Spyware, viruses, & security forum: How to remove a Trojan Virus

netty..

If you have to remove it manually, it's best to do so in Safe Mode.

Best of luck!

Netty..

Something which might be of help in the future. If for example, you're told to go into Safe Mode, and there's no explanation given as to "how", you can go to www.Google.com and enter "safe mode". You'll find a list of sites which will explain it. More importantly, if you don't know how to do something, or you don't understand what you're told, please ask. Keep in mind, we have all been in your shoes, at one time or another. Most members are sensitive to the fact and will be more than happy to explain things.

We have a Computer Newbies Forum, here at CNET.

According to what I've read, most users got infected from downloading music or video files from file sharing sites and peer to peer networks such as LimeWire. If this happens to be your case, you might want to think twice about it in the future, as you'll continue to be download infected files.

Safe Mode is imperative when removing the trojan. Were you able to enter Safe Mode successfully, prior to using the tool or deleting it manually? Or is the problem (once there) you were unable to remove it, after trying both methods?

Please read "Trojan.Brisv.A!inf Removal Tool" It's different from the prior link and should explain the removal process in a way you may understand it. Additionally, this rather long thread at Norton's Community Forum, should cover any situation you might run into. (i.e page 5) It's a wealth of information. (Pay attention to "Quad's" posts)

Netty..most people in the thread were able to rid themselves of the trojan. If you still haven't gotten rid of it, try scanning with the below in Safe Mode.

SUPERAntiSpyware FREE Editon :

Load SUPERAntiSpyware and click the Check for Updates button.
Once the update has finished, exit SUPERAntiSpyware. Please do NOT run a scan yet!
Open SUPERAntiSpyware and click the Scan your Computer button.
On the right, tick Perform Complete Scan and then click Next below.
SUPERAntiSpyware will scan your computer and when its finished it will list all the infections it has found.
Make sure that they all have a check next to them, and then click Next.
Click Finish and you will be taken back to the main interface.
If asked to reboot please do so, in order to delete any necessary files.

IMPORTANT: Do NOT open any other windows or programs while SUPERAntiSpyware is scanning

I would also suggest installing CCleaner. Instructions for how to set it up are here. Scan with it after installing it and also after the removal process.

Let us know how it goes. If you have any problems with the above, please post back and ask. And if after trying the above, you STILL fail to remove it, there are other options available to you.

Best of luck..
Carol

I think I found a way to solve your problem!!! Trade your husband in for that new laptop you spoke of! Why wait until June? No more LimeWire. No more Trojan.Brisv.Alinf!! Unfortunately..there will be no more husband either. Just something to consider.

Perhaps I spoke too soon about all these fixes I read about at Norton's Forum. Turns out to be a "hit or miss" kind of thing. I did some further research elsewhere, and found a good deal of people reporting a clean bill of health, only to find the files return after a reboot. At this point it may be a matter of continuing to try different things. Once you run the tool in Safe Mode, and do the same with SUPERAntiSpyware, you might also try Autoruns Eater, if you haven't yet achieved success. I've got a list of things which helped various user's, but don't want to confuse the issue, more than I already have.

Download Autorun Eater to your Desktop. Scroll a little way down the page and read 'unzipping files and folders". (I'm unfamiliar with Vista, so I'm really not sure how it deals with "zips") Make sure your browser and all windows are closed. Double-click on the "aesetup2.3.exe" and run the setup. Once complete, you'll see a cone-shaped orange icon your desktop. Double-click on it. You should see a picture of a billy goat (you read it correctly). Then look for the very same orange icon in the notification area, to the left of clock. Right-click on the icon and choose the appropriate drive from the menu. If you have any questions, access the "Help" file, from the same menu.

Netty, take your time. If you have any questions along the way, (again) don't hesitate to ask. If I can't help, or I'm not around, I'm sure others will jump in. Hopefully, one of those "jumper's" will be more knowledgeable and have some further insights into your problem!

Carol

I was able to download Superantispyware, and run it in Safe Mode. It did detect two viruses, but they were named "Trojan.FakeAlert/Desktop". I made sure they were checked, and the Superantispyware said it deleted the files.

I then restarted, and booted the computer in Normal Mode. I ran a scan with Norton, and then checked the "Security History", and "Unresolved Issues", but I still have the "brisv.A!inf" viruses on there.

I will try downloading CCleaner, but I have this horrible feeling that I am going to have to just clean house, and reload my OS.

Oh, I also did read through the Norton forum you linked, and apparently this virus is really bad. I may post there and see what "Quads" has to say about my situation.

I'm not giving up just yet, so thanks Carol for any other ideas you may.

netty

Hi Carol,

Thanks for your time and effort in researching the Brisv.A!inf virus. I thought it was a Norton error as well, but my computer has been "acting sick". Like freezing up when I open webpages, and just a few hours ago, it froze up completely. I got the "blue screen" with no writing, no icons, nothing. Just a blank blue screen.

So, since it's still within 30 days, since Geek Squard "fixed" our computer, I can take it back and let them have another go at, to see if they can find the virus.

What's your take on them? I'm sure, just like anything, it just depends on who you get. That's why I'm trying to learn as much as I can, so that I can debug as much as possible myself.

Are there any other reasons the computer could be "acting" up, besides a virus?

Thanks again,
netty

Hi Carol,

Long time, I know. Hope you are still around. Thank you again for all your time and help.

I did take the computer back to Geek Squad and they worked on it for a week, to no avail. The computer still crashes (blue screen with no writing). So they offered to reload it. Which I did because I was tired of dealing with it!

I was able to save all my important stuff (work documents and family photos) and everything else went bye-bye.

The good news is that hubby over here, has agreed to NOT use Limewire (or any other "free" media downloader), and although I did not make him sign a contract, I think that means I can keep him

I do need one bit of advice:

Security recommendations. I know that it is posted here somewhere but for the life of me can't find it. Can you tell me how to put together a TOTAL SECURITY PACKAGE? I know that you are only supposed to download ONE of a certain type (antivirus?) and then several of the others (firewalls,antimalware and spyware?, etc).

Now that we are working from a clean slate I would like to uninstall the free 90 day trial of Norton and use AVG and other free security, but I want to make sure that I'm downloading the proper tools.
THANKS!
Netty

Hi Netty..

I feel the need to, once again, commend you for getting your husband to "cease and desist", from using file sharing sites and P2P networks. It's a major step!

You wrote, "Now that we are working from a clean slate I would like to uninstall the free 90 day trial of Norton and use AVG and other free security, but I want to make sure that I'm downloading the proper tools"

The first order of business: "I would like to uninstall the free 90 day trial of Norton".

The only indication I have, as to which operating system you're using, is in your "mini-update" post, where you wrote, "I think Vista has compatibility problems (can't wait for Windows 7)". I'm going to presume ... Vista it is! As to which trial version you have installed, I can't even venture a guess. (NAV '08? '09??) Nor do I know if it really matters, as long as it's only their A/V you have installed.

First know. I'm not familiar with Norton products, no less the trial versions. If my information is in any way "off", I would welcome any corrections! That said, I would first go to Start>Control Panel. Double-click on the "Programs and Features" icon. Look for anything related to Norton, Symantec, or perhaps Live Update. If the trial version IS listed there, click on the program and then click on Uninstall/Change and follow the prompts. Reboot. Once done, I would suggest running the "Norton Removal Tool". Choose the appropriate product on the list, as the steps may differ depending on the product you have. Even if the trial version is listed in "Programs and Features", I would still use the tool to pick up any remnants.

It may be over-kill, but if you run into a problem, you can also try using the Revo Uninstaller ( http://www.revouninstaller.com/ ) . It's free. Have no fear.. it's a "good free". Unlike some of your "hubby's" PREVIOUS "free" choices. In a prior post, I suggested using (and keeping) CCleaner. The "slim version" can be download from here. And the set up instructions here.

The second order of business: '..installing AVG and other free security'

One of the reasons I shy away from recommending software, is because what works well for one person, may not work well for another. Many factors come into play. I can only recommend (some of) what has worked for me, and perhaps others. I can't assure you they will work well together, keeping in mind the difference in systems, but I can assure they are all safe to use.

Netty, you mentioned installing AVG. Some people love it. Some feel it's becoming bloated and are likening it to McAfee and Norton. I can't speak for it. Why not try it? If you like it and it doesn't pose a problem for you, keep it. If you find it problematic, I would recommend either Avira's AntiVir Personal - Free Antivirus or avast! Home Edition.

I would also suggest Javacool's SpywareBlaster. It's a "prevention software that protects against ActiveX based Malware installation. It also protects against known tracking cookies being installed in Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox and adds thousands of known Malware installing sites to the Restricted sites zone of Internet Explorer". This tutorial should be of help, if you choose to install it. If you don't already have an additional browser (besides IE7 or IE8) you might want to consider another, such as Mozilla's Firefox.

I have both Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware and SUPERAntiSpyware FREE Edition installed, which I use as stand-alone scanners. Again, only my opinion, but I would suggest installing at least one of them.

End of business! Closing chapter of the book! And perhaps, my longest post to date!

