[CompCav]

Is it safe to use my computer for things like ITunes and Microsoft Word? Or is it best to leave it off until it's clean?

It is safe to use iTunes and MS Word. Please minimize internet usage until we complete the cleaning

I will have an updates fix for you tomorrow. You have really hung in there with me on this one and I appreciate it. You did a fabulous job so far!!!

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Aw, thanks. I really appreciate all the time you've put into this as well.

[boredcrow]

Aw, thanks. I really appreciate all the time you've put into this as well.

[CompCav]

It is very important to keep key system software and programs updated and current on your computer. Many of the updates provide improved stability, new features, and more importantly better security. You need to do several updates to fully secure your computer

Step 1.

Microsoft Updates
Although Automatic Updates can automatically install updates for you, you can also do this manually.

To manually check Windows Update for updates, follow these steps:
1.Click Start , click All Programs, and then click Microsoft Update.
2.In the navigation pane, click Check for updates.
3.AfterMicrosoft Update has finished checking for updates, click View available updates.
4.Click to select the check boxes for the updates that you want to install, and then click Install.

If you are prompted for an administrator password or for confirmation, type the password, or provide confirmation.

Repeat these steps until all critical and important updates are installed.


This will include an update of internet explorer to 9. Internet explorer is part of your Vista operating system and it is critical to your security to have the latest version installed.

Then go to method 1 and set up for automatic updates.


Step 2.

Update Java

Please download JavaRa to your desktop and unzip it to its own folder

Run JavaRa.exe, pick the language of your choice and click Select. Then click Remove Older Versions.
Accept any prompts.
Open JavaRa.exe again and select Search For Updates.
Select Update Using Sun Java's Website then click Search and click on the Open Webpage button. Download and install the latest Java Runtime Environment (JRE) version for your computer.


Step 3.

Update adobe flash player

We need to uninstall the existing flash player(s). Please go here
Follow steps 1. to 4.
Once flash player is uninstalled go on to the next paragraph.

You will need to download and install both the IE and non-IE versions of Adobe Flashplayer. Make sure to uncheck the install of the McAfee tool before downloading. You will need to select your operating system (Vista 32-bit) and then each version to download and install separately.


Step 4.

Subject to no further problems

I will remove my tools now and give some recommendations, but, I would like you to run for 24 hours or so and come back if you have any problems

Now the best part of the day ----- Your log now appears clean

We need to implement some cleanup procedures as well as reset System Restore points:


Remove ComboFix

• Hold down the Windows key + R on your keyboard. This will display the Run dialogue box
• In the Run box, type in ComboFix /Uninstall (Notice the space between the "x" and "/") then click OK
  
  
  
• Follow the prompts on the screen
• A message should appear confirming that ComboFix was uninstalled

Run OTL and hit the cleanup button. It will remove all the programmes we have used plus itself.

We will now confirm that your hidden files are set to that, as some of the tools I use will change that

• Click Start.
• Open My Computer.
• Select the Tools menu and click Folder Options.
• Select the View Tab.
• Under the Hidden files and folders heading select Do not show hidden files and folders.
• Click Yes to confirm.
• Click OK.

SPRING CLEAN

To manually create a new Restore Point

• Go to Control Panel and select System
• Select System
• On the left select System Protection and accept the warning if you get one
• Select System Protection Tab
• Select Create at the bottom
• Type in a name i.e. Clean
• Select Create

Now we can purge the infected ones

• GoStart > All programs > Accessories > system tools
• Right click Disc cleanup and select run as administrator
• Select Your main drive and accept the warning if you get one
• For a few moments the system will make some calculations
• Select the More Options tab
• In the System Restore and Shadow Backups select Clean up
• Select Delete on the pop up
• Select OK
• Select Delete

Now that you are clean, to help protect your computer in the future I recommend that you get the following free programmes:

Malwarebytes. Update and run weekly to keep your system clean

Download and install FileHippo update checker and run it monthly it will show you which programmes on your system need updating and give a download link

It is critical to have both a firewall and anti virus to protect your system and to keep them updated. To keep your operating system up to date visit

• Microsoft Windows Update

To learn more about how to protect yourself while on the internet read our little guide How did I get infected in the first place ?

Keep safe

[boredcrow]

/Sigh. Ah, Internet explorer 9. I've been trying to get that to download for about three months now. It fails every time I try. I tried all the troubleshooting tips on the microsoft website and nothing works. I tried again now, just to check, and it still failed. The error code is 80096001. Any tips? I'm wondering if it's MS Essential's fault again, because one of the suggested fixes is to turn off your antivirus.

I'll start working on the other items on the list.

[CompCav]

Try to run this fixit first in regular mode and if it does not work try it in aggressive mode.

[CompCav]

Also try to download and install it directly from here.

[boredcrow]

I'll give those two a try.

Also, I went to look at Java and their list of options. They have downloads for Windows 64 bit and Windows x86. I'm Windows x32; which should I download? Does it matter?

[CompCav]

Windows x86 you are 32 bit

[boredcrow]

So, clearly my brain is not in top form tonight... I don't see how to run the fix in agressive mode. (The standard mode failed, as did the direct download). (Java's updated, moving on to other fixes).

[CompCav]

You are doing fine. It looks like we need to do a bigger fix so continue updates and I will prepare a fix for my instructor's approval.

[boredcrow]

All updates completed - except for the still malfunctioning Windows Update.

[CompCav]

Step 1.

1.Reset WU components in aggressive mode How do I reset Windows Update components?

2.Reset WU modules Repair & Fix Windows Updates with Fix WU Utility | The Windows Club

3.Try suggestions from this site:You cannot install some updates or programs with the Fixit half way down the screen as a first shot.


Step 2.

If updates are not corrected continue with this step.

Download Windows Repair (all in one) from this site

Install the program then run

Go to step 2 and allow it to run Disc check

Once that is done then go to step 3 and allow it to run SFC

On the start repairs tab select advanced mode and click start

Select the items in the red surround (remove the ticks from the rest ), you will have to go down the page to get the Repair MSI ticked (pictured in picture 2 below) and tick restart system when finished then click Start



Please let me know the status of updates.

[boredcrow]

The last tool was the one that seems to have fixed the problem - Microsoft Updates installed a whole bunch of stuff. The only thing that's still lacking is IE 9, but I'll go try to install that now manually.


Update: Nope, still can't get IE 9 to download, even with troubleshooting tips.

Edited by boredcrow, 19 February 2012 - 12:56 AM.

[CompCav]

Do you use internet explorer 8 at all?

If you open IE 8 does it work

Please go back to the tool (Windows Repair) we just used and try to Repair Internet Explorer

Go straight to the Start Repairs tab.

Select Basic and allow it to create a restore point.

Click Unselect All

Then check

Repair WMI
Repair Windows Firewall
Repair Internet Explorer

Also check Restart System When Finished


Also if it does not do the update to install, just download to your desktop the file in post #111 that I have linked here.. Do not run it yet. Reboot and then after you are started up click on the file on your desktop and see if it installs.

Edited by CompCav, 21 February 2012 - 08:50 AM.

[boredcrow]

Ran steps as directed; still no luck. IE 8 is working just fine; it's the browser I use most frequently (chrome is my backup).