[jojo]

Hello! I'm hoping you guys can give me a hand about this virus I got yesterday...symptoms were: Desktop change, unable to use Task Manager, and dirty ads replacing normal ads on the internet.

My desktop had changed to a message of warning about spyware being on my computer and that I should download PC-Antispyware. I did (stupidly) for the "free trial". And also got Nortons 360 from my brother, Spyware Terminator and Ad-Aware. I didn't realize the virus was the PC-Antispyware until after I ran countless scans through Ad-Aware and Nortons.

I checked it out on google and Symantec had a removal procedure regarding deleting certain registry keys. I tried to find the ones they listed, but none were there. then I looked up any other solutions and found Smitfraudfix. I tried that, and it seemed to have gotten rid of the desktop message, as well as enabling the use of my Task Manager. (If you want to see the log, I can post it for you).

The only thing left are those ads that are still roaming on my browsers, and both Ad-Aware and Nortons can't identify anything. Help please!!! Thanks SO much!

[jojo]

Update:

Seeing as the response here isn't as quick as I hoped, I have continued to search for any new software to catch whatever was left on my computer. I downloaded Spybot S&D, ran it many times, while encountering a trojan warning from Nortons (Trojan.Vundo), so I had to reboot the computer about three times in the middle of Spybot scanning. Finally at the third reboot, Spybot automatically began to scan before my computer booted up completely, enabling me to delete whatever was left on my system.

Since then, it seems that whatever was on my computer has gone away. The dirty ads stopped popping up, along with the browser and internet working a lot faster than before.

Although I want to celebrate and say this issue has been fixed, I would still like to hear from someone to direct me to make sure that there is nothing left on my computer. The most I can do from this point on is continue daily scans with my spyware programs.

[Bobby]

hello jojo,
i'm glad the infection is gone. if you suspect the malware is still aboard, check the files list of pc-antispyware at pc antispyware removal. if some of the files are still on your computer, delete them without hesitation.
_________________
I reccomend spyware doctor and malware bytes as ultimate protection.

[jojo]

Bobby,

Thanks for the reply. Unfortunately the battle goes on. Merely a few minutes after my last post, I received a pop up from PC-Antispyware trying to advertise itself for download. I am downloading Spyware Doctor now from the link you posted. I will update once I run a scan.

[Bobby]

you don't have to download spyware doctor. removing files manually may be even more efficient.
_________________
I reccomend spyware doctor and malware bytes as ultimate protection.