Remove SMART Repair

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Written by: Stelian Pilici

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S.M.A.R.T Repair is a PC virus that will display fake alerts, claiming that several hard drive erros were detected on your computer.
S.M.A.R.T Repair and S.M.A.R.T Check are components of the Smart HDD rogue software.
In reality, none of the issues are real, and are only used to scare you into buying Smart HDD and stealing your personal financial informations.
We strongly advise you to follow our Smart HDD removal guide and ignore any alerts that this malicious software might generate.Under no circumstance should you buy this rogue security software as this can lead to identity theft.

If you’ve got a S.M.A.R.T Repair infection , you’ll be seeing this screens :
[Image: Smart-HDD.png]

Registration codes for Smart HDD

As an optional step,you can use the following license key to register Smart HDD and stop the fake alerts.
15801587234612645205224631045976
Please keep in mind that entering the above registration code will NOT remove Smart HDD from your computer , instead it will just stop the fake alerts so that you’ll be able to complete our removal guide more easily.
We strongly advise you to follow our Smart HDD removal guide and ignore any alerts that this malicious software might generate.Under no circumstance should you buy this rogue security software as this could lead to identity theft.

Removal guide for S.M.A.R.T Repair

STEP 1 : Start your computer in Safe Mode with Networking

  1. Remove all floppy disks, CDs, and DVDs from your computer, and then restart your computer.
  2. Press and hold the F8 key as your computer restarts.Please keep in mind that you need to press the F8 key before the Windows  start-up logo appears.
  3. On the Advanced Boot Options screen, use the arrow keys to highlight Safe Mode with Networking , and then press ENTER.
    [Image: Safemode.jpg]
  4. Log on to your computer with a user account that has administrator rights

STEP 2: Remove Smart HDD malicious proxy server

Smart HDD may add a proxy server which prevents the user from accessing the internet,follow the below instructions to remove the proxy.

  1. Start Internet Explorer [Image: Smart HDD- IE] and if you are using Internet Explorer 9 ,click on the gear icon   [Image: IE gear icon] (Tools for Internet Explorer 8 users) ,then select Internet Options.
    [Image: Internet-options-IE.png]
  2. Go to the tab Connections.At the bottom, click on LAN settings.
    [Image: Remove-proxy-server2.png]
  3. Uncheck the option Use a proxy server for your LAN. This should remove the malicious proxy server and allow you to use the internet again.
    [Image: Remove-proxy-server3.png]

If you are a Firefox users, go to Firefox(upper left corner) → Options → Advanced tab → Network → Settings → Select No Proxy

STEP 3: Run RKill to terminate known malware processes associated with Smart HDD.

RKill is a program that attempts to terminate any malicious processes associated with Smart HDD ,so that your normal security software can then run and clean your computer of infections.

As RKill only terminates a program’s running process, and does not delete any files, after running it you should not reboot your computer as any malware processes that are configured to start automatically will just be started again.

  1. While your computer is in Safe Mode with Networking ,please download the latest official version of RKill.
    [Image: download-rkill.png
  2. Double-click on the RKill iconin order to automatically attempt to stop any processes associated with Smart HDD.
    [Image: run-rkill-1.png]
  3. RKill will now start working in the background, please be patient while the program looks for various malware programs and tries to terminate them.
    [Image: run-rkill-2.png]
    IF you receive a message that RKill is an infection, that is a fake warning given by the rogue. As a possible solution we advise you to leave the warning on the screen and then try to run RKill again.Run RKill until the fake program is not visible but not more than ten times.
    IF you continue having problems running RKill, you can download the other renamed versions of RKill from here.
  4. When Rkill has completed its task, it will generate a log. You can then proceed with the rest of the guide.
    [Image: Smart HDD rkill3.jpg]

WARNING: Do not reboot your computer after running RKill as the malware process will start again , preventing you from properly performing the next step.

