Virus! Peernet?

[oceanclub]

Argh, I feel like a n00b. While trying to fix a wireless connection
problem, I must have left my machine wide open to attack. First I knew
of it, it slows down, and a red "Infected" icon appeared in my task
bar.

I disconnected the internet connection and rebooted. Windows Explorer
refuses to start and, when I tried to start it from the Task Manager,
it immediates dies/is killed.

Using the command line, I ran AVG anti-virus - it found one file
infected, but I don't think it was to do with the problem. When I
rebooted, same problem as above.

I tried a repair installation. No luck, Explorer _still_ dies.

I looked at my Windows directory to see if there was anything obvious
added there. There was a new directory in there called PeerNet, which
didn't ring a bell. Doing a google says something about printer
drivers, it's a product I definitely haven't installed. Anyone know if
it might be the problem? Any idea how to resurrect Explorer at least?

Thanks,

P.

 

[Rick \Nutcase\ Rogers]

Hi,

I doubt that Peernet is the problem, it is probably there from some other
software you installed. I would be working from safe mode on the problem.
Free virus removal tools:

http://vil.nai.com/vil/stinger/
http://www.emsisoft.com/en/
http://free.grisoft.com/doc/8/lng/us/tpl/v5/nid/3001#3001
http://www.f-secure.com/download-purchase/tools.shtml

Also, you may use this free on-line scanner, but running in normal mode is
often self-defeating:
http://housecall.trendmicro.com/

Many are best run in Safe mode to minimize interference. Most will resist
removal in normal mode where they are active.

How to start in Safe mode:
http://www.rickrogers.org/fixes.htm#Safe mode

Emergency system tools:
http://www.dougknox.com/xp/utils/xp_emerutils.htm

--
Best of Luck,

Rick Rogers, aka "Nutcase" - Microsoft MVP

Associate Expert - WindowsXP Expert Zone

Windows help - www.rickrogers.org