Mysterious File

[rwinegar]

I found this file called "WebCleaner.dll" on the root of my C drive. It appears to have something to do with the Microsoft Malicious Software Removal Tool. But I have two computers and it does not exist on my other computer running the same OS. It also does not exist on computers owned by various friends. I have never installed any kind of cleaner program.

Anyone have any idea what this file is all about and whether it is safe to remove it?

Thanks.

Dell Dimension XPS Gen 4
Win XP Home SP2
P4 3.4Ghz

[BipolarBill]

Why ask us? Ask Counterspy:

http://www.sunbelt-software.com/CounterSpy.cfm

http://www.free-av.com/

[rwinegar]

Why ask us? What kind of insulting question is that? I thought that was the purpose of this forum.

What is the purpose of installing yet another anti-spyware program and doing another virus scan? These things have absolutely nothing to do with my question. Are they going to explain where this file came from, if anyone else has it and the possible consequences of removing it?

[Hola hoop]

hi rwinegar

i did a search thru the DLL library sites and this is not registered as a functional dll, or a system reliant dll either.

It is not clear if this is due to microsoft, as i dont use that removal tool (microsoft snooping again) and dont have this file.

Do a search on its name. See if it brings up any prefatch files alonng with it. Check the properties of it to. When was is created, does this tie in with an automatic update you did ect.

I would also do a search from within your registry to see what keys and functions it has, and in particular which folder of the registry it is in (u can kinda of determine a valid process tree from sumthing just "stuck in")

This may not be the best of help but i would do a lil investigating first before deleting. (and dont delete, just move the file and see restart and see if anything diff - with sumthing like webcleaner i douubt anything will change)

GL

:t

[rangeral]

Should find something here

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=WebCleaner.dll&btnG=Google+Search

not all cleaners or av apps will do the job sometimes you have to try a couple, most members have a few they use in case one doesn't do the job, you might also try disabling system restore and go to safe mode to run the cleaners a couple of time apiece, which is how stubborn they are.

[Strawbs]

The Malicious Software Removal Tool may be from having Auto-Update enabled on the computer! It's a monthly MS download.

Switch off Auto-Update to stop it automatically d\l'ing.

http://www.microsoft.com/security/malwareremove/default.mspx

Because the Tool is listed as "Critical" by MS Update - it downloads & runs auto. :t

[BipolarBill]

Originally posted by rwinegar
Why ask us? What kind of insulting question is that? I thought that was the purpose of this forum.

What is the purpose of installing yet another anti-spyware program and doing another virus scan? These things have absolutely nothing to do with my question. Are they going to explain where this file came from, if anyone else has it and the possible consequences of removing it? No one here is as much as an expert at these things as the pros. As a matter of fact, most members keep their machines clean and would know precious little about this file.

You have as much access to Google as we do. I can't find anything worth mentioning there.

I'm not telling you that you can't ask here. I'm just questioning your reasoning.

[rwinegar]

Bipolar Bill.

I don't think it is your job to question one's reason for posting on this forum. If one needs your permission or a specific reason for asking questions in this forum, then maybe I am looking in the wrong place.

If, as you suggest, all the users of this forum do in order to provide asnwers to questions is search Google then this forum is of little help to anyone. I thought it was a place to share experiences and to learn from the experiences of others. You are right about one thing - I have the same access to Google as you do. If Google represents the sum total of your knowledge and is your only resource, then I will not bother you anymore. Oh, by the way, I Googled, Mama'd and researched the name of this file for over an hour before posting here.

Your ego gets in the way of good common sense. Maybe your days as a moderator should be coming to an end.

[BipolarBill]

Oh byte me. You're the one who's going off like a madman.

Originally posted by rwinegar
I Googled, Mama'd and researched the name of this file for over an hour before posting here.
Precisely my point. There is no data on this file.

By the way, you have some nerve questioning my value here at SysOpt with all of your 211 posts.

Try Counterspy and stop making a scene.

[intimidator]

hey ringworm or whatever your name is....Bipolar gave you good advice on his initial post......you took it all wrong. So stop whining.

use the spyware sticky & definitely run hijackthis.

and as was stated.....a simple google search would have showed you there is very vague info on this file.

:rolleyes:

[Hola hoop]

Sorry guys dont mean to but in, but i must say....

Had i taken the time to write the post and got a response of "Why ask us" i would have to been a little insulted to. Would have seemed to me as an instant dismisal of my question. That may not have been the intention but sure would have seemed that way.
If noone responded then i would assume they to could not offer any new info and that would be fine.
Maybe no response at all would have been better as others did post comments about it.

Just my 224 posts thoughts.......

:t

[BipolarBill]

You know, I can't believe all of the fuss over 3 words. There's room for interpretation of those words.

Counterspy has been shown to be 93% effective in finding known spyware in a PC World test. It's currently the definitive application for finding and removing spyware and malware. Thus, my question is valid. Why ask us when you can get a 15-day trial of Counterspy?

Thread closed.