Error deleting / cutting unwanted files

[Lisa]

I have been having problems with unwanted program
files 'downloading' themselves/ installing themselves onto
my computer (such as commonname). I cannot delete them as
I get an "access deined - make sure disk is not full,
write-protected or currently in use." The microsoft
answers to these problems did not help. I tried "cutting
and pasting" the files to a floppy disk, to the recycle
bin, but then I get an error "cannot remove foleder: the
directory is not empty." I'm very frustrated and am
certain that other people must be experiencing the same
problems. Any solutions?

 

[Opus]

Lisa,

Under normal circumstances--even with default settings of Windows and
Internet Explorer--programs cannot 'download and install themselves'. This
always requires some interaction on the part of the user either by relaxing
the security mechanisms to the point that all ActiveX and Java programs are
permitted to run without restriction or by the user responding to program
prompts to permit them to run. If programs truly are downloading and
installing themselves, then there is cause for real concern.

There are two things that you should do immediately: 1) purchase, install,
and apply all updates to an anti-virus program (such as Norton Anti-Virus)
then scan your computer for viruses; and 2) install a firewall (such as
Norton Personal Firewall or Zone Alarm). If there are viruses, then you
should disconnect your computer from the Internet by physically removing the
phone or network cable out of the back and not connect it back until the
virus has been eliminated. If you have access to another computer, you can
research virus removal methods at www.sarc.com. Extensive infection may
require the reinstallation of Windows.

If a virus is not indicated, could you provide more information such as the
names of the programs and files that you are trying to delete?

Opus

 

[Lisa]

Hi Opus,

Thanks for the message. I am incredibly careful, and have
NAV, but do allow a friend to use my computer
occasionally. It could well be that he was not so careful
and as such let a program slip through (although I'm not
trying to lay blame, I've just been confused as to how
these things showed up on my computer.). I've ran NAV and
no viruses. The program that I am particularly concerned
about shows up in IE. Its called "My Way" and is
MYBAR.dll. Another one, that I don't know anything about,
is NewDotNet (newdotnet5_20.dll). I deleted "common name"
eventually after much messing around with configurations.

Perhaps I don't need to be concerned if NAV didn't find a
virus, but I'm suspicious when the files can't be
deleted. If you're familiar with these programs and
they're benign that's great - I'll assume that they got
installed when my friend was on the computer (no more of
that!). If, however, I should be concerned, let me know.

Thanks for your help,

Lisa

 

[Opus]

Lisa,

You are obviously on top of things. I would not be concerned about My Way,
but there ought to be a way to get rid of it. I assume that you've tried
Add and Remove Programs, but have you also tried deleting them while in safe
mode? I would think that all of this stuff could be deleted then. You
might also want to check out the run keys in the registry to see if any of
these programs are being loaded there.

Kind regards,
Opus

 

[np]

mybar is obviously spyware.... if you use ad-aware it will
scan your computer for spyware and remove it for free!
you might be surprised at just how much spyware you may
have! http://www.lavasoftusa.com/
also i hear that spybot is a program like this, you can
get all these at download.com btw.

also try http://www.xteq.com/ to disable xp file
permissions. or eraser http://www.heidi.ie/eraser/ as an
alternative to ordinary file deletion usually this works
good just right click the file-folder and goto erase.