If you are seeing a Serious Disk Error Writing Drive C:\ alert on your computer screen,then as you probably already suspect you’re computer has been infected with a rogue software.
The malicious software is known as Smart HDD,Data Recovery,S.M.A.R.T Virus or S.M.A.R.T Check and has changed your desktop background,hidden your files and shortcuts and it’s causing browsing redirects.
In addition the S.M.A.R.T Virus will display fake alerts, claiming that several hard drive errors were detected on your computer.In reality, none of the reported issues are real, and are only used to scare you into buying S.M.A.R.T Virus and stealing your personal financial information.
We strongly advise you to follow our S.M.A.R.T Virus 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.
If you’ve got a S.M.A.R.T Virus infection , you’ll be seeing this screens :
[Image: Smart-HDD.png]

[Image: Smart-HDD.png]

Registration codes for S.M.A.R.T Virus

As an optional step,you can use the following license key to register S.M.A.R.T Virus and stop the fake alerts.
Data Recovery Rogue: 08869246386344953972969146034087
SMART HDD Rogue: 15801587234612645205224631045976
Please keep in mind that entering the above registration code will NOT remove S.M.A.R.T Virus from your computer , instead it will just stop the fake alerts so that you’ll be able to complete our removal guide more easily.

Removal guide for S.M.A.R.T Virus

STEP 1 : Start your computer in Safe Mode with Networking

Remove all floppy disks, CDs, and DVDs from your computer, and then restart your computer.
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.
On the Advanced Boot Options screen, use the arrow keys to highlight Safe Mode with Networking , and then press ENTER.
Log on to your computer with a user account that has administrator rights

STEP 2: Remove S.M.A.R.T Virus malicious proxy server

S.M.A.R.T Virus may add a proxy server which prevents the user from accessing the internet,follow the below instructions to remove the proxy.

Start Internet Explorer and if you are using Internet Explorer 9 ,click on the gear icon (Tools for Internet Explorer 8 users) ,then select Internet Options.
Go to the tab Connections.At the bottom, click on LAN settings.
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.

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 S.M.A.R.T Virus.

RKill is a program that attempts to terminate any malicious processes associated with S.M.A.R.T Virus ,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.

While your computer is in Safe Mode with Networking ,please download the latest official version of RKill.
Double-click on the RKill iconin order to automatically attempt to stop any processes associated with S.M.A.R.T Virus.
RKill will now start working in the background, please be patient while the program looks for various malware programs and tries to terminate them.

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.
When Rkill has completed its task, it will generate a log. You can then proceed with the rest of the guide.

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 S.M.A.R.T Virus malicious files with Malwarebytes Anti-Malware FREE

Please download the latest official version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware FREE.
Install Malwarebytes’ Anti-Malware by double clicking on mbam-setup.
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.
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.
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.
Malwarebytes’ Anti-Malware will now start scanning your computer for S.M.A.R.T Virus malicious files as shown below.
When the scan is finished a message box will appear, click OK to continue.
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.
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.

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

This step can be performed in Normal Mode ,so please download the latest official version of HitmanPro.
Double click on the previously downloaded file to start the HitmanPro installation.

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)
Click on Next to install HitmanPro on your system.
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.
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.
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.
Click Activate free license to start the free 30 days trial and remove the malicious files.
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

S.M.A.R.T Virus 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.

Download Unhide.exe, to unhide your files and folders.
Double-click on the Unhide.exe icon on your desktop and allow the program to run.The whole process should not take more than 5 minutes to complete,and at the end this utility will generate a report.

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

S.M.A.R.T Virus 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.

Please download the latest official version of RogueKiller.
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.
After the scan has completed, press the Delete button to remove any malicious registry keys.
Next we will need to restore your shortcuts, so click on the ShortcutsFix button and allow the program to run.

STEP 8: Get your desktop look back!

S.M.A.R.T Virus 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.

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

10 Rules to Avoid Online Scams

Here are 10 practical safety rules to help you avoid malware, online shopping scams, crypto scams, and other online fraud. Each tip includes a quick “if you already got hit” action.

Stop and verify before you click, log in, download, or pay.

Most scams win by creating urgency. Verify using a trusted method: type the website address yourself, use the official app, or call a known number (not the one in the message).

If you already clicked: close the page, do not enter passwords, and run a malware scan.
Keep your operating system, browser, and apps updated.

Updates patch security holes used by malware and malicious ads. Turn on automatic updates where possible.

If you saw a scary “update now” pop-up: close it and update only through your device settings or the official app store.
Use layered protection: antivirus plus an ad blocker.

