how to use Flashback malware removal tool

It just works automatically. If it finds malware it will notify you, otherwise I understand it just quits and self-deletes.

If you don't have Java installed on your computer, then you need not worry about the malware.

Kappy wrote:

If you don't have Java installed on your computer, then you need not worry about the malware.

I'm not entirely certain of that or they would not have needed to post the standalone removal tool.

If you were somehow infected while running a previous OS X and upgrade or migrate, that infection will most likely be at least partially present in your home folder. I believe that is what last nights tool is for.

If you don't have Jave installed then you cannot get infected. Read all the available information.

Kappy wrote:

If you don't have Jave installed then you cannot get infected. Read all the available information.

Please read what I said. If you were infected prior to upgrading to Lion then there will still be Flashback components in your home folder and perhaps elsewhere.

Plus, we don't know how Flashback.O is being served and may not use Java.

Read what you wrote. If you never had Java installed how would you have gotten infected?

Kappy wrote:

Read what you wrote. If you never had Java installed how would you have gotten infected?

All versions of OS X prior to Lion had Java installed by default, so unless you customized your installation you would have had it.

I cannot help but note that the OP's profile shows Lion, not some prior version. I understand you feel obilged to be critical of my posts, but stay in context or be clear when you will be changing contexts.

In the future it would be more appropriate to simply add your comments to the OP which keeps matters less confusing.

Kappy wrote:

I cannot help but note that the OP's profile shows Lion, not some prior version.

And I fully understand that and we don't know how he got to Lion. If he's a new user then there's no issue. If he upgraded or migrated, then and was infected prior to that time, then chances are he still is.

What I'm getting at is the stand-alone removal tool is said to be for Lion users who don't have Java installed. I felt that your comment

If you don't have Java installed on your computer, then you need not worry about the malware.

needed to consider the possibility that he might have need to worry. Do you have a better theory as to why Apple would publish a tool that there is currently no use for?

I understand you feel obilged to be critical of my posts...

but stay in context or be clear when you will be changing contexts.

In the future it would be more appropriate to simply add your comments to the OP which keeps matters less confusing.

I'll certainly consider that. As I said I did not consider that I had done so since we still don't know how he became a Lion user.

How he became a Lion user wouldn't be relevant because if he installed Lion, then any previous version of Java would be removed. Unless the OP purposely installed Java there would not be any Java software on the computer. I am pretty sure this is correct given the number of users who have seen fit to point that out to me.

I feel that way because of the recent frequency of your remarks in various topics to which I've contributed.

Apple's tools have been put out to help those who had Java installed or became infected as a result of being suckered into installing a fake Adobe Flash update in the earlier stages of this malware outbreak. Although Lion does not install Java there is extant software as well as installers that utilize Java. When such software is used the user will be prompted to install Java.

I have Java installed on my systems and do so purposefully. Others may install it because they are prompted to do so. That's why the tools are available both to detect the malware as well as remove it.

MadMacs0 wrote:

No, and I won't be baited into such discussions. I don't think that's why either of us participate in this forum. I'm truely sorry that you feel that way.

I have found from my own personal experience in the forums it is VERY easy to mis-understand what someone is / is not saying.

I have found this Wikipedia article that helps to explain this better: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Netiquette.

I am NOT taking any ones side, just wanted to say that as forums ARE a text based delivery system, there is a LOT of room for mis-understanding / mis-interpretation.

Message was edited by: b j t

Kappy wrote:

How he became a Lion user wouldn't be relevant because if he installed Lion, then any previous version of Java would be removed. Unless the OP purposely installed Java there would not be any Java software on the computer. I am pretty sure this is correct given the number of users who have seen fit to point that out to me.

Yes of course, but Java is only needed as the initial step (installation of the dropper) in the infection process and is not required by the malware after that. Once infected neither the removal of Java nor the installation of a new OS will do anything to disable Flashback. The majority of the components are installed in the users home folder and if he gives up his password, the rest goes into Safari. I'm not certain whether Safari is replaced during Lion installation or not. So there is a good chance that at least some of the malware components are still in operation after an upgrade or migration. That's the only point I'm trying to make. Do you not agree with that?

I feel that way because of the recent frequency of your remarks in various topics to which I've contributed.

I only pick on you because you get around to many more people than I can ever hope to, so I want you to have the latest and best info possible. I wish I could do more, but my two other jobs take up almost more time than I have. Besides, I do the same with Linc and Carolyn and probably a few others who's advise I value and I envy that you have all have time to do what you do. But right now I need to get back to work on my taxes or I'll be in a lot of trouble come Monday.

I would much prefer to do all this in a sidebar, but my level doesn't allow such things, so I do what I can when I can.

I have Java installed on my systems and do so purposefully. Others may install it because they are prompted to do so. That's why the tools are available both to detect the malware as well as remove it.

Which brings up a good point. I wonder if those Lion users who are now discovering they need Java get the MRT in the same way as those who install the current updates?

b j t wrote:

I have found from my own personal experience in the forums it is VERY easy to mis-understand what someone is / is not saying.

Yes, I learned that lesson the hard way, too many years ago to even count. ;-)

How he became a Lion user wouldn't be relevant because if he installed Lion, then any previous version of Java would be removed. Unless the OP purposely installed Java there would not be any Java software on the computer

Kappy, you are a huge help on these forums, and on many topics I would hesitate to question your advice. But - and I really mean no offense by this - on this particular topic, your comments on multiple topics have shown you really don't entirely understand it. I would suggest strongly that you pay close attention to what MadMacs0 has to say on this topic, as he's probably one of the most knowledgeable people on this topic in these forums.

Relating to your statement about Java above, note that removing Java has absolutely nothing to do with removing the malware. The only way Java is involved is in the "dropper," which installs the malware behind the scenes. The malware itself is not Java code, it's native Intel code. So, if you got infected while using Snow Leopard and then upgraded to Lion, you would still be infected. Java's absence would be completely irrelevant, other than preventing future infections.

I hope another voice helps cut through the confusion.

hey i jst got the mrt update...bt dnt knw why bt the internet speed seems to have drastically gone down....helllppppp!!!!!!! pls

There should be no relation between the Java updates being discussed and the internet speed. It may be a coincidental network issue. Try rebooting all your network hardware and your computer. Test with other devices as well. And if you're still having problems after that, you should start your own topic with lots of details, since the people who are internet connection experts may not necessarily be monitoring discussions of Flashback.