BleepingComputer.com: XP AntiSpyware 2012 & after removal get "c:\WINDOWS\system32\rundll32.exe Application not found"

• Microsoft: ‘Unprecedented Wave of Java Exploitation’
  
• Drive-by Trojan preying on out-of-date Java installations
  
• Ghosts of Java Haunt Users

• Download the latest version of Java Runtime Environment (JRE) Version 7 and save it to your desktop.
  
• Look for "Java Platform, Standard Edition".
  
• Click the "Download JRE" button to the right.
  
• Read the License Agreement, and then check the box that says: "Accept License Agreement".
  
• From the list, select your OS and Platform (32-bit or 64-bit).
  
• If a download for an Offline Installation is available, it is recommended to choose that and save the file to your desktop.
  
• Close any programs you may have running - especially your web browser.

• Check (highlight) any item with Java Runtime Environment (JRE or J2SE) in the name.
  
• Click the Remove or Change/Remove button and follow the onscreen instructions for the Java uninstaller.
  
• Repeat as many times as necessary to remove each Java versions.
  
• Reboot your computer once all Java components are removed.
  
• Then from your desktop double-click on jre-7u1-windows-i586-s.exe (or jre-7u1-windows-x64.exe for 64-bit) to install the newest version.
  
• If using Windows 7 or Vista and the installer refuses to launch due to insufficient user permissions, then Run As Administrator.
  
• When the Java Setup - Welcome window opens, click the Install > button.
  
• If offered to install a Toolbar, just uncheck the box before continuing unless you want it.
  
• The McAfee Security Scan Plus tool is installed by default unless you uncheck the McAfee installation box when updating Java.

• Go to Start > Control Panel > Java > Advanced > Miscellaneous and uncheck the box for Java Quick Starter.
  
• Click Ok and reboot your computer.

• Download the latest version of Adobe Reader Version X. and save it to your desktop.
  
• Uncheck the "Free McAfee Security plan Plus" option or any other Toolbar you are offered
  
• Click the download button at the bottom.
  
• If you use Internet Explorer and do not wish to install the ActiveX element, simply click on the click here to download link on the next page.
  
• Remove all older version of Adobe Reader: Go to Add/remove and uninstall all versions of Adobe Reader, Acrobat Reader and Adobe Acrobat.
  If you are unsure of how to use Add or Remove Programs, the please see this tutorial:How To Remove An Installed Program From Your Computer
  
• Then from your desktop double-click on Adobe Reader to install the newest version.
  If using Windows Vista and the installer refuses to launch due to insufficient user permissions, then Run As Administrator.
  
• When the "Adobe Setup - Welcome" window opens, click the Install > button.
  
• If offered to install a Toolbar, just uncheck the box before continuing unless you want it.
  
• Once the installation is finished, open Adobe Reader and accept the warranty if prompted.
  
• Click on Help and select Check for Updates.
  
• A window will open and Adobe will check for Updates. If any updates are found to be available click on Download.
  
• Once the update is downloaded you will get a system notification telling you so. Click on the popup to restore the window.
  
• In the window that opens click Install.
  
• Once the update is done click Close.

• Delete the tools used during the disinfection:
  
• Uninstall ComboFix.exe And all Backups of the files it deleted
  
  • Click START then RUN
    
  • Now type Combofix /Uninstall in the runbox and click OK. Note the space between the X and the U, it needs to be there.
    
  
  
  • Download OTC from the following mirror and save it to your desktop:
    • Mirror
    
    
  • Double click on
    
  • Push the large "Cleanup" button.
    
  • Allow your system to reboot.
  
  
• If OTC faild to remove all programs from your Desktop, please delete the rest manually.

• Install and update the following programs regularly:
  • an outbound firewall
    A comprehensive tutorial and a list of possible firewalls can be found here.
    
  • an AntiVirus Software
    It is imperative that you update your AntiVirus Software on regular basis.If you do not update your AntiVirus Software then it will not be able to catch the latest threats.
    
  • an Anti-Spyware program
    Malware Byte's Anti Malware is an excellent Anti-Spyware scanner. It's scan times are usually under ten minutes, and has excellent detection and removal rates.
    SUPERAntiSpyware is another good scanner with high detection and removal rates.
    Both programs are free for non commercial home use but provide a resident and do not nag if you purchase the paid versions.
    
  • Spyware Blaster
    A tutorial for Spywareblaster can be found here. If you wish, the commercial version provides automatic updating.
    
  • MVPs hosts file
    A tutorial for MVPs hosts file can be found here. If you would like automatic updates you might want to take a look at HostMan host file manager. For more information on thehosts file, and what it can do for you,please consult the Tutorial on the Hosts file
  
  
• Keep Windows (and your other Microsoft software) up to date!
  I cannot stress how important this is enough. Often holes are found in Internet Explorer or Windows itself that require patching. Sometimes these holeswill allow an attacker unrestricted access to your computer.
  Therefore, please, visit the Microsoft Update Website and follow the on screen instructions to setup Microsoft Update. Also follow the instructions to update your system. Please REBOOT and repeat this process until there are no more updates to install!!
  
• Keep your other software up to date as well
  Software does not need to be made by Microsoft to be insecure. You can use the Secunia Online Software occasionally to help you check for out of date software on yourmachine.
  
• Stay up to date!
  The MOST IMPORTANT part of any security setup is keeping the software up to date. Malware writers release new variantsevery single day. If your software updates don't keep up, then the malware will always be one step ahead. Not a good thing .

• Miekies' prevention suggestions
  
• So How did I get infected?
  
• Microsoft - 'Security at home'
  
• Calendar of Updates: See which updates have been released.
  
• How to backup your Data with Cobian Backup:because you never know, when your harddisk might fail
  
• Commonly UsedFreeware Replacements: a nice list of freeware programs in all categories, that are regarded as useful by the users of this forum.
  
• osalt: Find (free) open source alternatives to known commercial software.

This post has been edited by DecaAced: 09 January 2012 - 03:06 AM