rootkit removal problem

[mslinger]

Hi - I am having issues removing rootkit.ads on my system despite running several malware scans. I followed the advice in the following post from 12/21/08:

http://www.malwarebytes.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=8413

and the results are below and attached (attach.txt and dds.txt). Note that the recent scan immediately below shows only the issue with the registry key being infected. Prior to running multiple (no doubt too many) malware scans and following the instructions in the above post, the original scan from yesterday (further below) showed multiple files and keys infected.

SCAN FROM JUST NOW, AFTER RESTARTING THE COMPUTER (NO PROGRAMS LAUNCHED):

Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware 1.34

Database version: 1749

Windows 5.1.2600 Service Pack 3

2/24/2009 7:52:21 PM

mbam-log-2009-02-24 (19-52-17).txt

Scan type: Quick Scan

Objects scanned: 79587

Time elapsed: 3 minute(s), 53 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: 0

Memory Processes Infected:

(No malicious items detected)

Memory Modules Infected:

(No malicious items detected)

Registry Keys Infected:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\restore (Rootkit.Agent) -> No action taken.

Registry Values Infected:

(No malicious items detected)

Registry Data Items Infected:

(No malicious items detected)

Folders Infected:

(No malicious items detected)

Files Infected:

(No malicious items detected)

SCAN FROM YESTERDAY:

Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware 1.34

Database version: 1749

Windows 5.1.2600 Service Pack 3

2/23/2009 9:03:25 PM

mbam-log-2009-02-23 (21-03-25).txt

Scan type: Full Scan (C:\|)

Objects scanned: 139446

Time elapsed: 34 minute(s), 33 second(s)

Memory Processes Infected: 4

Memory Modules Infected: 4

Registry Keys Infected: 38

Registry Values Infected: 7

Registry Data Items Infected: 3

Folders Infected: 0

Files Infected: 40

Memory Processes Infected:

C:\WINDOWS\system32\prunnet.exe (Trojan.Downloader) -> Unloaded process successfully.

C:\WINDOWS\system32\afisicx.exe (Trojan.Agent) -> Unloaded process successfully.

C:\WINDOWS\system32\mabidwe.exe (Trojan.Agent) -> Unloaded process successfully.

C:\WINDOWS\system32\soxpeca.exe (Trojan.Agent) -> Unloaded process successfully.

Memory Modules Infected:

C:\WINDOWS\system32\keneluga.dll (Trojan.Vundo.H) -> Delete on reboot.

C:\WINDOWS\system32\penoniha.dll (Trojan.Vundo.H) -> Delete on reboot.

C:\WINDOWS\system32\tuvTmNFW.dll (Trojan.Vundo.H) -> Delete on reboot.

C:\WINDOWS\system32\jifuharu.dll (Trojan.Vundo.H) -> Delete on reboot.

Registry Keys Infected:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Browser Helper Objects\{8acad944-aeed-45a8-b0a9-88c044e933a5} (Trojan.Vundo.H) -> Delete on reboot.

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{8acad944-aeed-45a8-b0a9-88c044e933a5} (Trojan.Vundo.H) -> Delete on reboot.

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Browser Helper Objects\{233e1bd3-c969-4df0-bb2d-81fdd4126069} (Trojan.Vundo.H) -> Delete on reboot.

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{233e1bd3-c969-4df0-bb2d-81fdd4126069} (Trojan.Vundo.H) -> Delete on reboot.

