W32.Spybot.NLX - 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 W32.Spybot.NLX.
4. Delete any values added to the registry.
5. Restore the Windows Security Center
6. Reset the Internet Security Zone Settings
   

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

1. To disable 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

Note: When you are completely finished with the removal procedure and are satisfied that the threat has been removed, reenable System Restore by following the instructions in the aforementioned documents.

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. To update 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 document: Virus Definitions (LiveUpdate).
• Downloading the definitions using the Intelligent Updater: The Intelligent Updater virus definitions are posted daily. 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 document: Virus Definitions (Intelligent Updater).
  
  The latest Intelligent Updater virus definitions can be obtained here: Intelligent Updater virus definitions. For detailed instructions read the document: How to update virus definition files using the Intelligent Updater.

3. To scan for and delete the infected files

1. The threat cannot be removed in Normal mode so start the computer in Safe Mode. For instructions on starting the computer in Safe mode, please read the document How to start the computer in Safe Mode.
2. Run a full system scan.
3. If any files are detected as infected with W32.Spybot.NLX, click Delete.
   
   After the files are deleted, restart the computer in Normal mode and proceed with section 4.
   
   Warning messages may be displayed when the computer is restarted, as the threat has not been fully removed at this point. Please ignore these messages and just click OK. These messages will not appear when the computer is restarted after the removal instructions have been fully completed. The messages displayed may be similar to the following:
   
   Title: [File path]
   Message body: Windows cannot find [file name]. Make sure you typed the name correctly, and then try again. To search for a file, click the Start button, and then click Search.
   

4. To delete the value 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 subkeys only. For instructions refer to the document: How to make a backup of the Windows registry.

1. Click Start > Run.
2. Type regedit
3. Click OK.
   
   
4. Navigate to the subkey:
   
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\OLE
   
   
5. In the right pane, restore the original value if applicable:
   
   "EnableDCOM" = "Y"
   
   
6. Navigate to the subkey:
   
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Lsa
   
   
7. In the right pane, restore the original value if applicable:
   
   "restrictanonymous" = "0"
   
   
8. Navigate to and delete the subkeys:
   
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\iTunesMusic
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\rdriv
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\wscsvc
   
   
9. Exit the Registry Editor.

5. To restore the Windows Security Center
This threat attempts to disable the features in the Windows Security Center, available in Windows XP Service Pack 2. If you are running Windows XP Service Pack 2 and would like to restore the full functionality of the Windows Security Center, please complete the following steps:

Important: If your computer is connected to a domain, you may not be able to adjust these settings. If so, contact your network administrator for more information.

1. Click Start > Control Panel.
2. Double-click the Security Center.
3. In the right pane, click Windows Firewall. The Windows Firewall appears.
4. Select On.
5. Click OK to close the Windows Firewall.
6. In the left pane of the Security Center, select Change the way Security Center alerts me.
7. Click Alert Settings.
8. Select Alert Settings, Firewall, and Virus Protection.
9. Click OK
10. Click Automatic Updates.
11. Select Automatic.
12. Click OK.
13. Exit the Security Center.
    

6. To reset the Internet Security Zone Settings

1. Start Microsoft Internet Explorer.
2. Click Tools > Internet Options.
3. Click on the Security tab.
4. Click on the Internet Icon on upper pane of the window.
5. Click on Default Level on lower right corner of the window.
6. Click on the Local Internet Icon on upper pane of the window.
7. Click on Default Level on lower right corner of the window.
8. Click on the Trusted sites Icon on upper pane of the window.
9. Click on Default Level on lower right corner of the window.
10. Click on the Restricted sites Icon on upper pane of the window.
11. Click on Default Level on lower right corner of the window.
12. Click OK on lower right corner of the window.

Technical Details