BleepingComputer.com: A popup from Comcast that says my computer is more than likely infected by a bot; Virus protection detects trojan horse

Please uninstall Combofix, if you still have it

Uninstall ComboFix

• Disable any realtime antivirus or antispyware programs.
  
• Please press the Windows Key and R on your keyboard. This will bring up the Run... command.
  (For Vista/Windows 7 please click Start -> All Programs -> Accessories -> Run)
  
• Now type in Combofix /Uninstall in the runbox and click OK. (Notice the space between "Combofix" and "/")
  
• Please follow the prompts to uninstall Combofix.
  
• You will then receive a message saying Combofix was uninstalled successfully once it's done uninstalling itself.

This will uninstall Combofix and anything associated with it.


Then redownload from a link below and run the program

Please download ComboFix from one of these locations:

• Bleepingcomputer
  
• ForoSpyware

Please post the log.

Ok wow I'm having the worst luck with Combofix!

So I did what you asked, I unistalled Combofix and then reinstalled it. The first problem I ran into was Combofix kept saying that it detected Avast antivirus, even after I had disabled it (at least I thought I had disabled it, I did it the same way I did before. I disabled the shields for an hour). I even stopped communication with the network, that didn't work either. I couldn't figure out what else I was supposed to do to disable Avast so I ran Combofix anyways. It deleted some files and then it rebooted...that part was like normal. But whenever my computer started back up and it was generating the log, it stayed on there for what seemed like forever. Finally it said something like syntax error and something about another version of Combofix being detected. It had a date which was June 2011, which would be correct. I had some computer trouble with google redirects and was asked to install and run it then. But afterwards, I had uninstalled it...or so I thought. But this is saying otherwise. I tried to find the log by typing in the command you gave me before and it wouldn't display anything. Right before I ran Combofix, I had 7 popups from Comcast about Alureon. Ugh. Such a headache. I think I see me buying a Mac in the near future lol.

Track down the Combofix.exe file from July 2011 and delete it. You won't be able to uninstall the older copy now. Make sure you only have one copy left - the newest one.

Avast should be disabled for an hour, it may have restarted during the Combofix run.


I would like to see what Comcast are actually saying about Alureon because I can't find any sign of it. Can you post the exact wording or take a screenshot of the warning?

I have some information about the pop-up now. This is a real alert and it points to you being infected or previously being infected by a trojan called DNSChanger.

Follow the instructions here by clicking the Option 1 "Get Started" button

Let me know if that solves the issue.

I'm really glad you posted that bc I kept waiting for it to pop up again and it didn't after my last post. I'm going thru the steps right now. The only thing the Norton Power Eraser detected were shortcuts to some Adobe Air apps I have. As far as resetting the dns settings (last step for Option 1), is that the same thing as flushing the router? Sorry, sometimes I get a little confused.

Flushing the DNS removes any stored IP addresses. Resetting the DNS settings just resets your gateway IP address in case of DNS poisoning.

Have you carried out that Comcast fix?

Sorry, I was confused on how to do the last part. Ok so I did everything it asked. I'm not sure if I did the last part right or not but here's what I did: I went to run, typed cmd, then ipconfig/release, then ipconfig/renew. That means my IP address has been reset right?

Did you put the space between the first part and the /?

Follow the instructions below:

Quote

Yes I did that. I haven't had anymore popups from Comcast since...hoping that's a good sign. What else do I need to do?

No, we're at the end of the fix. Just a clear-up and something to read with some great tips and hints as well as a few links

You're clean. Good stuff!

Let's do some clearing up

If you used DeFogger now is the time to enable your CD emulation software again.

Uninstall ComboFix

Remove Combofix now that we're done with it.

• Please press the Windows Key and R on your keyboard. This will bring up the Run... command.
  (For Vista/Windows 7 please click Start -> All Programs -> Accessories -> Run)
  
• Now type in Combofix /Uninstall in the runbox and click OK. (Notice the space between "Combofix" and "/")
  
• Please follow the prompts to uninstall Combofix.
  
• You will then receive a message saying Combofix was uninstalled successfully once it's done uninstalling itself.

This will uninstall Combofix and anything associated with it.


We Need to Clean Up our Mess
Download and Run OTC

We will now remove the tools we used during this fix using OTC.

• Download OTC by OldTimer and save it to your desktop.
  
• Double click icon to start the program. If you are using Vista, please right-click and choose run as administrator
  
• Then Click the big button.
  
• You will get a prompt saying "Being Cleanup Process". Please select Yes.
  
• Restart your computer when prompted.

If you still have any tools or logs leftover on your computer you can go ahead and delete those off of your computer now.
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Here's some advice on how you can keep your PC clean


Use and update your AntiVirus Software

You must have a good antivirus. There are plenty to choose from but I personally recommend the free options of Avast and Avira Antivir - though if you choose Avira you should make sure that you uncheck the box offering to install the Ask toolbar. If you want to purchase a security program then I recommend any of the following: AVG, Norton, McAfee, Kaspersky and ESET Nod32.

It is imperative that you update your Antivirus software at least once a week (Even more if you wish). If you do not update your antivirus software then it will not be able to catch any of the new variants that may come out. If you use a commercial antivirus program you must make sure you keep renewing your subscription. Otherwise, once your subscription runs out, you may not be able to update the programs virus definitions.


Make sure your applications have all of their updates

Use this next program to check for updates for programs already on your system. Download Security Check by screen317 from here or here.

• Save it to your Desktop.
  
• Double click SecurityCheck.exe and follow the onscreen instructions inside of the black box.
  
• A Notepad document should open automatically, make sure that updates on any that are flagged are carried out as soon as possible

It is also possible for other programs on your computer to have security vulnerability that can allow malware to infect you. Therefore, it is also a good idea to check for the latest versions of commonly installed applications that are regularly patched to fix vulnerabilities. You can check these by visiting Secunia Software Inspector and Calendar of Updates.


Install an AntiSpyware Program

A highly recommended AntiSpyware program is SuperAntiSpyware. You can download the free Home Version. or the Pro version for a 15 day trial period.

Installing this or another recommended program will provide spyware & hijacker protection on your computer alongside your virus protection. You should scan your computer with an AntiSpyware program on a regular basis just as you would an antivirus software.


Finally, here's a treasure trove of antivirus, antimalware and antispyware resources


That's it mexigonzo, happy surfing!

Cheers.

m0le

It appears that this issue is resolved, therefore I am closing the topic. If that is not the case and you need or wish to continue with this topic, please send me or any Moderator a Personal Message (PM) that you would like this topic re-opened.