Adware/malware removal

[snipelfritz]

So I got fucked over just trying to update Adobe Reader with all sorts of adbot shit trying to smersch my browser.

Anybody know of any trustworthy "free"-ish programs of some repute which can take care of this sort of stuff.

Also, running windows 8.1, for what that's worth.

[KaosCill8r]

Same thing happened to my missus the other week. The worst part was it was my computer she did it to. I'll be keeping my eye on this thread so I can fix mine too. Sorry I can't be of more help to you dude

[foomanfat]

Give Malwarebytes a shot. It's good about finding deep stuff.

[chuckjaywalk]

Go to bleepingcomputer.com.

[Psyre]

1) Restart your PC in Safe Mode With Networking, this prevents any of the malware infected programs from booting giving you a clean operating table.

2) Download Malwarebytes, CCleaner, and while your at it I'd recommend AusLogics for good measure (has a wonderful defrag and optimzie tool)

3) Restart after downloading and installing and boot into Safe Mode with Networking and let Malwarebytes update it's definitions.

4) Reboot once again and boot into Safe Mode (No Networking). Now run Malwarebytes.

5) Repeat step 4 for good measure

6) Boot Normally. Look for any signs of infection. If it appears clean, run CCleaner's cleaning utilities.

7) Reboot and if you downloaded AusLogics, run it's "Defrag and Optimize"

You should have a lovely machine again and save yourself $180 for a virus removal from any shop. This is what I did as a tech and it worked far better than most of the corporate licensed programs.

[Mike]

So I got fucked over just trying to update Adobe Reader with all sorts of adbot shit trying to smersch my browser.

If all you did was install Adobe Reader from Adobe's site, the only unwanted software included in the download is that McAfee Security Scan Plus crap. The uninstaller works, so just uninstall the program. If other stuff was installed, it almost certainly wasn't from Adobe.

Otherwise, I generally follow the same path as Psyre. I would add step 0, disable system restore, and replace step 7 (if you have an SSD) or add step 8: re-enable system restore. I also always run ccleaner's registry tools, multiple times, until no discrepancies are found.

Mike

[KaosCill8r]

So I got fucked over just trying to update Adobe Reader with all sorts of adbot shit trying to smersch my browser.

If all you did was install Adobe Reader from Adobe's site, the only unwanted software included in the download is that McAfee Security Scan Plus crap. The uninstaller works, so just uninstall the program. If other stuff was installed, it almost certainly wasn't from Adobe.

Mike

It was the same thing that happened to us. I'm thinking the Adobe homepage was counterfeited. But I think the infection was downloaded elsewhere and it used the Adobe name because it seems trusted. I think the missus picked the bug up using some dodgy torrent downloader whilst trying to download Disney movies for our nieces and nephews during the Xmas holidays.