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Malware -
Harmful EXE
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iexplore.exe is the internet explorer file name, the virus writers are tempted in using this name to create harmful files on your computer. The original/ authentic file resides in the C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer , C:\Windows\ie7, C:\Windows\ie7updates , C:\Windows\System32\dllcache, C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\download folders and some system generated folders such as C:\Windows\$$ (a foldername that begin and end with dollar signs). Probably there could be other locations as well, depending on the Windows you use, and the version of Internet explorer installed on your computer. You should search and delete this file found anywhere else on your computer other than its default locations. (The viruses may attempt to replace the genuine file with a fake one, if you take your mouse pointer over the file, that should display a tooltip box, giving you the information about the origin of that file. ) This article gives you step by step instructions to remove the threat manually from your computer.
| Aliases: There are a number of viruses who exploit this name, by giving a harmful file this name. You can find a list of these viruses on this link. | | Turn off - system restore : The malicious files are saved in the system restore backup. You need to turn system restore off to remove them. You can turn it ON after cleaning the computer. Click here to read more... | | View Hidden Files: You need to enable to view hidden files and folders before you can search for the virus files and folders. Click here to read more... | | Boot in safe mode: If you are unable to delete the malware files/ folders, try doing it while in windows safe mode. Click here to read more... | | If you are unable to open Task Manager
Sometimes you are not able to open the task manager, the run command etc. The virus does this. There are free tools to solve this problem. They are listed here. Click here to read more... | Delete folders/ files from the hard disk:
Search and delete "winlogon.exe" if it is found in any other place other than these places
C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer
C:\Windows\ie7
C:\Windows\ie7updates
C:\Windows\System32\dllcache
C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\download
C:\Windows\$foldername$
These are the default locations of iexplore.exe (on a xp with IE7) If you take your mouse pointer over the file name, that will show you a tooltip, if it is a genuine file , it should display "Microsoft Corporation" as the company name. (running CCleaner will be useful. It is a freeware temp files/ registry cleaner. Click here to read more...) | Delete the registry keys: by manually editing registry. You can edit the registry by using the windows built in registry editor. Click here to read more... There are literally hundreds of viruses that use this name, therefore it will not be feasible to list them here. | | Run System File Checker: This is a built in utility in windows, it scans the computer for any altered/ deleted windows system files and replaces them with original files automatically. It will be particularly useful to run this tool, that will automatically replace the corrupted system files with good ones. Click here to read more... | Using Firewall: It will be helpful if you have a firewall so that you can block the malicious communication of the malware. | It will be helpful to do an online virus scan on one of the online scanning and removal sites. There are several good antivirus sites which provide online virus scanning. Some sites only tell you what is infected on your computer but do not remove it. Whereas some sites generously detect and remove the viruses found. I am going to list such sites which delect and remove. And they all offer this service for free. The prerequisite for this scan is a functioning browser and an internet connection.
1) BitDefender Free Online Virus Scan. Click to visit site.
2) TrendMicro HouseCall : Click to visit site.
3) Eset Online Scanner : Click to visit site | | reprinted with permission from threat expert |
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