Question

Starting yesterday, each time I reboot my computer or switch users the following error appears when the desktop comes up: C:\program files\webspecials\webspec.dll
I have run a full Norton Virus Scan, an Ad-Aware SE scan and a Spybot Search. I have deleted the temp files as well as all the cookies. Can you tell me what is causing this error and how to get rid of it and prevent it from the future? I have removed the webspecials from using the add/remove programs. I have also used the misconfig, went to the startup tab and unchecked the webspecials.After I did this the error does not appear on startup but only if I keep the computer in the selective startup mode. If I go back to normal startup, the webspecials is put back in the startup and the error starts appearing again. How can I get rid of the startup error and be able to go back to the normal startup? Thank you for your help.

Answer

From the sounds of your e-mail it appears you have done many of the things we would have suggested you try. Which doesn't leave many more recommendations to try. What I would first suggest is that you do is boot into Safe Mode and in Safe mode run the spyware scans and virus scans.

While in safe mode check Add/Remove programs again to make sure webspecials is not listed again.

Finally, while in safe mode also delete the C:\Program files\webspecials folder if found.

Once the above has been completed reboot the computer.

Booting into safe mode will make sure nothing is loaded into memory that could re-load this malware back onto your computer. Additional information about booting into safe mode can be found on the below page.

http://www.computerhope.com/issues/chsafe.htm

Finally, we suggest you also try Microsoft Spyware protection program, it's free and will just help protect your computer even more. A link to Microsoft's Spyware program as well as other recommendations and information on spyware/malware can also be found on the below link.

http://www.computerhope.com/issues/ch000578.htm