All programs no longer working

[Edo]

I apologize in advance if my problem doesn't belong in this thread....

For some reason, not one single program is working on my pc. It happened yesterday after I finished playing a game on my pc. I went back to my desktop as normal to try and open Mozilla Firefox, and an error message appeared saying windows couldn't find the specified file. So i tried again, same thing. I then tried opening an Excel sheet, same error. Word document, same error. So I then go to reboot, and another error message appeares saying I don't have permission to reboot this pc. Same error message when I tried to shut down as well.

I rebooted by pressing the button on the pc, and when it came back to windows, not one of my regular programs started. For the 1st time since I've had my pc, not one icon was showing next to the clock in the system tray. Every program on the pc will not function, whether it's a program I installed or one included with windows, nothing works. Even things like "Add or remove programs" or "Network connections", or the command prompt aren't working. But the weird thing is they all work as they normally would in safe mode. I tried running virus and spyware scans in safe mode, and all turned up nothing.

Any help would be tremendously appreciated.

PC......

ASUS p4S800D-X mobo
1GB DDR PC 3200 Kingston Hyper X (2x512)
3.2ghz Intel P4 cpu Hyperthreading
1 Maxtor 200gb HDD
1 Western Digital 160gb HD

[Gate28]

HDD damage or corruption, perhaps? what game was it?

[Edo]

HDD damage or corruption, perhaps? what game was it?

Counter Strike:Condition Zero

[Gate28]

if it was a legit copy of CZ though steam, then I can't see why it would be corruption, unless you downloaded a crappy file when you entered a server. Maybe you should post a HiJackThis log, the link to instructions is in the spyware board, I don't know them by heart.
Any funny sounds coming from your PC?

[Edo]

if it was a legit copy of CZ though steam, then I can't see why it would be corruption, unless you downloaded a crappy file when you entered a server. Maybe you should post a HiJackThis log, the link to instructions is in the spyware board, I don't know them by heart.
Any funny sounds coming from your PC?

I've been playing CZ for a few years now on this very copy and never had any issues before. No strange noises from the pc. If I create a HiJackThis log in safe mode, will it capture everything in the pc? It's the only way I could post one.

[Harudath]

Do a defrag- Also, some programs won't work properly if your System Clock is off- try looking at that

[Edo]

Do a defrag

Again, nothing works. Can a defrag be done in Safe mode?

[Leonardo]

It sounds like your system is thoroughly penetrated by some type of malware. I'm moving your thread to the Spyware and Virus Removal Forum. Please read the messages at the top of the page and take whatever steps you can while you wait for someone to help you clean the garbage (assumed) out of your system.

[Mclovin]

Id say at last resort do a clean install. Try doing Virus Scans in safe mode and what ever you can. See if you can normally boot into windows and click run and type msconfig, Then go to startup and see if you can find any suspicious files in there.

[Edo]

I've found that I'm able to run HiJackThis, and all other programs using the admin password, and it produced the following log....


HiJackThis......

Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.1
Scan saved at 5:48:27 PM, on 2/14/2008
Platform: Windows XP SP2 (WinNT 5.01.2600)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v7.00 (7.00.6000.16608)

Running processes:
C:\WINDOWS\System32\smss.exe
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\winlogon.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\services.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\lsass.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\Ati2evxx.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\Ati2evxx.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\Program Files\Avira\AntiVir PersonalEdition Classic\avguard.exe
C:\Program Files\Avira\AntiVir PersonalEdition Classic\sched.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Apple\Mobile Device Support\bin\AppleMobileDeviceService.exe
C:\Program Files\Symantec\LiveUpdate\ALUSchedulerSvc.exe
C:\Program Files\Grisoft\AVG Anti-Spyware 7.5\guard.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\bgsvcgen.exe
C:\Program Files\WIDCOMM\Bluetooth Software\bin\btwdins.exe
C:\Program Files\Comodo\Firewall\cmdagent.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\LightScribe\LSSrvc.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\VS7Debug\mdm.exe
C:\Program Files\Norton Ghost\Agent\VProSvc.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\PnkBstrA.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\Comodo\Firewall\cfp.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\devldr32.exe
C:\Program Files\Lavasoft\Ad-Aware 2007\aawservice.exe
C:\Program Files\Lavasoft\Ad-Aware 2007\Ad-Aware2007.exe
C:\Documents and Settings\Edo\Desktop\Cleaning stuff\HijackThis\HijackThis.exe

