Cleansed computer has broken links to files

Zenobia said:
Good,I'm glad to hear that.You're welcome. :)

No,I don't believe Transaction1134H016K being hidden would be the problem,since if it is,your program should still be able to open it.
If you've reversed showing hidden files,please go here to temporarily unhide them once again:
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/tutorials/how-to-see-hidden-files-in-windows/#win7
Please click your start button,then type,or copy and paste in Transaction1134H016K
If the file appears in your start menu,rightclick it and select Open file location.After the file location opens,could you highlight the text in the address bar above,then right click and select Copy.Please paste it here in your reply.
Click to expand...

When I typed in the link, this is what I got:

Page Not Found / Error!
404 ERROR: Page Not Found!

The requested page http://www.bleepingcomputer.comwww.bleepingcomputer.com/tuto...-windows// could not be found on this server.

When I typed in the file Transactions1134H016K after opening the start button, I got the message: "Iten not found"


I think you may be correct that the file has been corrupted by the virus, and not just simply hidden.
 
That's possible,but I was also wondering if it was possible the file may have been moved to another location,and that might be the cause of the problems opening your program.

Try clicking on the link,it should take you right there.
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/tutorials/how-to-see-hidden-files-in-windows/#win7
You only need to do the above again if you went in and reversed showing hidden files after you did it before,though. :)

Now,click the start button and type,or copy and paste in the file
File Transaction1134H016K
If it doesn't show up,try clicking Search Everywhere.
If the file appears,rightclick it and select Open file location.After the file location opens,could you highlight the text in the address bar above,then right click and select Copy.Please paste it here in your reply.
 
Zenobia said:
That's possible,but I was also wondering if it was possible the file may have been moved to another location,and that might be the cause of the problems opening your program.

Try clicking on the link,it should take you right there.
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/tutorials/how-to-see-hidden-files-in-windows/#win7
You only need to do the above again if you went in and reversed showing hidden files after you did it before,though. :)

Now,click the start button and type,or copy and paste in the file
File Transaction1134H016K
If it doesn't show up,try clicking Search Everywhere.
If the file appears,rightclick it and select Open file location.After the file location opens,could you highlight the text in the address bar above,then right click and select Copy.Please paste it here in your reply.
Click to expand...

I clicked on the link and performed all the steps to unhide the file but didn't find it using the search function in Startup. Where do I find the Search Everywhere button?
 
Search Everywhere usually comes up on the start menu in Vista if the file being searched for isn't found.After looking around,I think Windows 7 users do not have that option in their start menu.Sorry about that. :)

Some programs have an option to repair them in add/remove programs.Does the software to adjust your hearing aid have that option in add/remove programs?
It could be worth a try,to see if you can get the program working again:
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/Uninstall-or-change-a-program
 
Zenobia said:
Search Everywhere usually comes up on the start menu in Vista if the file being searched for isn't found.After looking around,I think Windows 7 users do not have that option in their start menu.Sorry about that. :)

Some programs have an option to repair them in add/remove programs.Does the software to adjust your hearing aid have that option in add/remove programs?
It could be worth a try,to see if you can get the program working again:
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/Uninstall-or-change-a-program
Click to expand...

Already tried clicking in Uninstall Program to see if it has the repair feature, but it doesn't. May have to get the CD from my audiologist to reinstall the program, which I was hoping to avoid.
 
gnowgnow said:
Already tried clicking in Uninstall Program to see if it has the repair feature, but it doesn't. May have to get the CD from my audiologist to reinstall the program, which I was hoping to avoid.
Click to expand...
Yes,that would probably be the best bet,in my opinion. :)

Two more things,before I forget.
1.
Using the link you gave me, I was able to see all the data files. The application program lost the links to these files but by double-clinking on these files I was able to load them into the application program such as PowerPoint or Word. Thanks a heap.
Click to expand...
If these files still have the hidden attribute,you won't be able to view them once you rehide the files on your computer.
If you've reversed showing hidden files,please go here to temporarily unhide them once again:
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/tutorials/how-to-see-hidden-files-in-windows/#win7
Could you return to where these files are located,rightclick them,then select Properties.Look under the General tab.Can you let me know if Hidden is checkmarked?Also,is the word Hidden and the checkbox next to it partially transparent?

2.Since removing the original infection,has everything been okay with your computer?There are no signs of the original infection remaining?(for example,your browser being redirected to unwanted sites,etc.?)
 
