Securing Your Computer: Overview

From CastleCopsWiki

This article is deprecated and is superceded by the Malware Removal and Prevention Procedure.

With the "basic" understanding of what HJT can and cannot do, we have created the following "Malware Removal Procedure" consisting of several malware removal programs that need to be run prior to posting a HJT log. Please follow the instructions listed below. If you find you are still experiencing computer problems after these steps are completed, you may then post a HJT log and receive expert assistance in cleaning any infections which remain.

Before beginning this procedure, please allow all programs to run which you may have disabled by using MSConfig or a startup manager.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v221/negster22/printer.gif Please print out a copy of this overview and use it to check off each step as it is completed.

Save this 'checklist' of removal programs you have run, because we will be asking you to provide us with that information when it comes time to post a HijackThis log. Good Luck!

1. Before you do anything, http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v221/negster22/hijackThislogo.gif Perform a reference (preliminary) HijackThis scan
2. Next stop - http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v221/negster22/mini-ARP-icon.jpg The Control Panel - Add/Remove Programs
3. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v221/negster22/mini-no-sign-red.gif Temporarily Disable Real Time Monitoring Programs
   
   

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   Now please complete the following automatic malware detection and removal steps

   After you have installed the scanning programs listed below, please be sure to update them. A security program is only effective if it updated with the latest definitions. Updating will help provide protection against the most recently introduced security threats.

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4. Clean the Clutter - Run one:
   1. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v221/negster22/mini-cleanup-icon.jpg Cleanup!
   2. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v221/negster22/mini-ccleaner-icon.jpg Crap Cleaner
   
   
5. Antispyware Scanners - Run at least one, preferably two - if your system is functioning well enough:
   1. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v221/negster22/mini-Adaware.gif Ad-Aware
   2. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v221/negster22/mini-spybotsd32.gif SpyBot S&D
   3. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v221/negster22/mini-MSAS.jpg Microsoft AntiSpyware Beta (Win2K and XP)
   
   
6. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v221/negster22/mini-AV.gif Antiviral Scans - Run at least one
   
   
7. AntiTrojan Scans - Run one:
   1. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v221/negster22/mini-ewido.gif ewido Security Suite Trial Download (Win2K and XP)
   2. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v221/negster22/TH-icon-wht.jpg TrojanHunter Trial Download
   
   

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   You have completed the automated malware removal process. We hope that your computer problems have been resolved to your satisfaction. Even if you think your computer is now 'clean', some additional steps are advisable to further ensure the security of your computer.

   Please consult: http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v221/negster22/rxprevent.jpg How to Prevent Reinfection for further details.

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   Only if your computer problems persist, consider submitting a post to HijackThis Forum for review by the CastleCops HJT staff.

8. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v221/negster22/hijackThislogo.gif Getting Expert Help With Your HijackThis Log

This article is part of the Securing Your Computer: series The series was developed as the key deliverable of the Cleaning Malware Project.

Securing Your Computer: Introduction

Securing Your Computer: Overview

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