BleepingComputer.com: Windows Automatic Updates Turned Off By Infection Solution

Thanks for your help boopme, will do.

You're welcome,they will find what we cant see.

Malware topic here: http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/topic388599.html

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 Malware Removal 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 Malware Removal 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 Malware Removal 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 Malware Removal 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 MR Team member is already assisting you and not open the thread to respond.

To avoid confusion, I am closing this topic.

I have recently been infected with XP Total Security 2011, which among other things turned off Windows Automatic Updates. I could not turn the Automatic updates back on even though MalwareBytes AntiMalware & SUPERAntiSpyware had removed the infection. All subsequent scans found no further infections.

User WalkDon'tRun had also experienced this problem and sent me a PM with the site below.

http://tomraftery.com/2004/10/06/security-center-could-not-change-your-automatic-updates-settings/

Wait for boopme to add how to backup your registry before following these instructions.


Click on the Google Groups link.

Follow the instructions by Kaylene aka Taurarian.

Restart or log off and log back on.

Automatic updates should now be restored.


Thanks to boopme for your time & help and WalkDon'tRun for the information on how to turn on Automatic Updates.

Tim

Thanks for podting that solution. I see it requires registry Changes so I will post an importanr warning.

A suggestion has been made that involves modifying the registry. Modifying the registry can be dangerous (and can render your system unbootable) so it's advisable that you make a backup of the registry before proceeding.
Modification of the registry can be EXTREMELY dangerous if you do not know exactly what you are doing so follow the steps that are listed below EXACTLY. if you cannot perform some of these steps or if you have ANY questions please ask BEFORE proceeding.

Backing Up Your Registry

• Go Here and download ERUNT
  (ERUNT (Emergency Recovery Utility NT) is a free program that allows you to keep a complete backup of your registry and restore it when needed.)
  
• Install ERUNT by following the prompts
  (use the default install settings but say no to the portion that asks you to add ERUNT to the start-up folder, if you like you can enable this option later)
  
• Start ERUNT
  (either by double clicking on the desktop icon or choosing to start the program at the end of the setup)
  
• Choose a location for the backup
  (the default location is C:\WINDOWS\ERDNT which is acceptable).
  
• Make sure that at least the first two check boxes are ticked
  
• Press OK
  
• Press YES to create the folder.

Registry Modifications

For more information about modifying the registry, see this Microsoft article: http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx/kb/256986