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Farbar Recovery Scan

2773 Views 20 Replies 2 Participants Last post by DR.M, Mar 13, 2022

jongeorge

Discussion Starter · Feb 12, 2022

I read a thread with Dr.M recommending to use this tool to check for hacks. I have downloaded and have the report but don't know what to do next. I cannot find how to message Dr.M or even comment on the thread I saw him on (I'm logged in). Any help would be appreciated.

Status: Not open for further replies.

1 - 20 of 21 Posts

DR.M

· #2 · Feb 12, 2022

Hello, and welcome to TSG Forums.

Farbar Recovery Tool is a powerful diagnostic tool which can also be used by trained people to remove specific bad stuff.

If you want us to check your computer for malware:

Download Farbar Recovery Scan Tool and save it to your desktop. --> IMPORTANT

Note: You need to run the version compatible with your system. If you are not sure which version applies to your system download both of them and try to run them. Only one of them will run on your system, that will be the right version.

If your antivirus software detects the tool as malicious, it's safe to allow FRST to run. It is a false-positive detection.

If English is not your primary language, right click on FRST.exe/FRST64.exe and rename to FRSTEnglish.exe/FRST64English.exe

Double-click the FRST icon to run the tool. When the tool opens click Yes to disclaimer.
Press Scan button and wait for a while.
The scanner will produced two logs on your Desktop: FRST.txt and Addition.txt.
Please attach the content of these two logs in your next reply.

To attach the 2 logs, click on the Attach files button, find the logs and attach them.

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jongeorge

Discussion Starter · #3 · Feb 12, 2022

Attached

DR.M

· #4 · Feb 12, 2022

Thank you.

I will review your logs and be back to you in a couple of hours.

In the meantime...

Please, adhere to the guidelines below, and then carefully follow, with the same order, all the instructions after:

1. Always ask before acting. Do not continue if you are not sure, or if something unexpected happens!

2. Do not run any tools unless instructed to do so. Also, do not uninstall or install any software during the procedure, unless I ask you to do so.

3. If your computer seems to start working normally, don't abandon the topic. Even if your system is behaving normally, there may still be some malware remnants left over. Additionally, malware can re-infect the computer if some remnants are left. Therefore, please complete all requested steps to make sure any malware is successfully eradicated from your PC.

4. You have to reply to my posts within 3 days. If you need some additional time, just let me know. Otherwise, I will leave the topic due to lack of feedback. If you are able, I would request you to check this thread at least once per day so that we can resolve your issues effectively and efficiently.

5. Logs from malware diagnostic or removal programs can take some time to get analyzed. Also, have in mind that all the experts here are volunteers and may not be available to assist when you post. Please, be patient, while I analyze your logs.

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jongeorge

Discussion Starter · #5 · Feb 12, 2022

Thank you for your help.

DR.M

· #6 · Feb 12, 2022

Hello.

I don't see a sign of an active infection.

But you have a P2P program as well as some other programs I wonder if they are activated with a genuine licence. Please note, that having pirated programs installed in your computer is the best and easiest way to infect it.

About P2P programs, read below, along with my instructions.

1. P2P and pirated programs

You have EZCloud_P2P installed in your computer. This is a P2P program. P2P programs form a direct conduit on to a computer. They have always been a target of malware writers and are increasingly so of late. P2P security measures are easily circumvented and if your P2P program is not configured correctly, you may be sharing more files than you realize. There have been cases where people's passwords, address books and other personal, private, and financial details have been exposed to the file sharing network by a badly configured program. If you don't uninstall it, your computer will probably get infected again, as soon as you use it again. But it is your computer and of course your decision.

If you decide to keep it, DON'T use it during the cleaning procedure.
If you decide to uninstall it, please do it no.

Also uninstall now all products for which you do not have a valid Product Key, including all "cracked" software.

2. ESET Online Scanner

Download ESET Online Scanner and save it to your desktop.

