Help me fix my computer

[Snapdragon]

I also was prompted for a Java update last night. What you have to look for with any of those legitimate updates is that they often piggyback crapware programs onto the download of the program you actually want. For me last night it was the Ask.com toolbar being offered with the Java update.

Look very carefully when you are approving the update. Usually the crapware will already be checked by default, and you have to uncheck if you don't want it.

Once you have that crap installed, it can be hard to get rid of. A good malware program should catch it. I use SuperAntiSpyware, but as mentioned, MalwareBytes is good also.

 

[Reno316]

I don't know what any of those are, and am skeptical of downloading anything else..... 4 popups just in trying to make this post.

I'm an IT System Admin, and manage networks of 25+ servers, 200+ computers, etc. Some of our clients are banks, some are public libraries, etc.

MalwareBytes is one of my standard tools. It is safe, and can be obtained here:

Malwarebytes | Free Anti-Malware & Internet Security Software

Something else you can do is click Start, All Programs, and look for something that you don't like. Then right click that item, select Properties. Find the location of the program (most likely C:\Program Files\). Then go to that location, right click, and delete.

But Malware Bytes... It is really awesome.

 

[Reno316]

25 years in the industry and I can say with great prejudice that I hate computers..

Nah. The computer doesn't DO anything. I love computers.

On the other hand, I despise the PEOPLE who use the computers.

Computers don't download viruses. People download viruses.

 

[findingZzero]

I would third Malwarebytes anti-malware. Many times third party installs put extra things you don't want on your HD. This usually doesn't happen with an update that's authentic. Next time you are not sure, go to the actual first party's website and update from there. First party installs will also do this, but they will tell you in advance so you can opt out, and the extra software is usually not malware. Another good cleaner is CC Cleaner, but you have to be a bit careful about what it finds. With your level of expertise, i would have a buddy with more knowledge help you out. Restore points are usually taken automatically. However, sometimes, you go through the whole process and it fails. Good luck and report back.
p.s I am not a computer professional, therefore I am not surly ...lol...and I know my way around a HD.....

 

[Reno316]

Myself, I turn off the restore points on the client computer, pull the hard drive and hook it up to my bench system. I make a backup image then scan with a bunch of different anti virus and anti malware/spyware programs.

That's kinda what I do:

On a new PC, I'll make new partitions: C:\ is for Windows and Windows ONLY. F:\ is for my files (pictures, Word documents, spreadsheets, etc.) and P:\ is for Programs (any software I want that isn't Windows.)

Then take the "Vanilla" image of Windows (I use Acronis) and store that image on an external hard drive. Whatever programs I want to use get installed to P:\ (if it won't let you change the install directory, I won't install it), and I save everything to F:\ drive. F:\ gets backed up every other week.

If I get a really bad problem, I reformat the entire hard drive, reinstall Windows from my Vanilla image, and copy needed files from the backup of F:\.

 

[IndyGunworks]

I am now running malwarebytes.... thanks for the help guys.

 

[indyjohn]

Nah. The computer doesn't DO anything. I love computers.

On the other hand, I despise the PEOPLE who use the computers.

Computers don't download viruses. People download viruses.

Good point. The fork didn't make Rosie O'Donnell fat, Rosie O'Donnell made Rosie O'Donnell fat..

 

[sepe]

Malwarebytes is still a good program to have on your computer. It's free.

Malwarebytes is even better when you've got a "paid" copy, especially with licensing that didn't cost you anything. I run Malwarebytes, Spybot Search & Destroy, and Ccleaner. I've had Windows machines running those without any antivirus for a year as an experiment and those kept my computers safe even with venturing into some corners of the Internet that are full of trojans and viruses.

 

[IndyGunworks]

Malwarebytes is even better when you've got a "paid" copy, especially with licensing that didn't cost you anything. I run Malwarebytes, Spybot Search & Destroy, and Ccleaner. I've had Windows machines running those without any antivirus for a year as an experiment and those kept my computers safe even with venturing into some corners of the Internet that are full of trojans and viruses.

I wouldn't tell your wife you look at porn.