Uninstalling unitended software

[Guest]

A program "installdrivecleanerstart.exe" is installed in my computer. I
noticed it becasue there is a constant pop up message that my computer is
running slow and needs to be cleaned. I am unable to uninstall or delete it.
I did not install this software. I have tried running the antivirus program
etc., but it is unable to delete this program either. Can you suggest a
method to uninstall this?
Thanks
Krishna

 

[Malke]

A program "installdrivecleanerstart.exe" is installed in my computer. I
noticed it becasue there is a constant pop up message that my computer is
running slow and needs to be cleaned. I am unable to uninstall or delete it.
I did not install this software. I have tried running the antivirus program
etc., but it is unable to delete this program either. Can you suggest a
method to uninstall this?
Thanks
Krishna

Your computer is infected with the DriveCleaner malware. Your antivirus
will not help.

Scroll down to the DriveCleaner removal instructions:

http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/forum55.html


Malke

 

[duke]

The link below describes this program as spyware with advise on how to
remove it as quite involved:

http://www.anti-spyware-101.com/remove-drivecleaner/

I personally have not tried using this so proceed with caution.

Duke

 

[Guest]

This did not solve the problem. Any other suggestion?

 

[Guest]

I tired this without success. Any toher suggestion?
Thanks
Krishna

 

[Malke]

This did not solve the problem. Any other suggestion?

Go through these general malware removal steps systematically -
http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/page2.html#Removing_Malware

Include scanning with either Sysclean or Multi_AV, plus AVG Anti-Spyware
(formerly Ewido - http://www.ewido.net/en/) and follow instructions to
do all scans in Safe Mode.

When all else fails, run HijackThis and post your log in one of the
specialty forums listed at the link above (not here, please).

If the procedures look too complex - and there is no shame in admitting
this isn't your cup of tea - take the machine to a professional computer
repair shop (not your local version of BigStoreUSA). Please be aware
that not all local shops are skilled at removing malware and even if
they are, your computer may be so infested that Windows will need to be
clean-installed. Have all your data backed up before you take the
machine into a shop.

Malke

 

[Guest]

The procedure sounds too complex for my knowledge of computers. How about, if
I just reformat the hard drive and reinstall windows XP. I have the original
Windows XP restoration CD sent by DELL. Should I take any special precautions
other than backing up my data? It may take a few hours, but, I would have
solved the problem.
Is this a right route?
Thanks for your help.
Krishna

 

[Richard in AZ]

You will have to do more than just format and run the Dell restoration CD. You will also have
reinstall all of the hardware drivers, which are on the companion Dell disk. This is done after
the windows is up and running. These should be installed in the order of, Motherboard drivers
first, then the video driver, then the sound, modem, network, etc.

 

[Malke]

The procedure sounds too complex for my knowledge of computers. How about, if
I just reformat the hard drive and reinstall windows XP. I have the original
Windows XP restoration CD sent by DELL. Should I take any special precautions
other than backing up my data? It may take a few hours, but, I would have
solved the problem.
Is this a right route?
Thanks for your help.
Krishna

I can't make the decision for you whether this is "a right route".
Certainly formatting the hard drive and doing a clean install will get
rid of the malware but you will need to make sure that you practice
"Safe Hex" in the future so you don't mess up the new install.

http://michaelstevenstech.com/cleanxpinstall.html - Clean Install How-To

http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/page2.html#Reinstalling_Windows -
What you will need on-hand

Safe Hex:

http://www.wilderssecurity.com/showthread.php?t=27971 - So How Did I Get
Infected Anyway?
http://www.getsafeonline.org/
http://wiki.castlecops.com/Malware_Removal_and_Prevention:_Introduction
http://www.claymania.com/safe-hex.html
http://www.aumha.org/a/parasite.htm - The Parasite Fight
http://msmvps.com/blogs/harrywaldron/archive/2006/02/05/82584.aspx - MVP
Harry Waldron - The Family PC - How to stay safe on the Internet
http://www.spywarewarrior.com/rogue_anti-spyware.htm - Eric Howes on
Rogue Antispyware Programs


Malke

 

[Guest]

Thanks for the info. Can you list the order in which the drivers are to be
installed? I have the driver companion disc from Dell. The instruction manual
does not give specific instructions except to say that the drivers are to be
installed. If there is an instruction site, then can you please forward that?
Is there a site which instructs step by step?
Thanks
Krishna

 

[Guest]

The program "installdrivecleanerstart.exe" is gone and there is no pop up
anymore. However, the computer has slowed down and takes for ever. I have run
the anti virus scan a couple of times. It did not detect any infected files.
I have deleted the temprary files and cookies - restarted the system - the
usual steps, but these have not helped.
Is there anything else I can do?
Thanks
Krishna

 

[Rock]

The program "installdrivecleanerstart.exe" is gone and there is no pop up
anymore. However, the computer has slowed down and takes for ever. I have
run
the anti virus scan a couple of times. It did not detect any infected
files.
I have deleted the temprary files and cookies - restarted the system - the
usual steps, but these have not helped.
Is there anything else I can do?

You targeted one particular malware, and ran an anti-virus scan, but have
you run a combination of programs that target non viral malware? You need
to run several of these, in safe mode. No one program catches everything.

THE PARASITE FIGHT
Finding, Removing & Protecting Yourself From Scumware
http://aumha.org/a/parasite.htm

Richard Harper’s Guide to Cleaning Pests
http://rgharper.mvps.org/cleanit.htm

Malware Removal
http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/page2.html#Removing_Malware

Slow Computer
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/slowcom.htm