[BrianDrab]

This could take a while...

 

Understood but very necessary. Thanks.

[Advertisements]

Brian,

 

Step#3 - Windows Updates:

Finished (at 1:11am ET), yep that took a while...

[carolinachris]

Brian,

 

Step#3 - Windows Updates:

Finished (at 1:11am ET), yep that took a while...

[BrianDrab]

Excellent. And just to verify, you kept going back to Windows Updates and checking until there were no more critical/important updates correct?

[carolinachris]

Excellent. And just to verify, you kept going back to Windows Updates and checking until there were no more critical/important updates correct?

Brian,

 

Yes, all critical/important updates are downloaded and installed (it took an extra three tries, but I got them all).

 

There are 8 optional updates including "Microsoft Security Essentials" that have not been downloaded.

 

 

What's next?

Edited by carolinachris, 15 September 2015 - 02:48 PM.

[BrianDrab]

Very good. Following is the last check and then we can clean up our tools and get you on your way.

 

Step#1 - Security Check
1. Download Security Check from here or here or here.
2. Save it to your Desktop.
3. Right-click SecurityCheck.exe and select Run as administrator. Follow the onscreen instructions inside of the black box.
4. A Notepad document should open automatically called checkup.txt; please post the contents of that document.
Note: Don't be alarmed if the process runs for 10 to 15 minutes before completing. If it runs for over 30 minutes, just close the program and try running it again.

NOTE: If SecurityCheck aborts and you get the following message: UNSUPPORTED OPERATING SYSTEM! ABORTED! try rebooting the system and then run SecurityCheck again.

 

 

[carolinachris]

Brian,

 

Step#1 - Security Check:

 

I downloaded and ran the Security Check utility.

 

Attached is the text file:

SecurityCheck091615

 

I did notice that the Malwarebytes icon changed to a generic Windows icon; JPEG attached...

 

Is their anything else I need to do to finish up?

Attached Thumbnails

• 

Attached Files

•  SecurityCheck091615.txt   903bytes   603 downloads

Edited by carolinachris, 17 September 2015 - 10:39 AM.

[BrianDrab]

You can delete the Malwarebytes icon at the bottom on the task bar. It's not needed. You can re-add it if necessary.

 

Everything looks good. I noticed you still have an older version of Adobe Reader but if you want to keep it that's your choice.

 

If you are satisfied, I'll leave with you the following. Thanks for sticking with me.

 

OK! Well done, your computer is clean again! Part of our jobs here is to help you clean your computer. But beyond that and just as important is to provide you with some information to keep you safe and secure on the net as well as to share knowledge. Following is that information.
 
1. Clean Up!
We need to remove all the tools that we used so that should you ever be re-infected, you will download updated versions which may have updated detection logic.
1. Download Delfix from here.
2. Ensure everything is checked.
3. Click Run.
Note: The program will run for a few moments and then notepad will open with a log. Please paste the log in your next reply.
Note: Delete any  other .bat, .log, .reg, .txt,  and any other files created during this process, and left on the desktop and empty the Recycle Bin.
 
2. Windows Updates
Another essential task is to keep your computer updated with the latest operating system patches and security fixes. Windows Updates are constantly being revised to combat the newest hacks and threats. Microsoft releases security updates that help your computer from becoming vulnerable. It is best if you have these set to download automatically. Follow the instructions below to ensure your settings are optimal.
1. Click the Start Orb in the lower left corner of the screen.
2. Type Windows Update in the search box that appears
3. Click on the Windows Update program that appears in the search results.

4. Click on Change Settings.

5. Select "Install updates automatically (recommended)" from the Important updates drop-down.

6. Choose a day and a time when you know the computer will be on and connected to the internet. The default is 3:00AM every day.
7. Ensure that all of the other check boxes are checked.
8. Click OK.
 
3. Keeping Programs Updated
You need to ensure that any programs installed on your machine are kept current. The bad guys exploit vulnerabilities that are found in older versions of software. A very good piece of software that keeps your programs up-to-date is Secunia Personal Software Inspector (PSI). You can download and install it from here. You can read more information about this free software as well as a video walkthrough from here.
 
