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arestocrat virus/malware/spyware


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#16
Phel

Phel

    Trusted Helper

  • Malware Removal
  • 1,386 posts
Hello,

I plan to install a full version of Norton.


If you wish to do it - please, remove AVG first. Two AV's on one system in the same time is a nightmare and can lead to system hangs and crashes.

Congratulations, your PC is clean now. :)

However, you need to follow some important steps to remove tools and prevent infection again.

Step 1. Uninstalling Programs.

  • Open Start menu.
  • Click on Control Panel.
  • Click on Programs and Features. New window should appear.
  • Uninstall these programs one by one, selecting each program and clicking Uninstall button.

Programs to uninstall:

  • ESET Online Scanner

Step 2. CleanUp.

Run OTL.
  • Under the Custom Scans/Fixes box at the bottom, paste in the following:

    :Commands
    [EMPTYTEMP]
  • Then click the Run Fix button at the top.
  • Let the program run unhindered, reboot the PC when it is done.
  • After reboot run OTL again.
  • Click on CleanUp button.
  • OTL will be removed from your computer.

Here are some recommendations for you, how to stay safe in the internet.

  • Keep your system up-to-date. It will increase your protection level, because a lot of malware uses system vulnerabilities.

    To learn more, how to turn Automatic Updates on, click here.
  • Keep another software up-to-date too. Malware often uses third party software vulnerabilities.

    You can monitor news about vulnerabilities or simply install software which will scan your computer for outdated and vulnerable software and will notify you about results. Some of these programs are Secunia PSI (Requires installation, you can download it here) and Secunia OSI (java applet, requires Java Runtime Environment, learn more here).
  • Keep your antivirus software up-to-date.

    Turn on automatic updates for your antivirus, it's a basis of protection. Don't forget to keep your antivirus version up-to-date, new versions usually have advanced functionality, clean and prevent infection more effectively, than outdated versions.
  • Use limited user account. It will considerably increase your level of protection.

    90% of Malware won't work under limited user account, because they need administrator priveleges. If you are using Windows XP, then you can use DropMyRights while you are surfing on the internet.
  • Invent strong and long passwords for your accounts, if you want to keep your personal and confidential data in safety.

    Some malware have very dangerous functionality - they can crack your passwords. Please, set very strong password for your administrator account in Windows, then malware won't harm your PC. For each account on the internet invent individual password.

Hope, that these recommendations will help you and you will avoid malware infections in the future. Good luck and safe web to you! :)
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#17
cdredmond

cdredmond

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Phel,

Thank you very much for your help! :-)

This is the first time I have ever had a computer infected by a virus in over 30 years of computing and programming.

Thank you for the recommendation on browsing the web with a limited privileges user acccount. Since I have Windows 7, the DropMyRights tool likely won't work. Is there an equivalent for Windows 7? Is swapping accounts good enough?
The rest of your tips I already follow.

I also uninstalled Malwarebytes.

I also received a dated log file from OTL after running the [EMPTYTEMP] command script. The log file showed several folders not found and several files failed to move. Unfortunately, the CleanUp button which ran the self delete task also removed the _OTL folder, so I can not paste the information here. Does this require follow up?

Thank you again Phel for your assistance! It is greatly appreciated and I will definately be making a donation to this website in appreciation for the help you have provided! :-)
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#18
Phel

Phel

    Trusted Helper

  • Malware Removal
  • 1,386 posts

Is swapping accounts good enough?


Yup, for Windows 7 account with limited permissions is enough.

Does this require follow up?


No, that isn't such a useful info.

Thank you again Phel for your assistance!


You're welcome.:) Glad that we could help you.
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