Computer keeps logging itself off

[dannyboy]

Hi there, desperately need some help....

For the last couple of months I've had this horrible virtumonde trojan on my computer which I've never really got round to getting rid of. I tried reinstalling Windows XP in the hope of clearing it up yesterday (service pack 2 over the top of my orignal service pack 1) but it hasn't worked. In fact my computer has got to the stage where every time I try to get on my PC it tells me that the station is shutting down (as soon as it get to my main screen meaning I can never get on).

So, this leaves me with probably going with my last resort of reformatting, but it seems I can't even press F8 to get to the safe mode screen. So does anyone know why it keeps logging off automatically each time I go on AND why I can't even get onto safe mode screen. What steps can I take?

Thanks in advance, a bemused Dan

[drragostea]

?!You don't reinstall Windows XP by installing a Service Pack over the old one. NEVER INSTALL A SERVICE PACK UNTIL YOUR COMPUTER IS FREE OF MALWARE! That was a big mistake. When you install a Service Pack you update your existing OS, not reinstalling it as you said. To format would be mch like reinstalling it. Have you gotten rid of the Virtuemonde trojan yet? It may be persistent for Spybot-SD to remove.
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Consider posting in the Malware Removal forum and having someone take a look at your system.

If you decide to have an experienced malware removal specialist assist you, please follow the procedure in this link to run scans and produce a HijackThis log:

• "BEFORE you POST"(READ this Procedure BEFORE Requesting Assistance).

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[tashi]

Hi everyone,

NEVER INSTALL A SERVICE PACK UNTIL YOUR COMPUTER IS FREE OF MALWARE!

Not quite right. Please see Blade81's response to dannyboy's previous malware forum topic.

http://forums.spybot.info/showthread...655#post162655


UPDATED WINDOWS - Your first line of defence, links and tips

If running Windows XP without a Service Pack and all critical vunerabilites patched.

Example:
Platform: Windows XP
MSIE: Internet Explorer v6.00 (6.00.2600.0000)

Afraid it is not a case of will I get infected despite all my security programs, but how soon.

Before seeking assistance to remove malware, it is critical that you update to Service Pack 1a.
Get SP1a here : http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/d...1/default.mspx

Although Windows XP Service Pack 2 is cumulative, meaning it includes Service Pack 1 and all updates predating the release of SP2; before you upgrade to Windows XP SP2 (Service Pack 2) you must ensure the computer is free of malware.

Cheers.

[honda12]

Hi there, desperately need some help....

For the last couple of months I've had this horrible virtumonde trojan on my computer which I've never really got round to getting rid of. I tried reinstalling Windows XP in the hope of clearing it up yesterday (service pack 2 over the top of my orignal service pack 1) but it hasn't worked. In fact my computer has got to the stage where every time I try to get on my PC it tells me that the station is shutting down (as soon as it get to my main screen meaning I can never get on).

So, this leaves me with probably going with my last resort of reformatting, but it seems I can't even press F8 to get to the safe mode screen. So does anyone know why it keeps logging off automatically each time I go on AND why I can't even get onto safe mode screen. What steps can I take?

Thanks in advance, a bemused Dan

Personally, If this has been going on for months I would (DBAN that sucker!!! Nah..don't listen to this ) go for the last resort of totally re-installing Windows

Since re-installing Windows would wipe all the data off your drive (reformatting), BACK UP YOUR DATA FIRST and MAKE SURE THOSE BACK UPS WORK!


Installation

Make sure you have a working XP Installation CD (and any other prerequisites if you have an XP Upgrade CD) so that you can install!

You can then follow the Elder Geek's Clean install Guide depending on which version of XP you have:

-Windows XP Professional Guide

-Windows XP Home Guide

***

Note.

If the CD drive is not set as the primary boot device it will be necessary to access and modify the BIOS settings.

If you have this problem, please read this: Change the Boot Order in BIOS

***

If you have any questions, feel free to ask - We are here to help

Thanks

honda

[tashi]

Hi,

Since re-installing Windows would wipe all the data off your drive (reformatting), BACK UP YOUR DATA FIRST and MAKE SURE THOSE BACK UPS WORK!

Bear in mind that after a reformat, one would not want to reintroduce any infected files.

Regards.

[drragostea]

So basically that only applies to SP2?

[tashi]

So basically that only applies to SP2?

As it applies to:

If running Windows XP without a Service Pack and all critical vunerabilites patched.

Unless I hear different would also apply to SP3.

Windows® XP Service Pack 3 (SP3) includes all previously released updates for the operating system. This update also includes a small number of new functionalities, which do not significantly change customers’ experience with the operating system.

Windows XP Service Pack 3 Overview

Cheers.

[drragostea]

Will do tashi.

[dannyboy]

Thanks for the replies guys and gals.

I've actually reformated now. Actually was best becuase there was a klot of crap on my system program wise so could do with a refresher.

Going post on the relevant section but I need some advice on programs in particular media players and divx which I'm not sure about as I'm a novice with this stuff.

Much appreciated.

Dan

[drragostea]

If you have Windows XP SP2, you may have WMP11 installed, but it is totally optional. I was thinking that you can give it a try.

What I personally use it "VLC Media Player".