HOW TO: Pc infection cleaning steps

[Glingfram]

I find Combofix tends to remove alot of threats, and it stop most of the processes on the system before it starts, so there shouldn't be an "file in use" problems. Also, it's a run once application, so no need for updates or installations. Scan times are pretty short too.

But it is a tricky tool and should be used only when the circumstances call for it.

[shovenose]

nothing tricky bout it. It contains gmner rootkit detector. It installs the recovery console and make backups of your system settings for you. Plus it quarantines the files it removes. Same as a av does so if your system is messed up after using combofix then it will be messed up using any malware removal tool. But is should be run after s a super antispyware and a malwarebytes scan.

[riverdusty]

I remember at an old company I worked for (Dial-A-Nerd) we had a guide for performing cleanups of viruses/spyware/adware/tempfiles/etc/etc/etc/andetc!
I think I still have it somewhere but basically it went like this:

1. Install Nod32 (or AV of choice. I like MS Security Essentials these days)
2. Install Adaware.
3. Install Spybot S&D.
4. Install CCleaner.
5. Update all Definitions etc.
6. Boot to safe mode (optional usually)
7. Run all programs (one at a time please).
8. reboot.
9. Run favorite registry cleaner (CCleaner has a nice one)
10. Defrag.
11. Throw computer away.
12. Buy a mac.