Malware Removal: Clean out the Clutter

From CastleCopsWiki

Now "Clean out the Clutter". By this we mean removing all the temporary, temporary Internet and other junk files that are stored on your computer. You may accomplish this by running CCleaner. CCleaner will not only clean out the garbage, but it will also remove malicious files which may be hiding in your temp folders. Make "Cleaning out the Clutter" a part of your regular maintenance routine.

[edit] CCleaner

CCleaner Download and Install Directions

For a basic version of CCleaner with no Yahoo Toolbar, select the second or third install option as follows:

• Option 2 - CCleaner - Basic - No Toolbar - Multi-Language Support
• Option 3 - CCleaner - Slim - No Toolbar - English Language Only
  
  

Even if you selected Option 2 or 3, if you do not want the Yahoo Toolbar installed:

• Uncheck "Add CCleaner Yahoo! Toolbar", as it is checked by default during CCleaner Setup

'Refer to the screenshot for default install options.

CCleaner Setup and Usage

1. Before first use, check under Options, Advanced, and UNCHECK "Only delete files in Windows Temp folder older than 48 hours".
2. A pop up box will appear advising this process will permanently delete files from your system.
3. Then select the items you wish to clean up. (See Note 1 below)

   In the Windows Tab:

   Clean all entries in the "Internet Explorer". If you prefer to keep your cookies, uncheck the Cookies entry. Deleting cookies will require re-entry of user names and passwords on next visit to sites that require users log in.
   

   Clean all the entries in the "Windows Explorer" section.
   

   Clean all entries in the "System" section.
   

   Clean all entries in the "Advanced" section.
   

   Clean any others that you choose.
   

   In the Applications Tab:

   Clean all (optionally, except cookies) in the Firefox/Mozilla section if you use it.
   

   Clean all in the Opera section if you use it.
   

   Clean Sun Java in the Internet Section. ==> Important: See Note 2 below before proceeding
   

   Clean any others that you choose.
   

4. Then click the "Run Cleaner" button and it will scan and clean your system.
Click exit.

For operational help with CCleaner's setup and features please consult this screenshot tutorial

Note 1: To see a list of everything that CCleaner 'cleans' so you may customize the settings to suit your needs, click here

Note 2: If you run Yahoo's website design program called SiteBuilder do not check the option to clean out Sun Java, accessed under the Applications => Internet => Sun Java section as specified in Step 3 above.

[edit] ATF Cleaner

Please download ATF Cleaner by Atribune.

This program is for Windows 98/ME/2K/XP and Vista

• Double-click ATF-Cleaner.exe to run the program.
• Under Main choose: Select All
• Uncheck Cookies - only, if you choose to retain your cookies
• Click the Empty Selected button.

If you use Firefox browser

• Click Firefox at the top and choose: Select All
• Uncheck Cookies - only, if you choose to retain your cookies
• Click the Empty Selected button.
• NOTE: If you would like to keep your saved passwords, please click No at the prompt.

If you use Opera browser

• Click Opera at the top and choose: Select All
• Uncheck Cookies - only, if you choose to retain your cookies
• Click the Empty Selected button.
• NOTE: If you would like to keep your saved passwords, please click No at the prompt.

Click Exit. on the Main menu to close the program.

For Technical Support, double-click the e-mail address located at the bottom of each menu.

Now you can proceed by invoking some antispyware scanners.

This article is part of the Malware Removal and Prevention series The series was developed as the key deliverable of the Cleaning Malware Project.

Malware Removal and Prevention Overview

Malware Prevention

edit this template