How to run an ESET Scan in Safe Mode

This guide will show you how to run an ESET NOD32 or ESET Smart Security scan in Safe Mode. This is useful when you have a virus that ESET is not able to remove in Windows normal mode. It is recommended that you print this guide as the computer will be running in safe mode and the guide will not be accessible through the Internet.

1. Print this document and keep it available as it will be needed and it will not be accessible via the Internet for the duration of this guide.
2. Turn the computer all the way off. Do not restart the computer, leave it powered off.
3. Locate the F8 key along the top row of the keyboard.

4. Power on the computer and immediately start tapping the F8 key repeatedly about once per second. The Windows Advanced Boot Options menu will be displayed.
5. On the Windows Advanced Boot Options menu, use the arrow keys on the keyboard to select “Safe Mode” and press Enter.
   Note: The mouse will not work on this screen.
6. If prompted to "Choose an Operating System", press Enter on the default selection.
7. When the login screen appears, choose an account with Administrative Privileges. If you are not sure, choose the account that is normally used.
   - The colors will appear differently and the size may be different. This is normal for Safe Mode.
8. If using Windows XP, a screen with a Yes or No option may appear. Click Yes on that screen.
   If using Windows Vista or Windows 7, a screen titled “What Is Safe Mode” may appear. Close that screen, it is not relevant for this purpose.
9. Click on the Start button in the bottom left, and choose All Programs.
   
   
   
10. On the All Programs menu, select the ESET folder, and then ESET NOD32 or ESET Smart Security depending on the installed version.
    
    
    
11. The ESET NOD32 Antivirus – Safe Mode window will appear and prompt for a Yes or No answer. Click on the Yes button to being the scan.
    
    
    
12. The ESET Scan will begin.
    
    
    
    
    It is normal for the ESET program to be denied access to certain system files.
13. The ESET scanner may scroll through many lines of information. Once it is finished, it will display a status message inside this window. Reboot the computer to get back in to Windows normal mode.

Malware ALERT: "Security Tool" Virus

Another fake anti-virus program called "Security Tool" has been identified as malware for Windows 7 machines. This software claims to work as a virus scan, and floods the system with bogus messages that your computer is infected with a virus. Similar to the ThinkPoint virus, Security Tool prevents you from running any other programs to fix the issue.

There are several options to remove this program permanently from your system. Microsoft provides a free Safety Scanner Tool to identify and remove malware from your Windows system. To use Microsoft's solution to virus removal, go to the Windows Live Protection Center and follow the instructions.

Another option is to go with the DIY method by removing the registry keys in your system files to disable the Security Tool permanently. To begin, follow these steps »

1. First disable the Security Tools program using the Windows Task Manager. Click CTRL + ALT + DEL.

2. Select the Processes tab in the Windows Task Manager.

3. Locate the Security Tools program. This program uses a set of random numbers in the title of the .exe file. Be cautious not to disable other essential programs.

4. Open the Registry Editor. Go to Start and type in REGEDIT in the search box.

5. In the Registry Editor window, locate the Security Tool keys by using this folder path:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Security Tool
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINES\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\Security Tool

6. Select the registry key files. Click on Edit » Delete.

When purchasing a anti-virus program or any other software, check to make sure the manufacturer is legitimate before installing. Some examples of good anti-virus programs are: ESET NOD32, Symantec Norton Anti-Virus, McAfee Anti-Virus, and Webroot.

Reference.
Microsoft Forum. Security Tools Virus.
http://bit.ly/eauDbD

Microsoft Security. Malicious Software Removal Tool.
http://bit.ly/UurV3

Windows Live Protection Center.
http://bit.ly/3gyTe

Techjaws. How to Remove Security Tools Virus.
http://bit.ly/3x1BWO

Virus Alert: ThinkPoint Removal

A new malware tool called "ThinkPoint" has been affecting both Windows 7 and Windows XP systems. This "free" software poses as a virus scanner but actually disables your Windows taskbar and desktop icons. ThinkPoint is also known as "hotfix.exe".

To disable the ThinkPoint application:

1. Press CRL + ALT + DEL to launch the Windows Task Manager.

2. Click on the Processes tab.

3. Find the process called "hotfit.exe". Select the program and click End Process.

This will temporarily disable the ThinkPoint application, but you will need to permanently remove the program from your system. Follow these instructions from Microsoft Support to run a Full Service Scan »

Reference:
Microsoft Support. How to remove ThinkPoint from your computer.
http://bit.ly/fSVIby

PC Tools. Remove ThinkPoint.
http://bit.ly/fLPcYL