Windows 7 - security on used laptop

Hi everyone,

I bought a used laptop that comes with Windows 7. There is no original software CD so I cannot restore all the drivers for it if I re-install Windows. The seller seemed to restore all the software and windows close to factory state. But I worried about keylogging software or malware in the system since I will use the laptop to do all my financial transactions.

Is there a way to scan the computer for those rogue process? I installed Microsoft Security Essentials and have scanned the system. It looks clean. My laptop is somewhat slow so I don't want to bog it down with too many security software.

Thanks!
Gnimble

Just install Malwarebytes Anti-Malware - Reviews and free Malwarebytes Anti-Malware downloads at Download.com and run it once and see what it finds.

It is fairly comprehensive and widely regarded as the best free stand alone Malware removal tool, if there's something on there then it should find it.

I would recommend keeping it the PC and that you run it regularly but that's up to you.

I would also seriously recommend if you haven't already done so instigate a regular PC backup system using a third party tool like Norton's Ghost or using the built in Windows imaging software, a tutorial on how to use this can be found at Backup Complete Computer - Create an Image Backup.

If you are running Seven Ultimate I would also suggest you look at BitLocker Drive Encryption - Windows 7 Drive - Turn On or Off with no TPM for extra security.

Remember... common sense is key.

Oli

Thank you. I've just finished running a full MSE scan and now I'm doing a full MBAM scan. I did open the registry to look at my current user settings and noticed a line with Chinese like characters that I couldn't read. I immediately deleted that line without thinking about breaking the registry; I guessed I will reboot after the malware scan to see if my system would still come up.

Yes, the Windows version that came with the laptop (bought off of eBay) is Windows Ultimate so I can try out the Bitlocker Drive Encryption. I no nothing about it but will do some research online.

Cheers,
Gnimble

If you have any fears/concerns/questions feel free to bounce them of me, that's what I'm here for.

Oh and as word of good practice: Always make a system restore point before you manually edit the registry.

Luckily there is a restore point created before you installed MBAM so I think that covered you for that incase something goes horribly wrong.

Oli

hi 1

osholt: "Just install Malwarebytes Anti-Malware - Reviews and free Malwarebytes Anti-Malware downloads at Download.com and run it once and see what it finds.

It is fairly comprehensive and widely regarded as the best free stand alone Malware removal tool, if there's something on there then it should find it."

actually, a-squared (a2) has a lot better detectionrate than MBAM....
Which is the Best? A-squared Free Vs Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware
Which is the Best? MBAM vs A-squared Part 2

a2-FREE can be downloaded here: Emsisoft Anti-Malware - Best protection against Viruses, Trojan Horses, Spyware, Worms, Dialers, Adware, Keyloggers and Rootkits

Gnimble: get both MBAM & a2.
no antivirus / antimalware-program can detect everything,
that´s why it´s a very good idea to use several different programs to scan your computer.

I would also check to make sure your Windows is geniune. So you dont have problems down the road: Genuine Microsoft Software


Edit: also since there isn't a backup, make a backup restore disc through the Action Center.

Great reason to not buy Windows 7 on ebay

Early congratulations on becoming a Gold Member Theog.

Also great link, that thread was quite interesting to say the least.

Oli

Thank you for all your answers. I will create a restore disk, I didn't know that option exists. I mainly wanted the laptop (which was made for gaming) and Windows was just a bonus when I bought it off eBay. I paid $150 more than retail for it though.

I was going to buy a bunch of Windows 7 license off of eBay last month to upgrade my family's computers (Family multipacks for ~$250 - $280 each, due to the software package being discontinued), but after reading many warnings here, I did not.

I ran the genuine windows test and it said the version I have is valid. I do have the install disks with the genuine hologram all around it and the license key sticker. Even that, I'm not sure if the version I have is really genuine; I just hope it is.

Cheers,
Gnimble

It requires a hell of a lot of hacking to convince Windows it's activated when it's not, it requires even more for Windows to be able to convince a Genuinity test that it's activate.

I can say with some confidence that the version of Windows installed is in fact legal.

As for getting Windows Licences... full retail (or if you're lucky discount retail) is the only way.

Oli