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Spyware / Malware / Virus Removal

Windows XP Recovery and Hard drive failure.

8 min read

This thread's last reply is from . Advice, software, and links below may be out of date — treat specific steps and download links with caution.

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Post #1
I am getting help for a friend of mine. The Laptop as the windows xp recovery virus and critical hard drive failure because of it. Your help would be greatly appreciated. Here is the Hijackthis log.

Logfile of Trend Micro HijackThis v2.0.4
Scan saved at 1:18:53 PM, on 5/30/2011
Platform: Windows XP SP3 (WinNT 5.01.2600)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v8.00 (8.00.6001.18702)
Boot mode: Safe mode with network support

Running processes:
C:\WINDOWS\System32\smss.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\winlogon.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\services.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\lsass.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
E:\HijackThis4.exe

R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL = http://www.yahoo.com
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Bar = http://us.rd.yahoo.com/customize/ie/defaul…rch/search.html
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page = http://us.rd.yahoo.com/customize/ie/defaul…//www.yahoo.com
R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://www.yahoo.com/
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=69157
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Search_URL = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=54896
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Bar = http://us.rd.yahoo.com/customize/ie/defaul…rch/search.html
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=54896
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=69157
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\SearchURL,(Default) = http://us.rd.yahoo.com/customize/ie/defaul…//www.yahoo.com
R3 - URLSearchHook: Yahoo! Toolbar - {EF99BD32-C1FB-11D2-892F-0090271D4F88} - C:\PROGRA~1\Yahoo!\Companion\Installs\cpn0\yt.dll
O2 - BHO: &Yahoo! Toolbar Helper - {02478D38-C3F9-4efb-9B51-7695ECA05670} - C:\PROGRA~1\Yahoo!\Companion\Installs\cpn0\yt.dll
O2 - BHO: AcroIEHlprObj Class - {06849E9F-C8D7-4D59-B87D-784B7D6BE0B3} - C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 7.0\ActiveX\AcroIEHelper.dll
O2 - BHO: Yahoo! IE Services Button - {5BAB4B5B-68BC-4B02-94D6-2FC0DE4A7897} - C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Common\yiesrvc.dll
O3 - Toolbar: Yahoo! Toolbar - {EF99BD32-C1FB-11D2-892F-0090271D4F88} - C:\PROGRA~1\Yahoo!\Companion\Installs\cpn0\yt.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NeroFilterCheck] C:\WINDOWS\system32\NeroCheck.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AGRSMMSG] AGRSMMSG.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SynTPLpr] C:\Program Files\Synaptics\SynTP\SynTPLpr.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SynTPEnh] C:\Program Files\Synaptics\SynTP\SynTPEnh.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Broadcom Wireless Manager UI] C:\WINDOWS\system32\WLTRAY.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [HP Software Update] C:\Program Files\HP\HP Software Update\HPWuSchd2.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [YSearchProtection] "C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Search Protection\SearchProtection.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [avast!] C:\PROGRA~1\ALWILS~1\Avast4\ashDisp.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [ctfmon.exe] C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [Yahoo! Pager] "C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Messenger\YahooMessenger.exe" -quiet
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [YSearchProtection] C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Search Protection\SearchProtection.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [Search Protection] C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Search Protection\SearchProtection.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [EasyLinkAdvisor] "C:\Program Files\Linksys EasyLink Advisor\LinksysAgent.exe" /startup
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [tKBeGFnootVpbn] C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\tKBeGFnootVpbn.exe
O8 - Extra context menu item: E&xport to Microsoft Excel - res://C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~2\OFFICE11\EXCEL.EXE/3000
O9 - Extra button: Yahoo! Services - {5BAB4B5B-68BC-4B02-94D6-2FC0DE4A7897} - C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Common\yiesrvc.dll
O9 - Extra button: Research - {92780B25-18CC-41C8-B9BE-3C9C571A8263} - C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~2\OFFICE11\REFIEBAR.DLL
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {e2e2dd38-d088-4134-82b7-f2ba38496583} - C:\WINDOWS\Network Diagnostic\xpnetdiag.exe
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: @xpsp3res.dll,-20001 - {e2e2dd38-d088-4134-82b7-f2ba38496583} - C:\WINDOWS\Network Diagnostic\xpnetdiag.exe
O9 - Extra button: Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Windows Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
O16 - DPF: {30528230-99f7-4bb4-88d8-fa1d4f56a2ab} (Installation Support) - C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Common\Yinsthelper.dll
O16 - DPF: {6414512B-B978-451D-A0D8-FCFDF33E833C} (WUWebControl Class) - http://www.update.microsoft.com/windowsupd…b?1193346144826
O16 - DPF: {6E32070A-766D-4EE6-879C-DC1FA91D2FC3} (MUWebControl Class) - http://www.update.microsoft.com/microsoftu…b?1217775071890
O17 - HKLM\System\CCS\Services\Tcpip\..\{3F331159-6D07-4693-9254-EC0515A6B8FA}: NameServer = 68.105.28.12,68.105.29.12
O17 - HKLM\System\CS1\Services\Tcpip\..\{3F331159-6D07-4693-9254-EC0515A6B8FA}: NameServer = 68.105.28.12,68.105.29.12
O22 - SharedTaskScheduler: Browseui preloader - {438755C2-A8BA-11D1-B96B-00A0C90312E1} - C:\WINDOWS\system32\browseui.dll
O22 - SharedTaskScheduler: Component Categories cache daemon - {8C7461EF-2B13-11d2-BE35-3078302C2030} - C:\WINDOWS\system32\browseui.dll
O23 - Service: Agere Modem Call Progress Audio (AgereModemAudio) - Agere Systems - C:\WINDOWS\system32\agrsmsvc.exe
O23 - Service: avast! iAVS4 Control Service (aswUpdSv) - ALWIL Software - C:\Program Files\Alwil Software\Avast4\aswUpdSv.exe
O23 - Service: avast! Antivirus - ALWIL Software - C:\Program Files\Alwil Software\Avast4\ashServ.exe
O23 - Service: avast! Mail Scanner - ALWIL Software - C:\Program Files\Alwil Software\Avast4\ashMaiSv.exe
O23 - Service: avast! Web Scanner - ALWIL Software - C:\Program Files\Alwil Software\Avast4\ashWebSv.exe
O23 - Service: InstallDriver Table Manager (IDriverT) - Macrovision Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\InstallShield\Driver\1150\Intel 32\IDriverT.exe

