Free, Safe, Effective Malware removal...

[CreamyGoodness]

Is there such a thing? MalwareBytes trial ran out, and stuff like Spyhunter appear to have hidden fees.

Any advice?

Edit: In case it helps looks like I caught a case of "dealingapp"

 

[GilaMinumBeer]

Is there such a thing? MalwareBytes trial ran out, and stuff like Spyhunter appear to have hidden fees.

Any advice?

Edit: In case it helps looks like I caught a case of "dealingapp"

Malwarebytes premium is a trial basis, but they do have a free version.

Between Malwarebytes and MSE/Defender I've never had an issue.

 

[Psylocide]

Malwarebytes free is by far the best free program.

I use that in conjunction with AVG free and have never had an issue I couldn't scan/click away.

 

[hunter_le five]

I use MalwareBytes Free as well, at work and at home.

I use SuperAntiSpyWare a lot too, but as the name implies, that's more geared towards spyware than malware.

 

[CreamyGoodness]

Malwarebytes free scan/clean doesnt seem to have removed the problem...

 

[GilaMinumBeer]

Malwarebytes free scan/clean doesnt seem to have removed the problem...

Check in Programs and see if it is listed there. Uninstall if it is. Then check your browser extensions. Remove extension. Then run Malwarebytes.

 

[dtgrdn]

As indicated above, Malwarebytes has a free version. I use it with SuperAntiSpyware and if one doesn't fix/block it the other does.

 

[jtratcliff]

I use ClamAV... OpenSource, multiplatform.

http://www.clamav.net

 

[Tin4]

I use Spybot.

 

[Natdavis777]

Get a Mac... Problem solved.

jk, not to start a debate or anything, but Ive owned only two macs in 10 years. Neither have ever had malware or popup issues ever. I actually had to get rid of my first laptop bc Apple quit supporting the OS and everything was becoming incompatible.

 

[unionrdr]

Avast has been good at finding & removing them, then keeping them out to start with. They have a free version homercidal turned me onto. https://www.avast.com/en-us/index

 

[flars]

Thought I would see what the free MalwareBytes was about. The software supposedly found 28 items on my computer. It is not free though. The software would clean one item, but you needed to buy it to finish cleaning it.

I uninstalled the software, but now am getting pop ups warning me of infection from MalwareBytes. How so I clean the obnoxious and insidious MalwareBytes from my computer?

 

[passedpawn]

Thought I would see what the free MalwareBytes was about. The software supposedly found 28 items on my computer. It is not free though. The software would clean one item, but you needed to buy it to finish cleaning it.

I uninstalled the software, but now am getting pop ups warning me of infection from MalwareBytes. How so I clean the obnoxious and insidious MalwareBytes from my computer?

That's odd. I've been running that one for a long time, never any issue, 100% free without ads. I think the pay version stays resident and continually scans for problems, I don't have that.

 

[DrunkleJon]

So you currently have something on your system?

I find the most effective removal is to run a boot disk AV. I use the one by Avira which can be downloaded here
http://www.avira.com/en/downloads click on 'Utilities' then download 'Avira Rescue System' and burn to a CD.

Boot to the CD, set it to rename infected files, and run the scan. When done boot machine (not connected to the internet) and do a file search for *.xxx and see how bad it is. If things are working properly now, run a scan with your normal AV. You should be okay to go now.

If you continue to have problems backing up files to external storage and then performing an OS reinstall is the best bet.

For day to day AV i just run the Microsoft Security Essentials. It seems to be lighter on system resources than a lot of the others.

Also, Make sure you only have one (1) antivirus program installed at a time. Having more than 1 does not double your protection and can make things worse.

 

[GilaMinumBeer]

Thought I would see what the free MalwareBytes was about. The software supposedly found 28 items on my computer. It is not free though. The software would clean one item, but you needed to buy it to finish cleaning it.

