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[RESOLVED]SMART HDD Infection
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<blockquote data-quote="malwarekiller" data-source="post: 48856" data-attributes="member: 1359"><p><strong>RE: SMART HDD Infection</strong></p><p></p><p><strong>Congratulations!! Your PC is all clean!</strong> <img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite116" alt=":D" title="Big grin :D" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":D" /></p><p></p><p><strong>To uninstall ComboFix</strong></p><p></p><ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Click the Start button. Click Run. <span style="color: darkblue">For Vista: type in Run in the Start search, and click on Run in the results pane.</span></li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">In the field, type in <strong>ComboFix /uninstall</strong></li> </ul><p><img src="http://i582.photobucket.com/albums/ss269/Cat_Byte/Combofix_uninstall_image.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></p><p></p><p>(Note: Make sure there's a space between the word ComboFix and the forward-slash.)</p><p></p><ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Then, press Enter, or click OK.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">This will uninstall ComboFix, delete its folders and files, hides System files and folders, and resets System Restore.</li> </ul><p></p><p><strong>Here are some additional links for you to check out to help you with your computer security. </strong></p><p></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: #000080"><strong>Browsers</strong></span></span></p><p></p><p>Just because your computer came loaded with Internet Explorer doesn't mean that you have to use it, there are other free alternatives, <a href="http://www.mozilla-europe.org/en/firefox/" target="_blank"><strong>FIREFOX</strong></a> and <a href="http://www.geekstogo.com/forum/redirect.php?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.opera.com%2F" target="_blank"><strong>OPERA</strong></a>, both are free to use and are more secure than IE. </p><p></p><p>If you are using firefox you can stay more secure by adding <a href="https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/722" target="_blank"><strong>NoScript</strong></a> and <a href="https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/3456" target="_blank"><strong>WOT (Web Of Trust)</strong></a></p><p></p><p>NoScript stops Java scripts from starting on a web page unless you give permission for them, and WOT (Web Of Trust) has a comprehensive list of ratings for different websites allowing you to easily see if a website that you are about to go to has a bad reputation; in fact it will warn you to check if you are sure that you want to continue to a bad website.</p><ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul"><span style="color: blue"><strong>Make your Internet Explorer more secure</strong></span> - This can be done by following these simple instructions:</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">From within Internet Explorer click on the <strong>Tools</strong> menu and then click on <strong>Options</strong>.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Click once on the <strong>Security</strong> tab</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Click once on the <strong>Internet</strong> icon so it becomes highlighted.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Click once on the <strong>Custom Level</strong> button.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Change the <strong>Download signed ActiveX controls</strong> to <strong>Prompt</strong></li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Change the <strong>Download unsigned ActiveX controls</strong> to <strong>Disable</strong></li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Change the <strong>Initialize and script ActiveX controls not marked as safe</strong> to <strong>Disable</strong></li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Change the <strong>Installation of desktop items</strong> to <strong>Prompt</strong></li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Change the <strong>Launching programs and files in an IFRAME</strong> to <strong>Prompt</strong></li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Change the <strong>Navigate sub-frames across different domains</strong> to <strong>Prompt</strong></li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">When all these settings have been made, click on the <strong>OK</strong> button</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">If it prompts you as to whether or not you want to save the settings, press the <strong>Yes</strong> button.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Next press the <strong>Apply</strong> button and then the <strong>OK</strong> to exit the Internet Properties page.</li> </ul><p></p><p><strong><span style="color: blue">Cleaning</span></strong></p><p></p><p><em>Now that your PC is free of malware, it is important to clean up your PC.</em> There are several good free cleaners available. You should make sure to clean up your temp files regularly, at least once a week.