–
End of file - 6142 bytes
Post #2
We meet again. :)

All of these steps must be done without rebooting, and in Safe Mode with Networking.

Firstly, hold Ctrl + Shift + Esc, this should bring up the Task Manager.
Go to the Processes tab. If you see a process called tKBeGFnootVpbn.exe then select it, then click End Process.

Next,
  • Open up Hijack This
  • Click the Do a system scan only button
  • Tick the checkbox next to the following items:
    • O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [tKBeGFnootVpbn] C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\tKBeGFnootVpbn.exe
  • Ensure all other windows and browsers besides Hijack This are closed, then click Fix Checked

Then,
Go to Start, then Run, and copy/paste the following command in then press Enter.
del /q /f C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\tKBeGFnootVpbn.exe

Then,
Please download exeHelper to your desktop.
Double-click on exeHelper.com to run the fix.
A black window should pop up, press any key to close once the fix is completed.
Post the contents of exehelperlog.txt (Will be created in the directory where you ran exeHelper.com, and should open at the end of the scan)
Note: If the window shows a message that says "Error deleting file", please re-run the program before posting a log - and post the two logs together (they will both be in the one file).
Post #3
Yes, so we meet again. :D It will not allow me to open task manager. It says that it has been disabled by your administrator. The account I am on is the admin.
Post #5
I tried to to the del /q /f C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\tKBeGFnootVpbn.exe and an error came up saying Windows cannot find 'del". Make sure you typed the name correctly, and then try again. Do you want me to skip that also and go on to exehelper?
Post #7
exeHelper by Raktor Build 20100414 Run at 09:26:31 on 06/01/11 Now searching… Checking for numerical processes… Checking for sysguard processes… Checking for bad processes… Checking for bad files… Checking for bad registry entries… Resetting filetype association for .exe Resetting filetype association for .com Resetting userinit and shell values… Resetting policies… –Finished–
Post #8
Download Combofix from any of the links below and save it to your desktop.

