W32.Bugbear@mm - Removal

IMPORTANT - READ THIS FIRST:

• If you are on a network, or have a full time connection to the Internet such as DSL or Cable modem, you must disconnect the computer from the network and the Internet. Disable or password protect file sharing--or set shared files to Read-Only--before reconnecting computers to the network or to the internet. Because this worm spreads by using shared folders on networked computers, to ensure that the worm does not reinfect the computer after it has been removed, Symantec suggests sharing with read-only access or using password protection. For instructions on how to do this,see your Windows documentation or the document How to configure shared Windows folders for maximum network protection.
• If you are cleaning out an infection on a network, make sure any shares are disabled or set to Read-Only before doing so.

Removal using the W32.Bugbear@mm Removal Tool
This is the easiest way to remove this threat. Symantec Security Response has created a W32.Bugbear@mm Removal Tool. Click here to obtain the tool.

Manual Removal
As an alternative to using the removal tool, you can remove this threat manually.

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

1. Update the virus definitions.
2. Restart the computer in Safe mode.
3. Run a full system scan, and delete all files that are detected as W32.Bugbear@mm.
4. Delete the value added by the worm from the registry key
   
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
   

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

To update the virus definitions:

NOTE: If the worm is currently active on your computer, you will not be able to run LiveUpdate. In this case, you must download the definitions using the Intelligent Updater.

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 restart the computer in Safe mode:
All Windows 32-bit operating systems, except Windows NT, can be restarted in Safe mode. For instructions on how to do this, read the document How to start the computer in Safe Mode.


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 W32.Bugbear@mm, write down the file name and then click Delete.

To remove the value from 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 the 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 this key:
   
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
   
4. In the right pane, locate and delete the line that refers to the file that was detected as infected with W32.Bugbear@mm.
5. Exit the Registry Editor.

Technical Details