[MrDanB]

I've received a fatal error message on the desktop. It states: "FATAL ERROR"
A fatal error in IE occured at 0028:C0011E36 in VXD VMN (01) + 00010E 36.
Error was caused by Trojan-spy.HTML.Smitfraud.C

* System can not function in normal mode. Please check your security setup
* Scan your PC with any available anti-virus/spy ware remover program to fix the problem


So, I call my friend over at Microsoft...He says "Hmmm, scan with Norton and call me back"... I scanned w/Norton and it found nothing. I go to Staples to buy other junk and ask the kid at the counter...He suggests removing (uninstalling) Norton and purchasing a Panda product to correct it. I buy the software, uninstall Norton, install Panda and scan the entire computer. The software goes nuts and finds lots of stuff to get rid of. It finally finds the virus causing the damage, but says that it can't remove it, just block it. The computer is not any better off and I don't know what to do next. I really don't want to uninstall all of my programs and reload a new OS. I just went through this 6 months ago and installed Windows XP professional. Anyone know the best route to take?

Thanks-Dano

[JimM]

Those ones are tough, Dan. Typically a reformat is easiest. They can sometimes be fixed by some creative registry hacking and file deleting on safe mode, but this can be truly dangerous and scary stuff.

Another option is to go to mozilla.com and download firefox and use that instead of IE.

[Brian Lewis]

Go to http://www.microsoft.com/spyware/
Download and install Microsoft Antispyware Beta 1 (yes its good)
Do a File/Check for Updates after installing, then have it do a full scan

[Farm Boy]

Try using System Restore to return your pc to an earlier date.

[choptop]

Dano, your system is likely cheesed up beyond easy repair. If you spend more than an hour trying to remove a virus or spyware without success then you have already wasted about as much time as it takes to re-install XP.

My suggestion is to boot into safe mode and see if Panda can now remove the offending vermin. If not, back up your data and settings to another hard drive, cd's or dvd. Format the primary hard drive, reinstall XP, run windows update and then replace the files you backed up. I recommend that you install some sort of spyware detecting programs and run them at least once per month. Spybot Search and Destroy works very well and is free for personal use. I use Adaware SE as well as Spybot and they seem to get most of the bad stuff. Nothing wrong with Microsoft's version either. I'd also drop NortonAV like a hot rock! Too clunky and will slow down your system. Panda, F-Prot and others make good av products that are readily available to purchase online.

Good luck!

[MrDanB]

Well, I fixed the problem....I bought a new tower from Staples. Got a pretty decent deal + rebate too. Now to go download this, upload that, blah blah blah. See ya in a week or two.LOL BTW, thanks for the replies you guys. I can rebuild old Chevy parts, but computers...I'm dangerous

Dano