Endpoint Protection

How do I get rid of istart on  windows xp computer

Did you run a full SEP scan with latest defs?

If so and it found nothing, try the threat analysis scan:

How to run the Threat Analysis Scan in Symantec Help (SymHelp)

http://www.symantec.com/docs/TECH215519

If neither of the above work, download AdwCleaner and Junk Removal Tool and run them.

Some additional reading:

Security Response recommendations for Symantec Endpoint Protection 12.1 settings

http://www.symantec.com/docs/TECH173752

Is your system infected? Symantec tools to help clear an infection

https://www-secure.symantec.com/connect/forums/your-system-infected-symantec-tools-help-clear-infection

Eliminating viruses and security risks

http://www.symantec.com/docs/HOWTO27280

Security Best Practice Recommendations

http://www.symantec.com/docs/TECH91705

Run the symhelp utility to identify the virus file and clean it

http://www.symantec.com/business/support/index?page=content&id=TECH215519

http://malwaretips.com/blogs/istart-webssearches-com-removal/

Hi peppermint,

It appears from a quick internet search that you've installed software which can be removed from the computer's Add/Remove Programs page.

If you feel Symantec should add protection against this program, please submit it to Security Response for analysis.  They will make a judgement as to whether it meets our criteria for being considered malicious and, if so, add protection.

Symantec Insider Tip: Successful Submissions!
https://www-secure.symantec.com/connect/articles/symantec-insider-tip-successful-submissions

Please do update this thread with your progress!   

With best regards,

Mick

Hi again peppermint,

Just checking if you have resolved this?  The thread is still marked "needs solution."

The following short video provides a good overview of how to respond to threats:

Elements of Network Virus Troubleshooting

http://www.symantec.com/tv/allvideos/details.jsp?vid=2236070679001

And here is an article with additional detail:

Best Practices for Troubleshooting Viruses on a Network
http://www.symantec.com/docs/TECH122466

Hope this helps!

Mick

I just wanted to add my own experience of this Istart PUP here. The "program" prevented all uninstallation attempts (launched its own prevent-uninstallation window). Finally, I had to do a system restore (to earlier point) to get rid of it; To say the least, it really messed up my browser and possibly other settings. It would not allow resetting of browser homepage and filled the screen with ads and other of its own "stuff" on its own accord. I didn't want to find out what else it was capable of, so I got rid of it "the tough way".  I found plenty of other victims of this hijacker and was surprised how many have had no response or help from AV software.

Just for future readers: if nothing else helps, in Win7 -> Go to "Start" button > Right click on "Computer" > Open "Properties" > Click on "System protection" -> This opens a "System Properties" window. In tab "System Protection", click "System Restore" and select a restore point that was created prior to the time of infestation.