R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page =
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=69157
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Search_URL = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=54896
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Bar = http://us.rd.yahoo.com/customize/ie/defaults/sb/msgr8/*http://www.yahoo.com/ext/search/search.html
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=54896
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=69157
R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Local Page =
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Connection Wizard,ShellNext = http://www.pandasoftware.com/redirector/?prod=3350&app=MalwareInfo&lang=eng
R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Toolbar,LinksFolderName =
R3 - Default URLSearchHook is missing
F2 - REG:system.ini: UserInit=C:\WINDOWS\system32\Userinit.exe
O2 - BHO: Adobe PDF Reader Link Helper - {06849E9F-C8D7-4D59-B87D-784B7D6BE0B3} - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe\Acrobat\ActiveX\AcroIEHelper.dll
O2 - BHO: BitComet ClickCapture - {39F7E362-828A-4B5A-BCAF-5B79BFDFEA60} - C:\Program Files\BitComet\tools\BitCometBHO_1.1.8.30.dll
O2 - BHO: Canon Easy Web Print Helper - {68F9551E-0411-48E4-9AAF-4BC42A6A46BE} - C:\Program Files\Canon\Easy-WebPrint\EWPBrowseLoader.dll
O2 - BHO: SSVHelper Class - {761497BB-D6F0-462C-B6EB-D4DAF1D92D43} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.6.0_03\bin\ssv.dll
O3 - Toolbar: Easy-WebPrint - {327C2873-E90D-4c37-AA9D-10AC9BABA46C} - C:\Program Files\Canon\Easy-WebPrint\Toolband.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SiSUSBRG] C:\WINDOWS\SiSUSBrg.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NeroCheck] C:\WINDOWS\system32\NeroCheck.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [CanonMyPrinter] C:\Program Files\Canon\MyPrinter\BJMyPrt.exe /logon
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SSBkgdUpdate] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Scansoft Shared\SSBkgdUpdate\SSBkgdupdate.exe" -Embedding -boot
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [OpwareSE4] "C:\Program Files\ScanSoft\OmniPageSE4.0\OpwareSE4.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ATIPTA] C:\Program Files\ATI Technologies\ATI Control Panel\atiptaxx.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [HydraVisionDesktopManager] C:\Program Files\ATI Technologies\ATI HYDRAVISION\HydraDM.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Adobe Reader Speed Launcher] "C:\Program Files\Adobe\Reader 8.0\Reader\Reader_sl.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [StartCCC] C:\Program Files\ATI Technologies\ATI.ACE\Core-Static\CLIStart.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SunJavaUpdateSched] "C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.6.0_03\bin\jusched.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [TkBellExe] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Real\Update_OB\realsched.exe" -osboot
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [BluetoothAuthenticationAgent] rundll32.exe bthprops.cpl,,BluetoothAuthenticationAgent
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [avgnt] "C:\Program Files\Avira\AntiVir PersonalEdition Classic\avgnt.exe" /min
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [KernelFaultCheck] %systemroot%\system32\dumprep 0 -k
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [COMODO Firewall Pro] "C:\Program Files\Comodo\Firewall\cfp.exe" -h
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [QuickTime Task] "C:\Program Files\QuickTime\QTTask.exe" -atboottime
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Norton Ghost 12.0] "C:\Program Files\Norton Ghost\Agent\VProTray.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [iTunesHelper] "C:\Program Files\iTunes\iTunesHelper.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [MSConfig] C:\WINDOWS\PCHealth\HelpCtr\Binaries\MSConfig.exe /auto
