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  #1  
Old 10-21-2014, 06:40 PM
phxguy phxguy is offline
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Default getting rid of malware

Does anyone know of any (free) programs that will clean up a windows system that has been corrupted through malware (I'm no techy so verbiage may be off). I was downloading a new vlc media player version and something was attached to it that has shut down my ability to access the internet, print documents etc. I have heard that malwarebytes is good. The quotes I have been given by stores, best buy, staples etc. are simply not worth it as I might as well buy a new computer. Thanks!
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Old 10-21-2014, 07:29 PM
Wardo Wardo is offline
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I use malwarebytes mostly along with MSE and Spybot. They are all free. Run malwarebytes and Spybot as administrator.

That has taken care of everything over the years although once or twice I've had to remove the hard drive and scan it from another computer to get rid of things.
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Old 10-21-2014, 07:42 PM
dhalbert dhalbert is offline
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I recommended Malwarebytes.org to a friend, but ultimately he used http://www.superantispyware.com/ (free edition) to completely clean up a malware problem.
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Old 10-21-2014, 07:53 PM
gjtoth gjtoth is offline
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360 Total Security -- http://360safe.com/totalsecurity.html
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Old 10-21-2014, 08:12 PM
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Mbroady Mbroady is offline
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All the above work well but I would run RKILL before any of the malware removal soft ware. It stops any thing going on in the back round that might be stopping you malware software from finding something..

if you can not get on the internet try to start you computer in safe mode with networking then download the programs.

If not, then you need to down load on another computer and run them from a usb or external hard drive.

good luck
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Old 10-21-2014, 08:29 PM
Wardo Wardo is offline
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I haven't used RKILL but I'm gonna have a look at it. Last virus I had shut down my malware programs so I had to pull the HD and scan it external.
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Old 10-22-2014, 07:40 AM
Bikewer Bikewer is offline
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A good trick is to download whatever program you want to use on a clean computer, put it on a flash drive, and then run your computer in safe mode and install the program from the flash drive.
Many of the more advanced trojans will disable your AV programs or not allow updates.
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Old 10-22-2014, 09:17 AM
Riverwolf Riverwolf is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by phxguy View Post
I was downloading a new vlc media player version and something was attached to it
ALWAYS read every box in the download process.
Uncheck everything except what you are wanting to download.
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Old 10-22-2014, 05:44 PM
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sweiss sweiss is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Riverwolf View Post
ALWAYS read every box in the download process.
Uncheck everything except what you are wanting to download.
Good advice.

Often, a lot of stuff you don't want rides in with seemingly harmless software.
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Old 10-22-2014, 06:56 PM
Coffeeaddict Coffeeaddict is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Riverwolf View Post
ALWAYS read every box in the download process.
Uncheck everything except what you are wanting to download.
My parents wouldn't listen to me when I told them that. Last time I had to clean the system for them I set them up under a user account that has no download rights. When they want something installed, I check out the program then if it is clean I remote into their system and install it.
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Old 10-23-2014, 09:23 AM
Dru Edwards Dru Edwards is offline
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When all else fails, and I know this isn't an easy option, reformatting / reinstalling Windows may be best. I had to do it once because nothing worked.
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