Re: Real Newbee

HI aqsw :-)

First, please post what version of Windows you are using. This is a very important part to the information that you need to post to the newsgroups right off. Also, if you are using XP, please let us know if you are using Home or Pro, and SP1 or SP2. There are many several things that could be causing your loss of IE, including malware, hijackware, parasites, Trojans, or other types of scumware. IN the mean time, to insure that none of these types of things are the cause, please follow the information below to fully clean your system.

In addition to updating and running your AV, download, install and run the programs below in Safe Mode with Hidden Files enabled. This will remove the nasty you have and any others it may have let in the back door. Some malware can replicate itself repeatedly if not removed properly, so even if you have run some of the programs listed here, it is important that you run them again according to the information below so that Windows is not operating to hide any files 'in use' Follow all instructions carefully:

First, Clear the TIF's and empty the recycle bin:
http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/delcache.htm

Also…empty your Recycle bin.

Then do the following:

WARNING>>>> Backup all documents and files before removing any spyware!!

Most importantly, download install and run CWShredder here
http://www.majorgeeks.com/download3019.html
or here
http://www.trendmicro.com/cwshredder/
and About Buster, which searches for hidden .dlls that recreate the malware.
http://www.majorgeeks.com/download4289.html
Then visit these two sites to test for parasites and help basic cleaning:
On-Line Check
http://aumha.org/a/noads.htm
and
Quick-Fix Protocol.
http://aumha.org/a/quickfix.php
Basically, throw everything here at your "infection".

Then download, install and immediately update these three programs before
running:
AdAware SE - Update immediately after installing
http://www.download.com/3000-2144-10045910.html?part=69274&subj=dlpage&tag=button
AdAware Tutorial -
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/index.php?showtutorial=48
SpyBot S &D - Update immediately after installing
http://www.majorgeeks.com/download2471.html
SpyBot S&D Tutorial -
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/index.php?showtutorial=43
Microsoft Windows Antispyware Program (Beta)
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware/software/default.mspx

Next, do an Online scan here (if possible) -
http://www.pandasoftware.com/activescan/com/activescan_principal.htm
Make sure that you choose "fix" or "clean".

Download Pocket Killbox from
http://www.thespykiller.co.uk/files/killbox.exe
and put it on the desktop where you can find it easily

Download, install, and run HiJackThis - it is one of the most important
tools to help clean your system of scumware.  Follow the instructions
carefully:

How to download and install HiJackThis: (it does not need to be updated)
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/topict309.html

Please DO NOT post your log to this newsgroup. It is important that you go
to one of the HiJackThis Support Forums below:
CastleCops HiJackThis Forum
http://castlecops.com/f67-Hijackthis_Spyware_Viruses_Worms_Trojans_Oh_My.html
or Bleeping Computer HiJackThis Forum
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/forum22.html
to allow the program experts there to evaluate your log and advise you of any
necessary steps to clean your system.
(Note: Look for and read the "Important- Read This First" messages in the sections for HiJackThis logs so that you follow proper procedure. You will have to Register before posting on these Forums. Please follow all posting instructions carefully to avoid having your log deleted or ignored.)

Also, please post a link to the forum where you post your HJT log back to this thread so that we can follow your progress there.

CAUTION!!!!!  Before you try to remove spyware using any of the programs
below, download a copy of LSPFIX from any of the following sites:
http://www.cexx.org/lspfix.htm
http://www.spychecker.com/program/winsockxpfix.html
(if your OS is Win2k or XP) The process of removing certain malware may kill
your internet connection. If this should occur, this program, LSPFIX, will
enable you to regain your connection.

You should also get a copy of WINSOCKXPFIX available at:
http://www.spychecker.com/program/winsockxpfix.html
and
WinsockXP Fix- WinXP
http://www.spychecker.com/program/winsockxpfix.html
with instructions, at
http://www.iup.edu/house/resnet/winfix.shtm
also... From LavaSoft- all versions of Windows-
http://digital-solutions.co.uk/lavasoft/whndnfix.zip
(NOTE:  It is reported that in XP SP2, the command netsh winsock reset
will fix this problem without the need for these programs.)
or Winsock Fix Utility
http://www.dfwonline.net/files/WinsockFix.zip

How to Restart in Safe Mode
http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT/tsgeninfo.nsf/docid/2001052409420406

How to Show Hidden  Files
http://snipurl.com/6rl8

Hope this helps.

Jan :)
MS MVP - IE/OE
Smiles are meant to be shared,
that's why they're so contagious.

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My internet explorer stopped on me one day. The only site I could get was a
secure banking site. I didn't really care because I had netscape. until I
tried to get a music database which I presume uses IE. WHAT HAPPENED??
I tried to reinstall IE6 and it tells me I have a previously installed
version that is better..

Please reply to aqsw@yahoo. com with the real fix!!
Thanks,
Jim 

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