Is there a possible connection between a Microsoft Redistributable and a virus?

Question

I have a question about Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributables. I understand in general that I - a complete amateur - should not remove them. But - there are 7 all of which were installed when I bought the computer in Nov 2012 - with one exception. That one exception was installed (installed itself) eleven months later and it was installed on the day and at the time when I unknowingly downloaded a virus-filled program. Most of the program I got rid of but a pop-up window for SpeedAnalysis keeps reappearing, Would it be safe to remove that one redistributable ("...2008 Redistributable - x86 9.021022)? Is it connected with the virus pop-up?

Answer 1

Have you tried scanning with malwarebytes? It's free for manual scans and it's the most efficient antimalware I've seen -- for that price that is.

Another free tool is spybot s&d: http://www.filehippo.com/download_spybot_search_destroy/

Also check if you have removed the SpeedAnalysis addon from your browser.

You have more options/malware scanners at malwaretips: http://malwaretips.com/blogs/speed-analysis-virus/

Answer 2

They shouldn't be.

Every Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable is digitally signed. If it was altered, the system would let you know. That said, it is possible for your system to be compromised in a way that causes it to bypass the digital signature check. If your system is infected, though, it's unlikely to be the Redistributable itself, but another program.