warning boxes

i'm defo a noob when it comes to computers, so i would apreciate any help i'm given.
lately i'm getting pop up boxes telling me:
1A83.tmp has stopped working
B185.tmp has stopped working
12AD.tmp has stopped working
FC88.tmp has stopped working
they give me the option to check online for solution(which it never finds a solution) or to close program.
also system restore, defrag and error checking don't work since i've been getting these messages
so any advice apreciated

Edited by billy6708, 21 June 2009 - 07:22 PM.

Welcome to BC

Those are temp files
You are probably infected

The process of cleaning your computer may require you to temporarily disable some security programs. If you are using SpyBot Search and Destroy, please refer to Note 2 at the bottom of this page.

Please download Malwarebytes Anti-Malware and save it to your desktop.
alternate download link 1
alternate download link 2

• Make sure you are connected to the Internet.
• Double-click on mbam-setup.exe to install the application.
• When the installation begins, follow the prompts and do not make any changes to default settings.
• When installation has finished, make sure you leave both of these checked:
  • Update Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware
  • Launch Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware
• Then click Finish.

MBAM will automatically start and you will be asked to update the program before performing a scan.

• If an update is found, the program will automatically update itself.
• Press the OK button to close that box and continue.
• If you encounter any problems while downloading the updates, manually download them from here and just double-click on mbam-rules.exe to install.

On the Scanner tab:

• Make sure the "Perform Quick Scan" option is selected.
• Then click on the Scan button.
• If asked to select the drives to scan, leave all the drives selected and click on the Start Scan button.
• The scan will begin and "Scan in progress" will show at the top. It may take some time to complete so please be patient.
• When the scan is finished, a message box will say "The scan completed successfully. Click 'Show Results' to display all objects found".
• Click OK to close the message box and continue with the removal process.

Back at the main Scanner screen:

• Click on the Show Results button to see a list of any malware that was found.
• Make sure that everything is checked, and click Remove Selected.
• When removal is completed, a log report will open in Notepad.
• 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 and exit MBAM.

Note:
-- If MBAM encounters a file that is difficult to remove, you may be asked to reboot your computer so it can proceed with the disinfection process. Regardless if prompted to restart the computer or not, please do so immediately. Failure to reboot normally (not into safe mode) will prevent MBAM from removing all the malware.

Note 2:
-- MBAM may make changes to your registry as part of its disinfection routine. If you're using other security programs that detect registry changes (like Spybot's Teatimer), they may interfere with the fix or alert you after scanning with MBAM. Please disable such programs until disinfection is complete or permit them to allow the changes. To disable these programs, please view this topic: How To Temporarily Disable Your Anti-virus, Firewall And Anti-malware Programs

thanks mark i've done everything as instructed and herte's the log


Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware 1.38
Database version: 2320
Windows 6.0.6001 Service Pack 1

22/06/2009 10:04:03
mbam-log-2009-06-22 (10-04-03).txt

Scan type: Quick Scan
Objects scanned: 83602
Time elapsed: 4 minute(s), 14 second(s)

Memory Processes Infected: 2
Memory Modules Infected: 1
Registry Keys Infected: 8
Registry Values Infected: 1
Registry Data Items Infected: 0
Folders Infected: 0
Files Infected: 29

Memory Processes Infected:
C:\Windows\msa.exe (Trojan.FakeAlert) -> Unloaded process successfully.
C:\Users\User\AppData\Local\Temp\Low\1DBA.tmp (Trojan.FakeAlert) -> Unloaded process successfully.

Memory Modules Infected:
C:\Windows\System32\msxml71.dll (Trojan.FakeAlert) -> Delete on reboot.

