My computer has been infected with the malware mentioned in the question.

The only removal tools that work are difficult to use for me (you need to go in to the registry) and I don't trust the local computer repair persons. They will say that they can do the job and will be happy to take my money, but you can't trust them to do the job properly.

The obvious solution is to reformat the hard disks and reload windows and everything else. But it is sooo boring to lose everything.

So, is this malware truly dangerous or can I just ignore it ? Any ideas ?

Unfortunately, it seems that Seth.avazutracking.net is a true pest. Doing a few www. searches, it looks like removal is a lengthy process eg. http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/topic475469.html

I would not trust the www. sites that offer immediate download of a virus removal tool - who knows what you may be downloading (and at what cost).

My advice would be to format, reinstall etc. but maybe better minds out there have better solutions. Of course, you could try runnig a linux distibution from a usb stick, transfer your files to other usb sticks, then clean those sticks by inserting them into a win machine running up-to-date antivirus.

Good luck, AA

The first thing to do is to boot into a clean environment, since it apparently is quite good at killing antivirus, etc.

Have a look at Hiren's Boot CD.

do a search down load "dr.webb fix it" free program

it is about the best free antivirus software out there.

it should take care of the problem

What do all your antivirus programs have to say about it? Why won't the programs you have on your computers (speaking globally here) take care of it? If it is will identified, then wouldn't all the major free and paid programs either protect you before infection and/or quarantine it or delete it after?

Seems like an extreme action to reformat and reload the OS.

happynthailand's advice sounds like the best approach.

noise is quite correct, happynthailand's solution is the best offered thus far.

My experience - going back a couple of years - was that some of this viral malware

insinuates itself into windows, so extant A-virus programs can't be updated,

and new A-virus programs can't be downloaded.

But here's hoping bow is on a winner! AA

Once more: Boot.into.a.clean.environment.

It is pointless trying to use antimalware when sophisticated malware is intercepting everything it does.

Which is why I suggested Hiren Boot CD. You burn the ISO to a disk (or USB), boot into it and then it has plenty of AV solutions ready to run while the malware isn't.

Booting into a clean environment is absolutely essential these days.

Mind you, it was when diskette boot sector viruses were all the rage.

consider installing ubuntu - ubuntu.com - its easier than windows to download and can be installed from within windows. This will solve both your problems as:

1) You will retain ALL your data

2) The presence of the virus (and all the others that particular one usually bundles with) will no longer matter as cannot affect ubuntu.

Ubuntu looks and feels familiar to most windows users.

You will then have the chance to go through your data, sanitise bits you want and delete the rest, at your leisure.

All without snooping repairshop guys

consider installing ubuntu - ubuntu.com - its easier than windows to download and can be installed from within windows. This will solve both your problems as:

1) You will retain ALL your data

2) The presence of the virus (and all the others that particular one usually bundles with) will no longer matter as cannot affect ubuntu.

Ubuntu looks and feels familiar to most windows users.

You will then have the chance to go through your data, sanitise bits you want and delete the rest, at your leisure.

All without snooping repairshop guys

I think from the OP he already knows how to install an OS - the question is why would he need to in order to fix this particular problem?

Particularly one that is incompatible with the OS that's actually got the malware.

I have no idea why anyone would come up with such a solution.

Sure, he might want to look at Linux as a replacement in the future but in the OP he makes it clear he wants to keep what he's got if he can fix it.

As for Ubuntu "Looking and Feeling familiar to most Windows Users", commend your dealer on his supply of quality products.

Because the OP, for whatever reason, is only going to keep having issues with malware and virii if he continues to use windows at his current level of experience and understanding. For example, he asks if it might be OK to ignore it.

Rather than try and bring him up to the level where he can avoid this issues and solve them for himself, I would suggest removing such issues from the equation entirely.

I have used the same philosophy with my own friends, family and even staff with good results.

Although, if you have enough free time to commit to the responsibility of your own suggestion, then all the best to you as you guide him through using hbcd.

First, thank you all !

I let Dr.Web scan the computer and he found a couple of things no other program has found. The computer has stopped getting lots of strange cookies. With luck the problem might be solved.

Rather than try and bring him up to the level where he can avoid this issues and solve them for himself, I would suggest removing such issues from the equation entirely.

By installing an OS which is mostly incompatible with Windows?

All he said was that he isn't comfortable going into the Registry. Most people aren't, which is why it isn't recommended.

Most people don't know how to compile on Linux, it doesn't really stop one using it, does it?

And have you even had a look at Hiren? It's hardly rocket science. You burn it, boot it, and select an antivirus remover.

OK, Chicog.