I was trying to view bbc iplayer while abroad so i was changing the settings in Firefox to view iplayer via a proxy server. I noticed I could not access some sites. So i restored the settings in Firefox. The problem persisted. Suspecting a virus i tried to download Microsoft Security Essentials (MSE), alas i could not access any anti-virus (AV) site.
I googled this problem, and found the workaround solution of typing "net stop dnscache" in the command line, allowing me to avoid the poisoned DNS cache.
I changed my windows update settings to automatic download but ask me before installing. A task bar pop up showed i had an update available. Following the link to read more about the update the internet explorer page did not look right. i did not apply the update. the process responsible for the update notification was wuauclt.exe.
I then downloaded MSE, MalwareBytes Antimalware (MBAM) Trial version, and Trend Micro HijackThis (HJT). I ran full scans of MSE and MBAM. MSE found the conficker B virus. I removed it, MSE said it was successfully removed. MBAM found nothing.
I them ran HJT, and I have uploaded the log to this topic.
About 3 years ago when i had a different pc, I recall having to change the name of HJT so that potential viruses could not hide from it. Is this step required to check if my laptop is free from malware?
Many thanks in advance for your time and expertise.
Marc