Inactive MBAM,gmer and DDS results!

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I did numerous searches for various programme files and found some but the problem im having is that im not sure what files are meant to be in a particular folder.For example, again, i have the game FAR CRY2 installed and have recently played it so i know it works and all the relevent files must be on the HDD,but if i try to find them normally,that is go - start>all programmes>ubisoft>farcry2>(empty) its this folder that is empty and im not sure what is meant to be in it!?OR if i go explore>c:>doc&settings>all users>start menu>programmes>ubisoft>farcry2>empty, its still empty!
I know there would be a readme file etc... but im not sure so going through everything to me anyway is pointless as im not 100% sure what im looking for! I would find it far easier to uninstall these programmes first and then reinstall them or if there working fine know to just leave them for the time being at least anyway.
Would there be problem in doing this or are you just trying to offer,inyour eyes, the simplest solution?
 
Suggestions:

1. Is it possible the the game is listed separately and not in the Ubisoft folder?
2. Go to the Control Panel> Add/Remove Programs> Do you see Ubisoft there? Do you see FC2 there.
3. If these programs are listed on Add/Remove Programs, you can Repair or uninstall.
4. If the 'missing' programs don't appear on Add/Remove. how are you going to uninstall them?

I don't know what else to tell you. Obviously the games or programs are on the system or you couldn't run them. If you fell more comfortable uninstalling (providing you can find it to uninstall!) then reinstall, do that.

I have had you run unhide.exe right? But it was questionable what it did as you commented 'it worked' then told me the folders were empty. You can try running it once more and if it still doesn't unhide the programs, go ahead with the removal and reinstall:
Download Unhide.exe and save to the desktop.
  • Double-click on Unhide.exe icon to run the program.
  • This program will remove the +H, or hidden, attribute from all the files on your hard drives.
 
From what i can see all the programmes that are working but have empty folders are listed in add/remove programmes so that should be ok.
Yes i did download 'unhide.exe' and run it but it didnt seem to do much!
I will devote some time over the weekend to to running this again and also having a go at finding missing folders etc.. After that i would really like to finish this cleaning process if its ok with you as i havnt been using any scans ect... for weeks now and ive started using internet banking etc... so im getting a little antsy!
I know your busy but i thank you for your help!
 
Handle the reinstallation of the program however works best for you.

Removing all of the tools we used and the files and folders they created
  • Uninstall ComboFix and all Backups of the files it deleted
  • Click START> then RUN
  • Now type Combofix /Uninstall in the runbox and click OK. Note the space between the X and the U, it needs to be there.
    CF_Uninstall-1.jpg
  • Download OTCleanIt by OldTimer and save it to your Desktop.
  • Double click OTCleanIt.exe.
  • Click the CleanUp! button.
  • Select Yes when the "Begin cleanup Process?" prompt appears.
  • If you are prompted to Reboot during the cleanup, select Yes.
  • The tool will delete itself once it finishes.
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Note: If you receive a warning from your firewall or other security programs regarding OTC attempting to contact the internet, please allow it to do so.

Note: If any tool, file or folder (belonging to the program we have used) hasn't been deleted, please delete it manually.
------------------------------------------
  • You should now set a new Restore Point and remove the old restore points to prevent infection from any previous Restore Points.
  • Go to Start > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools
  • Click "System Restore".
  • Choose "Create a Restore Point" on the first screen then click "Next".
  • Give the Restore Point a name> click "Create".
  • Go back and follow the path to > System Tools.
    [*]Choose Disc Cleanup
    [*]Click "OK" to select the partition or drive you want.
    [*]Click the "More Options" Tab.
    [*]Click "Clean Up" in the System Restore section to remove all previous Restore Points except the newly created one.


Empty the Recycle Bin

Let me knw if you have any more questions.
 
Thanks.
I do have a few questions.
1.How often should i use the cleaner utility in crap cleaner and what options should be ticked?
2.How often, if at all should i use the 'fix registery issues' with this programme?
3.Beside Avira and mbam, i have super anti spyware installed. Is this programme ok to use and if so how often should i be scanning with these programmes?
4.As far as i know none of these moniter/scan incoming email?! Im wondering if that would be the case and if so is there a freeware version of any programme that i could be using to check emails and if not what programme would you recommend purchasing for doing that?
 
You answers:
1 and 2. I don't use CCleaner. It has some registry cleaning in it and most of us do not recommend using a registry cleaner. There are not enough benefits-if any-to using a registry cleaner- and there are risks to deleting registry entries. See #6 below and my comments at the end re: TUT and Eraser.

