Haven't been on here for a while but something happened to my computer so I'm back for help from this excellent forum.
Opened a rogue google URL related to file I was looking for (specifically an installer for an Android program), and it immediately closed every single program running and installed what seems to be a "Internet Security" app. I'm getting non-stop notifications of tabtip.exe and another executable with the message "Application cannot be executed. File ____.exe is infected. Do you want to activate your antivirus software now?"
This is the first time in 9 years of using a computer that I've been infected with the virus. Not only that but the stupid Norton 2011 Internet Security I've been using for those 9 years cannot detect or delete the virus. I'm unable to open Firefox, Chrome, Command Prompt or Task manager because it automatically closes by itself. Right now I'm just using safe mode with networking, in which I assume I'm safe but who really knows. Seems like a common virus, it's nearly 4am now so I have no time at all to go reading but I've found a few links when I come back from school tomorrow...
Application cannot be executed. The file *** is infected. - computer help forum
Basically I'm asking, if this has happened to anyone, what should I do? Should I turn off and not use this computer till I've found a solid plan of action? Just looking for some step by step guides on what to do for anyone else who's ever experienced a similar problem. Would not like to reinstall Windows if that can be avoided.
As always, thanks for time and effort to respond to this thread. This thread might get deleted as I search for the solution tomorrow but just wanted to see what NBR comes up with for now (I'm tired and pissed that my computer is screwed :\).
I'm using this thread as a kind of bookmark since this computer essentially won't work for now and I will need to access bookmarks from my tablet. So these links below are for me. Ignore/comment if you like on them.
Application cannot be executed. The file *** is infected. - computer help forum
"Application cannot be executed. File xxxx is infected. Do you want to activate - computer help forum
Application cannot be executed. The file ----- is infected. - computer help forum
Help! My system is infected by 'System Security 2009' - computer help forum
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yup that sure sounds like a virus and a nasty bugger at that.
as norton is not finding it i would try a few things.
can you download malwarebytes and also maybe avast free antivirus.
if you can somehow load these programs. once downloaded and updated turn off internet connection. then turn off norton for a cople of hours and run avast and then malwarebytes in safe mode.
its not recommended having more than one antivirus on at once but as long as you turn each one off idividually as you run the others you should have no problems.
im at work so cant link to anything and dont even have tabs so as to look for other pages on here but if you can do a search in top left im sure theres quite a few threads with advice on this bugger of a virus. -
You can definitely try with downloading Avira, Avast or MSE first (pick just one), updating them, then also download/update Malwarebytes free (although SuperAntiSpyware might be better for this).
Next step would be to go into Safe mode and run an AV scan of the system from there, followed by MBAM or SAS.
Alternatively, you could try System restore to the point in time when this 'virus' was not an issue. -
http://forum.notebookreview.com/sec...are/459336-have-virus-need-help-removing.html
^That's the only thing that came up in the search, will need to read later. I'm currently following the first link in my OP, and I was quick enough to open task manager with ctrl+shift+esc then hit "i" then delete --> enter all within a second to end the virus executable called isecurity.exe.
I'm running a couple of programs including superantispyware, malwarebytes, hijackthis to make sure I completely remove the virus.
My computer never created a restore point even though I had system restore set up on my 64gb SSD C:/ at 5% of total space..is there a reason it never created a restore point? Also what should your advice be for the future to totally prevent viruses like these from straight up going through my AV programs and causing trouble? Info on restore points, antivirus software, security software tips are all welcome!
Sorry for creating this thread, but it serves to help people who Google it on their first try with not much luck in the future.
Edit: do this later - http://www.eset.com/us/online-scanner/ -
Seems like a series of rkill, exehelper, super antispyware, malwarebytes, hijack this, combofix and then TLC system cleaner helped get rid of the virus. now to remove norton and put MBAM as my main AV..
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Make sure Java, flash, silverlight and other browser add-ins are all up to date. Theres usually security holes which let drive-by viruses right in.
I also recommend using the MVPS hosts file and NoScript on your browser. -
Not a single AV/security suite catches everything, not one. NIS2011 is actually a very decent security suite (if you don't mind paying).
Adding Malwarebytes'Antimalware isn't a bad idea though.
For browsing the web without having to worry too much about getting an infection by just visiting a 'bad site', I'd recommend Sandboxie.
That will isolate/virtualize internet-facing apps from your OS and other data, preventing malware from damaging your actual system. It does require a bit of setup but it really isn't that difficult and you can get a lifetime license for all your PC's/laptops for $40.
edit;
As flipfire has already mentioned above, keep all software up to date, especially highly targeted/popular sw like Java, Flash, Adobe reader etc. (Also use JavaRa to remove all older Java versions still lingering).
Secunia PSI/OSI is a useful program to check for updates for common programs also. -
Help with a Virus, Computer Left Unusable...
Discussion in 'Security and Anti-Virus Software' started by NBRUser0159099, Mar 14, 2012.