Please, look at my files

[Blind Dragon]

I don't think it will work with Vista, but was worth a check

Let's scrap that.

Download catchme.exe to your desktop.

Double click the catchme.exe to run it

Open and attach catchme.log

 

[jaga_k]

Tried again in safe mode, it didn't work. Catch me produced a log (attaching), but it "has stopped working"...

 

[jaga_k]

"A problem caused the program to stop working correctly. Windows will clode the program and notify you if a solution is available."

 

[Blind Dragon]

'The Avenger by Swandog46'

• Download The Avenger by Swandog46 from here.
• Unzip/extract it to a folder on your desktop.
• Double click on avenger.exe to run The Avenger.
• Click OK.
• Make sure that the box next to Scan for rootkits has a tick in it and that the box next to Automatically disable any rootkits found does not have a tick in it.
• Click the Execute button.
• You will be asked No script has been entered. Do you want to execute a rootkit scan only?.
• Click Yes.
• You will now be asked First step completed --- The Avenger has been successfully set up to run on next boot. Reboot now?.
• Click Yes.
• Your PC will now be rebooted.
• After your PC has completed the necessary reboots, a log should automatically open. If it does not automatically open, then the log can be found at %systemdrive%\avenger.txt (typically C:\avenger.txt).
• Please post this log, along with a new HijackThis log in your next reply.

 

[jaga_k]

I've done everything you asked for, but the log is nowhere to be seen.
I run the Avenger twice, the computer rebooted each time, but the log didn't come up, and when I searched for it, nothing came up apart from the archive I downloaded...

 

[Blind Dragon]

Go to Start -> Computer -> C:\ -> scroll down below all folders and look for avenger.txt

 

[jaga_k]

I tried it, It's not there, can't find it through search window either, sorry...

 

[jaga_k]

there is not a single .txt file in C:, you can have a look - attaching a screenshot...

 

[Blind Dragon]

I have to be honest with you, there is not much I can do if no program will work on your system. I could keep throwing programs at you to run but we don't seem to be going anywhere.

Gmer looked like it found rootkits, but not even that finished properly.

Let me know what you want to do. I can keep suggesting programs to try, I will go ahead and message somebody else you may have some ideas.

 

[jaga_k]

If you think that there is a way of fixing all this, then I would be really grateful if you could help me.

I don't know why these programs don't work on my system, I completely follow your instructions and just report back to you.

What do you suggest I should do then? Because I have no clue...

Thanks.

 

[Blind Dragon]

ROOTKIT REVEALER

Please download Rootkit Revealer

Unzip it to your desktop.

Open the rootkitrevealer folder and double-click rootkitrevealer.exe

Click the Scan button (bottom right)
It may take a while to scan (don't do anything while it's running - leave the PC idle while scanning)

When it's done, go up to File > Save. Choose to save it to your desktop.

Open rootkitrevealer.txt and either paste it here, or preferably attach the file

 

[jaga_k]

I'm so sorry, but this one doesn't even start.
When I click on RootkitRevealer.exe, Windows notifies me it "stopped working"...

I really don't know what to do with all that.

 

[Blind Dragon]

sorry, I am going to forward this link to somebody else.

I will keep an eye on the thread and help when I can.

 

[jaga_k]

thank you for your help, I really appreciate it.

I'm just not sure whether I should wait or re-install Windows. I heard there is no working anti-rootkit software for Vista 64bit...

Thanks again for trying.

 

[Blind Dragon]

well we proved that the hard way. Vista was supposed to be "rootkit proof"

 

[jaga_k]

Well, it isn't. And it was a clean installation from an original disc.

Do you think I should format and re-install?

And if yes, which anti-spyware/ anti-malware/ anti-virus software to invest in/ download?

It's just that I can't afford this computer to let me down, I need it for work...

Thanks a lot again!

 

[Blind Dragon]

Ideally you want 1 active anti-virus, 1 firewall, and a few anti-spyware

Firewall
Not many options out there for Firewall
I recommend Comodo - make sure you select the advanced option when you download it, It will be a pain at first while it learns your habits, but eventually it will settle down.

Anti-virus
For Anti-virus -> AVG Free is good /
If you are looking for paid protection -> Kaspersky received top marks with Vista

Anti-Spyware
You can run a combination of anti-spyware (these are all free)
-Spybot S&D (make sure you turn on Teatimer)
-Adaware 2007
-Superantispyware

You should also run a program to clean temp files regularly
-Ccleaner (check all boxes including advanced, except old prefetch data)

 

[jaga_k]

Thank you.

So are you for or against me formatting my drive and re-installing?
Just don't know if I should wait for more advice or not and I'm a bit afraid to use this computer...

 

[Blind Dragon]

I am absolutely for you formatting and doing a clean install.

If you do reinstall, don't forget to to go to start -> control panel -> windows update and make sure you get all the updates.

And make sure that Java is up to date Java 6 update 5 is the most current version

 

[jaga_k]

Thanks for all your time, and I really, really appreciate your help.

Busy night in front of me then...