Hellgate spyware removal

Tricky · #1 (**permalink**) 10-19-2007, 04:27 PM

I don't actually have anything to say on this. I thought I'd keep a topic open just in case someone manages to find a tool capable of removing this.. thing. I think it is one, so far undetectable piece of software that keeps installing other types of spyware. I've seen at least three different variants, although only one consistently keeps returning since I've been making scans regularly. I'm also seeing tiny executables with random ad related names appear randomly in my C: root. Not sure where they tie in yet, but as far as their names go they look to be related to popup advertising, though I'm not seeing any.

I thought about reinstalling windows, but unfortunately that's something I can't afford to do right now. Too many recordings and no zipdrive available to hold them. So if anyone finds a way to completely clean this mess up (I've already tried AVG, Spyware S&D and Adaware), please post a link here.

Much obliged.

Ferrick · #2 (**permalink**) 10-20-2007, 03:40 PM

Tricky, have you tried one of the following free online scanners: Kaspersky, BitDefender, or Trend-micro? They are all good and I have found they will often find and clean things that the other may not have. I know Trend-micro not only scans for viruses but trojans, malware, grayware, and spyware as well.

Do you have any idea where you might have picked up the Hellgate infection?

Siberys · #3 (**permalink**) 10-20-2007, 04:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ferrick

Do you have any idea where you might have picked up the Hellgate infection?

From the makers of hellgate london. And no, that isn't me being a conspiracy nut, Flagship studios basically said they're gonna put adware on a computer.

Ferrick · #4 (**permalink**) 10-20-2007, 08:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Siberys

From the makers of hellgate london. And no, that isn't me being a conspiracy nut, Flagship studios basically said they're gonna put adware on a computer.

Man, I really thought this was a name of a particular brand new malware/spyware that had nothing to do with the game.

Siberys, what is their reasoning?! First I find out that Webroot loaded a toolbar into their latest updates to their Spysweeper without telling anyone (and now I know why I was having issues and needed to uninstall). And now I find out a game I seriously considered getting is putting adware on my PC if I install it.

Please, could you direct me to where Flagship disclosed this gem of information? Thanks!

dragon wench · #5 (**permalink**) 10-20-2007, 09:39 PM

In the past I have had excellent results with Trojan Hunter.
I'm not certain this will be the answer, but they have a fully operational trial version, so it's worth trying out.
The same page has a number of different links to various AV and anti-spyware products that could be of use.
Kaspersky is there, as well as Nod32... both are very good

Siberys · #6 (**permalink**) 10-21-2007, 05:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ferrick

Man, I really thought this was a name of a particular brand new malware/spyware that had nothing to do with the game.

Siberys, what is their reasoning?! First I find out that Webroot loaded a toolbar into their latest updates to their Spysweeper without telling anyone (and now I know why I was having issues and needed to uninstall). And now I find out a game I seriously considered getting is putting adware on my PC if I install it.

Please, could you direct me to where Flagship disclosed this gem of information? Thanks!

Blue's News: News Comments

Basically, they're doing it to get rid of piracy, they want to make sure they have control over your PC while you pay ten bucks a month to them for a SINGLE player game.

Tricky · #7 (**permalink**) 10-21-2007, 07:56 AM

Ok, I don't care what those sites are saying. Here is a follow up on what happened.

EA spyware installed other spyware. That spyware installed other spyware and spyware installed other.. At some point I managed to stay ahead of the constant infections by enabling constant spyware scans (AVG). It seems clear to me that EA has very little control over what kind of spyware eventually ends up on your computer.

Hence I don't know what caused what anymore. Yesterday afternoon I lost my internet connection due to a massive worm infestation. I think some kind of backdoor was opened up by some other spyware installation. Maybe it was some of the spyware that did it by itself, I have no idea. It was too new for most of the virus or spyware scanners to handle (the distinction becomes a bit blurry, I'll admit), and I already had a hard time browsing pages to even find a suitable scanner (I managed to get short moments of internet access by constantly releasing and renewing my IP). Every .exe on my computer got infected. I was able to clear that up eventually, but my system directories suffered damage that I for whatever reason couldn't repair by letting the Windows XP installation CD reinstall the important files. At some point my computer stopped responding and I had to format and reinstall.

I didn't really get a chance to make a backup. I fortunately keep most of my important papers on a network drive, but I lost all my personal stuff. Including a small collection of pictures of someone who was very dear to me. That I can't really do anything besides warn everyone not to download this aggravates me greatly. I already asked if the link in the news section could be removed for protection, but that obviously ain't my call. For full satisfaction though I'll have to head over to Flagship or EA and break loose a few kilograms of teeth.