virus and adware removal

[HI-TEKKSOLUTIONS]

I was just wondering what programs and steps does everyone take when removing virus and adware. I have been using hijack this and sys explorer first to see what starts up. then i run norton removal tool, because they seem to have that installed everytime. then i go onto ccleaner so the scans will go faster. after that i install superantispyware, malwarebytes, and then avast. after i update those three programs i run them in safemode. when they are done i run ccleaner again and thats about it other then the finishing touches.

does anyone have any suggestions on this.

[l337]

heres my average routine for spyware and malware cleanup

• CCleaner (why not speed the system up a little before we work on it)
• Spybot Search And Destroy
• Adaware
• Combofix
• Malwarebytes
• Autoruns & Process Explorer
• AVG (i dont always scan with avg just sometimes if ive got the time cause avg seems to take sooo long)
• Nod32 Online Scanner (just to make sure everything is sparkly clean)
• Windows XP SP3 / Vista SP1
• Additional Windows Updates via Windows Update
• Deffragler / JkDefrag
• Microsoft Bootvis Startup Optomize (sometimes and for XP only)
• CCleaner (just to toss away any temp files created during the service)

[gunslinger]

1. Boot into Safe Mode w/ Networking ( disable system restore ).
2. Run Combofix,SmitFraudFix and RogueRemover.
3. Run Ccleaner and EasyCleaner.
4. install and run MalwareBytes and SuperAntiSpyware full scan.
5. Run Hijackthis
6. Install AntiVir antivirus and do a full scan.
7. Install Spywareblaster, update it and take a system snapshot.
8. Make sure the windows firewall is turned on and install all needed Windows updates.

Note: Back up all customer data as needed and scan with Kaspersky antivirus before reintroducing it into the clean system.

[Methical]

Yeah I go the same way with you gunslinger; but use CWShredder as well. And the Norton Removal Tool (some reason people still like that product).

[theclevercloggs]

check that a valid subscription is not running first!!

Lesm

[Resler]

If your running Hijack This first I hope you aren't "Fixing" anything at that step. From my understanding of it HJT doesn't remove any files just references to "bad" files. So you should do that step last. But if your just using it at the beginning to check whats running then your fine.

[TimeCode]

Originally Posted by Methical

And the Norton Removal Tool (some reason people still like that product).

Be careful... You don't want to remove something that somebody may think is good. I've had people get offended when I wanted to install a better program.

[gunslinger]

Originally Posted by TimeCode

Be careful... You don't want to remove something that somebody may think is good. I've had people get offended when I wanted to install a better program.

My policy "I will not work on it if it has any version of Norton or McAfee on it."
I'll put it back on the system when I'm finished if the customer insists. I'm also quick to tell them there is no way I can make their computer faster as long as they have these programs.

That being said I have yet to test Norton 2009, I hear its much better.

[Heriberto t.]

i run ccleaner, then install malwarebytes, update, and run it. for viruses, i usually download Avast! and if they dont want to come out, or i dont find anything and i suspect there are some, then i slave the hdd to a desktop which has bitdefender.

@ gunslinger, i'm going to try norton 2009 later, probably over the weekend cause i too, hear its suppose to be faster and use less resources. even if it did, it wouldnt replace Bitdefender.

[scorcher]

Originally Posted by gunslinger

My policy "I will not work on it if it has any version of Norton or McAfee on it."
I'll put it back on the system when I'm finished if the customer insists. I'm also quick to tell them there is no way I can make their computer faster as long as they have these programs.

That being said I have yet to test Norton 2009, I hear its much better.

Good point gunslinger. I also tell customers that I can't guarantee their system can be faster with these two running (especially to customers that have 512 RAM and running NAV or McAfee).

I haven't seen Norton 2009 either but a reputible friend has seen it and he is very impressed with it.