[Resolved K] IE running on process w/ window not open/ Redirects

[kevinf80]

OK go back to the partition by selecting > Start > Right click on "computer" > select "Manage" > Diskmanagement. Right click on the rogue partition and select "Format" if that will not work > Right click on the partition and select "Properties" in the new window select > Security tab. Under "Group or user names" highlight by selecting the account you are using. You should now see what permissions are ticked for that account relating to the partition. You can "Edit" permissions to give that account full control of that partition. Apply and OK.
Go back to the partition see if you can now delete it,

Kevin

[treemanv2]

i think I made a huge mistake. My sister gave me her code to run Norton's Anti-virus which did find the root inside my comp. Given the intructions to download Norton's Boot Recovery kit and run to get rid of files that norton couldnt do on its own and now I cannot get my comp to boot. I put in the repair cd you had me make and after running it it tells me that it cannot repair. Recovery wont even launch for me when I start my comp and when I can get it to go to a recovery screen it doesnt show anything for me to recover from. So I am not sure how long it will take me to find a Windows install CD and correct the issue but I will post as soon as i can.

[treemanv2]

I did get my comp back up and running. Also, I did get that 6mb partition deleted.

[kevinf80]

OK, thanks for the update. So you`ve removed the rogue partition, but have lost the ability to access the Recovery Partition, is that correct. I guess Norton has messed it up big style for you.
 
I gave you a link to The HP site earlier in the thread. That site has information how to create Recovery disc sets, also how to order disc sets. There is also a link to their support group, I`m sure they will give the necessary information you require to restore your recovery partition. I give that Link again for you.

Let me know the status of your system, what issues or concerns remain and do you still need help. We will have to clean up and remove all tools used etc....

Thanks,

Kevin...

[treemanv2]

I did finally get the recovery partition to boot and went back to factory settings this morning. So for I have no noticed any ads, redirects or audio. I updated my drivers and updated windows. Soi far so good. Also, I do not see the rogue partition in manage.

[kevinf80]

Thanks for the update, it is a shame you had to do a recovery when we had come so far. I guess it was a bad idea for you to run Norton.

OK here are some tips to reduce the potential for malware infection in the future:

Remember that no matter how clean the program you're using for peer-to-peer filesharing may be, it offers no guarantees regarding the cleanliness of files you may choose to download. All files available via p2p filesharing carry a high risk, particularly those that offer you illegitimate methods of using legitimate software programs without paying for them, such as cracks or Key Generators. Some further readings on this subject available Here or Here

Make proper use of your antivirus and firewall

Antivirus and Firewall programs are integral to your computer security. However, just having them installed isn't enough. The definitions of these programs are frequently updated to detect the latest malware, if you don't keep up with these updates then you'll be vulnerable to infection. Many antivirus and firewall programs have automatic update features, make use of those if you can. If your program doesn't, then get in the habit of routinely performing manual updates, because it's important.

You should keep your antivirus and firewall guard enabled at all times, NEVER turn them off unless there's a specific reason to do so. Also, regularly performing a full system scan with your antivirus program is a good idea to make sure you're system remains clean. Once a week should be adequate. You can set the scan to run during a time when you don't plan to use the computer and just leave it to complete on its own.

Install and use WinPatrol  This will inform you of any attempted unauthorized changes to your system.

WinPatrol features explained Here

You will have several programs installed, these maybe outdated and vulnerable to exploits also. To be certain, please run the free online scan by Secunia, available Here   Before clicking the Start scan  button, please check the box for the option Enable thorough system inspection. Just below the "Scan Options:" section, you'll see the status of what's currently processing....
...when the scan completes, the message "Detection completed successfully" will appear in the Programs/Result section. For each problem detected, Secunia will offer a "Solution" option. Please follow those instructions to download updated versions of the programs as recommended by Secunia.

Use a safer web browser

Internet Explorer is not the most secure tool for browsing the web. It has been known to be very susceptible to infection, and there are a few good free alternatives:
 
Firefox,

Opera, and

Chrome.
 
All of these are excellent faster, safer, more powerful and functional free alternatives to Internet Explorer. It's definitely worth the short period of adjustment to start using one of these. If you wish to continue using Internet Explorer, it would be a good idea to follow the tutorial HERE which will help you to make IE MUCH safer.

These browser add-ons will help to make your browser safer:

Web of Trust warns you about risky websites that try to scam visitors, deliver malware or send spam. WOT's color-coded icons show you ratings for 21 million websites, helping you avoid the dangerous ones:

Available for Firefox and Internet Explorer.

Green to go,
Yellow for caution, and
Red to stop.


Available for Firefox only. NoScript helps to block malicious scripts and in general gives you much better control over what types of things webpages can do to your computer while you're browsing.

These are just a couple of the most popular add-ons, if you're interested in more, take a look at THIS article.

Here a couple of links by two security experts that will give some excellent tips and advice.

So how did I get infected in the first place by Tony Klein

How to prevent Malware by Miekiemoes

Finally this link HERE will give a comprehensive upto date list of free Security programs. To include - Antivirus, Antispyware, Firewall, Antimalware, Online scanners and rescue CD`s.

Don`t forget, the best form of defense is common sense. If you don`t recognize it, don`t open it. If something looks to good to be true, then it aint.

If no remaining issues are you OK forme to close out your thread,

Take care,

Kevin

[kevinf80]

Since this issue appears to be resolved  the topic has been closed. Glad we could help.  

If you're the topic starter, and need this topic reopened, please contact a staff member with the address of the thread.

Everyone else please begin a New Topic.

The fixes and advice in this thread are for this System only. Do not apply the instructions from this thread to your own System. Please start a new thread describing your issue and someone will be along to assist you.