PDF crashes browsers!

[ORINKENN]

I'm having a problem. Any pdf I open will crash both Firefox and Internet Explorer. The only way around this problem that I have found is to do a 'Save As' (to my Desktop) on pdf files, and clicking them open from there. This bypasses my browsers.

Malwarebytes scans turn up nothing, yet I have an 'intuition' that this problem is malware related.

ANY SUGGESTIONS GREATLY APPRECIATED!

[mountaintree16]

Hello ORINKENN, and welcome to the forums here at Malwarebytes.org

I am assuming that you are using Adobe Reader.

What version are you using?

Also, when replying please use the "add reply" button at the bottom of the page or erase what the person you are replying to said and address them as @username or just username.

Thanks

[mountaintree16]

Hello ORINKENN

Adobe Reader currently needs to be patched, they're working on it but one hasn't come out yet. Are these PDF's that you need to open or were they randomly opening?

I think you may have been infected, but follow the directions below to check on that:

We don't work on Malware removal in the general forums.

Please read and follow the directions here, skipping any steps you are unable to complete. Then post a NEW topic here.

One of the expert helpers there will give you one-on-one assistance when one becomes available.

Note: It can take 48 hours and sometimes more for someone to help you, so please be patient while you wait for assistance. The malware removal forum is staffed primarily by volunteers who have a lot of people that need help currently.

[memoemc2]

Gooday mate:

After cleaning your machine you may consider my humble advise:

I hope your machine is not infected; but the real problem by itself is you have installed "adobe Reader". It consumes lots of resources; it uses 100Mb plus in your HD; it continuously downloads useless updates and the worst: it is unstable and has lots of security holes. it is like suckton... ups sorry Norton.

So I suggest you to change it. How?

Install "Revo Uninstaller"; and uninstall it with the advance option to get rid of it completely. You find it here: http://www.revouninstaller.com/

Now you can replace it with "Foxit Reader"; it is lightweight in resources; it uses less than 15 Mb in your HD; and the best: it works fast without security holes. you can find it here: http://www.foxitsoftware.com/pdf/reader/

After installing Foxit Reader, you must install the plug-in for FireFox. How?

-download the plug in for FireFox

-In FireFox, go to Tools, then Options, then Applications

-At "Foxit PDF Document" select "Use Foxit Reader Plug In for Mozilla"

-you are done

See ya

[ORINKENN]

Gooday mate:

After cleaning your machine you may consider my humble advise:

I hope your machine is not infected; but the real problem by itself is you have installed "adobe Reader". It consumes lots of resources; it uses 100Mb plus in your HD; it continuously downloads useless updates and the worst: it is unstable and has lots of security holes. it is like suckton... ups sorry Norton.

So I suggest you to change it. How?

Install "Revo Uninstaller"; and uninstall it with the advance option to get rid of it completely. You find it here: http://www.revouninstaller.com/

Now you can replace it with "Foxit Reader"; it is lightweight in resources; it uses less than 15 Mb in your HD; and the best: it works fast without security holes. you can find it here: http://www.foxitsoftware.com/pdf/reader/

After installing Foxit Reader, you must install the plug-in for FireFox. How?

-download the plug in for FireFox

-In FireFox, go to Tools, then Options, then Applications

-At "Foxit PDF Document" select "Use Foxit Reader Plug In for Mozilla"

-you are done

See ya

[mountaintree16]

OrinKenn

You may just want to check out these links prior to using Foxit:

http://www.mywot.com/en/forum/3387-foxit-r...fied-as-malware

http://hphosts.blogspot.com/2009/05/foxit-...ly-malware.html

(this second link is a blog by one of our Moderators, MysteryFCM)

http://www.vitalsecurity.org/2009/05/why-i...shed-foxit.html

In the meantime, PLEASE PLEASE get your system checked for malware; the battle may not be over just by switching your PDF reader to another company's product. I have a hunch that you might be infected. The only way to know is to get your system checked with the instructions that I provided you with in post #3

[memoemc2]

Gooday mates:

Mountaintree16 is 100% right about Foxit reader. Follow his instructions in post #3.

If you are insecure about how to handle Foxit reader please DO NOT INSTALL IT.

However, you can get rid of the crap that comes with Foxit reader; I did it and I don't have a single problem. the procedure I used was:

-executing the installer

-through the installation make sure to untick ALL except "the Foxit Toolbar"

-complete installation

-close Foxit Reader if it's open

-open Revo Uninstaller and uninstall the Foxit/ask toolbar (it is for your internet browser) with the "advance" option; then wipe it.

-to get rid of the advertising on the buttons toolbar open a PDF file; right click on any button then untick the advertisement.

-you're done

Thanks

[mountaintree16]

@ memoemc2 & OrinKenn

I believe that Foxit has stopped including some of that crapware and has cleaned up their installation process somewhat, but I would not use them after that stint. I was considering switching to them but then I learned about that.

I am personally fine with Adobe Reader. When I learn of an unpatched security issue, I just temporarily disable it in my browser and check daily for an update Of course, I don't use PDF's too often/don't need to and I don't mind waiting for a patch. However, I know that this is not realistic for all users of course. There are some other alternatives out there although I don't know what they all are. After reading the link I give below, I am also going to disable the javascript in it

anyone interested in alternatives and more information on this exploit should check out this link: http://securitygarden.blogspot.com/2009/12...nerability.html

It is the blog of one of our Experts, Corrine

Oh, and apparently they aren't issuing an update until January 10th