STEP 4: Remove Smart HDD malicious files with Malwarebytes Anti-Malware FREE

  1. Please download the latest official version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware FREE.
    download Malwarebytes
  2. Install Malwarebytes’ Anti-Malware by double clicking on mbam-setup.
    [Image: malwarebytes-installer.png]
  3. When the installation begins, keep following the prompts in order to continue with the installation process. Do not make any changes to default settings and when the program has finished installing, make sure you leave both the Update Malwarebytes’ Anti-Malware and Launch Malwarebytes’ Anti-Malware checked. Then click on the Finishbutton. If Malwarebytes’ prompts you to reboot, please do not do so.
    [Image: install-malwarebytes.png]
  4. Malwarebytes Anti-Malware will now start and you’ll be prompted to start a trial period , please select ‘Decline‘ as we just want to use the on-demand scanner.
    [Image: decline-trial-malwarebytes.png]
  5. On the Scanner tab,please select Perform full scan and then click on the Scan button to start scanning your computer for any possible infections.
    [Image: malwarebytes-full-system-scan.png]
  6. Malwarebytes’ Anti-Malware will now start scanning your computer for Smart HDD malicious files as shown below.
    [Image: malwarebytes-scanning.png]
  7. When the scan is finished a message box will appear, click OK to continue.
    [Image: malwarebytes-scan-finish.png]
  8. You will now be presented with a screen showing you the malware infections that Malwarebytes’ Anti-Malware has detected.Please note that the infections found may be different than what is shown in the image.Make sure that everything is Checked (ticked) and click on the Remove Selected button.
    [Image: malwarebytes-scan-results.png]
  9. Malwarebytes’ Anti-Malware will now start removing the malicious files.If during the removal process Malwarebytes will display a message stating that it needs to reboot, please allow this request.
    [Image: malwarebytes-reboot-prompt.png]

STEP 5: Double check your system for any left over infections with HitmanPro

  1. This step can be performed in Normal Mode ,so please download the latest official version of HitmanPro.
    [Image: Download Hitman Pro]
  2. Double click on the previously downloaded file to start the HitmanPro installation.
    [Image: hitmanpro-icon.png]
    NOTE : If you have problems starting HitmanPro, use the “Force Breach” mode. Hold down the left CTRL-key when you start HitmanPro and all non-essential processes are terminated, including the malware process. (How to start HitmanPro in Force Breach mode – Video)
  3. Click on Next to install HitmanPro on your system.
    [Image: installing-hitmanpro.png]
  4. The setup screen is displayed, from which you can decide whether you wish to install HitmanPro on your machine or just perform a one-time scan, select a option then click on Next to start a system scan.
    [Image: hitmanpro-setup-options.png]
  5. HitmanPro will start scanning your system for malicious files. Depending on the size of your hard drive, and the performance of your computer, this step will take several minutes.
    [Image: hitmanpro-scanning.png]
  6. Once the scan is complete,a screen displaying all the malicious files that the program found will be shown as seen in the image below.After reviewing each malicious object click Next.
    [Image: hitmanpro-scan-results.png]
  7. Click Activate free license to start the free 30 days trial and remove the malicious files.
    [Image: hitmanpro-activation.png]
  8. HitmanPro will now start removing the infected objects, and in some instances, may suggest a reboot in order to completely remove the malware from your system. In this scenario, always confirm the reboot action to be on the safe side.

STEP 6: Unhide your files and folders

Smart HDD modifies your file system in such a way that all files and folders become hidden, to restore the default settings , you’ll need to run the below program.

  1. Please download Tweaking.com-UnhideNonSystemFiles.exe to unhide your files and folders.
    [Image: download-unhide.png]
  2. Double click on Tweaking.com-UnhideNonSystemFiles.exe and when the utility starts click on the ‘Start’ button to unhide your files.
    [Image: unhide-icon.png]

STEP 7 : Restore your shortcuts and remove any left over malicious registry keys

Smart HDD has moved your shortcuts files in the Temporary Internet folder and added some malicious registry keys to your Windows installation , to restore your files we will need to perform a scan with RogueKiller.

