SVChost.exe 1140 system32 Virus

[Cymdai]

This one is particularly nasty; it constantly opens a script every 3 seconds, twice in a row.

Hope you guys can help me out!

Here's my HJTLog:

Logfile of Trend Micro HijackThis v2.0.2
Scan saved at 2:17:59 PM, on 6/2/2010
Platform: Windows XP SP3 (WinNT 5.01.2600)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v7.00 (7.00.6000.17023)
Boot mode: Normal

Running processes:
C:\WINDOWS\System32\smss.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\winlogon.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\services.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\lsass.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\Ati2evxx.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\Ati2evxx.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\WINDOWS\eHome\ehRecvr.exe
C:\WINDOWS\eHome\ehSched.exe
C:\Program Files\Java\jre6\bin\jqs.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\Program Files\Common Files\LightScribe\LSSrvc.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\VS7DEBUG\MDM.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\System32\spool\DRIVERS\W32X86\3\HPZIPM12.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\Compact Wireless-G USB Adapter Wireless Network Monitor\WLService.exe
C:\Program Files\Compact Wireless-G USB Adapter Wireless Network Monitor\WUSB54GC.exe
C:\Program Files\Intel\IntelDH\Intel(R) Quick Resume Technology\ELService.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\dllhost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\wscntfy.exe
C:\WINDOWS\ehome\ehtray.exe
C:\WINDOWS\RTHDCPL.EXE
C:\Program Files\DISC\DiscUpdateMgr.exe
C:\Program Files\Sonic\DigitalMedia Plus\DigitalMedia Archive\DMAScheduler.exe
C:\Program Files\Hewlett-Packard\HP Boot Optimizer\HPBootOp.exe
C:\Program Files\HP\HP Software Update\HPwuSchd2.exe
C:\Program Files\Java\jre6\bin\jusched.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
C:\Program Files\Microsoft ActiveSync\wcescomm.exe
C:\Program Files\doubleTwist 2.0\DoubleTwist.DeviceHelper.exe
C:\Program Files\DAEMON Tools Lite\DTLite.exe
C:\Program Files\HP\Digital Imaging\bin\hpqtra08.exe
C:\Program Files\Updates from HP\9972322\Program\Updates from HP.exe
C:\WINDOWS\eHome\ehmsas.exe
C:\Program Files\DISC\DiscGui.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\MI3AA1~1\rapimgr.exe
C:\Program Files\Electronic Arts\The Sims 3 World Adventures\Game\Bin\TS3EP01.exe
C:\HP\KBD\KBD.EXE
C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe
C:\Program Files\Trend Micro\HijackThis\HijackThis.exe

