We are trying to make sure there are no rootkits infecting the computer's master boot record. This happens at a deeper level, but since no threats are found meaning that the infection only occurs within Windows operating environment. So the infection might not be too bad.
Please read through these instructions to familiarize yourself with what to expect when this tool runs
Refer to the ComboFix User's Guide
Download ComboFix from one of these locations:
Link 1
Link 2
Disable your AntiVirus and AntiSpyware applications, usually via a right click on the System Tray icon. They may otherwise interfere with our tools. Note: If you are having difficulty properly disabling your protective programs, or are unsure as to what programs need to be disabled, please refer to the information available through this link :How to Disable your Security Programs
I got it from Norton Anti Virus. It flashed repeated messages, that I would close, only to flash again. It also notified of numerous intrusion attempts. When I looked for info on line it explained even though "system infected: trojan.fakeavlock activity 2"; was identified by Norton, chances are I was infected. All the messaging seemed to be as if the virsu was just not detected, but actually active on my machine.
In looking at Norton Security History, I just noticed the attached message which happened repeatedly while running Combofix.
Does this info help?
Thank you,
Paul
That is a false positive from Norton. Norton hasn't been very kind to ComboFix processes that we always strongly advice people to disable their security programs first before attempting the run. Also, the case of aswMBR would be the same as ComboFix. It's very likely that Norton had prevented it from running properly.
Do you receive similar message other than the tools I requested? The log doesn't show anything alarming.
Hi Conspire,
I did forget to disable Norton for the scans. I was fairly sure the virus got past Norton because of all the remote attack attempts, cryptic Norton messaging, and endless alerts. In total it made me believe the virus actually compromised my system.
I see no unstable or funky behavior now. I have kept usage to a minimum up to this point. I appreciate you and What The Tech. How are you guys compensated?
Thank you…
Best wishes,
Paul
A simple thank you usually is more than enough to keep us going. We, the malware folks, here willingly volunteer our free time to help people at no cost. Most of us here do accept small donations which is given at free will from people.
Follow these steps to uninstall Combofix
Click START then RUN
Now copy/paste the code into the runbox and click OK. Note the space between the ..X and the /U, it needs to be there.
Thank you for your patience, and performing all of the procedures requested. I would also like to take this opportunity to apologize for any delay that may have occurred.
MICROSOFT UPDATES
It is very important that you get all of the critical updates for your Operating System and Internet Explorer. Keeping your OS and browser up to date will help make you less susceptible to attacks by Trojans and viruses. Please go to Microsoft and download all the critical updates to help prevent possible re-infection.
Passwords
It is good security practice to change your passwords to all your online accounts on a fairly regular basis, this is especially true after an infection. Refer to this Microsoft article Strong passwords: How to create and use them and consider a password keeper, to keep all your passwords safe.
SPYWARE PREVENTION
This is a good time to set up protection against further attacks. In light of your recent problem, I'm sure you'd like to avoid any future infections. Please read these well written articles:
How Did I Get Infected In The First Place? by TonyKlein
How to Prevent Malware by miekiemoes
PC Safety and Security–What Do I Need?
To help protect your computer in the future I recommend that you get the following free programs if you do not already have them:
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 add-on available for both Firefox and IE.
SpywareBlaster prevents the installation of ActiveX-based malware, blocks cookies, and restricts the actions of "bad" sites. See tutorial here
MVPS HOSTS FILE replaces your current HOSTS file with one that will restrict known ad sites from serving you unsolicited advertisements. It basically prevents your computer from connecting to those sites by redirecting the attempted connections to 127.0.0.1, which is the IP of your local computer. See guide here and for Windows Vista here
Download Host.zip and Save it to your Desktop.
Right-click hosts.zip and select 'Extract all files' or 'Extract files…'.
Follow the prompts and click 'Finish'.
This will open the newly created hosts folder on your Desktop.
Double-click on the included mvps.bat file, this will rename the existing HOSTS file to HOSTS.MVP, then it will copy the included updated HOSTS file to the correct location on your machine.
Once updated you should see another prompt that the task was completed.
Follow this list and keep your antivirus program and antispyware programs updated and scan with them on a regular basis. By doing so, your potential for being infected again will reduce dramatically.
Hopefully this should take care of your problems! Good luck.
Do you have any questions or problems to ask? Please do not hesitate to do so.
**Please respond this one more time to ensure it is resolved and close this topic.
Best wishes,
Paul