Zenobia said:
Yes,that would probably be the best bet,in my opinion. :)

Two more things,before I forget.
1.
If these files still have the hidden attribute,you won't be able to view them once you rehide the files on your computer.
If you've reversed showing hidden files,please go here to temporarily unhide them once again:
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/tutorials/how-to-see-hidden-files-in-windows/#win7
Could you return to where these files are located,rightclick them,then select Properties.Look under the General tab.Can you let me know if Hidden is checkmarked?Also,is the word Hidden and the checkbox next to it partially transparent?

2.Since removing the original infection,has everything been okay with your computer?There are no signs of the original infection remaining?(for example,your browser being redirected to unwanted sites,etc.?)
Click to expand...

Thanks for following up on this matter. I've turned the hide off the files.

An unrelated subject. In downloading Malwarebytes and Hot Virtual Keyboard, a program called Aro2011 was downloaded into my computer. It scanned my system and flagged me that over 1000 errors were found in my registry. To rectify these errors I've to purchase the upgraded version. With that many registry errors my system would be slowed to a crawl, but I didn't detect any slowdown. I've TuneUp installed and it didn't warn me or any system problems. Do you think Aro2011 is a scam?

Again, thanks for all your help.
 
Thanks for following up on this matter. I've turned the hide off the files.
Click to expand...
Good,glad to hear it was sorted. :bigthumb:

I'm not familiar with the Aro2011 program.From reading about the program online,I don't see it being mentioned as a scam or malware.
It does appear to be a registry cleaner,though.Please see here about those:
http://forums.spybot.info/showthread.php?t=30038
In my own opinion,it's probably not needed.
If you decide you'd like to uninstall it,click Start,type appwiz.cpl,doubleclick appwiz.cpl,and you should be able to uninstall it from add/remove programs.

Did you end up installing Malwarebytes and Hot Virtual Keyboard?When looking for Aro2011,I saw that there was a sponsored download link on one of the popular download sites,and some people accidentally ended up downloading Aro2011 by mistake,and didn't end up with the original program they intended to get. :)
 
Zenobia said:
Good,glad to hear it was sorted. :bigthumb:

I'm not familiar with the Aro2011 program.From reading about the program online,I don't see it being mentioned as a scam or malware.
It does appear to be a registry cleaner,though.Please see here about those:
http://forums.spybot.info/showthread.php?t=30038
In my own opinion,it's probably not needed.
If you decide you'd like to uninstall it,click Start,type appwiz.cpl,doubleclick appwiz.cpl,and you should be able to uninstall it from add/remove programs.

Did you end up installing Malwarebytes and Hot Virtual Keyboard?When looking for Aro2011,I saw that there was a sponsored download link on one of the popular download sites,and some people accidentally ended up downloading Aro2011 by mistake,and didn't end up with the original program they intended to get. :)
Click to expand...

Thanks for the link that provides excellent information on registry cleaning.

Thanks for explaining how the ARO2011 got installed in my computer. I thought a malware put it there.

I've installed both Malwarebytes and Hot Virtual Keboard, but not sure if the latter is doing any good. I'm still seeking information and may uninstall it.
 
Hot Virtual Keyboard is a program that basically improves on windows own on-screen keyboard,but it isn't an anti-malware program.
When it was recommended for you to install it,what were some of the reasons given for doing so?
I'm not familiar with hot virtual keyboard,but if it was recommended to help prevent anyone seeing what is being typed on your keyboard,then this article about using on-screen keyboards in general might be helpful. :)
http://ask-leo.com/will_using_an_on_screen_keyboard_stop_keyboard_loggers_and_hackers.html
 
Zenobia said:
Hot Virtual Keyboard is a program that basically improves on windows own on-screen keyboard,but it isn't an anti-malware program.
When it was recommended for you to install it,what were some of the reasons given for doing so?
I'm not familiar with hot virtual keyboard,but if it was recommended to help prevent anyone seeing what is being typed on your keyboard,then this article about using on-screen keyboards in general might be helpful. :)
http://ask-leo.com/will_using_an_on_screen_keyboard_stop_keyboard_loggers_and_hackers.html
Click to expand...

This is what the person recommending Hot Virtual Keyboard wrote:

"Keylogger is a software that performs the action of tracking (or logging) the keys struck on a keyboard, typically in a covert manner so that the person using the keyboard is unaware that their actions are being monitored.

Keylogger applications capture a user's sensitive information. User accounts and banking information have the most appeal to the cyber-criminal. They can discover your address, telephone number and more. Logging of keystrokes is usually ONLY ONE feature of this type of surveillance software. Some keyloggers have the ability to record VoIP (Voice over Internet) telephone calls, take pictures of the computer screen and even control the Webcam.".