R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL = http://ie.redirect.hp.com/svs/rdr?TYPE= ... pf=desktop
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Search_URL = http://ie.redirect.hp.com/svs/rdr?TYPE= ... pf=desktop
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Bar = http://ie.redirect.hp.com/svs/rdr?TYPE= ... pf=desktop
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page = http://ie.redirect.hp.com/svs/rdr?TYPE= ... pf=desktop
R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://ie.redirect.hp.com/svs/rdr?TYPE= ... pf=desktop
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=69157
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Search_URL = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=54896
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Bar = http://ie.redirect.hp.com/svs/rdr?TYPE= ... pf=desktop
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=54896
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=69157
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Search,SearchAssistant = http://ie.redirect.hp.com/svs/rdr?TYPE= ... pf=desktop
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Connection Wizard,ShellNext = http://ie.redirect.hp.com/svs/rdr?TYPE= ... pf=desktop
R3 - URLSearchHook: Vuze Remote Toolbar - {ba14329e-9550-4989-b3f2-9732e92d17cc} - C:\Program Files\Vuze_Remote\tbVuz1.dll
F2 - REG:system.ini: UserInit=C:\WINDOWS\system32\userinit.exe,C:\WINDOWS\system32\sdra64.exe,
O2 - BHO: AcroIEHlprObj Class - {06849E9F-C8D7-4D59-B87D-784B7D6BE0B3} - C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 7.0\ActiveX\AcroIEHelper.dll
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {5C255C8A-E604-49b4-9D64-90988571CECB} - (no file)
O2 - BHO: dTPodcastBHO - {65134FDF-F8A5-4B3D-91D9-CDF273CFD578} - C:\Program Files\Common Files\doubleTwist\IEPodcastPlugin.dll
O2 - BHO: Windows Live Sign-in Helper - {9030D464-4C02-4ABF-8ECC-5164760863C6} - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\Windows Live\WindowsLiveLogin.dll
O2 - BHO: HpWebHelper - {AAAE832A-5FFF-4661-9C8F-369692D1DCB9} - C:\WINDOWS\pchealth\helpctr\Vendors\CN=Hewlett-Packard,L=Cupertino,S=Ca,C=US\plugin\WebHelper.dll
O2 - BHO: Vuze Remote Toolbar - {ba14329e-9550-4989-b3f2-9732e92d17cc} - C:\Program Files\Vuze_Remote\tbVuz1.dll
O2 - BHO: Java(tm) Plug-In 2 SSV Helper - {DBC80044-A445-435b-BC74-9C25C1C588A9} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre6\bin\jp2ssv.dll
O2 - BHO: JQSIEStartDetectorImpl - {E7E6F031-17CE-4C07-BC86-EABFE594F69C} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre6\lib\deploy\jqs\ie\jqs_plugin.dll
O3 - Toolbar: Vuze Remote Toolbar - {ba14329e-9550-4989-b3f2-9732e92d17cc} - C:\Program Files\Vuze_Remote\tbVuz1.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ehTray] C:\WINDOWS\ehome\ehtray.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [IAAnotif] C:\Program Files\Intel\Intel Matrix Storage Manager\iaanotif.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [RTHDCPL] RTHDCPL.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [HPHUPD08] c:\Program Files\HP\Digital Imaging\{33D6CC28-9F75-4d1b-A11D-98895B3A3729}\hphupd08.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [DISCover] C:\Program Files\DISC\DISCover.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [DiscUpdateManager] C:\Program Files\DISC\DiscUpdateMgr.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [DMAScheduler] c:\Program Files\Sonic\DigitalMedia Plus\DigitalMedia Archive\DMAScheduler.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Recguard] C:\WINDOWS\SMINST\RECGUARD.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [HPBootOp] "C:\Program Files\Hewlett-Packard\HP Boot Optimizer\HPBootOp.exe" /run
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Reminder] "C:\Windows\Creator\Remind_XP.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [HP Software Update] C:\Program Files\HP\HP Software Update\HPwuSchd2.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SunJavaUpdateSched] "C:\Program Files\Java\jre6\bin\jusched.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ISUSPM Startup] C:\PROGRA~1\COMMON~1\INSTAL~1\UPDATE~1\ISUSPM.exe -startup
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NvCplDaemon] RUNDLL32.EXE C:\WINDOWS\system32\NvCpl.dll,NvStartup
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [nwiz] nwiz.exe /installquiet /keeploaded /nodetect
