[NoviceITPro]

**Using an HP Pavilion dv6700 CTO Entertainment Notebook running Windows Vista (from a friend who bought it from a friend without the Owner’s Manual, Vista CD, or anything else). Appears to have been infected with rootkit and Trojan horses by the first user.
1. I already followed Select Real Security’s “Malware Removal Guide for Windows.”
2. I used Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool to remove a rootkit and Trojan horses.
3. I then repaired the internet connection using the Farbar Service Scanner.
4. I installed AVG immediately and cleaned the remaining viruses, and I used CCleaner to remove the remaining temporary files, etc.
Somewhere in the whole process, the laptop was involuntarily upgraded from Vista to Windows 7 before I got the chance to create any restore point. I DID NOT ever select or see the option for an upgrade.
Now I have the problem of “This copy of Windows is not genuine” with no product key to activate it. Windows Update is working and now the computer has all the latest Windows 7 drivers.
And even though I repaired the internet connectivity, the following devices are not recognized by the system, but some of the correct drivers are supposedly installed and “working properly” in device manager:
CD/DVD Rom drive
Webcam
Microphone
VGA (graphics) card
I don’t know if this is due to the Windows 7 upgrade or the long-standing infection that crippled them.
Please help.
1. How did I get upgraded to Windows 7 without my knowledge?
2. All I have is a Windows XP SP3 recovery disc. Should I downgrade?
3. How can I get the laptop to recognize the webcam, CD drive, graphics card, and microphone hardware again without a restore point and with no Vista recovery disc?

[Advertisements]

NoviceITPro

Some malware is so deep rooted that not even formatting the HDD and doing a fresh install of the OS will clear it, with that in mind and as a precautionary measure please follow the guidance below;

Read the 'Start Here' topic found here. With these self-help tools you have a high chance of fixing the problems on your own. If you are still having problems after following Step 3 of the guide, continue with Step 4 and 5 and post in the Malware Forum. If you are unable to run any programs, Please create a topic stating what you have tried so far and that you are unable to run any programs. Also, Please do NOT post the logs in this thread.

If you are still having issues after the malware expert gives you a clean bill of health, Please return to THIS thread and we will pursue other options to help you solve your current problem(s).

Additional guidance;

1: Do not create a topic on the malware forum unless you have a malware issue that you cannot resolve yourself.
2: If you do need to start a topic there provide a link to this thread so that steps that have already been taken can be checked.
3: As the Malware Techs are extremely busy you may not receive an instant reply, if you have waited for three days then post in the Waiting Room http://www.geekstogo...e-waiting-room/ be sure to identify the issue as malware related and provide a link to your malware topic.

One question please before you follow the above guidance, is there a COA (code of authenticity) sticker on the base of the notebook.

[phillpower2]

NoviceITPro

Some malware is so deep rooted that not even formatting the HDD and doing a fresh install of the OS will clear it, with that in mind and as a precautionary measure please follow the guidance below;

Read the 'Start Here' topic found here. With these self-help tools you have a high chance of fixing the problems on your own. If you are still having problems after following Step 3 of the guide, continue with Step 4 and 5 and post in the Malware Forum. If you are unable to run any programs, Please create a topic stating what you have tried so far and that you are unable to run any programs. Also, Please do NOT post the logs in this thread.

If you are still having issues after the malware expert gives you a clean bill of health, Please return to THIS thread and we will pursue other options to help you solve your current problem(s).

Additional guidance;

1: Do not create a topic on the malware forum unless you have a malware issue that you cannot resolve yourself.
2: If you do need to start a topic there provide a link to this thread so that steps that have already been taken can be checked.
3: As the Malware Techs are extremely busy you may not receive an instant reply, if you have waited for three days then post in the Waiting Room http://www.geekstogo...e-waiting-room/ be sure to identify the issue as malware related and provide a link to your malware topic.

One question please before you follow the above guidance, is there a COA (code of authenticity) sticker on the base of the notebook.