You can uninstall or delete any tools we had you download and their logs.
If we ran Combofix:
To uninstall combofix, copy the next line:
"%userprofile%\Desktop\combofix.exe" /Uninstall
Start, Run, cmd, OK then right click, Paste, then hit Enter.
OTL has a cleanup tab so if you run it again and select cleanup it will remove itself and its backup files.
To hide hidden files again (If you do not run OTL cleanup):
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:
Then remove the old versions by going to Control Panel, Programs and Features and Uninstall all Java programs which are not Java Version 7 update 45 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 go in to Control panels, Java, Security and set the slider to the highest level.
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:
(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 Chrome then get the AdBlock Plus Add-on. Adblock Plus is now available for IE too:
adblockplus.org/?
If Firefox or Chrome is slow loading make sure it only has the current Java add-on. Then download and run Speedy Fox.
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.
Due to a recent rise in the number of Crytolocker infections I am now recommending you install:
CryptoPrevent
The free version does not update on its own so you should check for updated versions once in a while.
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.