Using MalwareBytes Anti-Malware to clean up malware infections

Support
#1

Malware infections are different from viruses and accordingly AntiVirus packages do not effectively protect you against malware.

I normally suggest using Malwarebytes Anti-Malware which is a free download from the link. Below I have provided a step by step of the entire process for running Malwarebytes.

There are other decent anti-malware programs on the market, so if MalwareBytes is unsuccessful at removing any potential infections, it’s worth looking into these. I would generally suggest SuperAntiSpyware as the next tool to try.

Step-by-step installing and running MalwareBytes to scan your system

  1. Once you have downloaded the file from www.malwarebytes.org , double click to begin the installer.
    Accept any warning messages advising that the program will make changes to the computer.

  2. During the installer, at this step, you can choose to enable a free 30-day trial of the paid-for version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware. For the purposes of this thread, untick this box - but it is at your discretion if you wish to have the full version loaded. The full version will give you real-time protection. Tick the box to Launch Malwarebytes Anti-Malware, then click Finish

  3. The Malwarebytes software will now open. Firstly you need to update the anti-malware definitions.
    Click Update Now >>

  4. Wait for the update to complete.

  5. Confirm that the update has completed with a green tick. Other sections can still have red crosses – that does not represent a problem.
    Then click Scan at the top.

  6. Choose the option to perform a Threat Scan
    Then click Scan Now >>

  7. Wait for the scan to complete.
    This process could take anywhere from 10 minutes to a number of hours, dependent on the speed of your computer and the number of infections found.
    Do not click Cancel.

  8. On the results screen, you need to remove any potential threats. To do this, you need to change Ignore once to Quarantine.
    On all boxes that state Ignore once, click to change to Quarantine.

  9. Click Apply Actions
    Wait for the infections to be removed

  10. Choose Yes to restart the computer to finalise the removal of any infections.

  11. The system will now boot back to the normal desktop environment and you should find any problems have resolved.

You should find that the infection is removed and all problems are resolved. If not, try another anti-malware tool as suggested above.

If you need any further guidance, please feel free to give us a call - 02392 322 500, and choose the option for Technical Support.

Dealing with Scams and what to do next
What regular maintenance should I perform on my computer?
#2

I also find running AdwareCleaner to be quite good and free for removing stuff, and Junkware Removal Tool is too.
Often it makes sense afterwards to clear out temporary files using windows disk cleanup, and/or Ccleaner.
Links as follows


http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/download/junkware-removal-tool/
https://www.piriform.com/ccleaner/download go for the free version

#3

I normally recommend Malwarebytes AntiMalware as a more generalised catch-all tool so has a higher success rate for a broader spectrum of infections, however if specifically Adware is your problem then AdwCleaner might be a better choice in that scenario. It’s always best to download direct from the software publisher to avoid additional infections. (The official page for AdwCleaner is here; https://www.malwarebytes.com/adwcleaner/)

+1 for ccleaner. I have recommended that in my maintenance guide here; What regular maintenance should I perform on my computer?

#4

Changed my link for AdwareCleaner