Hi team,

My niece's PC has been clobbered with spyware. Unfortunately, the unit got hit prior to her installing NAV 2009.

Then, hubby tried to help and downloaded Sydoctor which appears to only provide a scan and then holds you up to purchase the application.

Current Status:

Win XP - Media platform.

Firewall message listing a HIGH threat condition from a Trojan.Zlog.G keyboard logger.

In "Normal Mode", network goes to "Non Responding"
"SafeMode" blocks the virus but does not let you install NAV 2009.
"SafeMode with Networking" lets you communicate with the network, but you cannot download or install anything.

I never really played in the security forum, I had a staff to take care of that for me. Gee, it's a PIA to retire!

Anyway, I'm looking for a removal tool that will initiate a system scan and then either quarantine the virus or remove it. I would prefer freeware since I'm sure this virus has been around forever, under several names.

Try Malwarbytes

Static,

The problem with Malware is that it only provides a scan for free. Then it holds you up for an additional fee.

In the process of getting that fee, it also collects the account information from you.

I need a virus killer that will scan and kill the virus without forcing you to give up personal information

Here's a couple for you:

ewido is AVG - anti-spyware, anti-malware and anti-virus software (http://www.ewido.net/en/)
AND
Malwarebytes.org (http://www.malwarebytes.org/mbam.php)

Should do the trick.
Also worth running an oinline scan here: TREND MICRO HouseCall 6.5 (http://housecall65.trendmicro.com/)

Don - Malwarebytes is free to use... it will scan AND clean for free. The paid version does more.

Curlyben has the link posted

Using Internet Explorer, go to:

http://security.symantec.com/sscv6/default.asp?langid=ie&venid=sym

Click the GO button, then under Virus Detection, click Start. You might be told that you need to download and install ActiveX Controls for the scan to work, answer Yes.

Write down exactly anything it finds, then go to: : (http://www.symantec.com/search/) and do a search for what was found. Symantec usually has a removal tool and/or directions for removing manually. Make sure that you follow the instructions for removal, step by step, especially the part regarding disabling System Restore.

You might want also download Spybot - Search & Destroy 1.6 from:

Spybot - Search & Destroy - Free software downloads and reviews - CNET Download.com (http://www.download.com/Spybot-Search-amp-Destroy/3000-8022_4-10122137.html)

Check for updates before running a scan.

Well, the tale continues. I installed Malwarebytes and if found at least 70 (+/-) infections. It cleaned all the sites and the scan runs clean every time I run it.

As soon as you start Explorer ver 7.x it goes to "Non responding". Leaving her two options. (1) Safe Mode with Networking and (2) Starting Explorer with "Add ons OFF".

After Malwarebytes ran successfully, I still cannot load NAV 2009, nor can any activity be run with the browser.

According to NAV Support there are infections in the Registry that they can fix for a $100 over and above the cost of their product, which is supposed to be for the same thing!

At this point I usually boot into Safe Mode, move anything that needs saving into one folder, copy that folder to a USB key or burn it to a CD/DVD then wipe the whole computer and re-install the OS and apps. Before the PC goes online I make sure I have the AV saved to a USB key to install (I use Free antivirus - Avira AntiVir (http://www.free-av.com/)) and I would stay away from Norton/Symantec products if I want my computer to be quick and nimble.

Don't pay anyone to do it... Do as Karma says. Copy anything you need to keep to cd's (or share a folder over you network and move them to another computer)

Really think about what you use, documents, music, videos, pictures, bookmarks, etc...

Once that's done... Put your XP disc in. When booting go into the bios and change to boot order to boot from the CD first. Save & Exit.

It will prompt you to "Press any key to boot from CD" press a key.
Select the option to do a new install... then delete the partition. Create new partition - (FULL FORMAT)
Once done - follow the instructions and install XP. Its easy and you will see a HUGE speed boost when done.

Good luck... just ask if you get stuck.