Windows Defender - Trojan Dropper Malware

torre said:

I prefer Malwarebytes Junk Removal Tool (JRT) over AdwCleaner. If I recall correctly, about 1-2 years ago there was a malicious/fake site set up to immulate AdwCleaner. Looked the same, but contained malware. Not the sole reason, but just prefer JRT. I only download freeware from the host, not a secondary download site (softpedia, cnet, etc)

What is the advantage of TFC ? I realize it cleans temporary folders, but I am leery of some cleaning utilities. I do use CCleaner.

All on-demand malware scanners focus on different things. That's why they find things that another tool did not find..

Both JRT and AdwCleaner are very useful tools, it isn't a matter of preference really - it's a matter of what the tools focus and strengths are.

Run both if you like.

TFC is a small single purpose tool that is portable (not installed). That's the major advantage, it cleans known temp locations - cCleaner has a different selection criteria.

Again, you can run both - I do, but for malware remediation, I use TFC.

torre said:

I prefer Malwarebytes Junk Removal Tool (JRT) over AdwCleaner. If I recall correctly, about 1-2 years ago there was a malicious/fake site set up to immulate AdwCleaner. Looked the same, but contained malware. Not the sole reason, but just prefer JRT. I only download freeware from the host, not a secondary download site (softpedia, cnet, etc)

What is the advantage of TFC ? I realize it cleans temporary folders, but I am leery of some cleaning utilities. I do use CCleaner.

I have to say, ADWCleaner is a superb program, and you shouldn't discount it. It is high up on my list of tools, and I clean a lot of garbage/malware/viruses off machines on a pretty regular basis. I'll bet if you run it right now on your system, it will find stuff you should get rid of.
The Developer has it hosted on ToolsLib.net:
ToolsLib - Downloads - AdwCleaner

You can also download it from Bleeping Computer's site, if that makes you feel more comfortable, but the ToolsLib site will always have the most recent version (which is, of course, what you want).
AdwCleaner Download

Slartybart wouldn't steer you wrong. I would run the scans he suggests.

JRT runs a sequence of cleaning events in one click. Click it & it does it's thing.

AdwCleaner gives you the results at the end of the scan & allows you to choose which items get removed. This gives you a more granular choice & the opportunity to research the item before removal, should you have any questions about the file.

BleepingComputer is one of the more trustworthy sites that does not try to bundle PUP's into an installer. They have a good d/l list of malware scanners/cleaners.

It's best to avoid d/l ing files from host sites such as Cnet among others. They are notorious for adding unwanted surprises. Anytime you need to d/l any kind of software, go to the manufacturers site. This doesn't guarantee you won't get a PUP, but it decreases the chances that you'll end up with more then you wanted.

RubberDucky said:

Does JRT give you an option to choose which items to remove? Because last time I tried it, it doesn't gave me an option to choose which items to remove.

No, it doesn't. It just gives you a report of what was removed when it has finished.