[ruggie_uk]

Hi, just checking to see how things are behaving. Would you like to continue?

[Advertisements]

I was waiting for further instructions. I have everything almost back to normal except for the temporary browser freezing when I open my Yahoo mail account. Just a minor inconvenience, but annoying. What should I do next?

[debodun]

I was waiting for further instructions. I have everything almost back to normal except for the temporary browser freezing when I open my Yahoo mail account. Just a minor inconvenience, but annoying. What should I do next?

[ruggie_uk]

Sorry I was waiting for you to tell me how things were behaving.

Did you disable all the plugins in firefox?

[ruggie_uk]

In particluar the h264 codec

[debodun]

Yes, I did disbale the codec. The only add-on that is active is Shockwave, so I tried Yahoo mail with it disabled, but the browser still froze. I also created another yahoo mail account, but that froze also. This only happens after a fresh re-boot - once it freezes and un-freezes, it doesn't happen again.

[ruggie_uk]

This could be a yahoo issue now rather than a PC issue per se, but this may help. We can flush out the cache and temporary files so that everything is loaded again from scratch.

Clear Cache/Temp Files

Download TFC by OldTimer to your desktop

• Please right click TFC.exe and select Run as Administrator.. (Note: If you are running on XP, just double click the file.
• It will close all programs when run, so make sure you have saved all your work before you begin.
• Click the Start button to begin the process. Depending on how often you clean temp files, execution time should be anywhere from a few seconds to a minute or two. Let it run uninterrupted to completion.
• Once it's finished it should reboot your machine. If it does not, please manually reboot the machine yourself to ensure a complete clean.

Once rebooted, please try Yahoo and see what happens.

[debodun]

Couldn't access Yahoo  ail today ay all. Looked for info on it. Apparently I'm not the only one having probelms with my Yahoo mail service:

https://downdetector...atus/yahoo-mail

 

Anyway, which scanning programs you aked me to download can be uninstalled now. If so, ow do I do that?

Edited by debodun, 06 November 2014 - 03:40 PM.

[ruggie_uk]

I do agree it is likely yahoo related as your system is clean. Here are the removal instructions and general advice.

Tool Removal

We need to remove the tools we've used during cleaning your machine

• Download Delfix from here
• Ensure Remove disinfection tools is ticked
  Also tick:
  • Activate UAC
  • Create registry backup
  • Purge system restore
  • Reset System Settings
  
• Click Run
• The program will run for a few moments and then notepad will open with a log. Please paste the log in your next reply
  
  We need to uninstall a program
  Open Programs and Features by clicking the Start button, clicking Control Panel, clicking Programs, and then clicking Programs and Features.
  Select the following programs from the list below, one at a time and click Uninstall.
  • ESET Online Scanner
  Delete the following Files and Folders (If Present):
  C:\Program Files(x86)\ESET
  Delete any other .bat, .log, .reg, .txt, and any other files created during this process, and left on the desktop and empty the Recycle Bin.
  
  
  
  Keep your machine updated
  
  Due to the ever-present tide of malware, it is important to ensure your computer is kept up-to-date to minimize the risk of future infection. An important step is to ensure that automatic updates are enabled.
  
  
  To enable automatic updates:
  
  Windows 7
  To turn on Automatic Updates yourself, follow these steps:
  • Click Start, type Windows update in the search box, and then click Windows Update in the Programs list.
  • In the left pane, click Change settings.
  • Select the option that you want.
  • Under Recommended updates, select the Give me recommended updates the same way I receive important updates or Include recommended updates when downloading, installing, or notifying me about updates check box, and then click OK.
  It is recommended to install an anti-malware to help prevent reinfection.
  Below are some free ones that can help keep you clean.
  
  Malwarebytes AntiMalware
  
  As you have installed Malwarebytes, I recommend that you keep this program and use it to help you stay clean.
  
  The free version will scan your computer and fix the problems it finds but will not provide real-time protection. You must scan regularly to find any threats.
  Consider purchasing the full version for active monitoring of threats.
  