Registry Keys Infected:
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\xml.xml (Trojan.FakeAlert) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{500bca15-57a7-4eaf-8143-8c619470b13d} (Trojan.FakeAlert) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Ext\Stats\{500bca15-57a7-4eaf-8143-8c619470b13d} (Trojan.FakeAlert) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Browser Helper Objects\{500bca15-57a7-4eaf-8143-8c619470b13d} (Trojan.FakeAlert) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\xml.xml.1 (Trojan.FakeAlert) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Cognac (Rogue.Multiple) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\XML (Trojan.FakeAlert) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\ColdWare (Malware.Trace) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.

Registry Values Infected:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run\Cognac (Trojan.FakeAlert) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.

Registry Data Items Infected:
(No malicious items detected)

Folders Infected:
(No malicious items detected)

Files Infected:
C:\Windows\msa.exe (Trojan.FakeAlert) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
C:\Users\User\AppData\Local\Temp\Low\1DBA.tmp (Trojan.FakeAlert) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
C:\Windows\System32\msxml71.dll (Trojan.FakeAlert) -> Delete on reboot.
c:\$Recycle.Bin\s-1-5-21-2662525665-2411992783-903557154-1000\$R1YZD1B.exe (Trojan.FakeAlert) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
c:\$Recycle.Bin\s-1-5-21-2662525665-2411992783-903557154-1000\$R22J5NM.tmp (Trojan.FakeAlert) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
c:\$Recycle.Bin\s-1-5-21-2662525665-2411992783-903557154-1000\$R26FNB1.tmp (Trojan.FakeAlert) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
c:\$Recycle.Bin\s-1-5-21-2662525665-2411992783-903557154-1000\$R3DYOHH.exe (Trojan.FakeAlert) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
c:\$Recycle.Bin\s-1-5-21-2662525665-2411992783-903557154-1000\$R48FH7G.tmp (Trojan.FakeAlert) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
c:\$Recycle.Bin\s-1-5-21-2662525665-2411992783-903557154-1000\$R58AWFX.tmp (Trojan.FakeAlert) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
c:\$Recycle.Bin\s-1-5-21-2662525665-2411992783-903557154-1000\$R6XKYL4.tmp (Trojan.FakeAlert) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
c:\$Recycle.Bin\s-1-5-21-2662525665-2411992783-903557154-1000\$R78580X.tmp (Trojan.FakeAlert) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
c:\$Recycle.Bin\s-1-5-21-2662525665-2411992783-903557154-1000\$RBE0D0L.exe (Trojan.FakeAlert) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
c:\$Recycle.Bin\s-1-5-21-2662525665-2411992783-903557154-1000\$RFA8TFZ.exe (Trojan.FakeAlert) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
c:\$Recycle.Bin\s-1-5-21-2662525665-2411992783-903557154-1000\$RLI1A0B.tmp (Trojan.FakeAlert) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
c:\$Recycle.Bin\s-1-5-21-2662525665-2411992783-903557154-1000\$RP0YB5M.exe (Trojan.FakeAlert) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
c:\$Recycle.Bin\s-1-5-21-2662525665-2411992783-903557154-1000\$RP27T6G.tmp (Trojan.FakeAlert) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
c:\$Recycle.Bin\s-1-5-21-2662525665-2411992783-903557154-1000\$RQ2MM5Q.exe (Trojan.FakeAlert) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
c:\$Recycle.Bin\s-1-5-21-2662525665-2411992783-903557154-1000\$RSLGA8H.tmp (Trojan.FakeAlert) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
c:\$Recycle.Bin\s-1-5-21-2662525665-2411992783-903557154-1000\$RSMGDEJ.exe (Trojan.FakeAlert) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
c:\$Recycle.Bin\s-1-5-21-2662525665-2411992783-903557154-1000\$RSNKWO3.exe (Trojan.FakeAlert) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
c:\$Recycle.Bin\s-1-5-21-2662525665-2411992783-903557154-1000\$RV839B8.exe (Trojan.FakeAlert) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
c:\$Recycle.Bin\s-1-5-21-2662525665-2411992783-903557154-1000\$RVPXSLY.tmp (Trojan.FakeAlert) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
c:\$Recycle.Bin\s-1-5-21-2662525665-2411992783-903557154-1000\$RXDU7UI.exe (Trojan.FakeAlert) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
c:\$Recycle.Bin\s-1-5-21-2662525665-2411992783-903557154-1000\$RXGPS10.tmp (Trojan.FakeAlert) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
c:\$Recycle.Bin\s-1-5-21-2662525665-2411992783-903557154-1000\$RZI8QRP.exe (Trojan.FakeAlert) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
c:\Users\User\AppData\Local\Temp\HDQuality.exe (Trojan.DNSChanger) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
c:\Users\User\AppData\Local\Temp\Low\1DBA.tmp.exe (Trojan.FakeAlert) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
c:\Windows\Tasks\{5B57CF47-0BFA-43c6-ACF9-3B3653DCADBA}.job (Trojan.FakeAlert) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
C:\Windows\Tasks\{783AF354-B514-42d6-970E-3E8BF0A5279C}.job (Trojan.Downloader) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.