Right-click on esetonlinescanner_enu.exe and select Run as Administrator.
When the tool opens, click Get Started.
Read and accept the license agreement.
At the Welcome to ESET Online Scanner window, click Get Started.
Select whether you would like to send anonymous data to ESET.
Note: if you see the "Welcome Back to ESET Online Scanner" screen, click Computer Scan > Full Scan.
Click on the Full Scan option.
Select Enable ESET to detect and remove potentially unwanted applications, then click Start scan.
ESET will now begin scanning your computer. This may take some time.
When the scan is finished and if threats have been detected, select Save scan log. Save it to your desktop as eset.txt. Click on Continue.
ESET Online Scanner may ask if you'd like to turn on the Periodic Scan feature. Click on Continue.
On the next screen, you can leave feedback about the program if you wish. Check the box for Delete application data on closing. If you left feedback, click Submit and continue. If not, Close without feedback.
Open the scan log on your desktop (eset.txt) and copy and paste its contents into your next reply.

In your next reply please post:

Which programs did you uninstall
The eset.txt
Any concern about this computer that makes you feel that you are infected

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jongeorge

Discussion Starter · #7 · Feb 13, 2022

I uninstalled EZCloud_P2P

DR.M

· #8 · Feb 13, 2022

You didn't reply about what makes you think that your computer needs a malware check.

I would like to perform another kind of check now, using two other programs:

1. Run AdwCleaner (scan only)

Download AdwCleaner and save it to your desktop.

Double click AdwCleaner.exe to run it.
Click Scan Now.
- When the scan has finished, a Scan Results window will open.
- Click Cancel (at this point do not attempt to Quarantine anything that is found)
Now click the Log Filestab.
- Double click on the latest scan log (Scan logs have a [S0*] suffix, where * is replaced by a number. The latest scan will have the largest number)
- A Notepad file will open containing the results of the scan.
- Please post the contents of the file in your next reply.

2. Run Malwarebytes (scan only)

Download Malwarebytes and save it to your Desktop.
Once downloaded, close all programs and Windows on your computer.
Double-click on the icon on your desktop named MBSetup.exe. This will start the installation of MBAM onto your computer.
Follow the instructions to install the program.
When finished, double click the program's icon created on your Desktop.

Click the little gear on the top right (Settings) and when it opens, click the Security tab and make sure about the following:

Code:

Under the title Scan Options, all the options are checked.
Under the title Windows Security Center (Premium only) the option is NOT checked.
Under the title Potentially unwanted items all options are set to Always.

Click on the little gear to return to the main menu and select Scan. The program will start scanning your computer. This may take about 10 minutes, but in some cases it may be take longer.
When finished, you will see the Threat Scan Summary window open.

If threats are not found, click View Report and proceed to the two last steps below.

If threats are found, make sure that all threats are not selected, close the program and proceed to the next steps below.

Open Malwarebytes again, click on the Scanner, and then on the Reports tab.
Find the report with the most recent date and double click on it.
Click on Export and then Copy to Clipboard.
Paste its content here, in your next reply.

In your next reply, please post:

The AdwCleaner[S0*].txt
The Malwarebytes report

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jongeorge

Discussion Starter · #9 · Feb 15, 2022

In regards to why I suspect an infection...
I took my laptop in to have it "optimized" by a local corporate chain. When I got it back, several paid for apps were gone. Then my wifes Google account seemed to be getting logged onto from an unknown device. Which, we had brought her PC in as well. So it appears thats resolved, but I just wanted to make sure. Thanks

DR.M

· #10 · Feb 15, 2022

A couple of things were detected.

Earlier, Eset detected C:\Program Files (x86)\CCleaner Browser\CCleanerBrowserUninstall.exe as a potentially unsafe application. I see that CCleaner Browser is your default browser. If you intentionally set it, that's fine. If not, let me know to remove it.