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [TkBellExe] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Real\Update_OB\realsched.exe" -osboot
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [ctfmon.exe] C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [H/PC Connection Agent] "C:\Program Files\Microsoft ActiveSync\wcescomm.exe"
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [doubleTwist] C:\Program Files\doubleTwist 2.0\DoubleTwist.DeviceHelper.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [DAEMON Tools Lite] "C:\Program Files\DAEMON Tools Lite\DTLite.exe" -autorun
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [Google Update] "C:\Documents and Settings\HP_Administrator\Local Settings\Application Data\Google\Update\GoogleUpdate.exe" /c
O4 - S-1-5-18 Startup: Pin.lnk = C:\hp\bin\CLOAKER.EXE (User 'SYSTEM')
O4 - .DEFAULT Startup: Pin.lnk = C:\hp\bin\CLOAKER.EXE (User 'Default user')
O4 - .DEFAULT User Startup: Pin.lnk = C:\hp\bin\CLOAKER.EXE (User 'Default user')
O4 - Global Startup: HP Digital Imaging Monitor.lnk = C:\Program Files\HP\Digital Imaging\bin\hpqtra08.exe
O4 - Global Startup: Updates From HP.lnk = C:\Program Files\Updates from HP\9972322\Program\Updates from HP.exe
O8 - Extra context menu item: E&xport to Microsoft Excel - res://C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~4\OFFICE11\EXCEL.EXE/3000
O9 - Extra button: Create Mobile Favorite - {2EAF5BB1-070F-11D3-9307-00C04FAE2D4F} - C:\PROGRA~1\MI3AA1~1\INetRepl.dll
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {2EAF5BB2-070F-11D3-9307-00C04FAE2D4F} - C:\PROGRA~1\MI3AA1~1\INetRepl.dll
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Create Mobile Favorite... - {2EAF5BB2-070F-11D3-9307-00C04FAE2D4F} - C:\PROGRA~1\MI3AA1~1\INetRepl.dll
O9 - Extra button: Research - {92780B25-18CC-41C8-B9BE-3C9C571A8263} - C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~4\OFFICE11\REFIEBAR.DLL
O9 - Extra button: Internet Connection Help - {E2D4D26B-0180-43a4-B05F-462D6D54C789} - C:\WINDOWS\PCHEALTH\HELPCTR\Vendors\CN=Hewlett-Packard,L=Cupertino,S=Ca,C=US\IEButton\support.htm
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Internet Connection Help - {E2D4D26B-0180-43a4-B05F-462D6D54C789} - C:\WINDOWS\PCHEALTH\HELPCTR\Vendors\CN=Hewlett-Packard,L=Cupertino,S=Ca,C=US\IEButton\support.htm
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {e2e2dd38-d088-4134-82b7-f2ba38496583} - C:\WINDOWS\Network Diagnostic\xpnetdiag.exe
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: @xpsp3res.dll,-20001 - {e2e2dd38-d088-4134-82b7-f2ba38496583} - C:\WINDOWS\Network Diagnostic\xpnetdiag.exe
O9 - Extra button: Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Windows Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
O15 - Trusted Zone: http://*.trymedia.com (HKLM)
O16 - DPF: {40F576AD-8680-4F9E-9490-99D069CD665F} (System Requirements Lab Class) - http://srtest-cdn.systemrequirementslab ... detect.cab
O18 - Protocol: skype4com - {FFC8B962-9B40-4DFF-9458-1830C7DD7F5D} - C:\PROGRA~1\COMMON~1\Skype\SKYPE4~1.DLL
O23 - Service: Ati HotKey Poller - ATI Technologies Inc. - C:\WINDOWS\system32\Ati2evxx.exe
O23 - Service: Wired AutoConfig Dot3svcMDM (Dot3svcMDM) - Unknown owner - C:\WINDOWS\system32\actmovieg.exe (file missing)
O23 - Service: Intel® Quick Resume Technology Drivers (ELService) - Intel Corporation - C:\Program Files\Intel\IntelDH\Intel(R) Quick Resume Technology\ELService.exe
O23 - Service: HTTP SSL HTTPFilterRDSessMgr (HTTPFilterRDSessMgr) - Unknown owner - C:\WINDOWS\system32\advpackv.exe (file missing)
O23 - Service: InstallDriver Table Manager (IDriverT) - Macrovision Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\InstallShield\Driver\1050\Intel 32\IDriverT.exe
O23 - Service: InstallDriver Table Manager IDriverTSCardSvr (IDriverTSCardSvr) - Unknown owner - C:\WINDOWS\system32\admparset.exe
O23 - Service: Java Quick Starter (JavaQuickStarterService) - Sun Microsystems, Inc. - C:\Program Files\Java\jre6\bin\jqs.exe
O23 - Service: LightScribeService Direct Disc Labeling Service (LightScribeService) - Hewlett-Packard Company - C:\Program Files\Common Files\LightScribe\LSSrvc.exe
O23 - Service: NVIDIA Display Driver Service (NVSvc) - NVIDIA Corporation - C:\WINDOWS\system32\nvsvc32.exe
O23 - Service: Pml Driver HPZ12 - HP - C:\WINDOWS\System32\spool\DRIVERS\W32X86\3\HPZIPM12.EXE
O23 - Service: WUSB54GCSVC - GEMTEKS - C:\Program Files\Compact Wireless-G USB Adapter Wireless Network Monitor\WLService.exe

