How do I fix my Windows Firewall?

DoeZ said:

This is my laptop and nobody else uses it really...my daughter has her own at her place so I have no problem uninstalling it.

I have just a few more questions before I move on please...

I've never backed up this laptop...how do I do that? I don't have anything external so that's out...and I don't know what to back up...DEF need your help here please.

So you do not have a backup of your data anywhere at all? You should always have a backup of your computer/data. Unless you do not store anything important on your pc that you do not mind losing, like documents, pictures etc. You can use the windows website here to watch a video and text instruction on how to backup your data. (See additional notes below.)

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/w...#1TC=windows-7

DoeZ said:

After I learn how to back up my laptop and do your next items...I think I'm going to need your help and advice on a few other things here. But that's after all of this.

Have you ever burned a cd before or copied a file from a flash drive or something to your pc? It is the same method. I do not know how much data you have, but here is a good tip.

Click start then click computer. Double click local disk C. Right click on the users folder, and choose properties. Let it calculate the data. Once the numbers stop moving in the window, under size on disk, how many GB is that?

If it is less then 32GB, you can cheaply buy a flash drive that is bigger then the number there and copy the users folder to the flash drive. If it is bigger, then you will most likely need to purchase an external hard drive.

DoeZ said:

Now with the log from herdprotect...after I posted my 2nd log we didn't clean anything...did we need to?

Same for my logs with malwarebytes...I don't think we needed to do anything with those logs right?

Now everything that you had me download and all the txt files I have and log files etc...what do I do with all that now?

No we are good. You can delete it. Herdprotect is portable so there is no uninstaller. You can also delete any log files etc. Of course keep malwarebytes.

You can more simply drag and drop the users folder (found under local disk C) to the flash drive. This will then copy the users folder to the flash drive backing up all pics, documents, music, desktop, videos, etc.

That is quicker. Windows backup backup your files as well as also makes a system image of your entire pc, backing up the whole entire drive. So you would need space for whatever is used on disk c, plus another 100gb or so. I believe it mentions that in the link. Sorry I was giving you multiple options if that was not clear.

As I stated, the users folder will hold everything that pertains to your account. Simply drag and drop that onto a flash drive or external hard drive. Or open the users folder, your account name, and drag and drop all the folders in there to a flash drive.

All documents, pics etc.

Please define "not working right".

Don't worry about windows backup.

You cannot backup programs, you must reinstall them if you ever need to restore your entire computer. However, A system image allows you to backup the entire computer, everything exactly as how it is when the system image is made. That you would need an external hard drive for, (at least 200GB going off your screenshot of usage there). For simply backing up just your files, a flash drive is all that is needed as you barely have any data.

You also must be signed in as an administrator to do any backups.

There are multiple links here that show you how to backup your data. Pick what works for you.

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/w...#1TC=windows-7

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/w...up-and-restore

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/w...#1TC=windows-7

http://www.pcworld.com/article/20651...p-your-pc.html

http://www.cnet.com/how-to/how-to-ba...ws-7-computer/

http://lifehacker.com/5816453/how-to...-your-computer

I backed up everything onto a DVD...no problem...Then I downloaded the TFC.exe and that's been running still for more than a hour now...Is it supposed to take this long?


Just updating: It's still just spinning. Been running for 4 hrs now. There's no number that has come up yet. The bottom line still says the same thing...Emptying Recycle Bin...Do Not Interrupt etc. etc. Hopefully I don't fall asleep but as of now I don't know what to do with it��

UPDATE #2- When I woke up and checked on laptop it was still spinning and saying the same thing. I did notice that the START tab was greyed out so I tried to click EXIT but because it was still spinning it wouldn't let me click the EXIT tab. So I tried to exit it from the Task Manager and that took me to what looked like the WINDOWS page??where it then said SECURITY OPTIONS and that just spinned for 10 min. before I just shut it down completely. There are 3 items on desktop now that look like a piece of paper with a gear...2 say desktop.ini and the other says THUMBS.db...So I have no idea what happened or if I just ruined anything but obviously the TFC wasn't working right for it to still be running with no details of how many files were deleted etc...So I haven't run the 2nd part you have for me until I hear from you about this TFC thing.

How many files do you have in your recycle bin? If it is a lot it could take awhile. Do you ever empty your recycle bin? I have never seen tfc freeze like that. Restart your pc again. Look into your recycle bin. If there is a ton of stuff in there, empty it and then try tfc again.

Wow that is quite a lot of stuff cleaned out. Glad it worked just fine :)

Great news! Looks like windows files are all okay. I believe we are done here.

I am willing to bet your pc is a lot faster now then it was before, and I am glad we were able to resolve the initial issue and then some.

You can delete any logs or any tools we installed and/or used.



Some Suggestions:


I know this is a very long wall of text, But following the below will greatly reduce your chances of becoming infected again.

I advise you to install and use the following Free security programs/solutions so you do not get infected again:

-Panda antivirus -You can only have 1 antivirus installed at a time, I recommend using this one and uninstalling what you are using now.

-Malwarebytes

-Superantispyware

-Unchecky

-Should I remove it

-Web of Trust

-Set up open dns

Run the first 3 listed and scan around once every 2 weeks. Make sure you update them before scanning. (Panda updates automatically, others you need to pay for that feature.) Unfortunately no program out there is a silver bullet-there is no one program to protect you entirely. So due to this, it is necessary to have a couple of products to help keep you safe on all fronts.

Panda Cloud Antivirus: Panda cloud AV is a great free program that uses the cloud (the internet) to scan your pc for threats. This antivirus works very well at detecting the newest threats, as well as some unknown ones that have not yet been discovered. For information on how to use it, the manual is located here.


Malwarebytes: This is a great program to use to scan your pc for malware that your antivirus might possibly miss or not look for. A guide on how to use it can be found here.

Superantispyware: This is a great second opinion scanner which will scan for spyware and other types of PUPS. (Potentially unwanted programs.)

Unchecky: is a program that aims to keep unwanted programs from entering your pc when installing a new program. Most programs give you the option of express install or custom install. When you do a regular install of most applications, they add toolbars and other unwanted items to your pc. If you choose the custom option however, you can avoid most of these unwanted programs by unchecking them and then clicking next. This program does this for you automatically. It removes the checkmarks so that when you click next and next your way through the install proccess, you do not get a bunch of junk on your system. Keep in mind though, this is how most people get unwanted spyware etc on there pc. When installing any new program, google it and see if it has good reviews. Then during the install don't just click next and rush through it. Take your time to read what is in front of you, and uncheck anything you do not want.

The best part about unchecky is it's a install and forget. It updates automatically. And works to prevent unnecessary programs from sneaking in during software installs.


Should I remove it: This is not a malware scanner. What it does is it looks at all of the installed programs on your PC and gives you a percentage % of how many people uninstall the software. If the percentage % is high, I would remove it as it is most likely not a good program. It also gives a ton of information about what the program does and how it behaves.

WOT: (web of trust) is a very helpful browser addon that works with all web browsers and helps you to avoid nasty sites that have been known to host malware and the like. It uses a rating system by users as well as there own internal site investigations to place websites into categories and mark whether or not they are safe. It is a good tool to help you avoid clicking on a bad link in the first place.

Open DNS: is a service that helps you block known malware sites before they even reach your PC entirely. It also can be configured to block adult sites, and filter out other web sites based on categories. All for free. Not only does it protect your computers, but other devices as well.

For more information, see here:

https://support.opendns.com/entries/...g-and-Security

If it looks to advanced for you, it actually isn't very hard to set up. See the very first link above (set up open dns) which will take you to the setup page. You do not need to create an account if you wish not to. There is a link in the bottom right hand corner to avoid making an account if you do not want it. They have directions on how to apply it to your computer, or your router so that every device on your network can be protected.


Making windows security better for you and anyone using your PC:

Use the help and support which is found in your start menu for easy answer to questions and common tasks. The browse help (the blue book in the help an support window) will allow you to browse all the help documents Microsoft has available for the versions of windows you are using. Questions like how to uninstall a program, burn a cd can all be found there.

Keep windows up to date by using windows update and checking for updates frequently, or let Microsoft automatically update your pc which is the default setting.

Make sure your software that you use is up to date. This prevents security issues in the first place.

Adobe flash is a common one that should always be updated. You can download the newest version here. When any software prompts to update, and you recognize the name of the software-Do so. Software updates are important, and should be done regularly. Most programs checks for updates automatically.

Uninstall unwanted/un-needed programs.

Make a habit every now and then and go into control panel-uninstall a program. This lists all the software installed on your PC. If you see any software you do not use or need, uninstall it. If the software has your PC manufacturer mentioned in it, you can leave it alone.


I also suggest using a standard user account in windows, and only using an admin account when you need to install software. If you have family members sharing your pc, create standard user accounts for them. See this link below on how to do so:

User Account - Create


Why use a standard user account instead of an administrator account?

When using a standard account and you make a change or install a program that affects the whole system, UAC will prompt you to continue. Make sure the setting or program you are tying to install is listed, then click yes to continue. If you are just browsing the web and the prompt appears with a program you have not heard of, or do not know what it is, it is much safer to click no then yes. No will block the action, and if you were trying to do something, you can always start it again and choose yes.

UAC makes this easy, see here:

What is user account control (UAC)?

I also suggest choosing always notify for UAC:

What are User Account Control settings?


Those are my recommendations to you, and I Highly suggest you follow them. Should you have any questions, post back.

Do not feel like you need to do everything above, if your computer knowledge is limited do what you are able and feel comfortable doing. If you read all the instructions though you should be able to do it yourself.

With the solution provided above, your risk of malware infection drops considerably.