Backdoor.IRC.Bot - Removal

The following instructions pertain to all current and recent Symantec antivirus products, including the Symantec AntiVirus and Norton AntiVirus product lines.

1. Disable System Restore (Windows Me/XP).
2. Update the virus definitions.
3. Run a full system scan and delete all the files detected as Backdoor.IRC.Bot.
4. Reverse the changes made to the Windows registry.
   

For specific details on each of these steps, read the following instructions.

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Note: The procedure described in this document is complex and assumes that you are familiar with basic Windows and DOS procedures. If you are not, then we suggest that you obtain the services of a qualified computer consultant.

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1. Disabling System Restore (Windows Me/XP)
If you are running Windows Me or Windows XP, we recommend that you temporarily turn off System Restore. Windows Me/XP uses this feature, which is enabled by default, to restore the files on your computer in case they become damaged. If a virus, worm, or Trojan infects a computer, System Restore may back up the virus, worm, or Trojan on the computer.

Windows prevents outside programs, including antivirus programs, from modifying System Restore. Therefore, antivirus programs or tools cannot remove threats in the System Restore folder. As a result, System Restore has the potential of restoring an infected file on your computer, even after you have cleaned the infected files from all the other locations.

Also, a virus scan may detect a threat in the System Restore folder even though you have removed the threat.

For instructions on how to turn off System Restore, read your Windows documentation, or one of the following articles:

• "How to disable or enable Windows Me System Restore"
• "How to turn off or turn on Windows XP System Restore"

For additional information, and an alternative to disabling Windows Me System Restore, see the Microsoft Knowledge Base article, "Antivirus Tools Cannot Clean Infected Files in the _Restore Folder," Article ID: Q263455.

2. Updating the virus definitions
Symantec Security Response fully tests all the virus definitions for quality assurance before they are posted to our servers. There are two ways to obtain the most recent virus definitions:

• Running LiveUpdate, which is the easiest way to obtain virus definitions: These virus definitions are posted to the LiveUpdate servers once each week (usually on Wednesdays), unless there is a major virus outbreak. To determine whether definitions for this threat are available by LiveUpdate, refer to the Virus Definitions (LiveUpdate).
• Downloading the definitions using the Intelligent Updater: The Intelligent Updater virus definitions are posted on U.S. business days (Monday through Friday). You should download the definitions from the Symantec Security Response Web site and manually install them. To determine whether definitions for this threat are available by the Intelligent Updater, refer to the Virus Definitions (Intelligent Updater).
  
  The Intelligent Updater virus definitions are available: Read "How to update virus definition files using the Intelligent Updater" for detailed instructions.

3. Scanning for and deleting the infected files

1. Start your Symantec antivirus program and make sure that it is configured to scan all the files.
   • For Norton AntiVirus consumer products: Read the document, "How to configure Norton AntiVirus to scan all files."
   • For Symantec AntiVirus Enterprise products: Read the document, "How to verify that 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.IRC.Bot, write down the path and file names, and then click Delete.

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Note: If your Symantec antivirus product reports that it cannot delete an infected file, shut down the computer, turn off the power, and then wait 30 seconds. Restart the computer in Safe mode (Windows 95/98/Me/2000/XP) or VGA mode (Windows NT 4), and then run the scan again.

For instructions on restarting the computer in Safe mode, read the document, "How to start the computer in Safe Mode."

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4. Reversing the changes that were made to the registry

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

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1. Click Start, and then click Run. (The Run dialog box appears.)
2. Type regedit
   
   Then click OK. (The Registry Editor opens.)
   
   
3. Navigate to the key:
   
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
   
   
4. Refer to the list of infected files that you created while following the instructions in step c of the previous section, "Scanning for and deleting the infected files."
   
   In the right pane, look at the entries in the Name and Data columns. If you find an entry that refers to a file that was detected as infected, select the entry, press Delete, and then click Yes to confirm.
   
   
5. Do one of the following:
   • Windows NT/2000/XP: Skip to step g.
   • Windows 95/98/Me: Navigate to the key:
     
     HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\
     RunServices
     
     
6. Refer to the list of infected files that you created while following the instructions in the previous section. In the right pane, look at the entries in the Name and Data columns. If you find an entry that refers to a file that was detected as infected, select the entry, press Delete, and then click Yes to confirm.
   
   
7. Exit the Registry Editor.

Technical Details