Mystery virus re-installing trojans and malware

Absnt_Myndd · Feb 7, 2011

Another user on my computer accidentally downloaded a virus that I just can't seem to get rid of. From what I can tell, it's a virus that downloads OTHER viruses. And it's pissing me off.

When I first went to tackle the virus, it seemed like a simple keylogger. I deleted suspicious system32 files, and no new suspicious files have generated. It also seemed that it either downloaded the ANTIVIRUS.NET rouge antivirus, or it came with it. So I deleted the registry files for that, and now I'm sure that at least AV.NET is gone.

Then, since my computer was still showing signs of infection; repeating instances of the mshta.exe process, and occasionally making windows revert to "old style" windows temporarily, I kept exploring my system32 folder and registry, did research on questionable items, and deleted accordingly.

Now, the mshta.exe process repeat is gone, but is replaced by repeating wscript.exe processes, my windows style is stable and not glitching anymore, there seem to be no questionable files in my system32 folder, but my AVG continues to catch Trojans and Malware attempting to install on my computer. But so far no virus symptoms other than AVG keeps catching it trying to come back.

I am running Windows XP Home Edition on a Gateway.

I have been trying to deal with this alone for almost a month now, and I'm thoroughly pissed. PLEASE HELP!!!

And I know you're going to tell me to download Kaspersky, Combofix, SUPERAntispyware, etc., but that's sooo tiring.
I'm not a total novice, I can explore and edit the basic things in my system without crashing it, so if you can just help me figure out where to look for infected files, that would be most appreciated.
But if Combofix and all that is the only way you got, I'll do that.

Kestrel13! · Feb 7, 2011

Welcome to Major Geeks!

And I know you're going to tell me to download Kaspersky, Combofix, SUPERAntispyware, etc., but that's sooo tiring.
Click to expand...

Tiring it may be my friend, but if you want to be sure your computer gets cleaned properly, it be the only way to go.

I'm not a total novice, I can explore and edit the basic things in my system without crashing it
Click to expand...

Then you will get through our steps just fine.

But if Combofix and all that is the only way you got, I'll do that.
Click to expand...

Great. That's the only way I can help you. I will link below to our procedures for reference.

Please read ALL of this message including the notes before doing anything.

Pleases follow the instructions in the below link:

READ & RUN ME FIRST. Malware Removal Guide

and attach the requested logs when you finish these instructions.

**** If something does not run, write down the info to explain to us later but keep on going. ****

Do not assume that because one step does not work that they all will not. MGtools will frequently run even when all other tools will not.

After completing the READ & RUN ME and attaching your logs, make sure that you tell us what problems still remain ( if any still do )!

Helpful Notes:

If you run into problems trying to run the READ & RUN ME or any of the scans in normal boot mode, you can run the steps in safe boot mode but make sure you tell us what you did later when you post logs. See the below if you do not know how to boot in safe mode:

Starting your computer in Safe mode

If you have problems downloading on the problem PC, download the tools and the manual updates for SUPERAntiSpyware and Malwarebytes ( links are given in the READ & RUN ME) onto another PC and then burn to a CD. Then copy them to the problem PC. You will have to skip getting updates if (and only if) your internet connection does not work. Yes you could use a flash drive too but flash drives are writeable and infections can spread to them.

If you cannot seem to login to an infected user account, try using a different user account (if you have one) in either normal or safe boot mode and running only SUPERAntiSpyware and Malwarebytes while logged into this other user account. Then reboot and see if you can log into the problem user account. If you can then run SUPERAntiSpyware, Malwarebytes, ComboFix and MGtools on the infected account as requested in the instructions.

To avoid additional delay in getting a response, it is strongly advised that after completing the READ & RUN ME you also read this sticky:

Don't Bump! It Only Hurts You!!!

Any additional post is a bump which will add more delay. Once you attach the logs, your thread will be in the work queue and as stated our system works the oldest threads FIRST.

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Mystery virus re-installing trojans and malware

Absnt_Myndd Private E-2

Kestrel13! Super Malware Fighter - Major Dilemma Staff Member

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Mystery virus re-installing trojans and malware

Absnt_Myndd Private E-2

Kestrel13! Super Malware Fighter - Major Dilemma Staff Member

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