Re: Computer Infected:

Tech-Archive recommends: Speed Up your PC by fixing your registry

On Sat, 14 Feb 2009 23:31:43 -0800 (PST), Navyguy wrote:

It does seem like a mouthfull but I think I can handle it in the steps
as you outlined, and everyone has offered similar but separate advice
which I do appreaciate, but let me ask this if I may, would
reinstalling the OS correct this or perhaps using the Recovery disk
install with repair option? I want to thank everyone for being so
helpful with their suggestions, I appreciate it.

*Preferred practice* is to 'flatten' and rebuild a computer that has been
exposed to malware.
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/community/columns/secmgmt/sm0504.mspx

It is defenitely advantageous to create an 'image' of the operating system
and create a data/file backup of the affected PC.
The image can then restored to the impacted PC and the user's data/file is
subsequently restored to the operating system.

An experienced and properly prepared user can do that in substantial less
time than scanning with complex and sophisticated AV applications.

How Do I Install Windows XP
Preparation is the key for successful installation.

1.How to Slipstream Windows XP Service Pack 3 to Create an Integrated XP
Setup Disk with SP 3
http://www.howtohaven.com/system/slipstream-xp-service-pack-3.shtml
--or (maybe more user friendly)--
Create a Slip Stream version of Windows XP
http://www.webtree.ca/windowsxp/slipstream.htm
--and--
WinUpdatesList v1.23
http://www.nirsoft.net/utils/wul.html
--also--
Change the Boot Order in BIOS (good illustration)
http://pcsupport.about.com/od/fixtheproblem/ss/bootorderchange.htm

2.Clean Install Windows XP
http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/page2.html#Reinstalling_Windows - What
you will need on-hand
--and--
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/cleanxpinstall.html
--or even better because its illustrated and more reader friendly--
How Do I Install WindowsXP
http://xphelpandsupport.mvps.org/how_do_i_install_windows_xp.htm

Alas, since many users are less prepared and/or lacking the experience;
Scanning with an AV apps. is the only option, unless the user consults a
computer technician.

1.Clear the (IE) temporary Internet files and the history cache.
Click 'Start' and then click 'Run'... then type (or copy/paste)
"inetcpl.cpl" (w/out quotation marks) into the box, then click the 'OK'
button.
In Internet Properties panel 'General' tab, under 'Browsing history', click
'Delete...'button, in 'Delete Browsing History' panel, click the 'Delete
all...' button then place a checkmark into the box beside 'Also delete
files and settings stored by add-ons', Click 'Yes' and exit the Internet
Properties panel by clicking the 'OK' button.

2.Clean HDD
Click 'Start' and then click 'Run...' then type (or copy/paste) "cleanmgr"
(w/out quotation marks into the box, then click the 'OK' button. Select
your drive
(presumably WinXP (C:) and click OK.

3.Download/execute:
Malwarebytes© Corporation - Anti-Malware
http://www.malwarebytes.org/mbam/program/mbam-setup.exe
--and--
SuperAntispyware - Free
http://www.superantispyware.com/downloadfile.html?productid=SUPERANTISPYWAREFREE

*--and/optional--*
Kaspersky® Virus Removal Tool
http://devbuilds.kaspersky-labs.com/devbuilds/AVPTool/
http://www.kaspersky.com/support/viruses/avptool?level=2
--and/optional--
Dr.Web CureIt!® Utility - FREE
http://www.freedrweb.com/cureit/
--and/optional--
a-squared (a²) Free or a-squared (a²) Command Line Scanner
http://www.emsisoft.com/en/software/download/
--and/optional--
BitDefender10 Free Edition (*NOT FOR VISTA*)
http://www.bitdefender.com/site/Downloads/browseEvaluationVersion/1/42/
--and/optional
Sophos Anti-Virus (SAV32CLI), is a 32 bit free command line scanner used in
an emergency as a disinfection utility for Windows NT, Windows 2000,
Windows XP and Windows 2003.
To use the Sophos command line software follow the steps below:
a) Download SAV32CLI
http://downloads.sophos.com/tools/sav32sfx.exe
--and--
extract the contents by double clicking the file.
b) Add the latest IDE (virus definition) files to the folder.
These can be downloaded here
http://www.sophos.com/downloads/ide/
c) Read Scanning Options with SAV32CLI.
http://www.sophos.com/support/knowledgebase/article/13252.html
See removing malicious files with SAV32CLI for basic information on virus,
spyware, Trojan and worm removal with SAV32CLI.
http://www.sophos.com/support/knowledgebase/article/13251.html

NOTE:
The above mentioned applications are not capable for real-time protection
of your computer; They are on-demand scanners.

