msconfig problem

so when i do the msconfig thing again there are 2 programs that keep interupting itunes pwip and ykqyoq.

yuck. i'm afraid that's malware Tracie.

we don't currently have an automated tool (from a reputable source) for getting rid of it, and it seems to be slipping below the radar of most commercial scanners. but we've got a few options.

(1) this manual technique has been working for some people:

http://mysite.verizon.net/dbjcgj/id1.html

(2) you could try submitting a sample of the beast to the manufacturers of your antivirus/antispyware software.

(3) you could try visiting one of the reputable on-line malware-removal forums and asking for advice there.

(anyone got any recommendations for good sites for Tracie?)

love, b

I'm attempting to follow the directions on the link given; however, I seem to have hit a problem. Rather than simply giving me a command line, my computer gives me a line of "C:\Documents and Settings\(My Name)> and gives me an error message when I try using any of the prompts on the page. Did I do something wrong while it was booting? I'm not computer illiterate, but I couldn't even walk and talk yet in the days when people used DOS...please help!

Thanks,
Brooke

hi Brooke!

Rather than simply giving me a command line, my computer gives me a line of "C:\Documents and Settings\(My Name)> and gives me an error message when I try using any of the prompts on the page. Did I do something wrong while it was booting?

it might be best to check in with Dave and Katrina over at this thread:

http://discussions.apple.com/click.jspa?searchID=-1&messageID=811251

(they've got better DOS skills than i have.)

love, b

Hi Brooke

Just happen to have a couple minutes to stroll in tonight and notice your DOS predicament.

Seems XP Command line is starting you at your own logon area. I don't have XP (got Win2K) so I don't know all its specific quirks.

Anyway, just boot as you did to the Safe Mode/Command line. To get to the root directory of your hard drive, just type cd c:\ {Enter}

Then follow all instructions as on the http://mysite.verizon.net/dbjcgj/id1.html link.

Good Luck and I'll try to stay posted.

-DJ

Thanks, I got it to work and was able to follow the directions...but my iTunes still isn't working. Le sigh.

Thanks anyway!
-Brooke

If you do the msconfig again, does iTunes work?

The malware may still be lingering on your PC.

Do you have any purchased antivirus software like Norton or McAfee? If so, please open a ticket with them. Tell them it's similar to Qoologic/Qoolaid spyware but it has random 4 and 6 letter names.

If everyone that has those security programs opens tickets, maybe the security software vendors will fix it.

Another problem! I'm doing the "DOS thing" again, and seem to be making progress that I didn't make last time, but now when I try to access:

C:\Documents and Settings\All Users> cd \Start Menu\Programs\Startup

it tells me that the "system cannot find the path specified."

Help!

-Brooke

Hi Brooke,

Sorry for the bad instruction step- Laura S. called my attention to the typo in step 12. And she's now got iTunes back!

12) C:\Documents and Settings\All Users> cd .\Start Menu...

I forgot that first "." before the "\"

Keep at it- looks like you're almost rid of this thing!!!!

-DJ

thank you again for your continued help with this, Dave!

if i see a confirmed case of this beast where the person is running into trouble on the manual removal, is it okay if i email you at your website to call for help?

love, b