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [Yahoo! Pager] "C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Messenger\YahooMessenger.exe" -quiet
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [MsnMsgr] "C:\Program Files\MSN Messenger\msnmsgr.exe" /background
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [MSMSGS] "C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe" /background
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [LightScribe Control Panel] C:\Program Files\Common Files\LightScribe\LightScribeControlPanel.exe -hidden
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [DAEMON Tools Lite] "C:\Program Files\DAEMON Tools Lite\daemon.exe"
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [ATI Launchpad] "C:\Program Files\ATI Multimedia\main\LaunchPd.exe"
O4 - Global Startup: Adobe Gamma Loader.lnk = C:\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe\Calibration\Adobe Gamma Loader.exe
O4 - Global Startup: Bluetooth.lnk = ?
O4 - Global Startup: Kodak EasyShare software.lnk = C:\Program Files\Kodak\Kodak EasyShare software\bin\EasyShare.exe
O4 - Global Startup: Microsoft Office.lnk = C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office10\OSA.EXE
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.6.0_03\bin\npjpi160_03.dll
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Sun Java Console - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.6.0_03\bin\npjpi160_03.dll
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {2D663D1A-8670-49D9-A1A5-4C56B4E14E84} - (no file)
O9 - Extra button: ATI TV - {44226DFF-747E-4edc-B30C-78752E50CD0C} - C:\Program Files\ATI Multimedia\dtv\EXPLBAR.DLL
O9 - Extra button: BitComet Search - {461CC20B-FB6E-4f16-8FE8-C29359DB100E} - C:\Program Files\BitComet\tools\BitCometBHO_1.1.8.30.dll
O9 - Extra button: PalTalk - {4EAFEF58-EEFA-4116-983D-03B49BCBFFFE} - C:\Program Files\Paltalk Messenger\Paltalk.exe (file missing)
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {85d1f590-48f4-11d9-9669-0800200c9a66} - %windir%\bdoscandel.exe (file missing)
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Uninstall BitDefender Online Scanner v8 - {85d1f590-48f4-11d9-9669-0800200c9a66} - %windir%\bdoscandel.exe (file missing)
O9 - Extra button: @btrez.dll,-4015 - {CCA281CA-C863-46ef-9331-5C8D4460577F} - C:\Program Files\WIDCOMM\Bluetooth Software\btsendto_ie.htm
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: @btrez.dll,-12650 - {CCA281CA-C863-46ef-9331-5C8D4460577F} - C:\Program Files\WIDCOMM\Bluetooth Software\btsendto_ie.htm
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {e2e2dd38-d088-4134-82b7-f2ba38496583} - %windir%\Network Diagnostic\xpnetdiag.exe (file missing)
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: @xpsp3res.dll,-20001 - {e2e2dd38-d088-4134-82b7-f2ba38496583} - %windir%\Network Diagnostic\xpnetdiag.exe (file missing)
O9 - Extra button: Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Windows Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
O11 - Options group: [INTERNATIONAL] International*
O16 - DPF: {0EB0E74A-2A76-4AB3-A7FB-9BD8C29F7F75} (CKAVWebScan Object) - http://www.kaspersky.com/kos/eng/partner/default/kavwebscan_unicode.cab
O16 - DPF: {215B8138-A3CF-44C5-803F-8226143CFC0A} (Trend Micro ActiveX Scan Agent 6.6) - http://housecall65.trendmicro.com/housecall/applet/html/native/x86/win32/activex/hcImpl.cab
O16 - DPF: {2BC66F54-93A8-11D3-BEB6-00105AA9B6AE} (Symantec AntiVirus scanner) - http://security.symantec.com/sscv6/SharedContent/vc/bin/AvSniff.cab
O16 - DPF: {512FC5A1-7DE1-43F1-BC0C-371622FCB409} (Installer Class) - http://www.nanoscan.com/as/v1/cabs/ascinstie.cab
O16 - DPF: {56393399-041A-4650-94C7-13DFCB1F4665} (PSFormX Control) - http://www.ca.com/us/securityadvisor/pestscan/pestscan.cab
O16 - DPF: {5D86DDB5-BDF9-441B-9E9E-D4730F4EE499} (BDSCANONLINE Control) - http://download.bitdefender.com/resources/scan8/oscan8.cab
