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I attempted to fix someone's laptop the other day. They had the "Internet Security 2012" virus. I successfully got rid of it. Got everything running again. The only thing that won't work is the Windows Firewall. This is on Windows 7. I googled up some help, but none of the advice worked. It seems that the service for Windows Firewall, and for other services that it works with, are gone. I ran out of time to figure that out, but she just decided to use the computer without it. I'm not feeling good about it. I'm thinking of a software firewall. I used to use Zone Alarm years ago. What's the current good ones to use? I'll probably try to fix the Windows Firewall services, but until then I can have her install one of those software firewalls. What do you think about that?
Well you didn't "get every thing running again" because Windows Firewall isn't working. Is it merely missing files, or are parts of the original infection still at work?
Well you didn't "get every thing running again" because Windows Firewall isn't working. Is it merely missing files, or are parts of the original infection still at work?
Okay. It appears that everything except the firewall works. Is that better? As far as I can tell, the infection is gone and this is just the leftover "scars". However, I'm not 100% sure of that. I would prefer to reformat/reinstall, but she doesn't want that. I've put Security Essentials on it (she had no anti-virus software previously). I've scanned her drive with Malwarebytes several times. I ran Microsoft's System Sweeper on it from a CD also. From all of the results it appears that whatever was infecting it, is gone. The files for the firewall service are also gone, as are for certain other services related to the firewall. It's possible that it's still infected, but I don't think so. She's running it this weekend without the firewall, or any firewall. I told her to backup the stuff she wants to keep before something goes wrong again. I'm thinking, though, that Monday I will ask her to let me take it home and reformat it3. If she won't, do you think just putting a firewall on it will help? I can't force her to do what I think she should do.
There are utilities floating around that will repair file permissions/ACLs that were modified by malware, in order to restore services that no longer function after the infection.
There are utilities floating around that will repair file permissions/ACLs that were modified by malware, in order to restore services that no longer function after the infection.
Windows Firewall is not even accessible? Curious, what happens when you do: START > RUN > firewall.cpl > OK ?
A 3rd-party firewall might be better though.
My 2 current favorite firewalls are Comodo and Private Firewall. I no longer consider ZoneAlarm as the top dog though still a solid choice, nevertheless.
You can download Comodo Firewall (free version) here
You can get Private Firewall which I am using from here
They are both awesome so visit both sites and try the one that appeals to you. I used Comodo a short while back and it was pretty good.
I don't know why but I like PrivateFirewall a bit better though.
try posting logs such as OTL and Hijackthis in forums such as hackforums.net or geekstogo.com etc. VERY expert in this area. I used to be on the team but didn't have time. If it isn't running more than likely a setting in the registry is changed, corrupted etc or you didn't completely remove the threat. They can assist you.
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