My brand new computer’s Norton trial version keeps telling me to install new Java at least once a day and also to install “jucheck.exe” unsigned. What does this mean?

The Real Jucheck.exe

Jucheck.exe is both a legitimate file as well as an imposter. The real jucheck.exe file is part of the Java virtual machine. It is used to automatically check for Java updates. For example, if you go into the Java Control Panel and click Update, there’s a checkbox labeled “Check for updates automatically.” When this is marked, jucheck.exe is set to run in the background. Its job is to check for Java updates and then notify you when updates are found.

The Fake Jucheck.exe

Like many legitimate programs and processes, there have been reports of malware masquerading as jucheck.exe. Sporting the same name, the imposter hopes to trick users into leaving the file alone to do its damage. Since your computer is just a few days old, it’s unlikely that your computer has a malware infection.

Installing Java

Since Norton keeps prompting you to install Java and jucheck.exe, it may be detecting a problem with the installed version of Java on your computer. If you go to Java.com, you can check to see if your version of Java is the correct version for your computer. If not, you will be prompted to download and install a newer version. While you can install a new version over your existing version of Java, if you keep getting the Norton error message, you may have better luck by first uninstalling the old version from your computer and then installing the new version.

To uninstall Java, go to Start and type “Add or remove programs” into the Search bar. Click the Add or Remove Programs link and then find Java in the list. Click it and then click Uninstall. Follow the prompts to remove it from your system.

It seems odd that Norton is prompting you to download the jucheck.exe file. If you right-click (right-click, not left) the link, you may be able to see the address that the link is pointing to or bring up a menu where you can copy the shortcut and then paste it into a document. If the link points to a legitimate Sun Microsystems website, then it’s probably safe to download and install. However, if the fresh install of Java was successful, this step will hopefully not be needed.   

What is Super AntiSpyware?

Though I haven’t personally tried Super AntiSpyware, I did a little research. Having not heard of this particular product before, I was initially suspicious. Is this one of those fake spyware programs? I wondered. After all, here at Filetonic, we hear of so many rogue programs pretending to be antivirus or antispyware programs when really they’re imposters.

The company behind Super Antispyware is led by Nick Skrepetos who is also the brains behind SuperAdBlocker.com. The company offers Super AntiSpyware as a free edition for personal use, as a professional version (with a free trial version so that you can try before you buy), a portable edition, and an enterprise edition.

Super AntiSpyware Reviews

From what I’ve read, Super Antispyware has received favorable reviews. For example, PC Magazine gave Super AntiSpyware a “Good” rating back in 2008. It is also recommended by SpywareWarrior.com, a well-respected site that maintains a list of rogue antivirus and antispyware programs.

The Super AntiSpyware product has been downloaded nearly 140,000 times on CNET Downloads and has received a four out of five stars rating from users.

Recommendation

The Super AntiSpyware program appears to be a decent antispyware program and not a rogue program. However, you may want to compare its editions as the free edition doesn’t offer the same level of protection as the paid edition. For example, the paid edition ($29.95) offers real-time blocking, automatic updates, and scheduling (all crucial features) while the free edition does not. Consider using the free edition as a backup antispyware tool or for removing existing spyware but not as a primary defense. After all, if the software isn’t automatically updated with the latest definitions and doesn’t provide real-time blocking, spyware can still sneak onto your system and cause harm.

Deleting the Undeletable

Luckily, yes. There are ways to get around that clever malware that attempts to hold on to infected files by denying you access and telling you that the file is in use or otherwise unavailable. The exact process varies a bit according to Windows operating system release, but here are the general directions for a manual removal.

Manual Removal of Undeletable Files

Step A:

1.  Click the Start button, choose Search, then All Files and Folders

2.  Type the name of the file that you want to delete into the Search box

3.  Double check that the “Look in” box displays the right drive - most likely C/ hard drive

4.  Click the Search button and wait for the system to find the file

5.  When the file displays, use your mouse to right click it

6.  This will prompt the drop down menu, choose Properties

7.  Now, write down the file’s location eg: c:\windows\system32\fileyouwanttodelete.exe

8.  Next, click to close the search box

Step B:

1.  Click the Start button, choose Run

2.  Type CMD into the bar and then press Enter

3.  This will open a Command Prompt

4.  Keep the Command Prompt box open, but click to close all other open windows and programs

Step C:

1.  Click Start, then Run

2.  Type TASKMGR.EXE and click Enter

3.  This will launch the Task Manager

4.  Choose the Processes tab, then click the process called Explorer.exe

5.  Choose End Process

6.  Without closing Task Manager, minimize it so you can go to the Command Prompt box

7.  Using the Command Prompt, change the file’s directory using the CD command - type in cd\windows\system32 and click Enter

8.  Now, type in DEL fileyouwanttodelete.exe

9.  Pull up the minimized Task Manager window and click File, then New Task, then EXPLORER.EXE to re-start the Windows shell

That should do it. Now, close all the open windows, then restart your computer and hope for the best! Good luck!

