Your logs are clean!
Included below are some measures you should take to make sure you are not re-infected again. If you have any problems with any of these, do not be afraid to ask for help:
1: Clean up all of the tools:
- Download OTC and run it.
- When it opens, close all other programs, and click "Clean Up!"
- Click "Yes" when it says "Begin Cleanup Process?"
- Click "Yes " when it asks you to reboot to finish the cleanup operation.
All tools should now have been removed from your computer, but if there are any log files remaining on your Desktop, you may now delete them for tidiness.
2: Update Java:
Java updates contain many security patches. If you do not regularly update Java whenever a new version comes out, you are opening up a big security hole in your computer, possibly allowing your computer to be hacked. Please first remove all old versions of Java, and then install the latest version. The best way to do this is to use a program called
JavaRa.
- Download JavaRa and extract all three files onto your Desktop.
- Close all other programs, open JavaRa.exe, click on "Remove Older Versions", and reboot your computer when asked.
- Reopen the program and click "Check for Updates". Then click on "Update Using Sun Java's Website", and click "Open Webpage".
- Let the webpage open, and at the top will be four Java icons. On the leftmost one, click JRE just under it.
- Enter your Platform (Windows or Windows x64) and check the box agreeing to the Licence Agreement and click Continue.
- Under Available Files, click on the file name and download the file. Run the installer and reboot if asked.
3: Remove all old System Restore Points:
We will now remove all of your old System Restore points. This will delete any malware that are hidden in old System Restore points, so that you do not restore to these and let out the dormant malware again.
If you use Windows XP:
Turn OFF System Restore:
- On the Desktop, right-click on My Computer.
- Click Properties.
- Click the System Restore tab.
- Check Turn off System Restore.
- Click Apply, and then click OK.
Restart your computer.
Turn ON System Restore:
- On the Desktop, right-click on My Computer.
- Click Properties.
- Click the System Restore tab.
- UN-Check Turn off System Restore.
- Click Apply, and then click OK.
If you use Windows Vista:
Turn OFF System Restore:
- Click on the Start Orb in the bottom left hand corner of the screen and right click on Computer.
- Click Properties.
- Click the System Protection button on the left hand pane.
- UN-Check OS (C:\) (System) or similar.
- Click Turn System Restore Off.
- Click OK.
Restart your computer.
Turn ON System Restore:
- Click on the Start Orb in the bottom left hand corner of the screen and right click on Computer.
- Click Properties.
- Click the System Protection button on the left hand pane.
- Check OS (C:\) (System) or similar.
- Click OK and close all open windows.
If you use Windows 7:
- Click on the Start Orb in the bottom left hand corner of the screen and right click on Computer.
- Click Properties.
- Click the System Protection button on the left hand pane.
- Single click on OS (C:\) (System) or similar and click Configure.
- Click Delete.
- Click Continue.
- Click OK.
Restart your computer.
4: Keep Windows updated:
Microsoft are constantly releasing updates, including security updates to keep your computer safe and secure from hackers.
MAKE SURE YOUR WINDOWS IS ALWAYS UP TO DATE! To check for updates:
- Click the Start Orb in the bottom left hand corner of your screen.
- Click All Programs followed by Windows Update near the top of the list.
- Click Check for Updates and install all updates offered.
5: Install some of this protection software:
- Spyware Blaster Will block the installation of many known malware by blocking these ActiveX controls from running.
- MVPS Hosts File This will block access to websites known to contain malware. Notice that Windows Vista and Windows 7 need special installation instructions.
- Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Install this program and run a full scan every week to check your computer for malware.
- Consider changing browser from Internet Explorer to something else. Internet Explorer is particularly targeted by malware writers. I would particularly recommend Mozilla Firefox, as it has many benefits over Internet Explorer, including a built-in popup blocker. If you do choose to use it, here are some add-ons I would recommend:
- NoScriptBlocks ads and scripts from running.
- McAfee Site Advisor Shows you whether a website is safe or not before you click on it.
- IE Tab 2 It is now very rare for website to not work in Firefox, but if you browse on one of those websites that absolutely insists you have to use IE, just use IE Tab 2 in Firefox, and the webpage will work. This is a truly amazing add-on.
- ERUNT will provide a complete backup of the registry (more complete than using the backup tool built into regedit.exe) and provides the option to backup every 30 days.
6: Update Adobe:
Adobe updates contain many security patches. If you do not regularly update Adobe whenever a new version comes out, you are opening up a big security hole in your computer, possibly allowing your computer to be hacked. Here are the download links to the latest versions of most of the Adobe software, but if you have any other Adobe products, or Adobe auto updater asks you to update, update them immediately. I would not recommend downloading the McAfee Security Scan, as you have to pay for it for it to work properly, and you are more than protected if you follow all the other advice.
7: Empty the Temporary folders:
Malware like to hide in the temporary folders. It is a store for temporary files, and as such, they are no longer needed, but they are taking up hard disk drive space and system resources. Completely empting these folders using a program can reduce used hard disk drive space and boost system performance.
Use
TFC on a regular basis.
NOTE: TFC will close all programs and possibly require a restart, so make sure you save and close all open work first. Simply open the program and click
Start when you are ready.
8: Backup your files:
In this world full of malware, it is vitally important to keep all of your files and photos backed up. For a quick guide on different ways to back up your data, look here:
Home Backup
9: Keep anti-virus applications updated:
It is extremely important to have an anti-virus program with real-time protection, and a Firewall. They must be turned on, and they must be fully updated. Anti-virus/anti-malware applications that are not kept updated are much less able to fight off and protect your computer from the latest threats.
All of these programs, in particular anti-virus products must be kept updated! You should update anti-virus programs at least daily, or ideally allow them to auto-update daily.
10: Final Ideas:
For a few more ideas on how to keep your system secure, refer to both of these two, great posts:
If you require any assistance with any of this, or have any questions, do not hesitate to ask.
Good luck to you, and safe surfing!
Richard
