how to remove malware

[John B.]

Hi,

That log's a mess!

I'm afraid I have unpleasant news for you. You have a Very Dangerous infection on this machine.
The infection is delivered by Rbot-AWF
It allows outsiders COMPLETE access to every keystroke, account, and password you use while on this machine, and complete access to any other data present...
IF this computer has been used for any kind of important data, my best recommendation is to Disconnect from Internet, Re-Format the entire drive and re-install your Operating system and Applications.

We can likely clean the infected files off the computer, and if you wish we will attempt to do so, but we cannot be sure that the infection didn't do something to your system to reduce the system security. In that instance, even after removal of the infection, you could be subject to another attack or takeover as soon as you re-connect to the Internet.

The Decision Whether to ReFormat or Not should be based on:

• The use of the computer - this is the primary factor in the decision whether to re-format and re-install, or just disinfect.
• The variety of malware - this influences the decision on whether to re-format and re-install, or just disinfect. IN THIS CASE we have a rbot, the worst kind.

If the Computer has been used for any important data, you are strongly advised to do the following, immediately:

• Disconnect the infected computer from the internet and from any networked computers until the computer can be cleaned.
• Back up all important data on the machine. Do not back up any Applications (programs). Those should be re-installed from the original source CDs or websites.
• If you have ever used this computer for shopping, banking, or any transactions relating to your financial well being:
  Call all of your banks, credit card companies, and financial institutions, informing them that you may be a victim of identity theft, and to put a watch on your accounts or change all your account numbers.
• From a clean computer, change ALL your online passwords -- for ISP login, email, banks, financial accounts, PayPal, eBay, online companies, and any online forums or groups you belong to.
• DO NOT change passwords or do any transactions while using the infected computer because the attacker will get the new password and transaction information.
• Take any other steps you think appropriate for an attempted identity theft.

While you are deciding whether to ReFormat and Re-Install, a useful link is here: http://www.dslreports.com/faq/10063
Please let me know what you decide.

John.

[youxuan]

John, it is a very upseting news. i have decided to reformat this computer no matter what it takes. could you please provid a detail guidence for it?

i am very very sad!!

thanks for helping me!


Youxuan

[John B.]

Hi,

I'll respect you decision to do a clean install. I doubt if we would've been able to clean your computer.

Please make sure that you know what to do before beginning the operation.

If you have any questions please aks them before doing the reformat!

Here are a few links that propably help.

Reformatting Windows XP by wng_z3r0
When should I re-format? How should I reinstall?
Windows XP Clean install

Then there are a couple of things you should do immediately after installing Windows and before surfing the net...

• Use an Anti Virus Software - It is very important that your computer has an anti-virus software running on your machine. This alone can save you a lot of trouble with malware in the future. See this link for a listing of some on line & their stand-alone anti virus programs:
  Computer Safety On line - Anti-Virus
  I recommend AVG Anti-Virus (Free Edition)!
  
• Update your Anti Virus Software - It is imperitive that you update your Anti virus software at least once a week (Even more if you wish). If you do not update your anti virus software then it will not be able to catch any of the new variants that may come out.
  
• Use a Firewall - I can not stress how important it is that you use a Firewall on your computer. Without a firewall your computer is susceptible to being hacked and taken over. Simply using a Firewall in its default configuration can lower your risk greatly. For an article on Firewalls and a listing of some available ones see the link below:
  Computer Safety On line - Software Firewalls
  I recommend ZoneAlarm (Free Edition)!
  
• Visit Microsoft's Windows Update Site Frequently - It is important that you visit http://www.windowsupdate.com regularly. This will ensure your computer has always the latest security updates available installed on your computer. If there are new updates to install, install them immediately, reboot your computer, and revisit the site until there are no more critical updates.
  
• Make your Internet Explorer more secure - This can be done by following these simple instructions:
  
  1. From within Internet Explorer click on the Tools menu and then click on Options.
  2. Click once on the Security tab
  3. Click once on the Internet icon so it becomes highlighted.
  4. Click once on the Custom Level button.
     
     1. Change the Download signed ActiveX controls to Prompt
     2. Change the Download unsigned ActiveX controls to Disable
     3. Change the Initialise and script ActiveX controls not marked as safe to Disable
     4. Change the Installation of desktop items to Prompt
     5. Change the Launching programs and files in an IFRAME to Prompt
     6. Change the Navigate sub-frames across different domains to Prompt
     7. When all these settings have been made, click on the OK button.
     8. If it prompts you as to whether or not you want to save the settings, press the Yes button.
  5. Next press the Apply button and then the OK to exit the Internet Properties page.
• Install Spybot - Search and Destroy - Install and download Spybot - Search and Destroy with its TeaTimer option.
  This will provide real-time spyware & hijacker protection on your computer alongside your virus protection. You should also scan your computer with program on a regular basis just as you would an anti virus software. A tutorial on installing & using this product can be found here:
  Instructions for - Spybot S & D and Ad-aware
  
• Install Ad-Aware - Install and download Ad-Aware. You should also scan your computer with the program on a regular basis just as you would an anti virus software in conjunction with Spybot. A tutorial on installing & using this product can be found here:
  Instructions for - Spybot S & D and Ad-aware
  
• Install SpywareBlaster - SpywareBlaster will added a large list of programs and sites into your Internet Explorer settings that will protect you from running and downloading known malicious programs. A article on anti-malware products with links for this program and others can be found here:
  Computer Safety on line - Anti-Malware
  
• Update all these programs regularly - Make sure you update all the programs I have listed regularly. Without regular updates you WILL NOT be protected when new malicious programs are released.

Follow this list and your potential for being infected again will reduce dramatically.

May your God go with you...

John.

[youxuan]

it seams that i don't want to take any more risk to the worse consquence it may bring to me. i don't have a good understanding about computer and i should not goof it aound. I have decided to bandon this conputer now. thanks for your help. I have learned a lot from you.

I will share my experience with all my friends.

Youxuan

[random/random]

Glad we could be of assistance.

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Please take the time to tell us what you would like to be done about the people who are behind all the problems you have had. We can only get something done about this if the people that we help, like you, are prepared to complain. See Nellie2's blog here or post in our dedicated forum here
The infection you had was ......