Essexboy may still need to remove malware-removal tools from your machine, so please stay tuned for further instructions from him.

We usually recommend that you keep your machine running (like you normally would use it) for a good 24 – 48 hours after malware removal to make sure everything is working properly and give it a good test drive. After this period, please report back in this thread to let us know how things are going (good or bad). If things start to go bad, report bad immediately…we’re always here.

In the meantime, here are a few suggestions to keep you and your machine safer in the future:

  1. Keep your definitions up to date for both Avast and MBAM.
  2. Keep all your shields on with Avast and make sure you have the current version of Avast at all times.
  3. Update MBAM prior to scanning, then do Quick scans.
  4. Keep your MS Updates current.
  5. Add security related Add-on’s to your browsers for safer browsing. See my Signature as an example.
  6. Use common sense when browsing and do not go to risky sites.
  7. When downloading software, read what you are clicking and do not download adware toolbars which are commonly opted in; look before you click or do a Custom install to avoid putting unwanted toolbars on your machine that lead to spyware tracking or adware.
  8. Check to see that your software is up to date with the free Secunia Software Inspector http://secunia.com/vulnerability_scanning/personal/ since software is changing all the time. This site gives you the vendor’s direct download link making it easy to upgrade your software. Many of us here scan our machines weekly (see my previous post).

We thank you very much. We don’t often get a compliment, but it’s nice to get one occasionally, and we appreciate it very much. Thank you again. :smiley: