Can you help me prevent Exploit viruses?

Question

My computer is running slower than it should. Sometimes when I click on Internet Explorer it opens 2 windows at once, instead of 1. At different times over the last few weeks I have deleted/cleaned 5 Exploit Viruses through my antivirus software, yet they keep coming back. I am looking for a way to get rid of any Exploit viruses for good, and make sure whatever is allowing them on my computer is removed (Java?). I would also like to fix Windows Defender, which is not opening or updating.
My HP Pavilion dv5 Notebook uses Windows Vista Home Premium Service Pack 2, and although I have 64 bit, Explorer sometimes uses 32 bit things (?). I run constantly updated Charter Securty Suite, Microsoft Security Essential, and Malwarebytes for my antivirus software.
Everytime I turn on the computer I need to go to Windows Firewall under Control Panel and update settings for it to be on. The Windows Security Center is fine: all 4 green lights light up. However, at least 3 days ago Windows Defender stopped opening. I get error 0x800106ba haven’t updated Defender since June 26th. There’s a slight chance Microsoft Security could be blocking Defender, but that would be silly, since they are both from Microsoft. http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/winfamily/defender/support.mspx?tab=Phone%20Support
I can’t download a new copy, as it is supposed to come with Vista, so it assumes I have it.
Today, July 8th, Microsoft Security Essentials would not open when I turned on my computer. I uninstalled it and reinstalled it and it works.
I have used Windows LiveOne Care several times (it takes the whole day) http://onecare.live.com/site/en-us/default.htm and the Malicious Software removal tool (it finds nothing). http://www.microsoft.com/security/malwareremove/default.aspx
Charter Security found one .Exploit Virus
Microsoft Security Essentials found and removed 3 Exploit Viruses previously (in the last week), and one today.
Exploit:Java/CVE-2009-3867.AE
Exploit:Java/CVE-2009-3867.AJ
Exploit:Java/CVE-2008-5353.I
c:users\lisa\appdata\locallow\sun\java\deployment\cache\6.0\29\6570075d-514e9fb0
Towards the end of June I noticed problems with the speed, and I restored my computer to the start of june (I want to say June 8th). Then I updated Adobe, reinstalled Java 32 and 64 bit, and added needed updates. I also cleared the Java caches.

Answer 1

First get rid of charter security, 2 av's can interfere. Then



Download. Rkill, malwarebytes and superantispyware (run a quick scan with mbam and SAS)

RUN IN THIS ORDER.

Rkill http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/topic308364.html

Malwarebytes http://download.cnet.com/Malwarebytes-Anti-Malware/3000-8022_4-10804572.html?tag=mncol

Superantispyware http://download.cnet.com/SuperAntiSpyware-Free-Edition/3000-8022_4-10523889.html?tag=mncol

Lastly do a scan with hitman pro. http://download.cnet.com/Hitman-Pro-3/3000-2239_4-10895604.html (scans with 6 av’s nod, prevx, avast, bit defender, ikarus and emsisoft)

Can’t install or run Malwarebytes

Rename the mbam-setup.exe if installation fails.

Rename the mbam.exe if the program installs but does not run.

Start in SAFE-MODE with Networking if program fails to install run or update.(Hit F8 key repeatedly when computer is starting after a reboot)

IF YOU ARE UNABLE TO USE THE INTERNET OR RUN PROGRAMS START IN SAFE MODE.



Finally go to filehippo.com and get the update checker then update all of your software tha tis out of date.

Answer 2

2

Answer 3

The avenue that goes directly 'into' your computer is your browser: Internet Explorer.

"...make sure whatever is allowing them on my computer is removed..." is more complex.

IE can't really be removed because it's woven throughout Windows, and is needed for many things.

It can however be 'de-clawed' and mothballed in favor of a far safer browser.



Get Firefox as your default browser & use it for everyday surfing; fall back to IE only for "last resort" viewing of substandard websites & Windows updates.

The following tips help, but methods (vectors) constantly change.

FIREFOX: Tools> Options> Privacy> top drop menu set to "Firefox will use custom settings..."> Check 'Accept Cookies from sites'

►& Un-Check 'Accept 3rd Party cookies'



My own choices (from Mozilla) to bolster Firefox is here:

https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/collection/dunbarpappy

(At least get the #1 item for malware prevention: NoScript.)

That add on blocks those 'JavaScripts' which are a prime source of malware.

Takes a bit of getting use to, but what's easier; removing malware or adopting minor behavior changes?



^Most block automatic server traffic until you approve of the action.

They also speed up browser page loads, as they block a lot of the 3rd party assets being requested from remote servers.



►Special note: Firefox has been hacked by Microsoftie.

Microsoft has installed (unannounced to you) into Firefox, rubbish that degrades the security of Firefox to little more than IE.

Check your FF 'Add-on's'> "Extensions" & "Plug-in's" box and uninstall/disable NET framework, Windows Presentation Foundation, Shockwave, Silverlight, Java stuff, or other active scripting rubbish.

This crap re-enables JavaScript, so get rid of it.

http://www.grc.com/sn/sn-199.htm



And, get this installed: ►"HOSTS file" (from mvps.org) which blocks evil webpage assets from re-directs which install malware or trashware. (Vista requires special instructions; on-page link)

http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/hosts.htm