1. AdwCleaner (Clean mode)

The finding in Folders part of the log, is adware/PUPs which stands for Potentially Unwanted Programs. In the instructions below, I will list it to be removed.

The section at the bottom under Preinstalled Software is software that was apparently installed when the device was new, which you may or may not use. Personally, I do not keep anything I don't use/need. But it's your computer, so your decision. Have in mind that you have other CyberLink programs, so perhaps you need it.

To proceed, please do the following:

Double click AdwCleaner.exe on your Desktop, to run it as you did before.
Click Scan Now.
When the scan has finished a Scan Results window will open.
Please check all the boxes and then click Quarantine.
Click Next.
- If any pre-installed software was found on your machine, a prompt window will open. Click OK to close it.
- Check any pre-installed software items you want to remove.
- Click Quarantine.
A prompt to save your work will appear.
- Click Continue when you're ready to proceed.
A prompt to restart your computer will appear.
- Click Restart Now.
Once your computer has restarted:
- If it doesn't open automatically, please start AdwCleaner.
- Click the Log Files tab.
- Double click on the latest Clean log (Clean logs have a [C0*] suffix, where * is replaced by a number, the latest scan will have the largest number)
- A Notepad file will open containing the results of the removal.
- Please post the contents of the file in your next reply.

2. Run Malwarebytes (Clean mode)

Double click the program's icon on your Desktop, as you did before.

Click the little gear on the top right (Settings) and when it opens, click the Security tab and make sure about the following:

Code:

Under the title Scan Options, all the options are checked.
Under the title Windows Security Center (Premium only) the option is unchecked.
Under the title Potentially unwanted items all options are set to Always.

Click on the little gear to return to the main menu and select Scan. The program will start scanning your computer. This may take about 10 minutes, but in some cases it may be take longer.
When finished, you will see the Thread Scan Summary window open.
If threats are not found, click View Report and proceed to the two last steps below.
If threats are found, make sure that all threats are selected, and click on Quarantine/Remove selected.
You may need to restart the computer.
Open Malwarebytes again, click on the Scanner, and then on the Reports tab.
Find the report with the most recent date and double click on it.
Click on Export and then Copy to Clipboard.
Paste its content here, in your next reply.

3. Fresh FRST logs

Double-click on the FRST icon to run it, as you did before. When the tool opens click Yes to disclaimer.
Press Scan button and wait for a while.
The scanner will produced two logs on your Desktop: FRST.txt and Addition.txt.
Please attach the content of these two logs in your next reply.

In your next reply, please post:

The AdwCleaner[C0*].txt
The Malwarebytes report
Your reply about CCleaner Browser
The fresh FRST logs, Addition and FRST

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jongeorge

Discussion Starter · #11 · Feb 16, 2022

I just changed the browser back to Chrome because it just was changed recently to CCleaner. It may have been accidently selected during a recent update.

DR.M

· #12 · Feb 17, 2022

Hello.

I see you uninstalled the CCleaner Browser. Let's do some tidiness now.

1. FRST fix

Please do the following to run a FRST fix.

NOTICE: This script was written specifically for this user. Running it on another machine may cause damage to your operating system

Please select the entire contents of the code box below, from the "Start::" line to "End::", including both lines. Right-click and select "Copy ". No need to paste anything to anywhere.

Code:

