slow infected laptop

Corrine · July 14, 2012, 07:26:26 PM

That is great news, 4on4off.

Some additional fine-tuning will help as well. However, first, let's remove the tools I had you download since they will not be helpful for your niece. You can remove DDS, Security Check and ESET.

Next, Please do the following to implement cleanup procedures and also to reset System Restore points:

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

ComboFix /Uninstall

Note: In the event you wish to contribute to the ongoing development of ComboFix, the developer is accepting donations via PayPal.

You may have noticed this entry in the Security Check log: Total Fragmentation on Drive C: 9 % Defragment your hard drive soon! With all the additional programs removed, the drive is likely in even greater need of being defragged. Since this should be a scheduled task, you may want to check when it is scheduled to run -- likely when the computer is shut down. If that is the case, consider changing the scheduled time.

As you have already explained to your niece's father the dangers of P2P programs, I won't go into that "lecture". However, a "think before you click" lecture may be in order. Please explain to your niece that free programs are not always free as they include some nasty additions. Remind her to read every screen when installing something, watching for "pre-checked" add-ons. It is best to stick with the vendor site when selecting a program.

While you have the computer, check that all Microsoft Security Updates have been installed and check the settings for updates.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

4on4off · July 14, 2012, 09:02:16 PM

If have uninstallled the applications as you instructed and I will defrag and check the security updates and let you know.

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Corrine · July 14, 2012, 10:00:09 PM

Thank you.

4on4off · July 15, 2012, 11:15:25 PM

Hi Corrine,

Finally was able to uninstall adobe 8 and install the latest update you link. I checked windows update and there were no new security updates available. I forgot to check installed updates before I started the defrag this morning when I got off work and I didn't want to until it was done. It is still running as I type.

I still get the beeping and choice for os at start up and I ran the sfc a second time and it gave the same error at 89% complete:

"Windows Resource ???? found some corrupted files but was not able to fix all of them"

Once the defrag finishes I will run the sfc scan a third time, hopefully it is done before I go in for my last night shift.

Other than that, just waiting for the keyboard to show up so I can try to replace it.

Thanks for all your help on this.

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Corrine · July 16, 2012, 01:57:07 AM

Hi, 4on4off.

Although the replacement keyboard may help, I have the feeling the spill did more damage. If between System File Checker and the new keyboard, the problems continue, I think you'll need to take the CBS log to niermiro at Sysnative.

4on4off · July 16, 2012, 02:47:47 PM

Hi Corrine,

Thank you again for the help.

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4on4off · July 19, 2012, 01:12:44 AM

Hi Corrine,

Just got done replacing the keyboard and that fixed the beeping at start up and selection of os. I ran the sfc scan again and same thing at 89% with the reported corrupted files. Also, when I fired it back up it ran the check disc and did some things along the lines of deleting and replacing this and that.

The thing is running great and I am sure she will be pleased, and my brother especially since he will not have to buy her a new laptop.

I do have one question tho... In the control panel there is a blank icon, I am not sure if it was there before or after the cleaning. Is this something to be too concerned about? Can it be safely deleted?

Thanks again for all your help.

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Corrine · July 19, 2012, 01:58:28 AM

The cleanup process wouldn't have resulted in a blank icon. Comparing to the attached screen capture, is anything missing? If not, try deleting it.

4on4off · July 19, 2012, 02:06:32 AM

I didn't thinks so..Nothing is missing compared to the screen shot. I only get a create shortcut option with a right click and I can't drag it anywhere.

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Corrine · July 19, 2012, 01:57:02 PM

If it doesn't delete in normal mode, try safe mode.

4on4off · July 19, 2012, 10:56:33 PM

Well, I figured to just leave well enough alone. I have returned her laptop to here as it is great working order compared to when I got it. If I come across here and she has it with her I will give safe mode a try.

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