O16 - DPF: {6414512B-B978-451D-A0D8-FCFDF33E833C} (WUWebControl Class) - http://update.microsoft.com/windowsupdate/v6/V5Controls/en/x86/client/wuweb_site.cab?1160253223046
O16 - DPF: {644E432F-49D3-41A1-8DD5-E099162EEEC5} (Symantec RuFSI Utility Class) - http://security.symantec.com/sscv6/SharedContent/common/bin/cabsa.cab
O16 - DPF: {7B297BFD-85E4-4092-B2AF-16A91B2EA103} (WScanCtl Class) - http://www.ca.com/us/securityadvisor/virusinfo/webscan.cab
O16 - DPF: {9A9307A0-7DA4-4DAF-B042-5009F29E09E1} (ActiveScan Installer Class) - http://acs.pandasoftware.com/activescan/as5free/asinst.cab
O16 - DPF: {D4323BF2-006A-4440-A2F5-27E3E7AB25F8} - http://a532.g.akamai.net/f/532/6712/5m/virtools.download.akamai.com/6712/player/install/installer.exe
O18 - Protocol: livecall - {828030A1-22C1-4009-854F-8E305202313F} - C:\PROGRA~1\MSNMES~1\MSGRAP~1.DLL
O18 - Protocol: msnim - {828030A1-22C1-4009-854F-8E305202313F} - C:\PROGRA~1\MSNMES~1\MSGRAP~1.DLL
O20 - AppInit_DLLs: C:\WINDOWS\system32\guard32.dll
O20 - Winlogon Notify: WgaLogon - C:\WINDOWS\
O21 - SSODL: WPDShServiceObj - {AAA288BA-9A4C-45B0-95D7-94D524869DB5} - C:\WINDOWS\system32\WPDShServiceObj.dll
O23 - Service: Ad-Aware 2007 Service (aawservice) - Lavasoft - C:\Program Files\Lavasoft\Ad-Aware 2007\aawservice.exe
O23 - Service: Adobe LM Service - Adobe Systems - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe Systems Shared\Service\Adobelmsvc.exe
O23 - Service: AntiVir PersonalEdition Classic Scheduler (AntiVirScheduler) - Avira GmbH - C:\Program Files\Avira\AntiVir PersonalEdition Classic\sched.exe
O23 - Service: AntiVir PersonalEdition Classic Guard (AntiVirService) - Avira GmbH - C:\Program Files\Avira\AntiVir PersonalEdition Classic\avguard.exe
O23 - Service: Apple Mobile Device - Apple, Inc. - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Apple\Mobile Device Support\bin\AppleMobileDeviceService.exe
O23 - Service: Ares Chatroom server (AresChatServer) - Ares Development Group - C:\Program Files\Ares\chatServer.exe
O23 - Service: Ati HotKey Poller - ATI Technologies Inc. - C:\WINDOWS\system32\Ati2evxx.exe
O23 - Service: ATI Smart - Unknown owner - C:\WINDOWS\system32\ati2sgag.exe
O23 - Service: Automatic LiveUpdate Scheduler - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Symantec\LiveUpdate\ALUSchedulerSvc.exe
O23 - Service: AVG Anti-Spyware Guard - GRISOFT s.r.o. - C:\Program Files\Grisoft\AVG Anti-Spyware 7.5\guard.exe
O23 - Service: B's Recorder GOLD Library General Service (bgsvcgen) - B.H.A Corporation - C:\WINDOWS\system32\bgsvcgen.exe
O23 - Service: Bluetooth Service (btwdins) - Broadcom Corporation. - C:\Program Files\WIDCOMM\Bluetooth Software\bin\btwdins.exe
O23 - Service: COMODO Firewall Pro Helper Service (cmdAgent) - COMODO - C:\Program Files\Comodo\Firewall\cmdagent.exe
O23 - Service: InstallDriver Table Manager (IDriverT) - Macrovision Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\InstallShield\Driver\1150\Intel 32\IDriverT.exe
O23 - Service: iPod Service - Apple Inc. - C:\Program Files\iPod\bin\iPodService.exe
O23 - Service: LightScribeService Direct Disc Labeling Service (LightScribeService) - Hewlett-Packard Company - C:\Program Files\Common Files\LightScribe\LSSrvc.exe
O23 - Service: LiveUpdate - Symantec Corporation - C:\PROGRA~1\Symantec\LIVEUP~1\LUCOMS~1.EXE
O23 - Service: Norton Ghost - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Norton Ghost\Agent\VProSvc.exe
O23 - Service: PnkBstrA - Unknown owner - C:\WINDOWS\system32\PnkBstrA.exe
O23 - Service: stllssvr - MicroVision Development, Inc. - C:\Program Files\Common Files\SureThing Shared\stllssvr.exe
O23 - Service: Windows Network Log (Windows Network Log Manage) - Unknown owner - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\MSINFO\Netlog.exe (file missing)
O23 - Service: X10 Device Network Service (x10nets) - Unknown owner - C:\PROGRA~1\ATIMUL~1\RemCtrl\x10nets.exe (file missing)

