Winfixer spyware ........... does anyone know how to remove it?

[RedEarth]

I've tried removing Winfixer with Spy Bot, Ad-Aware SE and Trend Micro Housecall. I still can't get rid of it. Does anyone have any other suggestions, other than get an Apple? This is getting annoying real fast.................

Thanks...............

[RedEarth]

1. Has anyone tried doing this?

I just ran across this article and before I try it I was wondering if anyone else has tried doing what is suggested?

We all know spyware is bad stuff, the real question is: How to get rid of it. To find out, we went to the experts -- you, the Redmond reader. Dozens of you responded to our pleas. Here are the best bits of spyware removal advice, sprinkled with a healthy dose of anger and frustration.

Removing Aurora
Aurora is a nasty bit of adware/spyware that can be a real pain to root out. Redmond reader and IT Specialist Robert Butler knows. "I've discovered that Aurora changes the file names of the files it uses to re-infect the host. Aurora also apparently hijacks some legitimate running processes," Butler explains.

Butler has spent hours trying to clean Aurora out of sytems. "I've found that one needs to boot in command prompt safe mode and delete the file c:\winnt\ceres.dll. The file will not delete in normal mode and will regenerate the software if not deleted. No anti-spyware software will delete the file either." Aurora also seeds confusion, says Butler. "Aurora is part of a group from Direct Revenue that includes: ABetterInternet, ABI Network, Ceres, Aurora, WinFixer, Direct Revenue and Search Assistant."

The confusion extends to Aurora Networks, a technology company that has nothing to do with the spyware, but finds itself mistaken for the malefactor. The firm has gone so far as to publish helpful updates and links for managing the Aurora spyware threat on its Web site. That site includes a link to the Aurora authors' own removal tool. It would seem foolish to trust such a tool, but at least one reader, Scott Davidson, owner of ARX Computers, had good luck with the Aurora-built fix.

http://www.redmondmag.com/features/print.asp?EditorialsID=566

[welshTerrier2]

4. are you running anti-spyware software?

if so, which product allowed this to happen?

i've been running a free program called SpywareBlaster and it seems to work great ... it works by preventing spyware from installing itself on your computer ... you don't run it to "get rid of spyware" ... it's more of a blocker than a cleaner upper ...

if you're interested, you can download it here ==> http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/sbdownload.html

the only "manual" part of using the software is that you periodically need to update the protections file by downloading the latest version ... once you download the update, just click the button to "enable all protections" ...

hope this helps ...

[CBGLuthier]

2. If you are in OKC, you can call me

I fix em for a living here a lot cheaper than the geeks. :-)

That said, try the advice at this link.

http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/topic18610.html

Also had some luck using ewido

http://www.ewido.net/en/

Winfixer can be a nasty one to get rid of.

If that doesn't work, then google winfixer removal and check out some of the other entries. Problem is the damn things keep morphing and sometimes last weeks advice does not help.

[RedEarth]

3. Thanks for your offer

and thanks for the links. Actually, I took it to a local shop this morning and they seem to have been successful in removing it. I definitely agree, Winfixer is one nasty bit of spyware. If I need computer help in the future, I'll get in touch with you. Again, thanks for responding.

[immoderate]

6. Hey thanks.

I went to bleepingcomputer and used vundofix.exe and it seems to have worked for me. Wow! This shit has been driving me nuts for days. And I think it's gone now. I say "I think" because I thought Spybot got it. But after a few hours, another window popped up. If it comes back, I'll post again.

I appreciate your help.

--IMM

[sofedup]

5. When I had spyware on my old computer...

...I used Spysweeper (bought it at Costco). I had Spybot and Adaware but they didn't work for everything- the Spysweeper did. Good luck- spyware can be a real booger!