--
End of file - 10847 bytes

[Wingman]

Hello Cymdai... Welcome to the forum.

My name is Wingman, and I'll be helping you with any malware problems.
The logs I request can take a while to research, so please be patient.

Before we begin...please read and follow these important guidelines, so things will proceed smoothly.

1. The instructions being given are for YOUR computer and system only!
   Using these instructions on a different computer can cause damage to that computer and possibly render it inoperable!
2. DO NOT run any other fix or removal tools unless instructed to do so!
3. DO NOT install any other software (or hardware) during the cleaning process. This adds more items to be researched.
4. Only- post your problem at (1) one help site. Applying fixes from multiple help sites can cause problems.
5. Print each set of instructions...if possible...your Internet connection will not be available during some fix processes.
6. Only- reply to this thread, do not start another ... Please, continue responding, until I give you the "All Clean"

Please take time to read the Malware Removal Forum Guidelines and Rules where the conditions for receiving help at this forum are explained.

Please read all instructions carefully before executing and perform the steps, in the order given. lf, you have any questions or problems, executing these instructions, <<STOP>> do not proceed, post back with the question or problem.


P2P Advisory!
IMPORTANT There are signs of one or more P2P (Peer to Peer) File Sharing Programs installed on your computer.
Vuze

As long as you have the P2P program(s) installed, per Forum Policy, I can offer you no further assistance.
If you choose NOT to remove the program(s)...indicate that in your next reply and this topic will be closed.
Otherwise, please perform the following steps:
Remove P2P Program(s)

1. Click on Start > Control Panel and double click on Add/Remove Programs.
2. Locate the following program:
   Vuze
3. Click on the Change/Remove button to uninstall it.
4. When the program(s) have been uninstalled... Close Add/Remove Programs. Close Control Panel.

By using any form of P2P networking to download files you can anticipate infestations of malware to occur. The P2P program
itself, may be safe but the files may not... use P2P at your own risk! Keep in mind that this practice may be the source of your current malware infestation.
References... siting risk factors, using P2P programs: Malware: Help prevent the Infection and How to Prevent the Online Invasion of Spyware and Adware

If you removed the P2P program... please proceed with the following steps. Otherwise let me know.

Step 1.
ERUNT - Emergency Recovery Utility NT
If you already have this program installed, please proceed to the Run: portion of these instructions.
Modifying the Registry can create unforeseen problems, so it's always wise to create a backup before doing so.
This is a free program that allows you to keep a complete backup of your registry and restore it when needed.
ERUNT utility program
Download:

1. Please download ERUNT...by Lars Hederer. Save it to your desktop.
2. Double-click erunt-setup-exe to run the install process. Install ERUNT by following the prompts.
3. Use the default install settings...
4. Make sure the first two check boxes -> (Create ERUNT and NTREGOPT desktop icons) are checked.
   Say "NO" if prompted or asked if you want to add ERUNT to the Start-Up folder. You can enable this later.
5. Start ERUNT either by double clicking on the desktop icon or choosing to start the program at the end of the setup process.
6. Choose a location for the backup. Note: the default location is C:\WINDOWS\ERDNT which is fine.
7. Click on OK ... then click on "YES" to create the folder.

Run:
This will create a full backup of your registry... ERUNT can be used to restore the registry from this backup, if needed.

1. Please navigate to Start >> All Programs >> ERUNT, then double-click ERUNT from the menu.
2. Click on OK within the pop-up menu.
3. In the next menu under C:\WINDOWS\ERDNT\DD-MM-YYYY under Backup options make sure both the following are selected:
   
   • System registry.
   • Current user registry.
4. Next click on "OK"... at the prompt... reply "Yes".
   After a short duration the Registry backup is complete! pop-up message will appear.
5. Now click on "OK". A registry backup has now been created.

< STOP > If you did not successfully complete this step. < STOP > Do not continue with any other steps, post back and let me know!

Step 2.
Fix HijackThis entries
Important!
Please temporarily disable any anti-spyware programs you are using, listed Here
...so they will not interfere with the entries we will be fixing in HijackThis.