Start::
CreateRestorePoint:
CloseProcesses:
ContextMenuHandlers5: [igfxcui] -> {3AB1675A-CCFF-11D2-8B20-00A0C93CB1F4} =>  -> No File
SearchScopes: HKU\S-1-5-21-3152910561-3109289069-3795953924-1002 -> DefaultScope {0633EE93-D776-472f-A0FF-E1416B8B2E3A} URL =
FirewallRules: [{A451B67E-847A-42F1-950B-D129F00EEDD2}] => (Allow) C:\Users\jonge\AppData\Roaming\Zoom\bin_00\Zoom.exe => No File
FirewallRules: [{E5F2132C-0F88-4D44-AA23-69776360A000}] => (Allow) C:\Users\jonge\AppData\Roaming\Zoom\bin_00\airhost.exe => No File
FirewallRules: [{B0FEE251-5146-456B-86B3-C203D26B43D7}] => (Allow) C:\Users\jonge\AppData\Roaming\Zoom\bin_00\airhost.exe => No File
FirewallRules: [{55B7DFAD-05B0-43CA-A658-E0C32AC5E74B}] => (Allow) C:\Program Files (x86)\AnyDesk-e03841d0\AnyDesk-e03841d0.exe => No File
FirewallRules: [{E9039E4E-D189-4385-96C0-EF4C53794374}] => (Allow) C:\Program Files (x86)\AnyDesk-e03841d0\AnyDesk-e03841d0.exe => No File
FirewallRules: [{99B8CDC5-8B34-4A4F-99DE-8F23F0F77413}] => (Allow) C:\Program Files (x86)\AnyDesk-e03841d0\AnyDesk-e03841d0.exe => No File
FirewallRules: [{80821DF7-EDA3-4F49-B932-4D335D75820B}] => (Allow) C:\Program Files (x86)\AnyDesk-e03841d0\AnyDesk-e03841d0.exe => No File
FirewallRules: [{57EF3104-7938-48FF-AB51-B359146D1EE8}] => (Allow) C:\Program Files (x86)\AnyDesk-e03841d0\AnyDesk-e03841d0.exe => No File
FirewallRules: [{FC95D5C1-C65F-4F76-B8CE-D310FB80F7B4}] => (Allow) C:\Program Files (x86)\AnyDesk-e03841d0\AnyDesk-e03841d0.exe => No File
FirewallRules: [{6044BDDB-BFD3-4826-8E0F-378A83D7623B}] => (Allow) C:\Program Files (x86)\CCleaner Browser\Application\CCleanerBrowser.exe (Piriform Software Ltd -> Piriform Software)
HKU\S-1-5-21-3152910561-3109289069-3795953924-1002\...\Run: [] => [X]
HKU\S-1-5-21-3152910561-3109289069-3795953924-1002\...\MountPoints2: {377c09bc-74a0-11ec-a263-34f39aa36f5a} - "G:\OnePlus_setup.exe" /s
HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Active Setup\Installed Components: [{052EB454-9F19-CB42-7875-807F79F311C4}] -> C:\Program Files (x86)\CCleaner Browser\Application\97.0.13836.102\Installer\chrmstp.exe [2022-01-27] (Piriform Software Ltd -> Piriform Software)
HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Mozilla\Firefox: Restriction <==== ATTENTION
Task: {2A367782-69C7-4176-B59F-CC9DB6A0AF7A} - System32\Tasks\CCleaner Browser Heartbeat Task (Logon) => C:\Program Files (x86)\CCleaner Browser\Application\CCleanerBrowser.exe [2572072 2022-01-20] (Piriform Software Ltd -> Piriform Software)
Task: {36386A98-2EBA-4F22-A4D0-1FD7929F8860} - System32\Tasks\CCleanerUpdateTaskMachineCore => C:\Program Files (x86)\CCleaner Browser\Update\CCleanerBrowserUpdate.exe [200600 2022-01-24] (Piriform Software Ltd -> Piriform Software)
