Infected File - VIRUS

[STEVE K]

I am running Windows XP Home. My Norton found a file
infected with "download.trojan". The file could not be
repaired. I quarantined it and then deleted. The file
was in Windows/System32 and it was named "ast_.exe".
What exactly is this file? Is it essential? How can I
get a replacement? Do I need to reinstall windows to get
it back? Restore will not work. It will not let me
restore my system to an earlier time (i.e. before the
virus appeared) even though there are numerous check-
points. Thanks, Steve K.

 

[Guest]

That file must have been the virus, I do not recognize it. To fix system restore, right click my computer then properities, click on restore and select turn off box. Reboot your computer and go back and do the same process except turn restore back on. You will lose all of your restore points, but as you said they do not work anyway. Always protect your computer, run a firewall, up to date antivirus and spyware-adware programs. Good luck hope this helps. http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone/columns/northrup/02august12.asp