BleepingComputer.com: Is Combofix running under the covers?

Hello, I downloaded CF and installed it. I turned off all my free antimalware, etc., settings that I could, and launched Combofix. It told me that it found AVG and Norton active, and that I shouldn't click 'OK' until I had disabled them. I went to both the Microsoft Add/Remove Programs, and also Iobit Uninstaller. Neither of them listed those programs. I used to have them, and thought I had deleted them. Well, at that moment, despite the fact that I hadn't clicked the 'OK' button, it fired up a blue screen, indicating it was about to start. I did ctl alt delete, and it didn't show anything running. As the earlier message suggested terrible things might happen if I ran combofix while avg and norton were on, I just turned the pc off. I turned it back on and hit F8. PC came back up. ctl alt delete shows nothing running. But since it didn't show it running earlier, so I am wondering. IS it running under the covers? SHould I do the uninstall of Combofix? I AM untrained, but I had read that it could just run and do its thing, and beyond that I could post any logs it found to trained users. Thanks in advance.

P.S. I currently run ASC 5, Malwarebytes, Spybot(not teatimer) and CCleaner.

This post has been edited by trivium pursuit: 07 February 2012 - 02:02 PM

As a general policy, Bleeping Computer does not offer advice on how to run ComboFix unless we asked someone to run it or if there is a problem with the computer caused by running the tool. This is because people should not be using ComboFix without being advised to do so by a trained expert (see here) who is assisting them deal with a malware problem. When issues arise due to complex malware infections, possible false detections, problems running ComboFix (i.e. stalling, hanging, crashing) or with other security tools causing conflicts, experts are usually aware of them and can advise what should or should not be done while providing individual assistance. When false detections are identified, experts have access to the developer and can report them so he can investigate, confirm and make corrections. Those attempting to use ComboFix on their own do not have such information and are at risk when running the tool in an unsupervised environment.

Also be aware that using ComboFix is only one part of the disinfection process. Preliminary scans from other tools like DDS, RSIT and GMER should be used first because they provide comprehensive logs with specific details about files, folders and registry keys which may have been modified by malware infection. Analysis of those logs allows planning an strategy for effective disinfection and a determination if using ComboFix is necessary.

While our policy is not to offer advice on running ComboFix unless we asked someone to run it, we are certainly willing to help with malware disinfection. If that assistance requires running ComboFix, you will be advised what to do in order to get the tool to run properly or investigate any error messages. If you need such assistance, please read the "Preparation Guide For Requesting Help" starting at Step 6. When you have done that, post your logs in the Virus, Trojan, Spyware, and Malware Removal Logs forum, NOT here, for assistance by the Malware Response Team Experts.