Annoying Google Redirect

[SuperDave]

Are you still getting the google re-directs?

Update Your Java (JRE)

Old versions of Java have vulnerabilities that malware can use to infect your system.

First Verify your Java Version

If there are any other version(s) installed then update now.

Get the new version (if needed)

If your version is out of date install the newest version of the Sun Java Runtime Environment.

Note: UNCHECK any pre-checked toolbar and/or software offered with the Java update. The pre-checked toolbars/software are not part of the Java update.

Be sure to close ALL open web browsers before starting the installation.

Remove any old versions

1. Download JavaRa and unzip the file to your Desktop.
2. Open JavaRA.exe and choose Remove Older Versions
3. Once complete exit JavaRA.

Additional Note: The Java Quick Starter (JQS.exe) adds a service to improve the initial startup time of Java applets and applications. To disable the JQS service if you don't want to use it, go to Start > Control Panel > Java > Advanced > Miscellaneous and uncheck the box for Java Quick Starter. Click OK and reboot your computer.
*************************************************
I'd like to scan your machine with ESET OnlineScan

•Hold down Control and click on the following link to open ESET OnlineScan in a new window.
ESET OnlineScan
•Click the button.
•For alternate browsers only: (Microsoft Internet Explorer users can skip these steps)

• Click on to download the ESET Smart Installer. Save it to your desktop.
  
• Double click on the icon on your desktop.
  

•Check
•Click the button.
•Accept any security warnings from your browser.
•Check
•Push the Start button.
•ESET will then download updates for itself, install itself, and begin scanning your computer. Please be patient as this can take some time.
•When the scan completes, push
•Push , and save the file to your desktop using a unique name, such as ESETScan. Include the contents of this report in your next reply.
•Push the button.
•Push
A log file will be saved here: C:\Program Files\ESET\ESET Online Scanner\log.txt

[Alvarezz]

No Google re-directs so far.
I installed the newest version of Java.
The ESET scanner did not find any threats

[SuperDave]

Good. Let's do some cleanup.
You can try this to fix the slow startup. How much time are talking about?

StartupLite

Download StartupLite by MalwareBytes to your Desktop.
Doubleclick StartupLite.exe to launch the program.
Ensure the Disable box is checked.
Click Continue.
A pop up message will tell you the unecessary startup items in your list have been disabled and ask you to restart your computer.
Re-start your computer.

****************************************************
To uninstall ComboFix

• Click the Start button. Click Run. For Vista: type in Run in the Start search, and click on Run in the results pane.
  
• In the field, type in ComboFix /uninstall
  

(Note: Make sure there's a space between the word ComboFix and the forward-slash.)

• Then, press Enter, or click OK.
  
• This will uninstall ComboFix, delete its folders and files, hides System files and folders, and resets System Restore.
  

*****************************************************
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.
*******************************************************
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.
.
----------

Go to Microsoft Windows Update and get all critical updates.

----------

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!

[Alvarezz]

I'm having trouble uninstalling ComboFix. I need to deactivate my antivirus, but my desktop(along with the taskbar and start button) is not showing up. It would usually show up in about three minutes, but recently its just stopped appearing.

[SuperDave]

I'm having trouble uninstalling ComboFix. I need to deactivate my antivirus

You don't have to disable your AV to remove ComboFix.

but my desktop(along with the taskbar and start button) is not showing up. It would usually show up in about three minutes, but recently its just stopped appearing.

Did this just start to happen recently or has it been doing it all along?

[Alvarezz]

Ok I ran all the programs and uninstalled ComboFix.

Did this just start to happen recently or has it been doing it all along?

  It has been happening all along.

[SuperDave]

It has been happening all along.

I don't believe this is a malware issue. You should create a new thread in the proper software forum concerning this.
Can you give me a screenprint of this?
How to post screenshots or images

[Alvarezz]

Thanks for the help so far SuperDave.

Notice that the Start menu, desktop items, and taskbar are all gone.
Task Manager is the only way for me to open applications/programs



Uploaded with ImageShack.us

[SuperDave]

I see. Let's try this.

• Please download Unhide by Grinler from here and save it to your desktop.
  
• Double click unhide.exe to run the tool.
  
• It will take some time to go through all your files, so please be patient.
• If this tool doesn´t fix the problem, please let me know.

[Alvarezz]

nothing happens when I click on Run.

[SuperDave]

nothing happens when I click on Run.

You're not supposed to click on Run. You're supposed to click on this: Double click unhide.exe to run the tool.

[Alvarezz]

ok its been done, but there was no effect. I have been changing settings in msconfig, and the desktop will occasionally show up. However, it only shows up on the diagnostic setting. Maybe the problem is with the settings there.