When I did the ComboFix uninstall, Avast was running. Someway late in the procedure Avast opened the sandbox warning for files I think ComboFix was clearing. I chose Do not open for three but more kept popping up so I opted for “open in Sandbox”. Very quickly a ComboFix window appeared saying I had Avast running and could I disable it. Did so and ComboFix said it had finished uninstalling. So hopefully Combofix was clever enough to prevent any upset
Out of interest - I normally have my hidden files viewable so I know what is actually in a dir. Does hiding them make them “safer”?
My Avast automatically updates
Windows updates - I have this set to “tell me before downloading” but I keep them updated always (except IE which I’ve always avoided updating - will update now). Presumably the MS update site doesn’t do anything the desktop automatic updates doesn’t? (Does that make sense?)
Malwarebytes: You’re saying keep updated and scan once a week. I notice on the Pro version there is a realtime permanent scanner which I assume is like Avast but focussed on Malware. Is this recommended, or should I just use it as a scanner?
Firewall - I just use MS Firewall under the belief that it worked. Please advise if you think MS F/W has flaws. Kind of brings me back to the very start, although I accept that there are millions of ways of infection and they are changing daily - I’m convinced that all of my woes began when I started using a broadband dongle. I have this unfounded idea that a router-modem on ASDL is somekind of basic hardware firewall, whereas I have no idea what happens in a tiny piece of plastic with a SIM card inside. Anyway I’m waffling again
I cant say how much I appreciate your help. It is clear that all of you helping here devote LARGE amounts of your time solely focussing on dealing with issues that are way beyond most people. I’m actually an ocean physisict and quite skilled with many aspects of computers but not in this kinda stuff! You are all Freedom fighters of the digital underworld!
Thanks!
Out of interest - I normally have my hidden files viewable so I know what is actually in a dir. Does hiding them make them "safer"?
No that is really for the less knowledgeable users who might delete system files "in error"
Presumably the MS update site doesn't do anything the desktop automatic updates doesn't? (Does that make sense?)
Yep I use the desktop one as well
Malwarebytes: You're saying keep updated and scan once a week. I notice on the Pro version there is a realtime permanent scanner which I *assume* is like Avast but focussed on Malware. Is this recommended, or should I just use it as a scanner?
Most of my "victims" use the free version but, MBAM as a real time scanner is good and negates the need for a weekly scan to be honest. However, I am not a great fan of the web site protection as it is over enthusiastic. I rely on webshield
Firewall - I just use MS Firewall under the belief that it worked. Please advise if you think MS F/W has flaws. Kind of brings me back to the very start, although I accept that there are millions of ways of infection and they are changing daily - I'm convinced that all of my woes began when I started using a broadband dongle. I have this unfounded idea that a router-modem on ASDL is somekind of basic hardware firewall, whereas I have no idea what happens in a tiny piece of plastic with a SIM card inside. Anyway I'm waffling again
Vista/7 firewall is better than the XP version and Routers do have a hardware firewall as well. I have never used a dongle though
Great shizzle!