4. Antimalware- Preventative
Note: Let's keep Malwarebytes installed as it's a fantastic piece of software. Malwarebytes is an anti-malware software and not an antivirus software so it won't conflict with the Antivirus that you are running. I would recommend that you open up this program, allow it to update and scan your machine at least quarterly...monthly if you can.
 
5. Crypto Warning!!!! - Complete Data Loss can occur!
There are particularly nasty infections out there at the moment that encrypt your data and hold it for ransom. You may read more about this here.
 

• Download CryptoPrevent free for home use here following the instructions below.
• Save the file to your desktop from the link above and then open the program by clicking Run when prompted from your browser or by going to the desktop where the file was saved and double-clicking.
• Accept all the defaults during the install. The last screen of the install has a checkmark in "Launch CryptoPrevent". This is good and will launch the program once you click Finish.
• You will get a prompt asking if you purchased a Product Key for Automatic Updates. You can answer No.
• You will then be prompted to learn more about automatic updates or if you want to purchase a key. This is up to you but you don't have to.
• You will be prompted to click OK to continue and select your protection level. Go ahead and click OK.
• Click the Apply button to set Default protection.
• You may get a message stating that Windows Sidebar and Desktop Gadgets are a major security vulnerability and asking you if you want to disable them. If you don't use these features, answer Yes.
• That's it. The protection is in place.

Note: The free version doesn't provide automatic updates. Periodically, you should open up the program (there is a shortcut on your desktop now) and select the Updates! menu....and select Check for Updates to see if there are any as this infection has serious consequences.
 

 

 

For more information about computer security and how to protect yourself when on the internet, please read this guide Best Practices for Safe Computing
 
OK, all the best, and stay safe!
 
Items for your next post
1. Contents of the delfix log

[carolinachris]

Brian,

 

1. Clean Up!:

 

Delfix contents:

# DelFix v1.011 - Logfile created 18/09/2015 at 11:01:39

# Updated 18/08/2015 by Xplode

# Username : Adams - ADAMS-PC

# Operating System : Windows 7 Home Premium Service Pack 1 (64 bits)

 

~ Activating UAC ... OK

 

~ Removing disinfection tools ...

 

Deleted : C:\FRST

Deleted : C:\AdwCleaner

Deleted : C:\ComboFix.txt

Deleted : C:\Users\Adams\Desktop\SecurityCheck.exe

Deleted : C:\Users\Adams\Downloads\Addition.txt

Deleted : C:\Users\Adams\Downloads\esetsmartinstaller_enu.exe

Deleted : C:\Users\Adams\Downloads\FRST.txt

Deleted : C:\Users\Adams\Downloads\FRST64 (1).exe

Deleted : HKLM\SOFTWARE\AdwCleaner

Deleted : HKLM\SOFTWARE\Swearware

 

~ Creating registry backup ... OK

 

~ Cleaning system restore ...

 

Deleted : RP #157 [ComboFix created restore point | 09/14/2015 18:03:42]

Deleted : RP #158 [Removed Adobe Reader 9.5.2. | 09/14/2015 18:08:45]

Deleted : RP #159 [Windows Update | 09/14/2015 19:35:12]

Deleted : RP #160 [Windows Update | 09/15/2015 16:19:57]

Deleted : RP #161 [Windows Update | 09/15/2015 16:43:46]

 

New restore point created !

 

 

Still performing the other tasks.

 

THANK YOU - You saved me from buying a new computer!

 

Can I compensate you?

[BrianDrab]

Can I compensate you?

 

 

My payment is your satisfaction. Thank you for sticking with me and allowing me to assist you with your computer. Take care.

[carolinachris]

 

Can I compensate you?

 

 

My payment is your satisfaction. Thank you for sticking with me and allowing me to assist you with your computer. Take care.

 

Brian,

 

Everything is completed.

 

 

I wish everything worked as well as this did - YOU are awesome!!!

 

Thank you again and all my best to you and yours!!!

[BrianDrab]

Since this issue appears to be resolved ... this Topic has been closed. Glad we could help.

If you're the topic starter, and need this topic reopened, please contact a staff member with the address of the thread.

Everyone else please begin a New Topic.