Inactive Oh no, here we go again

[Broni]

Try to install IE8 in Safe Mode.

 

[bkfuhrer]

I followed method A from the page here http://support.microsoft.com/kb/949220#LetMeFixItMyselfAlways
Do you think that will do it?
Incidentally, the virus was found in one of the SP2 folders-

The file 'C:\WINDOWS\$hf_mig$\KB936357\SP2QFE\update.sys'
contained a virus or unwanted program 'TR/Rootkit.Gen' [trojan]
Action(s) taken:
The file was ignored!

How did it get in there?

 

[Broni]

Do you think that will do it?

We won't know until you try it

What program did find that rootkit?

 

[bkfuhrer]

It was Avira....

 

[Broni]

Well, let it fix the issue and see any more issues will arise.

 

[bkfuhrer]

Oh, that was the initial attack, actually. It happened a few days before I was able to browse to this site. I had it quarantine and kill soon after...
I tried the Microsoft method A from post #52 but IE8 still fails, I will try their method D now which is start your computer in a "clean boot state"

 

[Broni]

Oh, that was the initial attack, actually. It happened a few days before I was able to browse to this site

You scared sh** out of me....LOL

As I said, you can try Safe Mode.

 

[bkfuhrer]

Oops, I'm sorry I was just checking through the Avira logs because I get curious about where these evil things lurk and how they get there...

Well, I attempted another IE8 download in a "clean boot" state- no go.
Tried in in Safe Mode, no go also...
One other option Microsoft provides is - Method E: Check for any files that cannot be backed up or updated
It looks kind of scary to me...

 

[Broni]

What does EXACTLY happen, when you try to install IE8?
Are you getting any messages?

 

[bkfuhrer]

After double click it begins by extracting files then the installer box comes on... There are 5 parts to the download-
Downloading
Checking for malicious software
Installing IE8 (this part seems to complete, but then a red x appears next to the text)
Installing updates
Finishing setup
All lines end with a green check mark except for Installing IE8 which has a red x
Then it says the installation failed and to restart computer and double click on an icon which leads you here : http://support.microsoft.com/gp/ie8_browserDetect

I am looking at the event viewer now, I don't really know what any of it means but there are a number of errors...

 

[Broni]

It looks like they have free phone support for IE8: https://support.microsoft.com/oas/default.aspx?gprid=807&st=1&wfxredirect=1
Click on IE8, then checkmark "Call Microsoft" on next page and then you got this:

(866) 234-6020
HOURS OF OPERATION (Pacific)
Monday - Friday 5:00 A.M. - 9:00 P.M.
Saturday - Sunday 6:00 A.M. - 3:00 P.M.

Surely, you can call tomorrow.

 

[bkfuhrer]

Thank you, I will try that and let you know what comes of it. Thanks for all your help

 

[Broni]

You're very welcome
Keep me posted.
I want to know too...

 

[bkfuhrer]

I have not had time yet to call Microsoft, my job has been taking all my time of late. I have, however been considering trying a clean reinstall once I find a way to store my pictures, music and other important files. I have had this computer for aprox 8 yrs now and it is full of little bits of long uninstalled apps and I just don't know how to safely get rid of all this stuff...Do you think this is a good idea and if so do you have any advice on how to do go about it wisely?

 

[Broni]

I'd suggest buying external hard drive (always handy and cheap these days) and backing up your data there.