5 Hours of Complete Pain XP Security 2011

[Probzzie]

Hey it seems I missed the running of the TFC, so decided to just run it now and it had to restart to remove certain files, is that normal, anything to be worried about?

[Probzzie]

Remember back a few post me mentioning a CTFMON.exe file on an mp3 player?
Well for additional security I installed winpatrol, and on the startup items this file is there on start up applications.
I have not done anything since this finding and am waiting for advice, I since gaining control back of the desktop have re ran combo fix MBAM and Avast! All of which came back with clean logs. Should I simply remove the process?

UPDATE: I should research before posting, Scratch this whole line and the one above. It just earlier the ctf that came off the mp3 was caught as an infection when i tried to receive the file and when i sent the one it came in clean and then i researched and found it it was a windows verified file.

[essexboy]

Yep CTFMON is legitimate and related to office, it is not really required.  But, is difficult to remove as for some reason it will always reset itself 

TFC will always ask for a reboot as it needs to clear everything in your temp files and some may be in use especially within flash (which it also cleans)

I find TFC clears a lot more than CC without the temptation to play with the registry 
 

[Probzzie]

Hey Its running great no problems or error messages, thank you so much again you all helped so much!
You just indicated to tell you in a day or so, then you'd remove your bits and bobs.

[essexboy]

Bits and bobs to go 

I will remove my tools now and give some recommendations, but, I would like you to run for 24 hours or so and come back if you have any problems

 Now the best part of the day ----- Your log now appears clean  :thumbsup:

A good workman always cleans up after himself so..The following will implement some cleanup procedures as well as reset  System Restore points:

Run OTL

• Under the Custom Scans/Fixes box at the bottom, paste in the following
  
  

  :Commands
  [resethosts]
  [purity]
  [emptytemp]
  [EMPTYFLASH]
  [CLEARALLRESTOREPOINTS]
  [Reboot]

• Then click the Run Fix button at the top
  
• Let the program run unhindered, reboot the PC when it is done

Click Start > Run  and copy/paste the following bolded text into the Run box and click OK:

ComboFix /Uninstall

Run OTL and hit the cleanup button.  It will remove all the programmes we have used plus itself. 

We will now confirm that your hidden files are set to that, as some of the tools I use will change that

• Click Start.
• Open My Computer.
• Select the Tools menu and click Folder Options.
• Select the View Tab.
• Under the Hidden files and folders heading select Do not show hidden files and folders.
  
• Click Yes to confirm.
• Click OK.

   Your Java is out of date. Older versions have vulnerabilities that malware can use to infect your system. Please follow these steps to remove older version of Java components and upgrade the application.

Upgrading Java:

• Download the latest version of Java SE Runtime Environment (JRE)JRE 6 Update 24.
  
• Click the "Download" button to the right.
  
• Select your Platform and check the box that says: "I agree to the Java SE Runtime Environment 6 License Agreement.".
  
• Click on Continue.
  
• Click on the link to download Windows Offline Installation (jre-6u24-windows-i586-p.exe) and save it to your desktop. Do NOT use the Sun Download Manager..
  
• Close any programs you may have running - especially your web browser.
• Go to Start > Control Panel, double-click on Add/Remove programs and remove all older versions of Java.
  
• Check any item with Java Runtime Environment (JRE or J2SE) in the name.
  
• Click the Remove or Change/Remove button.
• Repeat as many times as necessary to remove each Java version.
• Reboot your computer once all Java components are removed.
• Then from your desktop double-click on the download to install the newest version.(Vista users, right click on the jre-6u24-windows-i586.exe and select "Run as an Administrator.")
  

SPRING CLEAN
 
Download and run Puran Disc Defragmenter
For the first run I would recommend a boot defrag and disk check




Now that you are clean, to help protect your computer in the future I recommend that you get the following free programmes:
 
Malwarebytes.  Update and run weekly to keep your system clean

Download and install FileHippo update checker and run it monthly it will show you which programmes on your system need updating and give a download link

It is critical to have both a firewall and anti virus to protect your system and to keep them updated.

To keep your operating system up to date visit

• Microsoft Windows Update
  

To learn more about how to protect yourself while on the internet read our little guide  How did I get infected in the first place ?
Keep safe  :wave: