Using Combofix to Remove Malware

If your computer is the victim of malware and spyware, there is a nifty little tool out there to help remove it. Combofix is a freeware program and is developed by the company sUBs. Combofix will scan your computer for known malware and some spyware and attempt to remove them. In the case Combofix is unable to remove a particular malicious file, a log report will inform you of any to remove manually once the scan finishes. Some of the most common types of spyware detected are SurfSideKick, QooLogic, and Look2Me.

Combofix can be found for free download at bleepingcomputer.com.  There are regular updates to the program to keep it current with new malware, as it is a never ending flow. Upon launching of the Combofix executable, it will detect any updates available and prompt to download.

How to use Combofix:

Disable or close all anti-spyware, anti-malware,anti-virus real-time protection you may be running on your computerDownload the latest official ComboFix, and save to your desktopClose out all software, and programs running on your computerDouble click and start Combofix.exe on your computer desktopWhen Combofix finished, it will create logs for you.

Once the program has started, you will see a series of completed steps displayed on the screen. There are 50 steps to the scanning process. Depending on how fast your system is, and how infected it may be, scanning times will vary. Usually you can count on between ten minutes and twenty minutes to complete. Once Combofix is done scanning and removing malicious files, a log report will be generated, which does take some time to complete. The log file will be saved under C:\combofix.txt. In there you can see all the files removed as well as any that may have to be manually removed.

Combofix removing malicious files

Overall Combofix is a great freeware program which does a very good job. Be cautious when running the application, as it should only be used if there are noticeable issues with the infected machine. It is not something that should be ran on a daily basis. Combofix will attempt to create a system restore point before starting, but you just never know what could end up happening and result in a non booting system.

Interested in AMD Radeon HD 7950 Crossfire benchmarks? We have them available!

View the original article here