<p>That’s a good question - I want to hear that answer too lspf…</p>
<p>Do I find updated definitions by going to the malware site? Or will it come up automatically when I run the program?</p>
<p>Great! I’m glad that fixed the problem, abasket. I work for information systems at my school and have found that program to be really useful for removing a lot of the malware that’s been going around lately (moreso than Adaware and Spybot, which are two other programs which have been useful in the past). </p>
<p>You shouldn’t need to have any of the programs open when running it - it scans your computer’s hard drive for malware/viruses, so one scan should take care of it.</p>
<p>You can get updated protection files in MalwareBytes by opening the program and going to the Update tab, then clicking “Check for Updates.”</p>
<p>I’m baaack. Now that I ran Malwarebytes last night (after removing AVG) and have deleted the 42 infected files it found, I tried to update the definitions file per swimcatsmom (not that I know what that even means). I got an error message that I have to instruct my firewall to allow that. So how do I do that?</p>
<p>Start menu, control panel, security, firewall on/off. Click the off button…but remember to turn it back on when you’re done.</p>
<p>I was able to update without the error message coming on. I must have a lower security setting than you do.</p>
<p>Gee, I’m impressed ellemenope. I tried what you said but I got a message that Windows detects I do not have a firewall turned on. That’s bad, right? In any case, apparently I didn’t need to temporarily disarm the firewall to update Anti-Malware because I don’t even have a firewall 
</p>
<p>Windows has it’s own built in firewall. So when you turn it off as ellemenope instructed, you will get an automatic warning that it is off. Just be sure to turn it right back on after you download the update. Then run malwarebytes again.</p>
<p>I told you how to turn off your windows firewall, which is the one I use. Obviously, you must have a firewall from someone else. Do you use Norton or some other security program? Just say which one and maybe some one uses the same one and can help out.</p>
<p>lspf72, the programs are usually not browser specific. As juba2jive mentioned, they scan your hard drive to detect infections. If you are running the scan from the internet, it should still be scanning your hard drive, so browser doesn’t matter.</p>
<p>Also, if you want to update your program, you usually can do that directly through the program rather than going on the websites to download the definitions.</p>
<p>re post 47. I don’t think that is the case. If you turn off the windows firewall and you don’t have another firewall program running in addition, then you get the windows warning that it detects that the firewall has been turned off and there is no firewall protection currently running.</p>
<p>Agree with Bodacious–open the Malbytes program itself on your computer as if you were going to run a scan. There is a tab that says “update.” Click on check for updates. The program will connect up to the internet to check and update for you.</p>
<p>As for turning off another firewall, I’m guessing that the security system that is set up on your computer (if it is not Windows) will have a little icon in the tray on the right hand bottom of the computer screen. Right click that little icon and open up the security panel. I’ll bet there is a tab labeled Personal Firewall that will take you where you need to go.</p>
<p>Thanks all. I figured out that I needed to add the Malwarebytes program as an “exception” that is authorized to circumvent Windows to maintain contact with the Internet.</p>
<p>Glad it all worked out and thanks to the poster who suggested malwarebytes!</p>
<p>Update and another question!!!</p>
<p>So we ended up having major problems with our computer (virus, virus, virus) and had to take it in and have it reformatted. Besides some Itunes problems, we are getting back to normal.</p>
<p>Our tech guy loaded spybot on the computer for spyware.</p>
<p>I believe he told us to “get” some virus protection as well (my husband picked up the computer and didn’t ask) . </p>
<p>For VIRUS protection (cause that’s different than spyware, right?) is there something you recommend or DON’T recommend???</p>
<p>(this has been one big lesson and still VERY confusing!)</p>
<p>Definitely go with the AVG that was recommended in the beginning of this thread. It has it all and is easy. It is what they installed for me when I had the hard drive replaced.</p>
<p>AVG works great. Re: Spybot, remember you have to 1] download new updates before you run the program, which should be done once a week, and then 2] immunize your computer after the program has run.</p>
<p>I haven’t run the Spybot yet since we just got the computer back a couple of days ago - guess I better read the tutorial - immunize???</p>
<p>AVG works for me also. I have the pay version on the major home computer, the free one on the little net computer. That plus not using Internet explorer and being careful about what I download has kept my computers worry-free.</p>
<p>You should get some kind of full-time virus protection but if you ever want to do a manual scan of your system you can download ‘Stinger’ for free from McAfee and scan/fix viruses on your PC. Just google ‘stinger’ to find it. It’s easy to install/run and is lightweight and quick.</p>
<p>“immunize???”
it is on the spybot control panel. install and start the program, update it, let it run and then immunize your computer after the program has run.
immunization prevents known spyware from being able to penetrate your computer, because Spybot will “recognize” the specific spyware program and stop it. Just like antibodies from measles immunization shots prevent one from getting the measles.</p>
<p>"not using Internet explorer "
great reminder!! Install Firefox and do NOT use Internet Explorer as your default browser.</p>