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Ext\Stats\{233e1bd3-c969-4df0-bb2d-81fdd4126069} (Trojan.Vundo.H) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Ext\Stats\{8acad944-aeed-45a8-b0a9-88c044e933a5} (Trojan.Vundo.H) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Ext\Stats\{6d794cb4-c7cd-4c6f-bfdc-9b77afbdc02c} (Trojan.Vundo) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\ControlSet002\Services\cjuwfdgs (Rootkit.Agent) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\ControlSet003\Services\cjuwfdgs (Rootkit.Agent) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\ControlSet004\Services\cjuwfdgs (Rootkit.Agent) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\cjuwfdgs (Rootkit.Agent) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\prunnet (Malware.Trace) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\xpreapp (Malware.Trace) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\ControlSet002\Services\afisicx (Trojan.Agent) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\ControlSet003\Services\afisicx (Trojan.Agent) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\ControlSet004\Services\afisicx (Trojan.Agent) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\afisicx (Trojan.Agent) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\ControlSet002\Services\mabidwe (Trojan.Agent) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\ControlSet003\Services\mabidwe (Trojan.Agent) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\ControlSet004\Services\mabidwe (Trojan.Agent) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\mabidwe (Trojan.Agent) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\restore (Rootkit.Agent) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\Protect (Rootkit.Agent) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\MS Juan (Malware.Trace) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\contim (Trojan.Vundo) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\instkey (Trojan.Vundo) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\MS Track System (Trojan.Vundo) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\rdfa (Trojan.Vundo) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\FCOVM (Trojan.Vundo) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\RemoveRP (Trojan.Vundo) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\ControlSet002\Services\soxpeca (Trojan.Agent) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\ControlSet003\Services\soxpeca (Trojan.Agent) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\ControlSet004\Services\soxpeca (Trojan.Agent) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\soxpeca (Trojan.Agent) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\ControlSet002\Services\seneka (Trojan.Agent) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\ControlSet003\Services\seneka (Trojan.Agent) -> Delete on reboot.

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\ControlSet004\Services\seneka (Trojan.Agent) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\seneka (Trojan.Agent) -> Delete on reboot.

Registry Values Infected:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run\dayulivuhu (Trojan.Vundo.H) -> Delete on reboot.

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run\000000af (Trojan.Vundo.H) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run\285ab787 (Trojan.Vundo.H) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Windows\nkpinit_dlls (Spyware.Agent.H) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run\prunnet (Trojan.Downloader) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run\prunnet (Trojan.Downloader) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run\explorer (Trojan.Agent) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.

Registry Data Items Infected:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Windows\AppInit_DLLs (Trojan.Vundo.H) -> Data: c:\windows\system32\jifuharu.dll -> Delete on reboot.

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\LSA\Notification Packages (Trojan.Vundo.H) -> Data: c:\windows\system32\jifuharu.dll -> Delete on reboot.

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Windows\AppInit_DLLs (Trojan.Vundo.H) -> Data: system32\jifuharu.dll -> Delete on reboot.

Folders Infected:

(No malicious items detected)

Files Infected:

C:\WINDOWS\system32\tuvTmNFW.dll (Trojan.Vundo.H) -> Delete on reboot.

C:\WINDOWS\system32\tuvTmNFW.dllbox (Trojan.Vundo.H) -> Delete on reboot.

C:\WINDOWS\system32\c:\windows\system32\tuvtmnfw.dll (Trojan.Vundo.H) -> Delete on reboot.

C:\WINDOWS\system32\WFNmTvut.ini (Trojan.Vundo.H) -> Delete on reboot.

C:\WINDOWS\system32\WFNmTvut.ini2 (Trojan.Vundo.H) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.

C:\WINDOWS\system32\keneluga.dll (Trojan.Vundo.H) -> Delete on reboot.

C:\WINDOWS\system32\penoniha.dll (Trojan.Vundo.H) -> Delete on reboot.

C:\WINDOWS\system32\nvtpm32.dll (Spyware.Agent.H) -> Delete on reboot.

C:\WINDOWS\system32\jifuharu.dll (Trojan.Vundo.H) -> Delete on reboot.

C:\WINDOWS\system32\prunnet.exe (Trojan.Downloader) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.

C:\Documents and Settings\Matt\Local Settings\Temp\owsercxnam.tmp (Trojan.Downloader) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.

C:\Documents and Settings\Matt\Local Settings\Temp\aenowrxsmc.tmp (Trojan.Vundo.H) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.

