My system is seriously messing up! please help!

[alternate]

I am a DJ/producer, so i have tonnes of valueable information on my computer, i am in the process of backing it up. but it's a long process.

 

My laptop has a few major problems

firstly, the blue screen of so called "death" is coming up quite often,

dumping physical memory, and restarting my whole system

 

I have a particulary malicious adware problem, usually routing from google and search links, when i click a link, it'll open into "smart biz search" or even other sites such as ebay etc. I have ad-aware/spybot and norton anti virus, none of these have relieved that problem

 

And lastly, i have downloaded zonealarm. installed it, and every time it runs, it'll come up as an icon in the tray, and then dissapear, i can't even get it load on the screen. I don't have a clue what to do regarding any of these, so any help would be so much appreciated! heard good things about this site from my dad, so hopefully you guys can help!

[RandyL]

I don't know why you are getting the BSOD but backing up is a good idea.

 

As for your security products they leave a lot to be desired. We'll recommend better ones. As for ZoneAlarm it might be a problem with Norton. You should never run two different firewalls or two different real time protection Antivirus programs at the same time.

 

Follow our guide as it has a very good record of cleaning up a malware infection.

 

Your computer appears to be infected with Malware. Malware is software designed to infiltrate or damage a computer system without the owner's informed consent. It is a combination of the words malicious and software. The expression is a general term used by computer professionals to mean a variety of forms of hostile, intrusive, or annoying software or program code.

 

It is in your best interest to note the following:

1. Please disable your resident security applications (such as AVG, Spybot, WinPatrol, etc.) before performing the below procedure so that they do not interfere with the process.
   
2. Perform all the steps in the order listed to avoid any conflicts.
   
3. If unsure, please stop and voice your doubts.
   
4. You might be required to go offline during the disinfection process. Therefore, it is recommended to print off the instructions below for ease of reference.
   

If you stick to the above guidelines, all should go smoothly.

 

================================================

STEP 1

1. Download ATF-Cleaner by Atribune.
   
2. Save the file to your Desktop.
   
3. Double-click on the file to run the program.
   
4. On the Main tab, check the Select All button.
   
5. Next, click on the Firefox tab (if applicable) and check the Select All button.
    
   Note: If you would like to preserve your saved passwords in Firefox, then click No at the corresponding prompt.
   
6. Now, click on the Opera tab (if applicable) and check the Select All button.
    
   Note: If you would like to preserve your saved passwords in Opera, then click No at the corresponding prompt.
   
7. Press the Empty Selected button and click OK to acknowledge the corresponding prompt.
   
8. Click on the Exit button to quit the program.
   

================================================

STEP 2

1. Please click here to download Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware.
   
2. Save the file to your Desktop.
   
3. Double-click mbam-setup.exe and follow the prompts to install the program.
   
4. At the end, make sure a check mark is placed next to:
   1. 
      
   2. Update Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware
      
   3. Launch Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware
      

[*]Click Finish.

[*]The program will download and update itself if it finds the necessity to do so. Please allow this.

[*]Once the program has loaded, select Perform full scan, then click Scan.

 

Note: Depending on your computer specifications, the scan may take some time to complete. Please wait patiently and do not interrupt the process.

[*]When the scan is complete, click OK, and then Show Results to view the results.

[*]Make sure that every entry is selected, and click Remove Selected.

[*]Restart your computer.

================================================

STEP 3

1. Please click here to download SUPERAntiSpyware (Free Version).
   
2. Save the file to your Desktop.
   
3. Double-click SUPERAntiSpyware.exe and follow the prompts to install the program.
   
4. Open SUPERAntiSpyware.
   
5. Under Configuration and Preferences, click the Preferences button.
   
6. Click the Scanning Control tab.
   
7. Under Scanner Options make sure the following fields checked:

   [*]Click the Close button to leave the control center screen.

   [*]On the main screen, under Scan for Harmful Software click Scan your computer.

   [*]On the left, make sure you check mark C:\Fixed Drive.

   [*]On the right, under Complete Scan, choose Perform Complete Scan.

   [*]Click Next to start the scan. Please be patient while it scans your computer.

   [*]After the scan is complete, a Scan Summary box will appear with potentially harmful items that were detected. Click OK.

   [*]Make sure every entry has a check mark next to it and click Next.

   [*]A notification will appear that Quarantine and Removal is Complete. Click OK and then Finish to return to the main menu.

   [*]Restart your computer.

   ================================================

   STEP 4
   1. Please visit the ESET Online Scanner, using Internet Explorer to initiate the scan.
       
      Note: If you are running Windows Vista, then you will need Administrative privileges to complete the latter part of the procedure. To do so, right-click on the Internet Explorer icon in the Start Menu and select the Run As Administrator option in the shell context menu.
      
   2. Check mark the YES, I accept the Terms of Use box.
      
   3. Click the Start button.
      
   4. Click the Install button on the following screen.
      
   5. Click Start. This will will initialize and update the scanner engine.
      
   6. Check mark the box beside Remove found threats.
      
   7. Click the Scan button. This will start the scan. Please be patient while it is in progress.
      
   8. Restart your computer.
      

   ================================================

   STEP 5
   1. Click on Start > Programs > Accessories > System Tools and select System Restore.
      
   2. Choose the radio button marked Create a Restore Point on the first screen and click Next. Give the restore point a name then click Create. The new point will be stamped with the current date and time. Keep a note of this so you can find it easily should you need to use System Restore.
      
