I have a computer which is about 8 years old. It runs Windows 2000 Pro. AVG runs and updates every morning automatically, and I have just run both AdAware and SpyBot.

When I run AdAware/Spybot my AVG pops up with a "Threat Detected!" box, but I can neither heal nor quarantine the file.

Some cursory googling told me that mssync2020 is a Trojan (which is how I found this site). I also found detailed instructions on how to remove it. This requires going into safe mode. I then found instructions for getting into safe mode. Bully.

Except not. I purchased my computer from the company I used to work for. Since multiple people used the same computer we all had passwords to log on. When I try to boot into safe mode it will not take my password. It will not take no password at all.

So my questions are several: Am I missing something? Is there some extra step I'm missing (F8 during startup, select "Safe Mode", waiting, getting rejected)?

And if it turns out that I cannot get into safe mode, could I use a program like Hijack This to remove this Trojan?

I asked this question on another board and it was suggested that I strip the passwords. Just getting multiple opinions. Thanks.

I think you should run yahoo toolbar with antispy (http://toolbar.yahoo.com), and run the Windows Defender (search for at http://www.microsoft.com). That should clear up the virus. As for safe mode, did you place you correct username? If you want to look at current users and/or reset their passwords, go to Start>Control Panel>Administrative tools>Computer management>User management. This will show you each user, right click the user you want to change the password on (IE: Administrator), and hit reset password. Type in your new password and try to log in as Administrator for safemode.

My system doesn't support Windows Defender - you have to have XP, and I'm running 2000 Pro. As I said, I've run two antispyware and an antivirus program; they all detect it but can't clear it up.

I'm sure I used my correct username and password.

I tried following that order of keys and was not offered the option of changing anyone's password (though I am in the adminsitrator group). This computer used to be networked so there are some functions I may not have.

ETA: ok, I can reset the built-in administrator account password. I think.

Try downloading Asquared and run it, it will work best in safe mode but still may be effective.