</p><p></p><p><a href="http://www.pchelpforum.com/utilities/21418-atf-cleaner.html#post136068" target="_blank">ATF Cleaner</a></p><p><a href="http://www.ccleaner.com" target="_blank">CCleaner</a></p><p></p><p><strong><span style="color: blue">Defragmenting Your Hard Disk</span></strong></p><p></p><p>Over time your PC can become fragmented, Windows comes with a defragmenting utility, however, <em>it is very slow, and there are other options available.</em></p><p><em></em></p><p>To use the defragmenter included with Windows <strong>either</strong> go to Start/Run and type dfrg.msc, hit enter; <strong>or</strong></p><p>right-click My Computer, choose Manage, Storage, Disk Defragmenter.</p><p></p><p>In the Defragmenter utility, select your main partition/HD, generally C:\ and select analyze . The analysis report will tell you whether or not your disk needs to be defragmented, if it does, click defragment. Be patient, this can take a long time.</p><p></p><p><em>Repeat for multiple partitions/hard disks.</em></p><p></p><p><span style="color: blue"><strong>System Restore Cleanup Instructions</strong></span></p><p></p><p>If you are using Windows ME or XP then it is good to disable and re-enable system restore to make sure there are no infected files left in a restore point. (All restore points will be deleted that way)</p><p>You can find instructions on how to disable and re-enable system restore here:</p><p></p><p><a href="http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT/tsgeninfo.nsf/docid/2001012513122239?OpenDocument&src=sec_doc_nam" target="_blank">Windows ME System Restore Guide</a></p><p></p><p><a href="http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT/tsgeninfo.nsf/docid/2001111912274039?OpenDocument&src=sec_doc_nam" target="_blank">Windows XP System Restore Guide</a></p><p></p><p><a href="http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/windows-vista/disable-system-restore-in-windows-vista/" target="_blank">Window Vista and Windows 7</a></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>Reading Tip:</p><p><a href="http://aumha.org/a/health.htm" target="_blank">Computer Health</a></p><p></p><p><span style="color: blue"><strong>Keep Your System Updated</strong></span></p><p></p><p>Microsoft releases patches for Windows and Office products regularly to patch up Windows and Office products loopholes and fix any bugs found. <strong>Please ensure that you visit the following websites regularly or do update your system regularly.</strong></p><p></p><p>Install the updates immediately, if they are found. Reboot your computer if necessary, revisit Windows Update and Office update sites until there are no more updates to be installed.</p><p></p><p><strong>To update Windows and office</strong></p><p></p><p>Go to Start > All Programs > Microsoft Update</p><p></p><p><em>Alternatively, you can visit the link below to update Windows and Office products.</em></p><p></p><p><a href="http://www.update.microsoft.com/microsoftupdate/v6/default.aspx?ln=en-us" target="_blank">Microsoft Update</a></p><p></p><p>If you are forgetful, you can change some settings so that you will be informed of updates. Here's how:</p><p></p><p>1. Go to Start > Control Panel > <strong>Automatic Updates</strong></p><p>2. Select <em>Automatic (recommended) radio button</em> if you want the updates to be downloaded and installed without prompting you.</p><p>3. Select <strong>Download updates for me</strong>, but let me chose when to install them radio button if you want the updates to be downloaded automatically but to be installed at another time.4.<em> Select Notify me but don't automatically download or install them</em> radio button if you want to be notified of the updates.</p><p></p><p><strong><em>Please make sure that you update your antivirus, firewall and anti-spyware programs at least once a week.</em></strong></p><p></p><p><span style="color: blue"><strong>Be careful when opening attachments and downloading files.</strong></span></p><p></p><p>1. <em>Never open email attachments</em>, not even <strong>if they are from someone you know</strong>. If you need to open them, scan them with your antivirus program before opening.</p><p>2. <strong>Never open emails from unknown senders</strong>.</p><p>3. Beware of emails that warn about viruses that are spreading, especially those from antivirus vendors. These are called <em>hoaxes</em>. The email addresses used in the hoaxes can be easily spoofed. Check the antivirus vendor websites to be sure.</p><p>4. <strong>Be careful of what you download</strong>. Only download files from known sources. Also, <em>avoid cracked programs</em>. If you need a particular program that costs too much for you, try finding free alternatives on Sourceforge or Pricelessware.</p><p></p><p><span style="color: blue"><strong>Surf safely</strong></span></p><p></p><p>Many security exploits on websites are directed to users of Internet Explorer and Firefox.</p><p></p><p>If you use Firefox, try the <a href="https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/722" target="_blank">No-script Add On</a> - which, by default, disables all scripts on all websites. If you trust the website, you can manually allow scripts to work.