Hello RoboHobo
I'm going to split this last post into two for readability. The first post will be my normal
All Clean post and will include the cleanup instructions and some general security advice. The second post will talk
briefly about what to do when your computer is running slowly. This is mostly fundamental stuff so you may have heard all this before. That said, it never hurts to remind ourselves of the basics.
Step one...DelFix- Please download DelFix by Xplode and save it to your Desktop.
- Double-click on delfix_*version*.exe to run it.
- Check the following boxes and then click Run:
- Activate UAC
- Remove disinfection tools
- Purge system restore
- If any logs or programs remain, you may delete them now.
Step two...The version of Java on your computer is outdated. Outdated versions of Java are a major vector for infection. It is essential to keep Java up to date and since very few websites require Java anymore I strongly recommend disabling it in your browsers.
Uninstall Programs- Press the Windows Key + R.
- Enter appwiz.cpl into the text box and click OK.
- Locate the following programs:
Java 8 Update 77 - Press the Uninstall or Uninstall/Change button and carefully follow any prompts to uninstall the program.
- Take care to read through any prompts completely! Some uninstallers may attempt to trick you into keeping the program.
- Do this for every program listed.
- Don't worry if you can't find one of the programs. Just be sure to let me know in your reply.
- Once finished reboot your computer.
Reinstall Java- Please download the lastest version of Java HERE.
- Double-click jxpiinstall.exe to run it. Allow it to make changes to your computer if prompted by UAC.
- Click Install.
- Be sure to uncheck any Optional offer on the next page.
- Click Next to begin the installation.
- Once the installation is finished click Next and then Close to exit the installer.
Java - Recommended Security Settings- Click Start.
- Type Configure Java into the search box and select it from the results.
- Recommended settings:
- Update - ensure Check for Updates Automatically is checked.
- Security - Uncheck Enable Java content in browser (see Note below).
- Click OK to apply the settings and close the window.
Note: most websites no longer require Java to work. However, if you find that you do require Java for some sites, I recommend disabling it in your main browser and using a secondary browser solely for visiting the sites that require Java. See
HERE for how to disable Java in specific browsers.
In addition to these security settings, it is a good idea to prevent plugins from running automatically by enabling click-to-play in all your browsers. Please see
How to Enable Click-to-Play Plugins in Every Web Browser for instructions how to do this.
As far as security programs go, Avast! and Malwarebytes is a pretty good suite. I would recommend adding an anti-exploit program as well. These are a relatively new type of security software that works with you other programs to provide important protection from unknown and new malware. Two good free options are:
- Malwarebytes Anti-Exploit. This is easy to set up, you install it and go. The free version offers protection for browsers, browser plugins and Java which is where most of the danger lies. The paid version includes protection for PDF readers, Office programs and media players along with other additional features.
- Microsoft Enhanced Mitigation Experience Toolkit (EMET). This free tool from Microsoft is very powerful but requires some knowledge to configure properly and so is not recommended for novice users or users who do not wish to spend much time setting it up.
Software can only provide so much protection. Security begins and ends with the user so let's talk a bit about good security habits.
Update, update, updateKeep your Antivirus and other software up to date. Consider using a program to assist you.
Secunia Personal Software Inspector - Copyright ©
Secunia.
FileHippo.com Update Checker - Copyright ©
FileHippo.comWatch out for bundled softwareMany "free" programs come bundled with prechecked "offers" for third-party software. At best bundled software is useless and at worst it can be full-on malware. You had a couple Potential Unwanted Programs (PUPs) installed that are known to spread this way. The best defense is choosing
Custom or
Advanced installation as opposed to
Express or
Automatic when given the option and carefully reading all installer prompts.
As an extra layer of security you may want to try installing
Unchecky. Unchecky runs in the background and can automatically uncheck many third-party offers. Be aware that Unchecky is a complement to, not a replacement for using caution when installing programs.
Practice safe browsing habitsLike I said before, no software or group of software is foolproof. Security starts with the user and browsing the internet is where users are most vulnerable. There is a lot of advice that can be given for safe browsing but most of it boils down to common sense. Here are some of the more important things you can do:
- Avoid shady sites: gambling, pornography, piracy/warez sites. Also avoid using P2P software.
- Don't click on popups or ads in general. Warnings that say you have a virus or ads that say you've won a prize are always tricks to get you to install unwanted software or give away personal information.
- Don't download anything you didn't go looking for. If site says you need to update Flash or install a codec DON'T. Almost without fail it will be malware instead.
- Use strong passwords and use a different password for every site. Consider using a password manager to assist you. KeePass is a good free one. LastPass is what I use, it has a free version as well as a paid one with additional features.
You may want to try using an addon such as
Web of Trust (WOT) or
McAfee SiteAdvisor. These are not foolproof but can be a good place to start when deciding whether or not a site is safe to visit.
Additional readingTo help minimize the chances of becoming re-infected, please read:
Computer Security - a short guide to staying safer online