Hello,
Don't fool with the registry with any registry cleaners, there not recommended, even the good ones at times may remove valid entries that can disable your system and if it removes a bunch of unused entries you will see no difference in system performance.
We just do malware removal on this forum, I am linking you to some windows support sites that can help you sort out any other issues you may have.
- Windows Helpnet <-- Excellent XP Forum
- PcPitStop <-- You can take your system in for a checkup here.
- Windows Support
It's Not Always Malware
Speedup Windows
Windows Tips
I like to to do the offline installation and save the setup file in case I may need it in the future
- Your Java is out of date and leaving your system vulnerable.
- Go to your Add-Remove Programs in the Control Panel and uninstall any previous versions of Java (J2SE Runtime Environment)
- It should have an icon next to it:
Select it and click Remove.- Reboot your system.
- Then go to the Sun Microsystems and install the update
- Java SE Runtime Environment (JRE) 6 Update 11 <--This is what you need to download and install.
- If you chose the online installation, it will prompt you to run the program.
- If you chose the offline installation, you will be prompted to save the file and you can run it from wherever you saved it.
- Then after install you can verify your installation here Sun Java Verify
ATF Cleaner <-- Yours to keep, run it now and then to clean out the clutter.
Malwarebytes <-- Yours to keep also, check for updates and run a scan now and then.
Hijackthis <---Your call, hopefully you won't need it again, if you do you can redownload it
Combofix <---Is not a general cleaning tool, just run it with supervision or you can bork your system
- Click START then RUN
- Now type Combofix /u in the runbox and click OK. Note the space between the X and the U, it needs to be there.
- When shown the disclaimer, Select "2"
The above procedure will:
- Delete the following:
- ComboFix and its associated files and folders.
- VundoFix backups, if present
- The C:\Deckard folder, if present
- The C:_OtMoveIt folder, if present
- Reset the clock settings.
- Hide file extensions, if required.
- Hide System/Hidden files, if required.
- Reset System Restore.
- How did I get infected in the first place ? Read these links and find out how to prevent getting infected again.
- Tutorial for System Restore <-- Do this first to prevent yourself from being reinfected.
- WhattheTech
- TonyKlein CastleCops
- Grinler BleepingComputer
- GeeksTo Go
- Dslreports
Here are some free programs to install, all free and highly regarded by the fine people in the Malware Removal CommunityKeep in mind if you install some of these programs. Only ONE Anti Virus and only ONE Firewall is recommended, more is overkill and can cause you problems. You can install all the Spyware programs I have listed without any problems. If you install Spyware Blaster, you can still install Spybot Search and Destroy but do not enable the TeaTimer in Spybot.
- Spybot Search and Destroy 1.6
Check for Updates/ Immunize and run a Full System Scan on a regular basis. If you install Spyware Blaster ( Recommended ) then do not enable the TeaTimer in Spybot Search and Destroy.- Spyware Blaster It will prevent most spyware from ever being installed. No scan to run, just update about once a week and enable all protection.
- Spyware Guard It offers realtime protection from spyware installation attempts, again, no scan to run, just install it and let it do its thing.
- IE-Spyad
IE-Spyad places over 6000 web sites and domains in the IE Restricted list which will severely impair attempts to infect your system. It basically prevents any downloads (cookies etc) from the sites listed, although you will still be able to connect to the sites.- Firefox 3 It has more features and is a lot more secure than IE. It is a very easy and painless download and install, it will no way interfere with IE, you can use them both.
Safe Surfn
Ken