Link 1
Link 2


==================================

Disable Avast, then double click on ComboFix.exe & follow the prompts. Please accept the prompt to install the Recovery Console.
  • When finished, it will produce a report for you.
  • Please post the C:\ComboFix.txt so we can continue cleaning the system.
Post #9
ComboFix 11-06-01.07 - Nora 06/02/2011 3:40.1.2 - x86
Microsoft Windows XP Professional 5.1.2600.3.1252.1.1033.18.958.546 [GMT -4:00]
Running from: c:\documents and settings\[removed]\Desktop\ComboFix.exe
AV: avast! antivirus 4.8.1368 [VPS 110601-1] *Disabled/Updated* {7591DB91-41F0-48A3-B128-1A293FD8233D}
* Created a new restore point
.
.
((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Other Deletions )))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))
.
.
c:\documents and settings\All Users\Application Data\15851300.exe
c:\documents and settings\All Users\Application Data\tKBeGFnootVpbn.exe
c:\documents and settings\Nora\WINDOWS
C:\Install.exe
.
.
((((((((((((((((((((((((( Files Created from 2011-05-02 to 2011-06-02 )))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))
.
.
2011-06-02 07:32 . 2011-06-02 07:32 ——– d-sh–w- c:\documents and settings\Nora\IECompatCache
2011-05-30 17:19 . 2011-05-30 17:19 ——– d—–w- c:\documents and settings\Nora\Application Data\Malwarebytes
2011-05-30 17:19 . 2010-12-20 22:09 38224 —-a-w- c:\windows\system32\drivers\mbamswissarmy.sys
2011-05-30 17:19 . 2011-05-30 17:19 ——– d—–w- c:\documents and settings\All Users\Application Data\Malwarebytes
2011-05-30 17:19 . 2011-05-30 17:19 ——– d—–w- c:\program files\Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware
2011-05-30 17:19 . 2010-12-20 22:08 20952 —-a-w- c:\windows\system32\drivers\mbam.sys
2011-05-25 21:18 . 2011-06-02 07:32 445002 —-a-w- c:\windows\system32\PerfStringBackup.TMP
2011-05-25 16:28 . 2004-08-04 12:00 4224 —ha-w- c:\windows\system32\beep.sys
2011-05-25 16:27 . 2011-05-25 16:27 116224 —ha-w- c:\windows\system32\drivers\790501.sys
.
.
.
(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Find3M Report ))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))
.
2011-03-07 05:33 . 2007-10-25 21:26 692736 —ha-w- c:\windows\system32\inetcomm.dll
.
.
((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Reg Loading Points ))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))
.
.
*Note* empty entries & legit default entries are not shown
REGEDIT4
.
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run]
"Yahoo! Pager"="c:\program files\Yahoo!\Messenger\YahooMessenger.exe" [2007-08-31 4670704]
"YSearchProtection"="c:\program files\Yahoo!\Search Protection\SearchProtection.exe" [2008-10-07 111856]
"Search Protection"="c:\program files\Yahoo!\Search Protection\SearchProtection.exe" [2008-10-07 111856]
"EasyLinkAdvisor"="c:\program files\Linksys EasyLink Advisor\LinksysAgent.exe" [2006-04-03 389120]
.
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run]
"NeroFilterCheck"="c:\windows\system32\NeroCheck.exe" [2001-07-09 155648]
"AGRSMMSG"="AGRSMMSG.exe" [2006-08-30 89541]
"SynTPLpr"="c:\program files\Synaptics\SynTP\SynTPLpr.exe" [2003-11-20 98304]
"SynTPEnh"="c:\program files\Synaptics\SynTP\SynTPEnh.exe" [2003-11-20 499712]
"Broadcom Wireless Manager UI"="c:\windows\system32\WLTRAY.exe" [2006-10-12 1282048]
"HP Software Update"="c:\program files\HP\HP Software Update\HPWuSchd2.exe" [2006-12-11 49152]
"YSearchProtection"="c:\program files\Yahoo!\Search Protection\SearchProtection.exe" [2008-10-07 111856]
"avast!"="c:\progra~1\ALWILS~1\Avast4\ashDisp.exe" [2009-11-24 81000]
.
c:\documents and settings\All Users\Start Menu\Programs\Startup\
Adobe Reader Speed Launch.lnk - c:\program files\Adobe\Acrobat 7.0\Reader\reader_sl.exe [2004-12-14 29696]
HP Digital Imaging Monitor.lnk - c:\program files\HP\Digital Imaging\bin\hpqtra08.exe [2007-1-3 210520]
.
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\software\microsoft\security center]
