Spyware Problem Question?

Question

Name of spyware Windows Explorer Context Menu Platinum, Is almost completely harmless, Just an annoying program that secretly installed. What I dont like is my spyware malware and ad-aware scanners are not picking it up, Basically its blocking device manager and asking me to pay for the full version when i right click on my computer and click device manager, I found another way to access device manager but I still want the program gone, Its not showing up in application data in hidden folders on c drive, and its not showing up in program files and its not showing up in programs to remove in control panel. I have also tried to see it using programs like shexview which show almost every application on pc. So if i cant see or find it how do i get rid of it,

Answer 1

You can look at what is in your startup folder and see if you can disable it from there. The poster that said disable system restore before you do this is right. I don't think you need to be in safe mode to get rid of this. YOu just need to disable it. You can install ccleaner (google it) and it has a tool that allows you to look at the startup and disable it. See if you can turn it off with ccleaner. That is a good drive cleaner tool and no bugs installed with it if you get it from a good site

http://www.piriform.com/



http://us.mg1.mail.yahoo.com/dc/launch?.gx=1&.rand=9cusm39jmq0r0

Here is the microsoft blurb about startup processes. I would look for anything that says platinum



hope this helps

Answer 2

These 'rogue' items are a real bear to kill.

Kudos on having a data backup...so many do not, and expect their Windows machines to behave themselves, and suffer proportionately when malware removal goes badly.

You may want to reform some of your Internet strategy after the re-install, like start using Firefox with "NoScript". That ends a lot of these 'drive-by installs' from JavaScripted "iFrame" elements.

Prevention is far easier than removal.



Good luck.

Answer 3

The key words here are SAFE MODE!!!



As some malware reside in restore points, turn System Restore off. This will delete all your restore points and any virus.

Click Start, right-click Computer, and then click Properties.

Click System Protection, click Configure, turn off system protection.



Download, (if you can't get on-line, have a friend download and copy to disc/flash for transfer) install, update and then in SAFE MODE* run full scans, with these programs...



** http://www.malwarebytes.org

http://www.superantispyware.com

http://download.cnet.com/1770-20_4-0.html?query=Ad+Aware+Free+Anti+Malware&tag=404&searchtype=downloads Ad-Aware free



*** Important, when downloaded/installed/updated disconnect from the internet ***



Then re-start.



(turn System Restore on.)





If you can't run a scan, go into the scanner's folder and re-name the .exe file to something like 'MyFile.exe' and try in safe mode again. Some malware prevent the execution of anti spy/mal/virus scans by blocking them by name.



You should consider getting a good Anti-Virus program.

Try one of these free ones...



http://www.avast.com/eng/download-avast-home.html



http://www.free-av.com/en/download/1/avira_antivir_personal__free_antivirus.html (Avria)



***Never use more than one, active, anti-virus program at any one time***



*Note: On start up (before Windows loads) keep tapping either F5 or F8 (be aware that some manufacturers use F8 for system recovery!) then use arrow keys to highlight 'Safe Mode with networking' and hit Enter/Return, click on a user account, enter the Administrator password (if you don't know it, there probably isn't one so leave it blank) and hit Enter/Return.



**Note: Malwarebytes should be run in 'Normal Mode' unless that isn't possible!

© arou42

Answer 4

It is probably appearing by default command every time you connect to the the internet, try installing AVG 9.0 free anti-virus, I recommend it.

Answer 5

malwarebytes anti-malware usually gets rid of this. go to the website and download the free version.