thanks again for your help

i don't know wether this is connected but since doing all the above, avg keeps telling me it's found multiple threats every couple of minutes
it's the same one everytime: C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\SKYNETxtbmfvji.dll VIRUS IDENTIFIED PACKED. ROLEX
when i remove the said threat it sats it's put it in the virus vault then a minute later i get the same warning
it's rather annoying

Update mbam and run a FULL scan
Please post the results

Then run ATF and SAS


ATF
Please download ATF Cleaner by Atribune & save it to your desktop.

• Double-click ATF-Cleaner.exe to run the program.
• Under Main "Select Files to Delete" choose: Select All.
• Click the Empty Selected button.
• If you use Firefox browser click Firefox at the top and choose: Select All
• Click the Empty Selected button.
  If you would like to keep your saved passwords, please click No at the prompt.
• If you use Opera browser click Opera at the top and choose: Select All
• Click the Empty Selected button.
  If you would like to keep your saved passwords, please click No at the prompt.
• Click Exit on the Main menu to close the program.

Note: On Vista, "Windows Temp" is disabled. To empty "Windows Temp" ATF-Cleaner must be "Run as an Administrator".

------------------------------------

SAS,may take a long time to scan
Please download and scan with SUPERAntiSpyware Free

• Double-click SUPERAntiSypware.exe and use the default settings for installation.
• An icon will be created on your desktop. Double-click that icon to launch the program.
• If asked to update the program definitions, click "Yes". If not, update the definitions before scanning by selecting "Check for Updates". (If you encounter any problems while downloading the updates, manually download them from here. Double-click on the hyperlink for Download Installer and save SASDEFINITIONS.EXE to your desktop. Then double-click on SASDEFINITIONS.EXE to install the definitions.)
• In the Main Menu, click the Preferences... button.
• Click the "General and Startup" tab, and under Start-up Options, make sure "Start SUPERAntiSpyware when Windows starts" box is unchecked.
• Click the "Scanning Control" tab, and under Scanner Options, make sure the following are checked (leave all others unchecked):
  • Close browsers before scanning.
  • Scan for tracking cookies.
  • Terminate memory threats before quarantining.
• Click the "Close" button to leave the control center screen and exit the program.
• Do not run a scan just yet.

Reboot your computer in "Safe Mode" using the F8 method. To do this, restart your computer and after hearing your computer beep once during startup (but before the Windows icon appears) press the F8 key repeatedly. A menu will appear with several options. Use the arrow keys to navigate and select the option to run Windows in "Safe Mode".

