Malware?

[Gustavus]

My computer has developed a maddening problem -- which sounds like malware, but nothing I have finds the culprit. Every few minutes WinPatrol pops up a box saying it has detected a change to the background page on my desktop to "blank" and asking if I approve of the change. I click no and it is OK for a short time when the whole thing repeats. Clearly something has gotten trough, but nothing I have finds any malware. Perhaps one of you has heard of something like this and can suggest a solution.

Thanks

 

[mechBgon]

You might want to post a HijackThis log. download page for HJT

For a second-opinion malware scan, try F-Secure's online scanner, which scans for rootkits, spyware/adware, and other malware: http://support.f-secure.com/enu/home/ols.shtml It uses ActiveX to run the scan, so use IE.

From the fact that something is possibly capable of getting through your existing defensive scheme, you might also want to consider these prevention measures in case there's some layers you aren't using yet.

 

[Gustavus]

mechBgon
Thanks for the reply. I have tried three times to run the f-secure checkup and midway (somewhere in the run at least) the monitor screen goes blank and I can only power down to regain control. The computer does not turn off, WinPatrol beeps as the screen goes blank, meaning it has detected something, but with the screen blank I have no way of knowing what it saw. We are off for Christmas dinner with friends in a few minutes, but I will try again in the morning.

It appears something has definitely gotten through though. I use NOD32 (up to date on definitions) and SuperAntiSpyware -- plus Trojan Remover on demand. Whatever it is isn't seen in complete scans by any of these software's.

 

[law9933]

As good or better than Superanti also free

http://www.malwarebytes.org/mbam.php

 

[bruceb]

Seconded on Malwarebytes .. very good for a free program.
Activating the full version unlocks realtime protection, scheduled scanning, and scheduled updating.
It is a one time fee of $24.95.

 

[mechBgon]

Originally posted by: Gustavus
mechBgon
Thanks for the reply. I have tried three times to run the f-secure checkup and midway (somewhere in the run at least) the monitor screen goes blank and I can only power down to regain control. The computer does not turn off, WinPatrol beeps as the screen goes blank, meaning it has detected something, but with the screen blank I have no way of knowing what it saw. We are off for Christmas dinner with friends in a few minutes, but I will try again in the morning.

It appears something has definitely gotten through though. I use NOD32 (up to date on definitions) and SuperAntiSpyware -- plus Trojan Remover on demand. Whatever it is isn't seen in complete scans by any of these software's.

If you can burn an .ISO, you can run F-Secure's Rescue CD instead. Boot the system from the CD and let it scan. And a HijackThis log is often revealing.