VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

CarynClark · Posted: Fri Jul 25, 2008 3:01 pm Post subject: trojan

Earlier, I had shut off my computer for a session and re-started it. When I did, I got some funky error message about Dr. something or other was having issues loading. Never heard of it. It gave me two IE errors messages. The computer froze... so...

I just shut down my computer cold.

Re-started it, and updated and ran Spybot Search and Destroy. While running, it stopped 2xs (that never happens) with some more error messages - one was about a Trojan. When it finished on the list of things to fix was nothing about a "trojan" - just four files - 2 AdBurst and 2 very strange ones about Windows Firewall something or other. (I suppose I should write this stuff down, huh?). After those were fixed, I "immunized."

I checked my Control Panel/Add Delete Programs - nothing unusual looking there.

Now, I've updated and am running the free AVG 7.5. So far so good.

question - if I were to back everything up to my external hard drive now... would I bring the trojan or whatever the issue is with me? I certainly don't want to infect anything on my external. Or is it already?
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Caryn Clark... The Hip Chick Voice!

"A positive mental attitude and having faith in your ability is quite different from being irresponsible and downright stupid." - Dave

Jeffrey Kafer · Posted: Fri Jul 25, 2008 4:18 pm Post subject:

yes, you would. Backing up the drive backs up the good and bad.

I don't generally back up my entire hard drive. I backup the folders where important files are kept such as the My Documents folder. Doing that you won't back up and virii since they travel in executables.
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glittlefield · Posted: Fri Jul 25, 2008 8:27 pm Post subject:

1. If it was a Dr. Watson error, it could very well have been a normal Windows error message and perhaps something is wrong with one (or more) of your system files.

2. Yes, you should write down the exact errors. Smile

3. The Adburst files sound like tracking cookies. Does that sound right?

4. Like Jeffrey said, backing up files after you suspect you're infected is an iffy thing. If you've run scans on your hard drive with anti-virus and spyware programs, there's a fairly good chance you're OK. I'd personally scan the external hard drive for good measure after backing up.
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louzucaro · Posted: Sun Jul 27, 2008 6:22 am Post subject:

And also, you may not even have to write them down...most of those windows will let you select text to copy & paste it Smile

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Lou Zucaro
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CarynClark · Posted: Mon Jul 28, 2008 6:20 am Post subject:

Thanks guys. Jeff, that's what I thought... thanks for confirming b/c I just wasn't sure.

After all the scans, I shut it off on Friday and didn't turn it back on all weekend. I'm about to turn it on... and am praying all is well.

And yes, it was a Dr. Watson error. I'd never seen that before but am comforted in knowing that it's a non-invasive error.

<sigh>
_________________
Caryn Clark... The Hip Chick Voice!

"A positive mental attitude and having faith in your ability is quite different from being irresponsible and downright stupid." - Dave