file is empty but should not be

[Sharon]

I am having trouble with an adware on my XP Pro system. Symantec finds the
files, I write down the path (C:\Windows\Downloaded Program
Files\f16251.exe) and go into explorer to delete it, according to my
instructions, but there are no files there. I have logged in as
Administrator and as the other user (Mark) and looked in normal mode and in
safe mode. I have gone into view and changed to "show hidden files" and
unchecked the "hide file extensions" and "hide protected OS files".
I have GOT to be missing something! How can I delete this file?????????

Thanks!

 

[Malke]

I am having trouble with an adware on my XP Pro system. Symantec finds
the files, I write down the path (C:\Windows\Downloaded Program
Files\f16251.exe) and go into explorer to delete it, according to my
instructions, but there are no files there. I have logged in as
Administrator and as the other user (Mark) and looked in normal mode
and in safe mode. I have gone into view and changed to "show hidden
files" and unchecked the "hide file extensions" and "hide protected OS
files".
I have GOT to be missing something! How can I delete this
file?????????

Use multiple spyware removal programs. Here are general steps for
removing spyware:

Remove spyware with Spybot Search & Destroy from
www.safer-networking.org and Ad-aware from www.lavasoftusa.com. Be sure
to update these programs before running them. These programs are free,
so run them both since they complement each other. It is best to run
antivirus and spyware removal tools in Safe Mode. You may also want to
run CWShredder and HijackThis from http://aumha.org/freeware.htm.
Although CWShredder is no longer being updated, it will still clean
older variants of the CoolWebSearch malware. Please read the
instructions carefully. Also, make sure you've visited Windows Update
and applied all security patches. Do not install driver updates from
Windows Update. Make sure you are running a firewall.

In addition to the above, I now find it necessary on clients' machines
to manually go into almost every System folder looking for malware.
This takes time, skill, and knowledge of the Windows operating system.
You may decide to take your machine to a good local repair shop
instead. However, try the above steps first.

Good luck,

Malke

 

[David]

I had the same problem. You can see these files from a command prompt. The windows explorer only shows certain files in that folder because it is a special folder. Open a command prompt and look in that directory and you may now see and delete it.

David