[John Aukerman]

It continues to search for updates on this computer......

 

Strange thing is, I was able to install update https://www.microsof...s.aspx?id=49557 back in posts #61 and #62. I wonder why it's not working this time? I downloaded the update with Internet Explorer. 

[Advertisements]

Hi,

 

Now that the updates are installed I would like to run a final scan before I post my final recommendations.

 

 

• Please download Security Check by glax24 and save the file to the Desktop
• Run the tool by accepting all the Security prompts
• when complete the tool will produce a log file C:\SecurityCheck\SecurityCheck.txt and also copy the contents to the Clipboard
• Simply Paste the log to your reply

 

 

[SleepyDude]

Hi,

 

Now that the updates are installed I would like to run a final scan before I post my final recommendations.

 

 

• Please download Security Check by glax24 and save the file to the Desktop
• Run the tool by accepting all the Security prompts
• when complete the tool will produce a log file C:\SecurityCheck\SecurityCheck.txt and also copy the contents to the Clipboard
• Simply Paste the log to your reply

 

 

[John Aukerman]

SecurityCheck by glax24 & Severnyj v.1.4.0.37 [05.03.16]
WebSite: www.safezone.cc
DateLog: 20.04.2016 16:48:04
Path starting: C:\Users\Acer Owner\AppData\Local\Temp\SecurityCheck\SecurityCheck.exe
Log directory: C:\SecurityCheck\
IsAdmin: True
User: Acer Owner
VersionXML: 2.76is-20.04.2016
___________________________________________________________________________

Windows 7(6.1.7601) Service Pack 1 (x64) HomePremium Lang: English(0409)
Installation date OS: 25.03.2015 18:56:13
LicenseStatus: Windows® 7, HomePremium edition The machine is permanently activated.
Boot Mode: Normal
Default Browser: C:\Program Files (x86)\Mozilla Firefox\firefox.exe
SystemDrive: C: FS: [NTFS] Capacity: [136.9 Gb] Used: [58.4 Gb] Free: [78.5 Gb]
------------------------------- [ Windows ] -------------------------------
Internet Explorer 10.0.9200.17609 Warning! Download Update
Online installation. Last version available when Windows update is enabled throught the Internet.
User Account Control enabled
Automatic Updates disabled
Date install updates: 2016-04-16 00:57:07
Windows Update (wuauserv) - The service is running
Security Center (wscsvc) - The service is running
Remote Registry (RemoteRegistry) - The service has stopped
SSDP Discovery (SSDPSRV) - The service is running
Remote Desktop Services (TermService) - The service has stopped
Windows Remote Management (WS-Management) (WinRM) - The service has stopped
--------------------------- [ FirewallWindows ] ---------------------------
Windows Firewall (MpsSvc) - The service is running
--------------------------- [ AntiSpyware_WMI ] ---------------------------
Windows Defender (enabled and up to date)
---------------------- [ AntiVirusFirewallInstall ] -----------------------
ESET Online Scanner v3
--------------------------- [ OtherUtilities ] ----------------------------
Microsoft Silverlight v.5.1.41212.0
Picasa 3 v.3.9.140.248 Warning! This software is no longer supported.
TeamViewer 11 v.11.0.56083
--------------------------------- [ IM ] ----------------------------------
Skype™ 7.12 v.7.12.101 Warning! Download Update
^Optional update.^
-------------------------------- [ Java ] ---------------------------------
Java 8 Update 77 (64-bit) v.8.0.770.3 Warning! Download Update
Uninstall old version and install new one.
Java 8 Update 77 v.8.0.770.3 Warning! Download Update
Uninstall old version and install new one.
--------------------------- [ AdobeProduction ] ---------------------------
Adobe Flash Player 21 NPAPI v.21.0.0.213
Adobe Shockwave Player 12.2 v.12.2.0.162 Warning! Download Update
Adobe Acrobat Reader DC v.15.010.20060
------------------------------- [ Browser ] -------------------------------
Mozilla Firefox 45.0.2 (x86 en-US) v.45.0.2
Google Chrome v.66.101.32869 [+]
----------------------------- [ EmailClient ] -----------------------------
Windows Live Mail v.15.4.3502.0922
--------------------------- [ RunningProcess ] ----------------------------
C:\Program Files (x86)\Mozilla Firefox\firefox.exe v.45.0.2.5941
----------------------------- [ End of Log ] ------------------------------
 

[SleepyDude]

Hi,

 

Sorry for the delay.

 

If there isn't a particular reason to have Internet Explorer 10 update to Internet Explorer 11 because more and more sites will not work on older versions of IE and also because it makes Windows more secure even if you don't use IE.

