W95.Hybris.gen - Removal

To remove the W95.Hybris.gen worm, follow these steps:

1. Run LiveUpdate to ensure that you have the most recent virus definitions. They must be dated September 25, 2000, or later.
2. Start NAV, and perform a full system scan. Make sure that NAV is set to scan all files. When an infected file is detected, do the following:
   • When Wsock32.dll is detected as infected, choose Repair. In most cases, NAV can repair this file. If NAV cannot repair the file, then you will need to replace it from the Windows installation CD. If you need to replace this file, see the instructions in the next section.
     
     NOTE: If NAV cannot repair Wsock32.dll when Windows is in normal mode, then try to repair it in Safe Mode.This is particularly true if you are connected to a network; in this case you may see a "sharing violation" message when NAV attempts the repair. To try this, restart the computer in Safe Mode. (If you need help with this, read the document How to restart Windows 9x or Windows Me in Safe Mode.) If this is not successful, then you must extract a new copy as explained in the next section.
     
   • Delete all other detected files; their contents have been overwritten by the worm. You must restore them from backups or, in the case of application software, reinstall the programs.
3. If you see a rotating spiral on the Windows desktop, you must follow additional steps to remove it. See the section To remove the rotating spiral.

To extract a new copy of the Wsock32.dll file:
This is necessary only if Wsock32.dll cannot be repaired. You must run the Extract command at a command (DOS) prompt. Follow these steps to do this, using the instructions for your operating system.

This information is provided for your convenience. We have provided detailed instructions for Windows 95/98/Me, which are the operating systems most affected by this. These instructions should work for most versions of these operating systems. In most cases, this should not be necessary under Windows 2000/XP, because these systems' File Protection feature should prevent the Wsock32.dll file from being overwritten (unless File Protection was disabled).

The following documents provide general instructions on how to extract files. The exact steps may vary slightly depending on the configuration of your operation system, where the files are located, and so on. For additional information, read the Windows documentation, Help files, or contact Microsoft.

• The Microsoft Knowledge base article How to Extract Original Compressed Windows Files, Article ID Q129605, has detailed information for Windows 95/98/Me.
• How to extract files in Windows 98 and Windows Me.
• How to extract files using Windows 2000 or Windows NT 4.0.
• How to restore system files in Windows XP.
  

NOTES:

• You will need a Windows 98/Me startup disk. (If you are using Windows 95, you will still need one that was created on a Windows 98/Me computer). For instructions on how to create one, see the document How to create a Windows Startup disk.
• Have the Windows installation CD available.
• When typing the command, substitute the appropriate drive letter for your CD-ROM drive for the letter x. For example, if you are using Windows 98, and the CD-ROM drive is the drive D, then you would type
  
  extract /a d:\win98\precopy1.cab wsock32.dll /L c:\windows\system
  
• If Windows is installed in a folder other than C:\Windows, then substitute the appropriate path or folder name in the last part of the command that refers to the \Windows\System folder.
• For detailed instructions on using the Extract command, see the Microsoft document How to Extract Original Compressed Windows Files, Article ID: Q129605.
• As a somewhat easier alternative to the following procedure, if you are using Windows 98, then you can use the System File Checker to restore the file. For information on how to do this, see your Windows documentation.
  

1. Shut down the computer and turn off the power. Once the computer is off, insert the Windows 98/Me Startup disk in the floppy disk drive and turn the computer back on. At the menu, select Start with CD-ROM support.
2. Type the command that applies to your operating system:
   • If you are using Windows 98, then type the following and press Enter:
     
     extract /a x:\win98\precopy1.cab wsock32.dll /L c:\windows\system
     
   • If you are using Windows 95, then type the following and press Enter:
     
     extract /a x:\win95\win95_02.cab wsock32.dll /L c:\windows\system
     
3. If you see an error message of any kind, then repeat step 2, making sure that you typed the correct command for your operating system and that you typed it exactly as shown. Otherwise, type exit and then press Enter.

To remove the rotating spiral:
W95.Hybris.Gen uses several different plug-ins. The most common is a large, rotating spiral. If you see this on the Windows desktop, follow the instructions in the document W95.Hybris.Plugin.

Technical Details