Vulnerability Found On Kaspersky Scan

[Sheryl]

I just installed new, licensed Kaspersky 2009 Internet Security on my recntly virus-destroyed, now semi-resurrected, laptop and ran a full scan.

It did not show any viruses but listed 10 "events" describd as:

vulnerability http://www.viruslist.com/sea/aDVISORIE4S/* the last opartbeing various numbers

I have no diea what I should do with this and given the recent set of computer disasters I don't dare close the program.

Called some number in Russia for tech support (Thai and US offices closed on Sundays) , Russian guy who sounded sleepy and spoke poor English told me to redo the scan in safe mod.

I did, but same result.

Can anyone shed light on this???

Thanks

[Mobi]

Sheryl, Don't use Kaspersky. I also got one with my Acer but immediately tossed it out.

Use Avira or AVG.

They are legit and free and are the best antivirus software available.

Don't mess with anything else.

Also use Spybot and Ad Aware - also legit and free.

Avira can be programmed to automatically update and scan daily, at any time you choose, and if the PC is off, it will perform these tasks as soon as you switch on.

I have been using the above 4 for years and I never have any problems., and believe you me I have 4 computers that I push to their limits and downloads loads of stuff.

Avira picks up all viruses whenever they appear from websites or disks., it is extremely good.

[McLovin]

Kaspersky is rubbish, changed to Avast long time ago.

[HDRIDER]

Sheryl, Don't use Kaspersky. I also got one with my Acer but immediately tossed it out.

Use Avira or AVG.

They are legit and free and are the best antivirus software available.

Don't mess with anything else.

Also use Spybot and Ad Aware - also legit and free.

Avira can be programmed to automatically update and scan daily, at any time you choose, and if the PC is off, it will perform these tasks as soon as you switch on.

I have been using the above 4 for years and I never have any problems., and believe you me I have 4 computers that I push to their limits and downloads loads of stuff.

Avira picks up all viruses whenever they appear from websites or disks., it is extremely good.

Hi

This is BS

Kaspersky is one off the best on the market, why would you go for a free Virus program, dont you think there is a reson they also have a paid version????Google "best virus program" Sheryl do get rid of it

[Mobi]

It's not BS.

It's as bad, if not worse than Bloody Norton that clogs up and slows down your system.

Just evidence Sheryl's problems.

Just because something is free, it doesn't make it useless.

Some of the best software programmes available are free. Often better because they are developed by non profit making companies or people.

[Gary A]

It's not BS.

It's as bad, if not worse than Bloody Norton that clogs up and slows down your system.

Just evidence Sheryl's problems.

Just because something is free, it doesn't make it useless.

Some of the best software programmes available are free. Often better because they are developed by non profit making companies or people.

Mobi, you really shouldn't be giving advice about things you obviously know nothing about. She got infected from a free program, AVG. As far as anti virus, you get what you pay for. Free may be better than nothing but not much better. Kaspersky is one of the best. Norton is now light, fast and is highly rated. I use Norton Internet Security and have not had any problems since I got my system cleaned up after using FREE Avast.

[Sheryl]

AVG failed comletely.

I have already bought and installed Kaspersky. Will keep Avira in mind but for the immediate problem, can anyone tell me the meaning of this scan report? I simply do not know if my computer is infected or not and dare not do anything on it until I can find out.

Anyone???

[HDRIDER]

It's not BS.

It's as bad, if not worse than Bloody Norton that clogs up and slows down your system.

Just evidence Sheryl's problems.

Just because something is free, it doesn't make it useless.

Some of the best software programmes available are free. Often better because they are developed by non profit making companies or people.

Mobi

Look at Norton 360, then you will know you dont know what you say.

Forgot to say i had few big problems with AVG and Awast as well, go back and seach virus programs on this board and you will see i have been here before

Edited June 14, 2009 by HDRIDER

[HDRIDER]

AVG failed comletely.

I have already bought and installed Kaspersky. Will keep Avira in mind but for the immediate problem, can anyone tell me the meaning of this scan report? I simply do not know if my computer is infected or not and dare not do anything on it until I can find out.

Anyone???

Hi

Sorry cant help i use Norton 360

[Mobi]

I obviously do know what I'm talking about because I run 4 computers, all connected to the net up to 15 hour a day, and they all stay completely virus free.

I used to run Norton and had endless problems with it. I have never heard anyone have a good word to say about it.

Now for Kaspersky:

Reviews from Cnet - the largest software download operation on the net.