[Elrond]

Hi Edo

Although you are using an old version of HijackThis

I'm afraid I have unpleasant news for you.
You have a Very Dangerous Infection Backdoor.Win32.Hupigon.el. on this machine. It allows outsiders COMPLETE access to every keystroke, account, and password you use while on this machine, and complete access to any other data present...
IF this computer has been used for any kind of important data, my best recommendation is to :
Disconnect from Internet
Re-Format the entire drive
Re-Install your Operating system and Applications.
We can likely clean the infected files off the computer, and if you wish we will attempt to do so, but we cannot be sure that the infection didn't do something to your system to reduce the system security. In that instance, even after removal of the infection, you could be subject to another attack or takeover as soon as you re-connect to the Internet.

The Decision Whether to ReFormat or Not should be based on:
The use of the computer - this is the primary factor in the decision whether to re-format and re-install, or just disinfect.
The variety of malware - this influences the decision on whether to re-format and re-install, or just disinfect. IN THIS CASE we have a Remote Access Trojan, the worst kind.

If the Computer has been used for any important data, you are strongly advised to do the following, immediately:
Disconnect the infected computer from the internet and from any networked computers until the computer can be cleaned.
Back up all important data on the machine. Do not back up any Applications (programs). Those should be re-installed from the original source CDs or websites.
If you have ever used this computer for shopping, banking, or any transactions relating to your financial well being:
Call all of your banks, credit card companies, and financial institutions, informing them that you may be a victim of identity theft, and to put a watch on your accounts or change all your account numbers.
From a clean computer, change ALL your online passwords -- for ISP login, email, banks, financial accounts, PayPal, eBay, online companies, and any online forums or groups you belong to.
DO NOT change passwords or do any transactions while using the infected computer because the attacker will get the new password and transaction information.
Take any other steps you think appropriate for an attempted identity theft.
While you are deciding whether to ReFormat and Re-Install, a useful link is here: http://www.dslreports.com/faq/10063
Please let me know what you decide.

[Leonardo]

Elrond, so, what line in his HJT log shows the malware to which you refer? Please copy and paste. We can likely clean the infected files off the computer Who is "we?"

Welcome to Short-Media, Elrond. I have sent you a private message. Please extend the courtesy and reply.

[Elrond]

Elrond, so, what line in his HJT log shows the malware to which you refer? Please copy and paste. Who is "we?"

Welcome to Short-Media, Elrond. I have sent you a private message. Please extend the courtesy and reply.

Did not mean to jump in being uncertified but got the impresion that I had been certified to do security work here.

As I indicated in my reply to your PM this O23 line gives it away:
O23 - Service: Windows Network Log (Windows Network Log Manage) - Unknown owner - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\MSINFO\Netlog.exe (file missing)
It is an exact fit.

When I said we I meant that I can do it together with the OP. See my PMs to you.

[Edo]

Did not mean to jump in being uncertified but got the impresion that I had been certified to do security work here.

