Spybot problem (W98)

[Lori72]

Spybot identified a problem file "DSO Exploit". After the Spybot fix, I couldn't access the internet at all. I recovered the file and had internet access again. But it keeps coming up as a red problem file. I ignore it but worry that it really is sneakily doing something or tracking something on my computer. Does anyone know anything about DSO Exploit? Thanks.

[homeflash]

Can you show your hijack this log file?

*** Sometimes Helping is a way of Learning! ***

[Dinendal]

Mine finds DSO Exploit too every time I run Spybot, but so far deleting it hasnt had any effect on my computer. Also, Spybot found the very same file again on my friend's PC (WinXP), and after deleting it, he couldnt open the IE browser to the extent that we had to format his PC.

[Lori72]

Thanks for helping. But, I don't know what a hijack is or where the log file would be. Obviously this is new territory for me but your suggestion is very much appreciated.

[tom_keefer]

<a target="_blank" href=http://searchsecurity.techtarget.com/sDefinition/0,,sid14_gci991143,00.html>DSO Exploits</a>: Interesting article and more information on how to combat them.

<font color=purple>Tom</font color=purple>

ya'aa'tey

[Lori72]

Tom,
Since removing the DSO program with SpyBot prevents me from accessing the internet, I've stopped trying and just ignore it now. But the article you recommended shows me this isn't a safe thing to do. Do you think the DSOStop2 program is safe to use to remove the pest? Thanx, Lori

[tom_keefer]

Lori,
That's a tough call. I don't know much about the DSOStop2 program so I'm hesitant to say "Go for it." There are more and more spykiller type apps becoming available and I'm skeptical of the claims of some.

I had the same DSO Exploit problem with Spybot that you and many others have described and it was really beginning to tick me off. Sooo, I un-installed Spybot and now use Ad-Aware and a newer program called Spy Sweeper (not freeware) and have not seen hide nor hair of DSO Exploit. Note, this is what I did. Be sure to think through your plan of attack before making changes.

I keep my Anti-Virus program updated (check for updates twice weekly and scan one a week) and my Microsoft updates are always current.


<font color=purple>Tom</font color=purple>

ya'aa'tey

[Lori72]

Tom,
I ran the free version of Ad Aware and it found many spyware programs on my computer but I didn't purchase it. Like you, I'm pretty skeptical of most claims. But maybe I'll rethink that. The DOSStop only removes the DOS Exploit bug so that's out. I'm ready to get rid of my anti-virus (AVG) program, too. So, I gues I'll redo the whole plan of attack. Thanks so much for your input. It really helps to talk this out with someone with the same experience.
Lori

[tom_keefer]

You're welcome. Please post back when you find an approach that works for you. /images/forums/icons/smile.gif

<font color=purple>Tom</font color=purple>

ya'aa'tey

[peterpan8]

Don't get rid of AVG just yet. On another forum (Lockergnome?), many people wrote in with the same problem. I too have the dso exploit found every time with Spybot 1.3, versus the previous version1.2. The upshot was that this is a bug in Spybot, not in your computer. and it will eventually will be fixed. Also, it was pointed out that the latest round of updates from Microsoft patched the problem (you do keep your updates current, don't you?). There are some good threads pertaining to what to do to temporarily to get rid of the annoyance, and what not to do (i.e. - setting spybot to ignore dso exploit). While it is annoying to tell Spybot to fix it, and then it's back immediately, it looks like the best thing is to ride it out until the update is available.

[peterpan8]

Lori -- here's the link to one thread that gives the most info about the recurring dso exploit problem in Spybot 1.3

http://forums.net-integration.net/index.php?showtopic=17159

[Lori72]

Thanks Peterpan,
I've had AVG for about 2 yrs. The first time I ran it, it found 391 viruses which they claim have healed. However, each time I run it, the same 391 comes up. Never any more or less. And I do keep it updated. So, I'm suspicious that it really isn't doing its job. That's why I said I would get rid of it. If you have AVG, I'd be interested in your opinion and experiences with it.
Lori

[peterpan8]

Lori -- I've only had AVG a short while (I dumped resource-hogging Norton System Works). I'm running Windows ME (no laughing, please), and can't remember, but does 98 have system restore in the system tools? If so, try disabling it, restarting in safe-mode and running AVG. Then reboot and enable system restore. See if this helps.