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BuTcHBudg

New FixmyXP Member

Posts: 2

combo.exe

« on: January 11, 2006, 12:32:38 PM »

Hi Everyone!

This is my first post on fixmyxp.com. "HI windowsxp550!! This is mono-criptic girl"!!

I have been doing a lot of work on my computer to remove and prevent adware/spyware/trjoans on my computer, which, of course, is running XP. I purchased a license to ewido anti-malware because I love it so much. I've also began following a protocol online that involved these steps so far:

1) Running CleanUp!
2) Running the online scans from TrendMicro and Panda ActiveScan

I was aware that my computer has the combo.exe process installed onto it before I started this overhaul (notified by Zone Alarm and my first scan with ewido). The TrendMicro scan did not find it, but Panda ActiveScan did. It noted it as 'cleaned', but I can still find combo.exe in my files and folders. I can't delete it - each time I try, it tells me that the program is in use by another user/computer.

With the research I have done in trying to remove it,

, I've discovered that I may have to boot my computer in SafeMode and then delete it that way (because everytime I boot up Windows XP it 're-insalls' itself, which is proven by the fact that my ewido real-time protection goes off everytime I start IE and I have to clean it every time). Before I continue with my disinfection and protection process, I need to get rid of this darn combo.exe!

Do I seem like I'm on the right track?

Any help would be appreciated!!


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BuTcHBudg

Squeezebox

Administrator

Posts: 2756

combo.exe

« Reply #1 on: January 11, 2006, 12:53:22 PM »

You are indeed on the right track. Start in Safe Mode to delete the file, plus you need to remove the entry from the registry that launches it.

Click Start > Run.
Type regedit
Click OK.

Navigate to the subkey:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run

In the right pane, delete the value:

"combo.exe" = "combo.exe"

You don't mention any antivirus software apart from the online scanners. I hope have AV software and it's up to date.

Dave

Exit the Registry Editor.


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BuTcHBudg

New FixmyXP Member

Posts: 2

combo.exe

« Reply #2 on: January 11, 2006, 01:41:07 PM »

Dave:

Thanks for the detailed help - YOU ROCK!

About my anti-virus. I run Norton on a weekly basis, but I don't have the updated, so it is 'out-of-date'. I got a free trial when I purchased my computer and didn't 'renew' the subscription. I assume I need the updates to be effective?

I hate Norton. Any suggestions?

I'm always run:
Basic, non-updating Norton
Zone Alarm
SpySubtract
Ewido anti-malware

and have recently run:
CleanUp!
Trend Micro Online scan
Panda ActiveScan

Thanks!

Emily


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BuTcHBudg

Squeezebox

Administrator

Posts: 2756

combo.exe

« Reply #3 on: January 11, 2006, 05:13:19 PM »

Hi Emily,

You are living dangerously using an outdated Norton. There are two possibilities:

1. Avast (free) from here: http://www.avast.com/eng/programs.html

Of the free ones, this is about the best.

2. NOD32 free trial download here: http://www.eset.com/download/download.htm

I would recommend NOD32 as the best paid for AV program.

Here's what you can do right now:

Download the trial version of NOD32 and use it to give your system a full scan. If you like it, and paying for it isn't a problem, buy it when the trial runs out.

If you want to go for a free progam, uninstall NOD32 when the trial is over and download Avast to use instead. I would keep NOD though.

There you go, up to date virus scanning at no cost within an hour of reading this.

Dave


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Essexboy

Administrator

Posts: 899

combo.exe

« Reply #4 on: January 11, 2006, 05:36:02 PM »

To get rid of pesky files you could use move on boot which will delete the file before it even starts up. Find it here http://www.snapfiles.com/get/moveonboot.html

I would also suggest spywareblaster from javacool an excellent spyware preventer http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/spywareblaster.html

Also have a quick look at their EULA analyser that's good


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VISTA
XPsp2
Avast (of course)

http://spaces.msn.com/members/essexboymkn/

If ignorance is bliss why aren't more people happy?

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