Scan with SUPERAntiSpyware as follows:

• Launch the program and back on the main screen, under "Scan for Harmful Software" click Scan your computer.
• On the left, make sure you check C:\Fixed Drive.
• On the right, under "Complete Scan", choose Perform Complete Scan and click "Next".
• After the scan is complete, a Scan Summary box will appear with potentially harmful items that were detected. Click "OK".
• Make sure everything has a checkmark next to it and click "Next".
• A notification will appear that "Quarantine and Removal is Complete". Click "OK" and then click the "Finish" button to return to the main menu.
• If asked if you want to reboot, click "Yes" and reboot normally.
• To retrieve the removal information after reboot, launch SUPERAntispyware again.
  • Click Preferences, then click the Statistics/Logs tab.
  • Under Scanner Logs, double-click SUPERAntiSpyware Scan Log.
  • If there are several logs, click the current dated log and press View log. A text file will open in your default text editor.
  • Please copy and paste the Scan Log results in your next reply.
• Click Close to exit the program.

hi
i've done everything as requested, here's the results

Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware 1.38
Database version: 2324
Windows 6.0.6001 Service Pack 1

23/06/2009 12:24:52
mbam-log-2009-06-23 (12-24-52).txt

Scan type: Full Scan (C:\|D:\|)
Objects scanned: 280990
Time elapsed: 39 minute(s), 50 second(s)

Memory Processes Infected: 0
Memory Modules Infected: 0
Registry Keys Infected: 1
Registry Values Infected: 0
Registry Data Items Infected: 0
Folders Infected: 0
Files Infected: 1

Memory Processes Infected:
(No malicious items detected)

Memory Modules Infected:
(No malicious items detected)

Registry Keys Infected:
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Typelib\{56acb669-4139-5611-cbba-f5acb0f4db09} (Trojan.FakeAlert) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.

Registry Values Infected:
(No malicious items detected)

Registry Data Items Infected:
(No malicious items detected)

Folders Infected:
(No malicious items detected)

Files Infected:
d:\applications\winrar-v3.80.beta.4 - sba777\wRAR Slayer v1.1.exe (Malware.Tool) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.




SUPERAntiSpyware Scan Log
http://www.superantispyware.com

Generated 06/23/2009 at 01:55 PM

Application Version : 4.26.1004

Core Rules Database Version : 3951
Trace Rules Database Version: 1893

Scan type : Complete Scan
Total Scan Time : 01:11:25

Memory items scanned : 303
Memory threats detected : 0
Registry items scanned : 7641
Registry threats detected : 0
File items scanned : 184981
File threats detected : 61

Trojan.Agent/Gen-FSG
C:\PROGRAM FILES\STARDOCK\OBJECTDOCK\KEYGEN.EXE
D:\APPLICATIONS\PC TOOLS REGISTRY MECHANIC V8.0.0.900+KEYGEN-HEARTBUG\KEYGEN\KEYGEN.EXE
D:\APPLICATIONS\STARDOCK OBJECTDOCK PLUS V 1.90\KEYGEN.EXE

