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I just got a fake firefox update that was trying to use java to get into my computer

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  • Last reply by Helper7677

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I was surfing the internet when my page changed to an important update for Firefox there was a download file that came up . So i downloaded it and run it and it was Java files running in my windows task manager . I killed the running files and uninstalled Java. I hope that caught the BUGGERS

I was surfing the internet when my page changed to an important update for Firefox there was a download file that came up . So i downloaded it and run it and it was Java files running in my windows task manager . I killed the running files and uninstalled Java. I hope that caught the BUGGERS

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You might want to do a thorough malware scan to be sure the problem is resolved. See below.

As a general rule, I never update anything from an unexpected pop-up. I always reject the offer and go to the source to get the update. Only download Firefox from the Mozilla site. See:

Update/download Flash and Adobe Reader from Adobe.com; Java from the Java.com, etc.
Also, keep your firewall and AV/AS system up to date.

Malware scan
Download, install and update as many of the following as possible until your infections are cleaned.

  1. The free versions of these scanners will detect infections and clean your system; no need to purchase
  2. Different malware scanners detect some malware that other scanners do not.
  3. If you are unable to download the malware programs,
    • change the name of the installer program before saving the download to your hard drive, and
    • once installed, go to the installation folder for the program and change the name of the program executable file (i.e., for Malwarebytes Anti-Malware, change mbam.exe to xyz-mb.exe), then update the program and run the scan.
    • you may need to download on an un-infected computer, change the name of the installer program, copy the installer to a CD or USB thumb drive, and transport to your system for installation.
  4. Some stubborn malware will need to be removed in Windows Safe Mode with Networking. See:

If these don't find or can't clear the infection(s), post in one of these forums for specialized malware removal help:

  1. Read and follow their rules for posting
  2. Follow their instructions to the letter
  3. Be patient; you are put in a queue and you will get a response when they get to your post


Other issues that need your attention

The information submitted with your question indicates that you have out of date plugins with known security and stability issues that should be updated. To see the plugins submitted with your question, click "More system details..." to the right of your original question post.

  1. Check your plugin versions: http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/plugincheck/
    • Note: plugin check page does not have information on all plugin versions
  2. Update Adobe Reader (PDF plugin):
    • From within your existing Adobe Reader (if you have it already installed):
      • Open the Adobe Reader program from your Programs list
      • Click Help > Check for Updates
      • Follow the prompts for updating
      • If this method works for you, skip the "Download complete installer" section below and proceed to "After the installation" below
    • Download complete installer (if you do NOT have Adobe Reader installed):
      • Use the links below to avoid getting the troublesome "getplus" Adobe Download Manager and other "extras" you may not want
      • Use Firefox to download and SAVE the installer to your hard drive from the appropriate link below
      • Click "Save to File"; save to your Desktop (so you can find it)
      • After download completes, close Firefox
      • Click the installer you just downloaded and allow the install to continue
        • Note: Vista and Win7 users may need to right-click the installer and choose "Run as Administrator"
      • Download link: ftp://ftp.adobe.com/pub/adobe/reader/
        • Choose your OS
        • Choose the latest #.x version (example 9.x, for version 9)
        • Choose the highest number version listed
          • NOTE: 10.x is the new Adobe Reader X (Windows and Mac only as of this posting)
        • Choose your language
        • Download the file
        • Windows: choose the .exe file; Mac: choose the .dmg file
    • Using either of the links below will force you to install the "getPlus" Adobe Download Manager. Also be sure to uncheck the McAfee Scanner if you do not want the link forcibly installed on your desktop
    • After the installation, start Firefox and check your version again.