U.S. Department of Homeland Security virus
- Thread starter Khylaria
- Start date
- Oct 5, 2012
- 2,697
Hi and welcome to the malwaretips.com forums!
I'm Kuttus and I am going to try to assist you with your problem. Please take note of the below:
Before we start:
Please be aware that removing malware is a potentially hazardous undertaking. I will take care not to knowingly suggest courses of action that might damage your computer. However it is impossible for me to foresee all interactions that may happen between the software on your computer and those we'll use to clear you of infection, and I cannot guarantee the safety of your system. It is possible that we might encounter situations where the only recourse is to re-format and re-install your operating system, or to necessitate you taking your computer to a repair shop.
Because of this, I advise you to backup any personal files and folders before you start.
<hr />
Can you please try to run a scan with Farbar Recovery Scan Tool. You will need a USB (Flash) pendrive.
For x32 (x86) bit systems download Farbar Recovery Scan Tooland save it to a flash drive.
For x64 bit systems download Farbar Recovery Scan Tool x64 and save it to a flash drive.
Plug the flashdrive into the infected PC.
Enter System Recovery Options.
To enter System Recovery Options from the Advanced Boot Options:
Startup Repair
System Restore
Windows Complete PC Restore
Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool
Command Prompt
I'm Kuttus and I am going to try to assist you with your problem. Please take note of the below:
- I will start working on your malware issues, this may or may not, solve other issues you have with your machine.
- The fixes are specific to your problem and should only be used for this issue on this machine!
- The process is not instant. Please continue to review my answers until I tell you your machine is clear. Absence of symptoms does not mean that everything is clear.
- If you don't know, stop and ask! Don't keep going on.
- Please reply to this thread. Do not start a new topic.
- Refrain from running self fixes as this will hinder the malware removal process.
- It may prove beneficial if you print of the following instructions or save them to notepad as I post them.
Before we start:
Please be aware that removing malware is a potentially hazardous undertaking. I will take care not to knowingly suggest courses of action that might damage your computer. However it is impossible for me to foresee all interactions that may happen between the software on your computer and those we'll use to clear you of infection, and I cannot guarantee the safety of your system. It is possible that we might encounter situations where the only recourse is to re-format and re-install your operating system, or to necessitate you taking your computer to a repair shop.
Because of this, I advise you to backup any personal files and folders before you start.
<hr />
Can you please try to run a scan with Farbar Recovery Scan Tool. You will need a USB (Flash) pendrive.
For x32 (x86) bit systems download Farbar Recovery Scan Tooland save it to a flash drive.
For x64 bit systems download Farbar Recovery Scan Tool x64 and save it to a flash drive.
Plug the flashdrive into the infected PC.
Enter System Recovery Options.
To enter System Recovery Options from the Advanced Boot Options:
- Restart the computer.
- As soon as the BIOS is loaded begin tapping the F8 key until Advanced Boot Options appears.
- Click on Repair your computer menu item.
- Select US as the keyboard language settings, and then click Next.
- Select the operating system you want to repair, and then click Next.
- Select your user account and click Next.
Startup Repair
System Restore
Windows Complete PC Restore
Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool
Command Prompt
- Select Command Prompt
- In the command window type in notepad and press Enter.
- The notepad opens. Under File menu select Open.
- Select "Computer" and find your flash drive letter and close the notepad.
- In the command window type e:\frst.exe (for x64 bit version type e:\frst64) and press Enter
Note: Replace letter e with the drive letter of your flash drive. - The tool will start to run.
- When the tool opens click Yes to disclaimer.
- Press Scan button.
- It will make a log (FRST.txt) in the flash drive. Please copy and paste it to your reply.
- Jul 25, 2013
- 5
Actually, this is no longer needed. I was able to hook up the infected hard drive to another (clean and protected) desktop PC, then ran Malwarebytes on the infected drive. I was able to delete the virus from there, then install the drive back in my son's computer, and was able to run Windows with no errors. I installed Malwarebytes and Hitman Pro on it then, and have run a new round of scans with both.
I can happily say his computer is now virus-free and I'm taking steps to ensure it won't be hit like that again.
And I was mistaken in my original post. It wasn't Avast that was on his system prior to being hit, it was Avira.
I can happily say his computer is now virus-free and I'm taking steps to ensure it won't be hit like that again.
And I was mistaken in my original post. It wasn't Avast that was on his system prior to being hit, it was Avira.
