As for AVG, IMO, it's way over blotted now and you might have issues trying to use programs like MalwareBytes.
I use to run AVG myself but changed last year.
Things are looking REAL good!
Avast Free is installed and updated.
I am not worried about the remove hardware, it may be how they configured it when they installed it, appears they made some attempt to have it auto sync according to a convo I had with them.
IE is an issue tho, you say update it, not sure how to do that since I can't get it to open ?
We are pretty much a wrap I think, so, post mortem, what do you think was the original cause of the hive problem so I can advise the owners of the PC what NOT to do.
I think I have the IE issue on track, I removed some tool bars, then got a message that an add-on was causing a problem from IE, disabled that add-on, up and running now!
Is there clean-up I should do on this computer from your advised efforts ?
The following will implement some cleanup procedures as well as reset System Restore points:
For XP:
Click START run
Now type ComboFix /Uninstall in the runbox and click OK. Note the space between the X and the /, it needs to be there.
For Vista / Windows 7
Click START Search
Now type ComboFix /Uninstall in the runbox and click OK. Note the space between the X and the /, it needs to be there.
Here's my usual all clean post
To be on the safe side, I would also change all my passwords.
This infection appears to have been cleaned, but as the malware could be configured to run any program a remote attacker requires, it's impossible to be 100% sure that any machine is clean.
Log looks good
Make your Internet Explorer more secure - This can be done by following these simple instructions:
From within Internet Explorer click on the Tools menu and then click on Options.
Click once on the Security tab
Click once on the Internet icon so it becomes highlighted.
Click once on the Custom Level button.
Change the Download signed ActiveX controls to Prompt
Change the Download unsigned ActiveX controls to Disable
Change the Initialize and script ActiveX controls not marked as safe to Disable
Change the Installation of desktop items to Prompt
Change the Launching programs and files in an IFRAME to Prompt
Change the Navigate sub-frames across different domains to Prompt
When all these settings have been made, click on the OK button.
If it prompts you as to whether or not you want to save the settings, press the Yes button.
Next press the Apply button and then the OK to exit the Internet Properties page.
Update your AntiVirus Software - It is imperative that you update your Antivirus software at least once a week
(Even more if you wish). If you do not update your antivirus software then it will not be able to catch any of the new variants that may come out.
Use a Firewall - I can not stress how important it is that you use a Firewall on your computer.
Without a firewall your computer is succeptible to being hacked and taken over.
I am very serious about this and see it happen almost every day with my clients.
Simply using a Firewall in its default configuration can lower your risk greatly.
WOT , Web of Trust, As 'Googling' is such an integral part of internet life, this free browser add on warns you about risky websites that try to scam visitors, deliver malware or send spam. It is especially helpful when browsing or searching in unfamiliar territory. WOT's color-coded icons show you ratings for 21 million websites, helping you avoid the dangerous sites:
Green to go
Yellow for caution
Red to stop
WOT has an addon available for both Firefox and IE.
Visit Microsoft's Windows Update Site Frequently - It is important that you visit http://www.windowsupdate.com regularly.
This will ensure your computer has always the latest security updates available installed on your computer.
If there are new updates to install, install them immediately, reboot your computer, and revisit the site
until there are no more critical updates.
