Welcome Guest ( Log In | Register )

      
Discover the best free computer help!
Learn more about Geeks to Go by taking the tour. Spyware, virus, trojan, fake security or privacy alerts? Read the malware cleaning guide.
 
Closed TopicStart new topic
Tricksy messages [RESOLVED], Problems loading windows and opening files
Heardy
post Oct 6 2008, 09:51 PM
Post #1


Member
**
Posts: 10
OS: Windows XP



Hi,

I think I have contracted some sort of malware on my computer. When I log in to windows I keep getting a message saying that userinit.exe has failed to open and that the application needs to terminate. I then get left staring at my background for windows but with no desktop on it. I can get into Task Manager by pushing Ctrl+Alt+Del and run programs from there.

Sometime when I try to run explorer.exe my desktop returns, but when I try to get into a number of files I find that userinit.exe (or sometimes rundll32.exe) has failed to open as expected and I can't gain access. If I am browsing folders on my computer I find that double clicking on folders causes a message to come up saying "ATEENTION! You have downloaded malicious software..." etc. And that downloading anti-virus protection is recommended. Whether or not I click yes or no takes me to a phoney internet site that tries to implant more viruses on my computer.

I have included a hijackthis logfile below..

Can you help?!?

Logfile of Trend Micro HijackThis v2.0.2
Scan saved at 14:36:27, on 7/10/2008
Platform: Windows XP SP2 (WinNT 5.01.2600)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v6.00 SP2 (6.00.2900.2180)
Boot mode: Normal

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\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Apple\Mobile Device Support\bin\AppleMobileDeviceService.exe
C:\Program Files\Bonjour\mDNSResponder.exe
C:\Program Files\Java\jre6\bin\jqs.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\nvsvc32.exe
C:\Program Files\Trend Micro\Internet Security\SfCtlCom.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\UStorSrv.exe
C:\Program Files\Trend Micro\BM\TMBMSRV.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\wscntfy.exe
C:\Program Files\iTunes\iTunes.exe
C:\Program Files\iPod\bin\iPodService.exe
C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\OFFICE11\WINWORD.EXE
C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\OFFICE11\OUTLOOK.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\explorer.exe
C:\Program Files\Mozilla Firefox\firefox.exe
C:\Program Files\Trend Micro\HijackThis\HijackThis.exe

