Desk 365

[ShadowPuppet]

So I've got no idea what this is or how it snuck it's way onto my Acer laptop. Recently I installed a new DVD software as well as a codec pack and am aware that anything downloaded from the internet can sneak Sugar onto your system but lately I have been paying absolute attention to all the requests and made sure to deny every one.

Whatever the hell this Desk 365 is, I can't get rid of the sucker. When I attempt to delete it via Control Panel > Programs it gets stuck as shown here:
http://i41.tinypic.com/2lcb9lt.jpg
(though I can back click the icon in the taskbar and close it so it's not freezing).
BTW that yellow warning image to the right of the 'start' button, yeah that's this thing as well.

Suggestions?

[Alex_Higham]

It has entered your computer when you downloaded the new DVD software and Codec pack.

What Windows are you using and what Browser ?

Download and run the following and report back :-

http://www.malwarebytes.org/products/malwarebytes_free/

Make sure you download the free edition and Do Not accept the 14 day free trial of Pro Malwarebytes.

[SlackAlice]

Little bit more info for you

http://malwaretips.com/blogs/desk-365-virus-removal/

[Alex_Higham]

@SA......Perhaps you will agree with me that the OP should ignore steps 2 & 3 in the link which you have given, because they involve messing about with the Computer's Registry, which could be fatal. Also there is Not any need to try out 'Hitman Pro.'

[SlackAlice]

If it was me, I'd start by booting the pc in safe mode and uninstalling where possible. Also after installing Malwarebytes free and updating definitions would also run a scan in safe mode.

Definitely wouldn't edit the registry, thats a make or break last ditch effort, rather do a re-install instead. Neither needed in my humble opinion.

[ShadowPuppet]

Alright, must take off in a few minutes for class so no time to try anything now but I can answer Alex's questions:
Windows 7 and Chrome.

[ShadowPuppet]

Alright so I am now looking at the link and step 1 is the reason I brought the issue to this website. It will not uninstall...at least not completely as shown in the screen capture.
Will Malwarebyes (which has finished installing and I'm about to run now) handle this part as well?

[Alex_Higham]

You might be surprised at the results of a scan with Malwarebytes.

Hopefully it will find the nasties which you will then be able to remove.

Please keep us informed.

[ShadowPuppet]

Malwarebytes scan and removal complete, it found over 100 items.
The Desk 365 icon remains in my start menu though I skipped the steps advised to.

[Alex_Higham]

Sometimes a computer needs to be fully shut down and restarted for removals to be completed. Have you done so.?

[ShadowPuppet]

It prompted me to so I did.
Also just finished a superantispyware scan (already had the software) and the icon is still there.

[ShadowPuppet]

New development: The icon for Desk 365 remains in my start menu but has disappeared from the programs list in control panel. Is this a good sign?

[Alex_Higham]

Certainly is a good sign because it means that Desk 365 has been removed from your laptop and has only left behind a shortcut icon in the quick launch section of the taskbar. If this is the case....Right click the icon and then click 'delete' in the menu that opens.

Incidentally, I would be inclined to have a good check of Programme list in Control Panel and from the dates you should be able to identify any other unwanted programmes which may have arrived with the 365 nastie.

[ShadowPuppet]

Thank you Alex and SlackAlice.
In the link it says it's easy to mistake for being the virus itself, but somehow that had not crossed my mind.
So I wonder if this is the reason my photoshop was killed and if I can reinstall it successfully now(tried it before knowing Desk 365 carried a virus). I need it back!

[Alex_Higham]

I take it that all has now been put in order so far as Desk 365 is concerned.

As regards your Photoshop I must admit to knowing very very little about the application. Did you buy the programme and have a CD which you could re-install or did you have it as a download and are paying an annual fee to use it.?

You say it was 'killed'. Does that mean that it has been uninstalled and there is no further trace of it on your laptop.?

I could be that you may have to contact Adobe on this one.

[ShadowPuppet]

Honestly it's a trail download with a crack which a friend had given me. It is the only way someone in a jobless position such as myself can get a full version free.
It's still on my computer but all icons are broken and all shortcuts give me an error of not being found.
Before I considered Desk 365 to be a virus problem I had attempted to uninstall and reinstall it with no success (he gave me the installer and the crack file so I have it on disc).
I probably shouldn't contact adobe with this if you catch my drift.
Don't worry about it, that is not the problem I prompted to here so there is no obligation for the members here to solve it. If the friend who gave it to me can find time and the gull to actually call me, he'll come over sometimes to look it.

[SlackAlice]

If photoshop is showing under 'Programs and Features' but fails to start, I'd just re-install from the CD, although you might have to pick up any updates on it later.

[SlackAlice]

Sorry, missed your answer and can understand the problem!

If you look through the program folders for photoshop, you might find an .exe file to start it. If you do and it does start up, create a shortcut of that file and create and paste it on your desktop.

[SlackAlice]

ummm!

'copy and paste'

[Alex_Higham]

Dare I say "I've got the picture". :-)

See how you get on with what SA has suggested.

Best wishes ....Alex.

[ShadowPuppet]

The only .exe shortcut I see is for image ready (this PS installer comes with image ready) but not for photoshop. Interesting is that why it's telling me there's a shortcut missing? What the heck?