Antivirus helps block malware. An ad blocker reduces scam redirects, phishing pages, and malvertising.

If your browser is acting weird: remove unknown extensions, reset the browser, then run a full scan.
Install apps, software, and extensions only from official sources.

Avoid cracked software, “keygens,” and random downloads. During installs, choose Custom/Advanced and decline bundled offers you do not recognize.

If you already installed something suspicious: uninstall it, restart, and scan again.
Treat links and attachments as untrusted by default.

Phishing often impersonates delivery services, banks, and popular brands. If it is unexpected, do not open attachments or log in through the message.

If you entered credentials: change the password immediately and enable 2FA.
Shop safely: research the store, then pay with protection.

Be cautious with brand-new stores, “closing sale” stories, and prices that make no sense. Prefer credit cards or PayPal for dispute options. Avoid wire transfers, gift cards, and crypto payments.

If you already paid: contact your card issuer or PayPal quickly to dispute the transaction.
Crypto rule: never pay a “fee” to withdraw or recover money.

Common patterns include fake profits, then “tax,” “gas,” or “verification” fees. Another is a “recovery agent” who demands upfront crypto.

If you already sent crypto: stop paying, save evidence (wallet addresses, TXIDs, chats), and report the scam to the platform used.
Secure your accounts with unique passwords and 2FA (start with email).

Use a password manager and unique passwords for every account. Enable 2FA using an authenticator app when possible.

If you suspect an account takeover: change passwords, sign out of all devices, and review recent logins and recovery settings.
Back up important files and keep one backup offline.

Backups protect you from ransomware and device failure. Keep at least one backup on an external drive that is not always connected.

If you suspect infection: do not connect backup drives until the system is clean.
If you think you are a victim: stop losses, document evidence, and escalate fast.

Move quickly. Speed matters for disputes, account recovery, and limiting damage.
- Stop payments and contact: do not send more money or respond to the scammer.
- Call your bank or card issuer: block transactions, replace the card if needed, and start a dispute or chargeback.
- Secure your email first: change the email password, enable 2FA, and remove unfamiliar recovery options.
- Secure other accounts: change passwords, enable 2FA, and log out of all sessions.
- Scan your device: remove suspicious apps or extensions, then run a full malware scan.
- Save evidence: screenshots, emails, order pages, tracking pages, wallet addresses, TXIDs, and chat logs.
- Report it: to the payment provider, marketplace, social platform, exchange, or wallet service involved.

These rules are intentionally simple. Most online losses happen when decisions are rushed. Slow down, verify independently, and use payment methods and account controls that give you recourse.

236 thoughts on “Remove Data Recovery,S.M.A.R.T HDD,Repair and Check virus”

Laura

July 18, 2012 at 13:03

Tears of joy. My computer is back the way it was. Thank you so much for easy to follow instructions. What a life saver.
Davide

July 15, 2012 at 16:00

Stelian:
Using to the info you have posted I was able to get back my pc!!!

Thank you very much !
Davide
Kellie

July 15, 2012 at 13:06

Hi there! I have managed to et the virus off completely except one small thing.. My background won’t change from black, I have run unhide 3 times and all my programs and icons are back but I can’t change my background! Please help! I have also done the tweaking
- Stelian Pilici
  
  July 15, 2012 at 13:09
  Hello,
  Try this :
  
  Download Windows Repair by Tweaking.com to your desktop. Use the direct download link for the Portable version of Windows Repair by Tweaking.com
  1. Double-click tweaking.com_windows_repair_aio.zip and extract the Tweaking.com – Windows Repair folder to your desktop.
  2. Now open this folder and double-click Repair_Windows.exe.
  3. Click the Start Repairs tab on the far right.
  4. Click the Start button (bottom right)
    Note: When asked if you would like to create a restore point. It is recommended just in-case something does not go as planned.
  5. Click Unselect All
  6. Put a checkmark in the following items:
    
    Reset Registry Permissions
    
    Remove Policies Set By Infections
    
    Note: Leave everything else unchecked
  7. Put a checkmark in Restart System When Finished
  8. Now click the Start button (bottom right)
  - Kellie
    
    July 15, 2012 at 23:27
    
    Have tried above, background still missing and notes left by repair windows says it failed :(
  - Stelian Pilici
    
    July 16, 2012 at 04:15
    
    Lets try this:
    
    Open the Start Menu and enter gpedit.msc into the Search box and hit Enter.
    
    When Local Group Policy Editor opens, navigate to User Configuration \ Administrative Templates \ Control Panel \ Personalization. Then in the right column double-click onPrevent changing desktop background.
    