The good: Kaspersky Anti-Virus 2009 includes a fast malicious software engine, Secunia vulnerability database, and built-in system restore capabilities.

The bad: Kaspersky Anti-Virus 2009 results messages were unclear, installation could have been a lot smoother, leaves behind registry file after uninstall.

The bottom line: Kaspersky Anti-Virus 2009 provides adequate protection, but the program itself could use some work in telling the user what's going on.

Despite winning our Editors' Choice award two years in a row, Kaspersky Anti-Virus 2009 did not impress us enough to extend that run another year. Granted, there are significant improvements to the anti-malicious-software engine in KAV 2009; it is faster, although we only saw evidence of that during the file scan test. In our application and boot tests, the numbers were actually worse than last year. This highlights our dilemma. The problem with KAV 2009 is not so much with malicious software detection (it does that very well), but with the execution of the overall program. Our installation process required a few too many reboots, and we also experienced more than the usual system glitches on our Windows XP test machines from code we were told was final and already being sold in parts of Europe. The interface is a little clunky, and messages regarding updates and scans are very unclear. Some of the new features didn't see..

(there's a lot more - none of it too good.)

The editors gave it 3 1/2 stars out of five. The users gave it 2 out of five.

Now Avira: reveiwed by the same company:

For a free antimalware and antivirus app that also runs in your system's background, AntiVir works surprisingly well. Its scans are flexible, allowing the user to fully scan all hard drives, choose a preloaded scan--for rootkits, for example--or customize a scan. Combining the antimalware with the antivirus is a luxury in a free scanner. After testing on several machines no viruses turned up, although several malicious hidden files did rear their heads. The heuristic scan can be turned on or off completely or partially, with three different intensity levels.

The quarantine is extensively thorough, too. The spreadsheet layout displays all relevant information about the quarantined file, and gives you options to scan it again, restore, delete, and more. The scheduler is fully customizable. Definition files are available at Avira's Web site if needed, and the help features are excellent, as well, with a description box relaying mouse-over information on each feature. Version 8.0 has introduced a faster engine and a faster definition file update, both of which are instantly noticeable improvements and yet still a bit slow.

Initial concerns about the real-time Guard protection hamstringing system performance proved groundless. Although we could shut off AntiVir and its Guard, there was no way to remove the icon from the system tray or stop the occasional ad placement by Avira. The Complete Scan is no longer numbingly slow, but it will pauses midscan to let you know when it's found a threat. That's good for killing nasties, but it also means that the scans needs baby-sitting.

Despite these hang-ups and the nag screen that follows updates, we found AntiVir to offer such effective protection with such a well-rounded set of features that as long as the definitions file updates keep coming, this app is our first line of defense.

Editor rated it 5 out of 5, users 4 out of five.

I was informed about AntiVir some years ago on this forum, by the folk who DO KNOW WHAT THEY ARE TALKING ABOUT, and they advised that research had shown it picked up more viruses than any other software. (Viruses were deliberately put into the computer and the researchers checked which software found the most).

I have never regretted it Gary A, and I stand by what I have posted.

Edited June 14, 2009 by Mobi

[Mobi]

If Norton have cleaned up their act then good for them, and I take back what I said.

But I personally will never use them again - they were a pain in the ass, not only with their software slowing down my computers, but their admin was chaotic.

Even when I tried to renew my subscription they used to drive me round the bend and I had spend hours trying to sort it out and pay the correct amount because they refused to accept my renewals at the correct rates.

[HDRIDER]

Mobi

Its always easy to find the "right" thing on the net, just look

you find the bad stuff i find the good stuff

http://anti-virus-software-review.toptenreviews.com/

http://internet-security-suite-review.toptenreviews.com/

http://www.pcworld.com/article/158157/top_...protection.html

http://www.all-internet-security.com/top_1...s_software.html

BTW my company runs a lot off PC and they dont use a free virus program

[Mobi]

Avira updates and runs every day, Spybot and Ad Aware every 2 -3 days and Advanced System Care once a week.

My computers keep clean, my junk and spy ware removed, my registries kept clean and efficient, and my disks defragged..

What else could You want - and all for nothing

[Mobi]

Mobi

Its always easy to find the "right" thing on the net, just look

you find the bad stuff i find the good stuff

http://anti-virus-software-review.toptenreviews.com/

http://internet-security-suite-review.toptenreviews.com/

http://www.pcworld.com/article/158157/top_...protection.html

http://www.all-internet-security.com/top_1...s_software.html

BTW my company runs a lot off PC and they dont use a free virus program

Of course, but you must recognise that Cnet is a major outfit and the first choice in downloading for almost every software company on the net. It clearly has no axe to grind (recommending a free item over a priced item) and has a reputation to maintain.

