These come back for one of a few different reasons:
1. Hiding in System Restore
2. Hiding in temporary files
3. Trojan downloader or rootkit is running
4. You go back to the same rotten trough where you got it before.
You should load SpywareBlaster and update it weekly to help prevent stuff
from loading in the future, but for now, I would say you need re-scour your
machine because of one or more of the above reasons.
--
If you are under attack and MSAS does not seem to help:
*Submit suspected spyware report in the tools menu of MSAS*
PREP YOUR MACHINE FIRST!
- IF you are using Spybot S/D, UN-Immunize your computer
- IF you are using Adaware, turn off AD-Watch
- Disable all other active anti-spy applications
- Dump all temporary file locations and Internet files
1. Download:
lspfix.exe
www.cexx.org/lspfix.htm
winsockxpfix.exe
www.snapfiles.com/get/winsockxpfix.html
ccleaner.exe
www.ccleaner.com
killbox.exe
www.bleepingcomputer.com/files/killbox.php
2. Clean out all temp file locations with ccleaner.exe
3. Install and use killbox to delete stubborn files
4. Reboot into safe mode -
http://tinyurl.com/pfca
5. Run MSAS at least twice in full/deep mode
6. Run a robust, updated antivirus software scan
7. Reboot into normal mode,see if problem has been corrected
8. If you think something is there but can't see it, download:
- Blacklight by F-Secure
www.europe.f-secure.com/exclude/blacklight/blbeta.exe
- RootKitRevealer by SysInternals
www.sysinternals.com/ntw2k/freeware/rootkitreveal.shtml
9. If your problem is Virus or Security patch related:
In the United States or Canada, call 1-866-PCSAFETY
MS will provide free support for those issues.
Battle Notes:
- If you have trojans (files that won't go away),
you may have to disable System Restore on XP:
http://tinyurl.com/movy
- If your Internet connectivity quits:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/892350
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/811259
LSPFix -
www.cexx.org/lspfix.htm
Winsockxpfix -
www.snapfiles.com/get/winsockxpfix.html
- Install SpywareBlaster to block malware apps from
installing on your machine. Does not actively run
on your machine, you run it, it makes changes that
protect you.
http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/
- This program will not detect or remove viruses
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/viruses/default.mspx
*** For assistance in battling infestations***
- Get HijackThis.exe from:
http://tomcoyote.org/hjt/hjt199//HijackThis.exe
- Save it to C:\hjt (new folder)
- Open it and select "Scan and Save Log"
- Send it to Ron Kinner as an attachment
- Ron's email address is (e-mail address removed)
- Put Hijack in the subject so he knows it's not spam
Application Notes:
Registering a VB6 dll seems to fix missing agents:
1) Open up a command prompt (start -> run -> cmd)
2) Type in the following "regsvr32 msvbvm60.dll" (without the quotes).
3) Close and re-open Windows AntiSpyware
4) If that fails, install VB6 runtime files:
http://www.softwarepatch.com/windows/vbrun6download.htm
- To report false positives:
www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware/software/isv/fpform.aspx
- To submit disputes or requests:
www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware/software/isv/cdform.aspx
- To learn more about how MS analyzes suspected spyware:
www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware/software/isv/analysis.mspx
- To Run MSAS in passive mode:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/892375
Alternative Anti-Spyware Applications:
- Spybot Search and Destroy
http://www.majorgeeks.com/download2471.html
- LavaSoft AdAware
http://www.majorgeeks.com/download506.html
- AdAware VX2 Cleaner Plugin
http://www.majorgeeks.com/download4283.html
- BHODemon
http://www.majorgeeks.com/download3550.html
- CWShredder (CoolWWWSearch)
http://www.majorgeeks.com/download3019.html
- PestPatrol
http://www.majorgeeks.com/download1187.html
- Webroot Spysweeper
http://www.majorgeeks.com/download3263.html
- Ewido Security Suite
http://www.ewido.net/en/
- CounterSpy (Same Giant Company Engine as MSAS)
-
http://www.sunbelt-software.com
Recommended Software to help protect you:
- Windows XP Service Pack 2
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/sp2/default.mspx
- SpywareBlaster
http://www.javacoolsoftware.com
- Outpost Firewall Pro
http://www.agnitum.com/products/outpost
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