R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings,ProxyOverride = *.local
O3 - Toolbar: Yahoo! Toolbar - {EF99BD32-C1FB-11D2-892F-0090271D4F88} - C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Companion\Installs\cpn\yt.dll
O3 - Toolbar: ninemsn - {BDAD1DAD-C946-4A17-ADC1-64B5B4FF55D0} - C:\Program Files\MSN Apps\MSN Toolbar\01.02.5000.1021\en-au\msntb.dll
O3 - Toolbar: Easy-WebPrint - {327C2873-E90D-4c37-AA9D-10AC9BABA46C} - C:\Program Files\Canon\Easy-WebPrint\Toolband.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SoundMan] SOUNDMAN.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NvCplDaemon] RUNDLL32.EXE C:\WINDOWS\system32\NvCpl.dll,NvStartup
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [nwiz] nwiz.exe /install
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [VGAUtil] C:\Program Files\GigaByte\VGA Utility Manager\G-VGA.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [RemoteControl] "C:\Program Files\CyberLink\PowerDVD\PDVDServ.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [HP Software Update] C:\Program Files\HP\HP Software Update\HPWuSchd2.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NvMediaCenter] RUNDLL32.EXE C:\WINDOWS\system32\NvMcTray.dll,NvTaskbarInit
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [TkBellExe] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Real\Update_OB\realsched.exe" -osboot
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NeroFilterCheck] C:\WINDOWS\system32\NeroCheck.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [PWRISOVM.EXE] C:\Program Files\PowerISO\PWRISOVM.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [PinnacleDriverCheck] C:\WINDOWS\system32\\PSDrvCheck.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Google Desktop Search] "C:\Program Files\Google\Google Desktop Search\GoogleDesktop.exe" /startup
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SideWinderTrayV4] C:\PROGRA~1\MI948F~1\GAMECO~1\Common\SWTrayV4.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Easy-PrintToolBox] C:\Program Files\Canon\Easy-PrintToolBox\BJPSMAIN.EXE /logon
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [itype] "C:\Program Files\Microsoft IntelliType Pro\itype.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [IntelliPoint] "C:\Program Files\Microsoft IntelliPoint\ipoint.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [UltraMon] "C:\Program Files\UltraMon\UltraMon.exe" /auto
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AVG7_CC] C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgcc.exe /STARTUP
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [UfSeAgnt.exe] "C:\Program Files\Trend Micro\Internet Security\UfSeAgnt.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Adobe Reader Speed Launcher] "C:\Program Files\Adobe\Reader 9.0\Reader\Reader_sl.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SunJavaUpdateSched] "C:\Program Files\Java\jre6\bin\jusched.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [PCSuiteTrayApplication] C:\Program Files\Nokia\Nokia PC Suite 6\LaunchApplication.exe -startup
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [QuickTime Task] "C:\Program Files\QuickTime\QTTask.exe" -atboottime
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [iTunesHelper] "C:\Program Files\iTunes\iTunesHelper.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [BM2f1c8d47] Rundll32.exe "C:\WINDOWS\system32\oekxdtek.dll",s
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [2c2fbedb] rundll32.exe "C:\WINDOWS\system32\okslvqbd.dll",b
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [CTFMON.EXE] C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [MsnMsgr] "C:\Program Files\MSN Messenger\MsnMsgr.Exe" /background
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [PcSync] C:\Program Files\Nokia\Nokia PC Suite 6\PcSync2.exe /NoDialog
O4 - HKUS\S-1-5-19\..\Run: [CTFMON.EXE] C:\WINDOWS\System32\CTFMON.EXE (User 'LOCAL SERVICE')
O4 - HKUS\S-1-5-20\..\Run: [CTFMON.EXE] C:\WINDOWS\System32\CTFMON.EXE (User 'NETWORK SERVICE')
O4 - HKUS\S-1-5-18\..\Run: [CTFMON.EXE] C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe (User 'SYSTEM')
O4 - HKUS\.DEFAULT\..\Run: [CTFMON.EXE] C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe (User 'Default user')
O4 - S-1-5-18 Startup: Adobe Gamma.lnk = C:\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe\Calibration\Adobe Gamma Loader.exe (User 'SYSTEM')
O4 - .DEFAULT Startup: Adobe Gamma.lnk = C:\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe\Calibration\Adobe Gamma Loader.exe (User 'Default user')
O4 - Startup: Adobe Gamma.lnk = C:\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe\Calibration\Adobe Gamma Loader.exe
O4 - Global Startup: Adobe Gamma Loader.lnk = C:\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe\Calibration\Adobe Gamma Loader.exe
O4 - Global Startup: HP Digital Imaging Monitor.lnk = C:\Program Files\HP\Digital Imaging\bin\hpqtra08.exe
O8 - Extra context menu item: E&xport to Microsoft Excel - res://C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~4\OFFICE11\EXCEL.EXE/3000
O8 - Extra context menu item: Easy-WebPrint Add To Print List - res://C:\Program Files\Canon\Easy-WebPrint\Resource.dll/RC_AddToList.html
O8 - Extra context menu item: Easy-WebPrint High Speed Print - res://C:\Program Files\Canon\Easy-WebPrint\Resource.dll/RC_HSPrint.html
O8 - Extra context menu item: Easy-WebPrint Preview - res://C:\Program Files\Canon\Easy-WebPrint\Resource.dll/RC_Preview.html
O8 - Extra context menu item: Easy-WebPrint Print - res://C:\Program Files\Canon\Easy-WebPrint\Resource.dll/RC_Print.html
O9 - Extra button: Research - {92780B25-18CC-41C8-B9BE-3C9C571A8263} - C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~4\OFFICE11\REFIEBAR.DLL
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: {00B71CFB-6864-4346-A978-C0A14556272C} (Checkers Class) - http://messenger.zone.msn.com/binary/msgrchkr.cab31267.cab
O16 - DPF: {149E45D8-163E-4189-86FC-45022AB2B6C9} (SpinTop DRM Control) - file://C:\Program Files\Risk\Images\stg_drm.ocx
O16 - DPF: {2917297F-F02B-4B9D-81DF-494B6333150B} (Minesweeper Flags Class) - http://messenger.zone.msn.com/binary/MineS...er.cab31267.cab
O16 - DPF: {6414512B-B978-451D-A0D8-FCFDF33E833C} (WUWebControl Class) - http://update.microsoft.com/windowsupdate/...b?1142804080452
O16 - DPF: {6E32070A-766D-4EE6-879C-DC1FA91D2FC3} (MUWebControl Class) - http://update.microsoft.com/microsoftupdat...b?1142804620077
O16 - DPF: {8E0D4DE5-3180-4024-A327-4DFAD1796A8D} (MessengerStatsClient Class) - http://messenger.zone.msn.com/binary/Messe...nt.cab31267.cab
O16 - DPF: {B38870E4-7ECB-40DA-8C6A-595F0A5519FF} (MsnMessengerSetupDownloadControl Class) - http://messenger.msn.com/download/MsnMesse...pDownloader.cab
O16 - DPF: {CC450D71-CC90-424C-8638-1F2DBAC87A54} (ArmHelper Control) - file://C:\Program Files\Risk\Images\armhelper.ocx
O18 - Protocol: linkscanner - {F274614C-63F8-47D5-A4D1-FBDDE494F8D1} - C:\Program Files\AVG\AVG8\avgpp.dll
O23 - Service: Adobe LM Service - Adobe Systems - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe Systems Shared\Service\Adobelmsvc.exe
O23 - Service: Apple Mobile Device - Apple Inc. - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Apple\Mobile Device Support\bin\AppleMobileDeviceService.exe
O23 - Service: AVG8 WatchDog (avg8wd) - Unknown owner - C:\PROGRA~1\AVG\AVG8\avgwdsvc.exe (file missing)
O23 - Service: Bonjour Service - Apple Inc. - C:\Program Files\Bonjour\mDNSResponder.exe
O23 - Service: GoogleDesktopManager - Google - C:\Program Files\Google\Google Desktop Search\GoogleDesktop.exe
O23 - Service: InstallDriver Table Manager (IDriverT) - Macrovision Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\InstallShield\Driver\11\Intel 32\IDriverT.exe
O23 - Service: iPod Service - Apple Inc. - C:\Program Files\iPod\bin\iPodService.exe
O23 - Service: Java Quick Starter (JavaQuickStarterService) - Sun Microsystems, Inc. - C:\Program Files\Java\jre6\bin\jqs.exe
O23 - Service: NT login service (ntlogin32) - Unknown owner - C:\WINDOWS\System32\libsys32.exe (file missing)
O23 - Service: NVIDIA Display Driver Service (NVSvc) - NVIDIA Corporation - C:\WINDOWS\system32\nvsvc32.exe
O23 - Service: ServiceLayer - Nokia. - C:\Program Files\Common Files\PCSuite\Services\ServiceLayer.exe
O23 - Service: Trend Micro Central Control Component (SfCtlCom) - Trend Micro Inc. - C:\Program Files\Trend Micro\Internet Security\SfCtlCom.exe
O23 - Service: Trend Micro Unauthorized Change Prevention Service (TMBMServer) - Trend Micro Inc. - C:\Program Files\Trend Micro\BM\TMBMSRV.exe
O23 - Service: Trend Micro Proxy Service (tmproxy) - Trend Micro Inc. - C:\Program Files\Trend Micro\Internet Security\TmProxy.exe
O23 - Service: UStorage Server Service - OTi - C:\WINDOWS\system32\UStorSrv.exe

