I need some suggestions...

Xenith on 5/5/2009 at 16:28

Spyware, adware, trojans, malware; you know it, I know it and everyone loves it to death.

After recently reinstalling my OS (WinXPpro) I can't seem to prevent one bugger (and his little brothers that come together with him) from entering my system.

It's a rogue malware antivirus called Malware Doctor (or just Malware Doc) that comes together with a registry hacker that disables my "regedit" command and my task manager. They always just randomly enter my system when my internet connection is on even when it's idle.

At first I had some problems removing them since Avast detects them, but the deletion process doesn't work and they still activate (which is pure shit, yeah). I added SpyBot to the list, but he didn't do much against any of the mentioned viruses. Finally I got Mallwarebytes that burned their little tails. I hooked up a firewall from Sunbelt afterward and then waited to see if the damn things could still get in.

They could and they still can as I've currently haven't the slightest clue as to what the heck I should do to stop them from getting in. I don't mind deleting them every time they get in since it is actually satisfying deleting their files with my own hands now that I know where they have their files, but I would rather just prevent all of it from happening.

So what I'm asking for is if anyone knows how the hell to prevent these unwanted guests or can just give some general advice into the matter.

The strange thing is I haven't had any of these problems before reinstalling my OS, but I doubt it's from the installation since I used the same disk as I always do and it's clear that the virus get downloaded somehow.

The Brain on 5/5/2009 at 17:12

Did you remember to physically disconnect (unplug ethernet cable from your computer) from 'Net when you reinstalled your OS?

Xenith on 5/5/2009 at 17:16

I did. If I'd keep my modem plugged while the OS is installing I have some troubles installing its driver afterward.

The Brain on 5/5/2009 at 17:49

Sounds like that you need to reinstall again.

First use/find clean computer to download firewall and antivirus programs.

Then make backups of your important data. After you have made your backups, format your hard disks inside WinXP setup program. And I mean all of them if you have more than one (except that hard disk where your backups are).

Always disconnect your computer from 'Net whenever you are reinstalling Windows based operating systems. If you leave your computer connected to 'Net during setup then you will definately get viruses into your OS.

Install your OS and after that firewall and antivirus programs.

If you want to minimize your changes to getting infected again, use other web browsers than Internet Explorer. Disable unneeded (http://www.blackviper.com/WinXP/servicecfg.htm) services.

I would recommend to you make special installation disc from your orginal WinXP disc by using these software : (http://www.msfn.org/board/index.php?showforum=129) HFSLIP and/or (http://www.msfn.org/board/index.php?showforum=89) NLITE.

bikerdude on 5/5/2009 at 19:40

Install either Kaspersky Av 2009 or Norton Av 2009.

Kaspersky being the best and technical and Norton being more mainstream thus more user friendly. Both are extremely good at blocking and detecting virus's.

Both can be bought as OEM version for £8-10 for a single user 1yr licence.

Xenith on 5/5/2009 at 19:55

Yes I was thinking about those two. I don't want to sound like a cheap good for nothing bastard, but I'd really prefer freeware in the first stage. I know we're talking about computer security and I know how important it is, I just want to be sure I check all other options before going for full licenses.

EDIT: That and I want to strangle the living life out of Malware Doc via some way in which to make me dance of joy like an Easter bunny.

bikerdude on 5/5/2009 at 23:43

Quote Posted by Xenith

I don't want to sound like a cheapo, just want to be sure I check all other options before going for full licenses..

Dude, as the OEM versions of KAV and NAV cost under £10 per 1pc/1yr, you really have NO excuse not to buy. In the long run its £40 cheaper than paying someone like me to rebuild it when your infested infested because the 'free AV' wasnt worth a S***

As the saying goes you get what you pay for...

:erg:

TBE on 6/5/2009 at 03:33

Xenith, sounds like your installation disc is not original, and maybe has built-in spyware and trojans on it already.

Is your XP installation disc an original? If you have a genuine license for XP Home, Pro, or Media Center Edition, I would suggest you google for 9-in-1 XP. It's a copy of every Win XP edition you put on one disc, and you just change the product key to the one on your sticker. The sticker should be on your machine somewhere, kinda shiny and has letter/number sequence on it.

Make sure you install the correct version of windows that came with that license. If you bought a PC from a manufacturer, like Dell, it will be an OEM version you want to install. Your product ID will only work on the correct version of Windows you want to install. Let me know if you have more problems.

As for the free anti-virus, I'd recommend AVG over any other freeware. I've got it on one computer, and it works fine.

Xenith on 6/5/2009 at 07:18

Quote:

As the saying goes you get what you pay for...

I can't deny that, you're right. Guess I'll have to check the stores a.s.a.p. :erg:

And yes my OS cd is original. I'll check that 9 in 1 thingy too.

Thanks for the help.

bikerdude on 6/5/2009 at 09:08

Quote Posted by Xenith

I can't deny that, you're right. Guess I'll have to check the stores a.s.a.p. :erg:

I believe you can only buy OEM copies online...