Google/Bing redirect error - please help

[jkwings]

You are a life-saver! Everything is working well. I updated the suggested applications. What else should I do to make our computer more secure in the future. Are there any registry booster type applications that you recommend?

[deltalima]

Hi jkwings,

Are there any registry booster type applications that you recommend?

NO!

I don't recommend the use of ANY registry cleaners. Here is an excerpt from a discussion on regcleaners

Most reg cleaners aren't bad as such, but they aren't perfect and even the best have been known to cause problems. The point we are trying to make is that the risk of using one far outweighs any benefit. If it does work perfectly you will not see any difference. If it doesn't work properly you may end up with an expensive doorstop.

This post by Bill Castner is veryinformative: WhatTheTech Forum

Now that you are clean, please follow these simple steps in order to keep your computer clean and secure

Remove GMER

Delete the GMER icon from your desktop.

Clean up with OTL

• Double-click OTL.exe to start the program. This will remove all the tools we used to clean your pc.
• Close all other programs apart from OTL as this step will require a reboot
• On the OTL main screen, press the CleanUp! button
• Say Yes to the prompt and then allow the program to reboot your computer.

Create a new, clean System Restore point which you can use in case of future system problems:

• Press Start >> All Programs >> Accessories >>System Tools >> System Restore
• Select Create a restore point, then Next, type a name like All Clean then press the Create button and once it's done press Close
• Now remove old, infected System Restore points:
• Next click Start >> Run and type cleanmgr in the box and press OK
• Ensure the boxes for Recycle Bin, Temporary Files and Temporary Internet Files are checked, you can choose to check other boxes if you wish but they are not required.
• Select the More Options tab, under System Restore press Clean up... and say Yes to the prompt
• Press OK and Yes to confirm

Update your AntiVirus Software and keep your other programs up-to-date
Update your Antivirus programs and other security products regularly to avoid new threats that could infect your system.
You can use one of these sites to check if any updates are needed for your pc.
Secunia Software Inspector
F-secure Health Check

Security Updates for Windows, Internet Explorer & Microsoft Office
Whenever a security problem in its software is found, Microsoft will usually create a patch so that after the patch is installed, attackers can't use the vulnerability to install malicious software on your PC. Keeping up with these patches will help to prevent malicious software being installed on your PC. Ensure you are registered for Windows updates via Start > right-click on My Computer > Properties > Automatic Updates tab or visit the Microsoft Update site on a regular basis.


Install SpywareBlaster - SpywareBlaster will added a large list of programs and sites into your Internet Explorer settings that will protect you from running and downloading known malicious programs.

A tutorial on installing & using this product can be found here:

Using SpywareBlaster to protect your computer from Spyware and Malware


Update all these programs regularly - Make sure you update all the programs I have listed regularly. Without regular updates you WILL NOT be protected when new malicious programs are released.[/list]Follow this list and your potential for being infected again will reduce dramatically.

Here are some additional utilities that will enhance your safety

• MVPS Hosts file <= The MVPS Hosts file replaces your current HOSTS file with one containing well know ad sites etc. Basically, this prevents your computer from connecting to those sites by redirecting them to 127.0.0.1 which is your local computer
• Winpatrol <= Download and install the free version of Winpatrol. a tutorial for this product is located here:
  Using Winpatrol to protect your computer from malicious software

Also, please read this great article by Tony Klein So How Did I Get Infected In First Place

Happy surfing and stay clean!

[Dakeyras]

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

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