12 replies to this topic

[Bumblebee]

Hi guys, I need some help. I have this infection on my computer XP Antispyware 2012 and am finding it difficult to remove. I have accessed Malwarebytes to try to get rid of it in safety Mode, but no luck. This infection won't allow me to open any browsers, except Google Chrome from which I am posting this.

Any suggestions on what I can do would be gratefully appreciated.
Cheers
BB

[dixon cox]

- Is the name of the virus stated anywhere?
- I'm guessing Malawarebytes detects it, but can't get rid of it?

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Try installing SUPERAntispyware (Free Edition) to see if that can help.
Also, update to the latest 'virus definitions' on all tools.

http://www.superanti...m/download.html

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The later versions of Internet Explorer allow you to 'Reset' it back to factory settings (which includes the registry).

On the menu:
Internet Options (or Tools -> Options) -> "Advanced" tab -> "Reset"

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Also worth a try (I would):
Start -> Run...

Type msconfig, then press return.

On the "startup" tab, scan down the list and see if there is anything that looks suspicious or similar in name to anything that your tools have so far mentioned or that has come up in a Google search.

If so, un-check it/them and reboot
(make a note of changes on paper or notepad so you can reverse it, if nec.)

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In the past I have also looked for answers on the websites of McAfee or Symantec to see if they have a solution.

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Good luck!

[Bumblebee]

Cheers DC, much appreciated. It has installed itself on the start up bar as XP Antispyware 2010. I'll try your tips and see if I can get anywhere.

[eslmiker]

BB I did some surfing around, if you can't run the superantispyware that DC posted, or it doesn't work, take a look at this site, and try its specific XP Antispyware 2012 removal tool.

http://www.spywarevo...oval-steps.html

The removal tool link is about half way down the page, but here's a link to it

http://www.spywarevo...oad/sdsetup.exe


If you're still having problems PM me.

Miker

[dixon cox]

... take a look at this site, and try its specific XP Antispyware 2012 removal tool.

I think you've cracked it Miker, that's most likely what's needed, well done

Until BB's response I didn't realise it was actually XP Antispyware itself which was causing the issue, as I have an older version installed on my XP laptops no problem. It's a good utility, in it's older guise anyway.

[Bumblebee]

Cheers again DC and Miker, think I have got rid of it now. Went into Safe Mode Networking. Luckily I had Google Chrome, the only browser to appear in that mode.

Then I downloaded Malwarebytes Anti-Malware, and after I copied the install icon and changed the .exe ending to .scr and pasted the original, so then I had 2, one ending .exe and the other .scr on the screen.

I installed the .scr one, ticking updates and launch when finish and then did a Fast scan, this seems to avoid the attention of the Trojan.

After deleting all threats, it automatically reboots to make the deletions final. It all looks ok now, fingers crossed.

[eslmiker]

No worries BB, thanks DC.

There may be some last remains of the virus on your unit, as a program, or in the registry. So, I'd still recommend downloading & running the virus removal tool. First, download the tool, restart in safe mode, and run the removal tool in safe mode. The instructions don't mention this, but it's often the best way to remove a virus.

But, it's your call BB, good luck.

[Bumblebee]

No worries BB, thanks DC.

There may be some last remains of the virus on your unit, as a program, or in the registry. So, I'd still recommend downloading & running the virus removal tool. First, download the tool, restart in safe mode, and run the removal tool in safe mode. The instructions don't mention this, but it's often the best way to remove a virus.

But, it's your call BB, good luck.

Been having a few problems today opening my Opera browser, Skype and even my photo editor. Right now I am in "Safe Mode with Networking" (you can find it guys by continuously clicking f8 button when you turn on your computer) using Google Chrome. I'd recommend having it in case of situations like this.
Anyway downloading the link you attached Miker, finger crossed it sorts out the remainder of the problems.

Thanks again for your help, now lets see where this gets me lol.

[rxpharm]

BB, you could try system restore. Pick a date before you started having problems and give it a try, if the current methods don't work.

Do you have an idea how you got infected? It could help others avoid the problem.

Good luck and I hope it all works out!

[eslmiker]

Let us know what happens BB. Good luck!

[Bumblebee]

Cheers guys. Still having problems. Looks like the Trojan is gone, but my system is messed up. For example when I try to open Skype I have to install again.

I use Zone alarm, and yesterday it said Windows something(my words) is trying to access and without thinking I clicked Allow with the ensuring hassle.

Cannot open Fast stone image viewer for example. If no luck soon, I might try to find a computer shop and get it sorted. May get the disk wiped and windows 7 (fake no doubt) installed

[eslmiker]

BB, as rxpharm mentioned, you could try system restore. Try to take the system back to a restore point before the problems developed.

http://windows.micro.../system-restore