Please download IE 11 from here

 

Change the Windows Update configuration to Install Updates Automatically please.

 

Update Java for the latest version using the Offline Installers install both the 32-bits and 64-bits versions. The off-line installers don't include the 3rd party offers like the Ask Toolbar that isn't needed.

 

Uninstall Adobe Shockwave Player 12.2 v.12.2.0.162 it's outdated and can easily be installed if you ever need it.

 

Update Skype by installing the latest version available here.

 

Let me know if you have any trouble doing this.

[John Aukerman]

No problems, but I'm not sure that the 64 bit Java ever installed. I downloaded and started the install program. But nothing happened. So I started it again and got a message that it can't start this install because another one is running. But I never saw anything that said the 64 bit Java was ever installed.

[SleepyDude]

Hi,
 

According to the log the x64 version of Java is also installed.

 

 

Java 8 Update 77 (64-bit) v.8.0.770.3
Java 8 Update 77 v.8.0.770.3

 

Do you know why you need java?

[John Aukerman]

Thanks.

 

No, I don't know why I need it.

[SleepyDude]

In that case I suggest you remove both java versions installed because in light of the recent events surrounding Java that is constantly target by malware, users must seriously consider their use of Java.

[John Aukerman]

Java removed.

[SleepyDude]

All good. Time to Cleanup...
 
» Remove other disinfection tools

• Download DelFix and save it to your Desktop, execute the tool. (If running on Windows Vista or above accept all the security prompts).
  
• place a checkmark next to:
  • Remove disinfection tools
  • Create registry backup
  • Purge system restore
  • Reset System Settings
• Click the Run button

When the tool is finished, a log will open in notepad. Please copy and paste the log in your next reply.

» Others

• Delete any .exe, .log, .txt, file created on the Desktop during the cleaning process.

How to prevent new infections
To protect your computer from being infected again its very important to keep Windows Updated and all the programs related with the internet, Web Browser, Flash Player, Adobe Reader and Java only to mention the most targeted by today security exploits.

• Follow the instructions below to keep these critical programs updated:
  • Windows and Internet Explorer
    To keep Windows and Internet Explorer updated make sure you have Windows Update enabled on the Control Panel applet, follow the instructions for Windows 7 on this MS article How to configure and use Automatic Updates in Windows or use the FixIt tool provided.
  • Antivirus and Antimalware programs
    Make sure you have a Antivirus program always updated and running.
    Sometimes Antivirus can miss some malware, when that happens its good to have Malwarebytes free installed, Update and run weekly to keep your system clean. Malwarebytes is also good to revert some system changes made by the malware.
  • Enable the Windows Firewall
    No system can be considered safe if not protected by a Firewall. If you are connected to the Internet by a Router you should check its configuration and make sure the firewall is active.
    If you connect by modem or to a open Local Network you should enable the Windows 7 built-in firewall.
  • Adobe Flash Player
    To update Adobe Flash Player accept any prompt to update or manually initiate the update by opening Start Menu > Settings > Control Panel open the applet called Flash Player, on the Advanced tab click the Check Now button. Accept any prompt to install an updated version.
  • Adobe Reader
    Adobe Reader, can be updated if you Open Adobe Reader from the Start Menu, when the program full load click on the Help menu next click the Check for updates now option. Follow the prompts to install any new update.
  • Java Runtime
    When java is installed its extremely important to update immediately when you get a notification pop-up from the Java Updater. Or update manually by opening the Start Menu > Settings > Control Panel, open the applet called Java on the Update tab click the Update Now button. The program will prompt you to install any new updated version available.
    Every time you update Java make sure you uncheck the box asking to Install the Ask Toolbar and make Ask my default search provider
    
    For safety you can have Java installed but disabled in your browsers and only enable it when you need it. You can Enable/Disable Java by executing the following steps:
    Click  Start > Control Panel > Java/Java (32-bit), click the Security tab and uncheck the box Enable Java content in the browser and click OK
    
• Keep Installed Programs Up to Date
  It's important to keep all other programs on your computer updated because they can also have security vulnerability explored by the malware to infect you. Therefore, it is also a good idea to check for the latest versions of commonly installed applications to fix vulnerabilities, this can be done manually by using the Update feature included in most programs or you can use one of the following programs to help you with this task:
  • Secunia Personal Software Inspector (PSI)
  • FileHippo.com Update Checker
• Surf the Net with extra Security
  Every web browser is a target for malware, the bad guys are always trying to explorer security holes to infect the computers, and this is especially true for Internet Explorer because is one of the most used. Using alternatives like Mozilla Firefox or Google Chrome can help protecting your computer from infections.
  And for Firefox and Chrome you can get an extra layer of protection by installing two add-ons uBlock and Web Of Trust (WOT). WOT can also protect Internet Explorer.