3. Tips for added security and safer browsing: (Links are in Bold Blue)
  1. Browser Security
    [o] Safe Settings (Please ignore the suggestion to use the Registry Editior in this section "Creating a Custom Security Zone")
    [o] ZonedOut. This manages the Zones in Internet Explorer. (For IE7 and IE8, Windows 2000 thru Vista. No Windows 7)
    [o] Replace the Host Files
    [o] Google Toolbar Pop Up Blocker
    [o]Web of Trust (WOT) Site Advisor. Traffic-light rating symbols show which rate the site for Trustworthiness, Vendor Reliability, Privacy, Child Safety.
  2. Have layered Security:
    [o]Antivirus :(only one):Both of the following programs are free and known to be good:
    [o]Avira-AntiVir-Personal-Free-Antivirus
    [o] [o]Avast-Free Antivirus
    [o]Firewall (only one): Use bi-directional firewall. Both of the following programs are free and known to be good:
    [o]Comodo
    [o]Zone Alarm
  3. Antimalware: I recommend all of the following:
    [o]Spywareblaster: SpywareBlaster protects against bad ActiveX.
    [o]Spybot Search & Destroy
  4. Updates: Stay current:
    [o] the Microsoft Download Sitefrequently. All updates marked Critical and the current SP updates.
    [o]Adobe Reader Install current, uninstall old.
    [o]Java Updates Install current, uninstall old.
  5. Tracking Cookies
    Reset Cookie:
    [o]For Internet Explorer: Internet Options (through Tools or Control Panel) Privacy tab> Advanced button> check 'override automatic Cookie handling'> check 'accept first party Cookies'> check 'Block third party Cookies'> check 'allow per session Cookies'> Apply> OK.
    [o]For Firefox: Tools> Options> Privacy> Cookies> check ‘accept Cookies from Sites’> Uncheck 'accept third party Cookies'> Set Keep until 'they expire'. This will allow you to keep Cookies for registered sites and prevent or remove others. (Note: for Firefox v3.5, after Privacy click on 'use custom settings for History.')
    I suggest using the following two add-on for Firefox. They will prevent the Tracking Cookies that come from ads and banners and other sources:
    AdBlock Plus
    Easy List
    [o]For Chrome: Tools> Options> Under The Hood> Privacy Section> CHECK 'Restrict how third party Cookies can be used'> Close.
  6. Do regular Maintenance
    Clean the temporary internet files often:
    [o] ATF Cleaner by Atribune
    (This program is for XP, Vista and Windows 2000 only)
  7. Restore Points:
    [o]See System Restore Guide
  8. Safe Email Handling
    [o] Don't open email from anyone you don't know.
    [o] Don't open Attachments in the email. Safe to your desktop and scan for viruses using a right click
    [o] Don't leave your personal email address on the internet. Have a separate email account at one of the free web-based emails like Yahoo.
Please let me know if you find any bad link.

4. Moniutoring email will depend entirely on which email you use. For instance, I still have Outlook Express. I have the aid Nod32 Antivirus. This monitors all[?b] of my incoming and all of my outgoing email. And it notes the mail has been scanned at the bottom of each email.

IF you have a web-based email such as Yahoo or Hotmail, you will be at the mercy of the filters in their servers- which don't do much. #3 and #8 above will help address some security issues.

I try to help everyone realize that they are the first line of security. It doesn't matter how much you have, there are some situations that can and usually do, bring malware>> I'll quote this because I think it reminds users of what they shouldn't do- in a numerous, but serious way:

14 ways to get Infected without trying

A little bit of humour but also based on fact.

1) Look for cracks, subdivided in illegal software and .....
2) Practice unsafe hex, browse the web for free pOrn
3) Look for software that adds smileys to your posts, mail etc
4) Look for kewl skins, screensavers etc
5) Look for spyware removers, concentrate on the kind that makes you pay before it removes anything
6) Install a P2P program and repeat all of the above
7) You always want the best; use p2p to download anti-virus/firewall software.
(Comment by Bobbye> you'd be amazed at the number of users who use a torrent site to get security software- without paying)>>?
8) Do NOT pay for anything, the internet is a place where you can steal anything from everyone without even saying as much as thank you
9) Don't have/use/update antivirus/security software
10) Look for pokergames, slotmachines and other gambling outfits
11) Look for ringtones and other stuff to bling your phone
12) Click on those unexpected links and attachments in email, because you're curious...
13) Do loan your laptop to the next door neighbour for the weekend and give him your Admin account login so he can get his project done with no hassles
14) Let the Babysitter use your laptop for 'schoolwork'
Thanks to Metallica for most of those and CalamityJane, bitman, Lonny, shelf life. :

Please note: The attributes for bold, underlined and red text are mine. They stress some of the points I see frequently in the logs I check.
==============================================
What works best for me: I have the paid Eset Nod32 antivirus, Spywareblaster, Spybot S&D for the basics.

I have the paid-and worth every penny- The Ultimate Troubleshooter (TUT) from answersthatwork.From that one program, I can see, delete, update, disable or enable all Startup tasks, Services, Running Tasks, ALL system information. There are also various tools I can use, the most valuable one being Housekeeping. Everything I remove goes to the Recycle Bin and the contents of the Bin get erased> overwritten by a free programs I have been using for years, Eraser.

TUT

Eraser
 
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