Expert: Brian Benosky - 7/23/2008

Question
Hello
I have a dell laptop which I believe was recently infected.  When the system boots, after log-in the system flashes my desktop icons for a few seconds as the system loads, then pulses in and out a few times before all together disappearing.

Answer
Hi Robert

If you believe your computer is infected by malware, follow the instructions below, then post to me in a reply:

For Windows 200, XP, & Vista:
Please install HijackThis! by downloading Deckards System Scanner to your desktop from the following link:
http://www.techsupportforum.com/sectools/Deckard/dss.exe
Note: You must be logged onto a computer account with administrator privileges.
1. Close ALL applications and windows.
2. Double-click on dss.exe to run it, and follow the prompts.
3. When the scan is complete, two text files will open - main.txt and extra.txt (this one will be minimized)
4. Copy and paste the contents of main.txt into your question here.
5. Do not include the extra.txt to your post unless I ask for it.
What DSS will do:
* Create a new System Restore point in Windows XP and Vista.
* Clean your Temporary Files, Downloaded Program Files, and Internet Cache Files, and also empty the Recycle Bin on all drives.
* Check some important areas of your system and produce a report.  DSS automatically runs HijackThis for you, but it will also install and place a shortcut to HijackThis on your desktop if you do not already have HijackThis installed.

For Windows 95, 98, & ME:
Please download HijackThis to your desktop from here:
http://www.trendsecure.com/portal/en-US/_download/HJTInstall.exe
Make sure you close EVERY open window and ALL browser windows. The only thing that should be open is the HijackThis program.
Double-click on the file you just downloaded.
Click on the "Install" button.
Upon install, HijackThis should open for you.
Should it not open, go to C:\Program Files\Trend Micro\HijackThis and double click on HijackThis.exe
Choose 'Do a system scan and save a log file'.
Copy the text file which opens in Notepad and paste it in your question here.
   * Do not fix any entries in HijackThis, as they may be harmless.

Brian