--
End of file - 9161 bytes
Go to the top of the page
 
+Quote Post
Essexboy
post Oct 7 2008, 11:57 AM
Post #2


Global Moderator
Group Icon
Posts: 9,544
From: Darkest Cornwall
OS: Vista Ultimate



Hi there lets see if we can get you back on your feet again smile.gif

This will be in two parts. First a quick clean and then a deep search

CLEAN

Please download Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware from Here or Here

Double Click mbam-setup.exe to install the application.
  • Make 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.
  • The scan may take some time to finish,so please be patient.
  • When the scan is complete, click OK, then Show Results to view the results.
  • Make sure that everything is checked, and click Remove Selected.
  • When disinfection is completed, a log will open in Notepad and you may be prompted to Restart.(See Extra Note)
  • The log is automatically saved by MBAM and can be viewed by clicking the Logs tab in MBAM.
  • Copy&Paste the entire report in your next reply.

Extra Note:
If MBAM encounters a file that is difficult to remove,you will be presented with 1 of 2 prompts,click OK to either and let MBAM proceed with the disinfection process,if asked to restart the computer,please do so immediatly.

SEARCH

To ensure that I get all the information this log will need to be attached (instructions at the end) if it is to large to attach then upload to Mediafire and post the sharing link.

Download OTScanit to your Desktop and double-click on it to extract the files. It will create a folder named OTScanIt on your desktop.
  • Close ALL OTHER PROGRAMS.
  • Open the OTScanit folder and double-click on OTScanit.exe to start the program.
  • Check the box that says Scan All User Accounts
  • Check the Radio button for Rootkit check YES
  • Check the Radio buttons for Files/Folders Created Within 90 Days and Files/Folders Modified Within 90 Days
  • Under Additional Scans check the following:
    • Reg - BotCheck
    • File - Additional Folder Scans
    • File - Purity Scan
  • Now click the Run Scan button on the toolbar.
  • Let it run unhindered until it finishes.
  • When the scan is complete Notepad will open with the report file loaded in it.
  • Click the Format menu and make sure that Wordwrap is not checked. If it is then click on it to uncheck it.

