I am being attacked by adware and I can't find the source, Avast and Malwarebytes don't find anything. It is interfering with my ability to write political rants on FB! One one site Ghostry blocked 57 attempts and Avast 35, I know there is a lot on there but it seems like I am getting more now.

It seems like it started after a Windows update but am not sure.

I read the sticky here and MrsD mentioned old Java's as a possible source, I have 3 on my computer but I get confused because I have 32 bit and 64 bit ones and I don't know if I should delete any.

I also found a flash update from few days ago which is about the time I started going down hill.

I thought it was Firefox and refreshed it, mistake and did not work.

Should I look up running processes one by one, I can't always tell what is going on there.

I think I am going to call the little IT guys where I got the computer and ask if I can put on Windows 10 on this one and if they can fix it if I screw something up. How hard is it to do, do I need product code or administrator pass word the latter of which I should know but forgot, they know it. Will my malware go with me?

Any advice appreciated in case I decide to dither around for awhile and not do it yet.

Win 10 is not very difficult. We did it...and well, we are nebbishes about computers. Our son was STUNNED when he found out! Just be sure to say NO to all the questions at the beginning... That is best for security. I think the last question, we answered yes too, but I can't really remember 100%.

I can't address the other issues, but I do think you should fix those first. Jo would be the person to give you the best advice on that.

When we had our Java virus, we went to the Java site and it examined our computer and showed which to delete. I do think
that FireFox now is blocking java, but I am not 100% sure.

You can search a brief phrase and find out lots more.
ex: Java and Firefox... things like that.

You have my best wishes for success... !

Some useful things I have used in the past for windows OS problems..

Free Tools, Apps, and Trials-
Free Antivirus Protection - Download Antivirus Software - Trend Micro USA

process checker -
ProcessLibrary.com - Directory A Page 1

black viper's tips & services/processes suggestions
Black Viper | www.blackviper.com – Have You Tweaked Your OS Lately?

Have you downloaded any applications recently?

If so, the adware might be a Potentially Unwanted Program (PUP). PUPs can be bundled with applications. Usually they are not technically malware but can be annoying.

There is some general information about them here; Remove Potentially Unwanted Programs (PUP Removal)

Thanks everyone, I still have some hunting to do. I show 2 Javas on FF on of which is listed as vulnerable on the browser and one which is supposed to be good but might not be, I will be able to tell looking more closely. I have 3 on my computer and Java said one was good and I have a 32 and 64 bit version if it so glad I asked and didn't start uninstalling stuff. I also have another one I think is old and unless someone comes on and says "Nooooooo" I will uninstall it but not use the Java Uninstall Tool which I assume will take it all?

Jo, can I use the virus scans leaving Avast on or do they replace it? OH BOY!!! A process checker list, I have done it before writing each one down and looking it up and it was annoying. I know my Windows OS is corrupted, I have a little note from Microsoft that says 'Build 7601 This copy of Windows is not genuine'. I found how to try to fix it but am chicken and thought it might be easier to have 10. I will look at things on the link.

I think I did download Flash recently and have had some other updates. I refreshed FF and it ate my flash or something and I thought the new one I got was right but maybe not. My email would not work until I downloaded it, I have no clue what that was about. My Centurylink IP has been putting 2 PUPs on my computer, I keep taking them off and they put them back on.

As long as I am here can anyone give me an idea of how many hours of surfing I can get with 300 mbs? I guess it depends on what you do but was wondering approximate. In addition to giving me PUPS CL is also going to start charging for excessive usage, not sure if my town is the only test area. I think I go over because the used to try to sell me more.

Thank you so much, I now have direction.

I use Process Explorer (freeware, Process Explorer). It lets me know which processes come from trusted sources.

The freeware version of CCleaner (CCleaner - Free Download - Piriform) is also worth investigating.

I use it to remove temporary/cache files - usually about 1-2 GB per week, as well as for uninstalling unwanted programs - both work well for me.

Hi zygopetalum

"My Centurylink IP has been putting 2 PUPs on my computer"

As far as I can see from a search Centurylink is a reputable ISP so it is not likely that it is sending you PUPs.

However, there is a known PUP ("PUP.optional.CenturyLink.ShrtCln") which has that ISP name in it. See Remove PUP.optional.CenturyLink.ShrtCln virus - Removal - Antivirus-Blog.com for how to get rid of it.

There is also "CenturyLink Search", which is a browser hijacker - there is some info about dealing with it here; Guide to Delete CenturyLink Search Completely | Removal Tips.

Easy browser/web searching tip -
highlight text and right click for search-
When I highlight text and right click for search it gives me yahoo. I prefer google. How do I cahnge this default search? | Firefox Support Forum | Mozilla Support

windows info about it- Edge browser may not have that search capability..
Solved How can i right click search? - Windows 10 Forums

Most browsers I have used had that right click search ...

for processes I used copy/paste into a browser for searching those..

AHA! That is it Kiwi, I wondered after I posted if something like that was going on as I had never heard of an IP doing that. I will get rid of that puppy if it comes back. Thanks! I should have looked it up.

I will look at Jo's link too, I always just type in 'Google' and do it that way.

I am making progress! I have a vague memory of falling into the trap of 'You must update Flash to view this' even though I know better. I thought it was a safe site but had improvement after I uninstalled it. Also found at some point I had enabled Java 7 Update 80 FF add on and that was really messing things up, lots of improvement when I deactivated it so I guess they mean it when they say don't leave old versions on your computer. I tried to uninstall it and got stupid and canceled because after I had a box saying 'preparing to uninstall' I got one from Java saying 'Do you want the following program to make changes on the hard drive' , I guess that was going to uninstall it but I didn't know? It is not loading well for me when I try again but will try to figure it out.

Thanks ladies, onward!