New Malware Removal Guide Questions

[bluecountry]

I just visited here for the first time in awhile.

I was surprised to see the changes to this http://www.computerhope.com/forum/index.php/topic,46313.0.html
I understand why SuperAntiSpyware was removed.

But I was unclear of the following:

1) The old list had several other tasks to do such as:
-Update and remove old java
-Clean the hardrive (Start, control panal)
-Among other steps

Is there a new complete listing of what to do or is this literally all we have to do?

2) Nothing was mentioned on Spyware blaster, should we keep or remove it?

3) On a weekly basis this is what I would do:
A. CCleaner
B. Clear out old files on control panal
C. MBAM
D. Spyware blaster
E. SuperAntispyware

What now should I do on a weekly maintenance basis?

4) Is AVG and Comodo alright?

[Dr Jay]

Hi there... let me clear a few things up here...

I was surprised to see the changes to this

It's been coming for a long time. It's about time that out-of-date guide gets updated. There are so many new methods to malware removal, that having the same guide for a long time won't cut it.

1) The old list had several other tasks to do such as:
-Update and remove old java
-Clean the hardrive (Start, control panal)
-Among other steps

Yes. However, since our malware removal specialists here at the forum know how to solve these common tech problems, or forward them to appropriate staff, we don't need them in the malware removal guide. It is actually too confusing for users to attempt those issues themselves. They could further damage their computer, so we prefer someone help with those issues.

However, for Java update, we usually take care of that if a user's Java is out of date. However again, Java is supposed to update on its own, so we don't have to always deal with it anymore.


2) Nothing was mentioned on Spyware blaster, should we keep or remove it?
3) What now should I do on a weekly maintenance basis? Is there a new complete listing of what to do or is this literally all we have to do? 4) Is AVG and Comodo alright?

For these four questions, reference my malware prevention guide here which will probably answer all of those questions: http://www.helpmyos.com/learn-security-f40/preventing-malware-and-being-resistant-to-the-dangers-of-the-internet-t1516.htm

[bluecountry]

So I don't need to manually check for Java updates?

OK...but do I need to manually delete old Java; or not; and if so how?

[Dr Jay]

It should update automatically. But, you need to make sure the JUCheck.exe is running in Task Manager. If you happen to end it all the time, or it is not enabled in Startup, then you will have to manually update.

[bluecountry]

I used to run SAS weekly to scan for spyware.
Not what I am to run to search for spyware on a regular basis?
Awclean seems to be something you just post here.

[SuperDave]

I used to run SAS weekly to scan for spyware.
Not what I am to run to search for spyware on a regular basis?
Awclean seems to be something you just post here.

Yes, adwCleaner is a good one but lately I've been getting warnings from MSE and the filter won't let me download it on Vista computers.