Or maybe they can't be intimidated as they already have cornered the market, unlike some of these rags who are wined and dined by the software manufacturers to get their products at the top of the pile.

The proof is in the pudding... as they say....

Well if I had a company I doubt I'd use free software - most of the freebies are only available for personal use, and you have to declare that when you download them.

Edited June 14, 2009 by Mobi

[Sheryl]

The bad: Kaspersky Anti-Virus 2009 results messages were unclear, installation could have been a lot smoother, leaves behind registry file after uninstall.

The bottom line: Kaspersky Anti-Virus 2009 provides adequate protection, but the program itself could use some work in telling the user what's going on.

Eactly. I do not understand what the results mean other than that it is saying things like "critical" and "very dangerous" whivh of course has me quite nervous as, despite a restore to factory settings followed by reinstallation of Windows I am still not 100% sure the computer is not still infected.

I seem to have the Mother of all computer viruses able to withstand every attempt to remove it (them)

Please can we not argue about the pros and cons of various antivirus programs and get back to my problem?

If no-one out there knows the meaning (as sems the case)/what to do about it can anyone recommend a computer shop skilled at repair and recovery etc? I'm getting really, really desperate here.....

[Mobi]

Sheryl have you saved all your files that you need elsewhere? (external hard disk, flash drives etc)

If so, you should reinstall Windows, but before doing so, re-format your hard disk (which you can do from the Windows CD.

If you reformat, and repartition you will completely clean your computer.

Then you can do a clean install of Windows and the viruses will be gone.

If you can't do it yourself, any Pc shop that sells Pc's will do it for you, but make sure you tell them to reformat.

Those who know more than I do, please correct me if I have said anything wrong.

The virus may be on some software, so make sure you use genuine software, or have it all virus checked. Pirate software is notorious for containing viruses. I picked up some the other day which had viruses all over it. Luckily Antivir spotted them as soon as I loaded the disk.

Edited June 14, 2009 by Mobi

[endure]

I just installed new, licensed Kaspersky 2009 Internet Security on my recntly virus-destroyed, now semi-resurrected, laptop and ran a full scan.

It did not show any viruses but listed 10 "events" describd as:

vulnerability http://www.viruslist.com/sea/aDVISORIE4S/* the last opartbeing various numbers

I have no diea what I should do with this and given the recent set of computer disasters I don't dare close the program.

Called some number in Russia for tech support (Thai and US offices closed on Sundays) , Russian guy who sounded sleepy and spoke poor English told me to redo the scan in safe mod.

I did, but same result.

Can anyone shed light on this???

Thanks

Your link leads to a 'Page not found' page.

[Sheryl]

I know.

In any case I have finally determined that it was the Kaspersky that was keeping me from accessing the internet and uninstalled it since it made any type of connection (dial up, lIPSTAR or edge) impossible

Now in process of installing Avira

And no, Mobi, I don't have the files backed up. I did backl them up when I realized the computer was in trouble but by then they were already infected. Infected flash drives are now at a shop at Porntip in hopes they can salvage something but the staff seemed so clueless I don't have much hope.

[MJo]

Do not clean and reformat your hard drives based on this. First of you do not know what it is or if it really is a problem. If your virus software has found it it should be able to remove it or give you instructions how to get rid of it.

Most likely it is some standard warning that it might be a virus but it can also be part of software that is harmless and needed by some sw you have installed.

So find out what it is first. If the scan gives you any name of the virus then just google it and you find lot of info what it really is. If this fails wait until monday and call say US support where you can get english service.

You will regret if you format your drives. You are not only required to install windows again but then you need to run all the updates from the net that can take a day easily if not even more. Then you need to download and install everything else. Office package, other sw's and not to mention you need to re-install you printers etc etc and run latest updates on their drivers etc etc. Sure you can take it to pc shop and get the basics done there but i doubt they download from the net the latest updates. So it is couple of days work to do.

I would use this only as last option if everything else fails.

Edited June 14, 2009 by MJo

[Mobi]

I don't disagree with you.

There is quite a lot of work involved. But as Sheryl is in BKK she probably has a good internet connection as I do these days. It doesn't take anywhere near that long to download the updates from windows. A hour or two at most. I downloaded the whole of Windows 7 in under 3 hours.