    Now check the radio button next to Disable, then click OK.
  - Kellie
    
    July 16, 2012 at 10:56
    
    I am using windows 7 and local group policy editor displays: MMC could not create the snap-in
Vicki

July 14, 2012 at 04:09

Thank you so very much for you post. The smart check virus is gone. I finally have my computer back. But I still have missing icons and when I click on the windows button to open all programs my microsoft office, itunes and quick books are all empty. I ran the Roggue Killer shortcut fix. Did I do something wrong. Thank you for your help.
- Stelian Pilici
  
  July 14, 2012 at 04:11
  Hello Vicki,
  1. Right click on your Windows Start menu and select Properties.
  2. Next put a check mark on
    Store and display recently opened programs in the start menu
    Store and display recently opened items in the start menu and taskbar
  3. Click on Customize and click on Use default settings at the bottom
  4. Browse to
    
    Code:
    
    C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows
  5. Right click on Start Menu folder and click on Restore previous versions
  6. Now select a snapshot before you were infected by the rogue,click on restore
steph

July 12, 2012 at 18:40

I have followed your instructions to the letter, yet the virus will not go away. I’ve followed guides from a million different websites and no matter what I do, the virus is still here. Is there anything else I can do?
- Stelian Pilici
  
  July 12, 2012 at 20:04
  OK,lets make some further check-ups:
  1.Run a scan with Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool
  Click here to download the Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool.
  1. Save it to your desktop.
  2. Double click the setup file to run it.
  3. Follow the onscreen prompts until it is installed
  4. Click the Options button (the ‘Gear’ icon), then make sure only the following are ticked:
    
    System Memory
    
    Hidden startup objects
    
    Disk boot sectors
    
    Local Disk (C:)
    
    Also any other drives (Removable that you may have)
  5. Then click on Actions on the left hand side
  6. Click Select Action, then make sure both Disinfect and Delete if disinfection fails are ticked
  7. Click on Automatic Scan
  8. Now click the Start Scanning button, to run the scan
  9. After the scan is complete, click the reports button (‘Paper icon’, next to the ‘cog’ icon) on the right hand side
  10. Click Detected threats on the left
  11. Now click the Save button, and save it as kaslog.txt to your Desktop
  12. Please copy and paste the contents of kaslog.txt in your next reply.
  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 List of found threats
  9. Push Export to Text file and save the file to your desktop using a unique name, such as ESET Scan. Include the contents of this report in your next reply.Note – when ESET doesn’t find any threats, no report will be created.
  10. Push the back button.
  11. Push Finish
  Waiting for your reply to tell me how everything is working.. :) Good luck!
  - steph
    
    July 12, 2012 at 23:44
    
    okay, I actually think it’s completely gone now, thank you.
Phil

July 12, 2012 at 17:04

oops, I made my comment as a reply. Let me try again. I have followed the steps through using Hitman Pro, rebooted as instructed but still have the virus. What do I do now?
- Stelian Pilici
  
  July 12, 2012 at 20:05
  OK,lets make some further check-ups:
  1.Run a scan with Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool
  Click here to download the Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool.
  1. Save it to your desktop.
  2. Double click the setup file to run it.
  3. Follow the onscreen prompts until it is installed
  4. Click the Options button (the ‘Gear’ icon), then make sure only the following are ticked:
    
    System Memory
    
    Hidden startup objects
    
    Disk boot sectors
    
    Local Disk (C:)
    
    Also any other drives (Removable that you may have)
  5. Then click on Actions on the left hand side
  6. Click Select Action, then make sure both Disinfect and Delete if disinfection fails are ticked
  7. Click on Automatic Scan
  8. Now click the Start Scanning button, to run the scan
  9. After the scan is complete, click the reports button (‘Paper icon’, next to the ‘cog’ icon) on the right hand side
  10. Click Detected threats on the left
  11. Now click the Save button, and save it as kaslog.txt to your Desktop
  12. Please copy and paste the contents of kaslog.txt in your next reply.
  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 List of found threats
  9. Push Export to Text file and save the file to your desktop using a unique name, such as ESET Scan. Include the contents of this report in your next reply.Note – when ESET doesn’t find any threats, no report will be created.
  10. Push the back button.
  11. Push Finish
  Waiting for your reply to tell me how everything is working.. :)Good luck!
  - Phil
    
    July 13, 2012 at 05:34
    
    Wow! That seems to fix everything. You’re as lifesaver! One problem remains that I hope you can help me with. It won’t let me turn on the Windows firewall. Any ideas? Thanks.
  - Stelian Pilici
    
    July 13, 2012 at 12:46
    Good to head that Phil,
    Can you please run this utility:
    
    Download Windows Repair by Tweaking.com to your desktop. Use the direct download link for the Portable version of Windows Repair by Tweaking.com
    
    Double-click tweaking.com_windows_repair_aio.zip and extract the Tweaking.com – Windows Repair folder to your desktop.
    