</p><p></p><p><span style="color: blue"><strong>Backup regularly</strong></span></p><p></p><p>You never know when your PC will become unstable or become so infected that you can't recover it. Follow this <a href="http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-7/features/backup-and-restore.aspx" target="_blank">Microsoft Article</a> to learn how to backup. Follow <a href="http://support.microsoft.com/kb/309340" target="_blank">This Article</a> by Microsoft to restore your backups.</p><p></p><p>Alternatively, you can use 3rd-party programs to back up your data. Examples of these can be found at</p><p><a href="http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/tutorials/tutorial127.html" target="_blank">Bleeping Computer</a></p><p></p><p><span style="color: blue"><strong>Avoid P2P</strong></span></p><p></p><p>We are not here to pass judgment on file-sharing as a concept. However, we will warn you that engaging in this activity and having this kind of software installed on your machine will always make you more susceptible to re-infections. It is certainly contributing to your current situation.</p><p></p><p>Please note: Even if you are using a "safe" P2P program, it is only the program that is safe. You will be sharing files from uncertified sources, and these are often infected. The bad guys use P2P filesharing as a major conduit to spread their wares.</p><p></p><p>I would strongly recommend that you uninstall them, however that choice is up to you. If you choose to remove these programs, you can do so via Control Panel >> Add or Remove Programs.</p><p></p><p></p><p><span style="color: darkred"><em><strong>Happy surfing and stay clean!</strong></em></span></p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="malwarekiller, post: 48856, member: 1359"] [b]RE: SMART HDD Infection[/b] [b]Congratulations!! Your PC is all clean![/b] :D [b]To uninstall ComboFix[/b] [list][*]Click the Start button. Click Run. [color=darkblue]For Vista: type in Run in the Start search, and click on Run in the results pane.[/color] [*]In the field, type in [b]ComboFix /uninstall[/b][/list] [img]http://i582.photobucket.com/albums/ss269/Cat_Byte/Combofix_uninstall_image.jpg[/img] (Note: Make sure there's a space between the word ComboFix and the forward-slash.) [list][*]Then, press Enter, or click OK. [*]This will uninstall ComboFix, delete its folders and files, hides System files and folders, and resets System Restore.[/list] [b]Here are some additional links for you to check out to help you with your computer security. [/b] [size=3][color=#000080][b]Browsers[/b][/color][/size] Just because your computer came loaded with Internet Explorer doesn't mean that you have to use it, there are other free alternatives, [url=http://www.mozilla-europe.org/en/firefox/][b]FIREFOX[/b][/url] and [url=http://www.geekstogo.com/forum/redirect.php?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.opera.com%2F][b]OPERA[/b][/url], both are free to use and are more secure than IE. If you are using firefox you can stay more secure by adding [url=https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/722][b]NoScript[/b][/url] and [url=https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/3456][b]WOT (Web Of Trust)[/b][/url] NoScript stops Java scripts from starting on a web page unless you give permission for them, and WOT (Web Of Trust) has a comprehensive list of ratings for different websites allowing you to easily see if a website that you are about to go to has a bad reputation; in fact it will warn you to check if you are sure that you want to continue to a bad website. [list] [*][color=blue][b]Make your Internet Explorer more secure[/b][/color] - This can be done by following these simple instructions: [*]From within Internet Explorer click on the [b]Tools[/b] menu and then click on [b]Options[/b]. [*]Click once on the [b]Security[/b] tab [*]Click once on the [b]Internet[/b] icon so it becomes highlighted. [*]Click once on the [b]Custom Level[/b] button. [*]Change the [b]Download signed ActiveX controls[/b] to [b]Prompt[/b] [*]Change the [b]Download unsigned ActiveX controls[/b] to [b]Disable[/b] [*]Change the [b]Initialize and script ActiveX controls not marked as safe[/b] to [b]Disable[/b] [*]Change the [b]Installation of desktop items[/b] to [b]Prompt[/b] [*]Change the [b]Launching programs and files in an IFRAME[/b] to [b]Prompt[/b] [*]Change the [b]Navigate sub-frames across different domains[/b] to [b]Prompt[/b] [*]When all these settings have been made, click on the [b]OK[/b] button [*]If it prompts you as to whether or not you want to save the settings, press the [b]Yes[/b] button. [*]Next press the [b]Apply[/b] button and then the [b]OK[/b] to exit the Internet Properties page.[/list] [b][color=blue]Cleaning[/color][/b] [i]Now that your PC is free of malware, it is important to clean up your PC.[/i] There are several good free cleaners available. You should make sure to clean up your temp files regularly, at least once a week. [url=http://www.pchelpforum.com/utilities/21418-atf-cleaner.html#post136068]ATF Cleaner[/url] [url=http://www.ccleaner.com]CCleaner[/url] [b][color=blue]Defragmenting Your Hard Disk[/color][/b] Over time your PC can become fragmented, Windows comes with a defragmenting utility, however, [i]it is very slow, and there are other options available. [/i] To use the defragmenter included with Windows [b]either[/b] go to Start/Run and type dfrg.msc, hit enter; [b]or[/b] right-click My Computer, choose Manage, Storage, Disk Defragmenter. In the Defragmenter utility, select your main partition/HD, generally C:\ and select analyze . The analysis report will tell you whether or not your disk needs to be defragmented, if it does, click defragment. Be patient, this can take a long time. [i]Repeat for multiple partitions/hard disks.