Please attach the log in your next post.

To attach a file, do the following:
  • Click Add Reply
  • Under the reply panel is the Attachments Panel
  • Browse for the attachment file you want to upload, then click the green Upload button
  • Once it has uploaded, click the Manage Current Attachments drop down box
  • Click on to insert the attachment into your post
Go to the top of the page
 
+Quote Post
Heardy
post Oct 9 2008, 06:32 AM
Post #3


Member
**
Posts: 10
OS: Windows XP



Attached File  OTScanIt.Txt ( 280.39K ) Number of downloads: 4
Attached File  mbam_log_2008_10_09__22_55_32_.txt ( 8.41K ) Number of downloads: 4


Thanks so much for taking on my case! Here are the two attachments you asked for, I hope they are helpful!

cheers,
Heardy
Go to the top of the page
 
+Quote Post
Essexboy
post Oct 9 2008, 01:49 PM
Post #4


Global Moderator
Group Icon
Posts: 9,544
From: Darkest Cornwall
OS: Vista Ultimate



OK now a few more to marmalise smile.gif

Start OTScanit. Copy/Paste the information in the quotebox below into the pane where it says "Paste fix here" and then click the Run Fix button.

CODE
[Unregister Dlls]
[Registry - Non-Microsoft Only]
< ShellExecuteHooks [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE] > -> HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\ShellExecuteHooks
YN -> {8EA479BF-A910-4B14-8BB1-CD195871F947} [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE] -> Reg Error: Key does not exist or could not be opened. []
[Files/Folders - Created Within 30 days]
NY -> aesuunyp.dll -> %SystemRoot%\System32\aesuunyp.dll
NY -> atpfuuyg.dll -> %SystemRoot%\System32\atpfuuyg.dll
NY -> bvghvnwi.dll -> %SystemRoot%\System32\bvghvnwi.dll
NY -> hshmkvii.dll -> %SystemRoot%\System32\hshmkvii.dll
NY -> ivonkrhn.ini -> %SystemRoot%\System32\ivonkrhn.ini
NY -> jrvvkliv.dll -> %SystemRoot%\System32\jrvvkliv.dll
NY -> jxlksmoj.dll -> %SystemRoot%\System32\jxlksmoj.dll
NY -> ngvrvyuo.dll -> %SystemRoot%\System32\ngvrvyuo.dll
NY -> njvhaadi.dll -> %SystemRoot%\System32\njvhaadi.dll
NY -> pdproomo.dll -> %SystemRoot%\System32\pdproomo.dll
NY -> rgf.dll -> %SystemRoot%\System32\rgf.dll
NY -> rifxjfmk.dll -> %SystemRoot%\System32\rifxjfmk.dll
NY -> sddevmgr.dll -> %SystemRoot%\System32\sddevmgr.dll
NY -> wkmrhnrk.ini -> %SystemRoot%\System32\wkmrhnrk.ini
[Files/Folders - Modified Within 90 days]
NY -> aesuunyp.dll -> %SystemRoot%\System32\aesuunyp.dll
NY -> AIRBKUtv.ini -> %SystemRoot%\System32\AIRBKUtv.ini
NY -> atpfuuyg.dll -> %SystemRoot%\System32\atpfuuyg.dll
NY -> bvghvnwi.dll -> %SystemRoot%\System32\bvghvnwi.dll
NY -> hshmkvii.dll -> %SystemRoot%\System32\hshmkvii.dll
NY -> ivonkrhn.ini -> %SystemRoot%\System32\ivonkrhn.ini
NY -> jrvvkliv.dll -> %SystemRoot%\System32\jrvvkliv.dll
NY -> jxlksmoj.dll -> %SystemRoot%\System32\jxlksmoj.dll
NY -> ngvrvyuo.dll -> %SystemRoot%\System32\ngvrvyuo.dll
NY -> njvhaadi.dll -> %SystemRoot%\System32\njvhaadi.dll
NY -> nvapps.xml -> %SystemRoot%\System32\nvapps.xml
NY -> pdproomo.dll -> %SystemRoot%\System32\pdproomo.dll
NY -> pgagemvu.ini -> %SystemRoot%\System32\pgagemvu.ini
NY -> rgf.dll -> %SystemRoot%\System32\rgf.dll
NY -> rifxjfmk.dll -> %SystemRoot%\System32\rifxjfmk.dll
NY -> sminvgyl.ini -> %SystemRoot%\System32\sminvgyl.ini
NY -> ucsmftpq.ini -> %SystemRoot%\System32\ucsmftpq.ini
[Empty Temp Folders]


The fix should only take a very short time. When the fix is completed a message box will popup telling you that it is finished. Click the Ok button and Notepad will open with a log of actions taken during the fix. Post that information back here along with a new Hijackthis log.

