[303Peri]

Essexboy, I had earlier gone in to the folder where the "hotfix.exe" was located and deleted it! At first, it refused to let me delete it, because it said it was used by the system. I tried a series of maneuvers, such as changing the filename, changing the extension, etc. and finally was able to delete it. I was surprised myself that I could delete that file. I then rebooted my computer, and I was afraid the malware would come back again on booting. However, my computer booted normally and the "Antispy Safeguard" screen was not there anymore.

My desktop and START buttons are also back. However, I will certainly run Malwarebytes, as you suggested, and post the log here.

Sorry for being so "gung ho" at my end, and thank you so much for all the help you provided. That is certainly most appreciated and really helped to beat the malware this time.

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Here is the logfile from my latest Malwarebytes scan. It completed in only about 5 minutes, and stated that it found no malicious software. Hooray, we have have beaten the malware today. Thank you so much for your help and have a great weekend!


Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware 1.46
www.malwarebytes.org

Database version: 4652

Windows 6.1.7600
Internet Explorer 8.0.7600.16385

9/19/2010 3:30:23 PM
mbam-log-2010-09-19 (15-30-23).txt

Scan type: Quick scan
Objects scanned: 153042
Time elapsed: 5 minute(s), 12 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: 0

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:
(No malicious items detected)

[303Peri]

Here is the logfile from my latest Malwarebytes scan. It completed in only about 5 minutes, and stated that it found no malicious software. Hooray, we have have beaten the malware today. Thank you so much for your help and have a great weekend!


Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware 1.46
www.malwarebytes.org

Database version: 4652

Windows 6.1.7600
Internet Explorer 8.0.7600.16385

9/19/2010 3:30:23 PM
mbam-log-2010-09-19 (15-30-23).txt

Scan type: Quick scan
Objects scanned: 153042
Time elapsed: 5 minute(s), 12 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: 0

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:
(No malicious items detected)

[Essexboy]

Looking at that I am a happy bunny

I will remove my tools now and give some recommendations, but I would like you to run for 24 hours or so and come back if you have any problems

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

A good workman always cleans up after himself so..The following will implement some cleanup procedures as well as reset System Restore points:

Run OTL

• Under the Custom Scans/Fixes box at the bottom, paste in the following
  
  

  :Commands
  [resethosts]
  [purity]
  [emptytemp]
  [EMPTYFLASH]
  [Reboot]

• Then click the Run Fix button at the top
• Let the program run unhindered, reboot the PC when it is done

Run OTL 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.

Your Java is out of date. Older versions have vulnerabilities that malware can use to infect your system. Please follow these steps to remove older version of Java components and upgrade the application. Beware it is NOT supported for use in 9x or ME and probably will not install in those systems

Upgrading Java:

• Download the latest version of Java SE Runtime Environment (JRE)JRE 6 Update 21.
• Click the "Download" button to the right.
• Select your Platform and check the box that says: "I agree to the Java SE Runtime Environment 6 License Agreement.".
• Click on Continue.
• Click on the link to download Windows Offline Installation (jre-6u21-windows-i586-p.exe) and save it to your desktop. Do NOT use the Sun Download Manager..
• Close any programs you may have running - especially your web browser.
• Go to Start > Control Panel, double-click on Add/Remove programs and remove all older versions of Java.
• Check any item with Java Runtime Environment (JRE or J2SE) in the name.
• Click the Remove or Change/Remove button.
• Repeat as many times as necessary to remove each Java version.
• Reboot your computer once all Java components are removed.
• Then from your desktop double-click on the download to install the newest version.(Vista users, right click on the jre-6u21-windows-i586-p.exe and select "Run as an Administrator.")

SPRING CLEAN

Download and run Puran Disc Defragmenter

Now that you are clean, to help protect your computer in the future I recommend that you get the following free programmes:

• SpywareBlaster to help prevent spyware from installing in the first place.
  Malwarebytes. Run weekly to keep your system clean

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

• Microsoft Windows Update

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

[Essexboy]

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

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