As I indicated in my reply to your PM this O23 line gives it away:
O23 - Service: Windows Network Log (Windows Network Log Manage) - Unknown owner - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\MSINFO\Netlog.exe (file missing)
It is an exact fit.

When I said we I meant that I can do it together with the OP. See my PMs to you.

After some careful consideration, i've decided that I'm going forward with the reformat. It won't be the first time i've reformatted, but I stand to lose so much more this time around. Oh well, it's much better than being fully compromised. Thanks for your help elrond

[Leonardo]

Elrond, thank you for taking the time to register with us. Thank you for assisting Edo. Sorry, it's just often a flag of attention for us when a first time poster is very bold.

Welcome to Icrontic!

[Elrond]

I know what you mean Leonardo. Not easy to be a good moderator and you were absolutely correct in being suspisious. This was a timing problem but next time it can be a rouge poster. :D

[Elrond]

Edo you have to be careful with what you do on the net. It sounds to me as if this is not the first time you have been infected and had to reformat.
Take a peek at the following and see if you can not avoid a repetition.



Set correct settings for files that should be hidden in Windows XP
Click Start > My Computer > Tools menu (at top of page) > Folder Options > View tab.
Under "Hidden files and folders" if necessary select Do not show hidden files and folders.
If unchecked please checkHide protected operating system files (Recommended)
If necessary check "Display content of system folders"
If necessary Uncheck Hide file extensions for known file types.
Click OK


Download and install the free version of WinPatrol (http://www.winpatrol.com/). This program protects your computer in a variety of ways and will work well with your existing security software. Have a look at this tutorial (http://www.winpatrol.com/features.html) to help you get started with the program. If you want to help the developer of the program and get more information about what the programs that you see in Winpatrol please check out Winpatrol Plus. It does not need a new download.


Continue using Internet Explorer v. 7 and please read and follow the recommendations at this site. http://surfthenetsafely.com/ieseczone8.htm


Use an Anti Virus Software - It is very important that your computer has an anti-virus software running on your machine. This alone can save you a lot of trouble with malware in the future. If you need advice regarding which AV to use ask and I will give you some tips.


Update your Anti Virus Software - It is imperative that you update your Anti virus software at least a few times a week (Once a day is a good idea). If you do not update your anti virus software it will not be able to catch new variants that come out.


Use a Firewall - I can not stress how important it is that you use a Firewall on your computer. Without a firewall your computer is susceptible to being hacked and taken over. Simply using a Firewall in its default configuration can lower your risk greatly. Windows Firewall is not recommended.
Be restrictive with granting access to the Internet. If you are unsure if the program really needs the access, test it by denying the access and see if this has any negative effects. If not, make the block permanent.
Again if you need some pointers as to which ones to use please ask.


Never run two Antivirus programs or two Firewalls at the same time. They can interfere with each other and cause problems.

Visit Microsoft's Windows Update Site Frequently or better yet set computer for automatic updates.

Update all these programs regularly - Make sure you update all the programs I have listed regularly. Without regular updates you WILL NOT be protected when new malicious programs are released.

Read and follow the suggestions given at this web site by Miekiemoes http://users.telenet.be/bluepatchy/miekiemoes/prevention.html that will give you more information on some of the points above.


Please check out Tony Klein's article "How did I get infected in the first place?" (http://castlecops.com/t7736-So_how_did_I_get_infected_in_the_first_place.html)



Follow this list and your potential for being infected again will reduce dramatically.

Stand up and be Counted.
[quote]NOW is the time you can start to hit back at the people who infected you.
http://images.malwarecomplaints.info/logo/MWC-logoplus4.gif (http://www.malwarecomplaints.info)
Please take the time to go and complain - that forum does not have a topic for your infection which is Hupigon and therefore post your complain under the general topic. Please post as a reply, you do not need to register to do so (but you can if you wish). It will also have a list of other places you can go to to register your complaint, depending on the country you are resident in. Please read the topics and complain, it is only with such complaints to government or government agencies that something will get done.