Security Alert

Eventually you may not know but there are several new threats that's currently doing the rounds, they are particularly nasty piece of work as it scans your files for certain file types (*.doc, *.pdf, *.xls, *.jpg, *.odt, and many more) and encrypts them, rendering the files worthless unless you have a decryption key that is generated by the malware specifically for your computer and sent to the malware creators. This kind of malware is called RansomWare because they hold the key and ask for a ransom (from $300 USD to more) to unlock your files, also there is no warranty that you will actually recover your files!

There is no way to guarantee that you are 100% secure against this type of threats because the malware is constantly evolving. Presently there is a tiny utility that you can install for free to minimize the risk called CryptoPrevent, it will set some windows policy restrictions to block the execution of the malware.


The tool can be downloaded here.

::: Some final recommendations :::

• *Always* Keep a backup of your important files;
• When installing\updating any program, make sure you always select Custom Installation, this way you can Uncheck any possible drive-by-install (foistware), like toolbars etc., which may try to install along with the legitimate program. Do NOT click Next button without looking at any given page;
• Always try to download programs from the authors home pages. Today many big download sites are forcing users to install download helper tools that includes Adware, Spyware and extra crap you don't need to install. There is a new free program available called Unchecky, when installed it will try to automatically uncheck the checkboxs for you and alert when you are about to install extra crap;
• Finally, please read:
  • How did I Get Infected in the First Place?
  • Pitfalls of free downloads...
  • Simple and easy ways to keep your computer safe and secure on the Internet
• 
  

Best Regards and have a Safe surfing!

[John Aukerman]

# DelFix v1.013 - Logfile created 22/04/2016 at 11:41:34
# Updated 17/04/2016 by Xplode
# Username : Acer Owner - ASPIRE-5517
# Operating System : Windows 7 Home Premium Service Pack 1 (64 bits)

~ Removing disinfection tools ...

Deleted : C:\FRST
Deleted : C:\AdwCleaner
Deleted : C:\SecurityCheck
Deleted : C:\Users\Acer Owner\Desktop\mbar
Deleted : C:\Users\Acer Owner\Desktop\adwcleaner_5.109.exe
Deleted : C:\Users\Acer Owner\Desktop\esetsmartinstaller_enu.exe
Deleted : C:\Users\Acer Owner\Desktop\FRST64.exe
Deleted : C:\Users\Acer Owner\Desktop\FSS.exe
Deleted : C:\Users\Acer Owner\Desktop\MiniToolBox.exe
Deleted : C:\Users\Acer Owner\Desktop\SecurityCheck.exe

~ Creating registry backup ... OK

~ Cleaning system restore ...

Deleted : RP #66 [Removed Browser Guard v3.0 | 04/17/2016 20:58:18]
Deleted : RP #67 [Windows Modules Installer | 04/17/2016 22:43:44]
Deleted : RP #68 [Removed eBay Worldwide | 04/17/2016 23:15:52]
Deleted : RP #69 [Removed Quicken 2014. | 04/17/2016 23:17:42]
Deleted : RP #70 [Removed QuickTime 7 | 04/17/2016 23:18:55]
Deleted : RP #71 [Windows Modules Installer | 04/18/2016 19:40:06]
Deleted : RP #72 [Windows Update | 04/20/2016 01:39:38]
Deleted : RP #73 [Windows Modules Installer | 04/20/2016 15:32:59]
Deleted : RP #74 [Windows Modules Installer | 04/20/2016 15:34:46]
Deleted : RP #75 [Windows Modules Installer | 04/21/2016 18:44:07]
Deleted : RP #76 [Windows Modules Installer | 04/21/2016 18:46:01]
Deleted : RP #77 [Removed Java 8 Update 91 | 04/22/2016 10:55:29]

New restore point created !

~ Resetting system settings ... OK

########## - EOF - ##########
 

[SleepyDude]

Hi,

 

Just noticed that I forgot to enforce that you really should install an Antivirus program.

 

Avast or Sophos Home are both free and provide good protection.

[John Aukerman]

What about MS Security Essentials?

[John Aukerman]

Windows update found 7 and tried to install them. Failed. Error code 80243004.

[SleepyDude]

What about MS Security Essentials?

 

In my opinion It's a minimal protection and should be used only by someone that is very aware about security.

Edit: I don't know your user profile...

 

Windows update found 7 and tried to install them. Failed. Error code 80243004.

 

Strange error. Microsoft have one article with a fix here let me know the result.