Good evening cyfyr,


From the name of the infected registry data item I guessed this was because I have switched off automatic windows update and also the notification about this

Switched this back on using ...
- Start > Control Panel > Security Center >
- - Resources (blue text on left panel)
- - - Change the way Security Centre alerts me

Re-ran the quick M-AM scan and this time no problems found (I think) ...

Yes, that item found by Malwarebyte's has to do with the notifications from security centre - so it's everything fine


I dont really want to leave it in place if not compatible with AVG so I assume I run its own uninstaller ?
C:\Program Files\ESET\ESET Online Scanner\OnlineScannerUninstaller.exe

In fact ESET is compatible with AVG (it's just an online scanner, not a real time antivirus, it does not run in your machine all the time). However if you would like to uninstall it's components from your machine, the the OnlineScannerUninstaller.exe would be a good choice.


Alright, the Format was successful and now we can safely state that the machine is clean. Please follow this last procedure:


Step 1 | Please download OTC by OldTimer to your desktop and run it
  • Click Yes to beginning the Cleanup process and remove these components, including this application.
  • You will be asked to reboot the machine to finish the Cleanup process. Choose Yes.



Step 2 | Your Java is out of date. Older versions have vulnerabilities that malware can use to infect your system.

Please follow these steps to remove older version Java components and update.

  • Click on the following link to visit java website: Java Runtime Environment (JRE) 6
  • Scroll down to where it says "JDK 6 Update 24 (JDK or JRE)".
  • Click the "Download" button to the right column (JRE).
  • Select the Windows platform from the dropdown menu.
  • Read the License Agreement and then check the box that says: " I agree to the Java SE Runtime Environment 6 with JavaFX License Agreement". Click on Continue. The page will refresh.
  • Click on the link to download Windows Offline Installation and save the file to your desktop.
  • Close any programs you may have running - especially your web browser.
  • Now go to Start > Settings > Control Panel, double-click on Add/Remove Programs and remove all older versions of Java.
  • Check (highlight) any item with Java Runtime Environment (JRE or J2SE or Java(TM) 6) in the name.
  • Click the Remove or Change/Remove button.
  • Repeat as many times as necessary to remove each Java version.
  • Reboot your computer once all Java components are removed.
  • Then from your desktop double-click on the recently downloaded java installer icon to install the newest version.
  • After the install is complete, go into the Control Panel (using Classic View) and double-click the Java Icon. (looks like a coffee cup)
    • On the General tab, under Temporary Internet Files, click the Settings button.
    • Next, click on the Delete Files button
    • There are two options in the window to clear the cache - Leave BOTH Checked
      • Applications and AppletsTrace and Log Files
    • Click OK on Delete Temporary Files Window Note: This deletes ALL the Downloaded Applications and Applets from the CACHE.
    • Click OK to leave the Temporary Files Window
    • Click OK to leave the Java Control Panel.


Step 3 | Now that you uninstalled the Zone Alarm suite I don't see any evidence of a 3rd Party Firewall installed on your computer. As the term conveys, a firewall is an extra layer of security installed onto computers, which restricts access from the outside world. Firewalls protect against hackers and malicious intruders.

I strongly recommend you download a free (for personal use) firewall NOW that monitors traffic in both directions... from one of these vendors:

  • Comodo (Is now bundled with AV software, toolbar and search provider. Opt to install only the firewall software... uncheck the rest)
  • Online Armor Free (Free version at bottom of page (XP/Vista/W7 (32bit).) 64bit version not available yet. Some reported conflicts with Avira AntiVir.
  • ZoneAlarm (uncheck ZoneAlarm Spy Blocker during installation if you choose this one)
  • Ashampoo


If you are using the built-in Windows XP firewall, it is not recommended as it does not block outgoing connections. This means that any malware on your computer is free to "phone home" for more instructions. Simply put, Windows XP contains a very basic firewall. This (XP) firewall is NO replacement for a dedicated software solution. Remember to install and have active, only one firewall at the same time. If you install one of these firewalls, remember to turn off Windows' firewall.


Last Step | Now, in order to avoid future infections, please take time to read the following article:

So how did I get infected in the first place?

Thank you for your patience, and performing all of the procedures requested. I'd be grateful if you could reply to this post so that I know you have read it and, if you've no other questions, the thread can then be closed