I uninstalled the software, but now am getting pop ups warning me of infection from MalwareBytes. How so I clean the obnoxious and insidious MalwareBytes from my computer?

That is odd. You got it from Malwarebytes directly?

I think the pay version stays resident and continually scans for problems, I don't have that.

The premium does stay resident. Also automatically updates, and has rootkit detector.

 

[IslandLizard]

When you download software, free or not, please make sure you are getting it from the actual site, and not some repackaged downloader site Google may hand to you. The repackaged ones often come with extra payloads...

AFAIK, the MWB free version only runs and scans on demand, and will not prevent infection. You will need an antivirus program that runs in the background all the time to ward off bad sites and malware before they can embed themselves.

 

[GilaMinumBeer]

When you download software, free or not, please make sure you are getting it from the actual site, and not some repackaged downloader site Google may hand to you. The repackaged ones often come with extra payloads...

This. I am wondering if he got it from CNET or something like that.

 

[HumulusHead]

Just an FYI.

If you ever have an issue running a scan because the virus is screwing with the scanner, I found that a program called "RKill" is great. It basically shuts down any known viruses/malware so that a scan can run and detect it. As long as you download the most current version of RKill it's worked excellent in every case I tried. It also has a log that pops up at the end and tells you everything it has found. Runs super quick! And totally free

 

[GilaMinumBeer]

Just an FYI.

If you ever have an issue running a scan because the virus is screwing with the scanner, I found that a program called "RKill" is great. It basically shuts down any known viruses/malware so that a scan can run and detect it. As long as you download the most current version of RKill it's worked excellent in every case I tried. It also has a log that pops up at the end and tells you everything it has found. Runs super quick! And totally free

aka Root kit. They install and load into memory before the AV loads into memory and thus are difficult to remove. Applications like RKill, or other rootkit utilities work by being the first thing loaded after boot.

 

[Homercidal]

There are lots of good, free software out there. I use whatever is necessary to clean the system, but generally a combination of Malwarebytes FREE, and either AVG or Avast (I prefer to use Avast) plus CCleaner during the cleanup will do the job. I usually do a few manual checks and deletes and sometimes a safe boot or Live CD boot will be necessary to avoid the processes that block the cleanup tools.

For everyday protection I normally use just Avast and Malwarebytes, plus Adblocker Plus extensions to my browsers. And Malwarebytes is the FREE version, meaning it doesn't stay resident in memory scanning stuff while I'm using the computer. I have to run it when I want to do a check.

IF you can manage to avoid clicking the wrong pop ups, or opening the wrong emails, this should be good. Adblocker speeds up the surfing and does a LOT to keep those dangerous items from coming up to get clicked.

If you post the specific problem we might be able to give you advice on what steps to take to remove it.

MOST IMPORTANTLY: When installing ANY software, be VERY careful to watch for other programs which might be included in the install. For example, a LOT of free, useful, legitimate software comes packaged with other things that you will want to opt out of during the install. Take your time and be sure that what you are clicking on is the correct option.

Worst case scenario, I highly recommend asking a nice computer guy to remote in and help out. Taking your computer to a Geek Squad or similar is the same as putting the install disc in your computer and formatting it. Except they will charge you $100! A trustworthy stranger might charge $40 or so and save your files if it needs to be formatted. Lots of them will do it for free if it's not too much work and they are friends or relatives.

 

[Homercidal]

Get a Mac... Problem solved.

jk, not to start a debate or anything, but Ive owned only two macs in 10 years. Neither have ever had malware or popup issues ever. I actually had to get rid of my first laptop bc Apple quit supporting the OS and everything was becoming incompatible.

I had to download and use an AV program for a MAC laptop about 2 weeks ago. I've never used a MAC, but I told the guy at work I'd have a look. I was suspicious, but it really did have a virus/adware so I found a free tool (not much out there for MAC) and got rid of it for his daughter.

What an odd machine...

