Inactive A popup from HiJackThis- Help!

[mdhaegele]

I downloaded HiJackThis since my computer is running slowly. After hitting "Do a system scan and save a log file" I get this message:

For some reason your system denied write access to the Hosts file. If any hijacked domains are in this file, HiJackThis may NOT be able to fix this.

If that happens, you need to edit the file yourself. To do this, Click Start, Run and type:

notepad C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts

and press Enter. Find the line(s) HiJackThis reports and delete them. Save the file as 'hosts'. (with quotes), and reboot.

For Vista: simply exit HiJackThis, right lcik on the HiJackThis icon, choose 'Run as administrator'.

I am afraid to do what it says just yet before getting advice on here. What does this mean? I AM the administrator so it's odd. Here is my computer info:

Windows 7 Home Premium
Dell Vostro 3500
Processor is Intel Core i5 CPU M 450 @ 2.40GHz
RAM 3.00 Gb
32-bit OS

I use Firefox... not really sure what else you might need to know. I wanted to post my logfile from HiJackThis on here too but it is so long! Do I need to type it all in a document myself?? It says
"Cannot find the C:\Program Files\Trend Micro\HiJackThis\hijackthis.log file.
Do you want to create a new file?"
I hit yes and it gives me a blank notepad document. Please help!

 

[Bobbye]

Welcome to TechSpot! I'll help find the problem. But we don't 'screen' for malware using Hijack This. But if you are getting message about the host files, it is most likely that you have malware.

If you would like us to check the system for malware, please follow the steps in the Preliminary Virus and Malware Removal thread HERE.

NOTE: If you already have any of the scanning programs on the computer, please remove them and download the versions in these links.

When you have finished, leave the logs for review in your next reply .
NOTE: Logs must be pasted in the replies. Attached logs will not be reviewed.
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My Guidelines: please read and follow:

• Be patient. Malware cleaning takes time and I am also working with other members while I am helping you.
• Read my instructions carefully. If you don't understand or have a problem, ask me.
• If you have questions, or if a program doesn't work, stop and tell me about it. Don't try to get around it yourself.
• Follow the order of the tasks I give you. Order is crucial in cleaning process.
• File sharing programs should be uninstalled or disabled during the cleaning process..
• Observe these:
  [o] Don't use any other cleaning programs or scans while I'm helping you.
  [o] Don't use a Registry cleaner or make any changes in the Registry.
  [o] Don't download and install new programs- except those I give you.
• Please let me know if there is any change in the system.

If I have not replied for 2 days, you can send me a PM reminder. Include the URL of your thread. Please do not send me a PM to tell me your logs are up.
If I don't get a reply from you in 5 days, the thread will be closed. If your problem persist, you can send a PM to reopen it.
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