Sheryl, I wish you were here - I could do it for you, or get someone who can. Just a few hours work if you have to do it.

Mjo is correct - go through all the other steps first.

I'm just too impatient - if it doesn't work well I re-format and start all over

[Flow]

ESET let me down today. Got their free trial one month ESET Smart Security and then bang some trojan infects the computer making it impossible to access certain sites...

Had Kaperrsky taht included a firewall, but the long list of vulnerabililities which I don't understand was a real put off. Had Bit-Defender also with a firewall for 6 months, had to get rid of it, viruses got in as well. All these anti-viruses I paid for. Money wasted. I only wished there were any "QUALITY" any-virus programmes out there...

[MJo]

I pay for good connection here in Bangkok but unfortunately that's not what i'm getting

What comes to virus sw i have been running F-Secure for years and never had any problem. Although it's not free but i get it free as our company is using them and it is part of the deal that employees can install in their home comps for free.

Wifes laptop came with Norton, seems to work well and they charge the licence fee semi automatic once a year. Meaning i get email that my card is going to be charged in couple of weeks if i confirm. Haven't seen any issues with it slowing down the laptop.

I also run Spybot and Ccleaner regular.

But good to know there is freeware options available. Are those mentioned full versions for free or do you need to pay to get all features ?

[Sheryl]

Do not clean and reformat your hard drives based on this. First of you do not know what it is or if it really is a problem. If your virus software has found it it should be able to remove it or give you instructions how to get rid of it.

Most likely it is some standard warning that it might be a virus but it can also be part of software that is harmless and needed by some sw you have installed.

So find out what it is first. If the scan gives you any name of the virus then just google it and you find lot of info what it really is. If this fails wait until monday and call say US support where you can get english service.

You will regret if you format your drives. You are not only required to install windows again but then you need to run all the updates from the net that can take a day easily if not even more. Then you need to download and install everything else. Office package, other sw's and not to mention you need to re-install you printers etc etc and run latest updates on their drivers etc etc. Sure you can take it to pc shop and get the basics done there but i doubt they download from the net the latest updates. So it is couple of days work to do.

I would use this only as last option if everything else fails.

MJo see the original post, the message does not name any virus. It states "vulnerabilities" and then gives an (apparentlyt no longer active) website reference. And whatever it is, it did not clean it as it continued to show on repeat scans.

As for format I already did a "restore to factory settings" and reinstallation of windows as after the initial infection, virus scanning to remove the viruses resulted in complete corruption of all Windows files, inability to reboot, and all usual measures (safe mode, systome restore etc) were to no avail.

As for my files, unless someone is able top salvage them from 2 infected flash drived they are all already lost. Every possible anti-virus program has been tried on those flash drives, never show anything b ut the second the files are copied onto a hard drive it is infected. And all of what used to be word docs on those flash drives now appear as "application" programs of identiical byte size so I am thinking there is little hope, but we'll see.

My computer is a lenovo and it has a paritioned area with special lenovo files there, my concern is that virus may be hiding there. That's why the Kaspersky report (which remains unexplained) had me so spooked.

As noted above, uninstalled Kaspersky (had to as it blocked all online access). Downloaded installed and ran Avira, which found nothing.

Maybe just a Kaspersky glitch?

[MJo]

"vulnerabilities" usually points towards some sort of risk. I.e. the scan found out that you should take some measures to block some loopholes where viruses can creep in or you comp can be hijacked remotely etc. If the scan finds a virus it should say something to the nature "xxxyyybot virus found....." asking your action if you want to ignore it, remove etc.

The fact that other sw scan did not find anything points to that direction also.

BUT, when you describe what happened to your flash drives. Now this again points towards some rather nasty virus if it is changing word files to exe files. (word files are one commonly used "carrier" of viruses. They execute once you open the doc file)

Now it might be that your computer is clean now if your scan's come out clean. And once you copy any files from the flash disks to your hard drive then you computer is again infected meaning your scan shows viruses ? If this is the case then your comp is propably ok but your files might be difficult to save.

I have to say that i'm in no way expert on this as i only had two times when i got serious attack to my own comp. I would still contact Kapersky as they should help you out as it started with their sw giving you the warning. And maybe try to find out some expert shop maybe in Bangkok that specializes recovering data. There is few good ones in Sim Lim Sq in Singapore but unfortunately i don't know any here in Bangkok.

There is also few guys here in TV that seem to be in comp biz so maybe they give you more professional advice once they have recovered from the weekend. Hope it works out, installing all in your comp is just time as Moby said but losing your files is real pain in the ....

