BLINKING QUESTION MARK in the task bar

[Guest]

I have recently noticed a blue question mark in my task bar that blinks
continuously and occasionally gives a pop saying "System Alert! system
detected virus activity." When I click on the question mark, my browser
opens and directs me to the "Antivermin antivirus website." I have run all
sorts of spyware removal tools and windows defender came up with one hit for
zlob. Could this mean that zlob is still there? Is this something
different? And of course, how the heck do I fix this?

 

[Malke]

I have recently noticed a blue question mark in my task bar that blinks
continuously and occasionally gives a pop saying "System Alert! system
detected virus activity." When I click on the question mark, my browser
opens and directs me to the "Antivermin antivirus website." I have run
all sorts of spyware removal tools and windows defender came up with one
hit for
zlob. Could this mean that zlob is still there? Is this something
different? And of course, how the heck do I fix this?

Yes, you are still infected. Since you didn't specify what "all sorts of
spyware removal tools" you ran and how you ran them:

Do the preparatory work here:
http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/page2.html#Removing_Malware

Then do the specific removal steps here:
http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/page2.html#Smitfraud_Trojan

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). The only alternative to going
through the malware removal tediously and systematically, probably with
online help from an HJT forum, and taking the machine to a real
professional is to back up your data and do a clean install of Windows.
It's your call. 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]

If you boot up in safe mode and run windows defender And lavasoft ad-aware
you well be able to remove the zlob trojan. I had to run each 3 times to make
sure it was completely removed. This trojan duplicates itself in new files
but it can be removed in safe mode by ad-aware. Like defender it is a free
software for home use.