"AntiVirusOverride"=dword:00000001
.
[HKLM\~\services\sharedaccess\parameters\firewallpolicy\standardprofile\AuthorizedApplications\List]
"%windir%\\system32\\sessmgr.exe"=
"%windir%\\Network Diagnostic\\xpnetdiag.exe"=
"c:\\Program Files\\Yahoo!\\Messenger\\YahooMessenger.exe"=
"c:\\Program Files\\Yahoo!\\Messenger\\YServer.exe"=
"c:\\Program Files\\Mozilla Thunderbird\\thunderbird.exe"=
"c:\\WINDOWS\\system32\\dpvsetup.exe"=
.
R1 aswSP;avast! Self Protection;c:\windows\system32\drivers\aswSP.sys [11/14/2009 11:23 AM 114768]
R2 aswFsBlk;aswFsBlk;c:\windows\system32\drivers\aswFsBlk.sys [11/14/2009 11:23 AM 20560]
S3 SIS163u;SiS163 USB Wireless LAN Adapter Driver;c:\windows\system32\DRIVERS\sis163u.sys –> c:\windows\system32\DRIVERS\sis163u.sys [?]
.
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\software\microsoft\windows nt\currentversion\svchost]
HPZ12 REG_MULTI_SZ Pml Driver HPZ12 Net Driver HPZ12
hpdevmgmt REG_MULTI_SZ hpqcxs08 hpqddsvc
.
Contents of the 'Scheduled Tasks' folder
.
2011-06-02 c:\windows\Tasks\OGALogon.job
- c:\windows\system32\OGAEXEC.exe [2009-08-03 21:07]
.
2011-06-02 c:\windows\Tasks\User_Feed_Synchronization-{5AD7AD18-C09C-4A12-9662-69E340BFFE2E}.job
- c:\windows\system32\msfeedssync.exe [2006-10-17 09:31]
.
.
——- Supplementary Scan ——-
.
uStart Page = hxxp://www.yahoo.com/
mSearch Bar = hxxp://us.rd.yahoo.com/customize/ie/defaults/sb/msgr8/*http://www.yahoo.com/ext/search/search.html
uInternet Connection Wizard,ShellNext = iexplore
uSearchURL,(Default) = hxxp://us.rd.yahoo.com/customize/ie/defaults/su/msgr8/*http://www.yahoo.com
IE: E&xport to Microsoft Excel - c:\progra~1\MICROS~2\OFFICE11\EXCEL.EXE/3000
TCP: DhcpNameServer = 192.168.1.1 [removed]
TCP: Interfaces\{3F331159-6D07-4693-9254-EC0515A6B8FA}: NameServer = 68.105.28.12,68.105.29.12
.
.
**************************************************************************
.
catchme 0.3.1398 W2K/XP/Vista - rootkit/stealth malware detector by Gmer, http://www.gmer.net
Rootkit scan 2011-06-02 03:44
Windows 5.1.2600 Service Pack 3 NTFS
.
scanning hidden processes …
.
scanning hidden autostart entries …
.
scanning hidden files …
.
scan completed successfully
hidden files: 0
.
**************************************************************************
.
——————— DLLs Loaded Under Running Processes ———————
.
- - - - - - - > 'winlogon.exe'(652)
c:\windows\System32\BCMLogon.dll
.
Completion time: 2011-06-02 03:48:06
ComboFix-quarantined-files.txt 2011-06-02 07:48
.
Pre-Run: 89,932,316,672 bytes free
Post-Run: 90,104,418,304 bytes free
.
WindowsXP-KB310994-SP2-Pro-BootDisk-ENU.exe
[boot loader]
timeout=2
default=multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS
[operating systems]
c:\cmdcons\BOOTSECT.DAT="Microsoft Windows Recovery Console" /cmdcons
UnsupportedDebug="do not select this" /debug
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS="Microsoft Windows XP Professional" /noexecute=optin /fastdetect
.
- - End Of File - - 4816A4132435932837CA2891DDF8D1C3
Post #10
Please download Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware to your desktop.
  • Double-click mbam-setup.exe and follow the prompts to install the program.
  • At the end, be sure a checkmark is placed next to Update Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware and Launch Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware, then click Finish.
  • If an update is found, it will download and install the latest version.
  • Once the program has loaded, select Perform quick scan, then click Scan.
  • When the scan is complete, click OK, then Show Results to view the results.
  • Be sure that everything is checked, and click Remove Selected .
  • When completed, a log will open in Notepad. Please save it to a convenient location and post the results.
  • Note: If you receive a notice that some of the items couldn't be removed, that they have been added to the delete on reboot list, please reboot.