  JAVA Advice
  WARNING: Java is the #1 exploited program at this time. The Department of Homeland Security recommends that computer users disable Java
  See this article and this article.
  I would recommend that you completely uninstall Java unless you need it to run an important software or need it to play games on-line.
  In that instance I would recommend that you only use Firefox or Chrome to visit those sites and do the following:
  • For Firefox, install the NoScript add-on.
  • For Chrome, install the ScriptNo add-on.
    -->IMPORTANT<--: After installing the add-ons you will need to tell them that the site you are visiting is allowed to run Javascript. If you don't, the sites won't work properly. Or not at all. You can go to the NoScript home page here to learn how to use the add-on.
  • Disable Java in your browsers until you need it for that software and then enable it. (See How to disable Java in your web browser or How to unplug Java from the browser)
  If you still want to update your Java, follow the instructions below:
  
  A.
  Your version of Java is out of date. Older versions have vulnerabilities that malicious sites can use to exploit and infect your system. Please follow these steps to remove older versions of Java components and update:
  • Download the latest version of the Java Runtime Environment (JRE) Version from Here and save it to your desktop.
  • Look for "Java Platform, Standard Edition". You will see the current Java version and update number under listed under the heading. Example: The newest update is Java SE 8u25
  • Click the "Download button under "JRE".
  • On the Java SE Runtime Environment page, click the button to "Accept License Agreement".
  • Under the Java SE Runtime Environment 8u25 heading:
    To install the version for your system:
    • For Windows 64bit systems, look for Windows x64 - 88.37MB, click the jre-8u25-windows-64.exe file and save it to your desktop. Do Not run it from the Java site.
  • Close any programs you may have running - especially your web browser.
  B.
  Uninstall all versions of Java
  • Click Start > Control Panel > Add/Remove Programs. The list of installed programs will populate.
  • Click the Start Orb, then Control Panel. Under the Programs or Programs and Features section click Uninstall a program. The list of installed programs will populate.
  • Remove all older versions of Java. These may call themselves: Java Runtime, Runtime Environment, Runtime, JRE, Java Virtual Machine, Virtual Machine, Java VM, JVM, VM, J2RE or J2SE
    The versions I see on the computer are:
    • Java 7 Update
    • Java 8 (64-bit)
    • Java SE Development Kit 8
  • Right click each program and click Uninstall and follow the on screen instructions for the Java uninstaller.
  • Repeat as many times as necessary to remove each Java version.
  • Reboot your computer once all Java components are removed.
  C.
  Install the latest JAVA
  
  Back on your desktop:
  • Right click the jre-8u25-windows-x64.exe file, click Run as Administrator and OK the UAC prompt to install the newest version.
  • When the Java Setup - Welcome window opens, click the Install > button.
  • If offered to install a Toolbar, just uncheck the box before continuing unless you want it.
  [Note:] The Java Quick Starter (JQS.exe) adds a service to improve the initial start up time of Java applets and applications. To disable the JQS service if you don't want to use it, go to Start > Control Panel > You will have to be in Classic View to see Java(It looks like a coffee cup). Double-click on Java click the Advanced Tab click Miscellaneous and uncheck the box for Java Quick Starter. Click OK and reboot your computer.
  
  
  Update Adobe Flash Player
  
  NOTE: Depending on your settings, you may have to temporarily disable your antivirus software and firewall.
  • Please click here to go to the FlashPlayer Installation page.
  • In the first column, Adobe Flash Player, make sure the system version (64bit) and the browser are correct.
    • Note: If you use IE and other browsers you will need to install both Flash Player for IE and Flash Player for Other Browsers.
  • In the middle column, Optional offer:, UNCHECK the box next to Yes, install free McAfee Security Scan Plus
  • Click the Install now button. A download window for the install_flashplayer15x64_mssd_aaa_aih.exe file will open. Save it to the desktop.
  • Close the browser and all open windows.
  • Back on the desktop, right click the install_flashplayer15x64_mssd_aaa_aih.exe file and click Run as Administrator to install Flash Player.
  Update Other Programs
  
  Alongside keeping Windows updated, other programs installed on your computer should also be kept current as they too can introduce security risks.
  
