Recovering Windows Post malware

Hello Appleoddity and Paws: No problem appleoddity, more eyes on the discussion the better. I have the CBS.zip file ready but I don't see how to upload the file; there's not button for attaching the file to the blog post. is their a different view under which I can do this? Is there a general email box for this forum I can email to? Are we allowed to leave our email addresses on this blog/forum? I have downloaded Firefox and removed all add-ons that FF had installed and …. still no video capabilities on BBC website (also checked Youtube … no go). In your words, it does not behave normally. BTW, I have never received email notices of new posts to this discussion, what am I missing? ~James

Hello. If you are using the "Fast Reply" option please use the "Add Reply" option. Fast reply only provides a small subset of functionality that is available. You will only see the ability to attach files to the forum if you use the full featured "add reply" option. Please use firefox and go to adobe.com and download the flashplayer plugin, this is needed for videos on the internet. Then test your video capabilities again. Let us know how you come along and get that cbs.zip uploaded.

Hi appleoddity: Thanks for following up… 1. I added Flash player and Shockwave as described in Post #24. You want me to add the software again? 2. Remember, I don't have any script-based web capabilities, so the UPLOAD or ATTACHMENT button(s) and other formatting options do not show up on my screen when I select ADD REPLY instead of FAST REPLY. Therefore I am not able to upload CBS.zip within this forum or anywhere else for that matter using this method. I wish I knew of another way to get it to you. Could there be a firewall or antivirus protection that is stopping scripts from working? ~James

1) There is an ActiveX component, and a plug-in component of Flashplayer. They are two separate installers and will install based on which browser you visit adobe.com with. So, you likely do not have the flashplayer plugin installed in Firefox.

2) I remember now. But, a good test would be to see if it works in Firefox.

3) Yes, it very well could be seems how in your initial post it is clear that your CA internet security is not working properly and specifcally the component that filters your internet connection.

So, here's what I want you to do:
a) Read here and uninstall CA Internet Security, and follow up with the uninstall tool listed at the bottom of the page: http://cainternetsecurity.net/KB/KD.aspx?KDId=890
Reboot
c) Run the following commands at an elevated command prompt:
1) netsh winsock reset
2) netsh int ip reset reset.log
d) Reboot
e) Test your webpages - but only visit a couple of well known sites like whatthetech.com - you don't have any anti-virus now. Try both IE and Firefox.

If it works, then you have two options - you can try to reinstall CA internet security - or, if it is provided free by your ISP then take the opportunity to ditch it and download Microsoft Security Essentials.

Hi Appleoddity: 1. I cannot download directly, do you know if Adobe has an FTP site? 2. It does not work in Firefox. 3. I'll uninstall when I find the reinstall program. Thanks again. ~James

James, you should be able to download the newest installation files directly from CA's website. You would be better off going that way. Ultimately, if this is a paid subscription, contact support for further assistance in re-downloading the software. Based on the new information you provided, it definitely appears to be a systemwide problem and not related to a specific browser. I'd say CA is the most likely culprit. A complete clean removal of the product and then some further testing will be best. Don't reinstall until you know if the problem is resolved or not. If you choose to keep CA and reinstalling breaks it again, then you should probably contact CA's technical support for further assistance.

I am still working on getting the CA Internet Security Plus software installed and updated. Be with you shortly ~James I attempted to upload cbs.zip, but upload service said it was too large??

I don't understand. The first request was to remove CA's software. Are you saying that you did remove it and you are able to connect? Instead of trying to upload the cbs.zip file, just upload cheksur.log which is the most current scan rather than the huge cbs.log.

Hi Appleoddity: I uninstalled and I was able to connect and webpages and videos worked and reinstalled CA thinking that a fresh install would improve performance. However, when I reinstalled everything in CA was back to the same problem even. I ultimately dumped CA and installed MS Security Essentials and so far it is working out well. I searched my HD for the cheksur.log file but my searched didn't come up with anything. Thankfully yours, ~James

I'm glad you got the problem resolved. You'll not be disappointed in MSE. But, if you choose to go back to CA, I suggest you call their support line and have them take you through a complete clean removal and re-install and other diagnostics to determine why it is causing you problems. But, these things do happen, and this is why I usually prefer light and simple over products like CA internet security, Norton internet security, etc. Windows has a built in, excellent firewall, MSE is amongst the highest detection rates in the industry, and IE 9 has proven itself to be one of the most secure, if not the most secure, browsers you can use. So, there isn't much need for all the extra fluff these paid for products give - which obviously aren't very effective anyways… Take care.

To answer your other question. There should be a checksur.log under C:\windows\logs\CBS. But, the biggest issue to be concerned with is if you cannot download and install all your windows updates. If they all install properly and you have the latest OS service pack there probably isn't any reason for further concern.