Virus through MSN and no luck finding it thus far ( .pif file)

Hi!

Here's the deal. I got a virus through MSN. I know it was a stupid mistake, but a friend "gave" me an imageshack link which i didn't even know to suspect and he didn't know that he had this worm/virus. From that link the page wanted me to download a .pif file (it was pic9933.pif or something similar) anyway. I didn't download it, but it seems it still got into my computer.
I've been looking all over the internet to seek a solution, since now my MSN gives out some crazy imageshack links.
So far I've tried Avast scan, Avast reboot scan (which scans the computer in dos, before windows is loaded), Ad-Aware, something called MSN virus remover, an F-Secure easyclean and a intenet based scan from a software called Housecall. And so far NONE of the scans have been succsessful for finding anything, which is really bizarre.

Anyway, I thought that the best bet would be to turn to you, NBR people. If anyone could help me, I would be extremely grateful.

Thanks!

 

Have you try Microsoft Security Essentials(should try it)? It is a NEW Antivirus which I found it is the BEST currently. AVG suckest of course. Avira and Avast! are good. So, scan your HDD with it.
In addition, please do try Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware and SUPERAntiSpyware. Scan your whole HDD using these 2 Software.

If these 3 softwares can't solve your problem, you will need to destroy the VIRUS manually using very complicated method.
I would suggest a CLEAN INSTALLATION of Windows(reformat) if your Laptop have nothing urgent inside or you do have your back-ups. Reformat is fast and easy and you don't need to waste your time to search for the virus, especially those viruses which are damn hard to trace.

 

Do you work for Microsoft by any chance? All of latest posts here say the same thing!

 

LOL. Not actually.
I tested the MSE and it works great! That's why I am spreading MSE to the other. I used to be Avira Antivir Personal 9 user before too. Actually, both of these AVs are about the same.
After you tested MSE, you will forget about AVG Free Edition(which should not be even exist) and Avast! Home Edition v4.8(I don't know about v5).

 

Thanks DarkSilver.
I'll try these options, if nothing works - reformat it is.

 

If I don't find the virus with those 3 programs, is just aregular format enough. or should I take some particular steps during it. Is it possible that it's in the BIOS or something "deeper" than just the OS and HDD?

 

Word, thanks for the info

I got tired of the problems with updating Avira. I just uninstalled it and i'm updating MSE. Is this an AV MS plans on charging for or is it to compete with the likes of AVG/Avast/Avira?

 

Sorry. I didn't read your 1st post totally.
Have you tried to change your password of your MSN(must try this, urgent)?
Because this is not only a VIRUS, it hacks into your MSN accounts and make your MSN to spread the VIRUS to your contacts.
If it can't fix, I think you need to seek for help from those really PRO here. If they also out of ideas, format your Laptop.
If the problem still exist after format, don't use your current MSN Account anymore and create a new MSN Account.

 

What's the detection rate and virus removal of MSE compared to Avira, Avast and AVG? Also does it make Windows Defender redundant?

 

Yes. Windows Defender will automatically turn-off with MSE installed.
I have no idea about it. But I heard it is due to MSE have the features offered by Windows Defender. So, Windows Defender is disabled to reduce resources usage(no need to have 2 similar stuffs running together).

According to AV Comparison Test October(if not mistaken), MSE works out-of-box. Try google for details.

 

It will remain free, with the discontinuation of Windows Live OneCare (think of it as a Norton 360 of sorts) MS has left the Paid AV game-at least on the consumer side of things.

 

Password change was the first thing I tried. I've tried it twice even. But thanks for the help. So far the Malwarebyte's Antimalware found a worm, and I've been talking to people for more than 30min and no links thus far. I think it helped. Considering it was about the 10th different scan I did during those 3 days, I'd say it was about time something helped

Anyway, thank you again.

 

I've noticed a few less background processes running since installing MSE.