Majorgeek's Malware Removal Guide

[Tandalayo_Scheisskopf]

This is a very comprehensive guide to removing the nasties that can plague you and your Windows installation. It is also, thankfully, easy to understand. It contains links to all the software recommended. I highly recommend this as a first stop, for when you think that your computer has grown a nasty.

http://forums.majorgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=35407

[DaveJ]

1. Very Nice Guide, but...

Is there one that might show how to do this setting up the infected drive as a secondary drive?

With our WinAntiSpyware 2007 infection, I've set it up as a secondary drive and did scans on it using bot AVG and Counterspy, but the popups come back stronger than ever.

The problem may be that a secondary drive scan does not go through the registry. Do you know if it is possible to go through the registry of a drive when it is setup as a secondary drive?

This infection really is badass. At first I felt a vendetta toward it, but now I am beginning to admire it. I'm beginning to wonder if records of the PC could have been stored on a virus server somewhere and reinfecting the PC when it goes back online.

[Tandalayo_Scheisskopf]

2. What I think is...

That this has corrupted a lot of files on your machine. What I would suggest is you save what data you can and reformat the drive with a full format.

[DaveJ]

8. I almost did reformat... but finally got it fixed

I ran a counter CounterSpy scan on it as a secondary drive, deleted one entry I thought was suspicious in HijackThis (not sure if needed)...

And one last step that I don't often see documented... It finally occurred to me to reset IE7's settings. Now the PC appears to be totally clean.

[Kali]

3. Ok I started this, and

it has been very helpful so far. I am in in step 4 trying to download counterspy. Is this correct? a 56MB file to use only once??? I am on a decrepit old phone line, running 21 to 24 Kbps so this thing is going on 5 hours!

Please tell me I'm not doing something wrong or tell me I am very soon because I'm only at 11%

Nevermind I lost my connection and the load. I will use download manager on the next try, but want to hear some opinions first. I posted at Major Geeks too but think they may be slower than here.

(thanks for the help Tandalayo!)

[Tandalayo_Scheisskopf]

5. You are not doing anything wrong.

Just keep plugging away.

Tell me, is there some sort of broadband where you live?

[Kali]

6. nope, could get satellite for major $$, which I can't quite justify

but I am getting close!

[Tandalayo_Scheisskopf]

7. I know.

Satellite is go-to-hell expensive. If you do go with it, choose carefully and read the finest of print they offer.

http://broadbandreports.com is a great place to research providers.

[CK_John]

9. Libraries are a great resource for a fast connection and a usb flash memory stick can be used to

download large files and then used on your home system to install.

[Kali]

10. that is a good idea! I have used it when my computer actually died.

I may try that at some point. Not sure if my library allows it but I will ask. They just got wireless too, so you can bring your own laptop and not have to be subject to their stupid 30 minute limit. (of course I would need to actually GET a laptop :P )

I do have a slight other problem - I am 15 miles from town 6 or 7 of that on really a BAD dirt (rock) road so it's not a simple walk down the block to the library. But yeah for big loads. Like my Daily Show clip fix from Crooks and Liars!!!! Or my god, I might actually be able to go to the Daily Show Website! - I have never seen the whole site - it takes to long to load!

[CK_John]

11. Have you looked at your modem setting, you may be able to bump your speed to around 42-46 KB.

[Kali]

12. no the problem is I am at the end of a very old line.

I'm 2 miles from the nearest connection/junction and I know this line is at least 60 to 70 years old. And it is Qwest (anybody in southern Arizona will know what that means - no infrastructure improvements or upgrades, ever!)

[CK_John]

13. Caught between a rock and a hard place. n/t

[Kali]

4. in answer to my question there has been a procedural update

to that thread http://forums.majorgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=139685

edit to add that this is sort of beta and has not actually been formally posted at the majorgeeks site.

[Tandalayo_Scheisskopf]

14. The advice given there...

is about 99.999% wise and recommendable.