Your link to the article on keylogger is very interesting and informative. Thanks. I think I'm going to uninstall Hot Virtual Keyboard.
 
You're welcome.
The person recommending Hot Virtual Keyboard does have a valid point,it could help prevent some keystroke logging(though not all),which does make the program useful,so whether to uninstall or not is up to you. :)
 
Zenobia said:
You're welcome.
The person recommending Hot Virtual Keyboard does have a valid point,it could help prevent some keystroke logging(though not all),which does make the program useful,so whether to uninstall or not is up to you. :)
Click to expand...


I value your opinion, so I'll continue evaluatiing the Hot Virtual Keyboard before deciding to keep it or uninstall it.
 
It's up to you.You could keep it as an extra safety precaution when using some sites if you wanted to,such as your banking site,if you use one,etc.But it would be troublesome to use all the time,nor should it be necessary,unless somebody suspected they might have a keylogger on their system.

Hope things are a bit better with your computer.
You did great. :)
 
Zenobia said:
Yes,that would probably be the best bet,in my opinion. :)

Two more things,before I forget.
1.
If these files still have the hidden attribute,you won't be able to view them once you rehide the files on your computer.
If you've reversed showing hidden files,please go here to temporarily unhide them once again:
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/tutorials/how-to-see-hidden-files-in-windows/#win7
Could you return to where these files are located,rightclick them,then select Properties.Look under the General tab.Can you let me know if Hidden is checkmarked?Also,is the word Hidden and the checkbox next to it partially transparent?

2.Since removing the original infection,has everything been okay with your computer?There are no signs of the original infection remaining?(for example,your browser being redirected to unwanted sites,etc.?)
Click to expand...

My audiologist had to consult with his IT person about the error message when I tried fine tuning my hearing aid with the software. This computer expert said I had to clean my hard disk. He said it shouldn't be hard to do if I had backed up my system with Windows 7 backup function. It simply would be reformating the hard disk and then restore all the application programs and data back onto the disk. I think he was oversimplying the procedure. Would you have time to step me through this process?
 
Unfortunately,no,not at the moment.I'll be working the next couple of days,which means I'll be unavailable for long amounts of time.
Also,I don't have Windows 7,I still use Windows Vista,so I've never actually reinstalled and restored backups with the Windows 7 operating system.

What I can do is show you some links from Microsoft that should help with the procedure. :)
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-CA/windows7/Installing-and-reinstalling-Windows-7
The "Using the Custom installation option and formatting the hard disk" section should cover the reformatting,if that is the best option for you.

And this is a page detailing how to restore files from a backup:
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-CA/windows7/Restore-files-from-a-backup

Please let me know how it goes. :)
 
Zenobia said:
Unfortunately,no,not at the moment.I'll be working the next couple of days,which means I'll be unavailable for long amounts of time.
Also,I don't have Windows 7,I still use Windows Vista,so I've never actually reinstalled and restored backups with the Windows 7 operating system.

What I can do is show you some links from Microsoft that should help with the procedure. :)
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-CA/windows7/Installing-and-reinstalling-Windows-7
The "Using the Custom installation option and formatting the hard disk" section should cover the reformatting,if that is the best option for you.

And this is a page detailing how to restore files from a backup:
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-CA/windows7/Restore-files-from-a-backup

Please let me know how it goes. :)
Click to expand...
Thanks for those links. Will let you know the outcome.
 
gnowgnow said:
Thanks for those links. Will let you know the outcome.
Click to expand...

Reformatting the hard disk was easy enough. Popped in recover disk and typed format C at cmd. However, after restoring files on disk C, I still got the error message when I run the program. I think when I backed up C I must have also got the error file transferred. This is frustrating and I'm at a point where I think I need to bring my laptop to a professional for cleansing.
 
I can certainly understand your feeling frustrated.You've done a lot to get your computer in working order again,and most of it was not easy fixes.
and I'm at a point where I think I need to bring my laptop to a professional for cleansing.
Click to expand...
Just to be on the safe side:Are you having any signs of the original infection?You shouldn`t,after formatting drive C:,unless some of it was accidently restored from backup.

If you are still getting the same error message,perhaps the backup you restored of the program was from a time when the program was already damaged.Would it be possible for you to ask your audiologist about the best way to proceed?I was thinking perhaps a fresh install of the program would be better than restoring from backup.Your audiologist,or your audiologist`s IT person would probably know if that is advisable,being familiar with the program.

How has your computer been overall?Has it been working well,other than the error message from the software to adjust your hearing aid? :)
 
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