1. Run HijackThis
   
   • If you are on the Main Menu page... Click "Do a system scan only"
   • If you are on the "scan & fix stuff" page... Press the Scan...button.
2. When the scan finishes...Place a check mark next to the following entries (if they are still present):
   
   *Only check those items listed below*
   

   R3 - URLSearchHook: Vuze Remote Toolbar - {ba14329e-9550-4989-b3f2-9732e92d17cc} - C:\Program Files\Vuze_Remote\tbVuz1.dll
   F2 - REG:system.ini: UserInit=C:\WINDOWS\system32\userinit.exe,C:\WINDOWS\system32\sdra64.exe,
   O2 - BHO: (no name) - {5C255C8A-E604-49b4-9D64-90988571CECB} - (no file)
   O2 - BHO: Vuze Remote Toolbar - {ba14329e-9550-4989-b3f2-9732e92d17cc} - C:\Program Files\Vuze_Remote\tbVuz1.dll
   O3 - Toolbar: Vuze Remote Toolbar - {ba14329e-9550-4989-b3f2-9732e92d17cc} - C:\Program Files\Vuze_Remote\tbVuz1.dll
   O15 - Trusted Zone: <http://*.trymedia.com> (HKLM)

3. After checking these items... CLOSE ALL open windows except HijackThis
4. Click the Fix Checked...button. Choose YES...when prompted to fix the selected items.
5. Once it has fixed them, close HijackThis and reboot your computer normally.

Step 3.
Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware
Please save any items you were working on... close any open programs. You may be asked to reboot your machine.
Please download Malwarebytes Anti-Malware and save it to your desktop. If needed...Tutorial w/screenshots
Alternate download sites available here or here.

1. Make sure you are connected to the Internet.
2. Double-click on mbam-setup.exe to install the application.
3. When the installation begins, follow the prompts and do not make any changes to default settings.
4. When installation has finished, make sure you leave both of these checked:
   • Update Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware <<---Important!
   • Launch Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware
   • Then click Finish.
   MBAM will automatically start and you will be asked to update the program before performing a scan.
   • If an update is found, the program will automatically update itself.
   • Press the OK button to close that box and continue.
   • Problems downloading the updates? Manually download them from here and double-click on "mbam-rules.exe" to install.

On the Scanner tab:

1. Make sure the "Perform Quick Scan" option is selected.
2. Then click on the Scan button.
3. If asked to select the drives to scan, leave all the drives selected and click on the Start Scan button.
   The scan will begin and "Scan in progress" will show at the top. It may take some time to complete so please be patient.
   When the scan is finished, a message box will say "The scan completed successfully. Click 'Show Results' to display all objects found".
4. Click OK to close the message box and continue with the removal process.

Back at the main Scanner screen:

1. Click on the Show Results button to see a list of any malware that was found.
2. Check all items except any items (if present) in the C:\System Volume Information folder... then click on Remove Selected.
   We will take care of the System Volume Information items later.
   When removal is completed, a log report will open in Notepad and you may be prompted to restart your computer. (see Note below)
   The log is automatically saved and can be viewed by clicking the Logs tab in MBAM. The log can also be found here:
   C:\Documents and Settings\Username\Application Data\Malwarebytes\Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware\Logs\mbam-log-date (time).txt
3. Copy and paste the contents of that report in your next reply and exit MBAM.

Note: If MBAM encounters a file that is difficult to remove, you will be presented with 1 of 2 prompts. Click OK to either and let MBAM proceed with the disinfection process. If asked to restart the computer, please do so immediately. Failure to reboot will prevent MBAM from removing all the malware.

• If Malwarebytes Anti-Malware results in any error messages, check the Help file's list of error codes within its program folder first. If you do not find any information, please refer to Common Issues, Questions, and their Solutions, Frequently Asked Questions. If the error you are receiving is not in the list, please report it here so the research team can investigate.

• Some types of malware will target Malwarebytes Anti-Malware and other security tools to keep them from running properly. If that's the case, please refer to the suggestions provided in For those having trouble running Malwarebytes Anti-Malware.

Step 4.
RSIT (Random's System Information Tool)
Please download RSIT by random/random... save it to your desktop.

