Help with wierd Vista Antivirus Virus "I think"

[maximus01can]

Yeah, just a quick update, ran startup in safe mode with networking and found I could connect so I knew then it was some sort of nastyware.......so while in safe mode ran adaware, then spybot and nuked the little bugger it found. All's well since then.

Cheers,
Max

[DoubleK]

Something not mentioned and worth adding in this thread is the power of hijackthis to intermediate users. Sad people think so highly of AdAware still after their advertising debacle.

[maximus01can]

Not sure what you're talking about, but have used hijackthis in the past, but I don't think it removes the problem just identifies it if I remember correctly, but know it's there isn't the problem, getting rid of it was for me anyway. In reality I think it was spybot that I used to identify and nuke the malware.........

Cheers,
Max

[BipolarBill]

Yah - Spybot is still the standard-bearer IMO.

[DoubleK]

Quote:

Originally Posted by maximus01can

Not sure what you're talking about, but have used hijackthis in the past, but I don't think it removes the problem just identifies it if I remember correctly, but know it's there isn't the problem, getting rid of it was for me anyway. In reality I think it was spybot that I used to identify and nuke the malware.........

Cheers,
Max

Incorrect.

Trend Micro HijackThis - Free software downloads and reviews - CNET Download.com

I was in no way being critical of SpyBot. Re read please. I am not enamored by AdAware and some of their policies and resulting offenders being excluded from their detection and subsequent removal.

Get rid of half of your issues by ditching internet explorer already. Get rid of the other 40% by immunizing with SpyBot. I don't know how many people I know who claim to use spybot but are ignorant to what immunization accomplishes.

I wanted to add that hijackthis can accomplish more than spybot in many circumstances. Unfortunately people are put off by the power (danger) of HJT as they are too lazy or unwilling to take their privacy into their own hands.

Everyone should know by now that no single solution exists. A layered approach is best! Your spyderco (:: Spyderco ::) slicing through your ethernet cable and no wireless ability is THE only safe method for computing

[maximus01can]

To each their own........

Max

[DoubleK]

To each their own?

This implies you tried HJT one time and it did not remove the particular nasty that you wanted it to so abandoned it forever.

If that were the case I would not use Norton, Spybot, my car or the airlines

My work is done here.

[BipolarBill]

HijackThis does not remove the files - just the startup reference. It is basically useless for actually removing spyware.

I have had excellent results with Spybot recently. It removes all of those ransomware antivirus, antispy and registry fixers.

WinPatrol is as good as HijackThis for removing spyware startup references and IE "helpers" (BHOs) and it's easier to use than HijackThis.

[maximus01can]

No each to their own means you use what you want and I'll use what I want. We can present the issues we've had and let all decide for themselves. It's kinda like that freedom of speech thing..........

Cheers,
Max

[DoubleK]

Quote:

HijackThis lists the contents of key areas of the Registry and hard drive--areas that are used by both legitimate programmers and hijackers. The program is continually updated to detect and remove new hijacks. It does not target specific programs and URLs, only the methods used by hijackers to force you onto their sites.