Vista security center virus?

visagephoto · 07-02-10, 01:48

My daughters laptop (running Vista) has recently been infected with this virus, it has disabled AVG and replaced "windows security center" with "vista security center" which has constant virus warning pop-ups, which then insist on upgrade & payment etc.

I've restored the system to an earlier version using system restore, which allowed me to re-enable "windows security center" and run avg to check for any viruses, once I delete all the tracking cookies etc. that AVG discovers, is there anything else I can do, or have to do to ensure the threat is eradicated.

Lanarkshire IT Services · 07-02-10, 14:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by visagephoto

My daughters laptop (running Vista) has recently been infected with this virus, it has disabled AVG and replaced "windows security center" with "vista security center" which has constant virus warning pop-ups, which then insist on upgrade & payment etc.

I've restored the system to an earlier version using system restore, which allowed me to re-enable "windows security center" and run avg to check for any viruses, once I delete all the tracking cookies etc. that AVG discovers, is there anything else I can do, or have to do to ensure the threat is eradicated.

Hi There

As this is for home use follow my FREE Virus / Malware Removal Guide

Any questions etc just ask

Regards

visagephoto · 07-02-10, 23:14

Thanks Stuart,

I downloaded and ran "MalwareBytes" anti-malware, did a full scan but like AVG it couldn't find any infections etc, everything was running fine after the rstore. . . until I noticed Vista SP1 had been downloaded but not installed.

I tried to install it but it failed and corrupted the system in the process, now the laptop won't boot, I put the original windows CD-ROM in and tried to repair the OS, but it 's been running for around three hours now, and seems to be getting nowhere.

Any advise to save me re-installing windows would be really appreciated.

Lanarkshire IT Services · 07-02-10, 23:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by visagephoto

Thanks Stuart,

I downloaded and ran "MalwareBytes" anti-malware, did a full scan but like AVG it couldn't find any infections etc, everything was running fine after the rstore. . . until I noticed Vista SP1 had been downloaded but not installed.

I tried to install it but it failed and corrupted the system in the process, now the laptop won't boot, I put the original windows CD-ROM in and tried to repair the OS, but it 's been running for around three hours now, and seems to be getting nowhere.

Any advise to save me re-installing windows would be really appreciated.

OK first things first

Boot up the system then repeatedly tap F8 til you get to the Advanced Boot Options, then choose Last Known Good

Let me know how that goes.

Regards

Lanarkshire IT Services · 07-02-10, 23:50

That's why I always suggest the new restore point and ERUNT registry backup BEFORE any maintenance work is done.

Always gives you a good working point to go back to.

OK if Last Known Good didnt work I would try to boot from the Vista DVD and instead of choosing Install choose Repair My Computer

Hopefully it finds your Vista OS then click next

Now do a System Restore to just BEFORE the SP1

Let me know how you get on

Regards

visagephoto · 08-02-10, 00:01

Did as advised,

Windows starts loading with progress bar at bottom centre of the screen, the screen then goes blank (black) with white text and freezes on the following,

!! 0xc01a001d !! 9073/86503 (\registry\Machine\COMPONENTS\DerivedData\...)

hard drive is constanly being accessed and above text is flashing as though stuck in a loop.

Lanarkshire IT Services · 08-02-10, 00:03

Hi There

Was that on Last Known Good or System Restore?

Regards

visagephoto · 08-02-10, 00:04

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lanarkshire IT Services

Hi There

Was that on Last Known Good or System Restore?

Regards

Hi Stuart

Yes it was.

Lanarkshire IT Services · 08-02-10, 00:05

OK do a System Restore

Regards

visagephoto · 08-02-10, 00:18

I'm sorry Stuart but this is a bit technical for me, I'm not sure how to do a system restore without first booting the system.

As it seems I'm unable to load Windows even in safe mode, or to repair the OS using the original Windows Disc. I think I may have to reinstall windows and face the wrath of my daughter when she discovers her itunes etc. are all gone.

Regards

Alan