BleepingComputer.com: Computer mal/ad/spyware (MAS) infection

Dear New Friends @ "BleepingComputer:"

I’m having serious problems with a mal/ad/spyware (MAS) invasion of my Dell desktop computer. The virus(es) – unsure how many, seems like thousands – somehow snuck past my McAfee protection that comes with my Comcast account.

McAfee wants a big fee to search and destroy (except I think they should do it free since it’s their system that evidently failed). If worse comes to worst, I may be forced to hold my nose and take that option. But first (plus since I’m unemployed), I wanna exhaust cheaper if not free options.

Long story short, a friend who’s much more computer-savvy than me recommended I download and run both ‘Spybot Search & Destroy’ and ‘Hijackthis,’ which I’ve done.

The same friend then recommended I send the file of findings from the Hijackthis run to y’all for free help to analyze and tell me which problems I should fix, versus which I shouldn’t. Because even the Hijackthis run self-declares it to be kinda blind and indiscriminate.

Thus I turn my lonely eyes to you – the real experts – for help. Maybe sometime I can help you in return? But it’s more likely to be help for a different topic: like fly-tying, car repairs or golf tips (smile)

Thanks in advance,
Terry Smith
Denver CO

PS: As Step One, how do I attach the scan file or post it?

Hello Terrytroutmaster,

Welcome to the fold, it's good to see you here, try posting your issue here: Am I infected? What do I do? The team there will help you out and advise you if you need to go down the HJT road.

If your unsure how this board works, please have a look in the New User Orientation forum.

There is also some most useful information in the Tutorials.

Quote

Please follow these directions

Please read the pinned topic titled "Preparation Guide For Use Before Posting A Hijackthis Log". If you cannot complete a step, then skip it and continue with the next. In Step 6 there are instructions for downloading and running DDS which will create a Pseudo HJT Report as part of its log.

You will also be instructed to create a Root Repeal Log

When you have done that, post your log in the HijackThis Logs and Malware Removal forum, NOT here, for assistance by the HJT Team Experts. A member of the Team will walk you through, step by step, on how to clean your computer. If you post your log back in this thread, the response from the HJT Team will be delayed because your post will have to be moved. This means it will fall in line behind any others posted that same day.

The HJT team is very busy and it will take awhile to get to your post
Please be patient and good luck