    Now open this folder and double-click Repair_Windows.exe.
    
    Click the Start Repairs tab on the far right.
    
    Click the Start button (bottom right)
    Note: When asked if you would like to create a restore point. It is recommended just in-case something does not go as planned.
    
    Click Unselect All
    
    Put a checkmark in the following items:
    
    Repair Windows Firewall
    
    Repair Hosts File
    
    Repair Temp Files
    
    Remove Policies Set By Infections
    
    Set Windows Services To Default Startup
    
    Note: Leave everything else unchecked
    
    Put a checkmark in Restart System When Finished
    
    Now click the Start button (bottom right)
  - Phil
    
    July 13, 2012 at 20:07
    
    Sure am glad I found you. That did the trick.
Cecilia

July 11, 2012 at 19:26

Thanks a million! Your thorough step-by-step illustrations have saved a student’s endless hours’ assignments. You ROCK!
Lilly

July 11, 2012 at 13:03

Thanks for putting this info out there, I picked this virus up and these steps cleaned it all up perfectly, only thing different I did was run the tweaking.com file for the unhide files portion, the one above didn’t seem to be doing anything for me, but all is a go again, thanks!
Ashley

July 10, 2012 at 23:57

I followed all the steps but once I booted in normal mode I could see the icons and files but things were still not working and it was super slow. So I followed your steps and ran hitmanpro in force breech and ran ikill which ran but gave me some messages saying installed failed. I tried to run it several times. Now I’m running malware scan but it taking forever, its been going for over 3 hours so I’m not sure if it’s working or if I need to do something else, please help.
- Ashley
  
  July 11, 2012 at 01:17
  
  I think the problem is with the rkill, I don’t think it’s working for me, I keep getting messages saying installation failed. I tried downloading the other versions of rkill and it does the same thing. In normal mode everything is super slow, what can I run in safe mode to stop the processes.
  - Stelian Pilici
    
    July 11, 2012 at 04:08
    OK,lets make some further check-ups:
    1.Run a scan with Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool
    Click here to download the Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool.
    
    Save it to your desktop.
    
    Double click the setup file to run it.
    
    Follow the onscreen prompts until it is installed
    
    Click the Options button (the ‘Gear’ icon), then make sure only the following are ticked:
    
    System Memory
    
    Hidden startup objects
    
    Disk boot sectors
    
    Local Disk (C:)
    
    Also any other drives (Removable that you may have)
    
    Then click on Actions on the left hand side
    
    Click Select Action, then make sure both Disinfect and Delete if disinfection fails are ticked
    
    Click on Automatic Scan
    
    Now click the Start Scanning button, to run the scan
    
    After the scan is complete, click the reports button (‘Paper icon’, next to the ‘cog’ icon) on the right hand side
    
    Click Detected threats on the left
    
    Now click the Save button, and save it as kaslog.txt to your Desktop
    
    Please copy and paste the contents of kaslog.txt in your next reply.
    
    2.Run a scan with Eset Online Scanner.
    
    Download ESET Online Scanner utility.
    ESET Online Scanner Download Link (This link will automatically download ESET Online Scanner on your computer.)
    
    Double click on the Eset installer program (esetsmartinstaller_enu.exe).
    
    Check Yes, I accept the Terms of Use
    
    Click the Start button.
    
    Check Scan archives
    
    Push the Start button.
    
    ESET will then download updates for itself, install itself, and begin scanning your computer. Please be patient as this can take some time.
    
    When the scan completes, push List of found threats
    
    Push Export to Text file and save the file to your desktop using a unique name, such as ESET Scan. Include the contents of this report in your next reply.Note – when ESET doesn’t find any threats, no report will be created.
    
    Push the back button.
    
    Push Finish
  - Ashley
    
    July 11, 2012 at 05:29
    
    I ran the Kaspersky tool and this is the log from it.
    
