[Resolved] ALMOST made in through 2008 without an issue

beaumondetroit,

Your Java is out of date. Older versions have vulnerabilities that malicious sites can use to exploit and infect your system. Please follow these steps to remove older version Java components and update:

• Download the latest version of Java Runtime Environment (JRE) Version 6 and save it to your desktop.
• Scroll down to where it says "Java Runtime Environment (JRE) 6 Update 10…allows end-users to run Java applications".
• Click the "Download" button to the right.
• Select your Platform: "Windows".
• Select your Language: "Multi-language".
• Read the License Agreement, and then check the box that says: "Accept License Agreement".
• Click Continue and 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 > Settings > Control Panel, double-click on Add/Remove Programs and remove all older versions of Java.
• Check (highlight) any item with Java Runtime Environment (JRE or J2SE) in the name.
• Click the Remove or Change/Remove button and follow the onscreen instructions for the Java uninstaller.
• 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-6u10-windows-i586-p.exe to install the newest version.

Now to Clean out the Java cache:

Go into the Control Panel and double-click the Java Icon. [external image: Posted Image]

• Under Temporary Internet Files, click the Settings… button
• click the Delete Files button.
• There are three options in the window to clear the cache - Leave all 3 Checked
  
  • Downloaded Applets
    Downloaded Applications
    Other 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 Settings
• Click OK to leave the Java Control Panel.

With that done, Log looks good


Time for some housekeeping

• Click START then RUN
• Now type Combofix /u in the runbox and click OK
• Note the space between the X and the U, it needs to be there.
• [external image: Posted Image]

The above procedure will:

• Delete the following:
  • ComboFix and its associated files and folders.
  • VundoFix backups, if present
  • The C:\Deckard folder, if present
  • The C:_OtMoveIt folder, if present
• Reset the clock settings.
• Hide file extensions, if required.
• Hide System/Hidden files, if required.
• Reset System Restore.

Please re-enable any security that was disabled.

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.

For a tutorial on Firewalls and a listing of some available ones see the link below:

Understanding and Using Firewalls

Keep Microsoft Windows Updated - This will ensure your computer has always the latest security updates available installed on your computer. The easiest way to do this is to turn on Automatic Updates. Do this by:

• From your desktop, right-click on My Computer,
• click on Properties
• Select the Automatic Updates tab
• Click on Automatic
• Click on Apply button
• Click on OK to exit.

If there are new updates to install, install them immediately, until there are no more critical updates.

Install SpywareBlaster - SpywareBlaster will add a large list of programs and sites into your Internet Explorer
settings that will protect you from running and downloading known malicious programs.

A tutorial on installing & using this product can be found here:

Using SpywareBlaster to protect your computer from Spyware and Malware

Download and install the free version of WinPatrol - This program protects your computer in a variety of ways and will work well with your existing security software.
Winpatrol


Update all these programs regularly - Make sure you update all the programs I have listed regularly.
Without regular updates you WILL NOT be protected when new malicious programs are released.


Only run one Anti-Virus and Firewall program.

I would also suggest you read this:
So how did I get infected in the first place?
by Tony Klein

Also: "How to prevent malware"
by miekiemoes

Please respond back that you understand the above and let me know if you have any questions. Otherwise, this thread will be closed Resolved.

Thanks Tomk. I'll tackle these tonight and will report back on the status. j

Ran through all of this and the computer's been very quiet. I restarted my Firewall. Disabled it during our clean, because it and the Windows auto updates were hanging up. Do you reccomend an aftermarket FW or the Windows firewall? I know I can only run one. I've been r running AVG Anti Spyware and Spyware Blaster for the past year. Can't figure out why they didn't catch this. I have been remiss on my Anti VIrus program since my Trend Micro subscription lapsed last year. Will update that. What programs do you like? TM seemed a bit clunky at times… Thanks for your help and your advice on the above questions. You folks are life savers! Jim

beaumondetroit,

I also find TM "clunky" also. However, I know people who think it's the best thing since sliced bread. I'm a fan of free.
Three free Anti-Virus programs are:
1) Antivir PersonalEditionClassic
-Free anti-virus software for Windows.
-Detects and removes more than 50,000 viruses. Free support.
2) avast! 4 Home Edition
-Anti-virus program for Windows.
-The home edition is freeware for noncommercial user
3) AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition
- Free edition of the AVG anti-virus program for Windows.
- Available for single computer use for home and non commercial use.

You are "better" protected behind a 3rd party firewall.
Some free ones:
Online Armor
Comodo Firewall Pro
Sunbelt Personal Firewall

I've been r running AVG Anti Spyware and Spyware Blaster for the past year. Can't figure out why they didn't catch this.

I think you answered your own question here:

I have been remiss on my Anti VIrus program since my Trend Micro subscription lapsed last year.

Anti-Spyware and Anti-Virus find different things. Virus definitions are updated daily. The odds of you being infected by a virus that was prevalent a year ago are pretty slim. Without the updates, it was practically the same as not having Anti-Virus.


Anything else?

Thanks Tomk, you've been extremely helpful and patient with this and I appreciate it. You can tag this RESOLVED. Have a happy winter season. J

beaumondetroit, You are very welcome. Glad to help. Happy Holidays. Good Luck and Be Well.

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.