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[Metallica]

Content is republished with permission from Malwarebytes.

What is SMART HDD?

The Malwarebytes research team has determined that SMART HDD is a fake anti-malware application. These so-called "rogues" use intentional false positives to convince users that their systems have been compromised. Then they try to sell you their software, claiming it will remove these threats. In extreme cases the false threats are actually the very trojans that advertise or even directly install the rogue. You are strongly advised to follow our removal instructions below.

How do I know if I am infected with SMART HDD?

This is how the main screen of the rogue application looks:



You will find these icons on your desktop and in your taskbar:



And see these warnings:





How did SMART HDD get on my computer?

Rogue programs use different methods for spreading themselves. This particular one was installed by a trojan.

How do I remove SMART HDD?

Our program Malwarebytes Anti-Malware can detect and remove this rogue application.

• 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 check-mark is placed next to the following:
  
  
  • Update Malwarebytes Anti-Malware
  • 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. Reboot your computer if prompted.
• When completed, a log will open in Notepad. The rogue application should now be gone.

Is there anything else I need to do to get rid of SMART HDD?

• No, Malwarebytes Anti-Malware removes SMART HDD completely.

How would the full version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware help protect me?

We hope our application has helped you eradicate this malicious software. If your current security solution let this infection through, you might please consider purchasing the FULL version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware for additional protection.

As you can see below the full version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware would have protected you against the SMART HDD rogue. It would have warned you before the rogue could install itself, giving you a chance to stop it before it became too late.

Technical details for experts

Signs in a HijackThis log:

Running processes:
C:\DOCUME~1\ALLUSE~1\APPLIC~1\F@7^!aEn;GYpoE.exe

Note: the filename is random

Alterations made by the installer:

  File System
  ===============
    In the existing folder C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data
      Adds the file F@7^!aEn;GYpoE"="13:33 31/03/12 256 bytes
      Adds the file -F@7^!aEn;GYpoE"="13:33 31/03/12 0 bytes
      Adds the file F@7^!aEn;GYpoE.exe"="18:40 30/03/12 243200 bytes
      Adds the file -F@7^!aEn;GYpoEr"="13:33 31/03/12 208 bytes
    In the existing folder C:\Documents and Settings\{username}\Application Data\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Quick Launch
      Adds the file SMART_HDD.lnk"="13:33 31/03/12 847 bytes
    In the existing folder C:\Documents and Settings\{username}\Desktop
      Adds the file SMART_HDD.lnk"="13:33 31/03/12 829 bytes
    Adds the folder C:\Documents and Settings\{username}\Start Menu\Programs\SMART HDD
      Adds the file Uninstall SMART HDD.lnk"="13:33 31/03/12 913 bytes
      Adds the file SMART HDD.lnk"="13:33 31/03/12 841 bytes

  Registry
  ===============
    [none]    

Malwarebytes Anti-Malware log:

Malwarebytes Anti-Malware 1.60.1.1000
www.malwarebytes.org

Database version: v2012.03.31.08

Windows XP Service Pack 3 x86 NTFS
Internet Explorer 8.0.6001.18702
{username} :: MBAM-D3E8C91ACC [administrator]

3/31/2012 6:00:06 PM
mbam-log-2012-03-31 (18-00-06).txt

Scan type: Quick scan
Scan options enabled: Memory | Startup | Registry | File System | Heuristics/Extra | Heuristics/Shuriken | PUP | PUM
Scan options disabled: P2P
Objects scanned: 164567
Time elapsed: 28 second(s)

Memory Processes Detected: 0
(No malicious items detected)

Memory Modules Detected: 0
(No malicious items detected)

Registry Keys Detected: 0
(No malicious items detected)

Registry Values Detected: 0
(No malicious items detected)

Registry Data Items Detected: 0
(No malicious items detected)

Folders Detected: 0
(No malicious items detected)

Files Detected: 1
C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\F@7^!aEn;GYpoE.exe (Rogue.FakeHDD) -> Delete on reboot.

(end)

As mentioned before the full version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware could have protected your computer against this threat.
We use different ways of protecting your computer(s):

• Dynamically Blocks Malware Sites & Servers
• Malware Execution Prevention

Save yourself the hassle and get protected.