  • Then, please go here then click on: [external image: Posted Image]

    Note: If using Mozilla Firefox you will need to download esetsmartinstaller_enu.exe when prompted then double click on it to install.
    All of the below instructions are compatible with either Internet Explorer or Mozilla FireFox.

  • Select the option YES, I accept the Terms of Use then click on: [external image: Posted Image]
  • When prompted allow the Add-On/Active X to install.
  • Make sure that the option Remove found threats is NOT checked, and the option Scan archives is checked.
  • Now click on Advanced Settings and select the following:
    • Scan for potentially unwanted applications
    • Scan for potentially unsafe applications
    • Enable Anti-Stealth Technology
  • Now click on: [external image: Posted Image]
  • The virus signature database… will begin to download. Be patient this make take some time depending on the speed of your Internet Connection.
  • When completed the Online Scan will begin automatically.
  • Do not touch either the Mouse or keyboard during the scan otherwise it may stall.
  • When completed select Uninstall application on close if you so wish, make sure you copy the logfile first!
  • Now click on: [external image: Posted Image]
  • Use notepad to open the logfile located at C:\Program Files\ESET\EsetOnlineScanner\log.txt.
  • Copy and paste that log as a reply to this topic.

Post the log from MBAM and from ESET.
Post #11
Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware 1.51.0.1200 www.malwarebytes.org Database version: 6757 Windows 5.1.2600 Service Pack 3 Internet Explorer 8.0.6001.18702 6/2/2011 11:36:51 PM mbam-log-2011-06-02 (23-36-51).txt Scan type: Quick scan Objects scanned: 139511 Time elapsed: 5 minute(s), 29 second(s) Memory Processes Infected: 0 Memory Modules Infected: 0 Registry Keys Infected: 0 Registry Values Infected: 0 Registry Data Items Infected: 0 Folders Infected: 0 Files Infected: 1 Memory Processes Infected: (No malicious items detected) Memory Modules Infected: (No malicious items detected) Registry Keys Infected: (No malicious items detected) Registry Values Infected: (No malicious items detected) Registry Data Items Infected: (No malicious items detected) Folders Infected: (No malicious items detected) Files Infected: c:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\790501.sys (Rootkit.TDSS) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully. ESETSmartInstaller@High as CAB hook log: OnlineScanner.ocx - registred OK # version=7 # iexplore.exe=8.00.6001.18702 (longhorn_ie8_rtm(wmbla).090308-0339) # OnlineScanner.ocx=1.0.0.6522 # api_version=3.0.2 # EOSSerial=e7577ed88245a04397dc7faaf3ed8e4f # end=finished # remove_checked=false # archives_checked=true # unwanted_checked=true # unsafe_checked=true # antistealth_checked=true # utc_time=2011-06-03 04:33:19 # local_time=2011-06-03 12:33:19 (-0500, Eastern Daylight Time) # country="United States" # lang=1033 # osver=5.1.2600 NT Service Pack 3 # compatibility_mode=512 16777215 100 0 0 0 0 0 # compatibility_mode=769 16775141 100 98 0 242428939 0 0 # compatibility_mode=8192 67108863 100 0 0 0 0 0 # scanned=41060 # found=4 # cleaned=0 # scan_time=2616 C:\Qoobox\Quarantine\C\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\15851300.exe.vir a variant of Win32/Kryptik.ODR trojan (unable to clean) 00000000000000000000000000000000 I C:\Qoobox\Quarantine\C\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\tKBeGFnootVpbn.exe.vir a variant of Win32/Kryptik.ODR trojan (unable to clean) 00000000000000000000000000000000 I C:\System Volume Information\_restore{B70BDA0D-2840-4E0B-BE4A-D4329CBA60A2}\RP467\A0040886.exe a variant of Win32/Kryptik.ODR trojan (unable to clean) 00000000000000000000000000000000 I C:\System Volume Information\_restore{B70BDA0D-2840-4E0B-BE4A-D4329CBA60A2}\RP467\A0040887.exe a variant of Win32/Kryptik.ODR trojan (unable to clean) 00000000000000000000000000000000 I
Post #14
The following will implement some cleanup procedures as well as reset System Restore points:

  • Please press the Windows Key and R on your keyboard. This will bring up the Run… command.
  • Now type in Combofix /Uninstall in the runbox and click OK. (Notice the space between the "x" and "/")
    🖼Click to load external image (Posted Image)
  • Please follow the prompts to uninstall Combofix.
  • You will then recieve a message saying Combofix was uninstalled successfully once it's done uninstalling itself.

How to reduce your chances of infection in the future

Web Browsers
Internet Explorer does come pre-installed with all Windows machines - but this doesn't necessarily mean you have to use it! Because it is the most widely used browser, it is targeted by more malware writers, making you more susceptible to infection. There are many other free alternatives out there that offer better security, take one of these for a spin and see if it takes your fancy.
Mozilla Firefox
Google Chrome
Opera

WOT - Web of Trust, warns you about risky websites that try to scam visitors, deliver malware or send spam. Protect your computer against online threats by using WOT as your front-line layer of protection when browsing or searching in unfamiliar territory. WOT's color-coded icons show you ratings for 21 million websites, helping you avoid the dangerous sites:
Green to go
Yellow for caution
Red to stop
WOT has an addon available for Firefox, Google Chrome and Internet Explorer.

If you would prefer to keep using Internet Explorer, follow these additional steps to make the browser more secure.
  • From within Internet Explorer click on the Tools menu and then click on Options.
  • Click once on the Security tab.
  • Click once on the Internet icon so it becomes highlighted.
  • Click once on the Custom Level button.
    • Change the Download signed ActiveX controls to Prompt.
    • Change the Download unsigned ActiveX controls to Disable.
    • Change the Initialise and script ActiveX controls not marked as safe to Disable.
    • Change the Installation of desktop items to Prompt.
    • Change the Launching programs and files in an IFRAME to Prompt.
    • Change the Navigate sub-frames across different domains to Prompt.
  • When all these settings have been made, click on the OK button.
  • If it prompts you as to whether or not you want to save the settings, press the Yes button.
Additional Security Measures
Keep your software up-to-date - You should be manually performing updates of your software once a week to ensure that you are current with anti-virus definitions and patched for any security vulnerabilities. This does not just apply to your anti-virus/anti-malware software; malware authors rely on exploiting commonly used software such as Java and Adobe Reader, which need to be kept up to date as well.

Keep Windows up-to-date - Use Windows Update regularly to stay current with security patches and service packs.

MVPS Hosts File - This custom hosts file effectively blocks a wide range of unwanted ads, banners, 3rd party Cookies, 3rd party page counters, web bugs, and many hijackers.

Firewalls - Without a firewall your computer is susceptible to being hacked and taken over. If you use the Windows Firewall you might think that's sufficient - but it only controls one way of the traffic (inbound). Simply using a Firewall in its default configuration can lower your risk greatly.

What Not To Do
The Perils of P2P File Sharing - Even if a P2P application is on the 'safe' list, malware can still be downloaded through infected files - executables, zip files and even MP3s. It is just not worth the risk.

Fake Security/Optimization Software - Be very wary with any security software that is advertised in popups or in other ways. They are not only usually of no use, but often have malware in them.

Additional Reading
How to prevent Malware - I strongly recommend that you read Miekiemoses' good advice

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