  1. Please download the latest official version of RogueKiller.
    download RogueKiller
  2. Double click on RogueKiller.exe to start this utility and then wait for the Prescan to complete.This should take only a few seconds and then you can click the Start button to perform a system scan.
    [Image: roguekiller-1.png]
  3. After the scan has completed, press the Delete button to remove any malicious registry keys.
    [Image: roguekiller-2.png]
  4. Next we will need to restore your shortcuts, so click on the ShortcutsFix button and allow the program to run.
    [Image: roguekiller-1.png]

STEP 8: Get your desktop look back!

Smart HDD changes your desktop background to a solid black color,to change it back to default one follow the below instruction.

    • Windows XP : Click on the Start button and then select Control Panel. When the Control Panel opens, please click on the Display icon. From this screen you can now change your Theme and desktop background.
    • Windows 7 and Vista : Click on the Start button and then select Control Panel. When the Control Panel opens, please click on the Appearance and Personalization category. Then select Change the Theme or Change Desktop Background to revert back to your original Theme and colors.

STEP 9: Restore your pinned task bar shortcuts , star menu items and other missing icons.

Smart HDD has moved your saved pinned task bar items and other shortcuts into the temporary internet folder, so now we will have to copy them back to their original location.
1. Enable on your system the ‘Show hidden files, folders, and drives’ option.

  • If you are using Windows 7 or Vista,go to Computer → Click on the Organize tab → select Folder and search options.
  • If you are using Windows XP,go to My Computer → Tools tab → select Folder Options.
    [Image: viewhiddenfiles.png]

In the new window that appeared select the View tab and choose the option Show hidden files, folders, and drives then click Apply and OK.
[Image: Show hidden files, folders, and drives.png]

2.This rogue software has moved your shorcuts in a folder in the Temporary Internet files called smtmp, so now we will need to copy them back to their original locations.

  • Windows 7 and Vista users can find the smtmp folder in C:\Users\[Your Username]\AppData\Local\Temp
  • Windows XP users can find smtmp folder the in : C:\DOCUMENTS AND SETTINGS\[Your Username]\LOCAL SETTINGS\Temp

[Image: Show hidden files, folders, and drives.png]

The smtmp folder will contain 4 folders and you’ll need to copy the content of this folders back to their original locations.

  • Copy the content from %Temp%\smtmp\1\ to:
    Windows XP: C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Start Menu
    Windows Vista and Windows 7: C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu
  • Copy the content from %Temp%\smtmp\2\ to:
    Windows XP: C:\Documents and Settings\[your username]\Application Data\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Quick Launch\
    Windows Vista and Windows 7: C:\Users\[your username]\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Quick Launch\
  • Copy the content from %Temp%\smtmp\3\ to:
    Windows XP: It does not exist on Windows  XP.
    Windows Vista and Windows 7 C:\Users\[your username]\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Quick Launch\User Pinned\TaskBar
  • Copy the content from %Temp%\smtmp\4\ to:
    Windows XP : C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Desktop
    Windows Vista and Windows 7: C:\Users\Public\Desktop

If you are still experiencing problems while trying to remove Smart HDD from your machine, please start a new thread in our Malware Removal Assistance forum.

What’s next? Join our amazing community and build up your malware defenses !

How to Stay Safe Online

Here are 10 basic security tips to help you avoid malware and protect your device:

  1. Use a good antivirus and keep it up-to-date.

    Shield Guide

    It's essential to use a good quality antivirus and keep it up-to-date to stay ahead of the latest cyber threats. We are huge fans of Malwarebytes Premium and use it on all of our devices, including Windows and Mac computers as well as our mobile devices. Malwarebytes sits beside your traditional antivirus, filling in any gaps in its defenses, and providing extra protection against sneakier security threats.

  2. Keep software and operating systems up-to-date.

    updates-guide

    Keep your operating system and apps up to date. Whenever an update is released for your device, download and install it right away. These updates often include security fixes, vulnerability patches, and other necessary maintenance.

