[Dakeyras]

Hi.

Well so far so good. The start up was a little slow but then, we rebooted the computer & it started back up faster that time. Also, it doesn't take as long on the surfing. Thank you.

Good.

Now do I keep all the downloads to the desktop that you had me do? Besides the TFC shortcut that I run once per week, do I run any of the other ones at anytime?

No all can be deleted/removed now apart from the mentioned TFC etc.

Next:

Congratulations your computer appears to be malware free!

Now I have some tasks for your good self to carry out as part of a clean up process and some advice about online safety.

Importance of Regular System Maintenance:

I advice you read both of the below listed topics as this will go a long way to keeping your Computer performing well.

Help! My computer is slow!

Also so is this:

What to do if your Computer is running slowly

Clean up with OTL:

• Right-click OTL and select Run as Administrator to start the program.
• Close all other programs apart from OTL as this step will require a reboot.
• On the OTL main screen, depress the CleanUp button.
• Say Yes to the prompt and then allow the program to reboot your computer.

The above process should clean up and remove the vast majority of scanners used and logs created etc.

Any left over merely delete yourself and empty the Recycle Bin.

Reset the System Restore points:

Create a new, clean System Restore point:-

• Right click on Computer and select Properties >> System protection >> Create.
• Give this restore point a descriptive name(say All Clean for example) and click Create.
• When the new restore point is created click on OK >> close the System Properties window.

Note: Do not clear infected/old System Restore points before creating a new System Restore point first!

Flush Old System Restore points:-

• Next click Start(Windows 7 Orb) >> Run (or the Windows key and R together) to bring up the Run box and and copy and paste in:
  

  cleanmgr

• in the box and press OK.
• Select the system drive, C >> OK.
• Ensure the boxes for Recycle Bin, Temporary Files and Temporary Internet Files are checked, you can choose to check other boxes if you wish but they are not required.
• Click on Clean up system files >> Select the system drive, C >> OK.
• Now click on the More Options tab.
• Under:-

System Restore and Shadow Copies

• Click on Clean up... >> Delete >> OK >> Delete Files.

Now some advice for on-line safety:

Malwarebyte's Anti-Malware:

This is a excellent application and I advise you keep this installed. Check for updates and run a scan at least once per week.

Other installed security software:

Your presently installed security application, Norton 360(the actual Anti-Virus component) automatically checks for updates and downloads/installs them with every system reboot and or periodically if the machine is left running providing a internet connection is active.

I advise you also run a complete scan with this also once per week.

Registry Backup:

I advise you keep this installed as a means to keep a complete backup of your registry and restore it when needed.

Myself I would actually create a new back up once per week as this along with System Restore may prove to be invaluable if something unforeseen occurs!

Be careful when opening attachments and downloading files:

Never open email attachments, not even if they are from someone you know. If you need to open them, scan them with your antivirus program before opening.
Never open emails from unknown senders.
Beware of emails that warn about viruses that are spreading, especially those from antivirus vendors. These email addresses can be easily spoofed. Check the antivirus vendor websites to be sure.
Be careful of what you download. Only download files from known sources. Also, avoid cracked programs. If you need a particular program that costs too much for you, try finding free alternatives on FileHippo or Sourceforge.

Stop malicious scripts:

Windows by default allow scripts (which is VBScript and JavaScript) to run and some of these scripts are malicious. Use Noscript by Symantec or Script Defender by AnalogX to handle these scripts.

Avoid Peer to Peer software:

P2P may be a great way to get lots of seemingly freeware, but it is a great way to get infected as well. There's no way to tell if the file being shared is infected. Worse still, some worms spread via P2P networks, infecting you as well. My advice is avoid these types of software applications.

Next:

This is a very helpful/useful set of advice from Microsoft: Microsoft Safety & Security Centre

Any questions? Feel free to ask, if not stay safe!

[Advertisements]

I can't thank you enough for walking me thru these steps!! I really appriciate the help!! I will keep all this info in mind & do what you say Thank you again!

[BaeWells]

I can't thank you enough for walking me thru these steps!! I really appriciate the help!! I will keep all this info in mind & do what you say Thank you again!

[Dakeyras]

You're most welcome!

[Dakeyras]

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.