O/T Computer Question

[dfchelbay]

I had an issue yesterday with my computer. Apparently malware got into my computer and began to take over. It does all sorts of funky things and goes to websites all on its own trying to make you feel as if you have a virus. Won't open any of the websites I click on, etc. Luckily, the very people that put the malware into my computer can fix it with their download for $$$$...just click to pay for the download. I'm not that stupid. But they are very difficult to remove from my computer. But, as of 4:30 a.m. this morning, I finally got all of the son of a bitc* malware off my hard drive.

Here's my question, upon starting up my computer now I get this error:

Error loading vprsdqbw.dll
The specified module could not be found

What the heck is this error? Anyone ever had it? It doesn't seem to be affecting anything I'm doing, but I'm concerned it may become worse. Any computer geeks/geniuses out there than have any info? If not, anyone have advice on registry errors? What program have you bought and can recommend to fix them and prevent them in the future.

Thanks all

 

[jedijill]

What I do is to google the error and you can find places to download the file and install it. This has always worked for me and I have not gotten any other nasty stuff.

Jill in CO

 

[dawson5]

are you sure you got rid of the malware? If you are sure, try and do a restore from a saved point.

Kids picked up something nasty (spyware) from facebook and in the process of ridding my pc of it, I ended up with something like that. Seemed like nothing I did would repair it. I ended up restoring to a week or two before the spyware infection. I didn't get actual errors like what you are seeing, but my pc while online was really slow. My real problem with the slow connection ended up being the actual line, they came out and replaced it. All is fine now.

So this might help, might not. It shouldn't hurt, unless you didn't fully get rid of the infection.

 

[crazelion]

I would google the problem for solutions. There should be a guide to remove it. I just spent have day getting Anit-spyware soft of my computer today. I found a step by step guide on how get rid of the problem too on google.

 

[ruadisneyfan2]

I would google the problem for solutions. There should be a guide to remove it. I just spent have day getting Anit-spyware soft of my computer today. I found a step by step guide on how get rid of the problem too on google.

I agree. Sounds like a hijacked browser. I've had that before and it drives you crazy. I followed the advice and it worked.

Can you run a McAfee or Norton scan?


http://www.microsoft.com/protect/terms/hijacking.aspx

 

[bdoyledimou]

that file IS the malware... what you need to do is start regedit

(start ->run-> regedit)

and then do a search for that filename (actualy just do a search for vprs) and then delete all references to it.

The error is due to the registry trying to load the program still, not finding it and letting you know.

 

[mrodgers]

that file IS the malware... what you need to do is start regedit

I would agree with this poster. I googled for that specific .dll file and the only single result on google was this thread.

If there are no results in google for a .dll file, then that tells me it isn't a legitimate .dll file.

 

[heathrow42]

It is *extremely* difficult to get rid of malware.. we have a saying "burn and learn" -- really your best bet is to backup your important files (although this is getting harder to do without transferring the infection to your usb drive) and completely wipe your hard drive and start over - but before you bring up your newly cleaned system, make sure you have a good firewall in place and good filters. Then the first thing you should do is patch - assuming you are using windows - go run all the updates. Then change all your passwords, online banking, email, ebay, paypal, facebook, video games, *EVERYTHING* on your clean system.. and watch your credit cards/bank accounts if you use your pc for online banking. Unless you know exactly what malware was on there, you have no idea what it was doing. Don't use internet explorer for a browser - use Mozilla or Safari - keep it patched and updated. Don't download junk, don't go to random websites, don't click on links in email. It's really getting harder to avoid infections. ..and you are right not to install the "malware removal tool" - which is probably more malware, but it might not be bad to take it to geeksquad or the like to get it properly fixed.

ETA: You asked, but might not like the answer.. get a Mac while it's possible, you have a much lower chance of getting infected from web browsing/mail/scan/worm/etc. -- A free alternative would be to use a Linux based operating system instead of Windows (freebsd, Ubuntu, etc) ..runs on your existing pc hardware and has a much lower likelihood of getting infected. Most malware disables anti-virus.

Good luck!

 

[seashoreCM]

When a virus or some malware is discovered, the virus scanner may do one of several things such as:
1. delete it.
2. repair it.
3. move it to another folder.

Sometimes the virus is embedded in an existing required file like a worm in an apple. If #2 cannot be accomplished, the computer is now missing that piece. The computer may or may not continue to work correctly.

Unfortunately I don't know of any web sites or software packages whose purpose it is to inventory all of the pieces and download replacement pieces and not do anything malicious itself.

Disney hints: http://www.cockam.com/disney.htm

A mouse got into your jigsaw puzzle. You can still use the pieces that were only chewed on the back and you may be able to wash off any stains, or some damaged pieces are out at the edge and don't have important picture content. Then, too, you might have to order a replacement piece and some puzzle makers offer that service. But you have to know which piece it is you need.

Or some folks (say "eewww" and) throw the whole shebang away. I have picked up for free, several nice computers complete with software at the city dump and de-virused them and they are working fine.

 

[msminniemouse]

Go to http://www.geekstogo.com/forum/Remo...e-Rootkit-Fake-Alert-Search-Redirect-f37.html

They offer free online help and helped me get rid of virus I had on my computer.

 

[pezheadmeg]

It's going to be a giant PIA, but after you back-up pop in the system restore disks and start fresh.

Then change all your online passwords to cover yourself.

And invest in McAfee or Norton. I'm a fanatic, anytime I've plugged anything into a USB port I run a scan before shutting down. Haven't had a problem since.

 

[dfchelbay]

are you sure you got rid of the malware? If you are sure, try and do a restore from a saved point.

Kids picked up something nasty (spyware) from facebook and in the process of ridding my pc of it, I ended up with something like that. Seemed like nothing I did would repair it. I ended up restoring to a week or two before the spyware infection. I didn't get actual errors like what you are seeing, but my pc while online was really slow. My real problem with the slow connection ended up being the actual line, they came out and replaced it. All is fine now.

So this might help, might not. It shouldn't hurt, unless you didn't fully get rid of the infection.

I've attempted to restore to an earlier point...but, there is NO earlier date before I fixed this malware. My only option is to restore to Sunday, May 30, 2010, at 3:45 a.m., which is when I finally got the malware removed. That is the only choice I can make. I've even tried to fool my computer into thinking it is last week by changing all the date settings and I can still only change to May 30th.

 

[dawson5]

shoot, that is a bummer. Personally, I would clear it off of anything and do a clean install, then create a restore point after I loaded everything back on to the pc.

You can try the regedit. When I was having problems before, I tried the regedit, it didn't help me--but then it might have been the line and not the pc.

I tried googling that error, I only came up with this thread and one other thing. Have you looked at bleeping computer? There might be something there.

 

[dfchelbay]

shoot, that is a bummer. Personally, I would clear it off of anything and do a clean install, then create a restore point after I loaded everything back on to the pc.

You can try the regedit. When I was having problems before, I tried the regedit, it didn't help me--but then it might have been the line and not the pc.

I tried googling that error, I only came up with this thread and one other thing. Have you looked at bleeping computer? There might be something there.

I actually used bleeping computer to get rid of the malware. It was a good clean wipe out of the problem. I recommend their instructions. It was smooth, easy and did get rid of Malware Doctor virus/worm.