Britec IT Solutions - www.britec.co.uk pc repair, computer maintenance, Borehamwood, Herts
5 Step Virus Check Process
STEP 1 ========================================
Running The Scanners
Before attacking an adware/spyware problem with hijackthis make sure you have already run the following tools. Download and update the databases on each program before running and run them in SAFE MODE if you can and if you can't then run them in normal mode.
*Note*
How to Reboot into Safe Mode. You can do this by restarting your computer and continually tapping the F8 key until a menu appears. Use your up arrow key to highlight Safe Mode, then hit enter. • Ad-Aware® SE Personal Edition *Note* For Ad-AwareSE also install the VX2 Add-on Cleaner To run this tool once Adaware is updated click on Add-ons in the left-hand column. Select VX2 Cleaner V2.0 and click Run Tool. Click "OK" , then, if something is found, click "Clean" as in the directions given. Click "Close", and exit Ad-Aware. • Spybot Search & Destroy • CWShredder
Also make sure you are using the latest version (1.99.1) of HijackThis and it's installed in it's own folder on the root drive. (C:HJT)
STEP 2 ========================================
Run an Antivirus/Spyware scan
If you have a high speed connection Please go to at least two of these sites and run an online Virus Scan. This will help clear out a lot of the malware first so the Analyst's can then attack the main infections.
If you already have an Antivirus program make sure you have an updated database for it and run it as well. You need to do both as one scanner may pick up what the other missed.
Be sure to have the AutoFix box(es) checked if they are required.
Uninstall Malware from Windows Add/Remove Program Tab
Open your add/remove programs tab and remove any of the following programs if you find them listed. These are all malware (spyware/adware) entry’s that may appear in the add/remove programs tab so IF you find the entry...uninstall the program.
180 Search Assistant 180Solutions Active alert Ad Service AdTools AdTools Service Alexa toolbar BargainBuddy Bullseye Networks CashBack cosmi DH EasySearchBar Elite Sidebar Elite Toolbar Freeze Clip Art GAIN Gator Hotbar Outlook Tools Hotbar Web Tools HuntBar Internet Optimizer ISTbar ISTSvc MaxiFiles Media Access Media Gateway MySearch MyWay Search Bar MyWebSearch NavExcel Search Toolbar NavHelper ncase Oemji Toolbar Open Site Preview AdService Search Toolbar (HuntBar/WinTools) ShopperReports by Hotbar Sidefind SideSearch Slotchbar Software Update Manager SurfAccuracy SurfSideKick Upspiral Toolbar TurboDownload VBouncer Viewpoint Viewpoint Manager Viewpoint Media Player WareOut WeatherBug Web Rebates Web Search Toolbar (WinTools) Webhancer WhenU (any entry) WeirdOnTheWeb Windows AdService Windows AdStatus Windows ServeAd WinTools WinTools Easy Installer WSEM Update
These are Optional removals but we recommend you remove them as well.
Download Accelerator Plus Kazaa Kontiki Messenger Plus NetPumper NewDotNet P2P Networking StarWare WildTangent
*Note* If you're unsure about ANY entry then leave it alone and the Analyst will advise you in the fix later.
STEP 4 ========================================
Search for Rogue and Suspect Programs
Please visit the following site and REMOVE/UNINSTALL any program you have that is listed on this site.
This site is updated and maintained with a list of known "Rogue" and "Suspect" programs. These programs can not be trusted as they either don't do what they say, are poorly designed, or take advantage of the user in an effort to get YOU to spend money on buying their products. Several of these programs actually install "Spyware/Adware" on your system!
STEP 5 ========================================
Update your Operating System
This is a basic step that many users fail to do. In a high percentage of cases this is the reason the user is infected in the first place. At times...we may STOP the cleansing process until this is done.
*Note* There are some infections that may prevent you from updating your Operating System. In these cases...please make sure you tell the analyst this on your first post. They will provide a "General" fix and try to fix that option first.
Please visit Microsoft's Window's Update Page and install the latest service packs, patch’s and security updates for your system.
For Windows XP Users! Quote: IMPORTANT!:
Before you proceed any further, please visit the Microsoft's Windows Update Page and install ALL Critical Updates for your system (except service pack 2) (SP2). SP2 should only be installed on a fully disinfected system. At the minimum install at least SP1a for both XP and IE6. Without these updates your system is wide open to re-infection and we are both wasting our efforts to clean your system. After you have completed your clean-up, we will have to return to the Windows Update page and install SP2. We also advise you to better protect yourself online with a good firewall and virus scanner
**Note** If you're having trouble locating the service pack SP1a here is a direct link to download it from..