C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\qhpjlrkd.sys (Rootkit.Agent) -> Delete on reboot.

C:\WINDOWS\system32\mcrh.tmp (Malware.Trace) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.

C:\WINDOWS\system32\afisicx.exe (Trojan.Agent) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.

C:\WINDOWS\system32\mabidwe.exe (Trojan.Agent) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.

C:\WINDOWS\system32\comsa32.sys (Trojan.Agent) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.

C:\WINDOWS\system32\2.tmp (Trojan.Agent) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.

C:\WINDOWS\system32\3.tmp (Trojan.Agent) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.

C:\WINDOWS\system32\4.tmp (Trojan.Agent) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.

C:\WINDOWS\system32\5.tmp (Trojan.Agent) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.

C:\WINDOWS\system32\6.tmp (Trojan.Agent) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.

C:\WINDOWS\system32\7.tmp (Trojan.Agent) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.

C:\WINDOWS\system32\8.tmp (Trojan.Agent) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.

C:\WINDOWS\system32\9.tmp (Trojan.Agent) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.

C:\WINDOWS\system32\A.tmp (Trojan.Agent) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.

C:\WINDOWS\system32\B.tmp (Trojan.Agent) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.

C:\WINDOWS\system32\C.tmp (Trojan.Agent) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.

C:\WINDOWS\system32\D.tmp (Trojan.Agent) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.

C:\WINDOWS\system32\E.tmp (Trojan.Agent) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.

C:\WINDOWS\system32\F.tmp (Trojan.Agent) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.

C:\WINDOWS\system32\msrstart.exe (Trojan.Agent) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.

C:\WINDOWS\system32\soxpeca.exe (Trojan.Agent) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.

C:\WINDOWS\system32\senekagdktitje.dll (Trojan.Agent) -> Delete on reboot.

C:\WINDOWS\system32\senekajbabutpv.dll (Trojan.Agent) -> Delete on reboot.

C:\WINDOWS\system32\senekaoroyieon.dll (Trojan.Agent) -> Delete on reboot.

C:\WINDOWS\system32\senekarhnhnkse.dat (Trojan.Agent) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.

C:\WINDOWS\system32\senekaylvorpjb.dat (Trojan.Agent) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.

C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\seneka.sys (Trojan.Agent) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.

C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\senekamnmomeve.sys (Trojan.Agent) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.

I am quite sure I've made some missteps in trying to address this issue, and I am grateful in advance for any guidance. Thanks!

Attach.txt

DDS.txt

Attach.txt

DDS.txt

[extremeboy]

Hello.

Rootkits are very nasty. Take a read below.

Rootkit Threat

Unfortunatly One or more of the identified infections is a Rootkit/backdoor trojan.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Rootkits and backdoor Trojans are very dangerous because they use advanced techniques (backdoors) as a means of accessing a computer system that bypasses security mechanisms and steal sensitive information which they send back to the hacker. Many rootkits can hook into the Windows 32-bit kernel, and patch several APIs to hide new registry keys and files they install. Remote attackers use backdoor Trojans and rootkits as part of an exploit to gain unauthorized access to a computer and take control of it without your knowledge.

If your computer was used for online banking, has credit card information or other sensitive data on it, you should immediately disconnect from the Internet until your system is cleaned. All passwords should be changed immediately to include those used for banking, email, eBay, paypal and online forums. You should consider them to be compromised. You should change each password by using a different computer and not the infected one. If not, an attacker may get the new passwords and transaction information. If using a router, you need to reset it with a strong logon/password so the malware cannot gain control before connect again. Banking and credit card institutions should be notified of the possible security breach. Because your computer was compromised please read How Do I Handle Possible Identify Theft, Internet Fraud and CC Fraud?

