Corrupted Internet Browser

[gyron1]

Hi Gents,
I guess I am in some fairly serious trouble with my internet set up (IE6). I was searching for various items connected with my work on internet yesterday and somehow picked up a varirty of undesirables. These take the form of www.virusprotectpro.com which has installed itself on the task bar and elsewhere which I cannot seem to get rid of and continually tells me I have worms etc with pop ups every 30 secs or so (presumably wants me to purchase their software. Also something called www.viruslocker and www.entertainforever.com (which auto boots when I sign on), - none of which I can get rid of. I also get error messages of the type 'iesmn.exe-DLL Initialisation failed'. Finally, should I have something called ActiveX Access which seems to be rearing its head.
I have done a full system virus etc scan using the Symantec (Norton) Anti Virus software which shows my system to be clean.
At this point in time I cannot even log onto my 'Google' home page!! (using my wifes computer to send this message).
Is there any way I can clean up my internet browser and start over afresh, prefrably retaining my favorites?
Apologies for longish post but in real trouble here.
Gyron

[gyron1]

Hi Kee-Lo,
OK,
Gyron

[@5528097000005097]

You might want to think about changing your security software too.

There are many options and many different opinions on which is best, all my security programmes are freebies and, touch wood, I haven't had anything nasty up to now, just a few cookies which are easily sorted.

Check out this thread for loads of free security and other software.

[gyron1]

Hi Blencogo,
It's me again, sorry to be a pain!
I have tried to take the http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/topic98219.html route as suggested.
All fine, downloaded the SmitfraudFix.exe software onto desktop as directed. Following the instructions, started computer in 'Safe Mode' but when selected I got the follwing message;

multi(0)disk(0)partition1\Windows\System32\ntoskrnl.exe
Windows could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt:
\system 32\ntoskrnl.exe.
Please re-install a copy of the obove file.

Where do I find this file please?

Thanks again,
Gyron

[Blencogo]

What did you select just before the message came up?

Whatever it was - it is looking for your Windows installation on Partition 1. As you have a Vaio, the Recovery Partition is on Partition 1 and YOUR Windows installation is on Partition 2. So it is looking in the wrong place and can't find the boot files.

Was this after you clicked on SmitfraudFix.exe?

[Thalamus.]

Hi Gyron,

If the solution Blencogo supplied does not clear virusprotectpro, then try the solution provided by Symantec ..

If that does not work either post back and we try something else..

[gyron1]

Hi Blencogo,
Thanks for reply, apologies, had to go out.
OK, I restarted the computer and before windows started pressed F8. This brought up an option screen and I selected 'Safe' mode - the message I sent previously then came up. That's all I did. I didn't click on the 'SmitfraudFix.Exe' icon (on the desktop as instructed) 'cos had not got to that stage in sequence.
I will try again tomorrow morning and see if same thing happens.
Re. your comment about my recovery partition being on Partion 1, my computer is a Vaio PCG-Z1SP and has two 'partitions, Drive C & D. My recovery 'discs are in fact on CD's which came with the computer, they are not pre-installed. However, as far as I know, all my programs etc are on Drive C and Drive D was effectively empty, so thats where I keep all my work information etc. My Documents files etc are all kept on the C drive alongside the Programs.
Thanks for continuing help,
Gyron

[gyron1]

Hi Thalamus,
Thanks for joining in on this mess of mine! Will keep your suggestion in mind and let you know how I get on.
What I find strange though is that I have the Symantec (Norton) Firewall & Antivirus protection software already installed - I wonder why it didn't protect me!
Gyron

[gyron1]

Hi Blencogo (& Thalamus),
Tried the SmitfraudFix.exe again today, which requires starting in safe mode - no problems this time (don't know what happened ysterday), and used the SmitfraudFix.exe software which seems to have fixed the VirusProtecPro problem. I now seem to be able to use internet without any glitches, pop-ups and adware etc.
I am left with a problem with the Symantec software (Anti Virus/Firewall) which I will leave Symantec to sort out.
Only other thing is a dreadfully slow Boot-Up (around 5/6 minutes) which I will have to fix somehow.
Anyway, thank you so very much for all your help and advice, this is greatly appreciated.
Gyron

[Thalamus.]

Hi Gyron,

I'm glad Blencogo's solution came good in the end..

[Blencogo]

Hi gyron,

Glad you've got rid of those nasties!!!!

Only other thing is a dreadfully slow Boot-Up (around 5/6 minutes) which I will have to fix somehow.

It is possible that all sorts of debris have been left in the Registry. Do you have a Registry Cleaner you can use?

If not, download the free (for 30 days) trial version of Tune Up Utilties and run the Registry Cleaner and Optimiser.