  Filehippo Update Checker will scan your computer for out of date programs and provide download links for the updates. This is worth doing on a regular basis.
  
  Cryptolocker Warning
  Go here for information about CryptoLocker Ransomeware.
  The main thing with this infection is ~ Backup.
  If you're using an external hard drive, keep it unplugged from the computer when you're not backing up files or using it. This will prevent the infection from getting to your backed up files if you ever do come across it.
  
  Recommended Programs
  Unchecky is a small service that runs in the background to help keep those "extra toolbars" and tag along search engines from automatically installing. By automatically directing you to a custom install with all the options unchecked, only what you manually choose and confirm gets installed.
  CryptoPrevent is a free program that prevents CryptoLocker / ransomware from infecting your PC by locking down the OS so the malware can not get a grip on your system.
  Web Of Trust is a browser add-on designed to alert the user before interacting with a potentially malicious website. It will highlight green if a site is known to be safe.
  
  Adblock is a firefox browser add-on that blocks annoying banners, pop-ups and video ads.
  
  General Advice
  • When browsing the internet, look closely at the links you click on. Some aren't always what they seem
  • Avoid Peer to Peer file sharing utilities, these are a minefield of malware infections.
  • Don't open email attachments unless you are expecting them. Even an email from your best friend can be infected, they might not have sent it.
  • Pay attention when installing a program to your computer, particularly to any check boxes that may appear during installation, it is common for unwanted software to be installed in this way.

[debodun]

How safe is Delfix to run? Couldn't I just right click on the removal tools desktop icons and delete them? Also, I don't see ESET anywhere on my system.

[ruggie_uk]

Delfix is very safe, every helper uses it to remove the programs we use as it is specifically designed for this purpose.

Don't worry of something isn't present, we used canned speeches to save us typing instructions again and again so not everything is relevant to every person.

The programs used leave folders and log files in various places and delfix knows where they all are and removes them along with the downloaded files on your desktop. 

[debodun]

# DelFix v10.8 - Logfile created 08/11/2014 at 13:53:23
# Updated 29/07/2014 by Xplode
# Username : Owner - OWNER-PC
# Operating System : Windows 7 Ultimate Service Pack 1 (64 bits)

~ Removing disinfection tools ...

Deleted : C:\_OTL
Deleted : C:\FRST
Deleted : C:\AdwCleaner
Deleted : C:\Users\Owner\Desktop\AdwCleaner.exe
Deleted : C:\Users\Owner\Desktop\FRST64.exe
Deleted : C:\Users\Owner\Desktop\JRT.exe
Deleted : C:\Users\Owner\Desktop\OTL.exe
Deleted : C:\Users\Owner\Desktop\SecurityCheck.exe
Deleted : HKLM\SOFTWARE\OldTimer Tools
Deleted : HKLM\SOFTWARE\AdwCleaner
Deleted : HKLM\SOFTWARE\TrendMicro\Hijackthis

########## - EOF - ##########
 

[ruggie_uk]

Thanks for that. As you have opted not to use all the features of delfix it is recommended that you perform the following:

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 and click on 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:-
 

• Click on Start(Windows 7 Orb) >> All Programs >> Accessories >> System Tools >> right-click on Disk Cleanup and select Run as Administrator.
• 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.

[debodun]

Thank you for being so patient with me and helping clean my system. Things are much better now, although Firefox still freezes briefly now and then. I restored user account control through the action center (see attached screenshot). Right now I will wait and see how thing go before making more changes. Thanks a google, again.

Attached Thumbnails

• 

Edited by debodun, 10 November 2014 - 11:47 AM.

[ruggie_uk]

Thanks for the update and it is no problem

[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.