Although the rootkit has been identified and may be removed, your PC has likely been compromised and there is no way to be sure the computer can ever be trusted again. It is dangerous and incorrect to assume that because this malware has been removed the computer is now secure. In some instances an infection may have caused so much damage to your system that it cannot be completely cleaned or repaired. The malware may leave so many remnants behind that security tools cannot find them. Many experts in the security community believe that once infected with this type of malware, the best course of action is to wipe the drive clean, reformat and reinstall the OS. Please read:

• When should I re-format? How should I reinstall?
• Help: I Got Hacked. Now What Do I Do?
  
• Where to draw the line? When to recommend a format and reinstall?
  

Should you decide not to follow that advice, we will do our best to help clean the computer of any infections but we cannot guarantee it to be trustworthy or that the removal will be successful. Tell me what you want to do.

With Regards,

Extremeboy

[mslinger]

Thanks for the information, that is unfortunate but very helpful to know. Below is the latest scan, despite the relatively clean scan that I included initially from last night, obviously the infection continues. I would like to at least understand my options shy of reformatting the drive, so any advice on that would be appreciated.

Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware 1.34

Database version: 1749

Windows 5.1.2600 Service Pack 3

2/25/2009 4:34:46 PM

mbam-log-2009-02-25 (16-34-46).txt

Scan type: Quick Scan

Objects scanned: 79941

Time elapsed: 3 minute(s), 53 second(s)

Memory Processes Infected: 1

Memory Modules Infected: 1

Registry Keys Infected: 3

Registry Values Infected: 0

Registry Data Items Infected: 0

Folders Infected: 0

Files Infected: 12

Memory Processes Infected:

C:\WINDOWS\system32\6.tmp (Trojan.Agent) -> Failed to unload process.

Memory Modules Infected:

C:\WINDOWS\system32\xwa.dll (Backdoor.Bot) -> Delete on reboot.

Registry Keys Infected:

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{89f2c12a-027a-4de3-88f6-9f31a1c0f17c} (Backdoor.Bot) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Browser Helper Objects\{89f2c12a-027a-4de3-88f6-9f31a1c0f17c} (Backdoor.Bot) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\restore (Rootkit.Agent) -> 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:

C:\WINDOWS\system32\xwa.dll (Backdoor.Bot) -> Delete on reboot.

C:\WINDOWS\system32\3.tmp (Trojan.Agent) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.

C:\WINDOWS\system32\4.tmp (Trojan.Agent) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.

C:\WINDOWS\system32\6.tmp (Trojan.Agent) -> Delete on reboot.

C:\WINDOWS\system32\bb1.dat (Trojan.Agent) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.

C:\WINDOWS\system32\ps1.dat (Trojan.Agent) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.

C:\WINDOWS\system32\rc.dat (Trojan.Agent) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.

C:\WINDOWS\system32\azton.mt (Trojan.Agent) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.

C:\WINDOWS\Temp\BN1.tmp (Trojan.Agent) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.

C:\WINDOWS\system32\cs.dat (Malware.Trace) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.

C:\WINDOWS\system32\cmds.txt (Malware.Trace) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.

C:\WINDOWS\system32\alog.txt (Stolen.Data) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.

[extremeboy]

Hello again.

I would like to at least understand my options shy of reformatting the drive, so any advice on that would be appreciated.

We have 3 options right now.

1) Reinstall the Driver and backup your data

2) Format your Computer (after the reinstall) and backup your data

3) Continue with the disinfection process (Don't know if you trust your computer though)

Let me know what you wish to do.

With Regards,

Extremeboy

[mslinger]

Thanks - what will I need for options 1 or 2 in terms of software disks, access to other computers, etc.? This is a company-issued computer but I work remotely, so I don't have access to any of the source software. I do have access to another computer in case that's helpful.

[extremeboy]

Hello.

If you were going to format/reinstall, you will need the OS disk, which in your case should be the Windows XP disk. If you don't want anything to be lost best you back them all up first. Use an External hard-drive to backup any important datas to another computer. If you are going to use a removable drive best if you run this tool first on a CLEAN MACHINE.

