Need advice concerning SmitFraud

[WanderLust Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close WanderLust]

I am not a puter person in that I know I can't fix things.

I discovered a folder named SmitFraud and then did a google search. Of course, what I found said that it is very difficult to get rid of. Running XP and wondering what say you in terms of advice for me.

[JWC Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close JWC]

I am not a puter person in that I know I can't fix things.

I discovered a folder named SmitFraud and then did a google search. Of course, what I found said that it is very difficult to get rid of. Running XP and wondering what say you in terms of advice for me.

There are several free removal tools available for SmitFraud. Do a search for "SmitFraudFix" and you will see many. Here are a couple.

SmitfraudFix | Free Download

Download SmitfraudFix 2.423 Free - This tool removes Desktop Hijack malware - Softpedia

Just download the tool and run it.

[timeos2 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close timeos2]

You have to be in safe mode when you run the repairs and realize that no repair can 100% guarantee removal - only a reload of everything can do that.

The success rate is about 85% with cleaning - done right & thoroughly which involves multiple steps not just one or two processes but more like 8-10. Even then it may come back immediately if you return to the site that got you in the first place.

You probably are running McAffe, Norton or MS anti-virus - they all tend to be overrun by Smitfraud so change what you use to a more effective choice. You also MUST turn off "system restore" as the malware hides innthere & will come right back on reboot. There are another 5-6 steps at a minimum. If this is too confusing for you then take it to a pro. Even they can't guarantee removal (except with the total reload) but they'll have a better chance of success than most end users.

Good luck - it is one of the worst out there & has been a thorn for almost 10 years now. Thank Microsoft & Active X for the problem as it starts there usually. Oh, that reminds me, dont use Internet Explorer as that too is a primary source for infection. Firefox, Chrome, Safari - anything but IE is a safer choice.

Again, good luck.