Computer wiz to the rescue, please!!!?

Question

I'm not very computer literate! I lent my laptop to my 14 year old cousin, and apparently he was looking up porn on it. (Boys!) Anyway, when he returned it, I kept getting these alerts saying that my system was at risk due to spyware... But when I clicked on it for info all it did was take me to a website for "SpyDawn". It just didn't seem legit... so I went offline, ran a full system scan with Norton, and everything turned up clean. I then went into the control panel and deleted two programs that had been installed while my cousin had the computer. One of these was a "System Alert Popup" that was very difficult to get rid of - the computer crashed every time I tried to remove it. Once I succeeded, the SpyDawn popup stopped showing. I thought I was done, but just two minutes ago, another random alert popped up on my computer (something about a Trojan), and when I clicked on it, it took me to another iffy website - "Pestcapture". What do I do?

I just got ANOTHER pop-up alert:

Critical System Warning
Your system is probably infected with the latest version of Spyware.CyberLog-X

etc. etc. and at the end it is prompting me to "click ok to download anti-spyware software". Arg! While I was in my control panel, I noticed a bunch of stuff I had no clue about! Can anyone tell me what the following programs are? "Public Messenger ver2.03", "otto", and "GemMaster Mystic"?

ANOTHER pop-up. I have work to do, and instead I've been trying to get to the bottom of this problem for the past hour! If need be, I'll just save my files and restore my laptop to its original image (I burned a copy of the hard drive when I got the computer - can I do that, and will it get rid of this pesty problem?) Help!!!

While waiting for answers, I did some research into spyware scams and OH MY GOD here I was feeling so safe and secure thinking good ol' Norton just took care of everything for me! I just downloaded SpyBot and it just removed 6 threats that (my regularly updated version of) Norton hadn't detected! I'm going to start a check with Adaware now... but I've just been thoroughly creeped out by this little event. My entire life is on this computer - am I doing enough? Or is there anything else I can do to ensure my info is safe from now on?

Answer 1

Hi there,

Here's some detailed information on the SpyDawn infection:
http://spywarefiles.prevx.com/RRDAJI35144399/SPYDAWN%2EEXE.html

Here's some detailed information on the PestCapture infection:
http://virusinfo.prevx.com/viruscenter.asp?GRP=5006400019

The best and easiest way to remove these is by installing the Free Trial of Prevx1. This will scan your PC and remove this and any other infections free of charge.

Answer 2

Your computer has been hijacked by SpyDawn Or SpywareQuake. this is a very dangerus hijacker
now-a-days and can damage your computer.

If your computer has been infected with SpyDawn Or SpywareQuake and hijacked by the http://spydawn.com/
then your computer is in a real danger because it does transfer back and forth information from the infected computer which makes it a potential for data theft.

SpyDawn Symptoms:-

User's homepage is changed to pestcapture.com or iesafetywarning.net or to other unfamiliar websites.
Warning messages such as "Virus Alert", "Your Computer is Infected", "Security Alert" Trojan-Spy.win32@mx or Spyware.Cyberlog-X infections are displayed.

Automatic download and installation of a rogue antispyware product. Presence of blinking icons next to computer clock. The icons can generate balloon messages claiming infection. The icons usually looks like a circle with a (?) or a 'danger' triangle with an exclamation mark inside.

I got all the information about this spyware from the below link and there you can also remove it by using the manual and automatic process, automatic process detects as spywarequake..

http://www.nosnoopware.com/spyware/remove/spydawn-remove.htm

Answer 3

According you description,you have serious spyare problem, Your PC is infected with a browser hijacker,Its on your pc and you need to remove it.

Run your anti-spyware in Safe Mode.If you have no an excellent anti-spyware or your current anti-spyware can't prevent spyware from Invading you computer,download a better one.
You can find top 5 anti-spywares reviews,comparisons and download links on

http://www.spyware-detectors.net

You can download and scan your PC for free.

As the computer is booting press your "F8 Key" repeatly which should bring up the "Windows Advanced Options Menu" . Use your arrow keys to move to "Safe Mode" and press your Enter key.

After into safe mode,run a anti-spyware to killllllllll the spyware and adware on you pc.

GOOD LUCK!

Answer 4

There is no need to buy any software to remove this infection. SpyDawn is a new rogue antispyware program from the creators of VirusBurst, SpywareQuake, etc. This infection creates fake security alerts in your taskbar as well as installing a fake antispyware application called SpyDawn.

We have a removal guide prepared here which contains only free tools:

http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/topic81275.html

Answer 5

Norton isn't a spyware detector. I highly recommend Webroot's SpySweeper.

Answer 6

I use the following software: NOD32 anti virus, Ad aware and spy bot S & D they protect my computer fine but if your really desperate and its spreading fast a format is the best cure. but you should find if you have the right programs it should be ok. I personally have found norton to be a useless program.

Answer 7

You may need a third party free software created by SiRi. Please follow the removal instructions including site where to donwload the removal tools
http://www.precisesecurity.com/adware-spy/spdn.htm

Answer 8

reformat your computer. its the safest & best way of removing viruses,trojans,etc & then install zone alaram.hope it works