promblem with (C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\etc\hosts)

[TJ Hooker]

so I tried install a program today and followed these instuctions:

1: Go to C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\etc
and open host file in notepad. B4 opening, open its properties and
uncheck its read only attribute.

2: Paste the following line any where in host file.
127.0.0.1 matrix.bitdefender.com
127.0.0.1 update.bitdefender.com
and save it and close it.

3: Go to its properties again by right clicking on it and check it
read only attribute. If you will not do it, u may get some error msg.

4: Install program and restart your system.


now after I did this, the host file is now changed to IMhost and has a different text in side. I tried to restore my computer back to before I Intalled this program, but the file still the same.


my question is this:

will this affect my p.c and is there any way I get get that old file back? what can happen?

thanks in advance

[123456]

A little more info needed. Is this XP or Vista? What program were you trying to install?

[TJ Hooker]

xp, and installing a AV called Bit deffender from a torrent :(

[mjc]

xp, and installing a AV called Bit deffender from a torrent :(

You've just earned yourself a clean install...

You do realize that one of the most hacked/malware infested items that you could ever conceivably download on a torrent is an AV app? You, by following, those instructions, if this were the real BD, would prevent it from EVER updating. 127.0.0.1 is the IP address known as localhost...an address that goes...NOWHERE and any site you route (send/type in the the format those instructions told you) to it goes...NOWHERE.

Since you now have it installed, there is not really much hope that your computer can be cleaned up. Besides, since you are using a pirated app, you'll get no further help...until you completely reinstall.

[TJ Hooker]

****, thanks man. I cant update my computer? im not very good with computers, can you please explain this to me in simpler terms,

guess I need to do a complete restore right? my computer dosn't seem to be affected by this yet.

whats the worst that will happen if I dont clean install?

[Paul Komski]

If your PC has become part of a botnet (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Botnet) then you wouldn't notice anything but could have been drafted into some cybercrime (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programmes/click_online/7932816.stm). Clever Trojans do nothing to arouse your suspicions but wait to perform their tasks. For those that understand what the hosts file does then an installation program that asked you to do what you did would be very very very suspicious. Backup your data (while you can) and clean reinstall or otherwise restore your operating system.

Unless you have been directed to a "free dinner" from a reputable source never believe in most such freebies.

[Variable]

Ever wonder where all that spam comes from? How about botnets like Cornficker? :)

I guess I am too jaded. Posts like this make me chuckle.

[TJ Hooker]

Im glad you find my lack of Computer knowledge amusing. I my self Im kick my self in the teeth..lol

anyways,

I restored my system to the day before I did all this, now the file called hosts, Is now changed to Imhosts and has different text in it.


do I need to do a full erase and install?

thanks for the help

[mjc]

Restoring to a system restore point isn't going to help...

You need to completely wipe the machine and reinstall Windows from scratch.

[TJ Hooker]

shiet.....


keep posted, my next thread is, How do I save my drivers...lol im a noob

[Paul Komski]

How do I save my drivers

http://www.zhangduo.com/driverbackup.html

[TJ Hooker]

thx mate..........

[jlreich]

Keep in mind there is no need to get an illegal copy of BitDefender. There are several good free AV's to choose from. Avast, AVG, Antivir. Avast being my favorite.