BleepingComputer.com: Windows Recovery Virus - Broni referred me here

Hi!

You're going to want to check for Windows Updates and make sure that you don't have any new updates that require installing. Your log seems to indicate that you may be behind with your Windows Updates.

What questions do you have for me?

In order to update I click the little yellow shield in right hand corner? It said I had '1' windows update so I am installing that now. Just had a panel pop up saying "Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0 Service Pack 1 Security Update for Windows 2000, Windows Server 2003, and Windows XP (KB953300)"

My machine is still slow, is there anything we can do about that.

Here are my questions:

How often should I check for updates

Firefox vs Explorer? I've always used Firefox but the company I work for (verizon) are now saying they won't support it because it isn't as safe as Explorer. Your opinion on which I should use.

What is the best way to maintain my machine: i.e. should I 'clean' it each week and what program should I use for that, can you recommend a good defragger also.

Do you have any advice for me as the user and abuser?

Thank you.

Oh, and am i clean?

^^^^^^ oops - the update panel said unable to install the following .... microsoft.net etc etc

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Did it give you an error message?

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You may want to see this link: http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/topic87058.html

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I don't use either of those. I use Google Chrome, and I usually recommend that in my All Clean Speech.

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This will be covered in my all clean speech.

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This will be covered in the All Clean Speech/

This post has been edited by SweetTech: 27 June 2011 - 09:37 AM

I couldn't remember what the message was so I tried again and this time it went ahead no problem so I believer I am all up to date.

Thanks for the link on 'slow computers' thats a lot of reading LOL Also, where can I find your All Clean speech?

Another question: with regards to the exteral hard-drive, if I right-click on my folder and delete, will it actually delete and is the drive clean now?

Lastly, am I clean *fingers crossed*

You use Google Chrome? Interesting - I have always steered clear of Google, I am paranoid of them and think they are spying on everyone

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Will be provided further down in this post.

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Yes, it should delete the folder, and from what I can tell the drive is clean.





Time for some housekeeping
The following will implement some cleanup procedures as well as reset System Restore points:

Click Start > Run and copy/paste the following bolded text into the Run box and click OK: ComboFix /Uninstall



NEXT:



OTL Fix

We need to run an OTL Fix

• Please reopen on your desktop.
  
• Copy and Paste the following code into the textbox.
  

  :Commands
  [ClearAllRestorePoints]
  

  
  
• Push
  
• OTL may ask to reboot the machine. Please do so if asked.
  
• Click the OK button.
  
• A report will open. Copy and Paste that report in your next reply.

NEXT:



OTL Clean-Up

We Need to Clean Up our Mess
Our work on your machine has left considerable leftovers on your box. Let's clean those up real quick:

• Reopen on your desktop.
  
• Click on
  
• You will be prompted to reboot your system. Please do so.

If you still have any tools or logs leftover on your computer you can go ahead and delete those off of your computer now.


NEXT:



All Clean Speech




Below I have included a number of recommendations for how to protect your computer against malware infections.


Updated Anti-Virus Program
It's essential that you have an updated anti-virus program running on your computer. You don't want to run more than one as it can cause program conflicts, as well as false positives

You can view an excellent list of Free Security Software programs that has been compiled by GeekstoGo.


Avoid P2P Programs

Remember that no matter how clean the program you're using for peer-to-peer filesharing may be, it offers no guarantees regarding the cleanliness of files you may choose to download. All files available via p2p filesharing carry a high risk, particularly those that offer you illegitimate methods of using legitimate software programs without paying for them. Some further readings on this subject, along the included links, are as follows: File-Sharing, otherwise known as Peer To Peer and Risks of File-Sharing Technology.

If you have any of these programs installed then I highly suggest you uninstall them.

NOTE: Take care when answering any questions posed by an uninstaller. Some questions may be worded to deceive you into keeping the program.


Internet Browsers

Many of the users that I assist here on the forums, ask me which programs they can use to prevent themselves from getting infected again in the future. The best answer I can give you is too practice safe browsing.

Please consider using an alternative browser such as Google Chrome or Opera. They are both much more secure than Internet Explorer, immune to almost all known browser hijackers, and also have great built-in pop-up blockers.

I also suggest you make your Internet Explore more secure.



Extra Goodies

• It is good security practice to change your passwords to all your online accounts on a fairly regular basis, this is especially true after an infection. Refer to this Microsoft article
  Strong passwords: How to create and use them then consider a password keeper, to keep all your passwords safe.
  
  
• Keep Windows updated by regularly checking their website at: http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com/
  This will ensure your computer has always the latest security updates available installed on your computer.
  
  
• You should run an updated scan with MalwareBytes' Anti-Malware weekly. Instructions are included below:
  
  
  • Open Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware
    
  • Select the Update tab
    
  • Click Check for Updates
  
  
  
• Be weary of e-mails from unknown senders. Keep the following in mind as well: If it's to good to be true, then it more than likely is.
  
  
  
• FileHippo Update Checker is an extremely helpful program that will tell you which of your programs need to be updated. Its important to keep programs up to date so that malware doesn't exploit any old security flaws.
  
  
• WOT, Web of Trust, warns you about risky websites that try to scam visitors, deliver malware or send spam. Protect your computer against online threats by using WOT as your front-line layer of protection when browsing or searching in unfamiliar territory. WOT's color-coded icons show you ratings for 21 million websites, helping you avoid the dangerous sites:
  • Green to go
    
  • Yellow for caution
    
  • Red to stop
  WOT has an addon available for Chrome and Opera.
  
  
• Keep a backup of your important files - Now, more than ever, it's especially important to protect your digital files and memories. This article is full of good information on alternatives for home backup solutions.
  
  
• In light of your recent issue, I'm sure you'd like to avoid any future infections. Please take a look at these well written articles:
  
  Think Prevention.
  PC Safety and Security--What Do I Need?.

**Be very wary with any security software that is advertised in popups or in other ways. They are not only usually of no use, but often have malware in them.

Thank you for your patience, and performing all of the procedures requested.

Please respond one last time so we can consider the thread resolved and close it, thank-you.

Cheers,
SweetTech.

1st OTL report

========== COMMANDS ==========
Restore points cleared and new OTL Restore Point set!

OTL by OldTimer - Version 3.2.24.1 log created on 06272011_114827

You should be all set now.

So we're good to go then?

I must thank you SweetTech and the bleepingcomputers.com team. I have had issues in the past and used various forums for help and they have all been - run this, run that, you're good to go in a matter of less than 5 posts.

You have practically 'sat' with me for what, 4 days now? Giving me very detailed instructions, the images are so helpful aswell and have made this process so easy. I have done this with confidence knowing that at the end, my machine will be clean.

During my 4 day vacation here I have been browsing the rest of the site and have found so much useful stuff, this is a site that will definitely stay in my bookmarks and commend you guys in the fight against keeping our computers safe.

I have listened to your advice for the future and will be maintaining my computer with confidence now.

I cannot thank you enough SweetTech for your UNPAID time, patience and devotion.

Yep, we are good to go.

You're more than welcome! I'm glad that we were able to work together to solve the issues you were experiencing with your computer.

Please take care!

Kindest Regards,
SweetTech.

____________________________________________________

Since it appears that the issues you were experiencing with your computer have been resolved, I am going to close this thread. If you should need the thread re-opened please send me a Private Message (PM) with a request to re-open the thread, as well as the link to the thread in question, and I'd be happy to re-open the thread.