My 1st bad, (?) virus: I don't even know where to start on this. I'm stuck...

[DennisT]

Dave:

It ran for a long time, but showing progress continually.  I think it scanned OK.  However, at the end it, "found no infections."  Hence, (I think), it offered NO option for keeping a log.

My novice opinion can be no other than to think it just didn't find anything to do.

??

I finished, and chose the uninstall option.  I can do this over again if you wish or if I did anything wrong.  But it acted fine.

Dennis

[SuperDave]

So, how's your computer working now?

[DennisT]

Based on everything I now observe, my laptop seems perfectly healthy.  That appearing to be the situation, my only remaining desire is to load whatever basic protection programs that are appropriate, that I do not now have.

Judging from what I remember of your signature line, you run AV, (AVG?), SpyBot and maybe the SuperSpyWare you had me run.  I'm open for basic recommendations.

You may have noticed I'm not quick to jump up and say everything is fixed.  That's because I have a bit of mis-trust for computers.

What do things look like to you?

Dennis

[SuperDave]

We ran a lot of scans and haven't picked anything too serious. Let's do some cleanup.
You may keep SAS and MBAM. Update them and run them every so often to keep the bugs out.

* Click START then RUN - Vista users press the Windows Key and the R keys together for the Run box.
* Now type commy /uninstall in the runbox
* Make sure there's a space between commy and /Uninstall
* Then hit Enter

* The above procedure will:
* Delete the following:
* ComboFix and its associated files and folders.
* Reset the clock settings.
* Hide file extensions, if required.
* Hide System/Hidden files, if required.
* Set a new, clean Restore Point.
*********************************
Clean out your temporary internet files and temp files.

Download TFC by OldTimer to your desktop.

Double-click TFC.exe to run it.

Note: If you are running on Vista, right-click on the file and choose Run As Administrator

TFC will close all programs when run, so make sure you have saved all your work before you begin.

* Click the Start button to begin the cleaning process.
* Depending on how often you clean temp files, execution time should be anywhere from a few seconds to a minute or two.
* Please let TFC run uninterrupted until it is finished.

Once TFC is finished it should restart your computer. If it does not, please manually restart the computer yourself to ensure a complete cleaning.
**************************************
Looking over your log it seems you don't have any evidence of a third party firewall.

Firewalls protect against hackers and malicious intruders. You need to download a free firewall from one of these reliable vendors.

Remember only install ONE firewall

1) Comodo Personal Firewall (Uncheck during installation "Install Comodo SafeSurf..", Make Comodo my default search provider" and "Make Comodo Search my homepage" and uncheck any HopSurf and/or Ask.com options if you choose this one)
2) Online Armor
3) Agnitum Outpost
4) PC Tools Firewall Plus

If you are using the built-in Windows XP firewall, it is not recommended as it does not block outgoing connections. This means that any malware on your computer is free to "phone home" for more instructions. Simply put, Windows XP contains a mediocre firewall. This firewall is NO replacement for a dedicated software solution. Remember to use only one firewall at the same time.
*********************************
Use the Secunia Software Inspector to check for out of date software.

•Click Start Now

•Check the box next to Enable thorough system inspection.

•Click Start

•Allow the scan to finish and scroll down to see if any updates are needed.
•Update anything listed.
.
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Go to Microsoft Windows Update and get all critical updates.

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I suggest using WOT - Web of Trust. WOT is a free Internet security addon for your browser. It will keep you safe from online scams, identity theft, spyware, spam, viruses and unreliable shopping sites. WOT warns you before you interact with a risky website. It's easy and it's free.

SpywareBlaster- Secure your Internet Explorer to make it harder for ActiveX programs to run on your computer. Also stop certain cookies from being added to your computer when running Mozilla based browsers like Firefox.
* Using SpywareBlaster to protect your computer from Spyware and Malware
* If you don't know what ActiveX controls are, see here

Protect yourself against spyware using the Immunize feature in Spybot - Search & Destroy. Guide: Use Spybot's Immunize Feature to prevent spyware infection in real-time. Note: To ensure you have the latest Immunizations always update Spybot - Search & Destroy before Immunizing. Spybot - Search & Destroy FAQ

Check out Keeping Yourself Safe On The Web for tips and free tools to help keep you safe in the future.

Also see Slow Computer? It may not be Malware for free cleaning/maintenance tools to help keep your computer running smoothly.
Safe Surfing!

[DennisT]

Dave:

Evidently I already uninstalled Commy earlier when I was following one of your directives and had trouble, "turning off," programs.  (So I uninstalled it)  All that I had was the desktop icon, which in now deleted.  I hope this didn't hurt anything.

I created a restore point.

I ran TFC and re-started.

I loaded a firewall....choosing Online Armor.  Question:  How do I find out if I'm using the MS firewall?  Apparently, my wireless router is not a firewall as I've been told.  (I thought I was good already for firewalls)

I brought up Secunia, but it wants Sun Java.  I guess I don't have that.  It's been a long day, I'll continue with downloading Java tomorrow.  (So far, I've often avoided Java)

Dennis

[SuperDave]

Question:  How do I find out if I'm using the MS firewall?  Apparently, my wireless router is not a firewall as I've been told.  (I thought I was good already for firewalls)

Look for it in the Control Panel under Windows Firewall or the Security Center. Java is your choice.

[DennisT]

Dave:

After a few sessions here's where I stand:

MS Firewall is in this laptop, however, it was and is disabled.

I ran Secunia and updated that list.

I am now updating MS Windows update.

I will nex add Web of Trust.

I've never used SpyWare Blaster, but will add that too.

I'll update, again, SpyBot.

?

Dennis

[DennisT]

Dave:

Thank you so much for all your help.  Things look like they are running fine now.  Plus, I've learned a lot.  You are a great benefit to the forum.

Cheers,
Dennis