  3. Be careful when installing programs and apps.

    install guide

    Pay close attention to installation screens and license agreements when installing software. Custom or advanced installation options will often disclose any third-party software that is also being installed. Take great care in every stage of the process and make sure you know what it is you're agreeing to before you click "Next."

  4. Install an ad blocker.

    Ad Blocker

    Use a browser-based content blocker, like AdGuard. Content blockers help stop malicious ads, Trojans, phishing, and other undesirable content that an antivirus product alone may not stop.

  5. Be careful what you download.

    Trojan Horse

    A top goal of cybercriminals is to trick you into downloading malware—programs or apps that carry malware or try to steal information. This malware can be disguised as an app: anything from a popular game to something that checks traffic or the weather.

  6. Be alert for people trying to trick you.

    warning sign

    Whether it's your email, phone, messenger, or other applications, always be alert and on guard for someone trying to trick you into clicking on links or replying to messages. Remember that it's easy to spoof phone numbers, so a familiar name or number doesn't make messages more trustworthy.

  7. Back up your data.

    backup sign

    Back up your data frequently and check that your backup data can be restored. You can do this manually on an external HDD/USB stick, or automatically using backup software. This is also the best way to counter ransomware. Never connect the backup drive to a computer if you suspect that the computer is infected with malware.

  8. Choose strong passwords.

    lock sign

    Use strong and unique passwords for each of your accounts. Avoid using personal information or easily guessable words in your passwords. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your accounts whenever possible.

  9. Be careful where you click.

    cursor sign

    Be cautious when clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown sources. These could potentially contain malware or phishing scams.

  10. Don't use pirated software.

    Shady Guide

    Avoid using Peer-to-Peer (P2P) file-sharing programs, keygens, cracks, and other pirated software that can often compromise your data, privacy, or both.

To avoid potential dangers on the internet, it's important to follow these 10 basic safety rules. By doing so, you can protect yourself from many of the unpleasant surprises that can arise when using the web.

65 thoughts on “Remove SMART Repair”

  5. Thank you for your reply. This is a computer in a Brach Office and I will ask her to send the Computer to me. I will try the suggestions when I get it.

  6. Hello DF,
    Can you please run a scan with Combofix and ESET online scanner and post the logs here :

    STEP 1 : Run a scan with Combofix

    Download ComboFix from one of the following locations:

    COMBOFIX DOWNLOAD LINK #1 (This link will automatically download Combofix on your computer)
    COMBOFIX DOWNLOAD LINK #2  (This link will automatically download Combofix on your computer)

    VERY IMPORTANT !!! Save as Combo-Fix.exe during the download. ComboFix must be renamed before you download to your Desktop

    • Close any open browsers.
    • Close/disable all anti virus and anti malware programs so they do not interfere with the running of ComboFix.
      ———————————————————–

      • Very Important! Temporarily disable your anti-virus, script blocking and any anti-malware real-time protection beforeperforming a scan. They can interfere with ComboFix or remove some of its embedded files which may cause “unpredictable results”.
      • Click on this link to see a list of programs that should be disabled. The list is not all inclusive. If yours is not listed and you don’t know how to disable it, please ask.
        ———————————————————–
      • Close any open browsers.
      • WARNING: Combofix will disconnect your machine from the Internet as soon as it starts
      • Please do not attempt to re-connect your machine back to the Internet until Combofix has completely finished.
      • If there is no internet connection after running Combofix, then restart your computer to restore back your connection.

      ———————————————————–

     

    1. Double click on ComboFix.exe & follow the prompts.
    2. Accept the disclaimer and allow to update if it asks
    3. When finished, it shall produce a log for you.

    Notes:

    1. Do not mouse-click Combofix’s window while it is running. That may cause it to stall.
    2. Do not “re-run” Combofix. If you have a problem, reply back for further instructions.
    3.  If after the reboot you get errors about programms being marked for deletion then reboot, that will cure it.