Browser Hijacking

It sounds as though your browser may have been hijacked. What you’ve just described are classic signs of a browser hijacking. Below are a few of the common symptoms listed by Microsoft:

• You browser’s home page has been changed
• Links and bookmarks are added pointing to unknown websites
• New toolbars sudden appear on your browser
• Antivirus and antispyware sites are blocked
• Popup ads appear, often unrelentingly
• Your computer runs sluggishly

Recovering from a Browser Hijacking

You mentioned that you think the ActiveX controls or add-ons may be part of the problem. Yes, they could be. In Internet Explorer, you can manage ActiveX and add-ons by going to Tools > Manage Add-ons. From there, you can disable them and see if that has solved the problem. However, you may need to use an antivirus or antispyware tool in conjunction with this. If disabling the add-ons doesn’t solve the problem, download Microsoft’s Malicious Software Removal Tool and run it. We also recommend ParetoLogic’s Antivirus Plus software if you don’t already have a reputable antivirus/antispyware solution installed on your computer.

Using Add and Remove Programs

In addition to malware, some programs and toolbars can cause problems with browsers especially if they are poorly coded or buggy. They may not be considered malicious and might not be detected by computer security tools. In this case, use the Add and Remove Program utility in your computer’s Control Panel to uninstall any recently installed programs that you think may be causing the problem, especially if the program adds functions to your Web browser.

Using System Restore

Another option is to use the System Restore utility. If the problem just started, restoring your system to an earlier point in time may be the fastest way to solve it. Of course, your computer will need to have been previously set up to create periodic restore points. Go to Start> Programs > Accessories > System Tools > System Restore and check to see if any restore points are available representing a time before the problem began. Don’t go too far back as this will remove recently installed updates and software. If you find a viable restore point, go ahead and restore your system. This will not remove your data files.

Update Windows

Since your automatic updates aren’t working, go ahead and update the operating system manually. Go to the Control Panel and click on Windows Update and follow the prompts. While you’re there, check the automatic update settings and reset as needed.

Free Unzip Utilities

First, you will need an unzip utility. Most of the major unzip utilities such as WinZip, WinRar, and Stuffit offer free trial versions. Go to CNET Downloads or some other trusted site and download a free trial version of one of these products.

Downloading and Scanning Programs

Depending on your antivirus program’s settings, your software may already scan the file as it is being downloaded. You can run a manual scan as well. Go to Windows Explorer (right click Start, choose Explore) and then right-click the downloaded file. Once right-clicked, a menu pops up. Choose the option that says, “Scan for viruses” or “Scan for threats.”

Scanning Zipped Files

Next, you may need to go into your antivirus program to specify how to work with zipped files. For example, in Trend Micro’s Advanced Settings area, there’s a section covering whether or not to scan compressed files such as zip files as well as how many compression levels deep to scan. AVG may or may not have a similar option, but it doesn’t hurt to check.

If you’ve already saved the zipped file to your hard drive, you can scan it manually by going to Windows Explorer as you did with the downloaded program file and then right-clicking the file. Once right-clicked, choose the option that says, “Scan for viruses” or “Scan for threats.”

If the file comes up clean, you can then unzip the file using your downloaded unzip utility. One way to unzip it is to right-click the file and choose “Extract all” (or similar wording depending on your version of Windows and the unzip utility) from the pop-up menu. You can also double-click the file and your new unzip utility should automatically launch and extract the files.

In all likelihood, it sounds as though your computer is infected with malware. Typically, malware finds its way onto a computer when the computer user clicks on links that contain the malware, visits websites that install malware onto the computer without the user’s knowledge, clicks on attachments received through email communication, or clicks on links within an instant messaging system.

Why am I getting the SSCVIHOST Error?

It’s probable that you have a virus on your computer, so you do not want to start the application up. Instead, you want to get rid of it. This particular problem is caused by a devious worm. The error message resembles a legitimate error message (SVCHOST.EXE) that occurs following some Windows updates.

