CPU usage problem

Hi RS8,

We have done a thorough check on your computer and have concluded that there is no reason to believe that the high CPU usage that you are experiencing is caused by a malware infection.

I suggest that you ask the guy who installed the video card to investigate further when he is available and check that the new video card is using the latest version of the correct drivers.

If not then I suggest you try a PC troubleshooting forum. Links for some are provided below.
These sites have a variety of experts, that are better equipped to investigate and resolve these kinds of issues.
Registration is free, it only takes a few minutes.
The Elder Geek on Windows
BleepingComputer.com
WhattheTech...formerly TomCoyote

If you have any questions or require additional malware help, please let me know.

Whew! Thanks a ton for your help - it's a great relief to hear that the computer probably hasn't been infected. Driver and/or hardware problems should be less stressful to deal with. That said, I think I'll pay more attention to malware issues from now on and these well organized and informative stickied threads you people have here seem like an excellent start.

I'll definitely check out those links you provided as well. Again, thanks a lot and all the best for 2010!

Hi RS8,

That said, I think I'll pay more attention to malware issues from now on

Good plan! Here are some ideas to make sure you stay clean in the future. First we will remove the tools we have used.

Please delete the PStools zip file and folder from your desktop. Also please delete the results.txt file.

Now lets uninstall ComboFix:

• Click START then RUN
  
• Now type Combofix /Uninstall in the runbox and click OK

Delete the GMER icon from your desktop, it will be name 7cw6t9z.exe

Next we remove the other tools.

Please download OTC and save it to desktop.

• Double-click OTC.exe..
• Click the CleanUp! button.
• Select Yes when the "Begin cleanup Process?" prompt appears.
• If you are prompted to Reboot during the cleanup, select Yes.
• The tool will delete itself once it finishes, if not delete it by yourself.

Note: If you receive a warning from your firewall or other security programs regarding OTC attempting to contact the internet, please allow it to do so.

• 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 Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware - Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware is a new and powerful anti-malware tool. It is
  totally free but for real-time protection you will have to pay a small one-time fee. Tutorial on installing & using this product can be found below:
  
  Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware Setup Guide
  
  Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware Scanning Guide
  
  
• 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.

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

Happy surfing and stay clean!

Awesome. I uninstalled the programs and followed your suggestions. Now I've got Anti-Malware, Spywareblaster, WinPatrol & the MVPS hosts file all on my computer. Thanks a lot for the help!

Now off to new adventures...

As this issue appears to be resolved, this topic is now closed.

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