1. Double click on RSIT.exe to run it... read the disclaimer... click on Continue.
2. RSIT will start running. When done... 2 logs files...will be produced.
   The first one, "log.txt", <<will be maximized... the second one, "info.txt", <<will be minimized.
   These log files can be found in the C:\RSIT folder
3. Please post both... "log.txt" and "info.txt", file contents in your next reply.

Step 5.
Please include in your next reply:

1. Any problem executing the instructions?
2. MBAM scan results.
3. RSIT log.txt and info.txt file contents.
4. How is the computer behaving?

Thanks,
Wingman

[Wingman]

3 Day Response
Hello...
It has been 2+ days since my last post to you.

• Do you still need help with this problem?
• Do you need more time?
• Are you having problems understanding or following my instructions?
• Did you find help elsewhere, for your problem?

Just let me know what's going on otherwise...
After 24 hrs., if you have not replied to this thread... it will be closed!

[Cymdai]

Wingman,

The computer ultimately shut me out to a point where I was unable to run any of the programs listed here. Task manager wa locked out, no new .exe files could be initiated, and there was even a strange issue with clicking on links (clicking a link would re-direct me to an entirely different site, yet typing out an http address would work)

I was forced to restore to factory settings, unfortunately :-(

Thank you for the attempted assistance though. Could I ask, is there a way to prevent such a similar system lockout in the future?

[Wingman]

Hello Cymdai

I was forced to restore to factory settings, unfortunately :-(

Thanks for letting us know. Sometimes that's the best option.

Thank you for the attempted assistance though. Could I ask, is there a way to prevent such a similar system lockout in the future?

There is no sure method as malware infections infect different aspects of your system. It would depend on the malware.

The only thing you can do is try to prevent getting infected again. Here is some general information.
Thanks to... Quietman7 ... for making this available.
===============================================================================================

Prevention and Protection Tips

1. Keep Windows and Internet Explorer current with the latest security updates from Microsoft including SP2 and SP3 which has enhanced security features.
If you have not done so, go to:

• Microsoft Windows Update and download all the "critical updates" for Windows.

Visit these sites regularly:

• Calendar Of Updates
• Microsoft Security Bulletin Summaries

For information on Microsoft Advisories and other important security update notifications.

2. Be careful what you download... These types of downloads that may contain malware:

• Free games, animated characters, and screen savers.
• Music, movies, and file-sharing programs.
• Instant Messaging (IM) attachments.
• Toolbars for your Internet browser.
• Unknown email files and attachments.

3. Avoid certain types of web sites:

• Online gaming sites.
• Online gambling sites.
• P2P (peer-to-peer) file sharing sites.

Online gaming and gambling sites can lead to other sites containing more malware which you can inadvertently download without knowledge or consent.
Users visiting such sites may see innocuous-looking banner ads containing code which can trigger pop-up ads and Flash ads that install viruses, Trojans and spyware.
Ads are a target for hackers because they offer a stealthy way to distribute malware to a wide range of Internet users.

(P2P) peer-to-peer or file sharing programs are a security risk which can make your system susceptible to a smörgåsbord of malware infections:
Remote attacks, exposure of personal information, identity theft, fraud, and phishing. Many malicious worms and Trojans target P2P files sharing networks.

4. Be wary of URL addresses and Files:

Scan a URL address before going there:

• Go to LinkScanner
• Copy and paste a suspicious url address... into the "URL to scan:" box.
• Click "Scan".

Scan a file before you download it:

• Go to Dr.Webb Check URL Scan
• Copy and paste the download URL link for the file into the "white box".
• Click "Scan".

5. Be wary of freeware products.

• Always read the EULA (End User License Agreement) carefully. Some "freeware" programs come bundled with malware.
• Use EULAlyzer...Copyright (C) 2002-2007 Javacool Software LLC. All Rights Reserved.
  To analyze license agreements for interesting words and phrases before installing software.
• Always scan the downloads with your anti-virus program because even trusted sites have being known to be compromised.

Please let me know you have seen this post... at which time I will ask for it to be archived.

Stay Safe
Wingman

[NonSuch]

As this issue appears to be resolved, this topic is now closed.

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