Task: {85F10C60-4BE6-49EE-B87F-749F71FA4146} - System32\Tasks\CCleaner Browser Heartbeat Task (Hourly) => C:\Program Files (x86)\CCleaner Browser\Application\CCleanerBrowser.exe [2572072 2022-01-20] (Piriform Software Ltd -> Piriform Software)
Task: {ED21C30F-9C68-4F67-BB6E-1EDC4F1E4075} - System32\Tasks\CCleanerUpdateTaskMachineUA => C:\Program Files (x86)\CCleaner Browser\Update\CCleanerBrowserUpdate.exe [200600 2022-01-24] (Piriform Software Ltd -> Piriform Software)
FF Plugin-x32: @update.ccleanerbrowser.com/CCleaner Browser;version=3 -> C:\Program Files (x86)\CCleaner Browser\Update\1.8.1187.1\npCCleanerBrowserUpdate3.dll [2022-01-24] (Piriform Software Ltd -> Piriform Software)
FF Plugin-x32: @update.ccleanerbrowser.com/CCleaner Browser;version=9 -> C:\Program Files (x86)\CCleaner Browser\Update\1.8.1187.1\npCCleanerBrowserUpdate3.dll [2022-01-24] (Piriform Software Ltd -> Piriform Software)
S2 ccleaner; C:\Program Files (x86)\CCleaner Browser\Update\CCleanerBrowserUpdate.exe [200600 2022-01-24] (Piriform Software Ltd -> Piriform Software)
S3 CCleanerBrowserElevationService; C:\Program Files (x86)\CCleaner Browser\Application\97.0.13836.102\elevation_service.exe [1798360 2022-01-20] (Piriform Software Ltd -> Piriform Software)
S3 ccleanerm; C:\Program Files (x86)\CCleaner Browser\Update\CCleanerBrowserUpdate.exe [200600 2022-01-24] (Piriform Software Ltd -> Piriform Software)
S1 netfilter2; system32\drivers\netfilter2.sys [X]
2022-01-24 10:37 - 2022-02-12 13:21 - 000000000 ____D C:\Program Files (x86)\CCleaner Browser
2022-01-24 10:37 - 2022-01-27 11:43 - 000002349 _____ C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\CCleaner Browser.lnk
2022-01-24 10:37 - 2022-01-27 11:43 - 000002314 _____ C:\Users\Public\Desktop\CCleaner Browser.lnk
2022-01-24 10:37 - 2022-01-24 10:37 - 000003842 _____ C:\Windows\system32\Tasks\CCleaner Browser Heartbeat Task (Hourly)
2022-01-24 10:37 - 2022-01-24 10:37 - 000003258 _____ C:\Windows\system32\Tasks\CCleaner Browser Heartbeat Task (Logon)
2022-01-24 10:37 - 2022-01-24 10:37 - 000000000 ____D C:\Users\jonge\AppData\Local\CCleaner Browser
2022-01-24 10:37 - 2022-01-24 10:37 - 000000000 ____D C:\ProgramData\CCleaner Browser
2022-01-29 21:57 - 2022-01-29 22:09 - 000000000 ____D C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\OBS Studio
2022-01-29 21:57 - 2022-01-29 22:09 - 000000000 ____D C:\Program Files\obs-studio
DeleteKey: HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\mountpoints2
EmptyTemp:
End::