    Status: Deleted (events: 32)
    7/10/2012 10:05:49 PM Deleted Trojan program Trojan-FakeAV.Win32.FakeSysDef.adv C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Lavasoft\AntiMalware\Quarantine\{5612F253-17AE-41DE-A00A-3A2C44C7EF17}_ENC2 High High
    I also ran the ESET utility but it didn’t find anything.
    After that I rebotted in normal mode and the same problem everything is super slow, I can’t do anything. What do I know now?
  - Stelian Pilici
    
    July 11, 2012 at 11:53
    Ok..lets do a check:
    
    Lets proceed as follows shall we…
    
    StartUpLite:
    
    Please download this small application from here.
    
    It is very simple to use and quite effective and will advise about any unnecessary system startups that can be safely removed.
    
    Hard-Drive Maintenance/Repair:
    
    Note: for the CHKDSK portion you may refer to this tutorial of mine here and follow the instructions for Graphical Mode if you so wish.
    
    Click on Start >> Run and type cleanmgr in the box and press OK.
    
    Ensure the boxes for Temporary Files, Temporary Internet Files and Recycle Bin are checked.
    
    You can choose to check other boxes if you wish but they are not required.
    
    Click on OK then Yes.
    
    Next:
    
    Click Start >> Run… then type in CMD and click on OK.
    
    At the Command Prompt C:\ > type the following:
    
    CD C:\ and hit the Enter/Return key.
    
    Now type in DEFRAG C: -F
    
    A Analysis report will be displayed and then Windows will start the Defragmention run automatically.
    
    This may take some time, when completed the Command Promtp C:\ > will appear.
    
    Now type in CHKDSK C: /R and hit the Enter/Return key.
    
    When prompted with:
    
    CHKDSK cannot run because the volume is in use by another process
    Would you like to schedule this volume to be checked next time the system
    restarts (Y/N)
    
    Hit the Y key then at the Command Prompt C:\ >
    
    Type in EXIT and and hit the Enter/Return key.
    
    Now Reboot(Restart) your computer.
    
    Note: Upon Reboot(Restart) the CHKDSK(check-disk) will start and carry out the repairs required.
    
    You should see a screen like this just after the Post(power on self test) screen:
    
    Note: Do not touch either the keyboard or Mouse, otherwise the Check-Disk will be canceled and you computer will continue to boot-up as normal.
  - Ashley
    
    July 11, 2012 at 14:45
    
    When I ran the defrag command nothing happened I got the c prompt back right away. The chkdsk came up when I restarted but also went away very quickly and I still have the same problems when I boot up in normal mode. Thanks for all your help so far. I’m wondering if I’m going to have to reformat my hard drive, nothing seems to be working, I was really hoping to avoid that.
  - Stelian Pilici
    
    July 11, 2012 at 14:57
    
    Lets try to run a “scf /scannow” command – guide here: http://malwaretips.com/Thread-How-to-repair-corrupted-and-damaged-system-files-in-Windows-7-and-Vista . Make sure you insert you Windows Instalation CD before running the command.
    What antivirus protection are you using?
  - Ashley
    
    July 11, 2012 at 15:12
    
    I don’t have the windows installation CD since this is a work laptop. I have McAfee installed.
  - Stelian Pilici
    
    July 11, 2012 at 15:14
    
    Can you please remove McAfee and see if this will fix the problem?I would also suggest to replace this antivirus with Avast 7 Free.
    Try to run the “sfc /scannow” command even without the CD….
  - Ashley
    
    July 11, 2012 at 15:18
    
    Is it ok if I run it in safe mode?
  - Stelian Pilici
    
    July 11, 2012 at 15:22
    
    Yes,if Normal Mode is very slow then yes…
  - Ashley
    
    July 11, 2012 at 18:52
    
    I finally got it working, I’m not sure exactly what did it but things are running fine. I can’t thank you enough for all your help, I was ready to send it in to get it reimaged but you saved me from the hassle. If you lived closer would definitely take you out to celebrate. Thanks a million!
Liz

July 10, 2012 at 23:53

I think I MAY have finally removed the virus, but there is still a problem! I followed this guide step by step, and at first I didn’t think anything was working at all until FINALLY HitmanPro popped up saying there was a malicious file that it found, that for some reason didn’t delete when it scanned initially. Anyway, HitmanPro deleted this malicious file and rebooted the computer, and after it rebooted, for this first time none of the Data Recovery windows popped up, nor any of its fake alert messages. After that I downloaded Unhide.exe, which worked perfectly. Then I downloaded RogueKiller which also worked and even brought my desktop background back. But now I’m worried because even though everything else seems fine- the Data Recovery shortcut is still on my desktop for some reason. Nothing from Data Recovery pops up anymore, but the fact that the icon is still on my desktop worries me. Any help or explanation for this would be greatly appreciated.
- Stelian Pilici
  
