Hi intothehot
IE and/or Windows Explorer errors <unknown> are generally
caused by Spyware.
Download and run either Lavasoft's Ad-aware or SpyBot S&D.
Ad-aware here:
http://lavasoft.element5.com/support/download/
SpyBot here:
http://www.safer-networking.org/en/download/index.html
Install either, update immediately and run a scan much like you would
your anti-virus scanner and then follow the steps below:
Even if you have already run some programs, run them again according to the
instructions in the information below to thoroughly clean you system. Some
variants of malware can replicate itself and return repeatedly if not
cleaned properly. It is best to read through all the information before you
start to know before hand what you need to do and how. Follow all
instructions to letter as much as possible.
WARNING>>>> Backup all documents and files before removing any spyware!!
Dealing with Unwanted Spyware and Parasites:
http://mvps.org/winhelp2002/unwanted.htm
What You Should Know About Spyware
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware/devioussoftware.mspx
What you can do about spyware and other unwanted software
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware/spywarewhat.mspx
Most importantly, be sure to run CWShredder here
http://www.majorgeeks.com/download3019.html
Also this program searches for hidden .dlls that recreate the malware.
About Buster:
http://www.majorgeeks.com/download4289.html
Then visit these two sites to test for parasites and help basic cleaning:
On-Line Check
http://aumha.org/a/noads.htm
and
Quick-Fix Protocol.
http://aumha.org/a/quickfix.php
Basically, throw everything here at your "infection".
Also very important, be sure to use the HijackThis. Please DO NOT post your
log to this
newsgroup, but to the HiJackThis Support Forums below:
http://www.hijackthis.de/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=10&guestlanguageid=4
the Aumha HiJackThis Forum
http://forum.aumha.org/viewforum.php?f=30
or Bleeping Computer Forum
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/forum22.html
to allow the experts there to evaluate your log and advise you of any
necessary steps to clean your system.
(Note: You will have to Register before posting on these Forums. Please
follow all posting instructions carefully to avoid having your log deleted
or ignored.
CAUTION!!!!! Before you try to remove spyware using any of the programs
below, download a copy of LSPFIX from any of the following sites:
http://www.cexx.org/lspfix.htm
http://www.spychecker.com/program/winsockxpfix.html
(if your OS is Win2k or XP) The process of removing certain malware may kill
your internet connection. If this should occur, this program, LSPFIX, will
enable you to regain your connection.
You should also get a copy of WINSOCKXPFIX available at:
http://www.spychecker.com/program/winsockxpfix.html
and
WinsockXP Fix- WinXP
http://www.spychecker.com/program/winsockxpfix.html
with instructions, at
http://www.iup.edu/house/resnet/winfix.shtm
also... From LavaSoft- all versions of Windows-
http://digital-solutions.co.uk/lavasoft/whndnfix.zip
(NOTE: It is reported that in XP SP2, the command netsh winsock reset
will fix this problem without the need for these programs.)
or Winsock Fix Utility
http://www.dfwonline.net/files/WinsockFix.zip
Hope this helps
Jan
Smiles are meant to be shared,
that's why they're so contagious.
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