- Oct 5, 2012
- 2,697
Okay I am happy to hear that your computer is back to normal now..... 
Now that your PC is clean, I recommend you to create a new System Restore point then purge the old ones after.
For XP
How to create a Restore Point in XP
Delete all restore points except the most recent one
For Vista
Create a restore point
Delete all but the most recent restore point
For Windows 7
Create a restore point
Delete all but the most recent restore point - Click the Delete all but the most recent restore point link
Keep your system updated
I also recommend you to switch your antivirus program to a better one. Here are some suggestions:
In addition to your antivirus, you need additional protection such as a firewall and behavioural blocker.
Here are only a few suggestions that will improve your system security. Should you wish to allow us to make full recommendations and set your PC up with maximum security, please start a thread here. Our community of PC enthusiasts and experts will give you feedback and help you secure your system from future malware infections.
Internet Explorer may be the most popular browser but it's definitely not the most secure browser. Consider using other browsers with addition add-ons to safeguard your system while browsing the internet.
Firefox is a more secure, faster browser than Internet Explorer. Firefox contains less vulnerabilities, reducing the risk of drive-by downloads. In addition, you can add the following add-ons to increase security.
Google Chrome is another good browser that is faster and more secure than Internet Explorer by having a sandbox feature. Additionally, you can add the following add-on to Chrome to heighten security.
Lastly, it is important to perform system maintenance on a regular basis. Here are a few tools and on-demand scanners that you should keep & use every 1-2 weeks to keep your system healthy.
Other than that, stay safe out there! If you have any other questions or concerns, feel free to ask
<hr />
What's next?
My virus removal help is always free. Should you wish to show your appreciation via a donation, it will be much appreciated.
Now that your PC is clean, I recommend you to create a new System Restore point then purge the old ones after.
For XP
How to create a Restore Point in XP
Delete all restore points except the most recent one
For Vista
Create a restore point
Delete all but the most recent restore point
For Windows 7
Create a restore point
Delete all but the most recent restore point - Click the Delete all but the most recent restore point link
Keep your system updated
- Keeping your programs (especially Adobe and Java products) updated is essential. Update Checker will notify you if any of your programs require an update.
- Microsoft releases patches for Windows and Office products regularly to patch up Windows and Office product bugs and vulnerabilities.
- Please ensure you update your system regularly and have automatic updates on. You can learn how to turn Automatic Updates on here
I also recommend you to switch your antivirus program to a better one. Here are some suggestions:
- avast! 7 Home Edition - Don't use it with Online Armor
- Avira AntiVir Personal
- Microsoft Security Essentials
In addition to your antivirus, you need additional protection such as a firewall and behavioural blocker.
- Online Armor
- Comodo Firewall - If you are an advance user
Here are only a few suggestions that will improve your system security. Should you wish to allow us to make full recommendations and set your PC up with maximum security, please start a thread here. Our community of PC enthusiasts and experts will give you feedback and help you secure your system from future malware infections.
Internet Explorer may be the most popular browser but it's definitely not the most secure browser. Consider using other browsers with addition add-ons to safeguard your system while browsing the internet.
Firefox is a more secure, faster browser than Internet Explorer. Firefox contains less vulnerabilities, reducing the risk of drive-by downloads. In addition, you can add the following add-ons to increase security.
- KeyScramber - Encrypts your keystrokes to protect you against keyloggers that steals personal & banking information
- AdBlock - Disable/blocks advertisements on websites so you won't accidentally click on a malicious ad.
- NoScript - Disables Flash & Java contents to avoid exploits or drive-by attacks
- Web of Trust - Shows the website rating by other users and blocks dangerous and poor-rated sites
Google Chrome is another good browser that is faster and more secure than Internet Explorer by having a sandbox feature. Additionally, you can add the following add-on to Chrome to heighten security.
Lastly, it is important to perform system maintenance on a regular basis. Here are a few tools and on-demand scanners that you should keep & use every 1-2 weeks to keep your system healthy.
Other than that, stay safe out there! If you have any other questions or concerns, feel free to ask
<hr />
What's next?
- Bulild up your malware defenses by starting a new thread in Security Configuration Wizard forum.
- Learn how to avoid malware by reading this article <a href="http://malwaretips.com/blogs/how-to-easily-avoid-pc-infections/">How to easily avoid malware</a>
- Be an active member in the MalwareTips community!
My virus removal help is always free. Should you wish to show your appreciation via a donation, it will be much appreciated.
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