Backdoor.Sparta.B - Removal

NOTE: These instructions are for all current and recent Symantec antivirus products, including the Symantec AntiVirus and Norton AntiVirus product lines.

1. Do one of the following:
   • Windows 95/98/Me: Restart the computer in Safe mode.
   • Windows NT/2000/XP: End the Trojan process.
2. Reverse the changes that the Trojan made to the registry.
3. Restart the computer so that the antivirus software is loaded and activated again.
4. Update the virus definitions.
5. Run a full system scan, and delete all files that are detected as Backdoor.Sparta.B.
   

For details on how to do this, read the following instructions.

To restart the computer in Safe mode or end the process:
Windows 95/98/Me
Restart the computer in Safe mode. All Windows 32-bit operating systems, except for Windows NT, can be started in Safe mode. For instructions on how to do this, read the document How to start the computer in Safe Mode.

Windows NT/2000/XP:
To end the Trojan process:

1. Press Ctrl+Alt+Delete one time.
2. Click Task Manager.
3. Click the Processes tab.
4. Double-click the Image Name column header to sort the processes alphabetically.
5. Scroll through the list, and look for Norten.exe.
6. If you find the file, click it, and then click End Process.
7. Close the Task Manager.

To reverse the changes that the Trojan made to the registry:

CAUTION: Symantec strongly recommends that you back up the registry before you make any changes to it. Incorrect changes to the registry can result in permanent data loss or corrupted files. Modify only the keys that are specified. Read document How to make a backup of the Windows registry for instructions.

1. Click Start, and click Run. The Run dialog box appears.
2. Type regedit and then click OK. The Registry Editor opens.
3. Navigate to the following key:
   
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\User Shell Folders
   
4. Follow the instructions for the version of Windows that you are running:
   • Windows 95/98/Me: In the right pane, delete the value
     
     Common Startup
     
   • Windows NT/2000/XP: In the right pane, double-click the value
     
     Common Startup
     
     Replace the text that is in the Value Data box with the following:
     
     %ALLUSERSPROFILE%\Start Menu\Programs\Startup
     
5. Exit the Registry Editor.

To update the virus definitions:
All virus definitions receive full quality assurance testing by Symantec Security Response before being posted to our servers. There are two ways to obtain the most recent virus definitions:

• Run LiveUpdate, which is the easiest way to obtain virus definitions. These virus definitions are posted to the LiveUpdate servers one time each week (usually Wednesdays) unless there is a major virus outbreak. To determine whether definitions for this threat are available by LiveUpdate, look at the Virus Definitions (LiveUpdate) line at the top of this write-up.
• Download the definitions using the Intelligent Updater. Intelligent Updater virus definitions are posted on U.S. business days (Monday through Friday). They must be downloaded from the Symantec Security Response Web site and installed manually. To determine whether definitions for this threat are available by the Intelligent Updater, look at the Virus Definitions (Intelligent Updater) line at the top of this write-up.
  
  Intelligent Updater virus definitions are available here. For detailed instructions on how to download and install the Intelligent Updater virus definitions from the Symantec Security Response Web site, click here.

To scan for and delete the infected files:

1. Start your Symantec antivirus program, and make sure that it is configured to scan all files.
   • Norton AntiVirus consumer products: Read the document How to configure Norton AntiVirus to scan all files.
   • Symantec enterprise antivirus products: Read the document How to verify a Symantec Corporate antivirus product is set to scan All Files.
2. Run a full system scan.
3. If any files are detected as infected with Backdoor.Sparta.B, click Delete.

Technical Details