Backdoor.Vinself
This page contains detailed analysis on Backdoor.Vinself. To get rid of this Trojan, please use the removal guide below.
Backdoor.Vinself is a Trojan that injects itself into Internet Explorer process. This Trojan will open a backdoor that will allow a remote attacker to gain access on the infected computer. The Trojan can also accept malicious commands from a remote server and execute other tasks as ordered by an attacker.
Damage Level: Medium
Systems Affected: Windows 9x, 2000, XP, Windows Vista
Characteristics
When Backdoor.Vinself is run on the computer, it will copy itself under Windows directory with varying file name. It may also drop malicious file that contains the backdoor mechanism to allow remote execution of commands.
Then, the Trojan will run an instance of Internet Explorer and injects it with a corrupt code. This code intends to monitor web-browsing activity of the user.
This threat will gather information such as Host Name, User Name, and Local Time. It will then connect to a Command and Control (C&C) server and send the collected data. Backdoor.Vinself will also perform the following tasks while it is connected to the server:
- Upload and download files
- Delete files and folders
- End running processes of Windows
- Execute command through command prompt
- Launch malicious process
- List drive information and process that are running on the computer
- Update itself
Upgraded version of this Trojan may perform these actions:
- The Trojan will gather certain software and hardware information from victims PC.
- With backdoor capability, Backdoor.Vinself can monitor key strokes and capture screen shot of programs.
- It can partly control the compromised system by stopping, starting or remove some services.
- This Trojan also injects itself to Internet Explorer service.
Distribution
Backdoor.Vinself can spread in a variety of ways. It often arrives as an attached file to spam email messages. There are also instances that another virus will download and execute this threat on your system.
How to Remove Backdoor.Vinself
NOTE: We suggest that you PRINT or BOOKMARK this guide. There are steps that we may have to restart the computer in order to successfully remove the threat.
Step 1 : Run a scan with your antivirus program
1. Temporarily Disable System Restore if your system is running on Windows Me/XP. [how to]
2. Start Windows in Safe Mode with Networking.
- From a power-off state, turn on the computer and press F8 on your keyboard repeatedly.
- Your computer will display Windows Advanced Boot Options menu. Select Safe Mode with Networking.
- Windows will boot loading only necessary drivers and system files. Expect that it will run with minimal features and low-resolution display.
3. Open your antivirus program and download the most recent update. This method ensures that your antivirus program can detect even newer variants of Backdoor.Vinself.
Updating your antivirus software is a one-click process. Please refer to your software manual for complete instructions.
4. Once updating is finished, run a full system scan. After the scan, delete all infected items. If unable to clean or delete, better place the threat in quarantine.
Step 2: Run another test with online virus scanner
Another way to remove Backdoor.Vinself without the need to install additional antivirus software is to perform a thorough scan with free online virus scanner. It can be found on websites of legitimate antivirus and security provider.
1. Click the button below to proceed to the list of suggested Online Virus Scanner. Choose your desired provider. You can run each scan individually, one at a time, to ensure that all threats will be removed from the computer. This may require plug-ins, add-on or Activex object, please install if you want to proceed with scan.
2. After completing the necessary download, your system is now ready to scan and remove Backdoor.Vinself and other kinds of threats.
3. Select an option in which you can thoroughly scan the computer to make sure that it will find and delete entirely all infections not detected on previous scan.
4. Remove or delete all detected items.
5. When scanning is finished, you may now restart the computer in normal mode.
Alternative Removal Procedures for Backdoor.Vinself
Option 1 : Use Windows System Restore to return Windows to previous state
If Backdoor.Vinself enters the computer, there is a big chance that Windows files, registry entries and other essential components are also infected. System Restore can reinstate clean system files by restoring the configuration to an earlier date. The method also replaces compromised files with a clean version. If you have a saved restore point before Backdoor.Vinself infiltrates the PC, we highly encourage you to execute this procedure if none of the above works.
To verify if System Restore is active on your computer, you can type system restore into the Start menu search box. Typing rstrui on the same box and pressing Enter also opens this function.
If previous restore point is saved, you may proceed with Windows System Restore. Click here to see the full procedure.
Option 2 : Backdoor.Vinself manual uninstall guide
IMPORTANT! Manual removal of Backdoor.Vinself requires technical skills. Deleting system files and registry entries by mistake may result to total disability of Windows system. We advise you to perform a backup of registry before proceeding with this guide.
1. Kill any running process that belongs to Backdoor.Vinself.
- Press Ctrl+Alt+Del on your keyboard.
- When Windows Task Manager appears, look for Backdoor.Vinself files (refer to Technical Reference) and click End Process.
2. Delete all registry entries that belong to this malware.
- Press [Windows Key]+R on your keyboard.
- In the 'Open' dialog box, type regedit and press Enter. This will open registry editor.
- Find and delete registry entries as mentioned in Technical Reference section below.
- Close registry editor. Changes made will be save automatically.
3. Scan the computer with antivirus program.
- Connect to Internet and open your antivirus software. Please update to obtain the latest database and necessary files.
- Restart the computer in Safe Mode.
- Just before Windows logo begins to load press F8 on your keyboard.
- On Windows Advanced Boot Options, select Safe Mode and press Enter.
4. Delete all files dropped by Backdoor.Vinself.
- While still in Safe Mode, search and delete malicious files. Please refer to 'Technical Reference'. Make sure that you execute 'End Task' first before deleting the file. Otherwise, the system will not let you perform this action.
Technical Reference
Associated Files and Folders:Modified Registry Entries:Ways to Prevent Backdoor.Vinself Infection
Take the following steps to protect the computer from threats. Suggested tools and security setup within installed software helps prevent the same attack on your PC.
Install an effective anti-malware program
Your first line of defense would be an effective security program that provides real-time protection. We have a list of anti-malware program that are tried and tested. It does not only scan files but also monitors your Internet traffic and is extremely active on blocking malicious communication. Click on the button below to download our recommended anti-malware program.