Download and Run FlashDisinfector

• Please download Flash_Disinfector.exe by sUBs and save it to your desktop.
  
• Double-click Flash_Disinfector.exe to run it and follow any prompts that may appear.
  
• The utility may ask you to insert your flash drive and/or other removable drives including your mobile phone. Please do so and allow the utility to clean up those drives as well.
  
• Wait until it has finished scanning and then exit the program.
  
• Reboot your computer when done.
  

Note: Flash_Disinfector will create a hidden file named autorun.inf in each partition and every USB drive plugged in when you ran it. Don't delete this folder. It will help protect your drives from future infection.

When backing up files and datas there are mainly 2 general guidelines:

1) Backup all your important data files, pictures, music, work etc... and save it onto an external hard-drive. These files usually include .doc, .txt, .mp3, .jpg etc...

2) Do not backup any executables files or any window files. These include .exe's, .scr, .com, .pif etc... as they may contain traces of malware. Also, .html or .htm files that are webpages should also be avoided.

Then you can do a reinstall. This will not remove any of your files or pictures etc... it just reinstall windows onto your Drive. If you partitioned your drive it would be easier because you just have to reinstall windows on that one drive, and all your other data will be safe.

However a format will remove everything. If you need help reinstall or formating please start another topic in the XP forum as this forum is only removing malware infections. Thanks.

Hope that helps. Any thing else you want to ask?

With Regards,

Extremeboy

[mslinger]

Thanks. One more question - I've read a little bit about formatting / reinstalling, and in most cases they are mentioned together, though here you refer to them separately. Can you tell me more about the security implications of just reinstalling windows (after backing up data) vs. also formatting the drive, and which you would recommend in this case?

[extremeboy]

Hello.

Well a format/reinstall is different. Some people take it as ONE, but I do not think that is correct. They may think you know what they mean so they only say format or reinstall but reinstalling the OS and Formating is completely different.

I will try to be as brief as I can.

REINSTALL:: Reinstall does not remove any of your files or data files including pictures, music, work documents etc... However, all your programs will not function anymore meaning they need to be reinstalled but the folder and file is still there. You can either remove those folders/files and re-install that particular program or just overlap them by installing the program again. Reinstall basically reinstalls window and overwrite all window files and the registry to create windows again but other than that nothing else is touched.

Some users do not "trust" that and therefore would like to backup their files/folders first. Sometimes it's not just a "trust" matter but what they do. Reformat/reinstall are so close that during the setup with the Windows Disk if you made a mistake instead of "repairing" the drive but "format" the drive EVERYTHING will be lost and I wouldn't want that to happen, so backup before you even do a reinstall/format if you can.

FORMAT:: This basically wipe out everything except windows internal files and the registry. Anything else that is not essential or part of windows will be gone. Internet Explorer will be there as default though. If you are using a laptop and require wireless you will need to establish and download the driver for it. If you have the original CD for all these drivers then you can install it using the CD as well. You will basically need to install everything again.

Some important things I think are:

1) All necessary drivers for your laptop/computer.

2) Get an AV and/or FW before establishing and connecting to the web

3) Update your security program after connecting to the web.

Hope that helps

With Regards,

Extremeboy

[extremeboy]

Hello.

Are you still there?

If you are please follow the instructions in my previous post.

If you still need help, follow the instructions I have given in my response. If you have since had your problem solved, we would appreciate you letting us know so we can close the topic.

Please reply back telling us so. If you don't reply within 5-7 days the topic will need to be closed.

Thanks for understanding.

With Regards,

Extremeboy

[extremeboy]

Hello.

Due to Lack of feedback, this topic will be Closed, by a Moderator.

Please start a new thread in the Hijackthis-Malware Removal forum and post a new Hijackthis log if you require assistance again. Do Not PM me please as I need to leave soon and cannot continue to help you at that time frame.

This applies only to the original topic starter.

Everyone else please start a new topic in the Hijackthis-Malware Removal Forum.

With Regards,

Extremeboy