BleepingComputer.com: System Tools has taken over my PC

Hi,

A malicious program has taken over my PC. A program called "System Tools Protect your PC" automatically starts up with windows (Vista 32 bit). This maleware then claims that I have Viruses and will need to purchase this program to clean my PC. Any program I try to start is then intercepted and a balloon pops up claiming it is infected. This even happens when I press ctrl+alt+del and try to start task manager. I shut down the PC and started in safe mode and was able to run maleware bytes but could not clean the malicious program. Does anyone have any advice on how to remove this?

Thank You,
John

Run TDSSkiller from Kaspersky to clear any rootkits, I usually find one along with System Tools. Then try Malwarebytes again - and clean out all cache files and temp files.

What works for me may not work for you - I am not supposed to give advice on running any programs. Someone from the forums who is an expert on these tools will help you better.
I will only say that System Tools is difficult to remove, be sure to do it carefully when instructed.

Thanks for the advice. :-)

Hello ,though we may need TDSS Killer later your issue is most likely inthe hosts file.

Please follow our Removal Guide here Remove System Tool and SystemTool .
After reading how the malware is misleading you ...
You will move to the Automated Removal Instructions

After you completed that, post your scan log here,let me know how things are.
The log is automatically saved and can be viewed by clicking the Logs tab in MBAM.
Copy and paste the contents of that report in your next reply. Be sure to post the complete log to include the top portion which shows MBAM's database version and your operating system.

Hello,

Sorry it took so long for me to reply. The removal guide was spot on. Thank you for the help. :-)

John

Glad to hear that. Now you should Create a New Restore Point to prevent possible reinfection from an old one. Some of the malware you picked up could have been saved in System Restore. Since this is a protected directory your tools cannot access to delete these files, they sometimes can reinfect your system if you accidentally use an old restore point. Setting a new restore point AFTER cleaning your system will help prevent this and enable your computer to "roll-back" to a clean working state.

The easiest and safest way to do this is:

• Go to Start > Programs > Accessories > System Tools and click "System Restore".
  
• Choose the radio button marked "Create a Restore Point" on the first screen then click "Next". Give the R.P. a name, then click "Create". The new point will be stamped with the current date and time. Keep a log of this so you can find it easily should you need to use System Restore.

• Then use Disk Cleanup to remove all but the most recently created Restore Point.
  
• Go to Start > Run and type: Cleanmgr
  
• Click "Ok". Disk Cleanup will scan your files for several minutes, then open.
  
• Click the "More Options" tab, then click the "Clean up" button under System Restore.
  
• Click Ok. You will be prompted with "Are you sure you want to delete all but the most recent restore point?"
  
• Click Yes, then click Ok.
  
• Click Yes again when prompted with "Are you sure you want to perform these actions?"
  
• Disk Cleanup will remove the files and close automatically.

Vista Users can refer to these links: Create a New Restore Point and Disk Cleanup.

Tips to protect yourself against malware and reduce the potential for re-infection:

• Simple and easy ways to keep your computer safe.
  
• How did I get infected?, With steps so it does not happen again!.
  
• Hardening Windows Security - Part 1 & Part 2.
  
• Configuring Internet Explorer for Practical Security and Privacy - How to Secure Your Web Browser.
  
• Your Guide To Staying Safe Online.
  
• Use Task Manager to close pop-up messages to safely exit malware attacks.

• Avoid gaming sites, pirated software, cracking tools, keygens, and peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing programs. They are a security risk which can make your computer susceptible to a smörgåsbord of malware infections, remote attacks, exposure of personal information, and identity theft. Many malicious worms and Trojans spread across P2P file sharing networks, gaming and underground sites. Users visiting such pages may see innocuous-looking banner ads containing code which can trigger pop-up ads and malicious Flash ads that install viruses, Trojans and spyware. Ads are a target for hackers because they offer a stealthy way to distribute malware to a wide range of Internet users. The best way to reduce the risk of infection is to avoid these types of web sites and not use any P2P applications. Read P2P Software User Advisories and Risks of File-Sharing Technology.

• Keeping Autorun enabled on USB and other removable drives has become a significant security risk due to the increasing number of malware variants that can infect them and transfer the infection to your computer. To learn more about this risk, please read:

• USB-Based Malware Attacks.
  
• When is AUTORUN.INF really an AUTORUN.INF?.
  
• Please disable Autorun asap!.