Adware.Tracking Cookie
C:\Users\User\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Cookies\Low\user@2o7[2].txt
C:\Users\User\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Cookies\Low\user@ad.yieldmanager[2].txt
C:\Users\User\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Cookies\Low\user@ad3.clickhype[1].txt
C:\Users\User\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Cookies\Low\user@adrevolver[2].txt
C:\Users\User\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Cookies\Low\user@adrevolver[3].txt
C:\Users\User\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Cookies\Low\user@ads.bleepingcomputer[1].txt
C:\Users\User\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Cookies\Low\user@advertising[1].txt
C:\Users\User\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Cookies\Low\user@adviva[1].txt
C:\Users\User\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Cookies\Low\user@apmebf[1].txt
C:\Users\User\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Cookies\Low\user@at.atwola[2].txt
C:\Users\User\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Cookies\Low\user@at.atwola[3].txt
C:\Users\User\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Cookies\Low\user@atdmt[1].txt
C:\Users\User\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Cookies\Low\user@avgtechnologies.112.2o7[1].txt
C:\Users\User\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Cookies\Low\user@bs.serving-sys[1].txt
C:\Users\User\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Cookies\Low\user@casalemedia[2].txt
C:\Users\User\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Cookies\Low\user@chitika[2].txt
C:\Users\User\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Cookies\Low\user@clicktorrent[2].txt
C:\Users\User\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Cookies\Low\user@doubleclick[2].txt
C:\Users\User\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Cookies\Low\user@e-2dj6wcloaidzadp.stats.esomniture[1].txt
C:\Users\User\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Cookies\Low\user@fastclick[2].txt
C:\Users\User\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Cookies\Low\user@interclick[1].txt
C:\Users\User\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Cookies\Low\user@kontera[2].txt
C:\Users\User\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Cookies\Low\user@media.adrevolver[1].txt
C:\Users\User\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Cookies\Low\user@media.adrevolver[2].txt
C:\Users\User\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Cookies\Low\user@mediaplex[1].txt
C:\Users\User\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Cookies\Low\user@microsoftwga.112.2o7[1].txt
C:\Users\User\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Cookies\Low\user@msnportal.112.2o7[1].txt
C:\Users\User\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Cookies\Low\user@nero.122.2o7[1].txt
C:\Users\User\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Cookies\Low\user@paypal.112.2o7[1].txt
C:\Users\User\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Cookies\Low\user@realmedia[1].txt
C:\Users\User\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Cookies\Low\user@revsci[1].txt
C:\Users\User\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Cookies\Low\user@revsci[2].txt
C:\Users\User\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Cookies\Low\user@serving-sys[2].txt
C:\Users\User\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Cookies\Low\user@smartadserver[1].txt
C:\Users\User\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Cookies\Low\user@smartadserver[3].txt
C:\Users\User\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Cookies\Low\user@specificclick[1].txt
C:\Users\User\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Cookies\Low\user@stats.paypal[2].txt
C:\Users\User\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Cookies\Low\user@tacoda[1].txt
C:\Users\User\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Cookies\Low\user@tribalfusion[1].txt
C:\Users\User\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Cookies\Low\user@tribalfusion[3].txt
C:\Users\User\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Cookies\Low\user@www.googleadservices[1].txt
C:\Users\User\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Cookies\Low\user@www.googleadservices[2].txt
C:\Users\User\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Cookies\Low\user@xiti[1].txt
C:\Users\User\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Cookies\Low\user@zedo[1].txt
C:\Users\User\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Cookies\Low\user@zedo[2].txt
C:\Users\User\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Cookies\user@ad.yieldmanager[1].txt
C:\Users\User\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Cookies\user@ad.yieldmanager[2].txt
C:\Users\User\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Cookies\user@ad.zanox[2].txt
C:\Users\User\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Cookies\user@adserving.ezanga[1].txt
C:\Users\User\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Cookies\user@clicksor[2].txt
C:\Users\User\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Cookies\user@media6degrees[1].txt
C:\Users\User\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Cookies\user@myroitracking[1].txt
C:\Users\User\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Cookies\user@questionmarket[1].txt
C:\Users\User\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Cookies\user@screen.t10-click[2].txt
C:\Users\User\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Cookies\user@serving-sys[2].txt
C:\Users\User\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Cookies\user@serving-sys[3].txt
C:\Users\User\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Cookies\user@zedo[1].txt

Trojan.Agent/Gen-Keygen
C:\USERS\USER\DOWNLOADS\CONVERTXTODVD 3.3.4.106E AND KEYGEN [1337X]\KEYGEN.EXE

Trojan.Agent/Gen-Keygen
C:\USERS\USER\DOWNLOADS\CONVERTXTODVD 3.3.4.106E AND KEYGEN [1337X]\KEYGEN.EXE

Not good



The practice of using cracking tools, keygens, warez or any pirated software is not only considered illegal activity but it is a serious security risk.

