Followed posting to clean win32:sirefef-PL. Can't connect to Internet.

Thank you for posting the instructions to clean malware!

Have Vista Home Premium 64 PC which got infected with win32:sirefef-PL. Followed directions in forum posting to clean it. After powering off the PC, cannot connect to the internet (using IE9). When I click on Internet Explorer, a partial screen appears, the cursor circles a bit, then program closes. (Just discovered I had Avast and McAfee both running. Turned one off and can get to internet using only Internet Explorer 64 bit, not 32 bit. Should I reload IE9 (32 bit)?

I followed the instructions in the order listed in the posting, and because this is a sirefef virus, I also ran the farbar service scanner. Logs are attached. Can you confirm by reading the logs that the virus is gone? Thanks in advance for your help!

removal experts are notified, it may take hours before they arrive so be patient

Hi there, how did you remove McAfee ? As it has been known to mess the internet connection if not removed properly

Uninstall McAfee via control panel and then run this small programme http://download.mcafee.com/products/licensed/cust_support_patches/MCPR.exe

THEN

Please download MiniToolBox, save it to your desktop and run it.

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/73555776/minitoolbox.JPG

Checkmark the following checkboxes:

[]Flush DNS
[
]Report IE Proxy Settings
[]Reset IE Proxy Settings
[
]Report FF Proxy Settings
[]Reset FF Proxy Settings
[
]List content of Hosts
[]List IP configuration
[
]List Winsock Entries
[]List last 10 Event Viewer log
[
]List Installed Programs
[]List Devices
[
]List Users, Partitions and Memory size.
[*]List Minidump Files

Click Go and post the result (Result.txt). A copy of Result.txt will be saved in the same directory the tool is run.

Note: When using “Reset FF Proxy Settings” option Firefox should be closed.

FINALLY

Could you attach the combofix log

Did not remove McAfee, just turned it off.

I have now removed McAfee per instructions, ran the MCPR program, and MiniToolBox. Am attaching logs from MiniToolBox and ComboFix. (I had saved and run ComboFix from a directory other than Desktop, if that matters at all. ComboFix did quarantine some files that it could not delete. The ComboFix-quarantined-files text file from the Qoobox directory is also attached.

Hi this may, and I repeat may be an easy fix…

First open an elevated command prompt

Go Start > All Programs > Accessories
Right click Command Prompt and select Run As Administrator
In the black box that opens type the following command and press enter :

sfc /scannow

Once it has completed then reboot

Open another elevated Command Prompt and type the following command

Netsh winsock reset

Once it has completed retry the internet

WooHoo!! It worked! THANK YOU!!

Based on the logs, does it appear the virus is gone? PC seems to be working now. I don’t want to change all passwords in case the virus is waiting for a new assault.

One more question: is there any clean-up I need to do to remove tools used to scan (like OTL, etc.)?

Thank you very much!

Nope logs look good

Subject to no further problems :slight_smile:

I will remove my tools now and give some recommendations, but, I would like you to run for 24 hours or so and come back if you have any problems

Now the best part of the day ----- Your log now appears clean :thumbsup:

A good workman always cleans up after himself so…The following will implement some cleanup procedures as well as reset System Restore points:

Remove ComboFix
[*]Hold down the Windows key + R on your keyboard. This will display the Run dialogue box
[*]In the Run box, type in ComboFix /Uninstall
(Notice the space between the “x” and “/”)
then click OK

http://i1224.photobucket.com/albums/ee362/Essexboy3/Misc%20screen%20shots/CF_Uninstall-1.jpg

[]Follow the prompts on the screen
[
]A message should appear confirming that ComboFix was uninstalled

Run OTL and hit the cleanup button. It will remove all the programmes we have used plus itself.

Clear Restore Points

Go Start > All Programmes > Accessories > System tools
Right click Disc Cleanup and select run as administrator
When it pops up at the first prompt select OK after it has done some calculations the tabs will appear
Select More Options tab
Press Sytem Restore and Shadow Copies Cleanup button

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/73555776/disc%20clean.JPG

: Keep Java Updated :

WARNING: Java is the #1 exploited program at this time. The Department of Homeland Security recommends that computer users disable Java
See this article and this article.
I would recommend that you completely uninstall Java unless you need it to run an important software.
In that instance I would recommend that you disable Java in your browsers until you need it for that software and then enable it. (See How to diasble Java in your web browser and How to unplug Java from the browser)

Now that you are clean, to help protect your computer in the future I recommend that you get the following free programmes:

http://img233.imageshack.us/img233/7729/mbamicontw5.gif
Malwarebytes.

Update and run weekly to keep your system clean

Download and install FileHippo update checker and run it monthly it will show you which programmes on your system need updating and give a download link

If you use on-line banking then as an added layer of protection install Trusteer Rapport

It is critical to have both a firewall and anti virus to protect your system and to keep them updated. To keep your operating system up to date visit
[*]Microsoft Windows Update

To learn more about how to protect yourself while on the internet read our little guide How did I get infected in the first place ?Keep safe :wave: