4 replies to this topic

[VictorBjoerk]

I've gotten infected by a very mystic virus or whatever it is. A file has appeared on my desktop named X12-69929.exe. It isn't possible for me to see what kind of file it is except that it is a program. The size of the file is apparently 0 bytes, it is completely impossible to remove,open or move elsewhere, when doing so a dialogue box appears telling me that it is used by something else and that it is not a "real program". I can't remove it with any anti-virus program. I have no other viruses on the computer as far as I can find and all running processes are perfectly normal.

Along with this file my screensaver has disappeared as well as my desktop background, when right-clicking on the desktop everything except themes and appearance are gone. No alternatives for desktop,screensaver or settings...

What is this??, I've googled the name of the program with no results....

Edited by Shonghow, 21 August 2008 - 12:23 AM.

[forever freedom]

That's what you get for searching porn


Now seriously, there's this forum that i always go to ask for help concerning PC matters, they're great:

http://forums.majorgeeks.com/

[dnamechanic]

Shonghow,

If it is WinXP or newer, and

If you are sure you have not rebooted since the invader came on, try this:

Pull the power cord out of the wall

Do not turn computer off

Pull the power while it is running.

WinXP or newer can restore your computer to the state it was in when you last booted (hopefully before the invader).

If you have booted the computer since the invader, you could try this:

- Press alt-ctl-delete simultaneously
- Windows Task Manager should appear
- Click 'Processes'
- Look for the invader 'X12-69929' or anything resembling it
- If see something 'Right click on it'
- Choose 'End Process'

If not see anything related

- Click on IEXPLORE.EXE and choose 'End Process' for all instances, there could be many
(This takes all instances of Internet Explorer off your desktop)

Careful that you do not choose 'Explorer.exe', it is not the same thing as IEXPLORE.EXE.

If the invader is still there:

Read the next several lines before doing any of them.

Click on Explorer.exe and 'End Process'

You then will see an almost blank screen.

Be prepared, afterward to get control again, you must:

click 'File' (in the upper left of the Task Manager Window)
Select New Task (Run...)
Enter the text inside these quotes "explorer.exe"
then click OK

Check this out before you End Process "Explorer.exe"

After you have a bit of reasonable control

Go here to Trend Micro-Housecall

Likely they can recognize the invader and remove it or give you tips on how you can remove it yourself.

If a virus has damaged your files and you have rebooted your system, then even after ridding your computer of the virus you may have problems. Sometimes one can manually replace the damaged files, which can be tedious. Probably the next best alternative, unless you use the Recovery Console is to do a repair install of WinXP. Of course another option is a complete reinstall.

Edited: added the last paragraph

Edited by dnamechanic, 21 August 2008 - 01:53 AM.

[VictorBjoerk]

I will have to reinstall windows, it is impossible to get rid of. it is odd that there are no unwanted processes when looking in the task manager.

[dnamechanic]

I will have to reinstall windows, it is impossible to get rid of. it is odd that there are no unwanted processes when looking in the task manager.

It happens.

Most likely the intruder modified an essential WinXP OS file, or files. If you could ID the file(s) in question then you could replace them from your OS disk. This can be a troublesome process. The WinXP repair install is often a good option. It leaves your existing programs and preferences intact.