Using the 'read first' instructions..

"EF" gave some read first instructions to getting started under the virus's and spyware section as follows:

Step 5 Update Your Java

Older versions have vulnerabilities that malware can use to infect your system. It is possible that you may be running Java code in your applications that absolutely require a specific version of the JRE to run.

Please follow these steps to remove older version of Java components and update

Updating Java:
* Go to Start > Control Panel double-click on Add/Remove programs and remove all older versions of Java.
* Check for any item with Java Runtime Environment (JRE or J2SE) in the name.
** The latest version is Java 6 Update 3. Remove all other entries.
* Click the Remove or Change/Remove button.
* Repeat as many times as necessary to remove each of the Java versions.
* Reboot your computer once all Java components are removed.

* Download the latest version of Java Runtime Environment (JRE) 6
* Click the Free Java Download button.
* Click the Download Now button.
* When the Software Installation dialog box opens. Click on the Install Now button.
* Follow the prompts to complete installation.

Sorry I don't know how to use the quote function.

My question:  When I went to remove two older v's of JAVA;

JAVA (TM) SE Runtime Environment 6 Update 1 134MB &
JAVA (TM) 6 Update 2 111 MB to install your recommendation.

Clicking each item in Windows>control pnl>change or remove didn't offer a selection to remove.  It only said "rarely".  I couldn't delete 2 older items. 

Without me conjuring up thoughts and only adding to more confusion, please tell me how to go about removing the older JAVA versions so I can install the recommended updates.

Thank,  Tom

You've helped me before and I'm sure you have the answers this time around again.

   

[Malware Removal Specialist]

Go ahead and finish the instructions and post the logs. There may be something (malware) hiding buttons in add/remove programs.

We will see what we can find in the logs.

I don't know what 'logs' you want me to post.

Is this a dumb question or am I just not right on the same page (intellectually) as you?

[Malware Removal Specialist]

Well the first line of post #2 says

Below are steps to follow to begin the malware removal process. These steps will produce three logs which are requested to be added as attachments in your post. A guide on how to attach logs is included at the bottom of this post.

Then each set of instructions for the scans tells how to save each log.

'EF"

My first attempt at step two, too use CCleaner, I used the links, found myself at the Hippo web site where..  That took me to "PC Registry Cleaner".  Download a trial version and then be tasked to register and purchase.

Was that the right direction to wanted me to follow?. 

Your estimate, how much does it cost?

Thanks,
Tom

[Malware Removal Specialist]

CCleaner is totally free. Nothing we ask you to use will cost any money to use. There may be a trial version of something but it will work for the task needed and can then be uninstalled without paying anything.

Direct download to CCeaner.exe <---Here

Good news, I successfully downloaded and installed CCleaner with those additional setup instructions and the correct link. 

I apologize if I was supposed to create a document to post here; I didn't get a chance to.  I'm not sure where in step two I was to create a log to post.  I performed the 'analysis' and let it run the cleaner.  I went to "issues', it identified some and I again let them be fixed.  It looked like my PC had a garage sale.

I was able to uninstall the two previous JAVA applications through  program 'tools', which incidentally was the reason I solicited your help in the first place.

I will continue with step three and so on as time allows.  I really appreciate your help, I couldn't do it without your support.   

[Malware Removal Specialist]

Good news, I successfully downloaded and installed CCleaner with those additional setup instructions and the correct link. 

Good deal, I was worried when you mentioned paying for the service

I apologize if I was supposed to create a document to post here; I didn't get a chance to.  I'm not sure where in step two I was to create a log to post.  I performed the 'analysis' and let it run the cleaner.  I went to "issues', it identified some and I again let them be fixed.  It looked like my PC had a garage sale.

No logs to post from that scan. It simply helps to speed the process of the following scans. All of those dead/empty files would have been scanned for spyware so it is good to do some clean up before hand. Also, if you have more than one user account on the computer it is good to run it on all accounts.

I was able to uninstall the two previous JAVA applications through  program 'tools', which incidentally was the reason I solicited your help in the first place.

 

I will continue with step three and so on as time allows.  I really appreciate your help, I couldn't do it without your support.   

Don't hesitate to ask if you are unclear on something, better safe then sorry.

We will be here, I understand the time constraints and this can take a while.

Just my update:

There was nothing to log or report after installing and running in 'safe mode' Super Anti Spyware free.

I read an article from Kim Kommando once that said its possible for malware to hide behind 'restore points'; to turn off system restore before running your protection.  Now everytime before I started any new process, each time I created a new restore point.  Is that an obsolete technique of the people who create the malware or is the suggestion viable.

What is your opinion?

Tom 

[Malware Removal Specialist]

Opinions vary on when to turn off/on system restore.

That is something I do have users do but only when we are sure all malware is gone. If something happens during removal system restore might be needed and an infected restore point is better then no restore point at all.

Step 4 (On-line anti-virus) has to do with an on-line virus scan.

As a rule, we should only have 1 a/v running (installed) at any one time.  I am using the AVG 7.5 free version already.

Am I over thinking the process?  Do I need step 4, I'm not afraid as long as I have your go ahead.  Am I to conduct myself different?

Tom 

[Malware Removal Specialist]

Am I over thinking the process?

Yes and no. You are right on only having one AV installed at a time. But an online scan only installs an ActiveX component. So it isn't actually installed.

Many virus/malware can "hide" from installed security programs so online scans actually have much better chance of finding things. Also different AV vendors have different malicious file signatures they look for. Running an online scan once a month or so never hurts.

I ran the ESET O/L A/V and it didn't identify anything.

Question?  ESET was explicit in ensuring I was aware that they didn't defend against threats (only found them aftermath) unless I purchased the full version.  Is that the same thing with AVG since I use the free V? 

Next step is to install JAVA update and then I think HIJACK THIS.   

[Malware Removal Specialist]

The ESET doesn't offer any protection, it just scans and removes what it finds. No need to pay for the full version unless you just want to pay for what AVG does for free.

Looks like updating Java and attaching a HijackThis log is all that is left.

JAVA installed, no problems.

Off the 'do first' page notes I clicked the linked to Hijack This.  Went to\Filehippo\Trendmicro\Trendsecure.  It gave me three choices to click for a download as follows:
D/L HiJack This Installer
"     "         "      Zip
"     "         "      Executable.

I think I know what a .zip file is.  An installer sounds like something that happens after the install and before the run.

An executable changes and runs things.

So here I am at a crossroad whether I pick the right one by luck or choose the wrong one acting without knowledge.

I suppose there is a chance they all end up at the same place?

I'll wait till you can review my question.  Thanks again, Tom