Getting Rid of the SSCVIHOST Error: Scan for Malware

If you currently have a reliable antivirus/anti-spyware application on your computer, update it before using it to remove the computer worm. In this case, I suggest rebooting and scanning for the problem a second time to make sure that it is corrected and that the complete removal of the malware has occurred. If you do not currently have a trustworthy antivirus/anti-spyware application installed, I can recommend the following program: AntiVirus PLUS.

Why am I getting the HHCTRL Error?

In all likelihood, the error message, “HHCTRL.OCX was not found” is being received because the file has been corrupted by the computer worm that has infected your computer. This particular file is an ActiveX file that is used by Internet Explorer. It is also vulnerable to virus infections since these applications can use the file to gain access to your computer.

Once you have removed the virus, you can restore the HHCTRL.OCX file and do away with this start up error. After you have used your antivirus program to remove the SSCVIHOST.EXE worm, you should use a reliable registry cleaner such as RegCure to restore the HHCTRL.OCX file.

One of the strategies that you can use to protect this file from becoming corrupted by viruses is to update your operating system and your version of Internet Explorer on a regular basis.

Updating Antivirus Programs

Depending on which antivirus program you are using, the update steps will likely vary. For example, most commercial antivirus programs offer an automatic update feature with some set up for this by default and others requiring that you first setup automatic updates. On the other hand, it’s not unusual for free antivirus programs to skimp on this feature, requiring users to manually update the product.

In either case, the antivirus program must be running and your computer needs to be connected to the Internet. Antivirus programs usually launch minimized or run in the background so it may not be obvious that the program is running.

Updating Antivirus Programs via the System Tray

Look in the System Tray (the area where the computer’s clock displays in the lower right corner of the screen) area for your antivirus program’s icon or open its console by finding the program in your Start men. Usually, if you right-click the icon, a submenu will appear with a choice for updating the product. Click the “Check for updates” (or similarly worded option) and the program will connect with its server and download any new virus definitions.

Updating Antivirus Programs from the Program’s Console

In general, antivirus programs have update features within the software itself. Launch the program and look for an update feature. Because each program is different, the location varies. For example, Trend Micro’s Internet Security features a big “Update Now” button that’s hard to miss when you first launch the program. On the other hand, Microsoft’s Windows Defender has a small dropdown arrow next to the Help link that you must first click in order to find the “Check for updates” link. Other common locations include “Help” and “About” menu items.

Updating from the Antivirus Program’s Web Site

Ideally, you should update the software from within its interface. However, most antivirus programs can also be updated by downloading update files from the developer’s Web site.

Automatic Updates

If your antivirus program offers automatic updates, make sure to enable this feature and set the software up to check for updates several times per day. By enabling automatic updates and installing them as soon as possible, your computer will always be protected with the latest virus definitions issued by the developer.

Pop Up Problems

One of the most ubiquitous ways that hackers gain access to computers and install viruses and Trojans is by posing as a security program such as this. What better way to gain full and complete access than by pretending to be a program that will scan an entire computer for bugs. You are right to be credulous - and should never download or install anything that you haven’t researched and verified. Often simply clicking the pop up window is enough to deliver your browser to a fake site and initiate the virus upload.

End Processes with Task Manager

Sometimes even clicking the X to try to close the pop up is enough to initiate something bad - so it’s a good idea to use Windows Task Manager to close it instead. To open the Task Manager, click CTRL+ALT+DEL, and then choose Task Manager. From there you can make some choices to choose Help Topics and Overview Topics that will allow you to select and end the process that is running the pop up.

Run Full System Scans

Once you have gotten rid of the offending pop ups, you should run a full system antivirus and malware scan to ensure that nothing accessed your system during the process. Make sure your security programs are up to date by visiting the manufacturer’s website and looking for releases and updates. Then run a full scan - repeat until it comes back clean.

Update your Software Programs

Good tips to reduce the frequency of pop ups include updating your operating system and web browser - both get frequent updates that include pop up and other malware security. Visit the Microsoft website to get the latest version of Internet Explorer, if that is the browser you use. Windows Updates should be automatically enabled on your system, make sure that you are approving the installations that the tool suggests.

Stay Up to Date

Pop ups are an unfortunate reality for a lot of Internet users and are especially prevalent on Internet Explorer, due to its popularity. Keeping your system up to date with software and security programs will help reduce the annoyance.

