How do I get rid of this virus?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a persistent file named MDM.exe that a participant suspects may be a virus. Participants explore the nature of the file, potential solutions for removal, and the implications of system settings like safe mode and system restore on the issue. The conversation includes technical troubleshooting and user experiences related to virus detection and removal.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses frustration over the repeated appearance of MDM.exe despite multiple deletions by antivirus software.
  • Another participant suggests that MDM.exe may be a legitimate Microsoft program, the Machine Debug Manager, and encourages further research on it.
  • Some participants caution that viruses may disguise themselves using the same name as legitimate files and recommend checking the file's location.
  • There are suggestions to delete the file when not in use and to use tools to check for startup programs that may be launching it.
  • One participant provides a method to prevent MDM.exe from loading on startup using the msconfig utility.
  • There is a request for clarification on how to start a computer in safe mode, with participants confirming the use of the F8 key during boot-up.
  • Some participants raise the possibility that system restore could be restoring the virus, recommending its disabling during virus checks.
  • A participant inquires about the specific virus detected during scans related to MDM.exe.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on whether MDM.exe is a virus or a legitimate file, and there is no consensus on the best method for removal. Multiple approaches and solutions are proposed, reflecting a range of opinions and experiences.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention various methods and tools for addressing the issue, but there are unresolved questions regarding the nature of the file and the effectiveness of the proposed solutions. The discussion includes assumptions about the behavior of antivirus software and system settings.

apples
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Ok, i have no idea where this came from but it's here. And I've deleted it a hundred times, and moved it to the chest from my antivirus (avast!) , still it keeps showing up again and again.
it's in the windows folder, an the file's name is MDM.exe
the antrivirus keeps on detecting it and deleting it, but it comes again from God knows where. and I'm sick o the on-access scanner message. can anyone please help?
 
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Are you sure this is a virus ?
I did a google search for mdm.exe and found that this may be a program called Machine Debug Manager from Microsoft.
I don't know anything about it though but if you search for mdm.exe you might be able to find some info that can help.

Kevin
 
MDM is machine debug manager, but sometimes viruses name their file the same as a system file. What you should do is search your disk for the mdm.exe file, if it is somewhere apart from windows or system32 or servicepackfiles then it might be a virus. Or the file could have become infected, and perhaps there is a version of it in the servicepackfiles folder that replaces the other one each time it gets deleted.

If you try to delete notepad.exe from the windows folder, you'll notice it reappears. Those files are stored in the servicepackfiles folder and replace any file that goes missing. However if files in that folder get infected then obviously it would keep on replacing an infected file.
 
You need to delete it when its not in use. download this program to see if it loads on start up

http://www.download.com/Security-Task-Manager/3000-2094-10246545.html?part=dl-SecurityT&subj=uo&tag=button.

If it is try starting your machine in safe mode which will should prevent it running on startup, then find it and delete it.
 
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apple if you don't want mdm.exe to run, simply goto start -> run, type msconfig -> press enter -> on far right tab (startup) unclick the box with mdm next to it -> apply -> ok -> restart computer. Now the program will not load on start.
 
ukmicky said:
If it is try starting your machine in safe mode which will should prevent it running on startup, then find it and delete it.

Sorry to interrupt you guys, but... well, I just wonder, how can one start his computer in safe mode? I remembered someone telling me to press some key continuously when the computer starts, but couldn't remember the exact key. Is it F8? :rolleyes:
Sorry if my computer knowledge is a little bit rusty. :blushing: :frown: :cry:
 
VietDao29 said:
Sorry to interrupt you guys, but... well, I just wonder, how can one start his computer in safe mode? I remembered someone telling me to press some key continuously when the computer starts, but couldn't remember the exact key. Is it F8? :rolleyes:
Sorry if my computer knowledge is a little bit rusty. :blushing: :frown: :cry:
Yes, you boot your computer and as soon as you see the BIOS banner, press F8 over and over again until the screen goes blank and in a second or two, you should see a black screen with the safe mode banners in the corners.
 
It's also possible your "system restore" (if enabled) is bringing the virus back by storing it in a sys recovery image. To disable system restore; go to the control panel and then to "System" , disable and run the virus check again.. Good luck.
 
when you do a virus scan what virus does it say your computer is infected with ,what is mdm actually infected with..
 
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  • #10
turbo-1 said:
Yes, you boot your computer and as soon as you see the BIOS banner, press F8 over and over again until the screen goes blank and in a second or two, you should see a black screen with the safe mode banners in the corners.

Oh, thanks a lot. :smile:
It's good to know that I remember it quite correctly. :approve:
 
  • #11
Zenparticle said:
It's also possible your "system restore" (if enabled) is bringing the virus back by storing it in a sys recovery image. To disable system restore; go to the control panel and then to "System" , disable and run the virus check again.. Good luck.
Good point. I have had a couple of bugs that the system restore had to be turned off or else every time I restarted Windows it would pop back up.
 

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