I received a message this morning that I had infected file, win32:adware gen, or something to that effect. Unfortunately, in my ignorance, I chose to delete the file. Now I can’t get into the Internet. What can I do? I am using avast 4.7 home edition.
Deletion isn’t really a good first option (you have none left), ‘first do no harm’ don’t delete, send virus to the chest and investigate.
Check in the avast! Log Viewer (right click avast icon) and check the Warning section of the log viewer, it has details of the detections, malware name, original file name and original location.
That is no different to what you have already told us and unfortunately not very helpful. The log contains all the other information requested.
[url=http://Now I can’t get into the Internet. What can I do?]Now I can’t get into the Internet. What can I do?[/url]
Why, what errors are you getting ?
The more information you can give us the easier it will be to try and help.
Lost Internet Connection - To recover you internet connection, try downloading and running WinsockXPfix: http://www.snapfiles.com/get/winsockxpfix.html
This assumes you are using XP, what is your OS ?
Check in the avast! Log Viewer (right click avast icon) and check the Warning section of the log viewer, it has details e detections, malware name, original file name and original location.
Here is what was on the log viewer:
Sign of “Win32:Adware-gen[Adw]” has been found in “C:\System Volume Information_restore{F20DC6C2-5212-4F33-8959-AB7D05D4CDB6}\RP852\A0107337.exe” file.
Well even if windows let avast delete that, which I doubt, it shouldn’t have had any effect on your internet connection.
The c:\System Volume Information folder is a part of the system restore function and as such is protected by windows, the only way to clean infected _restore points is to disable system restore and reboot. This will clear ALL _restore points. Once you have disabled system restore, reboot, scan your PC again and if clear enable system restore.
I just tried to download the winsock file and failed. If I can’t get on the internet, how can I download it?
I am getting the standard message, “This page cannot be displayed. . . The page you are looking for is currently unavailable. . .” when I try to get on the Internet.
How are you connecting to post here ?
I assumed you are using a different computer to post, use that to connect and download the fix, save it to a floppy or CD and use that on your system that can’t connect.
For XP SP2, you could also try, Windows Start, Run - and type ‘netsh winsock reset’ without the quotes - this may be enough to fix the issue.
I am using a laptop to connect here. I am currently rescanning my computer after disabling system restore and rebooting. If that doesn’t work, I will try the winsockfix that you suggested. Hopefully, one of these things will work. If not, I will try your most recent suggestion.
I doubt that a scan or disabling system restore will resolve the connection problem, they seem unrelated. If your version of XP is SP2 then try the netsh winsock reset trick first, no need to go on line to try that. If that doesn’t work it will have to be trying the winsockxpfix download.
Sorry, they are the standard fixes for lost connections, you still haven’t answered what errors are you getting when you try to connect, that may throw some more light on it ?
Without information we are just suggesting standard options or guessing.
Perhaps it is obvious to the others making suggestions, but it might be helpful if you
DEFINITELY told us the NAME of the Operating System of the "infected" computer !?
If Win XP, is it SP1 or SP2 ? Have you recently "upgraded" to IE 7 ? Which IE are
you using ?
P.S. Another possibility is to download "LSP-Fix" from www.cexx.org/lspfix.htm using
the laptop onto a floppy or CD ( the CD is better ), then install it into the other ; there
is a "Tutorial" on using this program at :
www.bleepingcomputer.com/tutorials/tutorial59.html .
It does seem the spyware in the restore point issue is not related to the connection problem. Was there anything else you were doing to the PC at the time? Any settings changed, programs changed, other scans going on etc? Could you have inadvertantly deleted something else? Is it possible for other programs on the computer eg AV updates, email, etc to connect? Cable, or dial up? Checked with your ISP that there isn’t a network problem? Is the modem indicating connectivity? What sort of firewall is it and do you also have an antispyware program resident?
A bit more info, if you have any, might help.