  July 11, 2012 at 04:05
  OK,lets make some further check-ups:
  –
  1.Run a scan with Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool
  Click here to download the Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool.
  1. Save it to your desktop.
  2. Double click the setup file to run it.
  3. Follow the onscreen prompts until it is installed
  4. Click the Options button (the ‘Gear’ icon), then make sure only the following are ticked:
    
    System Memory
    
    Hidden startup objects
    
    Disk boot sectors
    
    Local Disk (C:)
    
    Also any other drives (Removable that you may have)
  5. Then click on Actions on the left hand side
  6. Click Select Action, then make sure both Disinfect and Delete if disinfection fails are ticked
  7. Click on Automatic Scan
  8. Now click the Start Scanning button, to run the scan
  9. After the scan is complete, click the reports button (‘Paper icon’, next to the ‘cog’ icon) on the right hand side
  10. Click Detected threats on the left
  11. Now click the Save button, and save it as kaslog.txt to your Desktop
  12. Please copy and paste the contents of kaslog.txt in your next reply.
  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 List of found threats
  9. Push Export to Text file and save the file to your desktop using a unique name, such as ESET Scan. Include the contents of this report in your next reply.Note – when ESET doesn’t find any threats, no report will be created.
  10. Push the back button.
  11. Push Finish
Mark

July 10, 2012 at 14:13

Great writeup. All of the other sites that I tried on this virus lead me down the wrong path. Thanks for the screen shots and the links to the software that we needed. You are a true professional (and very patient).
MORD

July 9, 2012 at 20:05

I have a problem! I followed this guide step by step but when I ran Malearebytes’ Anti Malware it caused my laptop to crash after like 20 min. What does that mean now?
Any help you can offer would be greatly appreciated.
- Stelian Pilici
  
  July 9, 2012 at 21:00
  
  Hello,
  It means that you have a really infected computer!:)
  
  STEP 1. While in NORMAL MODE,download HitmanPro and then start this program in ForceBreach Mode
  1.Here are the direct download links for HitmanPro,
  – http://dl.surfright.nl/HitmanPro36.exe (For 32bit)
  – http://dl.surfright.nl/HitmanPro36_x64.exe (For 64bit)
  2.Hold down the left CTRL-key when you start HitmanPro and all non-essential processes are terminated, including this rogue malicious process
  Here is a video that explains with graphic details how to do this : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m6eRWTv2STk
  3. Let HitmanPro scan and remove all the detected threats.
  
  Step 2: While in NORMAL MODE,download/Run Rkill and then run a scan with Malwarebytes
  1.Download any re-named version of Rkill (direct download links bellow):
  http://download.bleepingcomputer.com/grinler/WiNlOgOn.exe
  http://download.bleepingcomputer.com/grinler/uSeRiNiT.exe
  http://download.bleepingcomputer.com/grinler/rkill.scr
  2.Next,please follow the guide starting with the Malwarebytes scan.
  Let me know , how everything goes.
  - MORD
    
    July 10, 2012 at 00:35
    
    I did it! I spent the whole night long and finally did it :D Thank you! I really appreciate it.
    But I’ve still got one question, the file Data Recovery is still on my desktop just next to the Start button. I once deleted it because I thought it might be nothing good but it appeared again in a few minutes. Is that normal?
  - Stelian Pilici
    
    July 10, 2012 at 04:36
    Lets double check to see if everything is OK.
    1.Run a scan with Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool
    Click here to download the Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool.
    
    Save it to your desktop.
    
    Double click the setup file to run it.
    
    Follow the onscreen prompts until it is installed
    
    Click the Options button (the ‘Gear’ icon), then make sure only the following are ticked:
    
    System Memory
    
    Hidden startup objects
    
    Disk boot sectors
    
    Local Disk (C:)
    
    Also any other drives (Removable that you may have)
    
    Then click on Actions on the left hand side
    
    Click Select Action, then make sure both Disinfect and Delete if disinfection fails are ticked
    
    Click on Automatic Scan
    
    Now click the Start Scanning button, to run the scan
    
    After the scan is complete, click the reports button (‘Paper icon’, next to the ‘cog’ icon) on the right hand side
    
    Click Detected threats on the left
    
    Now click the Save button, and save it as kaslog.txt to your Desktop
    
    Please copy and paste the contents of kaslog.txt in your next reply.
    
    2.Run a scan with Eset Online Scanner.
    
    Download ESET Online Scanner utility.
    ESET Online Scanner Download Link (This link will automatically download ESET Online Scanner on your computer.)
    
