Expert: Lorry - 5/20/2009

Question
QUESTION: Hello, my name is Luis. I've recently done a manual removal of the much-annoying anti-spyware program that prompts for purchase to get rid of other viruses that it itself creates. Now, my brother uses my computer all the time and he stupidly installed it, I know just about anything on how to rid of viruses, clean them up, ect. but am having a hard time here. I keep on getting redirected to other pages, computer keeps on locking up, pop-ups keep on...well, popping up. My computer ran in perfect shape before this mishap, absolutely disease free. This was all brung upon my dumb brother installing that damn anti-spyware 2009, I forgot the actual name. The solution, which would be to install actual anti-spyware programs like Spyware Doctor or some sort of malware remover, seems difficult to me due to the fact that somehow, most of the .exe files I use or download do NOT work! For the record, one .exe did work, some STOPzilla! program that was an anti-spyware program, but I didn't feel like paying for since I've never heard of it. Help? Why won't some of my .exe's work, and how can I make them work?

P.S., I check my processes after I hit "Run" on the .exe's, and they come up as processed, but I never see anything actually on my screen, and I have waited. I am running Windows XP Pro SP2 on a Sony Vaio desktop. I use ESET NOD32 as my antivirus. Lately, it has also been detecting Trojans, don't know if they're leftovers of the program. And I am not computer illiterate.

Thanks for all your help!
Luis Maldonado

ANSWER: Hi Luis,

Using Internet Explorer, go to:

http://security.symantec.com/sscv6/WelcomePage.asp

Click "Continue to Symantec Security Check", in the next window click No when asked if you want to close this window, that will bring you to a window where you should click Virus Detection.

Write down exactly anything it finds, then go to: http://www.symantec.com/search/  and do a search for what was found. Symantec usually has a removal tool and/or directions for removing manually. Make sure that you follow the instructions for removal, step by step, especially the part regarding disabling System Restore.

I would also suggest downloading Malwarebytes Anti-Malware 1.36 from:

http://download.cnet.com/Malwarebytes-Anti-Malware/3000-8022_4-10804572.html

Once the computer is cleaned up, free of any threats, why don't you have your brother be a "Guest" user, that way he cannot download any progrms. Just a suggestion.

Hope this helps!
Lorry

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Well, I tried going on the link, and i get to the part where you have to agree to continue to the check. I hit I Accept and Next, but it keeps redirecting me to the same exact page. Weird...

ANSWER: Hi Luis,

Go to: http://security.symantec.com/sscv6/WelcomePage.asp

Click "Continue to Symantec Security Check"

A pop-up window will say,"The webpage you are viewing is trying to close the window. Do you want to close this window?"

Click Yes.

Under Virus Detection, click Start.

Click "I accept", then Next in the next window.

Another pop-up window will ask "Do you want to install this software?", click Install. It might do that again, do the same thing.

Hope this helps!
Lorry

Follow-up

Hi Luis,

Don't forget to download Malwarebytes Anti-Malware 1.36 from the above site after you run the free scan from Symantec.

Later,
Lorry

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Nothing again. It won't go past the "I agree" page, no install prompts. My activeX is enabled, so that's not the problem. Not even the Security Check goes past the License agreement either.

Also, the Malwarebytes Anti-Malware program was the one that I've tried downloading before, but the .exe doesn't run. I've downloaded a few times, cancelled the process after about 10 minutes in which no window popped up, and repeated a few times. Still nothing...

Answer
Hi Luis,

At this point I would suggest backing up anything of importance, including the Address Book, then use the Restore/Recovery CD.

The following site explains how to backup Outlook Express:

http://www.updatexp.com/backup-outlook-express.html

Microsoft explains How to copy information to a CD in Windows XP at:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/306524

If you don't feel secure doig this, take it to the local repair shop and have them do it for you.

Hope this helps!
Lorry