    STEP 2: Run a scan with ESET Online Scanner:

    1. Download ESET Online Scanner utility.
      ESET Online Scanner Download Link (This link will automatically download ESET Online Scanner on your computer.)
    2. Double click on the Eset installer program (esetsmartinstaller_enu.exe).
    3. Check Yes, I accept the Terms of Use
    4. Click the Start button.
    5. Check Scan archives
    6. Push the Start button.
    7. ESET will then download updates for itself, install itself, and begin scanning your computer. Please be patient as this can take some time.
    8. When the scan completes, push Finish

    Waiting for your reply to tell me if your machine is ok and the logs from this utilities.

  7. Forget my erlier post. Hitman Pro finds Rootkits,whitch I cannot remove, because the computer is part of a domain, and 30 free trial is disabled then. I also had to run unhide for som remaining hidden files and folders. Still struggeling with this.

  8. Before I saw this site I did a System Restore, not even in Safe Mode, and that seems to have fixed everything. Runnig Malwarebytes now but it seems to find nothing. The hidden folders are also back without using the unhide and the Start meny folders and shortcuts are also back.

  11. STELIAN, you save my computer.
    Got this virus in my computer for more than 24 hours. Trying many keyword search to get the solution. I almost want to format my C drive and re-install my OS.
    Just give a last search and saw your site. YES!!! it solve my problem. Thanks for all the effort for writing the steps in detail. I give you a thumbs up.
    Awesome site.

  12. The virus kept returning. But when I went through Hitman Pro the virus did not return. Rogue Killer restored all of my files and background. I did not have to do step 8 and 9! Thank you so much for your help!

  13. Hellp Sheena,
    Can you please try the below code?
    Data Recovery Rogue: 08869246386344953972969146034087
    If it doesn’t work, don’t worry and just go ahead with the guide as this step is only optional…..You can remove this rogue software even without using the license key. :)

  14. The code you have does not work for my smart to start this process…please help me…my computer savvy husband is currently deployed and i can’t do this alone

  15. One of our little netbooks picked up this crap and I am very pleased that your concise and clear instructions have worked a treat and zapped the infection! Thanks a million.

  16. One of our little netbooks picked up this SMART infection and I am pleased to say that the clear and concise instructions above seem to have fixed it. Thank you very much for taking the time and trouble to show us all how to rid our computers of this evil crap!

  20. This worked great. I had to run Malware Bytes and Hitman several times to get rid of the virus. THANK YOU! now if you could just help me identify the publisher of this virus, i would like to pay them a visit

  21. Thanks Stelian, brilliant stuff! None of my anti virus programmes were able to deal with nasty virus but you’re solution did the job. It’s easy to follow and thanks also for including Vista!! C

  23. Some users have reported that some of these folder can be missing….they are only shorcuts so you can just manually re-create them…so it’s not a problem.
    Regarding the strange icons ,please perform a scan with with Emsisoft Anti-Malware:

    1. Please download the latest official version of Emsisoft Emergency Kit : http://www.emsisoft.de/en/software/eek/
    2. After the download process will finish , you’ll need to unpack EmsisoftEmergencyKit.zip
      [Image: ekk1.png]
    3. Open the Emsisoft Emergency Kit Folder and double click EmergencyKitScanner.bat
      [Image: ekk2.png]
    4. A pop-up will prompt you to update Emsisoft Emergency Kit , please click the “Yes” button.

      [Image: ekk3.png]

      [Image: ekk4.png]

    5. After the Update process has completed , put the mouse cursor over the “Menu” tab on the left and click-on “Scan PC”.

      [Image: ekk5.png]

    6. Select “Smart scan” and click-on the below “SCAN” button.

      [Image: ekk6.png]

    7. Emsisoft Emergency Kit will now start scanning your computer for malicious files as shown below.

      [Image: ekk7.png]

    8. When the scan will be completed , you will be presented with a screen showing you the malware infections that Emsisoft Emergency Kit has detected.Please note that the infections found may be different than what is shown in the image.
      Make sure that everything is Checked (ticked) and click on the ‘Quarantine selected objects’ button.
      [Image: ekk8.png]
    9. Emsisoft Emergency Kit will now start removing the malicious files.
      If during the removal process Emsisoft will display a message stating that it needs to reboot, please allow this request.