[/i] [color=blue][b]System Restore Cleanup Instructions[/b][/color] If you are using Windows ME or XP then it is good to disable and re-enable system restore to make sure there are no infected files left in a restore point. (All restore points will be deleted that way) You can find instructions on how to disable and re-enable system restore here: [url=http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT/tsgeninfo.nsf/docid/2001012513122239?OpenDocument&src=sec_doc_nam]Windows ME System Restore Guide[/url] [url=http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT/tsgeninfo.nsf/docid/2001111912274039?OpenDocument&src=sec_doc_nam]Windows XP System Restore Guide[/url] [url=http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/windows-vista/disable-system-restore-in-windows-vista/]Window Vista and Windows 7[/url] Reading Tip: [url=http://aumha.org/a/health.htm]Computer Health[/url] [color=blue][b]Keep Your System Updated[/b][/color] Microsoft releases patches for Windows and Office products regularly to patch up Windows and Office products loopholes and fix any bugs found. [b]Please ensure that you visit the following websites regularly or do update your system regularly.[/b] Install the updates immediately, if they are found. Reboot your computer if necessary, revisit Windows Update and Office update sites until there are no more updates to be installed. [b]To update Windows and office[/b] Go to Start > All Programs > Microsoft Update [i]Alternatively, you can visit the link below to update Windows and Office products.[/i] [url=http://www.update.microsoft.com/microsoftupdate/v6/default.aspx?ln=en-us]Microsoft Update[/url] If you are forgetful, you can change some settings so that you will be informed of updates. Here's how: 1. Go to Start > Control Panel > [b]Automatic Updates[/b] 2. Select [i]Automatic (recommended) radio button[/i] if you want the updates to be downloaded and installed without prompting you. 3. Select [b]Download updates for me[/b], but let me chose when to install them radio button if you want the updates to be downloaded automatically but to be installed at another time.4.[i] Select Notify me but don't automatically download or install them[/i] radio button if you want to be notified of the updates. [b][i]Please make sure that you update your antivirus, firewall and anti-spyware programs at least once a week.[/i][/b] [color=blue][b]Be careful when opening attachments and downloading files.[/b][/color] 1. [i]Never open email attachments[/i], not even [b]if they are from someone you know[/b]. If you need to open them, scan them with your antivirus program before opening. 2. [b]Never open emails from unknown senders[/b]. 3. Beware of emails that warn about viruses that are spreading, especially those from antivirus vendors. These are called [i]hoaxes[/i]. The email addresses used in the hoaxes can be easily spoofed. Check the antivirus vendor websites to be sure. 4. [b]Be careful of what you download[/b]. Only download files from known sources. Also, [i]avoid cracked programs[/i]. If you need a particular program that costs too much for you, try finding free alternatives on Sourceforge or Pricelessware. [color=blue][b]Surf safely[/b][/color] Many security exploits on websites are directed to users of Internet Explorer and Firefox. If you use Firefox, try the [url=https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/722]No-script Add On[/url] - which, by default, disables all scripts on all websites. If you trust the website, you can manually allow scripts to work. [color=blue][b]Backup regularly[/b][/color] You never know when your PC will become unstable or become so infected that you can't recover it. Follow this [url=http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-7/features/backup-and-restore.aspx]Microsoft Article[/url] to learn how to backup. Follow [url=http://support.microsoft.com/kb/309340]This Article[/url] by Microsoft to restore your backups. Alternatively, you can use 3rd-party programs to back up your data. Examples of these can be found at [url=http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/tutorials/tutorial127.html]Bleeping Computer[/url] [color=blue][b]Avoid P2P[/b][/color] We are not here to pass judgment on file-sharing as a concept. However, we will warn you that engaging in this activity and having this kind of software installed on your machine will always make you more susceptible to re-infections. It is certainly contributing to your current situation. Please note: Even if you are using a "safe" P2P program, it is only the program that is safe. You will be sharing files from uncertified sources, and these are often infected. The bad guys use P2P filesharing as a major conduit to spread their wares. I would strongly recommend that you uninstall them, however that choice is up to you. If you choose to remove these programs, you can do so via Control Panel >> Add or Remove Programs. [color=darkred][i][b]Happy surfing and stay clean![/b][/i][/color] [/QUOTE]
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