Adobe download virus

[meems]

It's a nasty one! I'd call in for help if you can! The longer you wait the deeper it goes..one person told me her friend got it on a 3 day old computer!

[dliver316]

I am totally NOT computer savvy. My dad who is a major computer guru tells me I shouldnt print coupons from online b/c the downloads can cause major problems. I didnt really believe him (I know I am naive) until I read this about your problem.
I wonder what exactly we shouldnt print. Are the bricks, smartsource, coupons.com safe?
Thanks and thanks for the heads up on this virus.

[meems]

I would still trust brick, SS & coupons.com...

[christinalkc]

I had that happened to me three times. Once last year and twice just last week. As mentioned in my previous posts, I removed a couple of "culprit" files from the system in safe mode and the problem vanished or maybe still hiding. Anyways, then the weird thing is, I wasn't able to print any coupons after I removed the two files and had to re-install the coupon printer again for some reason. So I am not sure if it's related.

Cheers.

[SouthernBelle5]

(southernbelle5's DH here).......adobe and coupon printers all allow backdoor trojans to come in and wreak havoc. they search files for usernames and passwords. we had almost the same thing that was mentioned. we also picked up the AXWIN bug. here is what i did to fix it.....
TURN OFF YOUR SYSTEM RESTORE and then go into safe mode with networking and update your antivirus and antimalware programs. if you dont have AVG, avast, superantispyware, or malwarebytes, go to download.com and get them. i recommend avast as antivirus and superantispyware for malware. in safemode downloading will take a little longer.

1)be sure they are updated and run them ONE AT TIME. running 2 programs at a time may cause conflict and they will cancel each other out. hence they will find nothing.

2)run complete scans, not quick scans.

3) follow the programs instructions on quarintining or deleting what ever it finds.

4)access the internet in safemode with networking and download COMBOFIX. a google search will bring you what you need. turn off your antivirus and antispyware real time protection (it will prompt you to do so either way.) run it. you will most likely want to let it run overnight. goofing around while it is running will cause issues and make it freeze. it will show it is going through a number of phases and will produce a logfile. after that it should take care of itself.

5) download and run ccleaner from (download.com) this will clean up junk files and registry errors. its pretty self explanatory.

6) restart.

that may or may not get rid of everything. it got rid of the AXWIN, the adobe download crap, and the stupid google redirect. cleaning registry errors and junkfiles with ccleaner will also speed up your whole system. if you have a coupon printer app, remove it! they take up space and allow ugly things to come through. also disable coupon plugins and add ons, as well as any other toolbars and plugins attached to your web browser.

update you windows security patches as often as you can.

disabling unnecessary programs that run on startup will also speed you up. i recommend you get help with that if you are unsure of what to do.

i hope this info helps you guys out. i know from experience how frustrated a hardcore q'poner can be when she cant download her arsenal. viruses and bugs are very annoying but they are preventable. if i can help you out feel free to ask, i dont know everything but i am to share what i can!

if you use firefox or ie8, abandon them and use google chrome. it is way faster and more stable.

[jen276here]

SB's DH- TY for posting!! On Friday, I tried to do what you suggested - I couldn't - that damn thing already took over!!! UGH!! I threw in the towel today. I had enough, went to Best Buy and bought a Mac. I'm already in love!!! I don't know what to do with old laptop (other than use it to shovel snow with...) I think I may just keep trying and if I get it back, I'll give it to the kids. We'll see if I have any luck!

Be careful everyone!

[SouthernBelle5]

what was happening when you tried to run your scans?

[jen276here]

When I ran norton, it was detecting nothing at all - not even a tracking cookie. I tried to turn off my system restore and I couldn't - I'd right click for my properties, click system protection (Vista) and the screen would pop-up and shut right back down. Wouldn't even let the screen come up. I tried a full system restore and thought all was well but unfortunately it wasn't. Tried a scrub and system restore then. I'm not sure if it worked or not, but I just got spent on it. I'll keep trying though - just bought a new one 'cause I needed something now!

[SouthernBelle5]

i am not sure of the differences between xp and vista, but i know you wont be able to disable system restore in safe mode (if that is where you were). try going into normal mode and bringing up your task manager. sometimes there are processes that are unusual that can be controlling your ability to run scans, disable system restore, etc. you may have to kill that process to be able to go any further.

i detest norton. i would suggest some of the free apps i mentioned earlier. also, there may be something running at start up that is crippling your ability to get rid of your virus. you will have to run msconfig to shut that app down and allow yourself to work. its a tedious process. like i said b4 tho, we have xp so things may be different for vista.

try visiting bleepingcomputer.com, afterdawn.com forums, or windowsbb.com and doing a search for your particular virus and operating system.

now that you have a mac you can become an elitist and make fun of losers that still dont have enough common sense to switch! the only thing i shun away from with mac other than the cost is the fact that the software is so proprietary. microsoft is so universal that you can get things you need just about anywhere. its funny how hackers and virus builders only use mac!

i hope that helps. if you need more details or i can help anyone else, i will jump at the chance. i dont know everything but i like to help out.

[jen276here]

When I tried to disable it was in normal mode. I tried to ctr/alt/del into task manager and it too was a no go - wouldn't let it up... whatever I have really bites! lol I think I'm taking a break for a day or two from that thing! I'll just let it rot I'm so mad about it!!! I'm just really happy to have a laptop again!!! I didn't buy top of the line, I bought lower end, it was all I wanted to invest in something I was unsure of. But opening that box was just, wow! I felt like I went from a Chevy to an Audi! lol Set up was a dream. And it runs so smooth! Just have to get used to the new programs and set up iWork and I'll be a happy, happy camper! Thanks for all your suggestions - when I get up the energy again, I will try to see what I can do with the other one.