Was the computer fully-patched at Windows Update when the computer got
infected?
Was Avira AntiVir installed before or after the computer got infected?
Has a Norton or McAfee application ever been installed on the computer
(e.g., a free-trial version that came preinstalled when you bought it)?
The above notwithstanding...
NB: If you had no anti-virus application installed or the subscription had
expired *when the machine first got infected* and/or your subscription has
since expired and/or the machine's not been kept fully-patched at Windows
Update, don't waste your time with any of the below: Format & reinstall
Windows. A Repair Install will NOT help!
Microsoft PCSafety provides home users (only) with no-charge support in
dealing with malware infections such as viruses, spyware (including unwanted
software), and adware.
https://support.microsoft.com/oas/de...prid=7552&st=1
Also available via the Consumer Security Support home page:
https://consumersecuritysupport.microsoft.com/
Otherwise...
1. See if you can download/run the MSRT manually:
http://www.microsoft.com/security/ma...e/default.mspx
NB: Run the FULL scan, not the QUICK scan! You may need to download the
MSRT on a non-infected machine, then transfer MRT.EXE to the infected
machine and rename it to SCAN.EXE before running it.
2a. WinXP => Run the Windows Live Safety Center's 'Protection' scan (only!)
in Safe Mode with Networking, if need be:
http://onecare.live.com/site/en-us/center/howsafe.htm
2b. Vista or Win7=> Run this scan instead:
http://onecare.live.com/site/en-us/center/whatsnew.htm
3. Now post the requested logs in an appropriate forum for assistance by an
expert in such matters. DO NOT SKIP THIS STEP!!
I can recommend the expert assistance offered in these forums:
http://spywarehammer.com/simplemachi...php?board=10.0,
http://www.spywarewarrior.com/viewforum.php?f=5,
http://www.dslreports.com/forum/cleanup,
http://www.bluetack.co.uk/forums/index.php, and
http://aumha.net/viewforum.php?f=30
If these procedures look too complex - and there is no shame in admitting
this isn't your cup of tea - take the machine to a local, reputable and
independent (i.e., not BigBoxStoreUSA or Geek Squad) computer repair shop.
NB: This newsgroup was scheduled to be removed from the MS newsserver on 01
July. How long it'll still be available (via the MS newsserver) is anyone's
guess.
--
~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
MS MVP-IE, Mail, Security, Windows Client - since 2002
Michael wrote:
> I should add to the note that I have tried system restore and it won't
> work.
> Acts like it is going to restore then after the system restarts it says it
> could not restore. Have tried it with multiple restore dates and none
> work.
>
> I've also run everything in Safe Mode and same results.
>
>> I have a system that I know has some sort of virus or is in some way
>> hijacked but I can't find the problem. The only way I know it is still
>> hijacked is that I can no longer access Windows updates. I can try
>> through control panel or by going directly to the site. Always says page
>> cannot be displayed.
>>
>> This is a Windows XP Pro SP3 system. I've run full scans with
>> Malwarebytes and Avira. Have also run HijackThis and fixed anything that
>> seemed suspicious. This is the second system this has happened to me on.
>> The last one I gave up finally and just reinstalled the OS. Has anyone
>> else experienced the same problem and found a solution?
Linear Mode
