic (recommended)
• Set the day and time for the update check. Set this to a time when your computer will normally be on and connected to the internet.
• Click Apply then OK.

Java Updates

As with Windows, Java also needs to be regularly updated to fix security vulnerabilites. You can download the latest version of the Java Runtime Environment (JRE) from here. Download, install and reboot your computer. You also need to uininstall older versions of Java.

• Click Start
• Select Control Panel
• Select Add or Remove Programs
• Remove all Java updates except the latest one you have just installed.

Adobe Updates

You should ensure you use the latest Adobe Acrobat Reader and install any security updates that are released. You can download the latest reader and updates from here.

Other Updates

Regularly check for updates for all your security programs including firewall, antivirus, antispyware etc

2. Security Programs

Here is a list of security programs that I would recommend.

Firewall

A firewall is essential to stop hackers infiltrating your computer. The following firewalls are free for personal use. Do not install more than one firewall.

Zone Alarm is an excellent free basic firewall which is very easy to use.
Online-Armor Free is a more advanced firewall which includes a Host Intrusion Protection System (HIPS). This ensures that unrecognised programs will not run unless you give permission.

Antivirus

An antivirus program is essential. The following antivirus programs are free for personal use. Do not use more than one antivirus and always update virus definitions regularly.

AVG
Avira Free
Avast

Anti-Malware

Malwarebytes Anti-Malware MBAM is an excellent anti-malware tool that should be updated and a Quick Scan performed regularly. A Full Scan does not have to be carried out on such a regular basis as the developers aim to detect the vast majority of malware with the Quick Scan. The scanner is free for on-demand scans only.

Ad-Aware, Spybot, SuperAntispyware and A-Squared Free are also very good anti-malware programs that are free for on-demand scans. Spybot has a real-time protection feature called TeaTimer.

Prevention

SpywareBlaster is an excellent free tool for preventing the installation of spyware.
SpywareGuard offers real-time protection so that spyware is detected and blocked before it can do any harm.

Cleaner

ATF Cleaner removes temporary Internet Explorer, Firefox and Windows files.

Browser

Firefox is an alternative browser to Internet Explorer and is more secure.
NoScript is an add-on for Firefox and prevents execution of malicious scripts.
MVPS is a HOSTS file to replace your existing file. This prevents you connecting to a list of well-known ad sites.

[hammerman]

Since this issue appears to be resolved ... this Topic has been closed. Glad we could help.

If you're the topic starter, and need this topic reopened, please contact a staff member with the address of the thread.

Everyone else please begin a New Topic.