[inactive] HP Laptop problem

[covtiger1215]

I restored my HP Laptop, I suspect due to some sort of virus. I could not access any programs or data. I ran a backup before I restored to factory setting. Laptop is up and running. I restored the backup and now i can't access any of my data. The folders in my documents are there but when i attempt to open them it says that folder is empty. If I look at the size of the folder it's obvious that the folder is not empty. Something is preventing me from accessing the contents.

The OS is Windows 7

HELP!!  
 
  
 

[kevinf80]

Read the following at the top of this forum [NEW Instructions!] What Do I Do First? Follow those instructions please, post the DDS logs as a reply here, do not start a new thread..

kevinf80

[Bear]

Hi Covtiger

After posting as advised by Kevin80, please follow the instructions below.  If you cannot run DDS on your machine, let me know that as well.

I go by Bear, and I will be helping you with your problem. I understand that having malware on your system is disruptive, annoying and can even be frightening.  I also understand the urgency of getting your computer functioning again.  Working as a team, you and I will be able to confront this problem and hopefully bring it to a successful conclusion.  But you need to do a few things to help me understand your situation.

First, tell me everything and anything that you have already tried to fix this problem. 

Second, tell me the symptoms that of infection that you are seeing in your computer and when you first notice them.  If the symptoms were progressive, let me know that.

Third, please only use one forum to help resolve your problem. Posting on more than one forum or trying other things in between our procedures will confuse and lengthen the process and may even make a positive solution impossible.

Fourth, please follow my instructions exactly.   If you cannot follow them or don't understand something, let me know immediately and do NOTHING until you hear from me.  If for any reason you have deviated from my instructions, PLEASE let me know at once.

Fifth, Understand that malware gets into your computer system very easily but can be very, very difficult to remove.  It could take a while and we may have to try several processes to fix the problem.  So please "keep the faith".   I will do all I can to get your computer operating properly, and if I can't fix it we have many very bright individuals here at SpywareHammer who will help us.

Sixth, do not send anything to me as an attachment unless I specifically ask for it.  Please copy and paste all of your responses to me by replying to my post on this forum.  If the response is too long (the forum has size limits), please send it in portions, sequentially.

Seventh let me know of any software you have running that encrypts your hard drive, such as Windows BitLocker or any others.

Eighth If your PC is set to automatically update, DISABLE, this function and do not update until we have disinfected your PC.

And lastly, before we do anything else, please back up you data, if possible on an external media such as DVD's, CD's, memory sticks or external hard drives.

I will analyze your data and post instructions back to you. 

[Bear]

Hi Covtiger

Haven't heard from you in a couple of days.  Most likely you still have malware on your PC.   If you are still with us, but delayed, please post a response and we will keep the post open for you. If we don't hear from you, we will close the post.

[Bear]

Hi Covtiger

Due to lack of response, I am closing this topic.  If you wish to re-open the topic please send a private message to Bear.