Triple Whammy!!!

I'm receiving calls again from folks whose PCs have been infected with malware so intrusive that it prevents them from accomplishing anything at all. Symptoms include slow computer operation, a proliferation of pop-up windows, and a program that launches itself and scans for infections.

It may well be that the "self-installed antimalware scanner" program is the source of the problem! How did it get there? Let me count the ways...

I suggest you read this PDF document to learn what malware is and the many ways it can be installed on your computer. Additionally, read Protect Yourself from Fake Anti-Virus Software.

I've said it before: It's gotten to the point where folks have to be proactive to head off these threats. Below is my "regimen" for being proactive. I perform these steps at least once a week.

As for the details of how to perform individual steps, that's another story for another day, OR you can take the initiative and learn how to perform them.

1. Backup your documents, songs, PowerPoint, and other files BEFORE the day of reckoning arrives.
   
2. Disable System Restore
   
3. Download, install, and update Malwarebytes Antimalware (free edition) from http://www.malwarebytes.org (NOT .com).
   
4. Download, install, and update SUPERAntiSpyware (free edition) from http://downloads.superantispyware.com/downloads/SUPERAntiSpyware.exe
   
5. UPDATE your antivirus program.
   
6. If you don't have an antivirus program, say 100 "Hail Marys" for penance, then download, install, update, and run AVG Antivirus.
   
7. Delete all files that you are able to from the C:\Windows\Temp folder.
   
8. Empty your web browser's cache, offline files, and cookies.
   
9. Download and run SmartDefrag from http://www.iobit.com/iobitsmartdefrag.html?Str=download
   
10. Disconnect from the Internet (make sure that wireless is off and that no Ethernet cable is attached).
    
11. Reboot your computer to "Safe Mode".
    
12. Conduct full scans using AntiMalware, SUPERAntiSpyware, and your antivirus program.
    
13. Allow those programs to remove the threats.
    
14. Run SmartDefrag ("Deep Optimize")
    
15. Restart your computer.
    

It sounds like a lot to do, but considering the alternative.... Tips:

1. Remove any discovered infections 2 or 3 at a time. Don't allow the applications above discover and allow to accumulate more than a few at a time. Don't try to eliminate them all in one fell swoop.
   
2. Once finished with all of the above, run "Windows Update" as often as needed to install ALL of the critical updates.
   
3. Update Antimalware, SUPERSpyware, and your antivirus program regularly. I do this at least once a week.
   
4. Scan for infections any external drives (flash drives, external hard drives, SD cards, etc.)
   
5. Eat plenty of vegetables to reduce your risk of becoming infected. Momma was right after all, and she knows best! ;-)