click.giftload

I originally started a post at http://forums.spybot.info and ken545 suggested that I post on this site instead and I am following his suggestion.

My original posts can be found here:

http://forums.spybot.info/showthread.php?t=62103&page=2

Ken,

I found a procedure for reloading windows in this Acer Aspire 4730z:

http://www.ehow.com/how_5033176_reinstall-acer-aspire.html

Unless someone can come up with a better alternative, I will back up all the data and reinstall factory Vista. This means I need to backup all the data - in process.

This will take me a few days and maybe in the meantime someone can come up with a better solution.

Thanks for all your help so far - I'll keep you posted.

I moved your post to the windows forum as you need help reinstalling windows, when they get you up and running post back at Safer Networking and we can make sure the infection is completely gone

Hi ertw1960, I am posting in haste to you…… Using the Acer "Restore to factory" by Alt and F10 will clear everything from your computer, all your data files, Windows itself, your music, videos, emails, Internet passwords. your Phd thesis….. etc etc. It will then restore it, to its out "of the box" condition, but the good news is, as well as clearing all your files, it will also clear your malware as well! You should make sure that everything that is important to you on your machine is backed up(copied) to removable media with an extra copy kept safe offsite, BEFORE you do anything else. I will post back with instructions shortly on how you can do a repair install that should hopefully preserve all your data files…….. it should just repair your Windows installation and not clear out all your files (NOTE) it will not clear out your malware either! Regards paws

Hi ertw1960,

Sorry to learn of your troubles and now your apparent need for last resort type solutions.

From reading your log over at SWI, we know:
– your machine is an Acer Laptop,
– you may have an Acer Vista installation CD, but from another machine
– You have consulted this page about using the Acer onboard factory restore procedure:
– You are presently able to boot to SAFE Mode, but not to full Normal mode.
– You are beginning the very important process of saving your documents, media, and files prior to possible format and restore of your machine.

OK.

Please let us know when you have carefully backed-up your documents and files.
We sure wouldn't want to start any procedures now before your data was safe.

Best Regards,
Doug

Hi again. Looks like Paws' nimble and hasty fingers delivered a message before my old and slow ones. Still do your own backup, before attempting any system repair work, please. Doug

Thanks guys, we have Top Notch help here. ertw1960, your in good hands with these fine gentlemen , if you restore to factory default ( I would, you will have a brand new PC) then you should be fine, if you do a repair the malware will most certainly still be present. When your done, let me know at Safer either way.

Backed up all my files, reinstalled windows and all the updates and everything is great. Thanks for the help!

Thanks for letting us know. You and Ken did all the heavy lifting.