Please right-click on FRST64 on your Desktop, to run it as administrator. When the tool opens, click "yes" to the disclaimer.
Press the Fix button once and wait.
FRST will process fixlist.txt
When finished, it will produce a log fixlog.txt on your Desktop.
Please post the log in your next reply.

In your next reply please post:

The fixlog.txt
Feedback: How is the computer running? Any remaining issue/question/concern?

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jongeorge

Discussion Starter · #13 · Feb 18, 2022

I really appreciate your help on this. How do you make money doing this? Can I send you a small donation for your time? The computer seems to be running smooth at this point. Thank you for your help.

DR.M

· #14 · Feb 18, 2022

Hi!

I'm glad the computer is running better now. But it seems that you ran a scan instead of the fix I gave you above. Please read the instructions carefully, to run the fix.

As for making money by doing this... The assistance we all provide here is free. Although it sounds ... crazy, we are all volunteers.

However, if you would like to make a donation to the Forum, there is a Donation tab in the menu above.

jongeorge

Discussion Starter · #15 · Feb 18, 2022

I had run the fix. I just thought the file was going to be on my desktop, but it was actually in my downloads folder. But I ran the fix twice to figure that part out.
I hope that's ok.
Computer is running well. Thank you again.

DR.M

· #16 · Feb 18, 2022

Yes, you ran it twice, that's why the Not found indications.

Actually, the FRST tool had to be on the Desktop from the beginning.

So... We have done.

The following tool will remove the tools we used as well as reset system restore points:

Download KpRm by kernel-panik and save it to your desktop.

Right-click kprm_(version).exe and select Run as Administrator.
Read and accept the disclaimer.
When the tool opens, ensure all boxes under Actions are checked.
Under Delete Quarantines select Delete Now, then click Run.
Once complete, click OK.
A log will open in Notepad titled kprm-(date).txt.
Please copy and paste its contents in your next reply.

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jongeorge

Discussion Starter · #17 · Feb 18, 2022

# Run at 2/18/2022 4:46:30 PM
# KpRm (Kernel-panik) version 2.9.3
# Website https://kernel-panik.me/tool/kprm/
# Run by jonge from C:\Users\jonge\Desktop
# Computer Name: DESKTOP-9TMQKCM
# OS: Windows 10 X64 (19043)
# Number of passes: 1

- Checked options -

~ Registry Backup
~ Delete Tools
~ Restore System Settings
~ UAC Restore
~ Delete Restore Points
~ Create Restore Point
~ Delete Quarantines

- Create Registry Backup -

~ [OK] Hive C:\Windows\System32\config\SOFTWARE backed up
~ [OK] Hive C:\Users\jonge\NTUSER.dat backed up

[OK] Registry Backup: C:\KPRM\backup\2022-02-18-16-46-30

- Delete Tools -

## AdwCleaner
[OK] C:\Users\jonge\Downloads\AdwCleaner.exe deleted
[OK] C:\Users\jonge\Downloads\adwcleaner_8.0.4.exe deleted
[OK] C:\AdwCleaner deleted

## ESET Online Scanner
[OK] C:\Users\jonge\Desktop\ESET Online Scanner.lnk deleted
[OK] C:\Users\jonge\Downloads\esetonlinescanner.exe deleted
[OK] C:\Users\jonge\AppData\Local\ESET\ESETOnlineScanner deleted

## FRST
[OK] C:\Users\jonge\Downloads\Addition.txt deleted
[OK] C:\Users\jonge\Downloads\Fixlog.txt deleted
[OK] C:\Users\jonge\Downloads\FRST-OlderVersion deleted
[OK] C:\Users\jonge\Downloads\FRST.txt deleted
[OK] C:\Users\jonge\Downloads\FRST64.exe deleted
[OK] C:\Users\jonge\Downloads\Shortcut.txt deleted
[OK] C:\FRST deleted

- Restore System Settings -

[OK] Reset WinSock
[OK] FLUSHDNS
[OK] Hide Hidden file.
[OK] Show Extensions for known file types
[OK] Hide protected operating system files

- Restore UAC -

[OK] Set EnableLUA with default (1) value
[OK] Set ConsentPromptBehaviorAdmin with default (5) value
[OK] Set ConsentPromptBehaviorUser with default (3) value
[OK] Set EnableInstallerDetection with default (0) value
[OK] Set EnableSecureUIAPaths with default (1) value
[OK] Set EnableUIADesktopToggle with default (0) value
[OK] Set EnableVirtualization with default (1) value
[OK] Set FilterAdministratorToken with default (0) value
[OK] Set PromptOnSecureDesktop with default (1) value
[OK] Set ValidateAdminCodeSignatures with default (0) value

- Clear Restore Points -

No system recovery points were found

- Create Restore Point -

[OK] System Restore Point created

- Display System Restore Point -

~ RP named KpRm created at 02/18/2022 21:48:31

-- KPRM finished in 137.85s --

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DR.M

· #18 · Feb 18, 2022

Excellent!

