VBS.Network.B - Removal

You need to remove the registry entry or entries made by the worm, and then remove two files. Please follow these steps:

WARNING: We strongly recommend that you back up the system registry before making any changes. Incorrect changes to the registry could result in permanent data loss or damaged files. Please make sure you modify only the keys specified. Please see the document, How to back up the Windows 95/98/NT registry, before proceeding.

1. Click Start, and then click Run. The Run dialog box appears.
2. Type regedit and then click OK. The Registry Editor opens.
3. Click the Edit menu, and then click Find.
4. Type vbs.network in the find what box, and then click Find next.
   
   NOTE: If you have the Windows Scripting Host installed, it comes with the sample file, Network.vbs. This files is not infectious. It is commonly found in the C:\Windows\Samples\Wsh folder. It is not necessary to delete this file, but doing so will not harm the system. File names alone are not enough to determine if a file is clean or infectious.
   
   What you do if any instances of VBS.Network are found will depend on what key they are attached to. In at least one case, it was found attached to a payroll software program key. If you find this, and are not sure what to do, we suggest that you contact the program vendor that the key in question represents, or obtain the services of a qualified computer consultant.
   
   NOTES: If you find a reference to this file in the \Doc Find Spec MRU key, you may delete it or leave it. The MRU is a most recently used list, which is simply a list of programs that have been searched for recently, using the Find Files function of Windows Explorer.
   
5. Select any files that are found, (with the exception of the Scripting Host sample file in the C:\Windows\Samples\Wsh folder), and then delete them.
6. Navigate to and select the following key:
   
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
   
7. In the right pane, look for the following Name and Data, and if found, delete it:
   
   Network Tasks              C:\windows\system\network.exe
   
8. Exit the registry editor.
9. Click Start, point to Find, and then click Files or Folders.
10. Type network.vbs in the Named box, and then click Find Now.
11. Select any files that are found, and then delete them.
12. Close the Find Files dialog box.
13. Type network.exe in the Named box, and then click Find Now.
    • If the file is located in the \StartUp folder, and the file type is Shortcut, then delete it.
    • If the file is located in the C:\Windows\System folder (Windows 95/98) or the C:\Windows\System32 folder (Windows NT), then delete it. If you see a message that the file is in use, you will have to remove it in MS-DOS mode (Windows 95/98). Go on to the next step.
14. Type network.dll in the Named box, and then click Find Now.
    • If the file is located in the C:\Windows\System folder (Windows 95/98) or the C:\Windows\System32 folder (Windows NT), then delete it.
    • If you see a message that the file is in use, you will have to remove it in MS-DOS mode (Windows 95/98).
15. If you were able to delete both files mentioned in steps 13 and 14, you are finished. If not, go on to the next step.
16. Exit all programs
17. Restart the computer in MS-DOS Mode:
    • If you are using Windows 95:
      1. If the computer is on, close all programs, and, if possible, shut down Windows.
      2. Turn off the computer, and wait thirty seconds. You must turn off the power to clear memory.
      3. Restart the computer, and watch the screen. When you see "Starting Windows 95," press F8.
      4. Select "Safe Mode Command Prompt Only" from the startup menu, and then press Enter.
    • If you are using Windows 98:
      1. If the computer is on, close all programs, and, if possible, shut down Windows.
      2. Turn off the computer and wait thirty seconds. You must turn off the power to clear memory.
      3. Restart the computer and immediately press and hold down the Ctrl key until the Windows 98 startup menu appears.
      4. Select "Safe Mode Command Prompt Only" from the startup menu, and then press Enter.
18. At the DOS prompt, which should appear similar to C:\> , type the following commands in the sequence shown. Press Enter after each one:
    
    NOTE: These instructions assume that the path to your Windows folder is C:\Windows. Substitute the path appropriate for your system.
    
    cd windows\system
    del network.exe
    del network.dll
    
19. Shut off the power, wait at least 30 seconds, and then restart the computer.
20. Start NAV and then run a full system scan.

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