Spyware.NetSpy - Removal

The following instructions pertain to all Symantec antivirus products that support Security Risk detection.

1. Update the definitions.
2. Uninstall Spyware.NetSpy.
3. Restart the computer in Safe mode.
4. Run a full system scan and delete all the files detected as Spyware.NetSpy.
5. Delete the values that were added to the registry.
   

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

1. To update the definitions
To obtain the most recent definitions, start your Symantec program and run LiveUpdate.

2. To uninstall the Spyware

1. Navigate to the %System% folder. By default this is C:\Windows\System (Windows 95/98/Me), C:\Winnt\System32 (Windows NT/2000), or C:\Windows\System32 (Windows XP).
2. Double-click Nsutil.exe.
3. Click Remove NetSpy.

3. To restart the computer in Safe mode
Shut down the computer and turn off the power. Wait for at least 30 seconds, and then restart the computer in Safe mode or VGA mode. For instructions, read the document, "How to start the computer in Safe Mode."


4. To run the scan

1. Start your Symantec antivirus program, and then run a full system scan.
   
2. If any files are detected as Spyware.NetSpy and depending on which software version you are using, you may see one or more of the following options:
   
   
   Note: This applies only to versions of Norton AntiVirus that support Security Risk detection. If you are running a version of Symantec AntiVirus Corporate Edition that supports Security Risk detection, and Security Risk detection has been enabled, you will only see a message box that gives the results of the scan. If you have questions in this situation, contact your network administrator.
   
   • Exclude (Not recommended): If you click this button, it will set the threat so that it is no longer detectable. That is, the antivirus program will keep the security risk on your computer and will no longer detect it to remove from your computer.
     
     
   • Ignore or Skip: This option tells the scanner to ignore the threat for this scan only. It will be detected again the next time that you run a scan.
     
     
   • Cancel: This option is new to Norton Antivirus 2005. It is used when Norton Antivirus 2005 has determined that it cannot delete a security risk. This Cancel option tells the scanner to ignore the threat for this scan only, and thus, the threat will be detected again the next time that you run a scan.
     
     To actually delete the security risk:
     • Click its file name (under the Filename column).
     • In the Item Information box that displays, write down the full path and file name.
     • Then use Windows Explorer to locate and delete the file.
       
       If Windows reports that it cannot delete the file, this indicates that the file is in use. In this situation, complete the rest of the instructions on this page, restart the computer in Safe mode, and then delete the file using Windows Explorer.
       
       
   • Delete: This option will attempt to delete the detected files. In some cases, the scanner will not be able to do this.
     • If you see a message, "Delete Failed" (or similar message), manually delete the file.
     • Click the file name of the threat that is under the Filename column.
     • In the Item Information box that displays, write down the full path and file name.
     • Then use Windows Explorer to locate and delete the file.
       
       If Windows reports that it cannot delete the file, this indicates that the file is in use. In this situation, complete the rest of the instructions on this page, restart the computer in Safe mode, and then delete the file using Windows Explorer.

5. To delete the values from the registry

Important: 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.

Note: This is done to make sure that all the keys are removed. They may not be there if the uninstaller removed them.

1. Click Start > Run.
2. Type regedit, then click OK.
3. Navigate to the key:
   
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
   
   
4. In the right plane, delete the value:
   
   "nsys" = "nsys.exe"
   
   
5. Navigate to the key:
   
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\SharedDLLs
   
   
6. In the right plane, delete the values:
   
   "%System%\nsys.exe" = "0x1"
   "%System%\nconfig.exe" = "0x1"
   "%System%\nsutil.exe" = "0x1"
   "%System%\Faq.fil" = "0x1"
   
   
7. Navigate to the key:
   
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\App Paths
   
   
8. In the left plane, delete the subkey:
   
   nsys.exe
   
   
9. Navigate to the key:
   
   HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software
   
   
10. In the left plane, delete the subkey:
    
    S7000
    
    
11. Navigate to the key:
    
    HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\
    
    
12. In the left plane, delete the subkey:
    
    NetSpy
    
    
13. If the Spyware has disabled the Task Manager, you can enable it by navigating to the key:
    
    HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System
    
    
14. In the right plane, modify the value:
    
    DisableTaskMgr
    
    to:
    
    0
    
    
15. Exit the Registry Editor.

Technical Details