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Question

Can I remove an Infected Mozilla/Firefox 3?

Dec 13, 2013 12:06AM PST

Somewhere along the way I downloaded an "update" that infected my Firefox 3 with a "find search" worm, virus, or trojan horse. The Windows XP Control Panel feature of Add/Remove normally works on all applications but this infected FireFox. I have tried in regular mode, and Safe Mode, and failed both times. I have too many other files on the hard disk to delete and re install Windows XP for a clean start. Is there an answer for a program set in concrete on the hard disk?

Discussion is locked

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Clarification Request
Firefox 3?
Dec 13, 2013 6:03PM PST

That's a very old FF version. Latest is version 26. Any particular reason for running such an old version?

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Answer
Download MalwareBytes, update it, then run in Safe Mode
Dec 13, 2013 12:12AM PST

Also run your antivirus in Safe Mode.

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Download MalwareBytes, Updae it, then run in safe mode
Dec 13, 2013 12:26PM PST

Dear wpgwpg,

Thanks a lot! I am running MalwareBytes on the Windows XP right now, as I write.
I am unfamiliar with Safe Mode, and know little of what will run, and what will not.
John

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Answer
Uninstall
Dec 13, 2013 12:37AM PST

IF you are able to download anything, download the Revo Uninstaller and attempt doing it with the Revo. If the system is infected to the point that you cannot do that, from a clean system, do the download(s) send to a flash drive and input from the FD to the sick unit. As another poster stated, do your scans, MWB, etc., from Safe mode with networking...

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I can download Revo Uninstaller.
Dec 13, 2013 5:55PM PST

I will try what you said. Updated Malware Byes may take 2 hours to run, however, be fore I can download
Revo Uninstaller.

Thanks!

John

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I cannot download REVO successfully
Dec 14, 2013 7:40AM PST

I have found the download site on CNET, but when I click on
the download button, it looks as if it does download, but then,
I cannot seem to locate revo.exe anywhere.

I have tried the download of REVO in regular mode, and
in safe mode, without success.

John

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Answer
Re: infected Firefox
Dec 13, 2013 6:02PM PST

Six steps.
1. Install FEBE extension.
2. Backup your Firefox account using it.
3. Delete your Firefox profile
4. Start Firefox and reinstall FEBE
5. Make a copy of your Firefox profile with just this (so you can go back)
6. Restore what you need (but not that 'find search'). If you restore too much: back to your copy from #5 and skip it this time.

Kees

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What is FEBE extension?
Dec 14, 2013 7:43AM PST

I cannot locate the FEBE extension.

The infected copy of firefox is still in the program list
and "add/remove" fails in regular mode and safe mode.

I am still unsuccessful in an application of REVO for
windows.

John