Question from Amil T: I have a Dell Latitude E5430 running Windows 7 Pro. Ever since last night my web browser always takes me to a website that wants me to update Java. The URL is get-new-java.com.
It doesn’t matter which browser I use or whether I type a URL into the address bar directly or click on a link on my Favorites, it always goes to that website where it prompts me to download a new version of Java. Is this legitimate or do I maybe have a virus?
Rick’s answer: Amil, you definitely have a virus that’s been making the rounds of late. Whatever you do, DO NOT click that download link!
The free version of Malwarebytes used in conjunction with your regular antivirus program should detect and remove all traces of the “get-new-java” virus. Follow these directions:
1 – Reboot your computer into Safe Mode with Networking. This post explains how if you’ve never done it before.
2 – Download and install Malwarebytes from this page.
3 – Run Malwarebytes and run a complete scan of your C: drive.
4 – When the scan has finished, remove any threats that it finds.
5 – Reboot the PC into Safe Mode with Networking again.
6 – Run a full scan of the C: drive with your regular antivirus program. (Make sure you update it first!) If you don’t currently have an anti-virus program running on your PC, you should! I recommend the free version of Avast Antivirus. You can download it right here.
7 – Remove any threats found during the scan.
8 – Reboot your PC in normal mode and check to see if your web browsers are back to normal. They should be, but if not let me know and we’ll try attacking the problem from a different angle.
Update from Amil: That worked Rick. Thanks.
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