Unusual Download disapearing

[Shearer]

I’m currently running Windows XP, almost every time I open Firefox, it starts mysteriously downloading roughly 10MB of unknown data straight away, even on the google homepage. No matter how many times a day I go online, it still swallows 10MB . Not a huge concern to most with huge download or unlimited data (Unfortunately I don’t get nice deals considering where I live ) but considering I’m using Pre-paid broadband it’s a nuisance.

Before I call Telstra, I’d like to find out if there is any way of finding out where or how my the data is disappearing.

Does anyone have any suggestions?

[50LTRv8]

Have you got the latest version of firefox? it sounds like it is trying to get patches and failing for some reason.

[Smitty]

Have you got the latest version of firefox? it sounds like it is trying to get patches and failing for some reason.

yeah...agree
its trying to automatically do an update (latest is about 10mb) and will try everytime until the update happens (and it does not matter what interweb page you are on)
latest version is 10.0....

[Shearer]

Actually I kept asking me if I wanted Firefox 10, I declined as I wasn't unsure if I would slow the system down....

[Rufys]

before you call Telstra? lol

It's just trying to update. Errr... Let it!

[Shearer]

Updated Firefox to latest version, but the mysterious downloads continues..........

[Shearer]

before you call Telstra? lol

It's just trying to update. Errr... Let it!

Errr....several times a day?

[Jaymz]

Download and install a program called NetLimiter: NetLimiter - The Ultimate Bandwidth Shaper

This will tell you what processes are accessing the net.

If it turns out to be your install of FF (FireFox) then try disable any addons you might have in FF.

Then if that still doesnt fix it, uninstall FF and check to make sure nothing else is downloading, then re-download the latest version and install that.

Posting a screenshot of NetLimiter may help if you dont know what some of the processes are.

[Shearer]

Download and install a program called NetLimiter: NetLimiter - The Ultimate Bandwidth Shaper

This will tell you what processes are accessing the net.

If it turns out to be your install of FF (FireFox) then try disable any addons you might have in FF.

Then if that still doesnt fix it, uninstall FF and check to make sure nothing else is downloading, then re-download the latest version and install that.

Posting a screenshot of NetLimiter may help if you dont know what some of the processes are.

That's a helpful post

I installed NetLimiter (excellent program too) and found a few processes under FF that was sucking the download. These where simply IP addresses, however it hasn't done it since a recent virus scan

[Jaymz]

That's a helpful post

I installed NetLimiter (excellent program too) and found a few processes under FF that was sucking the download. These where simply IP addresses, however it hasn't done it since a recent virus scan

Good to hear i made some sense then!

Did the virus scan pick anything up?

Good to hear it has stopped though, but it will be good to find out what it was in-case it comes back again.

[Shearer]

Of the top of my head, the virus was something to do with the Application Data with FF, it was also over 5MB in size. Therefore it was bigger than AVG virus vault and was deleted permanently.

I also have a few pictures of the IP addresses under FF that was sucking off, but it would be good to know what is was.

[Jaymz]

Of the top of my head, the virus was something to do with the Application Data with FF, it was also over 5MB in size. Therefore it was bigger than AVG virus vault and was deleted permanently.

I also have a few pictures of the IP addresses under FF that was sucking off, but it would be good to know what is was.

yeah, there might be something in AVG's logs.

Also, i would change your passwords for things like internet banking, email, JC, and any other website you may have accessed while that virus was on there. You never know what a virus might be doing. It could have logged passwords or anything.

Just to be doubly sure, run the online scanner here: ESET :: Get a FREE Online Virus Scan

[Shearer]

Cheers for the heads up. No virus was found using ESET either

[Shearer]

Unfortunately, the problem can back this morning, I did a virus scan and it come up with same style of virus again, ei Excessed the size of AVG's virus. I was found in AVG's Profile Cache.

BTW, here are some pictures of the offending IP address that suck data (both of these processes are under FF):

[Jaymz]

Unfortunately, the problem can back this morning, I did a virus scan and it come up with same style of virus again, ei Excessed the size of AVG's virus. I was found in AVG's Profile Cache.

BTW, here are some pictures of the offending IP address that suck data (both of these processes are under FF):

Hmm something must still be on your computer and is re-activating.

Here are some steps that will help get this thing sorted:

1. Turn off System Restore.
Windows XP: How to turn off and turn on System Restore in Windows XP
Windows 7/Vista: Disable System Restore in Windows 7 or Vista - How-To Geek

Reboot

2. Download and install CCleaner CCleaner - Optimization and Cleaning - Free Download
Run CCleaner, but ONLY clean up temporary internet files and other temp files. Don't touch the registry stuff.

Reboot

3. Download and install Malwarebytes Anit Malware Free edition: Malwarebytes : Malwarebytes Anti-Malware PRO removes malware including viruses, spyware, worms and trojans, plus it protects your computer
Update the definitions, run the scan and remove anything it finds

Reboot and test

Let me know how you get on. I know there are a lot of stuff to do, but it will be worth it in the long run.

[Shearer]

Mate I like your work, but the downloading is still persisting. Stubborn problem isn't it?

Also I notice the downloading starts shortly after FF is started.

[Jaymz]

Mate I like your work, but the downloading is still persisting. Stubborn problem isn't it?

Also I notice the downloading starts shortly after FF is started.

Right, there must be something either wrong with FF or something is lurking in FF.

Un-install FF and monitor how it goes, then re-download it and re-install it.

[Shearer]

No probs, is there anyway to back-up or save Bookmarks?

[Jaymz]

Check out the how to here:
How to Backup Firefox Bookmarks | Firefox Facts

[Shearer]

I think we may have nailed it, no more random downloads

Thanks for your help mate.

[Jaymz]

Good to hear, thanks for the update

[STEEV888]