I will review the information when it comes back in.

Also let me know of any problems you encountered performing the steps above or any continuing problems you are still having with the computer.

Logs required : OTScanit report and a new Hijackthis log. Plus how is your computer now ?
Go to the top of the page
 
+Quote Post
Heardy
post Oct 9 2008, 03:45 PM
Post #5


Member
**
Posts: 10
OS: Windows XP



Attached File  10102008_082325.txt ( 14.61K ) Number of downloads: 4

Attached File  hijackthis.txt ( 10.99K ) Number of downloads: 4


Here are the log files... After doing the fix and scan you suggested in your post, my computer is behaving itself much better! Beforehand it was a little erratic (sometimes windows would start properly but not always), however this time it restarted as if nothing had happened. Does this mean I might be cured?!
Go to the top of the page
 
+Quote Post
Essexboy
post Oct 9 2008, 03:52 PM
Post #6


Global Moderator
Group Icon
Posts: 9,544
From: Darkest Cornwall
OS: Vista Ultimate



In the words of the immoral Bard and subject to no further problems

Now the best part of the day ----- Your log now appears clean thumbsup.gif

A good workman always cleans up after himself so...Download and run this small programme and hit the cleanup button. It will remove all the programmes we have used plus itself. MBAM can be uninstalled via control panel add/remove along with ERUNT. But they may be useful tools to keep

We will now confirm that your hidden files are set to that, as some of the tools I use will change that
  • Click Start.
  • Open My Computer.
  • Select the Tools menu and click Folder Options.
  • Select the View Tab.
  • Under the Hidden files and folders heading select Do not show hidden files and folders.
  • Click Yes to confirm.
  • Click OK.


Please download JavaRa to your desktop and unzip it to its own folder
  • Run JavaRa.exe, pick the language of your choice and click Select. Then click Remove Older Versions.
  • Accept any prompts.


XP
Now to get you off to a good start we will clean your restore points so that all the bad stuff is gone for good. Then if you need to restore at some stage you will be clean. There are several ways to reset your restore points, but this is my method:
  • Select Start > All Programs > Accessories > System tools > System Restore.
  • On the dialogue box that appears select Create a Restore Point
  • Click NEXT
  • Enter a name e.g. Clean
  • Click CREATE

You now have a clean restore point, to get rid of the bad ones:
  • Select Start > All Programs > Accessories > System tools > Disk Cleanup.
  • In the Drop down box that appears select your main drive e.g. C
  • Click OK
  • The System will do some calculation and the display a dialogue box with TABS
  • Select the More Options Tab.
  • At the bottom will be a system restore box with a CLEANUP button click this
  • Accept the Warning and select OK again, the program will close and you are done



Now that you are clean, to help protect your computer in the future I recommend that you get the following free programmes:
It is critical to have both a firewall and anti virus to protect your system and to keep them updated.

To keep your operating system up to date visit


To learn more about how to protect yourself while on the internet read our little guide How did I get infected in the first place ?
Keep safe wavey.gif
Go to the top of the page
 
+Quote Post
Essexboy
post Oct 11 2008, 11:06 AM
Post #7


Global Moderator
Group Icon
Posts: 9,544
From: Darkest Cornwall
OS: Vista Ultimate



Since this issue appears to be resolved ... this Topic has been closed. Glad we could help. smile.gif

If you're the topic starter, and need this topic reopened, please contact a staff member with the address of the thread.

Everyone else please begin a New Topic.
Go to the top of the page
 
+Quote Post

Closed TopicStart new topic
1 User(s) are reading this topic (1 Guests and 0 Anonymous Users)
0 Members:

 


RSS Time is now: 2nd December 2008 - 06:59 AM
Advertisements do not imply our endorsement of that product or service. The forum is run by volunteers who donate their time and expertise. We make every attempt to ensure that the help and advice posted is accurate and will not cause harm to your computer. However, we do not guarantee that they are accurate and they are to be used at your own risk.