Win64:Sirefef Infection

[dinosaur58]

System overall seems to be running better than in quite a while. I may even test some wmv or flv files. I have been unable to play these in any of my players for a long time without getting a BSOD.

[Blade81]

Let's hope performance remains good

[dinosaur58]

Well, so far so good. Cursor freeze in Photoshop has returned [maybe never really gone?]. WMV files still don't play, but that's nothing to do with the virus. Everything else is running smoothly. No browser hijacks, no loss of internet access, no unknown startup/shutdown sounds. Looking good.

[Blade81]

It's time to secure your system to prevent against further intrusions.


THESE STEPS ARE VERY IMPORTANT

Let's reset system restore
Reset and Re-enable your System Restore to remove infected files that have been backed up by Windows. The files in System Restore are protected to prevent any programs changing those files. This is the only way to clean these files: You will lose all previous restore points which are likely to be infected. Please note you need Administrator Access to do clean the restore points.

1. Turn off System Restore.
On the Desktop, right-click My Computer.
Click Properties.
Click the System Restore tab.
Check Turn off System Restore.
Click Apply, and then click OK.

2. Reboot.

3. Turn ON System Restore.
On the Desktop, right-click My Computer.
Click Properties.
Click the System Restore tab.
UN-Check *Turn off System Restore*.
Click Apply, and then click OK.
NOTE: only do this ONCE,NOT on a regular basis


Now lets uninstall ComboFix:

• Click START then RUN
• Now copy-paste Combofix /uninstall in the runbox and click OK

UPDATING WINDOWS AND INTERNET EXPLORER

IMPORTANT: You Need to Update Windows and Internet Explorer to protect your computer from the malware that is around on the Internet. Please go to the windows update site to get the critical updates.

Download and run Secunia Personal Software Inspector (PSI) and fix its findings. Leave the program installed so you'll stay alarmed about vulnerable components in future too.



Just a final reminder for you. I am trying to stress these two points.
UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE!!! Make sure you do this about every 1-2 weeks.
Make sure all of your security programs are up to date.
Visit Microsoft's Windows Update Site Frequently - It is important that you visit http://www.windowsupdate.com regularly. This will ensure your computer has always the latest security updates available installed on your computer. If there are new updates to install, install them immediately, reboot your computer, and revisit the site until there are no more critical updates.


Once again, please post and tell me how things are going with your system... problems etc.

Have a great day,
Blade

[dinosaur58]

System restore reset, Secunia PSI installed, and all programs that can be updated have been. It's too bad there are no settings in PSI for an 'ignore list' [unless I missed them]. It sees Adobe SVG viewer v1 and v2 [not on 'Add Remove Programs' list and I have v3 installed and updated. Also some programs I can't afford to update like Photoshop and MSFT Office [would need new versions].
The good news is that one of the updates restored wmv video capability. Restart seemed to be working for a while during the cleanup of the virus, but has returned to not working. Restart stops after BIOS screen with flashing cursor on black screen. I have researched the issue on line, but never found anything that worked. This is particularly inconvenient because I have my DVR hooked up to my PC, and Shutdown/Startup sends a backdoor power spike through the firewire cable [the setup with firewire is the only one I could get to work] which knocks out the guide for the 12 or so hours it takes to re-download from Comcast.
Still, overall much improved even over function before infection. If you think it's safe to do so I will find and purchase a HD Drive to install for my C: drive so I can make [and keep updated] a full Acronis backup.

[Blade81]

Hi,

If you think it's safe to do so I will find and purchase a HD Drive to install for my C: drive so I can make [and keep updated] a full Acronis backup.

Yes, that would be a good idea

[dinosaur58]

Before we call this topic closed I have some questions.
1]Now that I have the ability to restore my system from backup how important would you say installing Service Pack 3 is? I did this for a friend when reinstalling his system from scratch [nothing to loose], but it was a big hassle - something about getting the installer to properly recognize administrative privileges. I couldn't have managed it without my PC up and running to use for web searches/fixes.
2]"Visit Microsoft's Windows Update Site Frequently - It is important that you visit http://www.windowsupdate.com regularly." I did visit it as part of your instructions, but all the updates had already been installed [except SP3 ^] by Automatic Updates. Do I still need to visit the site if I get regular automatic updates?
3]Can you recommend a forum for expert WinXP help getting my Restart problem fixed?
I would like to add - THANK YOU, Thank You,Thank You, Thank You VERY MUCH!!! for your help fixing my system.
Signed, Dinosaur58

[Blade81]

Hi,

Please find some answers below

1) Very important. I strongly recommend getting it.

2) After SP3 is installed there'll likely be more updates offered. If AU is enabled then it's not that big must to visit the Windows Update site.

3) You could try WhatTheTech.

[Blade81]

Since this issue appears to be resolved ... this Topic has been closed. Glad I could help.

Note:If it has been three days or more since your last post, and the helper assisting you posted a response to that post to which you did not reply, your topic will not be reopened. At that point, if you still require help, please start a new topic and include a fresh DDS log and a link to your previous thread.

If it has been less than three days since your last response and you need the thread re-opened, please send me or other MOD a private message (pm). A valid, working link to the closed topic is required.