Cracking applications are used for illegally breaking (cracking) various copy-protection and registration techniques used in commercial software. These programs may be distributed via Web sites, Usenet, and P2P networks.

trendmicro.com/vinfo

...warez and crack web pages are being used by cybercriminals as download sites for malware related to VIRUT and VIRUX. Searches for serial numbers, cracks, and even antivirus products like Trend Micro yield malcodes that come in the form of executables or self-extracting files...quick links in these sites also lead to malicious files. Ads and banners are also infection vectors...

Keygen and Crack Sites Distribute VIRUX and FakeAV

...warez/piracy sites ranked the highest in downloading spyware...just opening the web page usually sets off an exploit, never mind actually downloading anything. And by the time the malware is finished downloading, often the machine is trashed and rendered useless.

University of Washington spyware study

...One of the most aggressive and intrusive of all bad websites on the Internet are serial, warez, software cracking type sites...they sneak malware onto your system...Where do trojan viruses originate? One of the biggest malware distributors on the Internet are serial/warez/code cracking sites.

Bad Web Sites: Malware

When you use these kind of programs, be forewarned that some of the worst types of malware infections can be contracted and spread by visiting crack, keygen, warez and other pirated software sites. In many cases, those sites are infested with a smörgåsbord of malware and an increasing source of system infection. Those who attempt to get software for free can end up with a computer system so badly damaged that recovery is not possible and it cannot be repaired. When that happens there is nothing you can do besides reformatting and reinstalling the OS.
-------------------------------------------------


Two options left-Post a HJT log or re-install

If you want to give removal of the infection a try, 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.

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.

====================================

Option 2
Some types of malware can result in a system so badly damaged that a Repair Install will NOT help!. Reinstalling Windows without first wiping the entire hard drive with a repartition and/or format will not remove the infection. The reinstall will only overwrite the Windows files. Any malware on the system will still be there afterwards. Starting over by wiping your drive, reformatting, and performing a clean install of the OS or doing a factory restore removes everything and is the safest action.

In case you need help with this, please review:

• How to partition and format a hard disk in Windows XP
• Prepping for a Clean Install Windows XP.

These links include step-by-step instructions with screenshots:

• XP Clean Install Interactive Setup
• How to reformat your computer in case of a severe malware infection
• Reformat & Clean Install Windows XP

Reformatting a hard disk deletes all data. If you decide to reformat, you can back up all your important documents, personal data files and photos. The safest practice is not to backup any executable files (*.exe), screensavers (*.scr) or autorun (.ini) files because they may be infected by malwareware appending itself to the executable. Some types of malware may even disguise itself by adding and hiding its extension to the existing extension of files so be sure you look closely at the full file name. After reformatting, as a precaution, make sure you scan these files with your anti-virus prior to copying them back to your hard drive.

Note: If your using an IBM, HP, Compaq or Dell machine, you may not have an original XP CD Disk. By policy Microsoft no longer allows OEM manufactures to include the original Windows XP CD-ROM on computers sold with Windows preinstalled. Instead, most computers manufactured and sold by OEM vendors come with a vendor-specific Recovery Disk or Recovery Partition for performing a clean "factory restore" that will reformat your hard drive, remove all data and restore the computer to the state it was in when you first purchased it.

If you need additional assistance with reformatting, you can start a new topic in the Windows XP Home and Professional forum.

hi
thanks for your help it has been very helpful and i appreciate what you have done for me, i had no idea about the keygen you mentioned, i bought this computer only a couple of weeks ago with everything installed.
i would like to say that i'm not for piracy and i will delete the said file.
once again thanks for yor help

Hello,

Now that you have posted a log here: http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/t/236098/skynet/ 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 HJT Team member, nor should you ask for help elsewhere. Doing so can result in system changes which may not show in 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 HJT 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 HJT Team members are EXTREMELY 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 HJT 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 HJT Team member is already assisting you and not open the thread to respond. Please be patient. It may take a while to get a response but your log will be reviewed and answered as soon as possible

To avoid confusion, I am closing this topic. Good luck with your log.

Orange Blossom