Also, after dealing with the HD issues, should I then take this question over to the hardware>networking section of the forums to further pinpoint the wireless issues?
Probably a good idea. It's not malware and they may have more experience with hardware issues.
You can uninstall or delete any tools we had you download and their logs.
OTL has a cleanup tab so if you run it again and select cleanup it will remove itself and its backup files.
To hide hidden files again (If you do not run OTL cleanup):
XP
# Close all programs so that you are at your desktop.
# Double-click on the My Computer icon.
# Select the Tools menu and click Folder Options.
# After the new window appears select the View tab.
# Uncheck the checkbox labeled Display the contents of system folders.
# Under the Hidden files and folders section select the 'Hide protected operating system files (recommended)' option.
# Check the checkbox labeled Hide protected operating system files.
# Press the Apply button and then the OK button and exit My Computer.
Special note on Java. Old Java versions should be removed after first clearing the Java Cache by following the instructions in:
http://www.java.com/...lugin_cache.xml
Then remove the old versions by going to Control Panel, Programs and Features and Uninstall all Java programs which are not Java Version 7 update 45 or better. These may call themselves: Java Runtime, Runtime Environment, Runtime, JRE, Java Virtual Machine, Virtual Machine, Java VM, JVM, VM, J2RE, J2SE.
Due to multiple security problems with Java we are now recommending that it not be installed unless you absolutely know you need it. If that is the case then you should go in to Control panels, Java, Security and set the slider to the highest level.
Also make sure you have the latest versions of any adobe.com products you use like Shockwave, Flash or Acrobat.
Whether you use adobe reader, acrobat or fox-it to read pdf files you need to disable Javascript in the program. There is an exploit out there now that can use it to get on your PC. For Adobe Reader: Start, All Programs, Adobe Reader, Edit, Preferences, Click on Javascript in the left column and uncheck Enable Acrobat Javascript. OK Close program. It's the same for Foxit reader except you uncheck Enable Javascript Actions.
To help keep your programs up-to-date you should download and run the UpdateChecker:
http://www.filehippo.../updatechecker/
(You don't need to download Betas and if there is a program you don't use you can just uninstall it rather than update it. You can right click on the updatechecker icon (looks like a downward green arrowhead) and select Settings and tell it no betas. If you don't use MSN Messenger I would not upgdate it. MS installs a bunch of stuff when you do. You can tell the program to not show you that update.)
If you use Firefox or Chrome then get the AdBlock Plus Add-on. Adblock Plus is now available for IE too:
adblockplus.org/?
If Firefox or Chrome is slow loading make sure it only has the current Java add-on. Then download and run Speedy Fox.
http://www.crystalidea.com/speedyfox . Click on Optimize. When it finishes click on Exit.
Be warned: If you use Limewire, utorrent or any of the other P2P programs you will almost certain be coming back to the Malware Removal forum. If you must use P2P then submit any files you get to http://virustotal.com before you open them.
Due to a recent rise in the number of Crytolocker infections I am now recommending you install:
CryptoPrevent
http://www.foolishIT.../cryptoprevent/
The free version does not update on its own so you should check for updated versions once in a while.
If you have a router, log on to it today and change the default password! If using a Wireless router you really should be using encryption on the link. Use the strongest (newest) encryption method that your router and PC wireless adapter support especially if you own a business. See http://www.king5.com...-120637284.html and http://www.seattlepi...ted-1344185.php for why encryption is important. If you don't know how, visit the router maker's website. They all have detailed step by step instructions or a wizard you can download.
XP does not automatically run defrag so it needs to be done manually every couple of months or it will slow down. http://support.microsoft.com/kb/314848
XP has been out a long time so most XP computers are starting to get clogged with dust. This makes them overheat which will also slow them down. To clean a desktop, shut it down but leave it plugged in. Remove the lid or open it up and use a vacuum cleaner hose and a small brush to clean the air vents in the front and back and the fins of the heatsink and of the fans - including the fan of the power supply. You may need to unscrew the four screws that hold the fan to the heatsink and lift the fan off to really clean the heatsink. Start it up while the lid is off and watch the fan (after screwing it back down again if you removed it). It should start up right away and be at full speed in no time (it may stop running shortly after starting - this is normal). A fan that is slow starting or which makes noise is worn out and needs to be replaced. Cleaning a laptop is unfortunately major surgery for most brands. Make sure the vents are clear and that it is run on a hard surface. Never on a bed or your lap as that blocks the air vents. Propping up the back with a book without blocking the air vents will make it run a bit cooler. If you think it might be running hot you can get speedfan
http://www.almico.com/sfdownload.php
Download, save and Install it then run it.
It will tell you your temps (if the PC is new enough). If they seem hot (over 50) then check Automatic Fan Speed.
Leave it running and see if the temps drop. If temps are over 80, the CPU will slow down to protect itself. Disassembling a laptop to clean it isn't that hard. There are usually YouTube videos for most brands that show you how to do it if you search for them. Most times you just need some small screwdrivers and maybe a long nose pliers. The hardest part is reassembling it and getting all of the screws in the right places so takes notes or lots of pictures. If you take it apart then you should also pull the heatsink and clean it and replace the old thermal pads with Arctic Silver Thermal compound. Amazon has a kit of cleaner and compound http://www.amazon.co...n/dp/B001FVI91U which I have used.
Make sure you have Windows update working and preferably on Automatic download and install. Go to Internet Explorer, Tools, (or Safety), Windows Updates, Express and see if it has any updates for you.
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