Permissions changing on their own

I've got a really strange one and I hope someone can help me. I've noticed that some folders (most, actually) in my C: and D: drives (both internal hard drives) have lock icons appearing on them. Looking at their Properties -> Security tab, there are no permissions set for any of them.

I'll bet I unwittingly ran a malicious program at some point which has caused this problem. At the same time, my internet connection has become quite spotty, and I'm sure the two symptoms are linked somehow.

My PC is a custom-built system with some high-end parts I just bought in February: Intel i7-920, Dominator 6GB DDR3, ATI HD5870, 80GB SSD & 1.5TB HDD, etc. The OS is Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit. Let me know if you need any further details and I'll gladly post them.

Edited by SturmB, 23 April 2010 - 07:18 PM.

Hello, We need a deeper look. Please go here....
Preparation Guide ,do steps 6 - 9.

Create a DDS log and post it in the new topic explained in step 9,which is here Virus, Trojan, Spyware, and Malware Removal Logs and not in this topic,thanks.
Gmer won't run on 64 bit so skip it and move on.
Let me know if that went well.

Thank you, boopme. I've posted there and I shall let you know (here or via PM) how it goes. Thanks again!

Hello,

Now that you have posted a log here: http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/t/312252/infected-with-permissions-changing-malware/ 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 MRT 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 MRT 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 MRT 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 MRT 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 MRT Team member is already assisting you and not open the thread to respond.

Please be patient. It may take several days to get a response but your log will be reviewed and answered as soon as possible. I advise checking your topic once a day for responses as the e-mail notification system is unreliable.

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

Orange Blossom