[DanoNH]

Very good!  So that I understand what happened, I would greatly appreciate your answers to my questions below.

 

Any additional information, steps taken, etc. will be very helpful too.  Other helpers and people searching the Internet for a similar issue could benefit from your answers...

1. What allowed Internet Explorer to work for you?
2. Were you prompted to install any Windows Updates?
3. Did you end up running IE in "no Add-ons" mode?
4. Did any error messages or notices appear regarding IE when it started working?

Please do use the computer normally for a day or so to make sure everything works as expected.  Let me know if it is good or if you still have issues.

 

After I hear back from you that all is well, we do have one more step to complete. 

 

Thank you for sticking with me through this so far; it speaks very well of you determination and character! 

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I downloaded windows updates and then it worked right away when that was done. I did run it without addons. No messages or notices. It seems to work really well. I will use it all day tomorrow and see how it goes.

[ginnyjoe]

I downloaded windows updates and then it worked right away when that was done. I did run it without addons. No messages or notices. It seems to work really well. I will use it all day tomorrow and see how it goes.

[DanoNH]

 

I look forward to your feedback

[DanoNH]

And just to be sure, you did run IE normally too and had no issues, correct?

[ginnyjoe]

I ran IE normally. It worked fine I just find it much slower than google chrome. Other than that all seems to be working very well.

Edited by ginnyjoe, 31 March 2015 - 10:27 AM.

[ginnyjoe]

Just wondering if we are done. If so thank you for all your help, I could not have done this without you. This site is one of the best on the Internet. I know my sister is anxious to get her laptop back.

[DanoNH]

Thanks!

 

I totally understand, and I will have at least one more post for you, so please sit tight.   I hope to have something soon... I will let you know ASAP.

[DanoNH]

Hello ginnyjoe,
 
I'm glad things have worked out for you.  Resetting Internet Explorer may help with the slowness, and this step is entirely optional:
 
Reset Internet Explorer
NOTE: Your bookmarks/favorites should remain intact.  If you wish to back them up, information on Exporting/Importing your IE bookmarks can be found here.

• Open Internet Explorer
• Goto the Gear icon in the top right corner
• Select Internet Options
• Goto the Advanced tab
• Select the Reset button
• Enable "Delete personal Settings"
• Click the Reset button
• Close Internet Explorer
• Reboot
• The next time you open Internet Explorer, you will need to re-enable any add-ons you use, set your home page again, etc...

And now the best news of all:
 
Congratulations, your log is clean!

Now, let's cover some additional steps to clean up your computer and help you avoid getting infected again...

Step 1

Tools Cleanup and Housekeeping

The first thing we need to do is to remove all the tools that we have used. This is so that should you ever be re-infected, you will download updated versions. It will also remove the quarantined Malware from your computer.

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 check these options:
  • 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

And delete any logs, tools and Microsoft FixIt files that you have left over on your desktop.  For the FixIts they might be in your Downloads folder (or wherever else you may have saved them).

Now let's take a few preventative measures to reduce the risk of further infections.


Step 2

Automatic Updates for Windows Vista

Another essential is to keep your computer updated with the latest operating system patches and security fixes. Windows Updates are constantly being revised to combat the newest hacks and threats, Microsoft releases security updates that help keep your computer from becoming vulnerable. It is best if you have these set to download automatically:

Turn ON Automatic Updates in Windows Vista


Step 3

Keep Java Updated

WARNING: Java is the #1 exploited program at this time. The Department of Homeland Security recommends that computer users disable Java.
See this article

I would recommend that you completely uninstall Java unless you need it to run an important software.
In that instance I would recommend that you 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 and How to unplug Java from the browser).

If you do need to keep Java then download JavaRa.
Run the program and select Remove Java Runtime.  Uninstall all versions of Java present.
Once done then run it again and select Update Java runtime > Download and install Latest version.



Step 4

Web Browser security

Most malware is exploiting Internet Explorer's vulnerabilities, with Firefox you will be more secure.

