Ried

Hello lowellc,

Has that always happened--or is this a recent occurrence, for instance after running dss.exe, and ComboFix.exe?

The reason I'm asking is that sometimes those are stored in the Temp Internet Cache and both of those tools cleaned the Temp and Temp Internet files when they ran.

You may want to take a look at this thread for an alternative method of storing those favicons --> Desktop [Favicons] Icons missing

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Step 5:
Perhaps we should color code that so it stands out a bit more--especially since generally speaking, most instructions one comes across are 'To-Do', not 'Don't'.

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Your logs are clean. If there aren't any more problems, please continue with these final instructions and helpful links:

The following procedure will clear out ComboFix.exe, as well as the backups and quarantines created by the fix. It will also reset your System Restore by flushing out previous restore points (which contain the infections) and create a new restore point.

Click Start > Run and copy/paste, or type the following bolded text into the Run box and click OK:

ComboFix /u

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To help protect your computer in the future I recommend that you get the following free programs if you do not already have them:

McAfee Site Advisor--free version. The folks there check out websites and based on their findings, rate it as Safe, Unknown, Caution, or Bad.

SpywareBlaster 3.5.1 to help prevent spyware from installing in the first place. Install & update SpywareBlaster with the latest definitions. After you have updated, click the button - enable protection for all unprotected items.

• It will block any bad ActiveX from running in Internet Explorer and Firefox if it's listed in their database (which you should update frequently). To view their database and list of restricted sites, launch the program and click on each of the tabs on the main display page.

IESpyAD Zoned Out to block access to malicious websites so you cannot be redirected to them from an infected site or email. This severely impairs attempts to infect your system as it basically prevents any downloads (Cookies etc) from the sites listed, although you will still be able to connect to the sites.


Update, and scan with your onboard Anti Malware and Anti Virus programs regularly. Without regular updates you will not be protected when new malicious programs are released.


In light of your recent issue, I'm sure you'd like to avoid any future infections. Please take a look at these well written articles:

PC Safety and Security--What Do I Need?

HOW DID I GET INFECTED IN THE FIRST PLACE? by Tony Klein
THE ANTI-SPYWARE TUTORIAL
MAKING INTERNET EXPLORER SAFER
Understanding and Using Firewalls

**Be very wary with any security software that is advertised in popups or in other ways. They are not only usually of no use, but often have malware in them.

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Follow the list above and the potential for infection will reduce dramatically.

**Kindly respond one more time and let me know if we may consider this thread resolved.


**edit** Oops..almost forgot...

That would be due to the MVPS HOSTS files. It's nothing to be concerned about. And yes, go ahead and put that back in if you haven't already. ComboFix.exe automatically resets the hosts file to Windows default as so very many malware invade that section these days.