reader_s.exe Trojan fun.

Hi guys/gals.

To start, I have read endless forums and articles on this particular strand of virus, and done lots of different steps already. However, I wanted some unique advice as I'm having a few different problems I haven't seen pop up.

I've got the reader_s.exe trojan on my laptop, luckily I have my main computer for this kind of thing. My laptop is running Windows Vista (urgh).

I'm completely unable to start in normal startup. So everything I've been doing is from Safemode. I'm reasonably knowledgeable with everything Hardware and Software related, and thought I was pretty adept at removing spyware/viruses, having spent some time working in a computer workshop. However, this has stumped me completely.

I've run various dedicated scans and manual removal methods from different (reliable!) forums and I'm still at square one. With reader_s still present and having fun with my OS.

Having looked at the other threads on here, I'm gonna guess I need to go to "Read & Run me first" (bit of logical thinking there, unusual for a new member I know).
One of the issues I had was with Windows Installer packages not being able to install in Safe Mode for certain recommended apps.

Anyway, I'll soldier on with the Read & Run Me thread and keep this updated. What kind of things would be helpful to you guys from me to help the problem? Logs etc?

 

Ok, quick update. Having left the laptop off for a little while I ate dinner, I've gone to turn it back on.. and even in Safe Mode start up I get a black screen with a message:
"Interactive logon process initialization has failed.

Please consult the event log for more details."
With an OK button. On hitting the OK button, the message reappears...

 

Ok, I'm gonna bite the bullet and just wipe it and install Ubuntu.

However, I'm not entirely sure how to reformat without having a backup disk.