[surface]

If Kaspersky was scanning the Lenovo partition it's possible that the heuristics engine found one of the applications had virus-like behavior. If Kaspersky had logging enabled there was probably some more info in the logs as to what it thought it found.

Since the Kaspersky details were so vague, if a scan of your computer using Avira doesn't find anything, I'd not worry about it for now since you did a clean install. If you notice odd behavior in the future then run another full scan with Avira (make sure the scan is set to all files) and try some other a/v programs if Avira doesn't find anything.

The files on flash drives might provide a clue as to what the infection is/was. If you get the drives back, scan them with a few a/v apps and then read up on the detected virus if one is found. This will at least let you know the behavior of the virus and if you need to worry about your Lenovo partition being infected.

Cheers

[Smile4u]

Do not clean and reformat your hard drives based on this. First of you do not know what it is or if it really is a problem. If your virus software has found it it should be able to remove it or give you instructions how to get rid of it.

Most likely it is some standard warning that it might be a virus but it can also be part of software that is harmless and needed by some sw you have installed.

So find out what it is first. If the scan gives you any name of the virus then just google it and you find lot of info what it really is. If this fails wait until monday and call say US support where you can get english service.

You will regret if you format your drives. You are not only required to install windows again but then you need to run all the updates from the net that can take a day easily if not even more. Then you need to download and install everything else. Office package, other sw's and not to mention you need to re-install you printers etc etc and run latest updates on their drivers etc etc. Sure you can take it to pc shop and get the basics done there but i doubt they download from the net the latest updates. So it is couple of days work to do.

I would use this only as last option if everything else fails.

MJo see the original post, the message does not name any virus. It states "vulnerabilities" and then gives an (apparentlyt no longer active) website reference. And whatever it is, it did not clean it as it continued to show on repeat scans.

As for format I already did a "restore to factory settings" and reinstallation of windows as after the initial infection, virus scanning to remove the viruses resulted in complete corruption of all Windows files, inability to reboot, and all usual measures (safe mode, systome restore etc) were to no avail.

As for my files, unless someone is able top salvage them from 2 infected flash drived they are all already lost. Every possible anti-virus program has been tried on those flash drives, never show anything b ut the second the files are copied onto a hard drive it is infected. And all of what used to be word docs on those flash drives now appear as "application" programs of identiical byte size so I am thinking there is little hope, but we'll see.

My computer is a lenovo and it has a paritioned area with special lenovo files there, my concern is that virus may be hiding there. That's why the Kaspersky report (which remains unexplained) had me so spooked.

As noted above, uninstalled Kaspersky (had to as it blocked all online access). Downloaded installed and ran Avira, which found nothing.

Maybe just a Kaspersky glitch?

Sheryl - I use Kaspersky 2009.

The "vulnerabilities" you get on your screen, is mostly about outdated software you use, like Adobe Reader older version, Flash Player, etc. In short, if you update all your software, you will not get any security warnings or vulnerabilities. Old software that you downloaded long time ago, and now can be easily attacked by Hackers, is what you now get "vulnerability / warnings" about.

If you still want to keep Kaspersky (as you paid THB 700 for) do this :

1: right corner down, you see the red/black K (for Kaspersky)

2: right click on your mouse on that "K"

3: when you see "vulnerabilities" you right click again and then click "descriptions"

4: then scroll down to "recommendations", here you see highlighted options to update your software from a manufacturer of that software, update to newest version.

When you done this to all vulnerabilities, take a new full scan, and you should now be clean, no warnings.

Can explain you much more, but if you already uninstall Kaspersky and want to use a free anti virus , then never mind.

Seen many members recommend free anti virus - just remember the best things in life is not free.

There are as many opinions about different antivirus as there is members here. I did try AVG and Avast and Avira, tested them all, I still love Kaspersky (and will buy the next coming version).

Try learn and understand that this progran scan deeper than the other free programs.

PM me if you want continue use your Kaspersky, and I can try answer your Q.

[Smile4u]

so did you choose Avira free antivirus OR the Kaspersky you paid for ? We all want to know. Did you uninstall kaspersky before you start Avira ?????

Your main problem is all your software are outdated, and must be updated regulary.= Now and regulary.

Changing antivirus program dont solve the problem - it will still be there, in your computer, but the freeware antivirus program might or might not detect them.

Is like being sick, and change your insurance company, nothing else - you still be sick until you cure the problem.

