I think we're about done. A few comments on Avast:
Some people object to the voice notification of updates. To turn it off, click on the Avast ball then on Settings. Then on Sounds and uncheck Automatic Updates OK. (It will still update it just won't tell you about in a loud voice in the middle of the night.)
They have also started using their info popup to try and get you to upgrade so I go into Settings, Popups and change the first two to 1 second.
The registration is good for 12-14 months then you will need to register again. They will, of course, try to talk you into buying the product but you can always register again for another year free tho it won't be the default choice.
To use their boot-time scan: Click on the Avast ball. Then click on Scan Computer, then on
Boot-Time Scan then on Settings. Change the Ask at the bottom to Move to Chest. OK then Schedule Now. Reboot and let it run a scan. It will take hours so I usually let it run overnight. (Make sure you mute the speakers so it won't wake you up when windows boots.)
Once it finishes it should load windows. Click on the Avast ball and then on Scan Logs, select the Boot-time scan report then View Results and it will tell you if it found anything. A text version of the report is at: C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\AVAST Software\Avast\report\aswboot.txt
We need to clean up System Restore.
Copy the following:
:Commands
[CLEARALLRESTOREPOINTS]
[Reboot]
Run OTL. In the Custom Scans/Fixes box at the bottom, paste in the copied text (Ctrl + v) and then hit Run Fix.
You can uninstall or delete any tools we had you download and their logs.
To uninstall combofix, copy the next line:
"\documents and settings\Charles Carey\Desktop\Removal tools\ComboFix.exe" /Uninstall
Start, Run, cmd, OK then right click, Paste, then hit Enter.
OTL has a cleanup tab but I'm not sure it's safe to use. Just delete OTL.exe and the folder C:\_OTL
To hide hidden files again:
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.xmlThen remove the old versions by going to Control Panel, Programs and Features and Uninstall all Java programs which are not Java Version 7 update 9 or better. These may call themselves: Java Runtime, Runtime Environment, Runtime, JRE, Java Virtual Machine, Virtual Machine, Java VM, JVM, VM, J2RE, J2SE.
Get the latest version from Java.com. They will usually attempt to foist some garbage like the Ask toolbar, Yahoo toolbar or McAfee Security Scan on you as part of the download. Just uncheck the garbage before the download (or install) starts. If you use a 64-bit browser and want the 64-bit version of Java you need to use it to visit java.com.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 install No-Script (Firefox) or Script-No add-ons (Chrome) and only use Firefox or Chrome to visit the site. You will need to tell No-Script/Script-No that the site is allowed to run Java.
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 Chome then get the AdBlock Plus Add-on. WOT (Web of Trust) is another you might want to try.
The equivalent to AdBlock Plus for IE is called Simple Adblock and you should install it too: Adhttp://simple-adblock.com/
If Firefox 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 Speedup my Firefox. 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.
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.
Make sure you have Windows update working and preferably on Automatic download and install.
Ron
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