    If you are still experiencing problems , start a thread in our Malware Removal Support forum : http://malwaretips.com/Forum-Help-my-PC-is-infected

  24. Hi there, I found some problems during the process: on the pc desktop there are some files with strange names, what do I do with them? simply delete? Then, when I was performing the last step I realized that the only files I had were 1 and 4, is that normal? Thanx in advance

  25. Hello,
    What operating system are you on?

    Restore your Star Menu links

    Smart HDD may have changed the default settings for your Start Menu so now certain items might not be displayed however this is fairly simple to fix.

    1. Press the Windows Start button and right click anywhere on the Start Menu , then select Properties.
      [Image: taskbarmenu1.png]
    2. In the Taskbar and Start menu Properties window select Customize and then in the Customize Start Menu window select the buttons that you want to be displayed on your menu by choosing ‘Display as link or Display as menu‘ as you wish.
      [Image: taskbarmenu2.png]

  26. I ended up doing a system restore to get everything back the way it was. I have heard of so many security issues with IE, I’m guilty of having been too lazy to learn to navigate with a new browser, but I will take no more chances, chrome it is! Thanks again for all your help!

  27. I got folders 1,2, and 4 but not 3. Is there somethign i can do about this? I also didnt receive my shortcuts in my start column. How do i get those back?

  30. I’m using Internet Explorer. I tried those steps but I only show folder 1 and 4, there’s no 2 and 3 which explains why I’m not showing everything, any suggestions? thank you!

  31. Hey Jane,
    One more thing..What browser are you using?:)

    Ok….Try this steps:

    1. Open Computer, go to Organize tab and select Folder and search options, then in the window that appeared select View tab and choose the option Show hidden files, folders, and drives. Click Apply and OK.

    2.Go to C:\Users\Your User Name\AppData\Local\Temp and find the smtmp folder….In it , you’ll find 4 folders named : 1,2,3 and 4.
    Copy the content of this folder to this locations:

    1. %Temp%\smtmp\1 to C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu
    2. %Temp%\smtmp\2 to C:\Users\your username\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Quick Launch\
    3. %Temp%\smtmp\3 to C:\Users\your username\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Quick Launch\User Pinned\TaskBar
    4. %Temp%\smtmp\4 to C:\Users\Public\Desktop

  32. Windows 7 home premium. Everything seems to be working fine, just missing icons and shortcuts, another weird thing is whenever I go to any website that has an email field, it automatically populates my email address in it as soon as I type the first letter, it never did that before. I did remove all infected objects, and then when I was all done with everything I restarted my computer and reran malwarbytes on a quick scan and nothing was detected. I sure appreciate your help!

  33. What operating system are you on?
    Apart from the missing icons , how’s your computer behaving?
    Did you remove all the infected objects detected?:)

  34. I followed all the instructions here, I ran everything in safe mode, things seem almost back to normal but the toolbar/system tray has no icons. Also the “Data Recovery” icon is still on my desktop, does that mean I still have the virus?

  35. Thank you so much for posting this information in such easy and simple to follow steps – you guys / girls really have helped me out enormously and I am very very appreciative for your help and support. Have a great day! Thanks again. Craig

  37. Not sure why I do not get anything on the log after I run Rkill. I tried a few times but still nothing listed. I did run my antivirus right before I started this process. Do you think antivirus already removed all issues?

  39. I am so pleased that I found the above instructions to remove this horrible virus. Thank you all so much for the help shown – it took a while but saved me a lot of money. The only problem I have is I cannot get back my background /accessories file but am still following hints etc so hopefully soon it will be back.

  41. THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! That helped fix my problem. It took just under 5 hours but I got it all done. I wish I knew how this happened.

