Virus/Trojan issues...?

Question

Hi, I'm new here and hoping someone can help me.  I have an Inspiron 6000 laptop that is approximately 3 1/2 years old (the warranty just expired, of course!).  It runs XP SP2.  I use Firefox 3 as my web browser.  Last night I was attempting to check my email on Yahoo, and I when loaded the mail page, my McAfee started to alert me to Trojans (Vundo) being removed (it popped-up twice).  I immediately removed myself from my wireless network and ran a Full McAfee scan, which didn't find anything.  When I went to reconnect to my wireless network, there were 3 available -- one was mine, the second was a neighbor, but the third was named 'Virus Infection' and I don't know if it was legit (maybe my punk neighbor) or not -- it eventually disappeared.  After connecting to my network, I also ran a Kaspersky online scan, just to be safe, and that came up clean also.  But after that, anytime I restart my computer it takes an extremely long time to load.  It is also now telling me that 'Automatic Updates' (for Windows) has now been turned off, and to 'Click this balloon to fix this problem', but when I click the balloon it tells me it cannot turn the function on and gives me another process to try, but this process tells me that 'Automatic Updates' is already on.  It also gives me several errors when shutting down, including 'explorer.exe is not responding' and it proceeds to attempt to close the program, giving me the 'End Now' button.  (I don't know if there are other problems, as I've been too nervous to use the computer for more than a couple of minutes) I don't know what to do now.  I don't know if this will make sense to anyone.  I was considering doing a 'PC Restore' to 'reset' the computer back to the factory settings.  I have everything I need backed-up (luckily I did this about a week ago!), so I'm not too worried about losing data or anything.  I'm just concerned that 1) this won't take care of the problem and 2) this might create new problems (I'm seeing alot of 'Help! Did a restore and now this isn't working...!' type thing). Should I do this or can somebody recommend something that might be better? Thanks.

Bugbatter · Answer

It certainly makes sense to me. I'm not sure about the network named "Virus Infection". They usually don't announce themselves like that. It's good that you are prepared with backups. Before you restore, we can dig a bit deeper to see if anything shows up.

I'm going to suggest that you run a diagnostic scan. Please post the requested logs on the Malware Removal Forum.

Download DDS by sUBs from one of the following links. Save it to your desktop.
Double click on the DDS icon, allow it to run.
A small box will open, with an explanation about the tool.
Click Yes at the prompt for Optional Scan.
When done, DDS will open two (2) logs
1. DDS.txt
2. Attach.txt
Save both reports to your desktop.
Copy/paste both logs to your reply on the forum.
Close the program window, and delete the program from your desktop.
Please note: You may have to disable any script protection running if the scan fails to run. After downloading the tool, disconnect from the internet and disable all antivirus protection. Run the scan, enable your A/V and reconnect to the internet. Information on A/V control HERE

denye923 · Answer

Hello,

I also have an Inspiron 6000 and I tried doing the Malwarebyte's download, but I put it on a usb device and then downloaded it on my laptop and when I went to download it, nothing happened. I clicked on it and nothing opened. I really feel that I'm at a loss here and I'm ready to throw this computer out the window. I'm at my wits end and nothing is helping. I can't connect to the internet at all, safe mode or in regular mode, nothing happens and that big red sign that reads SPYGUARD is the whole problem, it just won't go away and I have no idea what to do at this point. Everyone says "you can't fix it" and you have to reformat the whole computer. How does one do this, if thats what it takes, I'll do it, but I don't know how to do it and I can't afford to bring it to someone to fix it at this point. I've read alot of success stories on viruses and removing them, but I can't do it unless the directions are easy and in English. Please someone help me if you can. I need help with this one and this is something that just took over my computer and won't let me do anything, updates or anything. Thanks.

Denye

Bugbatter · Answer

Did you use a clean computer to download MBAM?

* If you are unable to download or install MBAM on your computer, see if you can use a friend's or family member's computer to download MBAM. Use this update link here to manually download the update. Once downloaded, rename the program installer "mbam-setup.exe" file to something else like "denye.exe". Copy the installer file and the update file to your CD or flash drive. Transfer the file to the infected computer. Install the "denye.exe" file, then run the update so that you will have the current definitions. After that, run a full system scan and select to have the program REMOVE whatever it finds.

The helpers on Dell's Malware Removal forum have been having a problem posting, so if MBAM does not fix the problem, please click on the link in my signature and post your MBAM log and a HijackThis log at SpywareHammer for a follow-up review. You will need to register and follow instructions for downloading HijackThis HERE

shayneB52 · Answer

New here, need a question answered please! Have been fighting a virus (Vundo) for days with Norton and many things-just ran through all the steps from Dell-now I am at the end after running the scan-I think it was removed, but now what??? They don't give any instructions to reverse the several changes made to my computer!!!!! like the ms commands, system restore is off, etc etc... why did they just leave me hanging???

what do I do now? try to rememebr everything in reverse?

thanks to anyone who can help me

Bugbatter · Answer

I'm not sure which instructions you followed. Please post a link to them, so we can help you with follow-up information. Who told you to turn System Restore off? In addition, please give us some information as to what operating system you are using and what other scans you ran besides Norton.

Thanks.

Virus & Spyware

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