Expert: Lorry - 9/12/2009

Question
I am in the process of removing some malware off of my computer. I noticed that I had 3 icons on my desktop and each of them had "porn" in the icon name. I deleted the icons but they came up again later. I think they are apart of the malware problem. Any suggestions about how to permanently remove them? Thanks in advance.

Answer
Hi Alice,

To verify that the computer is free of infection, I would suggest downloading Malwarebytes Anti-Malware 1.41 from:

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

Once installed, update it. Disable System Restore by going to Start, Program, Accessories, System Tools, System Restore. Now, run the scan, let it remove whatever it finds.

By not disabling System Restore before removing the Desktop Icons, is probably the reason why they keep coming back. Also, remember that the icons are only a shortcut to a program and/or a file, it doesn't delete the program and/or file.

Have you checked for viruses? If not, 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.

Hope this helps!
Lorry