    Double click on the Eset installer program (esetsmartinstaller_enu.exe).
    
    Check Yes, I accept the Terms of Use
    
    Click the Start button.
    
    Check Scan archives
    
    Push the Start button.
    
    ESET will then download updates for itself, install itself, and begin scanning your computer. Please be patient as this can take some time.
    
    When the scan completes, push Finish
  - MORD
    
    July 10, 2012 at 17:40
    
    Hopefully, I got that right Lol The only thing is that the content of kaslog.txt is in German but I hope you don’t mind.
    
    Status: Desinfiziert (Ereignisse: 5)
    10.07.2012 13:34:36 Desinfiziert Trojanisches Programm Exploit.Java.CVE-2012-0507.kf C:\Documents and Settings\samsung\AppData\LocalLow\Sun\Java\Deployment\cache\6.0\57\63f34b9-665d3ea6 Hoch
    10.07.2012 13:34:36 Desinfiziert Trojanisches Programm Exploit.Java.CVE-2012-0507.kf C:\Documents and Settings\samsung\AppData\LocalLow\Sun\Java\Deployment\cache\6.0\57\63f34b9-665d3ea6/l_t_a/l_t_c.class Hoch
    10.07.2012 19:02:23 Desinfiziert Trojanisches Programm Exploit.Java.CVE-2012-0507.kf D:\SAMSUNG-PC\Backup Set 2012-01-08 190000\Backup Files 2012-07-08 190001\Backup files 2.zip Hoch
    10.07.2012 19:02:23 Desinfiziert Trojanisches Programm Exploit.Java.CVE-2012-0507.kf D:\SAMSUNG-PC\Backup Set 2012-01-08 190000\Backup Files 2012-07-08 190001\Backup files 2.zip/C\Users\samsung\AppData\LocalLow\Sun\Java\Deployment\cache\6.0\57\63f34b9-665d3ea6 Hoch
    10.07.2012 19:01:14 Desinfiziert Trojanisches Programm Exploit.Java.CVE-2012-0507.kf D:\SAMSUNG-PC\Backup Set 2012-01-08 190000\Backup Files 2012-07-08 190001\Backup files 2.zip/C\Users\samsung\AppData\LocalLow\Sun\Java\Deployment\cache\6.0\57\63f34b9-665d3ea6/l_t_a/l_t_c.class Hoch
  - MORD
    
    July 10, 2012 at 17:49
    
    I’m now into running a scan with ESET online Scanner but shall both (Remove found threats and Scan archives) settings be checked or just Scan archives?
  - Stelian Pilici
    
    July 10, 2012 at 17:50
    
    Both Remove found threats and Scan archives should be checked :)
Brian Fisk

July 9, 2012 at 15:38

Instructions worked great!
Art

July 9, 2012 at 11:26

Hello, I followed this guide but my display is stuck on 640 x 480, in 4 bit color…help!
- Art
  
  July 9, 2012 at 11:38
  
  Forgot to mention changing the display settings via control panel doesn’t work.
- Stelian Pilici
  
  July 9, 2012 at 17:50
  Hello,
  Please follow the below steps:
  1.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
  2.Download Windows Repair by Tweaking.com to your desktop. Use the direct download link for the Portable version of Windows Repair by Tweaking.com
  1. Double-click tweaking.com_windows_repair_aio.zip and extract the Tweaking.com – Windows Repair folder to your desktop.
  2. Now open this folder and double-click Repair_Windows.exe.
  3. Click the Start Repairs tab on the far right.
  4. Click the Start button (bottom right)
    Note: When asked if you would like to create a restore point. It is recommended just in-case something does not go as planned.
  5. Click Unselect All
  6. Put a checkmark in the following items:
    
    Repair Windows Firewall
    
    Repair Hosts File
    
    Repair Temp Files
    
    Remove Policies Set By Infections
    
    Set Windows Services To Default Startup
    
    Note: Leave everything else unchecked
  7. Put a checkmark in Restart System When Finished
  8. Now click the Start button (bottom right)
  - Art
    
    July 10, 2012 at 02:01
    
    Thank you for the help. I can boot into safe mode and do this but I can’t do this in normal mode. My video gets all crazy after about 20 minutes and I have to reset. Also, my normal video is to corrupt and the graphics of the program you recommended cannot be accessed (the buttons are scrolling off the edge of the program..definitely not programmed for such a low resolution).
    
