Nasty virus

[evilfantasy]

Your Java is out of date.

Older versions have vulnerabilities that malicious sites can use to infect your system.

First install the new Sun Java Runtime Environment

Note: UNCHECK any pre-checked toolbar and/or software offered with the Java update. The pre-checked toolbars/software are not part of the Java update.

Be sure to close all browser windows before beginning the install.

Remove the old version(s)

Download JavaRa
* Unzip the file and open the JavaRa.exe
* Click Remove Older Versions
* JavaRa will search for and remove any outdated version of Java and remove any that are found.
* Click Additional Tasks
* Place a check next to Remove Useless JRE Files and click Go
* Exit JavaRa
* Delete the JavaRa files from the Desktop

Additional Note: The Java Quick Starter (JQS.exe) adds a service to improve the initial startup time of Java applets and applications. To disable the JQS service if you don't want to use it, go to Start > Control Panel > Java > Advanced > Miscellaneous and uncheck the box for Java Quick Starter. Click OK and restart your computer.

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Update your Adobe Reader. http://get.adobe.com/reader/

Be sure to uncheck the Free McAfee Security Scan so it isn't installed.

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Use the Secunia Software Inspector to check for out of date software.

• Click Start Now
  
• Check the box next to Enable thorough system inspection.
  
• Click Start
  
• Allow the scan to finish and scroll down to see if any updates are needed.
• Update anything listed.

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Now restart the computer and try updating again.

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[kviez]

Well I have been working on the updates recommended from the Secunia Software Inspector.  I get a message that "Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool - September 2009 (KB890830)" was installed successfully.  And that "Security Update for Jscript 5.7 for Windows XP (KB971961)" Failed to update.  I have performed this update a number of times through the Windows Update site and get the same result everytime.

The yellow shield is still coming back with a message that I need to install update KB890830.  It's like something is blocking the update.

Thanks again for all of the help.

[evilfantasy]

Try the direct download for KB890830 http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?familyid=ad724ae0-e72d-4f54-9ab3-75b8eb148356&displaylang=en

[kviez]

I am sorry for being such a pain.  I tried the direct download 4 times and could never get it to install.  But after I tried the direct download I clicked on the yellow shield and got the message "installation complete".  I did this twice and rebooted each time and the yellow shield came back with the same message - that I needed to install the update. 

If this is not a remnant from the virus I can live with it and leave you alone.  My PC is running fine except for the annoying yellow shield.

Thanks for all of your help.  I hope that I do not need to ask for your assistance anytime soon.  EF and SD have been  an incredible help.

I can not say thank you enough.

Karen

[SuperDave]

Hello Karen. Could you please try this:

The MRT (Malicious Software Removal tool) is located in WINDOWS\system32 and is named MRT.EXE
To see if it's present on your system.
Go to Start > Run > copy and paste the below into the Open: line

mrt
Click OK or press Enter
Wait a little while and the tool *should* open
Click the Next button
Put a mark next to 'Full Scan',click Next, and do a full scan
Please let me know what happens.

[kviez]

SD,  I am not sure what you want me to copy and paste,  I tried "mrt" and got the following message:

"Windows cannot access the specified device, path or file.  You may not have the appropriate permissions to access the item."

Am I missing something?

[SuperDave]

That's what I wanted to know. Apparently, the download is not completing itself. Mrt should have triggered the program to run if it was there. When you download the file do you save it then install it or do you install it right away?

[evilfantasy]

Did you try mrt.exe ?

[kviez]

Yes, I tried MRT.EXE  - same error message.

SD, I have tried both ways.  I have saved and then installed. And I have installed right away.

[SuperDave]

Hello Karan. We are quite sure that the problem you're experiencing with the MRT update from MS is not caused by an infection. Your computer appears to be clean. Perhaps you could contact MS Updates to see if they can help with the MRT update problem.

NOTE: Some of these you have already done.

Use the Secunia Software Inspector to check for out of date software.

•Click Start Now

•Check the box next to Enable thorough system inspection.

•Click Start

•Allow the scan to finish and scroll down to see if any updates are needed.
•Update anything listed.
.
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Go to Microsoft Windows Update and get all critical updates.

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I suggest using WOT - Web of Trust. WOT is a free Internet security addon for your browser. It will keep you safe from online scams, identity theft, spyware, spam, viruses and unreliable shopping sites. WOT warns you before you interact with a risky website. It's easy and it's free.

SpywareBlaster- Secure your Internet Explorer to make it harder for ActiveX programs to run on your computer. Also stop certain cookies from being added to your computer when running Mozilla based browsers like Firefox.
* Using SpywareBlaster to protect your computer from Spyware and Malware
* If you don't know what ActiveX controls are, see here

Protect yourself against spyware using the Immunize feature in Spybot - Search & Destroy. Guide: Use Spybot's Immunize Feature to prevent spyware infection in real-time. Note: To ensure you have the latest Immunizations always update Spybot - Search & Destroy before Immunizing. Spybot - Search & Destroy FAQ

Check out Keeping Yourself Safe On The Web for tips and free tools to help keep you safe in the future.

Also see Slow Computer? It may not be Malware for free cleaning/maintenance tools to help keep your computer running smooth.

Safe Surfing

[kviez]

Thanks for all of your help!