Nasty Virus

[BiggusGeekus]

Well, now I've done it.

In my quest to run old DOS games (see other thread) I've cleverly downloaded a nasty virus onto the home computer. It is named www.abetterinternet.com but when I try to scan and remove it it does not appear. I have AdAware, it does nothing. I can only connect from my work compter (which I have at home).

Formatting and re-installing is not an option as I have vital data on the PC and no backups (yes, yes, dumb move).

Thoughts?

 

[Phineas Crow]

While I have no experience with it, from what I've read this particular malware is very, very nasty.

You have Ad-aware, do you have the most current reference file for it?

 

[Gnarlo]

From Spyware-guide.com:

Manual removal: Look for the file called bi.dll in your windows directory.
Removal tools: List of products that detect/remove/protect against A Better Internet: # X-Cleaner

 

[Henry]

http://www.lavasoftusa.com/software/addons/vx2cleaner.shtml

betterinternet infected my PC about 6 months ago - it was The Devil (not a devil, I'm talking Lucifer incarnate) to remove from my PC. it took a separate VX2 removal tool, because when installed, it loads a VXD (windows virtual device driver) that is almost impossible to detect and remove. Even the latest adware ref's cannot remove it. What happens is even after you remove the spyware, it gradually re-downloads itself from the internet. You need to get the proper tools, disconnect from the internet, boot into safe mode, and clean this demon. Once you have cleaned it, reboot, run Ad-aware again and see if it comes up with it.

 

[BiggusGeekus]

OK, well I can now connect to the internet from the infected computer. That's a huge step forward. Latest Ad-aware installed and running even as I type.

I'll follow your suggestions folks, thanks.

What I really want to know is .... does anyone buy this stuff?

"Hey! A horrible virus has infected my computer! But look at these prices on toner cartridges! WOW!"

I mean, seriously, what gives?

 

[Henry]

What I really want to know is .... does anyone buy this stuff?

"Hey! A horrible virus has infected my computer! But look at these prices on toner cartridges! WOW!"

I mean, seriously, what gives?

I call it "a crime without a law, yet."

I gotta admit, I don't understand the logic, either. The ad-engines are so threatening, that it takes focus off of the product, and places it on the spyware. It's building mindshare, all right - the WRONG kind. Finding that someone is a sponsor for the spyware in question doesn't make you remember to buy from them - it makes you want to throw them in jail, along with the designers of the software!