You rushed from AVG to Kaspersky, then in 7-8 hours you uninstall your paid Kaspersky and now go for Avira ??????????

Doesn't solve your problem.

Talk with your fellow moderators, some of them are expert in this field.

Shure we haven't heard the last of this.

[Mobi]

What is it with you people and FREE ware??? You refer to it as though it is something dirty.

Something FREE can't possibly be as good as something you pay for.

IMHO, a load of rubbish.

Y0u say the anti virus programmes are out of date, yet how do you account for the fact that Avira updates daily for new viruses, and also updates their software regularly and automatically?

And how do you account for the fact that I have 4 computers on line daily and I download masses of music, video and other stuff from the net, and i never get any viruses that Avira doesn't pick up and eal with? Yet all my friends are wailing and gnashing their teeth with computers full of viruses.

And how do you account for the fact that Cnet, and their users, rates FREE Avira much higher than PAID FOR Kaspersky?

I have posted on this forum many times that I am quite prepared to pay for software if it can be proven to do the job that I want it to do.

I don't go around looking for freebies - they are always recommended to me by people who know a lot more than me.

Nearly every time I have taken the plunge and paid for something - Norton is a prime example - I have had nothing but trouble. They are always far too complicated for my feeble mind, usually became all invasive on my machines and slow them down, and invariably don't work that well. This is to say nothing of the emails sales pitches, pop up screens, log on sales crap etc exhorting me to buy even better versions and associated software that will truly save me from all computer evils. I had Norton for 2 years and when i tried to upgrade to the multi machine version, I had nothing but trouble. the automatic upgrades didn't work, emails were not answered for ages, and when they were, they got it all wrong. I cancelled the lot and went to Avast, then AVG, and finally Avira which is truly great.

Just because you are an It expert, it doesn't mean you know everything.

I used to have IT managers reporting to me in a major corporation, and what I lacked in technical no how, ( in those days I could barely boot my own PC), I more than made up for in streetwise common sense. And I was invariably right.

[Sheryl]

Thanks all.

to respond to a few points:

MJo: I already know what the viruses were as they were identified by AVG (Laptop) and Symantec (desktop), problem was that in the course of their removal by siad programs windows became totally coirrupted to the point where I could not boot, access registry, do system repair etc etc -- nada. tried safe mode, "best last config", wininternals etc etc to no avail at all. But I do know the cuplrit's names, they were:

W32.Virut!html

W32.Virut.CF

W32. Sality.AE

Floopy (I forget if there was a "W32" before that one or not)

There were also some trojans and worms in the mix but I doubt they are what did the big damage. I think it was the combo of Virut and Sality, both of which are apparently very damaging and hard to impossible to remove.

All of these infections, BTW, were acquired through a single use of a computer shop PC to print off a flash drive in Phnom Penh. I scanned the flash immediately afterward but AVG gave it a clean bill of health..and also failed to prevent its entry from the flash onto the hard drive of my laptop. Symantec ditto with regard to my desktop.

Smile4u: thanks for the clarification re the "vulnerabilities". I have since run Windows update and when I have time will reinstall Kaspersky and run it to see if it still gives these warnings. If the problem was old software it has to be Windows as there were no other prohgrams installed at that time.

I didn't "rush from AVG to Kaspersky", I had AVG for a while but ditched it after it completely failed me as described above. The reason I uninstalled Kaspersky was simply that I could not connect to the internet, at all, while it was installed. Quite possibly there are ways to fix this but its manual is far from user-friendly especially for a non-IT person. Went to Avira simply so that I would still have some protection. Will PM you further re Kaspersky because no, I don't want to waste my money (and it was n890 not 700Baht!)

MEANWHILE the plot has now thickened because Avira keeps telling me that "TR/Crypt.ZPACK.Gen Trojan" is trying to access my computer from a Windows System 32 file, and one virus scan today found that it had infected one of my Lenovo files.

Between when I initially installed the Avira and when this started to happen, no nerw software was added and nio flash drived touched this computer. So I think it must already have been there and for some reason not detected by the initial scan (?maybe hiding in the Lenovo partition?)

So I fear I am staill far from being out of thew woods on this on top of, of course, already having lost all my files. ......

[surface]

I know people like to "clean" computers with AV software, but the best use of it IMO is to prevent infection (there are better methods for that of course). Once a computer has been compromised, a complete reinstall of the OS is the only way to be positive a rootkit or trojan is not still lurking around in there. In your case Sheryl, a reinstall of the Lenovo partition would be in order too.

Edited June 15, 2009 by surface