Malware Nuke.md

Step 0: Failsafe

First things first, make sure you have a backup of all of your files, and preform a system backup if possible.

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Step 1: Clearing Out Obvious Processes

Pretty straight forward, just Ctrl + Alt + Del and open the process manager. End any tasks where the name of the process sounds fishy.

Step 2: Simple Cleanup

Some malware likes to hide in places like the recycling bin and application caches. For this just open up CCleaner and check off everything except for any items that say one of the below: (click "ok" on any warning prompts)

• Wipe Free Space
• Saved Form Information
• Saved Passwords
• Autocomplete Form History
• Network Passwords
• Custom Files and Folders
• Site Preferences
• Compact Databases

Now click "Run Cleaner"

Step 3: Uninstall Useless Programs

Go to the "Uninstall" sub-tab of the "Tools" (left) tab in CCleaner and look through the programs list for any unwanted software. (Some malware knows how to hide from the built in uninstaller)

Step 4: Disable Startup Items

Go to the "Startup" sub-tab of the "Tools" (left) tab in CCleaner and disable everything, except programs that you trust.

Remember to do this for each of the (top) tabs. Usually: "Windows", "Internet Explorer", "Firefox", "Google Chrome", "Opera", "Scheduled", and/or "Context Menu"

Step 5: Registry Cleanup

1. Make sure all the checkboxes are checked on the left and click "Scan for Issues".
2. Click "Fix selected issues..."
3. Click "No" on the "backup changes" prompt
4. Click "Fix All Selected Issues"
5. Click "Close"
6. Repeat #2 through #5 until the scan doesn't return any results (may take several times)

Step 6: Reboot and Redo Processes

Restart and do Step 1 again. (Some are more persistent than others)

Step 7: Unistall Any Virus or Malware Protection

You will need to do this anyway for the next steps to work. Only exceptions are Malwarebytes and Bitdefender

Step 8: In-Memory Cleanse

Install and run a Malwarebytes scan (trial)

Step 9: The Heavy Weight

I only use the below program for removing persistent malware, because it will significantly slow down most PCs

Install and run a Bitdefender scan (trial). Make sure you uninstall Bitdefender and reinstall whatever anti-virus you had before when Bitdefender is done.

Step 10: Reboot and Reuse

Restart the computer and use as normal. (it is at this point that I recommend that you buy some good virus protection)