advice needed please.

[Encrypted Existence]

I have recently started doing virus removal/data recovery on the side and I have been wondering if any of you guys who are in the same business think it would benefit me to learn how to use combofix/hijackthis? Im fairly comfortable with the beginner/intermediate removal tactics I have seen thus far such as process explorer, autoruns, mbam, sas, and boot discs. Can any of you give me advice on "must learn" programs/tactics that you have found to be helpful to you? Thank you.

 

[iisjman07]

If you're using Process Explorer, Autoruns, and other manual removal tools then HiJackThis shouldn't be difficult to use. It might benefit you to use; it's pretty easy and is pretty quick, but afaik you can do all it does and more with other tools.

I myself have never used Combofix because in itself it can be a very dangerous tool to run - from what I've heard it can easily corrupt windows installations and often cause more damage than it fixes. I get along just fine without it, and don't see a need for it.

Another tool I'd recommend you take a look at is ESET SysInspector: Link
It's a great little tool that can highlight (literally) infections at common system points and makes them easy to find and disable. The only downside is it takes a couple of minutes to gather all of it's information, but you can leave it generate it's log file whilst using other tools.

 

[Kitten Kong]

Rather than Hijack This, I would personally recommend getting to know OTL by Old Timer.

It is by far a more powerful tool, which delves a lot deeper than HJT does.

Also you write your own repairs, rather than a simple click. There is a walkthrough for OTL, which I will upload if required. Although a simple google will locate it

 

[Encrypted Existence]

Thanks for the advice. I downloaded both versions. I'm assuming they don't make a portable version?

 

[Encrypted Existence]

*both versions of sysinspector*...sorry

 

[Encrypted Existence]

I have since realized that sysinspector is indeed a portable app.

 

[celbii]

They are always good tools to have in your "toolbelt" so to say. You may never have to use them, but they can come in handy as a last resort type of deal.