Hi. 
I have had no more problems since the last aswMBR scan.
Good. After completing my below instructions/advice it would be prudent to use the installer you have for IE9 and install the browser. Also if not aware Service Pack One for Windows 7 is now available, you should be able to download and install it via Windows Update and or you could get it from here.
Before actually installing the Service Pack it would be prudent to backup your system and temp' disable any security related applications before doing so as a precaution. The reason I am advising both of the aforementioned upgrades is these will increase the overall security of your machine whilst used online etc.
Next:
Congratulations your computer appears to be malware free!
Now I have some tasks for your good self to carry out as part of a clean up process and some advice about online safety.
Importance of Regular System Maintenance:
I advice you read both of the below listed topics as this will go a long way to keeping your Computer performing well.
Help! My computer is slow!
Also so is this:
What to do if your Computer is running slowly
Reset SR Points/Clean up with OTL:
- Right-click OTL and select Run as Administrator to start the program.
- Copy the lines from the codebox to the clipboard by highlighting ALL of them and pressing CTRL + C (or, after highlighting, right-click and choose Copy):
Code:
:Commands
[ClearAllRestorePoints]
- Return to OTL, right-click in the Custom Scans/Fixes window (under the cyan bar) and choose Paste.
- Then click the red Run Fix button.
- Let the program run unhindered. When finished click on OK and close the log that appears.
- Note: I do not need to review the log produced.
- Now close all other programs apart from OTL as this step will require a reboot.
- On the OTL main screen, depress the CleanUp button.
- Say Yes to the prompt and then allow the program to reboot your computer.
The above process will flush old System Restore points and create a new clean one. It should also clean up and remove the vast majority of scanners used and logs created etc.
Any left over merely delete yourself and empty the Recycle Bin.
Now some advice for on-line safety:
Malwarebyte's Anti-Malware:
This is a excellent application and I advise you keep this installed. Check for updates and run a scan once a week.
Other installed security software:
Your presently installed security application, McAfee AntiVirus Plus automatically checks for updates and downloads/installs them with every system reboot and or periodically if the machine is left running providing a internet connection is active.
I advise you also run a complete scan with this also once per week.
Erunt:
Emergency Recovery Utility NT, I advice you keep this installed as a means to keep a complete backup of your registry and restore it when needed.
Myself I would actually create a new back up once per week as this along with System Restore may prove to be invaluable if something unforeseen occurs!
Keep your system updated:
Microsoft releases patches for Windows and other products regularly:
- Click on Start(Windows 7 Orb) >> All Programs >> Windows Update.
- In the navigation pane, click Check for updates.
- After Windows Update has finished checking for updates, click View available updates.
- Click to select the check box for any found, then click Install.
- When completed Reboot(restart) your computer if not prompted to do so.
Be careful when opening attachments and downloading files:
Never open email attachments, not even if they are from someone you know. If you need to open them, scan them with your antivirus program before opening.
Never open emails from unknown senders.
Beware of emails that warn about viruses that are spreading, especially those from antivirus vendors. These email addresses can be easily spoofed. Check the antivirus vendor websites to be sure.
Be careful of what you download. Only download files from known sources. Also, avoid cracked programs. If you need a particular program that costs too much for you, try finding free alternatives on Sourceforge or Pricelessware.
Stop malicious scripts:
Windows by default allow scripts (which is VBScript and JavaScript) to run and some of these scripts are malicious. Use Noscript by Symantec or Script Defender by AnalogX to handle these scripts.
Avoid Peer to Peer software:
P2P may be a great way to get lots of seemingly freeware, but it is a great way to get infected as well. There's no way to tell if the file being shared is infected. Worse still, some worms spread via P2P networks, infecting you as well. My advice is avoid these types of software applications.
Hosts File:
A Hosts file is like a phone book. You look up someone's name in the phone book before calling him/her. Similarly, your computer will look up the website's IP address before you can view the website.
Hosts file will replace your current Hosts file with another one containing well-known advertisement sites, spyware sites and other bad sites. This new Hosts file will protect you by re-directing these bad sites to 127.0.0.1.
Here are some Hosts files:
Only use one of the above!
Install WinPatrol:
WinPatrol alerts you about possible system hijacks, malware attacks and critical changes made to your computer without your permission.
Download it from here.
You can find information about how WinPatrol works here.
Next:
This is a very helpful/useful set of advice from Microsoft: Microsoft Safety & Security Center
Any questions? Feel free to ask, if not stay safe!
