How did you learn?

[mers]

hey, i just wanna know how you guys, that help people with malware removal, learnt to analyse the hijack logs and how you know which random .dll to delete?

The reason i want to know is, well because i want to learn. My friend has been stuck with winfixer for almost 2 weeks now and ive been moving from board to board to find help but noone seems to have the time or intention to help me, maybe the sheer volume of winfixer problems has professionals bored with the same old scenario.

Anyway it would be excellent to know so i can help people in the future aswell.

[AnnMarie]

Hi mers. Learning to read the logs is a time consuming process and requires background knowledge about Windows operating systems, whether malware/spyware can be safely removed with Hijack This and when it is more appropriate to use other methods. It also requires that you keep yourself up to date with new spyware (which is being written daily) and trojans and/or viruses and how they install to try and avoid detection.

Studying how others read logs is a good starting point. There are lists of startups that you can consult (such as Startup List (http://castlecops.com/StartupList.html) and CLSID/BHO/Toolbar List (http://castlecops.com/CLSID.html)) however these lists are not complete and never will be. It has taken me nearly five years of studing malware, spyware and various types of logs to get to the point I am at now and I am still learning. If you persevere though, you will do it. :)

[bAdWaYz]

It has taken me nearly five years of studing malware, spyware and various types of logs to get to the point I am at now

The point she's at now is just one of the most well respected and skilled people on the net today!

and I am still learning

That is what makes AnnMarie THE BEST IMHO. Awesome attitude AnnMarie, we can't thank you enough for all that you do!