• Get Mozilla Firefox, or
• Get the latest version of Internet Explorer

Note: If you are going to use Firefox, I would suggest the use of these add-ons:

• NoScript - for blocking ads and other potential website attacks.
• McAfee SiteAdvisor - this tells you whether the sites you are about to visit are safe or not. A must if you do a lot of Googling.

Step 5

Other Program updates

You should get the latest versions of Adobe software and keep them updated.  Best of all, they are FREE.
NOTE: Make sure to uncheck the check box labelled "Yes, install McAfee Security Scan Plus - optional", or any other optional "features".

• Get Adobe Reader
• Get Adobe Flash Player
• Get Adobe Shockwave Player

Step 6

Anti Virus Programs

On to personal Anti Virus programs. One AV is a must have, but never more than one, as this can and will cause conflicts, system slow-downs, and false readings.

If you wish to keep using your current program, always make sure it is up to date and enabled.

- OR -

These FREE ones are as good as any paid subscription AV, as long as you allow them to update themselves:

• Microsoft Security Essentials
• Avast! Home Edition - a very good free AntiVirus.
• AVG Free Anti-virus - yet another good free AntiVirus

Step 7

Anti Spyware

You already have an excellent preventative program that will help to keep the nasties away - Malwarebytes Anti-Malware.  I would advise running this at least once a month.  If you need to download it again, you can get it from here:

Malwarebytes Anti-Malware


Step 8

Personal Firewalls

Next let's look at Firewalls. These help to prevent unauthorized access both to and from the internet or your local network. A firewall is considered a first line of defense in protecting private information. Below are two free firewalls to choose from, if you do not already have one. Note: You only want to use one firewall your system.

You can use your built-in Windows Vista Firewall, OR use a third-party one, such as these:

• OnLine-Armour is a free fully functional firewall
• Agnitum - Outpost free is a free fully functional firewall

Step 9

Instant Messengers

Almost done! If you like to use chat, MSN and Yahoo have vulnerabilities that can leave you open to infections. There are however a couple of very good, malware-free Instant Messenger programs which allow you to connect to multiple IM services in one program! (AOL, Yahoo, ICQ, IRC, MSN):

• Trillian or,
• Miranda-IM

Step 10

File/System Cleaners

Finally, it is a good idea to clear out all your temp files every now and again. This will help keep your computer running optimally. It can detect registry errors, missing shortcuts, invalid files, etc. It also can assist in getting rid of files that may contain malicious code that could re-infect your computer.

• TFC by OldTimer is a free temporary file cleaner.

Step 11

CryptoLocker Warning
 
CryptoLocker is a particularly nasty infection which is becoming more prevalent...
 
Go here for information about CryptoLocker Ransomware. Learning about what is out there may help you prevent infection. The best protection against this infection is to backup your files often. If you're using an external 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 have the frustrating experience of contracting it.
 
It is suggested to Download CryptoPrevent, which is free for home use. It will help prevent CryptoLocker infection.



Further Reading

To find out more information about how you got infected in the first place and some great guidelines to follow to prevent future infections you can read this excellent article, originally written by Tony Klein, and updated by SpySentinel.

I will keep this log open for the next couple of days, so if you have any further problems, you can post another reply here.

OK, happy computing, and stay safe!


Please reply again to this thread to acknowledge you have read my last post.  If you have no further questions, this thread will be closed to prevent others from posting here.

Thanks!

[DanoNH]

I almost forgot, I was asked to pass along my instructor's apologies, and would also like to extend my own, for our combined delay in getting back to you.

 

I hope your sister is pleased to have her laptop operational and free of malware. 

[ginnyjoe]

I did all of the above. When I did one of the steps it restarted the computer and I lost the log that had come up. But everything is running fine and once again Thank You to you and your instructor. A job very well done.

[DanoNH]

No worries about the log... I'm glad we were able to help!

 

Thank you kindly, and Happy Computing! 

[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.