   3. Next, click on Start > Run, type Cleanmgr and click on OK.
      
   4. Click on the More Options tab.
      
   5. Click the Clean Up button in the System Restore section to remove all previous restore points except the most recent one.
      

   This will remove any infected files that have been backed up by Windows. The files in "System Restore" are protected to prevent any programs changing those files. This is the only foolproof way to ensure the deletion of those files.

    

   Note: Please don't use it on a regular basis as this will clear all previous restore points. The feature might be very useful to revert your computer to working condition if something goes wrong.

    

   Re-enable all your security applications and please return here and tell us how the computer seems to be operating.

    

   Happy Safe Computing!

    

   -- Goku

Close browsers before scanning
Scan for tracking cookies
Terminate memory threats before quarantining

[alternate]

Many thanks

 

although i have got as far as the malware remover, and about 20,000 objects through the scan. blue screen, memory dump and my laptop crashes. i've ran it about 5 times and same result every time. any thoughts?

[maynardvdm]

Hi

 

Is Vista up to date and all service packs installed?

 

This sounds like a memory related problem, but i could be wrong. :)

[alternate]

Yes i think it is, service pack 2 installed.

the thing is, sometimes vista won't update itself, same problem with avg/spybot and other programs, they say they cannot connect to the internet

 

I'm in despair here. When trying to run a program to remove a problem, it intervenes!

[alternate]

It won't let me open the links from step 3 onwards. says page could not be found, i'll keep trying though.

[alternate]

Another update, i've uninstalled norton anti virus, and zonealarm still is installed but won't run, data excecution prevention, but i cannot be turned off for this program

 

any help?

[BeeCeeBee]

Try finishing up the Norton uninstall with this: Download and run the Norton Removal Tool

 

Then, if you can try uninstalling Zone Alarm and try the program from scratch. Once the 3 programs are installed and updated you do not need to be on the internet until you get to the eset scan. Try downloading and installing them all without scanning before you run the proceedure.

[alternate]

i just cannot download the super anti spyware, i went through their website, and as soon as i clicked on download. it just came up with cannot load the page. has anyone got the time to email me the installation file?

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Email removed for member security.

 

 

[BeeCeeBee]

That is not an option for posting alternate. I have removed your email address for your own security. There are automated programs that go through forums looking for email addresses.

 

Please try to download the program in safe mode with networking. (Just reboot and slowly tap on F8 as the machine begins to show the first screen. You should be led to a black page with the choices available. Just scroll through.)

[alternate]

thanks, i've got the program now,

my concern lies now with the blue screen coming up and my laptop crashing when i run the malware scanner.

[BeeCeeBee]

If you got the programs while in safe mode, and you have installed SUPERspyware in normal mode. (required) Then go back to safe mode and run the procedure from there.

 

See http://extremetechsupport.com/forum/malware-removal-av-firewalls-etc/5629-malware-disinfection-limited-no-internet-access.html#post40332

[alternate]

yeah i will try that, thanks!

[I4n]

I used to have Zone alarm and it just would not run if it knew another protection programme was installed, I also had Norton, that got the boot and I used Zone alarm for a couple of years trouble free.

[alternate]

Thing is. I havn't got any other protection software. and zonealarm is still not running, something about data execution prevention.... can anyone recommend a solution/alternative firewall?

[I4n]

I would disable Zone alarm and just use the Windows firewall till you sort the rest out.

[Match]

Hi alternate

 

Extreme Tech Support - Free PC Help Recommended Security products

[BeeCeeBee]

These are all good suggestions, alternate, but how are you doing with the initial problem that caused you to start this thread? Have you been able to run the full disinfection process?

[alternate]

zonealarm still isnt initializing. the thing with windows firewall is that i keep finding it turned off, when i've turned it on, next time i use my laptop. it's off.

 

i havn't had a chance to run the malware software yet, had a busy weekend. but i will let you know when i do. the others proved very effective. thank you

[alternate]

the online scanner is not loading in either browser. i will do the other steps soon.

[RandyL]

alternate it's important that you follow the steps in the order listed.

Do not skip any steps.

The Eset scan is the last scan and only works in IE.

Reboot after each scan as directed.

Follow all the steps in the same time period.

Do not do some of the steps now and some later.

[alternate]

i've done all the steps, but the online scan will not load. so i had no choice with that one to be honest. the problems seem to have gone. i hope so anyway.

the adware has gone from google, and no crashes as of yet

 

very much appreciated for your help! i will keep trying to load the online scan every few days. see if anything changes, but it won't even load the original website

[BeeCeeBee]

I have checked the eset site using Internet Explorer and it seems fine. This would indicate that you may still have a problem although apparently less severe. Keep us informed.

[Match]

Hi alternate

 

It might be worth trying un installing IE, Then re-installing it, just make sure you download a copy of it, or have a copy on disk before un-installing :)

[RandyL]

I would try the following then try the Eset again.

 

 

http://extremetechsupport.com/forum/images/icons/icon1.gif How to Reset or Restore Advanced Settings in Internet Explorer 7

How to Reset or Restore Adanced Settings in Internet Explorer 7.

 

You need to access Internet Options. Here's how :

 

In your Internet Explorer Browser Click Tools and then click on Internet Options, like this:

http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn297/Mjfreepchelp/ietools.png

 

Then click on the Advanced Tab, like this:

 

http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn297/Mjfreepchelp/internetoptions2.png

 

Then you can choose either Restore Advanced Settings or Reset depending on your situation.

 

Warning: Reset will delete all temporary files, disable all browser add-ons and reset all changed settings