Rootkits

2 ways of doing it. first off, back up any needed data. this is similar in both solutions. then wipe the hard disk.

heres the choice.

1st option, reinstall windows, download firefox, AVG (or similar) and Zone Alarm (firewall, so anything similar) whatever you do, do not install norton, mcaffee or panda, their the AV equivilent to a chocolate fireguard.

then scan all the files you backed up with an up-to-date AV scanner, and malware bytes.

or the simple method, install linux, (need to make a boot disk/usb pen before wiping the computer) once you install linux you can then return all your files without risk of reinfection, and for that matter, not worry about viruses and trojans again...

your choice.

personally only moved over to linux (currently using ubuntu, tempted to try a few other variants as well, though would recommend ubuntu to start with) fairly recently. started mucking about with it 6-7 months ago, but never made the switch from xp (which I have had to patch up a few times....) however, bought myself a new PC, which came without an OS, (quadcore @3GHz/core 8GB DDR2 800 1TB Harddrive, 1GB graphics (theres showing off for you)) moved over to linux on that completely (with the exception of the occasional use of XP to use the sony software for my Walkman) and sinse then. the few times I've had to use M$ has driven me mad.

Have you tried using Google Chrome? It won't get rid of the rootkit, but since it's used so little, it might not be affected by the rootkit.

Epignosis wrote: Also, I almost met Glenn Beck today.

Near death experiences are always scary.

Maybe it is time to try out Windows 7. If you back data up to an external hard drive or whatever I would install an AV program before putting it back on.

Even if you did remove manage to remove it, you simply would not feel secure using that PC again because there will always be the niggling doubt that you left part of it behind that has corrupted some vital part of the OS - the comment that you cannot get Safe Mode to run is a god indication of how deep this bugger is buried. Re-installing XP is also only a partial solution because that could leave the installer intact. Reformatting the hard-drive and installing XP from scratch is the only surefire way.  

Epignosis wrote: Update...I ran Malwarebytes (probably should've done that first, but this is becoming quite a learning experience). It rid my machine of 15 Trojans.  I made a log of these.

Wow, that is one infected machine. 

I don't know what AV software you're running, but it sure is doing a lousy job if this happened.

^ the bad thing about rootkits is that the only safe way to remove them is to re-install the OS. Sad, but true ... no song named after me, but you could write a brutal Death Metal song about rootkits. ;-)

Update...I ran Malwarebytes (probably should've done that first, but this is becoming quite a learning experience).

It rid my machine of 15 Trojans.  I made a log of these.

Unfortunately, the problem persists.  I think I will run it a second time this morning and see what happens- if Malwarebytes failed to remove one or more, or if one or more has recreated itself somehow.

clarke2001 wrote: Kaspersky? Ehm...format C: ?

I'll search for that...I recognize that name now. 

Padraic wrote: Sorry Rob.  Wipe and re-install is probably best at this point.

I may backup all my new files and do just that...nothing really to lose but time in that case, right?