Virus/Malware Removal for Free and it's Easy.

I see a lot of misguided, but well meaning help on here, so I decided to post the real scoop from someone who does this for a living.
Believe it or not these methods are way better than pay for programs. Don't ask me why, its just the way it is. BTW I have left out the more complicated stuff, because the risk of messing around is the registry is to risky for those who don't work in IT. For the most part this will make everyone's computer run quite a bit better.

Download the following programs. Make sure if you Google these programs you are downloading them from BleepingComputer.com otherwise you may just be downloading a virus. Or use the links below.
ComboFix
AdwCleaner
JRT(Junkware Removal Tool)
TFC(Temp file cleaner)

Put these in a folder on your desktop called "Clean up"

Reboot into safe mode. This can be done two ways.
1. Reboot and press F8 key every 1-2 seconds before you see the windows logo. A menu will come up with several disaster recovery options. Choose "Safe Mode".
2. Click Start->Run and type msconfig then click OK. A dialog will come up choose "Diagnostic Start up". Choose OK. Reboot the PC. When it comes up it will be in a mode very similar to safe mode. This mode is for those who have trouble getting the F8 start up menu to come up.

OK so the next part takes a while. Make sure you can be without you computer for a few hours. If you have a newer computer or aren't badly infected it can take as little as 15 minutes.

Go to the "Clean up" folder made on your desktop.
1. Double click on Combofix and install it/Agree. Combofix usually takes the longest. At times it will appear that it isn't doing anything, it is, just let it finish. If you computer had a serous infection it will automatically reboot your computer and continue working once you log back in. When it is finished it will display a text log showing everything that it did. Close notepad.

2. Run JRT(Junkware Removal Tool) - It will bring up a dos prompt. Push any key on your keyboard to start the process. Let it complete. JRT may or may not open a notepad with a log of what was completed.

3. Run AdwCleaner and click on Scan. When it is done scanning click clean. It to will show you a log of what it has done.

4. Run TFC Cleaner and click Start. When it's finished close it.

If you used msconfig to get into a Safe Mode like environment, click Start->Run and type msconfig and choose Normal Start up. Reboot your computer.

Let's make sure the browsers are clean now.
Internet Explore, go to Tools->Internet Options(The Gear Icon is tools). Go to advanced and choose reset. Don't worry you won't loose your favorites.
Firefox, click the three little lines in the top right corner under the X. Click on the question in bottom of that dialog then click "Troubleshooting information". Then click "Refresh Firefox".
Chrome, Click the three little lines in the top right corner under the X. Click on Settings. Scroll to the bottom of that page and click "Advanced Settings" Then scroll to the bottom and click "Reset Settings". There is an extra step with Chrome. While at the same screen look at the middle left side of screen and you will see "Extensions", click on this. Remove all extensions by clicking on the trash can. Don't worry if you really need one you can reinstall it easily. If you don't know delete them all.

Now clean the start up.
Click on Start go to All Programs and then go to Startup folder. Anything inside there delete it. Don't worry you aren't deleting programs, your just stopping them from starting when your computer starts, which is usually pointless because you will go and click on the program when you need it. There is also a way to clean registry start up items, but that is a little riskier, and requires experience, otherwise bad things can happen. Maybe I'll address this in a future tutorial.

Stop the popups
[snipped]
Dictionary addon is another helpful addon. It displays the reference for a word when you highlight it.

If you need a anti-virus. The free versions work just as good as the pay for. FYI no anti-virus can stop all viruses so don't expect it.
Avast
AVG

DO NOT USE - these guys sponsor viruses
McCrappie I mean McAfee
Norton

If you have Norton installed use the Norton Uninstaller to get rid of it or you may find yourself without Internet.

Follow these directions and adware/spyware/malware/viruses will fear you!

Thanks for sharing what you know.

a reply to: darkbake

Thanx

Anything for this annoying new type pop-ups blanking out the pages?

Hmmm? your "combofix link does not goto any real download? Please fix.



ETA: I figured it out, and thanks for 2 tools I did not have.
Also you should also remind ATS users that they need to update JRT and ADWCLEANER if they already have it. I also use CCleaner between different scanners.

Thanks!

Nice little guide you've made :-)

Just remember peoples to allow the ads on websites you should support, such as ATS.

