PC still damaged after removing the malware

[siliconman01]

You really should clear out System Restore and then create a new Restore Point

- Turn off System Restore

- Reboot the computer

- Manually create a new Restore Point.

Your core/definitions are really out-of-date. The latest are Core=3772; Trace=1731. You should update and then scan again.

Concerning the slow startup, what happens if you disable First Chance under Realtime Protection...assuming that you are running SAS PRO, eh?

[siliconman01]

If the System Restore is disabled, how can I create a new Restore Point,

especially on a pc with an abnormal start-up sequence.

I believe I need further assistance in this topic

Sorry, you need to turn System Restore back on after the reboot. The link below describes various System Restore activities including how to create a manual restore point on XP.

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/helpandsupport/getstarted/ballew_03may19.mspx

Have you tried to run freebie program CCleaner to clean out junk/temporary files and then defragged the drive?

CCleaner: Slim Version.

http://www.ccleaner.com/download/builds.aspx

And what other security programs does the system have (including version numbers)?

Also, you should run a CHKDSK /r /f on the C drive to test it for errors and corrupt files.

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/315265

[siliconman01]

rstrui.exe is System Restore...allows you to perform a system restore or create a system restore point. It does not allow you to turn system restore on/enable and/or off/disable. Enable/Disable is via Control Panel>System>System Restore tab (assuming you are using XP).

a. To disable System Restore, check the box "Turn off System Restore on all drives". Click on Apply, OK and reboot.

b. To enable System Restore, uncheck the box "Turn off System Restore on all drives". Click on Apply, OK. (No reboot necessary)

c. Then manually create a system restore point via rstrui.exe

- Are you using Windows XP and if so what service pack?

- How much RAM memory is available?

- What the CPU rating?

- What other security programs are on this system and what are their version numbers?

- Is the internet connection a dialup or "always connected"...such as DSL or cable.

Here are some other checks to perform:

1. Via Windows Update, make sure Windows is up-to-date with the latest hotfixes.

2. Via the Device Manager>Hardware, check to see if any hardware devices are showing problems...which a yellow question mark.

3. Be sure all hardware drivers are up-to-date. It is best to go to the hardware vendor websites to obtain the latest versions of drivers for the computer's hardware. The most critical hardware drivers are the Display adapter, Keyboard, Mouse, Network adapter, Sound, video and game controllers.

4. Disable unnecessary services so that they do not start up on system boot. The link below provides guidance on what services can be changed for XP. Follow the "Safe" column. LOG any changes that you make so you can backtrack if necessary.

http://www.blackviper.com/WinXP/servicecfg.htm

5. Check the HOSTS file located at C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc. Right click on HOSTS and open it with NotePad. (Note: Any line in this file that starts with # is a comment line and is not considered an active entry....it's just a comment.)

- The first active entry should be 127.0.0.1 localhost

- Every entry thereafter should start with 127.0.0.1

- Other than the comment lines, remove any entry that does not start with 127.0.0.1

- Also if there are a very large number of active entries in the HOSTS file, then make sure that the DNS service (see 5 above) is set to Manual or Disabled. HOSTS files with thousands of entries with the DNS service enabled will seriously slow down a system startup.

6. In SAS PRO, under Preferences>Update tab, uncheck "Check for Program updates when the application starts (recommended)" to see if that is slowing down the system reboot.

7. In SAS PRO, under Preferences>General and Startup tab, bullet "Do not scan when SUPERAntispyware starts"

8. If none of the above helps your situation, then it probably is a specific program that is hanging or responding slowly during system restart.

[Seth]

Provided the system is clean, the lag will typically be caused by the hard drive (chkdsk already suggested), or needless startup programs:

http://netsquirrel.com/msconfig/

[h2eau]

Advanced SystemCare will fix some slowing issues and it's free.

http://www.iobit.com/advancedwindowscareper.html?Str=download