[Resolved] Infected by Spyware

Hi Extremeboy, Everything is working great! I think that the malware issues are resolved. I have deleted AVG from the system. Does the same hold true for Spyware programs? I am running both Spybot & Adware programs. Again, thanks so much for your help. Regards, Andrew

Nope.

Anti-Spyware programs are fine, but you shouldn't have too many as well. A few or a couple is enough.

Superanti-spyware and Malwarebytes are two good anti-malware/spyware softwares I like in general. I don't really like Spybot or Ad-Aware.

Please follow/read the steps below to remove the tools we used and for some more information.

Uninstall ComboFix

Remove Combofix now that we're done with it.

• Click on your Start Menu, then Run….
• Now type combofix /u in the runbox and click OK. Notice the space between the "x" and "/".
  [external image: Posted Image]
• You will then recieve a message letting you know that Combofix was uninstalled Successfully.

This will remove files/folders assoicated with combofix and uninstall it.

Download and Run OTC

We will now remove the tools we used during this fix using OTC.

• Download OTC by OldTimer and save it to your desktop.
• Double click 🖼Click to load external image (Posted Image) icon to start the program. If you are using Vista, please right-click and choose run as administrator
• Then Click the big 🖼Click to load external image (Posted Image) button.
• You will get a prompt saying "Being Cleanup Process". Please select Yes.
• Restart your computer when prompted.

System A bit Slow? Try StartupLight

You may wish to try StartupLite. Simply download this tool to your desktop and run it. It will explain any optional auto-start programs on your system, and offer the option to stop these programs from starting at startup. This will result in fewer programs running when you boot your system, and should improve preformance.

If that does not work, you can try the steps mentioned in Slow Computer/browser? Check Here First; It May Not Be Malware.

Congratulations! You now appear clean!

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

Preventing Infections in the Future

Please also have a look at the following links, giving some advice and Tips to protect yourself against malware and reduce the potential for re-infection:

• So How did I get infected?
• Miekies' prevention suggestions
• Hardening Windows Security - Part 1 & Part 2.

• Avoid gaming sites, underground web pages, pirated software sites, and peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing programs. They are a security risk which can make your computer susceptible to a smörgåsbord of malware infections, remote attacks, exposure of personal information, and identity theft. Many malicious worms and Trojans spread across P2P file sharing networks, gaming and underground sites. Users visiting such pages may see innocuous-looking banner ads containing code which can trigger pop-up ads and Flash ads that install viruses, Trojans and spyware. Ads are a target for hackers because they offer a stealthy way to distribute malware to a wide range of Internet users.

Vist the WindowsUpdate Site Regularly

I recommend you regularly visit the Windows Update Site!

• Lots of Hacking/Trojans use the methods found (plugged by the updates) that have not been stopped by people not updating.
• Update ALL Critical updates and any other Windows updates for services/programs that you use.
• If you wish to turn on automatic updates then you will find here is a nice little article about turning on automatic updates.
• Note that it will download them for you, but you still have to actually click install.

Update Non-Microsoft Programs

It is also a good idea to check for the latest versions of commonly installed applications that are regularly patched to fix vulnerabilities. You can check these by visiting Secunia Software Inspector and Calendar of Updates.

Update all programs regularly - Make sure you update all the programs you have installed 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.

If you have no more questions, comments or problems please tell us, so we can close off the topic.

Thanks

With Regards,
Extremeboy

Everything is done. The computer is working great. Thanks, Andrew

Since this issue appears to be resolved … this Topic has been closed. Glad we could be of assistance. 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.