Going to grab that dictionary tool, actually does sound very useful.


I am really cross with those Norton fellas though. Back in my 8086 days, nothing was been or more efficient to sort your files than Norton Commander. Most people seemed to like xtree-gold which was awful, but Norton with it's dual windows allowed progress without anything in the way. Oh how I was Explorer was the same.... To see how much of a turd Norton became over the years is quite sad. I heard that the new versions are much improved, but I'm never going to ever try them out again after some horrid early-late 2000's repairs.


EDIT:
If you find yourself installing stuff from scratch if all else fails, or if you deal with regular computer builds, check out this site. It's amazing!
ninite.com... basically it creates a massive multiple installer, you go there - choose all the default programs you usually install, which might be avg, avast, dropbox, chrome, java etc. etc. and it will put it all together for you as a single executable. BRILLIANT!

a reply to: lobograndemalo

Absolutely agree. One thing about virus protection. I have had exceptional luck with Symantec Endpoint Protection. It's more of a corporate antivirus but it's great. I have a cloud managed system that alerts me to any of the computers it's installed on having issues. For an IT guy, any way you can be proactive is the way to go.

Best malware protection combo:

Malwarebyres anti-malware (costs $)
+
Microsoft Security Essentials/Windows Defender

Windows Defender is Security Essentials, except that it comes built into Win8.

I've used this combo for about 2 years. I've been virus and malware free ever since. Malwarebytes is amazing! I don't recommend the free version, but it or look for free keys online for the full/pro version. If you got the full version without buying.... If you like it then I suggest buying it to support them!

Good info you gave
S&F
I also find PANDA "yes it cost", you get free 30 day trial.
I have used these folks for 12 years and Never had any issue/problems..Period.


Also try this one: Malwarebytes

The 2 programs do everthing you need to stay safe.
Sometimes you do have to pay to get the best, that is totaly up to each of us.
I find it works for me.....

Thanks for the info.

I used to use the free programs but I have gotten lazy in my old age.

Past couple years I bought the AVG Pro. Anti virus and tune-up. I love it.

I don't have to think about it anymore. Auto updates, scans and cleans. Every once in a while I get a pop-up saying something was caught and eliminated. I even contacted AVG support at renewal time and they were awesome. I Highly recommend AVG products.

My sister had Norton and mcaffey at different times. Nothing but problems. She now uses AVG and has no problems.

Again, thank you for the self help in the OP. As you showed you can be safe and clean for free.

People should learn to wipe their hard drive (all of it) and reinstall their operating system, Its not that hard, and is BY FAR the safest way to keep a computer clean.
And no, is doesnt mean they have to lose everything!

Its not that hard to reinstall your operating system, so long as you have the disc!
1. Insert the os disc into the cd/dvd drive.
2. When you switch on your computer usually you'll notice there's some writing at the top or bottom of the screen. It will list some options, look for the option that says "Press F8 for boot menu" The f8 may vary, might be f12 or something similar. Keep dabbing the f? key from the moment you switch on the computer.
A menu will appear. Choose Boot from cd/dvd.
3. The install procedure will now start.

Most os discs will offer you a choice as to whether you want to save the old data, if you have data you dont want to lose such as photo's etc then say yes, otherwise say no and if possible use the delete partitions option!
During the install you may be asked a few simple questions like your location etc, but nothing difficult.
When the install completes make sure the first thing you do is intall a fire wall and then antiVirus.

It really is that easy!

No thats not how I do it, but it is the easy way!


OP, have you seen the source code for those progs that you linked to?
If the prog is free then they've nothing to lose by making the source available!
If they wont thats reason enough (for me) to be suspicious!

Nothing in life is free!

I use CCleaner with winapp2.ini for junk cleaning.

Beats any program hands down for junk removal. This list is user generated and updated regularly.

Link

Click link, go to "save as", change the file type to text and make sure the file is named "winapp2.ini".

If it saved correctly, there should be a file that looks like a little notepad with a gear. Put that into your CCleaner folder, I use the portable version, and fire it up.

It will take a bit longer to load, but once you hit the applications tab, you'll notice it has grown tremendously.

ATTENTION!!!!!!!

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Do NOT reply to this post!!

