Greetings all
My name is Ash and I am from Malaysia. I am a Windows XP user and have had my fair share of viruses and malware. I finally decided to purchase AVG thinking it would solve all my problems but sadly, it was not the case. I recently got hit with the PIC006.JPG-msn.messenger virus and it gave me a real headache. Using the MSNcleaner.exe program I managed to remove the threat. My question is why didn't AVG do this for me? How come it did not detect it beforehand?

Has anyone been burned by AVG before? How do I know my AVG is in perfect working condition? (The icon on the tray is in full color)

Do help as I payed a lot of money for the anti virus and now am feeling like I got cheated. Help.

Ash

Hi and to Bleeping Computer goldwave84! I recommend you post and introduction in the Introductions section.

First off, no Anti-virus protection is foolproof, even if you paid for it. Many people think that if you pay for your internet security, they are 100% protected. They are wrong. No protection is foolproof and will make your system 100% invulnerable to malware. Also, many people think that if they purchase a security program like Norton for $70 onwards, they are fully protected. This is wrong aswell, Norton is one of the biggest resource hogs and has many issues. It still does it's job but why pay $70+ when the right combination of freeware internet security applications can do an even better job and not use up valuable system resources. So, don't always think that even if you pay for your internet security that it is goign to protect your system 100%.

Regards,
David.

I guess you are right. If I may ask, what's a good combination of free software to help be very well protected? I read once before that setting up more than one would cause an overlap of commands, hence causing more harm then good.

Ash

Sure I can provide you with a great freeware combination of internet security. Just keep in mind that these may not work aswell with your system as they do with mine, but they should be working fine. (Different systems can vary).

Anti Virus: AVG Anti Virus Free Edition
Anti-Spyware: Spyware Terminator, SpywareBlaster and Ad-Aware 2007
Anti-Rootkit: AVG Anti-Rootkit Free
Firewall: COMODO Firewall PRO



This is right, but not completely. Having more than one resident/real-time shield of a certain program can cause conflict. E.g. If you have two anti-virus resident shields running they can cause conflict and not work properly. However, if you have one anti-virus resident shield and one anti-spyware resident shield running, they shouldn't be conflicting with each other. It is only when there are two resident shield of the same type running when it cause conflict.

Regards,
David.

Hey goldwave84,

first of all, could you please advise your full programme name? There are several versions available all having a different level of protection. Thus you will need to differ.

There are:

• AVG Antivirus
• AVG Antispyware
• AVG Internet Security

Just to name AVG Tools. Have a look at this link: http://free.grisoft.com/doc/2/The MSN worm attacks you via Instant Messaging and is a new kind of thread in today's world. There is additional software out there that tracks these kinda things, but most important is the practice of "safe hex." Additional tips can be found here: [1] & [2].

Hi goldwave84,

To answer your first question: personally I'm very satisfied with AVG antivirus.



From the folowing BleepingComputer site:
Freeware Replacements For Common Commercial Apps I use:

Mozilla Firefox as my browser
Thunderbird for my e-mails
AVG Free
Comodo Firewall
Spywareblaster
ERUNT
Keyscrambler
MacAfee Siteadvisor

Surf Safe and enjoy!!

as one person on another computer forum so rightly pointed out, the only sure proof way to remain uninfected is to never turn on your computer ; all kinds of critters can come via USB's, CD's, etc so even staying off line but still using the comp can get you infected

and, as others have so rightly commented, merely paying for an antivirus program really makes it no better than the next contender;
safe surfing, and good computer practices including adequate and up to date protection all help as will extreme vigliance at all times;

if you HAVE or have had an infection , have you managed to transfer that infection to another computer via your MSN or email yet?

and have you checked with those with whom you MSN etc to see if they too are infected?

Hi guys

I am using AVG 7.5 full version. In the process of testing out some other software. Hope all goes well.

