Unable to run Malware/Spyware Tools

even after unchecking hide protected operating system files it still tells me to insert an XP cd

Hello jryda55123,

Yes, I thought it worth a try. I am of the opinion that we have removed the malware but that you are left with corrupt system files that need to be replaced. Unfortunately we don't know which ones so can't attempt a copy.

You really need that Windows Installation Disk. It has to be exactly the same as the system you have on the machine.

You could try opening a topic in the Windows XP forum and asking them if they know of a solution. My guess is that they will tell you the same i.e. you need the Windows Installation disk. If you do go there, make sure you tell them you have been here first.

By the way this link has some information on how to get rid of those leftover pieces of SpyBot-S&D.

http://www.spybotsd..../uninstall.html

Now

Let's remove the tools we have been using.

Follow these steps to uninstall Combofix and tools used in the removal of malware. This will also clean out and reset your Restore Points.

• Click START then RUN
• Now type Combofix /u in the runbox and click OK. Note the space between the X and the U, it needs to be there.
  
  

Step 2

• Make sure you have an Internet Connection.
• Double-click OTL.exe to run it. (Vista users, please right click on OTL.exe and select "Run as an Administrator")
• Click on the CleanUp! button
• A list of tool components used in the Cleanup of malware will be downloaded.
• If your Firewall or Real Time protection attempts to block OTL to reach the Internet, please allow the application to do so.
• Click Yes to begin the Cleanup process and remove these components, including this application.
• You will be asked to reboot the machine to finish the Cleanup process. If you are asked to reboot the machine choose Yes.

MBAM can be uninstalled via control panel add/remove but it may be a useful tool to keep. Erunt can also be uninstalled via the add/remove programs utility, for some though, it may be a useful backup program to hold on to. The SysProt folder can be deleted.

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A reminder now: Remember to turn back on any anti-malware programs you may have turned off during the cleaning process.

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Now that you are clean here are some things I think are worth having a look at if you don't already know a bout them:

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Be sure and give the Temp folders a cleaning out now and then. This helps with security and your computer will run more efficiently. I clean mine once a week. For ease of use, you might consider the following free program:

• ATF Cleaner

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A great way to check that your Microsoft and Java have the latest updates is to go to Software Inspector at Secunia.

I do this weekly. Not only do they tell you which programs need updating but they give you the link to follow.

To bolster your security go to Secunia.com to ensure essential programs are up to date.

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Make Internet Explorer more secure

• Click Start > Run
• Type Inetcpl.cpl & click OK
• Click on the Security tab
• Click Reset all zones to default level
• Make sure the Internet Zone is selected & Click Custom level
• In the ActiveX section, set the first two options ("Download signed and unsigned ActiveX controls) to "Prompt", and ("Initialize and Script ActiveX controls not marked as safe") to "Disable".
• Next Click OK, then Apply button and then OK to exit the Internet Properties page.

* MVPS Hosts file replaces your current HOSTS file with one containing well known ad sites and other bad sites. Basically, this prevents your computer from connecting to those sites by redirecting them to 127.0.0.1 which is your local computer, meaning it will be difficult to infect yourself in the future.

* Consider using an alternate browser. Mozilla's Firefox browser is excellant; it is more secure than Internet Explorer. Firefox is my default browser but I retain Internet Explorer as well so that I can access the very few sites that require it.

Firefox may be downloaded from Here

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Startuplite is a tool to help you stop some programs not needed when you start your computer from loading. They will begin automatically only when needed.

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To help protect your computer in the future here are some free programs you can look at:

• If your Microsoft Update is not working automatically. Keep your operating system up to date by visiting
  
• Microsoft Windows Update
  
  monthly. And to keep your system clean run these free malware scanners
  
• AdAware SE Personal
  
• Spybot Search & Destroy
  
  weekly, and be aware of what emails you open and websites you visit.

To learn more about how to protect yourself while on the internet read this article by Tony Klein: So how did I get infected in the first place?

well thanks for your help i really do appreciate it. i will see what i can do about the XP disk and if i get a hold of one ill report back to here..i just have one quick question..in case a reformat is ever necessary since i don't have my drivers on a disk do you know a good program to back the drivers up for the reformat?



EDIT: Turns out i have a DELL WIndows XP Home Edition but i do not have a DELL computer. Any Chance this would work?

Edited by jryda55123, 23 August 2009 - 08:47 PM.

Hi jryda55123,

Turns out i have a DELL WIndows XP Home Edition but i do not have a DELL computer. Any Chance this would work?

I think you should open a topic in the XP forum here. I don't really know the answer. I have it in my head that it will work if it is exactly the same version as that which you have on your machine but I am not a tech and it's only some vague memory I have from somewhere.

i don't have my drivers on a disk do you know a good program to back the drivers up for the reformat?

Again the techs would be better placed to answer this.

If you open a topic there make sure you say you have been here and give them a link to this topic so they can see what has happened so far.

regards
emeraldnzl

ok well thanks for your help i'll let you know how it turns out.

Yes please do.

I will keep this topic open for a few days to allow time.

The tech people will be able to guide you through a reformat if that is what you want or perhaps a repair installation might be the ticket. In any case they will know the right approach.

Best of luck.

emeraldnzl

well just a quick update im still searching for an xp cd because they say thats the only way to fix it..if not ill just have to reformat

well just a quick update im still searching for an xp cd because they say thats the only way to fix it..if not ill just have to reformat

I take it this is some tech people you have found. I don't see another topic at Geekstogo.

In any case that is likely the correct answer.

By the way, did I give this possible solution. You will need the Windows Installation disk but it may avoid a full reformat for which you would need an installation disk anyway.

Please go to Windows Repair to learn how to undertake Windows Repair Install.

You will not lose data on your computer using this process.

It is a way to repair your operating system.

You will lose your Windows Updates and your drivers will revert to the original version but you can catch up on these.

ahh i did not know there was an xp forum on this website. i'll go post there real quick.

just getting your opinion on something real quick...now when i go into safe mode my computer is shutting down as soon as i log into my account. im working with wannabe1 in the XP forums but he hasn't replied to this issue yet

I would wait for wannabe1 to help you.

You are lucky to have him, he is a legend

I will keep this topic open still in case you need to come back for some reason.

ok thanks you guys are the best

we still haven't had any luck at this point they feel that it is a hardware issue so not to sure what i will do