Home desktop computer is infected with (at least) the spyware in title above. Have researched solutions on the Web, but none have symptoms exactly matching my situation. My problem seems progressive.
First, the pop-up appeared. I wasn't able to close it, but was still able to run IE, execute other programs, access the control panel, etc. I did not click to execute its options.
A few days later, when I booted the computer, the pop-up immediately appeared over the desktop display, the wallpaper had been replaced with a white background, and the desktop icons appeared fuzzy. At that point, I believe I was still able to execute programs using the desktop icons, but maybe I needed to execute from the Start or All Programs menus - can't recall. I noted that some of the icons in the system tray had disappeared.
The next change occurred a few days later. Windows would not boot. The "new" desktop and pop-up immediately displayed upon turning on the computer. Clicking on the desktop icons produced an hour glass for about 3 seconds, then it disappeared. I had no access to anything else without Windows except to cable TV which I was able to access via a programmed button on my keyboard.
Finally, today everything disappeared. I turn on the computer and immediately get a blank black screen. Tried a number of times - same result - nothing. Noticed that when I switch off the power to the computer, the pop-up appears for an instant on a white background without being imposed on the fuzzy desktop, then the Windows "Preparing to Standby" screen appears for an instant, and then the computer immediately turns off.
Those are the details as I've observed them. I'm a long time computer user, but only at an applications level. Have even less technical knowledge than what it seems most casual users seem to pick up. My Desktop is a Sony Vaio Digital Studio Computer, VGC-RA820G Series, running Windows XP Media Center Edition. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.
by: jgmontgoPosted on 2008-08-18 at 18:57:33ID: 22256776
Yea, I am seeing this kind of problem more and more often lately.
The following procedure will help resolve a number of issues and is really good for overall browser health. The first two programs are great solutions for finding and removing a variety spyware. I recommend using the two because it is common that one will find something that the other may not. Together they are a great solution. The third program is an effective tool for cleaning your internet cache. Run these programs in this order now, then at least weekly run them again (starting with CleanUp! then running the two spyware removal programs).
1) Download, install and run the latest version of Ad-Aware:
http://www.lavaso
2) Download, install and run Spybot - Search & Destroy:
http://www.safer-n
3) Download, install and run CleanUp!:
http://www.steven
4) Download SysClean from Trend Micro, and run:
http://www.trendmicro.
Follo
If you can place your hard drive into another computer, as a second drive, it is best to run SysClean from that computer. This helps to ensure your malware is not running when you do the scan.
If you do not already have an Anti Virus running I recommend that you get one. In fact, if you are using Norton and even McAfee (although they are not as bad) I do recommend uninstalling them and replacing with Trend Micro" Internet Security 2008. This is one of the most effective programs for preventing and removing a variety of malicious software and attacks. You can get this program by following the link below:
http://www.trendmicr
If this doesnt resolve the problem please let us know. It is helpful if you will let us know what you found with the two spyware removal programs and what Anti Virus you are running.