My quest to fix up my comp AFTER paying for the AVG product is when it became aware that i was hit with the elusive Pic006.jpg-live.messenger.com virus/spyware. So far I have used

1. AVG 7.5 (paid version)
2. MSN photo virus remover
3. Spyware blaster 4.0
4. Spyware Terminator
5. AVG anti rootkit.

NONE have been able to search and destroy this virus. What should I do? I am really in a fix and am worried that God forbid, I would have to reformat. I will not put myself through again.

Ash

Hi goldwave84,

Follow all the steps in this topic: Preparation Guide for use before posting a HijackThis Log .

Please be patient since the forums are very busy.

OK, will do. Will follow every instruction to the letter. Should I disable any of my anti virus/ protection programs?

I presume you have only one INSTALLED antivirus program? I strongly suggest you need to keep this enabled as you will be running unprotected without it

as stated, run the preparation guide and see how you progress with it ; do ask if you have any problems running any element of it

Small update- Just scanned with Trend Mirco Housecall 6.5 and found these

1) Worm_DELF.AYF
2) CRYP_TAP-2

Then I tried to automatically remove it, and it didnt work. Then tried a manual clean up, but it still seems to be there.

goldwave84,

it seems you are not reading the replies here. It has already been stated what needs to be done. While your intention is good, it is more important to note this along with a HijackThis log, in the forum part already outlined in the above posts.

I am sorry if my post was not clear enough. I have been doing every step without fail. I was merely just giving an update as I was not sure if that command was correct, or an error. I am now in the process of scanning using Panda ActiveScan. From there, I will move to Bitdefender and so on. Thx.

we appreciate you are anxious to sort out your computer so please continue with each step in the preparation guide and advise of any hitches you encounter running any of the programs ; meanwhile I am suggesting to those who CAN move threads on here that this thread is moved to the more appropriate for this thread ' am I infected ' section

Hello goldwave84,

Let me expand on Falu's advice:

As you go through the steps in this guide. If you can't do a step, skip it and go on to the next. Then create an HJT log, you will find the directions in step 9 of the guide.

Create a new topic in this forum, not here and give it a good descriptive title. Briefly summarize what the problems are, what you have done to try to solve it, and what worked and didn't work and paste in your HJT log. Also, include the link to this thread and say that we sent you there.

After you post your log, DO NOT make any further changes to your computer: deleting files, editing the registry, using special fix tools, installing or uninstalling software etc. as this will make it more difficult for the HJT team to help you.

Please be patient as the HJT team is very busy. DO NOT bump your log as the team may think that someone is already helping you. If you have not had a response in five days, add a response to the five days no response topic and paste in the link to your thread.

When you have posted your log, please paste in the URL to your new thread so we know the HJT Team is helping you.

Orange Blossom

All done. Posted the Log up in the right place.

Now that your log is properly posted, you should NOT make further changes to your computer (install/uninstall programs, use special fix tools, delete files, edit the registry, etc) unless advised by a HJT Team member, nor should you continue to ask for help elsewhere. Doing so can result in system changes which may not show it the log you already posted. Further, any modifications you make on your own may cause confusion for the helper assisting you and could complicate the malware removal process which would extend the time it takes to clean your computer.

From this point on the HJT Team should be the only members that you take advice from, until they have verified your log as clean.

Please be patient. It may take a while to get a response because the HJT Team members are very busy working logs posted before yours. They are volunteers who will help you out as soon as possible. Once you have made your post and are waiting, please DO NOT make another reply until it has been responded to by a member of the HJT Team. Generally the staff checks the forum for postings that have 0 replies as this makes it easier for them to identify those who have not been helped. If you post another response there will be 1 reply. A team member, looking for a new log to work may assume another HJT Team member is already assisting you and not open the thread to respond.

If after 5 days you still have received no response, then post a link to your HJT log in the thread titled "Haven't Had A Reply In Five Days?".

To avoid confusion, I am closing this topic.