How to properly use Combofix.exe tutorial

Combofix.exe is a free virus and spyware removal tool created by sUBs. Like any other spyware anti spyware detector in the market, it scans for malware and attempts to clean the infection automatically. It is unique however because like Smitfraudfix.exe, it uses the DOS format, rather than a GUI (graphical user interface). Anyways, lets get into business and remove those nasty spyware which infect our computers.

Installing Combofix.exe

First off, download Comoboxfix.exe through Bleeping Computer or ForoSpyware. When it prompts you to choose a save location, choose an easy to find location such as your desktop or my documents.

Preparations

Do not load Combofix.exe immediately after downloading it. Before you do so, turn off any anti-spyware or antivirus tools you may have running. You do not want any software conflicts. You may also want to close all Windows other than this page for instructions. When this is done, double click Combofix.exe.

Running ComboFix

The first thing you should see when loading ComboFix is a blue DOS window with the following message.

Please Wait. ComboFix is preparing to run.

Next, a disclaimer pop-up window should appear. Read through the manual and hit ‘Yes’.  If you do not agree with the disclaimer then hit ‘No’ and exit the program. At this point, ComboFix will create a system restore point and back up your registry in case anything goes wrong. If such a case occur then you can just restore back to your previous configuration.

When the registry is fully backed, ComboFix will look for the Windows Recovery Console. If you do not have this program then it will prompt you to have it installed. Hit ‘Yes’ if this is the case. All you need to do for now is follow the instructions until it says ‘Congratulation!!! The Microsoft Recovery Console was succesfully installed’.

Scanning your computer

Your computer is now ready to be scanned for malware. If your internet suddenly disconnects then do not worry. ComboFix automatically disconnects your Internet connection and restores it back once the scan is completed. All you do now is wait until the scan is completed.

Preparing the log report

When the scan is complete, ComoFix will attempt to create a Log report. You may also notice that your desktop is gone. Do not worry as this will be restored when the log report compilation is finished. When you see your log report in a txt. format then you are done! Save the report and go to one of the forums below to ask an expert to analyse your report for you.

Forums which analyze ComboFix log reports

Bleeping Computer, Security Forums, Dell Community, SpywareInfo, GeeksToGo