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[Metallica]

Content is republished with permission from Malwarebytes.

What is File Restore?

The Malwarebytes research team has determined that File Restore is a fake Hard drive diagnostics application. These so-called "fake HDDs" use intentional false warnings to convince users that their systems are in danger. Then they try to sell you their software, claiming it will remove these threats. You are strongly advised to follow our removal instructions below.

How do I know if I am infected with File Restore?

This is how the main screen of the fake HDD application looks:



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



And see these warnings:







How did File Restore get on my computer?

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

How do I remove File Restore?

Our program Malwarebytes Anti-Malware can detect and remove this fake HDD 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 fake HDD application should now be gone.

Is there anything else I need to do to get rid of File Restore?

• No, Malwarebytes Anti-Malware removes File Restore 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 File Restore 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:

C:\DOCUME~1\ALLUSE~1\APPLIC~1\@vIM'@EIiZbK1.exe

O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [@vIM'@EIiZbK1] C:\DOCUME~1\ALLUSE~1\APPLIC~1\@vIM'@EIiZbK1.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 @vIM'@EIiZbK1"="12:14 20/10/12 592 bytes
      Adds the file -@vIM'@EIiZbK1"="12:08 20/10/12 112 bytes
      Adds the file @vIM'@EIiZbK1.exe"="02:00 24/06/94 235520 bytes
      Adds the file -@vIM'@EIiZbK1r"="12:08 20/10/12 128 bytes
    In the existing folder C:\Documents and Settings\{username}\Application Data\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Quick Launch
      Adds the file File_Restore.lnk"="12:08 20/10/12 848 bytes
    In the existing folder C:\Documents and Settings\{username}\Desktop
      Adds the file File_Restore.lnk"="12:08 20/10/12 830 bytes
    Adds the folder C:\Documents and Settings\{username}\Start Menu\Programs\File Restore
      Adds the file Uninstall File Restore.lnk"="12:08 20/10/12 914 bytes
      Adds the file File Restore.lnk"="12:08 20/10/12 842 bytes


  Registry
  ===============
    [HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Download]
      "CheckExeSignatures"="'no'"
    [HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main]
      "Use FormSuggest"="'Yes'"
    [HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings]
      "CertificateRevocation"="0"
      "WarnonBadCertRecving"="0"
    [HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Associations]
      "LowRiskFileTypes"="'.zip;.rar;.nfo;.txt;.exe;.bat;.com;.cmd;.reg;.msi;.htm;.html;.gif;.bmp;.jpg;.avi;.mpg;.mpeg;.mov;.mp3;.m3u;.wav;.scr;'"
    [HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Attachments]
      "SaveZoneInformation"="1"
    [HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run]
      "@vIM'@EIiZbK1"="'C:\DOCUME~1\ALLUSE~1\APPLIC~1\@vIM''@EIiZbK1.exe'"
    [HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\WinTrust\Trust Providers\Software Publishing]
      "State"="146944"

Malwarebytes Anti-Malware log:

Malwarebytes Anti-Malware 1.65.1.1000
www.malwarebytes.org

Database version: v2012.10.20.03

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

10/20/2012 12:17:21 PM
mbam-log-2012-10-20 (12-17-21).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: 172706
Time elapsed: 41 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: 1
HKCU\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run|@vIM'@EIiZbK1 (Trojan.FakeAlert) -> Data: C:\DOCUME~1\ALLUSE~1\APPLIC~1\@vIM'@EIiZbK1.exe -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.

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\@vIM'@EIiZbK1.exe (Trojan.FakeAlert) -> 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.