[Render]

I recommend you to check your laptop the same way with AVP Tool.

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I'm trying that. I have installed multiple versions and I keep getting that Microsoft error - "kaspersky virus removal tool has encountered a problem and needs to close..."

[wayneman50]

I'm trying that. I have installed multiple versions and I keep getting that Microsoft error - "kaspersky virus removal tool has encountered a problem and needs to close..."

[Render]

OK. Then try with one of on-line AV scanners: Kaspersky Online Scanner or ESET Online Scanner.

[wayneman50]

Yes, I realized after my last post that that was the obvious answer. I'm giving Kaspersky a try right now.

[Render]

OK. Is it working as expected?

[wayneman50]

Another issue: I don't know how to disable the Symantec anti-virus software on there.

[Render]

For Norton 360:

• Right-click the Norton 360 icon in the system tray and select Open Tasks and Settings Window.
• On the right side, under Settings, click on Change advanced settings.
• Next, click on the Virus & Spyware Protection Settings.
• Uncheck Turn on Auto-Protect and select Apply.
• You will be asked to select a time for Norton to reactivate.
• Choose Until I turn it back on.
• You can re-enable after the malware has been removed from your machine.

If you have some other Symantec anti-virus please give me full name and version.

[wayneman50]

We have Symantec End Point Protection - version 11.0.6005.562.

[Render]

• In your system tray, right-click the Gold Shield icon in the taskbar notification area.
• Select Disable Symantec Endpoint Protection.

[wayneman50]

Hmmm. The only option that sounds like that is "Enable Symantec Endpoint Protection", and that's grayed out. I went poking around the "Change Settings" tab, and most of the stuff is grayed out. I'm probably locked out of most of these settings.

[Render]

Hi, wayneman50

Obviously you don't have administrators rights on that laptop. So I recommend you to use Symantec Endpoint Protection.

[wayneman50]

OK. I keep trying to do the full scan, and I keep getting the message "This action cannot be completed because the other program is busy. Choose 'Switch to' to activate the busy program and correct the problem"

I tried clicking Switch To and Retry, and the message just keeps appearing, and eventually goes away. But I can't get to the full scan.

[Render]

Hi, wayneman50

If this is your work computer you should ask for assistance your IT department at work. As you have no administrator privileges on that computer we are unable to run our tools.

[wayneman50]

OK.

I've seen general guidelines on the "Geeks" site for how to be safe on the web, what anti-virus software you recommend, etc. Not sure where exactly. Could you either post that to this topic or post the link to where that is?

Thanks.

[Render]

Hi, wayneman50

Here are my recommendations:

Updates for Windows - One of the essentials 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 your computer from becoming vulnerable. It is best if you have these set to download automatically.

How to turn on Automatic Updates for Windows:

• Windows XP
• Windows Vista
• Windows 7

Java and Adobe Reader updates

There are certain programs that are security vulnerabilities, it is recommended that you keep everything updated. Two of the main vulnerabilities are Java and Adobe Reader.

Java Updates - Java needs to be regularly updated to fix security vulnerabilities. You can download the latest version of the Java Runtime Environment (JRE) from here. Download, install and reboot your computer. You also need to uninstall older versions of Java:

• Click Start
• Select Control Panel
• Select Add or Remove Programs
• Remove all Java updates except the latest one you have just installed.

Note:
If the normal uninstallation process (as mentioned above) fails, then please try Microsoft Windows Installer Cleanup Utility. This tool will ensure that all irrelevant Java Runtime Environment Microsoft Installer (msi) registries are removed. Detailed information and download is available at: Description of the Windows Installer CleanUp Utility

Removal instructions:

• Download the Microsoft Installer Clean Up utility file and save it on your desktop
• Double click on executable file. The installation process will start. Follow the instructions accordingly
• Once installation process is over, go to Start -> All Programs -> Run Windows Install Clean Up utility
• This will launch the Windows Installer Clean Up utility dialog box
• Under the Installed products list, select Java 2 Runtime Environment v1.5.0_03
• Click Remove and Exit

Update Adobe Acrobat Reader to latest version. You can download it HERE.

Suggestion:

Foxit is a great free PDF alternative. It uses fewer system resources and is not vulnerable to the exploits affecting Adobe Reader. Providing full PDF functionality, Foxit is rapidly becoming the PDF reader of choice for many. Get it here.

Other Software Updates - Go HERE to scan your computer for any out of date software at least once per week. The vast majority of virus, worm and spyware infections could have been prevented, if the user had kept their software up-to-date. You should do everything you can to keep your software up-to-date. Doing so will help you prevent infections and the headaches that follow them.

Antivirus - It is very important that your computer has an antivirus software running. This alone can save you a lot of trouble with malware in the future. I recommend you to install one of the following free antivirus solutions:

• Avira AntiVir
• avast! Home Edition
• AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition 9.0
• Microsoft Security Essential

NOTE: Make sure you only use one, though!

Anti-Spyware - It is important to have a good anti-spyware program. I would advise getting a couple of them at least, and running each at least once a month.

• Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware - On-Demand anti-spyware scanner.
• SUPERAntiSpyware - On-Demand anti-spyware scanner.
• SpywareGuard - To catch and block spyware before it can execute. A tutorial can be found HERE.
• SpywareBlaster - To help prevent spyware from installing in the first place. A tutorial can be found HERE.

Personal Firewall - Firewall 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 some free firewalls to choose from, if you do not already have one.

• Comodo Firewall
• Agnitum Outpost Firewall Free
• Online Armor (Free edition)

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Note: You only need one firewall on your system!

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Web Browsers - Picking the right internet browser is very important. You need to find one that suits your needs but that is also safe. All browsers listed below are far more secure than Internet Explorer, immune to almost all known browser hijackers, and also have the best built-in pop up blockers.

• Mozilla Firefox
• Opera
• Chrome

Although, if you prefer staying with Internet Explorer I highly recommend you do this :

Make Internet Explorer more secure:

• Click Start > Run
• Type Inetcpl.cpl & click OK
• Click on the Security tab
• Click Reset all zones to default level
• Make sure the Internet Zone is selected & Click Custom level
• In the ActiveX section, set the options Download signed and unsigned ActiveX controls to Prompt, and Initialize and Script ActiveX controls not marked as safe to Disable.
• Next click OK, then Apply button and then OK to exit the Internet Properties page.

Now after all these steps, your PC will be more secure. However it is important to note that you can still get infected if you are not careful. One of the best security programs you can have is common sense. As malware gets more sophisticated, you need to be more wary. If you do get caught though and the above steps can't help fix it, we will be here to help you out.

Also read this article: How did I get infected in the first place?