I've been using Spybot search and destroy Link

and spywareblaster Link

for years and they never let me down
They have free and paid versions and both are excellent. spywareblaster in particular is a prevention rather than a cure which is always best in my opinion

Peace,

M.

a reply to: lobograndemalo

You mention that Mccaffee and Norton sponsor viruses. Can you elaborate?
I ran Norton side by side Malwarebytes until recently. I found Malwarebytes to be a lot better at cleanup.

If they don't constantly remind you of that.. no $ for ATS..

@Network-Dude: Holy crapoly someone remembers xtree!!! That thing was awesome back in the day. BTW Yeah when I was in the Army we used McAfee and Symantec End Point and you are right both are very good, but the end user Norton and McAfee is pretty bad and has been for a while. I do remember in the 8086 days Norton was awesome, I actually learned assembly from one of his books. That was back when memory came in tubes and was actual chips.

@Kuroodo: You are certainly right about MalwareBytes. We use it in shop with great success. I should have put that in the tutorial. BTW the free version works just like the full version for scanning. It is just missing the on-the-fly scanning. On Windows Defender I have to disagree. There are two reasons someone would use Windows Defender. 1. They are an IT Professional and can remove most viruses/malware by hand. (I'm running it on my surface Pro because it saves battery life). 2. You just don't know better. Windows Defender makes our shop a lot of money. It isn't terrible, but if you go look at porn sites(like my grampa) you will quickly find yourself infected with the latest and greatest. Windows defender hasn't even submitted for testing at any professional labs.

@VoidHawk: Great info man! You hijacked my thread.....??? By all means please create a new thread with your how to, I'm sure it will certainly be useful to someone. Truth be told if you have an infestation of viruses/malware the integrity of the system is now in question, so the best method would be yours. As for the source to the tools, some of them are open source and some aren't. I can tell you that our shop has used it with great success on thousands of PC's. We have also been in contact with the developer and assisted in testing on Windows 8 etc. Your claims really aren't very litigate though, open a command prompt and netstat -b and you'll see Microsoft always has access to your computer. Mac OS X Mavericks and above also have a connection to Apple at all times. Hence why the most greedy IT company suddenly decided to give their OS away after a meeting with NSA. Think about this one.. Ubuntu came out of no-where and now its the top Linux OS. Who do you think really sponsored it?

@tinker9917: Unfortunately I can't substantiate my claims, but I have suspected it for a while. I know that the minute you don't pay either of them they exhibit virus like tenancies. Even uninstalling them commonly causes disabled internet and lots of other problems. That's why they have their own removal tool.

@eisegesis: Great info man. CCleaner is a good program. I don't mention it because often times I do it by hand, ie going through the registry etc. I'm a little worried to recommend it to clients though. I have had clients come back and sometimes CCleaner can cause some issues, depending on what the user has gotten themselves into as far as malware etc.

@murlock: Your right. There are a lot of great programs out there that can keep you clean. The apps I have listed can take a PC from infested to clean. Once your cleans the apps you mentioned will keep you clean.

@ICycle2: If you did all the steps in my tutorial there shouldn't be any popups at all.

I did forget to mention to go get a copy of the free MalwareBytes and run it as the last step. It really does a great job.

I should also mention that no anti-virus stops everything. NOT ONE! So its good to have variety and change it up from time to time. They rotate number 1 spots quite often. Sometimes its AVG, Avast, BitDefender, Kaspersky. They all rotate through.

Please guys don't hijack someone else's thread with your own tutorial. Adding to the thread by mentioning other great programs out there is awesome, but don't throw a whole tutorial up. No one will ever find it hidden in this thread! I know there are a lot of really smart people out there, you guys deserve your own thread!

I hope this helped someone.

a reply to: lobograndemalo

open a command prompt and netstat -b and you'll see Microsoft always has access to your computer.

Absolutely!
In my "How to install an os" (no intention to hijack your thread) I almost suggested zonealarm for the firewall, but the reason I didn't was because unless a user really knows what they're doing it will allow m$ to pass unhindered! and thats the same reason I would not use freebies! I know its wrong to suggest that all freebies are bad but unless we have the source we cant know which are the good guys.

As for "who funded Ubuntu", thats something I've often thought about, so thanks for the tip! But, I dont think it matters what os we use, they will always find a way in if they have reason too.