Now we know your computer is clean, here are some final tips about your computer's security from now on:

Some of the following, are from Klein's (2005) article, So how did I get infected in the first place. Since then, the article has been reproduced or linked to in dozens of locations. As a result, many malware experts have continued updating it, to include current operating systems and software program information. My source is Security Garden, and I marked for you the following:

1. Keep your Windows updated!
It is important always to keep current with the latest security fixes from Microsoft. This can patch many of the security holes through which attackers can infect your computer.

2. Update 3rd Party Software Programs
Third Party software programs have long been targets for malware creators. It has been stated that "Adobe's Reader and Flash and all versions of Java are together responsible for a total of 66 percent of the vulnerabilities in Windows systems exploited by malware.'' It's important to keep everything updated.

3. Update the browsers you use
Many malware infections install themselves by exploiting security holes in the Internet browser that you use. So... Keep them updated.

4. Be careful about what you download and what you open!

Many "freeware" programs come with an enormous amount of bundled spyware that will slow down your system, spawn pop-up advertisements, or just plain crash your browser or even Windows itself. Watch for pre-checked options such as toolbars that are not essential to the operation of the installed software.
Peer-to-peer (P2P) programs like Kazaa, BearShare, Imesh, Warez P2P, and others, allow the creation of a network enabling people to connect with other users and upload or download material in a fast efficient manner. BUT even if the P2P software you are using is "clean", a large percentage of the files served on the P2P network are likely to be infected.
Cracked or pirated programs are not only illegal, but also can make your computer a malware target. Have this in mind.
Do not open any files without being certain of what they are!

5. Avoid questionable web sites!
Visit web sites that are trustworthy and reputable. Many disreputable sites will attempt to install malware on your system through "drive-by" exploits just by visiting the site in your browser. Lyrics sites, free software sites (especially ones that target young children), cracked software sites, and pornography sites are some of the worst offenders. Also, never give out personal information of any sort online or click "OK" to a pop-up unless it is signed by a reputable company and you know what it is.

6. Registry cleaners/driver boosters/system optimizers
I do not recommend registry cleaners, system optimizers, driver boosters and the like. It is your computer and certainly your choice. However, please consider that modifying registry keys incorrectly can cause Windows instability, or make Windows unbootable. With registry cleaner and system optimization software programs, the potential is ever present to cause more problems than they claim to fix. Do note, however, that Microsoft does not support the use of registry cleaners. See Microsoft support policy for the use of registry cleaning utilities.

7. PC means personal computer!
Don't give access to your computer to friends or family who appear to be clueless about what they are doing.

8. Back-up your work!
Make back-ups of your personal files frequently. You never know when you'll have to reformat and start from scratch. You can always reformat and reinstall programs, but you cannot replace your data if you haven't made backups.

9. Must-Have Software
An anti-virus and an anti-spyware program is a necessity for the security of your computer. Be sure that you keep them updated, and that real time protection is enabled. You have now Eset. Together with Malwarebytes, if you run it occasionally, depending on how often you use your computer, can keep you safe.

Happy safe computing.

I'm glad I was able to help you.

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jongeorge

Discussion Starter · #19 · Mar 12, 2022

I have a few glitches on my computer now. Not sure if they are related or not.
But my browser seems to be giving me warnings that safe sites are not SSL certified when they are once they load. But I am getting a warning they aren't and do I want to continue to site. Once I do, it shows secure.
I have tried Firefox when Chrome was doing this. Same thing (system software issue?).

The other thing is when searching for Bluetooth devices all devices detected are displaying as unknown device. Something in my software seems to be quirky.

jongeorge

Discussion Starter · #20 · Mar 13, 2022

Disregard. I figured it out. It was a new browser extension, duck duck go, that was making it have issues.
Fixed. Thanks. Still not sure whats up with my bluetooth.

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