The only problem (TINY PROBLEM) compared to the one I've just encountered is that the folder says "Empty", when I tried deleting the NOW (Thank you so much ) empty folder it contains 2 hidden files; I can see these hidden files but message "on the way" to Recycle Bin saysthe file names are too long to enter the Recycle Bin; Never seen that message before????.... Not that bothered really, but if you know how to solve that too, that would be great
Select the folder/file you want to delete, hold down shift, press delete, click yes, this will bypass the recycle bin. If that doesn't work let me know
If I could ask another Question..... I know it doesn't relate to Malware, but after running a scan from superantispyware.com, and I only did that to try and rid myself of this infected folder...... My MS Access shortcuts on the desktop (years of work) were deleted, I asked WHY in their forum but they insisted they (the software) wouldn't have done that. All I want are the MS Access shortcuts back, they must be somewhere on the hard drive?
If superantispyware removed them they should be in its quarantine, and you should be able to restore them
Many many many thanks. You provide a wonderful, helpful and peace-of-mind service.
But thanks again, and If I can donate anything to this service I would gladly do that for all the expert, positive help you have provided me with.
Other guy's in the pcadvisor forum are watching this post with interest, a member their provided me with this site for help.
Regards.... Neil Wilkinson, Blackburn, Lancashire, UK.
Thanks, you can donate here:
http://www.malwareremoval.com/donations.html
Your Java is out of date. Older versions have vulnerabilities that malware can use to infect your system.
Please follow these steps to remove older version Java components and update.
Updating Java:
- Download the latest version of Java Runtime Environment (JRE) 6.
- Scroll down to where it says "The J2SE Runtime Environment (JRE) allows end-users to run Java applications".
- Click the "Download" button to the right.
- Check the box that says: "Accept License Agreement".
- The page will refresh.
- Click on the link to download Windows Offline Installation with or without Multi-language and save to your desktop.
- Close any programs you may have running - especially your web browser.
- Go to Start > Control Panel double-click on Add/Remove programs and remove all older versions of Java.
- Check any item with Java Runtime Environment (JRE or J2SE) in the name.
- Click the Remove or Change/Remove button.
- 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 the download to install the newest version.
You now appear to be clean. Congratulations!
Please take the time to tell us what you would like to be done about the people who are behind all the problems you have had. We can only get something done about this if the people that we help, like you, are prepared to complain. We have a dedicated forum for collecting these complaints Malware Complaints, you need to be registered to post as unfortunately we were hit with too many spam posting to allow guest posting to continue just find your country room and register your complaint.Below are some steps to follow in order to dramatically lower the chances of reinfection
You may have already implemented some of the steps below, however you should follow any steps that you have not already implemented
- Turn off System Restore.
On the Desktop, right-click My Computer.
Click Properties.
Click the System Restore tab.
Check Turn off System Restore.
Click Apply, and then click OK.
Reboot.
Turn ON System Restore.
On the Desktop, right-click My Computer.
Click Properties.
Click the System Restore tab.
UN-Check *Turn off System Restore*.
Click Apply, and then click OK.
NOTE: only do this ONCE,NOT on a regular basis - Keep your antivirus updated
- Use a firewall
While the firewall built into windows XP will protect you from incoming attacks, it will not monitor outgoing connections
It is therefore recommended that you install one of the following firewalls
Sunbelt kerio personal firewall
Zonealarm
- Keep windows up to date with the latest patches
IMPORTANT: You Need to Update Windows and Internet Explorer to protect your computer from the malware that is around on the Internet. Please go to the windows update site to get the critical updates.
If you are running Microsoft Office, or any portion thereof, go to the Microsoft's Office Update site and make sure you have at least all the critical updates installed (Free) Microsoft Office Update.
- Install spywareblaster
Spyware blaster is a program that stops known malicious activex controls from installing on your computer. It works by changing settings in your registry. It makes
kill bits
in the registry, so that certain activex controls can't install.
If you don't know what activex controls are, see here
You can download SpywareBlaster here here
Make sure to update it on a regular basis - Install IE-SPYAD
Dowload and instructions located here
Make sure to update it on a regular basis - Use a HOSTS file
- Every version of windows has a hosts file as part of them.
- In a very basic sense, they are used to locate webpages.
- We can customize a hosts file so that it blocks certain webpages.
- However, it can slow down certain computers.
- This is why using a hosts file is optional!!
Download it here. Make sure you read the instructions on how to install the hosts file. There is a good tutorial here
If you decide to download the hosts file, the slowdown problems can usually be avoided by following these steps:
- Click the start button (at the lower left hand corner of your screen)
- Click run
- In the dialog box, type services.msc
- hit enter, then locate dns client
- Highlight it, then double-click it.
- On the dropdown box, change the setting from automatic to manual.
- Click ok
Install and use Ad-aware & Spybot search & destroy
Instructions are located here
Make sure to update them on a regular basisMost exploits are aimed at internet explorer, so I recommend you switch to an altenative browser
Two good alternative browsers are
Firefox
Opera
It is essential to update to the latest version of your browser, as the updates fix known security holesEven if you do decide to switch to another browser, it is still a good idea to lock down Internet explorer
This can be done by following these simple instructions:
From within Internet Explorer click on the Tools menu and then click on Options.
Click once on the Security tab
Click once on the Internet icon so it becomes highlighted.
Click once on the Custom Level button.
Change the Download signed ActiveX controls to Prompt
Change the Download unsigned ActiveX controls to Disable
Change the Initialize and script ActiveX controls not marked as safe to Disable
Change the Installation of desktop items to Prompt
Change the Launching programs and files in an IFRAME to Prompt
Change the Navigate sub-frames across different domains to Prompt
Change the allow paste operations via script to Disable
When all these settings have been made, click on the OK button.
If it prompts you as to whether or not you want to save the settings, press the Yes button.
Next press the Apply button and then the OK to exit the Internet Properties page.Clean out you temp file on a regular basis
I use and recommend ATF Cleaner by Attribune
To use it, follow these instructions
- Double-click ATF-Cleaner.exe to run the program.
- Click Main at the top and choose Select All from the list.
- Click the Empty Selected button.
If you use Firefox browser:
- Click Firefox at the top and choose Select All from the list.
- Click the Empty Selected button.
- NOTE: If you would like to keep your saved passwords, please click No at the prompt.
If you use Opera browser:
- Click Opera at the top and choose Select All from the list.
- Click the Empty Selected button.
- NOTE: If you would like to keep your saved passwords, please click No at the prompt.
Click Exit on the Main menu to close the program.Finally I am trying to make one point very clear. It is absolutely essential to keep all of your security programs up to date