No downloads, except AVG and Spybot

Hi:
I have an IBM R40 laptop with XP Pro and SP2 installed. Looks like I'll have to do a Restore again! (Including slow downloads of all the IBM updates, unless it's possile to save those from the computer. Is it?

The problem started wth no updates from Microsoft. I ran Spybot this morning, and it found something I removed. AVG said that there were changes to ntoskrnl.exe. Older changes are kernel32.dll, wsock.dll, user32.dll, and shell32.dll. I ignored the latter.

I got inot instructions at Major Geeks for ntoskrnl.exe and tried to use turned micro and the others someone had suggested. Something to do with ActiveX would not allow me to use them. I haven't received Zone Alarm updates for a long time, and I tried to download it frresh. It wouldn't.

I really goofed this morning too. I couldn't find Spy Guard on the install/uninstall list, and so tried to delete it. Later, I found SpyGuard on the list, but found my goof too late. Now, when I try to uninstall, it tells me the program is open. I wonder what I can do now. Search brought up the related files, but I may uninstall the wrong things?

 

Please follow the steps below:

- Run ALL the steps in this Sticky thread READ & RUN ME FIRST Before Asking for Support

• Make sure you check version numbers and get all updates.

After doing ALL of the above you still have a problem make sure you have booted to normal mode and run the steps in the below link to properly use HijackThis:

Downloading, Installing, and Running HijackThis

When you return to make your next post, make sure you attach the following logs and that you have run these scans in the following order too (these scans are covered in steps 6 & 7 of the READ & RUN ME sticky)

• Bitdefender
• Panda Scan
• HijackThis

 

Did you ever think that maybe 8 pages like this would be a bit much for less experienced folk? I did read it once, but oh my! Well, I did find these problems getting beyond me and decided on redoing the hard drive as the easiest route. I just wish that I didn't have to download 20 hours of IBM updates all over again. I sure never has all this hassle with my old computer and Windows Me. This is getting ridiculous! Anyway, starting again is a lot easier than doing 8 pages of stuff. I was looking for an easier way,not a tougher idea.

 

There is no easy way, no cure all solution, no magic silver bullet. The vast majority of the procedure is informational. A complete reformat and new installation is usually not required.

 

It's a ton easier to redo the hard drive than to follow 8 pages of "do this before you ask us"! If I could carry out the 8 pages, I wouldn't need to ask Major Geeks anything about anything. Just to take the first couple pages: Do you tell us how to disable and enable system restore? Then the instructions jump to "How to view hidden, system files and folders" without saying how to do it. So much of the 8 pages doesn't apply if most downloads, such as the ones suggested by Major Geeks, are blocked. I did try them,and they won't downoad.
As I say, I dislike the new computer. It seemed easier to do things before. Safe mode and all the rest are a pain now - I have to look everything up if I can find some place that gives the method. It used to be easy to run an anti-virus program in safe mode or to run ScanDisk. What lame brain decided on check disk? The IBM instructions on the computer are for illiterate people, and I prefer books. Since I got this nuisance of a computer, all I do it look up things. The 8 pages - well, if I could do all that I'd apply for a job in computers.

 

It's a ton easier to redo the hard drive than to follow 8 pages of "do this before you ask us"! If I could carry out the 8 pages, I wouldn't need to ask Major Geeks anything about anything. Just to take the first couple pages: Do you tell us how to disable and enable system restore? Then the instructions jump to "How to view hidden, system files and folders" without saying how to do it. So much of the 8 pages doesn't apply if most downloads, such as the ones suggested by Major Geeks, are blocked. I did try them,and they won't download.
As I say, I dislike the new computer. It seemed easier to do things before. Safe mode and all the rest are a pain now - I have to look everything up if I can find some place that gives the method. It used to be easy to run an anti-virus program in safe mode or to run ScanDisk. What lame brain decided on check disk? The IBM instructions on the computer are for illiterate people, and I prefer books. Since I got this nuisance of a computer, all I do it look up things. The 8 pages - well, if I could do all that I'd apply for a job in computers.

 

Those are linked to in the instructions, if you read them on the screen instead of printing them you would have seen that.

As I said before there is no "One size, fits all" solution. The steps in the porocedure, as outlined, work; as evidenced by the volume of traffic this forum recieves. They are time tested and proven to work. The volunteers who staff this forum have used those instructions to clean thousands of computers of numerous infections.

You have demonstrated that you do not have the patience, as many people, to work through the instructions given. You want instant results, well when dealing with malware there aren't instant results.

I will not respond to this thread anymore. You have a problem with the instructions, take it up with one of the administrators of this site. You're goinbg to get much the same response you got from me.

 

At least computer users hang in there. If you consider the matter, it's difficult to apply 8 pages to a computer without printing the stuff! It may be better for people who are very techie and who are used to this kind of exercise, and I'm sure it is easier for them really. People like me would just give up and not want to know if the whole 9 yards hits us. Just a suggestion to find out how experienced we are before tossing 8 pages at us. Take it or leave it.

 

If you are frustrated and leaving it that is your option just as it is ours to explain the history and revision of our guides so the needs of ALL members are met.

The instructions, all 8 pages as you keep pointing out, contain some basic steps and contain many explanations. There used to be a lot less information, however we found that this forum dealt mainly with individuals who were newer to computers or so frustrated they would get confused and needed more information. In that regard they were having difficulty following along as there were many things they did not know how to do (or drew a blank due to their frustration level) like how to install something like HijackThis instead of just running it from the temporary file it is extracted to when opening a zip file. To us this is an obvious no no, to a newbie (or someone pulling their hair out in frustration) most didn't know (or forgot) the difference between the exe being installed or run from a temporary location.

Many users have no idea how to enable the viewing of hidden and system files...another necessity when removing all traces of malware so yup! You guessed it...further information and instructions were necessary. You already know how to do this for example? No need for you to click that link or print that page is there?

Now, rather than those that volunteer here having to keep repeating these same instructions in replies over and over and over again the instructions are provided in the READ & RUN ME FIRST for those that need it. For the things that you know how to do you don't need to click the link or print the instructions, just do it...that's what those that are more computer literate do.

You can also print only what you need/want by copy/pasting into word pad or note pad just the sections you yourself need further instruction with.

We have had hundreds and hundreds of people who just bought their first computer, ever! and got infected...found our site...followed our guide and successfully cleaned their computers. They thanked us profusely for our clear, concise instructions. Same goes for people who have been using computers for a few years and thought they knew more than they did. Getting infected was not only a wake up call but a real learning experience.

In a nut shell. Our guides fit all levels of computer users..it is up to you to follow the basic steps and take it further by following the break down of step by step instructions where you may need further explanation/instruction. Then, if you still don't understand how to do something you ask and we try to break it down even further for you.

If you would like to do your part by following the basic steps in the guide as suggested, please feel free to start another thread with the required logs attached (BitDefender, Panda ActiveScan & HijackThis) and someone will be more than happy to assist you.