    I’m wondering if I should just download and re-install my video drivers? I managed to scan the system fully with the viruscheckers you recommended, but it was in safe mode. The video is fine in safe mode for some reason.
  - Art
    
    July 10, 2012 at 02:06
    
    Sorry, forgot to mention that I ran RKill before running the viruschecker and it said this:
    
    Processes terminated by Rkill or while it was running:
    C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~4\rapimgr.exe
    
    Isn’t that just the Microsoft ActiveSync Module?
  - Stelian Pilici
    
    July 10, 2012 at 04:40
    
    RKILL is killing any process that aren’t need it in memory while we are performing the malware removal process….You don’t need to worry because this program didn’t uninstall/remove any files. :)
  - Stelian Pilici
    
    July 10, 2012 at 04:38
    
    Lets try first to remove the malicious files and then we will see how we can fix the video problem…..
    Did you run the HitmanPro (in ForceBreach mode) scan? Did you run the Rkill and Malwarebytes scan?
  - Art
    
    July 10, 2012 at 14:28
    
    Hello Stelian,
    
    First thanks very much for your gracious efforts here with your blog. I know you’ve saved many people quite a bit of misery. You’ve done so at great expense of your personal time. My appreciation.
    
    I ran everything suggested in the guide, but I ran it in safe mode. For some reason when I try to run Malwarebytes in normal mode, it causes my screen to get crazy (the screen gets jittery and unreadable. I wish I could describe it better) and the only thing I can do is a hard restart to get it back to normal (while in normal mode)
    While in safe mode, my screen is normal, and I have run all the virus checkers you mentioned. It picked up a great many things..all deleted now but for some reason while in normal mode the system will not let me adjust my screen settings back to 1024 x 768, or to a bit depth greater than 4.
    
    Would the virus checkers I ran in safe mode not be able to detect something that is affecting my system in normal mode?
    
    Thank You
  - Stelian Pilici
    
    July 10, 2012 at 17:53
    
    It should be able to detect a infected file even if it’s Normal Mode…. If you don’t scan your PC , the screen looks ok in Normal Mode?
Nadya

July 9, 2012 at 00:52

Thank you!! This helped me so much and I was struggling for hours! =)
andreea

July 8, 2012 at 22:11

multumesc foarte mult !
Chuck D.

July 8, 2012 at 21:10

You are a lifesaver!!! Followed instructions and my laptop is back to normal. The only issue is the Data Recovery icon is still in my quick start menu. Thanks!
Kaihgaishii McCoy

July 8, 2012 at 18:16

How Does Smat Repair Virus removal Get into the computer in the first place?
- Stelian Pilici
  
  July 8, 2012 at 20:26
  
  It depends … you can read this article to have an answer to your question: http://malwaretips.com/blogs/from-where-did-my-pc-got-infected/
Shawn

July 8, 2012 at 07:05

Mr Pilici, please help! I have followed this blog to the letter , step by step, and the virus wont go away. I removed infected items in malwarebytes, then. In hitmanpro, and upon resetting when it asks me too during the scanning process, it resets with the virus still in place doing the same thing. I also read in your comments to try eset online scanner and that didnt work either! What am i doing wrong? Youve helped out many people alrdy and hopefully you can do the same for me… thank you in advance!
- Stelian Pilici
  
  July 8, 2012 at 07:30
  Hello,
  Can you please re-scan with Malwarebytes?
  Next,scan 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
  3. Open the Emsisoft Emergency Kit Folder and double click EmergencyKitScanner.bat
  4. A pop-up will prompt you to update Emsisoft Emergency Kit , please click the “Yes” button.
  5. After the Update process has completed , put the mouse cursor over the “Menu” tab on the left and click-on “Scan PC”.
  6. Select “Smart scan” and click-on the below “SCAN” button.
  7. Emsisoft Emergency Kit will now start scanning your computer for malicious files as shown below.
  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.
  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-Malware-Removal-Assistance
- Daniel
  
  July 8, 2012 at 15:33
  
  Shawn, have you resolved the problem? Because I’m in the same case..
Shirley

July 8, 2012 at 00:07

Thank you!! Thank you!! THANK YOU!!! My laptop was infected slightly more than 36 hours ago, and I’ve been fighting the malware for the same number of hours. I’ve read other tutorials, watched countless youtube videos, and nothing worked, until I FOLLOWED YOUR INSTRUCTIONS. You are a lifesaver. And I would like to add that I’m running on Windows Vista, so for anyone who has the same malware attack to their Windows Vista, please follow these instructions closely, because they really work. Don’t waste time looking at youtube videos, especially when you’re very iffy about working on safe mode. I’m so, so thankful that I found your site. Thank you so much, once again!