hijacked hotmail account

[ibjb555]

Hi, I did as you suggested. The only real option that I had was "StartUp Repair" and it found nothing wrong. The Hotmail account seems to be working as it ought. One thing I have noticed, inadvertently, is that the search function on the start menu does not work. When attempting to use it, a message says that "Microsoft Search Indexer has quit working" and Windows Explorer restarts. I do not think that this is related to the email malware and only mention it to be thorough. I understand this is not the forum for such discussions and will look elsewhere. Thank you for the tip about the OS as well as for all your help in cleaning the malware from my system. I appreciate it Dakeyras.

[Dakeyras]

Hi.

Thanks for the update and you are most welcome also!

With regard to the other ongoing issues as I mentioned in a prior post I now think you would be best to seek assistance with the aforementioned in a specific IT Support Forum. Create a account at one of the following forums and post in the appropriate section.

By all means include a link back to this topic:-

Code: Select all

http://www.malwareremoval.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=52890

I am a member of both of the below myself and they have outstanding IT Tech Support Staff.

Specific Software/Hardware Support:

• PC Pitstop
• What the Tech

Next:

Congratulations your computer appears to be malware free!

Now I have some tasks for your good self to carry out as part of a clean up process and some advice about online safety.

Importance of Regular System Maintenance:

I advice you read both of the below listed topics as this will go a long way to keeping your Computer performing well.

Help! My computer is slow!

Also so is this:

What to do if your Computer is running slowly

Clean up with OTL:

• Right-click OTL and select Run as Administrator to start the program.
• Close all other programs apart from OTL as this step will require a reboot.
• On the OTL main screen, depress the CleanUp button.
• Say Yes to the prompt and then allow the program to reboot your computer.

The above process should clean up and remove the vast majority of scanners used and logs created etc.

Any left over merely delete yourself and empty the Recycle Bin.

Reset the System Restore points:

Create a new, clean System Restore point:-

• Right click on Computer and select Properties >> System protection >> Create.
• Give this restore point a descriptive name and click Create.
• When done, click Apply >> OK.

Note: Do not clear infected/old System Restore points before creating a new System Restore point first!

Flush Old System Restore points:-

• Right click on Computer and select Properties >> System protection.
• (untick) Vista C system box an click Turn off system restore then Apply >> OK.
• Restart your computer.
• Navigate back to System protection >> (tick) Vista C system box >> Apply >> OK

Now some advice for on-line safety:

Malwarebyte's Anti-Malware:

This is a excellent application and I advise you keep this installed. Check for updates and run a scan once a week.

Other installed security software:

Your presently installed security application, AVG Free 9.0 automatically checks for updates and downloads/installs them with every system reboot and or periodically if the machine is left running providing a internet connection is active.

I advise you also run a complete scan with this also once per week.

Erunt:

Emergency Recovery Utility NT, I advice you keep this installed as a means to keep a complete backup of your registry and restore it when needed.

Myself I would actually create a new back up once per week as this along with System Restore may prove to be invaluable if something unforeseen occurs!

Keep your system updated:

Microsoft releases patches for Windows and other products regularly:

• Click on Start(Vista Orb) >> All Programs >> Windows Update.
• In the navigation pane, click Check for updates.
• After Windows Update has finished checking for updates, click View available updates.
• Click to select the check box for any found, then click Install.
• When completed Reboot(restart) your computer if not prompted to do so.

Be careful when opening attachments and downloading files:

Never open email attachments, not even if they are from someone you know. If you need to open them, scan them with your antivirus program before opening.
Never open emails from unknown senders.
Beware of emails that warn about viruses that are spreading, especially those from antivirus vendors. These email addresses can be easily spoofed. Check the antivirus vendor websites to be sure.
Be careful of what you download. Only download files from known sources. Also, avoid cracked programs. If you need a particular program that costs too much for you, try finding free alternatives on Sourceforge or Pricelessware.

Stop malicious scripts:

Windows by default allow scripts (which is VBScript and JavaScript) to run and some of these scripts are malicious. Use Noscript by Symantec or Script Defender by AnalogX to handle these scripts.

Avoid Peer to Peer software:

P2P may be a great way to get lots of seemingly freeware, but it is a great way to get infected as well. There's no way to tell if the file being shared is infected. Worse still, some worms spread via P2P networks, infecting you as well. My advise is avoid these types of software applications.

Hosts File:

A Hosts file is like a phone book. You look up someone's name in the phone book before calling him/her. Similarly, your computer will look up the website's IP address before you can view the website.

Hosts file will replace your current Hosts file with another one containing well-known advertisement sites, spyware sites and other bad sites. This new Hosts file will protect you by re-directing these bad sites to 127.0.0.1.

Here are some Hosts files:

• MVPS Hosts File
• hpHosts

Only use one of the above.

Install WinPatrol:

WinPatrol alerts you about possible system hijacks, malware attacks and critical changes made to your computer without your permission.

Download it from here.

You can find information about how WinPatrol works here.

Next:

Any questions? Feel free to ask, if not stay safe!

[Dakeyras]

As it appears this issue has been resolved, this topic is now closed.

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