Possible Malware Issue

computer was fine til I gave a Java app permission on computer,then suddenly all my files turned to Adobe,and when I try to open up files,Adobe gives me a error msg that this cannot be opened,even tried to download Malware,but when I do it changes to Adobe,do I need to turn off computer and go to safe mode or what? I am desperate,Windows Vista operating system,thanks in advance. also tried system restored,does not work?????

 

Hi justasking,

I've split this into a separate topic for you as it would be best not to post in pinned threads as they are there for general information.

Now to your problem, could you give more information on these points below;

What Java app, could you be more specific like what was it called?

So your computer tries to open all files with Adobe software?

Would that happen to be Reader or other Adobe software?

What error does the Adobe software give? A screenshot of the error would be good.

You tried to download Malware??? Why or What did you try to download?

Safe mode won't work neither will trying a system restore work if your system is infected with malware as it doesn't delete files just restore program and OS files to there previous state.

If you answer the questions above that will be a good start, someone will be along later to help further if it is Malware.

 

sorry it just said java,it had been asking for about a week,seemed like an update??? also anything that I open,goes to adobe as the app to open it, also desktop documents,desktop applications,all have taken on the Adobe logo,as if they are Adobe???? tried to open a word document,the error said "could not open WINWORD.EXE because it is either not a supported file or because the file has been damaged,etc Sorry but how do you get a screenshot of the error? anyway it lets me do nothing,but I was able to get online thru Chrome. Have purchased Norton,also RKILL and Malwarebytes but when I go to open it,it automatically goes to Adobe??? however strangely I had a trial version of AVG and it not Norton detected a Trojan however I did not get specifics before I closed it quickly,will see if I can reopen the trial version. Thank you!

 

I had a similar issue and fixed the file association quite easily with this Doug Knox fix.
Wouldn't hurt to try while waiting for our Malware specialist
Ninth line down.
http://www.dougknox.com/xp/file_assoc.htm

 

I will try and thanks again!

 

should I try this in safe mode?

 

Shouldn't be necessary. Try normal mode first.
Also only have one Antivirus program.

 

That's a known issue with Adobe. The fix should work...let us know how it goes.

 

help,help,help, when I tried to open the fix it said "Not all data was successfully written to the registry. Some keys are open by the system or other processes. Now what???? I clicked on the file did I do wrong, I need this gone,Please help me!!!!!!!

 

Tried doing it both ways but it keeps opening with Adobe?????? This is with me going to Task Manager, do I need to toss my HP it is barely over a year old????

 

I think you need to calm down and follow instructions precisely.
I read it you had pages open or Tabs when you tried the fix.
Download it to your Desktop and run it from there.

This one "EXE file association fix"

I have used this fix a number of times and it worked for me every time.
I suggest when you try this fix you have all browsers closed.
Personally I won't have Adobe reader on any of my computers anymore.
I have "Foxit reader" and never an issue.
http://foxitsoftware.com/downloads/

 

Hi,

In the first post the user indicates Vista as the operating system, so what operating system is it XP Home or Vista?

File association fix for Vista can be found here if that is in fact is the operating system being used.

If it is Vista read the usage instructions on the link above, you will need to click on the EXE box. After reading the usage instructions.

Joe

I also agree getting rid of adobe.

 

The minute I click on the file to open it goes to Adobe and says that cannot open file, blah blah blah. Should I go to Safe Mode, should I download on a disc then load it in safe, it just will not open in anything but Adobe......
Thanking everyone in advance for your help and time!

 

First thing please don't use block capitals in your posts, we know the frustration with computers when they aren't playing nice, we ourselves all get frustrated with them and are about ready to throw them out of the window at times, we are trying to help as best as we can but as DSTM said we need you to stay calm, it's always best to stay calm with computers because they generally know if your peeved

Anyway I just tried the equivalent file on my Windows 7 laptop which worked without problem so I can't see why your having such problems as I don't know of anything that can block changes to the registry, unless how the computer reads registry files has changed as well.

On the link zep516 provided please download the file for 'reg' and run that first, then download the 'exe' file and run that, that should hopefully fix your problem. - http://www.winhelponline.com/articles/105/1/File-association-fixes-for-Windows-Vista.html

 

There is an automated fix that may be easier. First, uninstall Adobe via Add/Remove Programs. Next, go to http://support.microsoft.com/kb/950505 and click FixIt, reboot and it should solve your issue.

 

sorry for the capitalizing,but I tried what you told me it looks like it worked will try to produces a document,thank everyone for being patient with me,when confronted with the unknown it is frustrating, again thanks for your kindness to a stranger :droolz: