'Sasser', 'Blaster' and the likes: how to get rid of them

I know a few people whose computer systems were so greatly disturbed by Sasser and Blaster viruses that after trying every possible trick to get rid of them they decided to sell their systems off and purchase new ones. The relief was, however, short-lived and after a few days they found themselves in the clutches of the deadly worms again! This happened when they copied some old data. 

These are really very difficult viruses to get rid of, as I have myself found out. They are extremely stubborn and don't go away even if we try many anti-virus software. Both of them slow the systems a great deal and try to shut down them within 60 seconds. You are able to connect to the Internet but it works extremely slow. Sasser even stops you from downloading anything from the web so you cannot download any patches or tools to remove it. So, how to solve the problem?

Here is the answer: 

Step 1: First of all, copy your data to an external source so that you can format your hard disk. 

Step 2: Before you format your hard disk, download these anti-virus software tools and patches:

- AVG free (or paid version if you can afford it) anti-virus from www.grisoft.com

- Avast (free/demo version) anti-virus from www.avast.com 

- Download a Sasser removal tool from Symantec website. Use the following URL: 
securityresponse.symantec.com/ avcenter/venc/data/w32.sasser.removal.tool.html

- Blaster removal tool from the same site. 

- Sasser variants removal tool from Microsoft website. Use the following URL:
support.microsoft.com/?kbid=841720

Step 3: Format your hard disk and Install Windows 2000/XP/Server. 

Step 4: Install Service Pack 4 or later.

Step 5: Run the Sasser removal tool and Blaster removal tool that you downloaded from Symantec website.

Step 6: Run the Microsoft tool for Sasser variants that you downloaded in step 2. 

Step 7: Install AVG and Avast anti-virus software one after the other, without restarting your computer.

Step 8: Install Internet connectivity service and connect to the Internet. 

Step 9: Allow AVG and Avast anti-virus software to update themselves.

Step 10: Scan your computer using both the anti-virus software. Delete if any virus is found.

Step 11: Go to Windows Update website and update your system with latest patches.

Step 12: Switch on the stereo and enjoy as your system is now virus free.

(Don't forget to Virus-scan your old data before transferring it back to your system.)

(Note- This is how I got rid of the problem. The article is in no way endorsement of any product. If you decide to follow these steps, please do it on your own discretion and don't blame me for anything).

Recommendation: I strongly recommend use of Windows Defender (Formerly called Microsoft Antispyware) solution and ZoneAlarm to keep your system safe after you get rid of Sasser and Blaster. Windows Defender Beta can be downloaded free from Microsoft website while you can download a free copy of the software from ZoneLabs website. - Balendu Sharma Dadhich