Netty, the above is by no means a "total security package". It may sound trite to say "in the end it's your choice", but it happens to be true. Another reason, I rarely (if ever) post what I have above, is because it's only one persons opinion. Try using the forum's search function to get an idea what other people think. You already made a great deal of headway, having your husband abandon LimeWire. Let's hope he sticks to it. If not.. at least you know you have an "alternative solution".

Safe surfing!
Carol

Hi Letty..

One of your concerns was that the 5 listed programs "seemed like A LOT' and would slow down your system.

In my opinion, it's not so much a matter of how many programs you have installed. For the most part, those which demand a large portion of your system's resources and memory, are more likely to slow your system down, than the physical number of programs. It's one of the reasons you're going to have to do some experimenting on your own.

You wanted to try AVG. AVG and SpywareBlaster are the only two on the list, which would be running in the background ("real-time") monitoring your system for threats. SpywareBlaster doesn't use up system resources, as it only modifies system settings for protection. I only recommended the free versions of MBAM and/or SAS to use "on-demand", as secondary scanners. I did so, because I don't know how the paid versions (with their real-time protection offered) would affect your system. You'll get an idea why, in the next to the last paragraph.

You might want to consider one thing, if you're concerned about additional software slowing down your system. When you first purchased the computer, no doubt it came bundled with quite a bit of software already installed. Some of which you don't need, or ever use. Review what you have installed, and remove that which you don't use. Also read, "Things That Slow Down Your PC". They mention "start up programs" in the article. Malwarebytes' has a small program which will identify unnecessary "start up" applications. It's called "StartUpLite" and is relatively simple to use. (If you don't find it useful, you need only remove it)

I would be remiss if I didn't mention the use of a firewall. You have the option of using Vista's Firewall (built-in), or one's such as Online-Armor Free or Agnitum's Outpost Firewall Free. (These are only a couple of examples which are compatible with Vista) For a list of other's see the sticky at the top of forum, "Free Firewall Programs" )

You also asked if the applications have to be updated manually. I really don't know much about AVG. (See AVG 8.5 Free Edition FAQ) My guess would be, as with the other free programs, you will have to update manually via the program. MBAM and SAS update at least once a day. SpywareBlaster usually once a week. CCleaner varies. Maybe every few weeks? When each updates, you'll find it posted in the "Updates" thread, on the first page of this forum . (And speaking of updates, I'm going to presume you realize the importance of Windows Updates. Great! Glad to hear it!)

Netty, I mentioned in one of the above posts, that what I've suggested is in no way a total security package. And it's not. It would be impossible for me to suggest a "total package", with (what I feel to be) all the "necessities" included. And especially one tailored to your needs. Only one reason, as an example. Vista comes with Windows Defender. If it's running in real-time, I really don't know how it interacts with whatever else you have installed. Same with AVG. It has it's own anti-spyware component. It's why you'll have to do some experimenting. That said, I don't feel any of what I suggested will have a negative affect. There are many things, as far as a "total package" (such as a hosts file) which I haven't mentioned. And the list goes on.

In regard to the programs on the list, you wrote "I assume this covers all types of protection: viruses and malware from the interent and email, theft protection from online purchases". Some of it does. NOT all of it. Email and theft protection from online purchases is another topic. Most of it has to do with you. And a good deal of it all centers around "good 'ole common sense". Most importantly remember THIS!

This will be my last book. I don't think I have another one in me. Maybe a very short story, but no more books!
Carol

So you also noticed ... "Hi Letty". It "screamed out at me", just after hitting "submit"!

The below should explain what you need to know. There are different ways of installing Microsoft's updates. Until you become familiar with "how it all works", I would suggest having them install "automatically". Just so you know, Microsoft releases the updates, the second Tuesday of each month. (Commonly known as "Patch Tuesday") You'll also find a sticky at the top of this forum, notifying you of the updates, on the given Tuesday.

"What is Windows Update?"

'Windows includes a free, built-in service called Windows Update. This service helps you keep your PC more secure and reliable as well as compatible with devices. And Windows Update provides new features that may enhance your Windows experience. You can set Windows Update to automatically download and install essential updates or you can review the updates before they're installed. The service is as automatic as you'd like it to be.'

"Using Windows Update in Windows Vista"

'Windows Update can be set up to automatically download and install both Important updates and Recommended updates in Windows Vista. This is the simplest way to make sure your PC stays up to datejust set it up and forget it. ' (Learn about other type of settings at the above link)

"How can I tell if my computer is up to date?"

"Windows Update Frequently Asked Questions"

Netty, the updates really are important. If you any questions, please don't hesitate to ask. I think I mentioned we have a Computer Newbies forum, but I'm not sure if I also included the Vista Forum.

Best of luck to you..
Carol