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Introduction
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This malware removal guide provides guidance on how to remove malware from your computer. Malware is a general name of any malicious software, including virus, trojan, worm, spyware, adware, keylogger, dialer and rootkit, that tries to damage a system, steal financial data, or perform other such malicious behaviour. Common symptoms of malware include popup ads on your desktop, programs you did not install appearing, redirection to particular pages when you open your browser, changes in system or browser settings such as your browser home page or general sluggishness. However, there is an increasing amount of malware which attempt to remain hidden on your computer. So even if you do not think you are infected this guide is useful to check that your computer is clean from virus and spyware. Bear in mind malware is not the only cause for a slow computer. I suggest you also read Tune Up Utilities Kit and follow the instructions to see if it speeds up your slow computer. |
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Discussion
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Other Ways of Recovery The only way to ensure all virus and spyware is completely removed from your computer is to reinstall Windows, but you will need a Windows CD. Also, all your data, programs and settings will be gone so you would need to have a backup of your files. You can also revert back to previous images from image-backup software (such as Acronis True Image, Macrium Reflect Free Edition or Paragon Drive Backup Express). But there is a chance malware had already infected your computer when you made the backup and so this is not totally safe. As you can see both of these safer options have major drawbacks, which is why many people prefer to clean their computers using antivirus and antispyware tools. Backup You should back up your personal files to removable storage before you attempt to remove malware from your computer, but also scan the disk for spyware and other malware after you fix your computer. If you cannot log in then you can run a Live CD to copy your data onto a USB. Tools Download all the security programs listed here, preferably on another computer and copy them on to removable media. Boot into Safe Mode by pressing F8 when your computer starts. Update all the programs, run a full scan and then remove any malware that is found. If you can't boot into Windows or run the other security apps, then you should use this first. There is a tutorial on how to use it. Matt from Remove-Malware has some excellent videos on how to remove malware using the Ultimate Boot CD. This program is useful as a preliminary check to see if your computer is clean, especially if you're unsure as to whether your computer is infected or not. You can remove infections with this for 30 days, after that it is limited to detection. It's a good idea to run a disk cleaner before you scan as malware often resides in temporary folders, and junk files will be removed so the scanning will be faster. 1. Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware free
9. HijackThis If you believe your computer is still infected, then scan your computer with HijackThis and post the results on a malware cleaning forum. This is an advanced tool so do not remove items yourself.
There are many forums which have experts to help clean your computer by analysing HijackThis logs. Some of these forums are:
Choose a forum and post your HijackThis log there. Don't post in more than one forum for one problem - this will just waste everyone's time. Also, all these sites have there own policies which you should follow before you post a log there.
12. System Restore Now that the computer should be functioning, disable System Restore and enable it again. This is to stop malware which hides itself in System Restore Points. This website has instructions on how to disable and enable System Restore. That’s it! Hopefully this malware removal guide has helped remove any malware or spyware from your computer. Remember, no antivirus or antispyware can detect or remove all malware, so there is always a minute chance that your computer is still infected after following the instructions here. |
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This category is maintained by volunteer editor JonathanT. Registered site visitors can contact JonathanT by clicking here.
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malware removal, spyware removal, virus removal |
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SuperAntiSpyware, now has an online scanner.
Thanks for the heads up! So others don't have to search the link I'll post it here:
http://www.superantispyware.com/onlinescan.html
GeekPolice should also be included on the list, they're awesome people.
Next to all this i would still prefer COMBOFIX.
off course this is dangerous and could be harmfull to your system.
And best to use when your machine is heavily infected...
But for the record. Ive used combofix now about 12 times. On Xp and Vista and i have never had system damage. It even fixes rootkits etc...
Oh, and be sure to turn Off your Anti Virus before running ComboFix, or all heck will break loose. Also Delete ComboFix exe after you are finished with it, or again, your AV might detect it as a Trojan or other Malware. That is because of how CF is designed. I think it is designed as Malware to fool the Malware already infecting your PC. That is just my opinion of course...
ComboFix has save my PC from nasty Malware a few times and I had no problems as a result. It's especially good to use for those annoying Trojan Browser Re-directors and Popups. The main thing is to just let CF run until it's completely finished and not try to stop it before this time. I highly recommend this scanner!
Combofix should not be used without guidance from an experienced user. From Bleeping Computer's Combofix guide: "You should not run ComboFix unless you are specifically asked to by a helper. Also, due to the power of this tool it is strongly advised that you do not attempt to act upon any of the information displayed by ComboFix without supervision from someone who has been properly trained. If you do so, it may lead to problems with the normal functionality of your computer."
Like you say due to the power of this tool :p
I'm just saying when you are really in deep shit.
And you thinking of a Format C:/.....
This may be a last resort....
Hi Jonathan,
Thanks for your great list of tools.
Very helpful!
Say I was wondering why did you recently remove the online scans
from the list?
Please Advise & Thanks
Dave
Hi Dave
Thanks for the kind words.
I'm just trying to simplify the article so people won't get confused, but I've still got BitDefender Online Scanner mentioned.
Somethings up with the Kaspersky AVP site. Looks like its been hacked.
Xty
Here are a list of malware removal guides for common infections:
http://www.geekpolice.net/malware-removal-guides-f12/
I have got to say http://GeekPolice.net is the fastest forum which help to analyze HijkacThis logs in the list above. The rest of the forums usually take forever...
this is where i go to check hijackthis log.
http://www.hijackthis.de/
Hi
Here are some more malware removal guides:
http://wiki.castlecops.com/Malware_Removal_and_Prevention:_Overview
http://forums.majorgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=35407
Thanks ! Way to go what a wonderful set of tools. Keep up the good work, Just waht I was looking for all in one spot.
Thanks!
Hi
Thanks for the information of AntiVir Rescue System.
Kaspersky AVP Tool is an anti-virus. I think it uses their version 7 engine.
But it is not a full featured AV, like KAV or KIS, right?
Hi
No, it only has on-demand scanning and is not very configurable. I think it's mainly for cleaning up systems with malware.
I wouldn't recommend Antivir Rescue System to anyone because it renames files that cannot be disinfected: you have big chances of getting your system unbootable. What does this Kaspersky AVP Tool do, is it a specific anti-malware removal tool?
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