 

[GilaMinumBeer]

There are lots of good, free software out there. I use whatever is necessary to clean the system, but generally a combination of Malwarebytes FREE, and either AVG or Avast (I prefer to use Avast) plus CCleaner during the cleanup will do the job. I usually do a few manual checks and deletes and sometimes a safe boot or Live CD boot will be necessary to avoid the processes that block the cleanup tools.

For everyday protection I normally use just Avast and Malwarebytes, plus Adblocker Plus extensions to my browsers. And Malwarebytes is the FREE version, meaning it doesn't stay resident in memory scanning stuff while I'm using the computer. I have to run it when I want to do a check.

IF you can manage to avoid clicking the wrong pop ups, or opening the wrong emails, this should be good. Adblocker speeds up the surfing and does a LOT to keep those dangerous items from coming up to get clicked.

If you post the specific problem we might be able to give you advice on what steps to take to remove it.

MOST IMPORTANTLY: When installing ANY software, be VERY careful to watch for other programs which might be included in the install. For example, a LOT of free, useful, legitimate software comes packaged with other things that you will want to opt out of during the install. Take your time and be sure that what you are clicking on is the correct option.

Worst case scenario, I highly recommend asking a nice computer guy to remote in and help out. Taking your computer to a Geek Squad or similar is the same as putting the install disc in your computer and formatting it. Except they will charge you $100! A trustworthy stranger might charge $40 or so and save your files if it needs to be formatted. Lots of them will do it for free if it's not too much work and they are friends or relatives.

In addition to the two I run as everday protection, I occasionally run Adaware and the rootkit utility built into Malwarebytes premium as a crazy ivan.

 

[TheDudeLebowski]

Lots of them will do it for free if it's not too much work and they are friends or relatives.

How do I remove myself from the list that relatives call in order to scrub their computer? I've tried everything.

 

[GilaMinumBeer]

How do I remove myself from the list that relatives call in order to scrub their computer? I've tried everything.

Next time they call, scrub with dawn. They won't call again.

 

[DrunkleJon]

How do I remove myself from the list that relatives call in order to scrub their computer? I've tried everything.

Stop answering. They will get the hint. Eventually.

 

[passedpawn]

Thought I would see what the free MalwareBytes was about. The software supposedly found 28 items on my computer. It is not free though. The software would clean one item, but you needed to buy it to finish cleaning it.

I uninstalled the software, but now am getting pop ups warning me of infection from MalwareBytes. How so I clean the obnoxious and insidious MalwareBytes from my computer?

You got bit by the sneaky "already checked" checkbox. I just updated my MalwareBytes and caught the f-ing checkbox. Man I hate that. Anyway, I got a good bill of health.

 

[DU99]

Malwarebytes CCleaner.Avast Pro.has not let me down..

 

[flars]

You got bit by the sneaky "already checked" checkbox. I just updated my MalwareBytes and caught the f-ing checkbox. Man I hate that. Anyway, I got a good bill of health.

I didn't see that screen, but I finally got rid of it. Uninstalled a program I didn't recognize. Must of been part of the free program that was circumventing my pop up blocker.

I did download from the MalwareBytes site, not a secondary site.

 

[johnmac22]

What I've always done to get rid of junk is create an image of the machine with Ghost right when I purchase it and after I have programs installed...then you wipe the hard drive (Dariks Boot and Nuke) and reload the image back to the machine. Might be time consuming or unneeded as others seem to have contributed other fixes but it's what has always worked for me. Just my .02.

 

[hoppyhoppyhippo]

What I've always done to get rid of junk is create an image of the machine with Ghost right when I purchase it and after I have programs installed...then you wipe the hard drive (Dariks Boot and Nuke) and reload the image back to the machine. Might be time consuming or unneeded as others seem to have contributed other fixes but it's what has always worked for me. Just my .02.

This is so indepth but kind of reminds me of my process. I don't use ghose I have a copy of windows boot with my programs that I made with something else. Forget which program.