Kaspersky® Virus Removal Tool, Dr.Web CureIt!® have no update feature (so
they don't turn into full blown scanners). As soon as your computer is
cleaned you are supposed to remove these tools from your operating system
and revert back to your (updated) resident (real-time) AV application.
Re: Kaspersky® Virus Removal Tool; To uninstall/move this program 'enable
self-defense' must be unchecked!

To scan your computer with the most up-to-date Kaspersky® AVPTool and
Dr.Web CureIT!® virus databases next time you should download new
Kaspersky® AVPTool and Dr.Web CureIt!® packages.

BitDefender10 Free Edition, a-squared Free or a-squared Command Line
Scanner, Sophos Anti-Virus (SAV32CLI) and the free version of Malwarebytes©
and SuperAntispyware have an update feature; You may wish to keep a couple
of them installed in addtion to your resident AV/A-S applications and scan
frequently.

Both free versions of MBAM and SAS are on-demand scanners and offer no
'real-time' protection. Keep them installed and use them as
'second-opinion' scanner which is purposely (by design) recommended by
their respective authors.

After the software is updated, it is suggested scanning the system in Safe
Mode (this does not apply to MBAM).
"Malwarebytes actually performs better in Normal Mode" says Dustin Cook,
Malwarebytes Researcher of MBAM.
How do you boot to Safe Mode?
By pressing/tabbing F8 (or F5 on some keyboards) during re-boot.
A description of the Safe Mode Boot options in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=315222
Start your computer in safe mode (Vista)
http://windowshelp.microsoft.com/Windows/en-us/help/323ef48f-7b93-4079-a48a-5c58eec904a11033.mspx
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/tutorials/tutorial61.html

Alternatively:
Click Start==>Run... then type (or copy/paste) "msconfig" (without
quotation marks), click OK. Then click onto BOOT.INI tab and 'check'
/SAFEBOOT then OK and click Restart. To go back to Normal Mode, you must
access the System Configuration utility again and click the General tab
then click/check the radio button 'Normal Startup'- load all device drivers
and services'.

4.Download and execute HiJack This! (HJT)
http://www.trendsecure.com/portal/en-US/tools/security_tools/hijackthis

Please, do not post HJT logs to this newsgroup.
Fora where you can get expert advice for HiJack This! (HJT) logs.

http://www.thespykiller.co.uk/index.php?board=3.0
http://www.spywarewarrior.com/viewforum.php?f=5
http://forums.tomcoyote.org/index.php?showforum=27
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/forum22.html
http://www.malwarebytes.org/forums/index.php?showforum=7
http://www.5starsupport.com/ipboard/index.php?showforum=18
http://www.theeldergeek.com/forum/index.php?s=2e9ea4e19d3289dd877ab75a8220bff6&showforum=29

NOTE:
Registration is required in any of the above mentioned fora before posting
a HJT log and read the 'stickies' (instructions/guidelines) for the
respective HJT forum.

5.Routinely practice Safe-Hex.
http://www.claymania.com/safe-hex.html

Additional references:
How to optimize or reset Internet Explorer 7
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/936213
Applies to: Windows Internet Explorer 7 in Windows Vista

How to use Reset Internet Explorer Settings (RIES)
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/923737
Read: "What you must know"
Applies to: Windows Internet Explorer 7 for Windows XP and
Windows Internet Explorer 7 in Windows Vista

GMER - is an application that detects and removes rootkits.
http://www.gmer.net/index.php

For additional assistance in relation GMER scan results consult either
http://antirootkit.com/forums/index.php?sid=9e746bb696ac0bb38781ffe4361c3a17
--or--
http://www.thespykiller.co.uk/index.php?board=3.0

CCleaner - Free
Cleans temporary internet files, cookies, history, recent urls, application
MRUs, etc. ...(*Tune out the registry scanning/fixing option!*)
http://www.ccleaner.com/download/builds/downloading-slim

If Windows Defender is utilized go to Applications, under Utilities
uncheck "Windows Defender" (so it won't delete the history of WD).
If you wish, click 'Options' button the 'Settings' [check] 'Run CCleaner
when the computer starts'.
--or--
Setup CCleaner to Automatically Run Each Night in Vista or XP
http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/windows-vista/setup-ccleaner-to-automatically-run-each-night-in-vista-or-xp/

Good luck :)
.

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