Malware problems, including "ipwins.exe"

[af537]

I'm not sure what's happened. Anyway, I've posted it again so hopefully it's worked now.

[CalamityJane]

Thanks, got the file. It's not an identified Malware but it came recently onto your system (May 17th?) and without your knowledge, plus no uninstaller with it. I would recommend you just delete that folder and any tray icons you might see for GreatMemo.

Some final cleanup and prevention recomendations follow.

Navigate to C:\Windows\Temp
Click Edit, click Select All, press the DELETE key, and then click Yes to confirm that you want to send all the items to the Recycle Bin.

Navigate to C:\Documents and Settings\(EVERY LISTED USER)\Local Settings\Temp
Click Edit, click Select All, press the DELETE key, and then click Yes to confirm that you want to send all the items to the Recycle Bin.

Clean out your Temporary Internet files.

• Quit Internet Explorer and quit any instances of Windows Explorer.
• Click Start, click Control Panel, and then double-click Internet Options.
• On the General tab, click Delete Files under Temporary Internet Files.
• In the Delete Files dialog box, tick the Delete all offline content check box , and then click OK.
  
• Click on the Programs tab then click the Reset Web Settings button. Click Apply then OK.
• Click OK.

Empty the Recycle Bin by right-clicking the Recycle Bin icon on your Desktop, and then clicking Empty Recycle Bin.


Now that your PC is clean, make sure all programs are running properly and then you'll need to reset your restore point in Windows XP.......why?

One of the best features of Windows ME or XP is the System Restore option, however if a malware infects a computer with this operating system it can be backed up in the System Restore folder. Therefore, clearing the restore points is necessary after malware removal.

To reset your restore points, please note that you will need to log into your computer with an account which has full administrator access. You will know if the account has administrator access because you will be able to see the System Restore tab. If the tab is missing, you are logged in under a limited account.

(winXP)

1. Turn off System Restore.
Go to Start and right-click on *My Computer*.
Click Properties.
Click the System Restore tab.
Put a Checkmark in the box next to "Turn off System Restore".
Click Apply, and then click OK.

2. Reboot.

3. Turn ON System Restore.
Go to Start and right-click on *My Computer*.
Click Properties.
Click the System Restore tab.
Remove the checkmark next to "Turn off System Restore".
Click Apply, and then click OK.

How to Turn On and Turn Off System Restore in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/default...b;en-us;310405

Next, I highly recommend you get some extra protection to prevent future infections. Here are some things you can do and some free programs to help .
How do I prevent Browser Hijacks and Spyware?
http://www.dslreports.com/faq/13620

I'm happy to see you have SP2 installed. That will address numerous security issues in your Operating System and IE
Make sure that you keep your Operating System and IE updated with the latest Critical Security Updates from Microsoft...they usually come out once a month, on the 2nd Tuesday of each month. This is the first step in malware prevention, as many nasties now take advantage of new exploits and if not patched, you are vulnerable!
Windows Update
http://update.microsoft.com/microsoftupdate/

And see this link for instructions on how to configure the enhanced security features in SP2:
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/sec...p/iesecxp.mspx

I also highly recommend to get the free tool, Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer (MBSA) from Microsoft to analyze your PC security for prevention purposes.

MBSA Version 2.0 will scan for common system misconfigurations on Windows 2000, Windows XP, and Windows Server 2003 systems. This program will identify the system security weaknesses in your browser and operating system and provides easy instructions to correct them. This includes any missing critical Windows security updates, system vulnerabilities and your IE Browser security settings. Get the download here:
Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/sec.../mbsahome.mspx
Choose MBSAsetup-EN.msi = (English Version) or the language appropriate for you.

Also visit this Free Online Scanner from Microsoft for PC Health and Safety
http://safety.live.com/site/en-US/default.htm
and Microsoft Security At Home
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/default.mspx
for tips to Protect your Pc, Protect yourself and Protect your Family.

[tashi]

Thank you CalamityJane

af537 this topic will be archived.

If you need it re-opened please send me a private message (pm) and provide a link to the thread.