GameMaster said:
1. Why on some topics it says last poster like addy999 and that user hasn't posted on that topic? And it's so on couple of places.
Well, that's because we Mods can "see" what you cannot ... we get posters that post a lot of gibberish, so we kindly put them to sleep, then ban them if they persist in talking crap.
I seriously doubt a virus can work in safe mode as only safe Windows processes can work
Sorry to burst that bubble, but, there are instances of malware being able to 'run' in safe mode.
There are variants of the CoolWebSearch, HuntBar, and VX2 infections that will all load even when safe mode is used. There are a few different ways they accomplish this, the most common being that the spyware registers itself as a critical system process ... like iexplorer and runs a bogus svchost. This ensures that it is loaded regardless of what happens, and makes it much harder to shut down that process. I've seen this as far back as 1995. It was, in them days, a little easier with DOS and a DOS AV program ... however, with XP you really need to use something like a Barts PE CD, which is a nifty 'tool' in the right hands.
Unfortunately, most, if not all, home users are not mentally equip to even make a Barts PE CD, let alone use it.
It is always easier to remove any nasties from an infected system, if that system is in front of me.
Btw I'm on service again, so any infected people that you didn't answer Mucks?
You are more than welcome to reply to any post here at PCR ... while a lot of people think I'm some some kind of expert in malware removal, I am not. I do a lot of reading.
It takes me some time to 'diagnose' and advise on how best to proceed ... time I sometime do not have. I will, however, jump very quickly in on the foray if I see bad advice being given, or something being missed all together.
Sometimes it is just not worth the time ... sorry, but on many occasions the best cause of action is to do a clean install ... no amount of "protection" will help anyone who is a victim of social malware infestations.