Printer Not Showing Up in Devices and Printers

BlueDog888 · 10 Mar 2014

Hi Guys, here's a quick update and a question.

Have done the clean install and back up working again. Followed the tutorials which were excellent. And....I have the appropriate stuff shown in Devices and Printers. So we have a win!

The only problem is that two uninvited programs appeared: PC Cleaner Pro and Optimiser Pro. Without being invited the PC cleaner advised I had *** errors that needed attention. I uninstalled both progs (they were a bit persistent) but I'm Concerned some damage may have been done.

Additionally I'm getting a lot of pop-ups. Have disabled popup in IE.

Ran a Microsoft Security Essentials scan which showed up no issues. However running Malwarebytes now and 35 objects have been detected; all PUP and about halfRegistry Key Category.

Still have to install all Windows updates.

The question is: would it be smart to do another reinstall now ,to get rid of possible nasties?

Cheers, Bob

TVeblen · 10 Mar 2014

I'd say yes. I'm baffled as to how those programs could have been installed so soon after a clean install. There is zero possibility that it had anything to do with the Windows installation.

Most likely they were installed along with some other program. You need to identify which and stop it, or find another program.
It is also possible that these are programs on your MB manufacturer's installation DVD. If it is, please keep in mind that you only need the drivers from the DVD. Everything else is optional and usually clutter-ware.
You should be downloading the most current drivers for your system from the manufacturer. The drivers on the DVD are almost always far out of date.
And when installing any drivers from a disk or download, get into the habit of avoiding the "Easy" method. Always choose the Custom installation option. Then you can see and possibly uncheck unwanted programs that want to install uninvited.

As for pop-ups, blocking in IE is good, a pop up blocker add on is better, but try and avoid websites that do pop-ups. They are up to no good.

Slartybart · 10 Mar 2014

I agree on a fresh install, you just did one and your system should not have that stuff on it.
TVeblen gives good advice and I'll amplify it. Install Win7 and only critical applications (be alert for side channel installs during the installation, even with these - only install what you mean to install, no extra toolbars, browsers, unsolicited security offers, etc).

Run Windows for a few days being careful what websites you visit - again visit only the need-to web sites.

Game sites are notorious for malware authors, it's where the deer are as far as hunters are concerned. Sure, your machine will be boring for a while, but you'll avoid a lot of malware and over time figure out where this stuff originates.

Make sure you have a good Anti-Virus (AV) application running. Three free AV apps: MSE, Avast, AVG get high regards on SevenForums.

Microsoft Security Essentials

avast! Downloads - select •avast! Free Antivirus
Be mindful that you do NOT elect the Free Trial of the paid-for version.
Be mindful to untick any unsolicited offers (I think Avast offers them after a restart, but look on all of the screens for "extras" and decline / untick those).
The Avast instructions suggest an express install - select custom instead and untick Mail Shield - you don't need it as the File System Shield should catch malware if it is written to disk. It's redundant and unfortunately, Avast modifies outbound eMail with a "Checked with Avast" insert at the bottom of your message.

AVG downloads

Always select the Free Version, not the Free Trial.
Always decline / untick unsolicited offers on any install.

After a few days without incident, slowly add more applications. This way you can determine which one might be one you want to uninstall and avoid in the future. Same thing with Websites - determine if one is the origin of the malware and never go there again.

For the duration, try to follow a strict application install. website visit policy. Check your system every day or after an install for malware, Malwarebytes is a good quick check.

Bill
.

MrWhoopee · 10 Mar 2014

I don't think you need to do another clean install myself. In my experience, most crapware can simply be uninstalled (with a Malwarebytes cleanup afterwards) without any residual effects to the OS. Just out of curiosity, could you post a screenshot of your Programs and Features? Is it possible that you are installing some driver updater other "helpful" software?

Layback Bear · 10 Mar 2014

Those two little extra goodie programs most likely came with something you downloaded. A.S.C. isn't the only bad program on the net but probably one of the worst. You must be careful what you download or you will be going through all this again.

What other programs or games have you downloaded on this new install of Windows 7 and from where did you get them from?

Britton30 · 10 Mar 2014

Yes, I'd recommend another fresh install. When you download and install ANYthing, be sure you go through the program's License Agreement to see if there are checkboxes to opt out of crapware. Read each window when installing, always choose Custom or Advanced install, you may have opt-out options there as well.

Adobe updates or Flash Player is notorious for having AV programs or browser with them.

Here's someone else with problems. Optimizer program are generally a good way to foul w7, or any OS up. Do not use them.

http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/w...e-fb8e9cf17dd6

This just wants your money for doing nothing.
http://malwaretips.com/blogs/pc-optimizer-pro-virus/

Slartybart · 10 Mar 2014

Please post information about your drives.
See: Disk Management - Post a Screen Capture Image

Make sure that the Status column shows everything between the parenthesis
(Boot, Page file, Active, System....)

Thanks

BlueDog888 · 10 Mar 2014

The only commanded downloads were MSS, Malwarebytes and Adobe Reader; all downloaded after the dodgy programs and popups showed up. The only thing (I can think of) that might have caused the problem was from the Gigabite Motherboard disc used to load the drivers. From what I recall/understand the drivers enabled access to the internet and the (unsolicited) programs came down immediately. In retrospect I expect I was incautious to allow the disk to do an 'express install' of all drivers and applications.

Having given myself an uppercut I believe I have rectified the situation - reinstalled Win 7 again and installed the motherboard drivers individually. All appears well at the moment.

Guys, I hear your advice loud and clear and can assure you all I have no intention of downloading any suspect software, particularly cleaners, optimisers or other stuff promising to improve performance. Once bitten, twice shy.

ICIT2LOL · 11 Mar 2014

Well my two cents worth mate try running one of the rescue disks either for Kaspersky (you might have problems getting it they have server problems at the moment or the Bitdefender one or the Avira.

They run from boot and may pick up something
[Rescue CD] Tutorial for Avira Rescue CD - Tipps und Tricks - Avira Support Forum

How to Use the BitDefender Rescue CD to Clean Your Infected PC

https://support.kaspersky.com/4162 (I would try this one first)

Layback Bear · 11 Mar 2014

BlueDog888 it is hard to keep all these little add on off your computer. We understand that and go through the same hell trying to keep a clean computer.
Your anti virus won't stop most of them because at this time they are not considered a virus.
Most of them are a PUP.

A PUP (potentially unwanted program) is a program that may be unwanted, such as spyware, despite the possibility that users consented to download

I have found on some sites even when you choose not to download and install these PUP's you still get them.
My method is to choose not to accept the PUP's and then write down the names of all of them. Once you have installed the program you wanted then look through your computer for the Pup's by name.
Two scans that work for me to find PUP's are
Malwarebytes Anti Malware Pro and Eset free Online Scanner.
Believe me it's a never ending task to keep your system clean.

If you have any questions please ask; we are here to help.