Sorry…family matters kept me off the computer for a few days! When I was looking into uninstalling Firefox and saving my bookmarks, I came across the option to 'reset' Firefox. I did that, and my searches are no longer being redirected. The computer is also running way better than it was before. Would you still suggest I completely uninstall/reinstall Firefox? Also, other than the ghosts of AVG which does not seem to be operating, I only have Microsoft Security Essentials running. It did not seem adequate to prevent those Trojans, and didn't detect them. Do you suggest any particular anti-malware software? My step-son mentioned Avast and Spybot.
Thanks so much for all your help.
Should I send another log?
Denise
Close all other programs apart from OTL as this step will require a reboot
On the OTL main screen, press the CLEANUP button
Say Yes to the prompt and then allow the program to reboot your computer.
[external image: Posted Image] Your Java is out of date. Older versions have vulnerabilities that malware can use to infect your system. Please follow these steps to remove older version Java components and update.
Download the latest version of Java Runtime Environment (JRE) 7 and save it to your desktop.
Scroll down to where it says JDK 7 (JDK or JRE)
Click the Download JRE button to the right
Select the Windows platform from the dropdown menu.
Read the License Agreement and then check the box that says: "I agree to the Java SE Runtime Environment 7 with JavaFX 1 License Agreement". Click on Continue.The page will refresh.
Click on the link to download Windows Offline Installation and save the file to your desktop.
Close any programs you may have running - especially your web browser.
Go to Start > Control Panel, double-click on Add or Remove Programs and remove all older versions of Java.
Check (highlight) any item with Java Runtime Environment (JRE or J2SE or Java™ 6) in the name.
Click the Remove or Change/Remove button.
Repeat as many times as necessary to remove each Java versions.
Reboot your computer once all Java components are removed.
Then from your desktop double-click on jre-7-windows-i586-p.exe to install the newest version.
After the install is complete, go into the Control Panel (using Classic View) and double-click the Java Icon. (looks like a coffee cup)
On the General tab, under Temporary Internet Files, click the Settings button.
Next, click on the Delete Files button
There are two options in the window to clear the cache - Leave BOTH CheckedApplications and Applets
Trace and Log Files
Click OK on Delete Temporary Files Window Note: This deletes ALL the Downloaded Applications and Applets from the CACHE.
Click OK to leave the Temporary Files Window
Click OK to leave the Java Control Panel.
Here are some recommendations to help you stay clean.
Update your Antivirus programs and other security products regularly to avoid new threats that could infect your system.
Make sure you are running a FIREWALL.The windows firewall is not sufficient to protect your system. It doesn't monitor outgoing traffic and this is a must. Please read this article 'Safe Computing Practices'. So how did I get infected in the first place.
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:
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 asmörgåsbord 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. The best way to reduce the risk of infection is to avoid these types of web sites and not use any P2P applications. Read P2P Software User Advisories and Risks of File-Sharing Technology.
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.