  43. No need to do a System Restore…..Apart from Start – All Programs – Microsoft Office – Microsoft Office Tools, all the other start menu items are back right?

  44. Please follow the guide , even if the serial doesn’t work anymore…That’s just an optional step:)

  45. I only had folders 1 and 2 in my smtmp folder. I copied them to the destinations, but after restart I still get the following after a reboot: Start – All Programs – Microsoft Office – Microsoft Office Tools – (empty)

    I was wondering if restoring my computer to an earlier date using “System Restore” might help, but I was worried about getting the SMART virus again after doing all this work to get rid of it.

  47. Ok….Try this steps:

    1. Open “My Computer”, go to “Tools” tab and select “Folder Options”, then in the window that appeared select “View” tab and choose the option “Show hidden files and folders”. Click “Apply” and “OK”.

    2.Go to C:\DOCUMENTS AND SETTINGS\Current User\LOCAL SETTINGS\Temp and find the smtmp folder….In it , you’ll find 4 folders named : 1,2,3 and 4.
    Copy the content of this folder to this locations:
    %Temp%\smtmp\1 to C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Start Menu
    %Temp%\smtmp\2 to C:\Documents and Settings\[your username]\Application Data\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Quick Launch\
    %Temp%\smtmp\3 won’t be available on Windows XP.
    %Temp%\smtmp\4 to C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Desktop

  48. Thanks…this works great for accessories and admin tools. I’m wondering how to do this for the many other items under “start” “all programs”. Like itunes, roxio, Microsoft office, real player, etc., etc., etc.

    Thank you again…the detailed instructions and solutions are most helpful.

  50. This was very helpful thanks! I’m running windows xp. How do I restore the programs under “start” – “all programs”? In each case these are shown as empty.

  52. THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! That helped fix my problem. It took just under 5 hours but I got it all done. I wish I knew how this happened.

  53. FANTASTIC stuff guys, GREATLY appriciated. My start menu isn’t quite back to normal, but i’m sure it’ll sort itself out as i use my programs again. Thanks a bunch!

  56. Thank you for putting this together, it worked great and saved me a lot of money and hassle. Thank You again.

  57. Thanks so much. This worked for me. What a relief! My computer would not let me install Rogue Killer, but that is the only problem I encountered. Thanks again.

  60. One more thing… As all of the files you may back-up are set as hidden you will probably not be able to see them on your “fresh” Windows install unless you do the previously mentioned “show hidden files” proccess on the fresh windows install or right click on the folder that contains your backed up files and select “properties” and then select the box next to “Hidden” until there is no check mark and no blue square… The box should be empty. Then click ok or apply.

  61. Your article was a great help! I was unable to install Malwarebytes but I just needed to backup some files. Also, somehow all of the files on the computer were set as “hidden” (I couldn’t go into the documents folder or anywhere on the “c:” drive so you may have to open “My Computer” or “Computer” and hit the “Alt” key. Click on “Tools”, “Folder Options”. Then click on the “View” tab in the window that opens. Make sure there is a black selection dot on “Show hidden files, folders, and drives”. The you should be able to access all of your documents for backup. I personally would not continue to use the infected system after cleaning, but I realize some users may not be able to reformat their computers for whatever reasons.

  62. Malwarebytes usually has a very low false positive ratio so I doubt that this is a mistake…..Select as recommended action to Quarantine the files just in case….
    If you want you can post the log on our forums and we can help you!

  63. Malware bytes said I have 8,056 bad files. Run avira daily, last time yesterday. Is program picking files that are ok? How would I know?

  64. Thanks so much! It took some time, but following your removal guide worked. the only snag i had was with hitman pro when i tried to use it to remove the malicious software it detected. it said my trial version had expired. but all i had to do was remove it and install it again and it worked fine. the shortcuts on my desktop did not come back but that was easy enough to remedy. Thanks again!

  65. thanks for the help. I’m still having trouble fixing my background. It will only let me choose solid colors. Any tips? Thanks

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