VIRUS On Laptop Help, please

Laz123

For future there is an option in Avast to run a bootup scan. I didn't know myself but when I scheduled a scan it picked up a nastie the non-dos scan missed. Nasties can hide anywhere.

LavenderBees

Thanks All, I will do these final checks tonight.

It's a jungle out there, isn't it? I was so engrossed in my mini war, I forgot to give the cat his meds...and he didn't remind me, naturally.

Have a good day, Everyone!

LB xx

Knarf44

Friendly suggestion is that you review your security set up as with so much malware on your system it implies that perhaps you are not keeping your system as up to date as you could. Malware gets on to your system a few different ways including exploiting security flaws in Windows itself and programs such as Internet Explorer, Java and Flash Player.

You need to ensure that you always install Windows Updates and keep Java and Flash Player (if installed) updated, be alert when installing programs and untick any offers for additional programs packaged with the one you want etc.

There is lots of information on the net about avoiding malware infections and almost as many programs that claim to solve them as there are infections. Educate yourself to the risks and you'll avoid similar situations happening again.

jacobmarsh89

It’s an adware which you need to remove. Look for any unknown software or file in control panel or c drive and delete them. When this is done, clean windows registry with the help of Ccleaner. Now scan your system completely with the help of McAfee or any other stronger virus protection tools like Immunet , Norton, Avast, Avira etc. Do remove any extension if installed in your web browser before scanning your system.

LavenderBees

Knarf44 wrote: »

Friendly suggestion is that you review your security set up as with so much malware on your system it implies that perhaps you are not keeping your system as up to date as you could. Malware gets on to your system a few different ways including exploiting security flaws in Windows itself and programs such as Internet Explorer, Java and Flash Player.

You need to ensure that you always install Windows Updates and keep Java and Flash Player (if installed) updated, be alert when installing programs and untick any offers for additional programs packaged with the one you want etc.

There is lots of information on the net about avoiding malware infections and almost as many programs that claim to solve them as there are infections. Educate yourself to the risks and you'll avoid similar situations happening again.

Completely agree! I've been appalled that I've had Malware files and a Trojan sitting (doing what?!)

I always install Windows updates, so that's ok

I use Google Chrome - I seem to remember that this was recommended so I didn't need to use Flash Player (?).

Java - not sure. I never see anything legit about the Java. Lots of bad ads for Java updating recently though

I find it difficult about the "being alert when installing programs" as to be honest, I haven't or certainly not intentionally (as clearly I have). Even this morning, trying to download ccleaner got a load of programs I didn't want. Drives me mad, but generally, I don't instal programs.

For me, I think an,at least monthly, scan of Malware and Macafee Stinger, as well as a look through my program files looking for anything installed that I don't recognise will help. I'll also use the ccleaner more than I have in the past, too.

But in what order should I do this? I also have a defraggler routine which I rarely use, should I be? and again what order do I do it all in?

cheers!

LavenderBees

jacobmarsh89 wrote: »

Do remove any extension if installed in your web browser before scanning your system.

I think I understand most of what you've said (given my recent experience...definitely older and a teeny bit wiser now), but what do you mean by this?

Sorry, words of one syllable needed here

LavenderBees

GunJack wrote: »

just as a final check, open your browser and check which search engines are installed...delete/remove all except google and bing, and that should finish it off

Sorry - yet another question - how do I check which search engines are installed?

Knarf44

On the unintentional installation of unwanted programs, there is a small but very useful free program called "Unchecky" which, when installed runs silently in the background. It springs into action when you install a new program by automatically unticking any offer for additional programs. At the very least it will give a warning that you might be installing more than you have bargained for.

LavenderBees

Knarf44 wrote: »

On the unintentional installation of unwanted programs, there is a small but very useful free program called "Unchecky" which, when installed runs silently in the background. It springs into action when you install a new program by automatically unticking any offer for additional programs. At the very least it will give a warning that you might be installing more than you have bargained for.

Fab, Thank you! :T

closed

defragging is a waste of time, and has nothing to do with infections

stinger is very limited, what you have already probably searches for the same things.

a backup http://www.macrium.com/reflectfree.aspx is your best protection

A virus scanner doesn't download things like Speeditupfree, Outfox TV, PCOptimizer, MYPCBackup, you probably clicked on an advert designed to look like a link.