Problems with Lavasoft Ad-Aware’s 2009 Free Edition can be the result of an improper installation, incompatibility with other installed applications, or insufficient resources. Of course, an overload of malware infections can also lead to the inability of Lavasoft Ad-Aware’s Free Edition to run properly. In general, the best strategy here is to uninstall your version of Ad-Aware and to reinstall it following the suggested tips.

How to Resolve an Ad-Aware 2009 Installation Error: Uninstall and Reinstall

Unfortunately, in order to upgrade to the latest editions of Lavasoft Ad-Aware, the early versions must be uninstalled first. This scenario often creates problems when installing the newer version since all of the old files are not always deleted. You need to uninstall Lavasoft Ad-Aware’s 2009 Free Edition and try the installation again. Repeat this process if necessary until you get it to work properly.

You can remove the Ad-aware using the Add/Remove program or another uninstaller application before visiting Lavasoft’s website and allowing their program to run its uninstaller. This strategy might ensure that all of the files from your installation are removed. Leftover files can create problems after you have installed Ad-Aware rather than during the installation itself. Revo Uninstaller has been recommended by other Ad-Aware users. Alternatively, another option is to use Perfect Uninstaller.

Ad-Aware 2009 Installation Tips

Make sure that you have closed out all other running applications when you complete the new installation for the best result. If you have an Internet Security program in active use on your computer, it is best to turn it off temporarily while installing Lavasoft’s Ad-Aware to avoid problems. When you install Ad-Aware, certain changes are made to the registry. If these changes are denied, Ad-Aware does complete the installation, but it does so with resultant errors and problems running the application. Make sure that you turn the security application back on when you are finished. Additionally, you should install the application directly from Lavasoft’s website when you have closed all other applications.

Ad-Aware 2009 Free Edition Performance Issues

From personal experience, I can tell you that this particular version of Ad-Aware is problematic, partly due to its high demand on resources. It does not run with the ease of earlier versions, nor does it respond well if other applications are running simultaneously. It is sluggish and can disrupt other applications no matter how well it has been installed. For the best results, clean up your machine by defragging its hard disk and avoid working with any program while running Ad-Aware scans.

Another option you can try is to select the “Advanced Mode” button in the dialog box for Ad-Aware. It allows you to customize how you want the application to run. Unfortunately, I have discovered that it often takes more than one scan to remove every piece of malware no matter how minor it is. The program just does not seem to be as robust as it used to.

Ad-Aware 2009 Installation Error: Incompatibility with Other Applications

Lavasoft Ad-Aware is known to experience problems when certain other applications are resident on the computer. For example, Spybot- Search & Destroy and Ad-Aware are not compatible together.

Kaspersky Antivirus versus Norton Antivirus

Both Kaspersky and Norton/Symantec are also highly respected developers with excellent products. In order to adequately compare the two programs, it really depends on which editions of Kaspersky and Norton are being compared. Both Kaspersky and Norton offer full product lineups - and new versions are released regularly. Within each company’s product lineup are programs that offer varying levels of protection and different features. With that in mind, let’s make sure that we’re comparing apples to apples.

For example, are you looking at the antivirus-only products or combination products such as Norton Internet Security 2010 which offers protection against viruses, spyware, spam, phishing attempts, and hackers? Or are you looking at Norton 360 which adds online backups to the equation?

Once we know which version of Norton you are dealing with, then we can look at Kaspersky’s product lineup and find a comparable product.

System Requirements

Don’t forget to double-check Kaspersky and Norton’s system requirements. If your computer barely meets the system requirements, slowdowns could be one of many adverse results, so pay attention.

Performance Comparisons

While older editions of antivirus products from a number of companies have a reputation for causing computer slowdowns, the newer editions have largely overcome these resource sapping issues. I can personally vouch for Norton Internet Security 2010’s performance. A trial version of this product came pre-installed on my new Windows Vista 64-bit laptop and it was fast! What’s neat is that in its interface was a performance indicator that showed how many resources the operating system was using as well as how many resources Norton was using at any given time. So far, Norton has not adversely affected my computer’s performance. Of course, this new computer is loaded with RAM and a powerful processor which is why I am going to recommend that you download the free trial version of each product and find out how well the products perform on your system.

Free Trial Versions for Kaspersky

Free Trial Versions for Norton

Each trial version is good for 30 days which is more than enough time to see how each one compares. Since most antivirus programs require the removal of other antivirus programs, you may need to run the trial versions one after the other rather than side-by-side. Keep a notebook by your computer and take notes, jotting down what you like and dislike about each product. At the end of your test, review your notes and buy the program that did the best based on your criteria.