Unable to access Windows Update

mgpatton4
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Folder Deletion
In Windows Explorer (Start, Computer), double click on C:, highlight the folder shown in red, if found, and press Delete.

C:\\Qoobox\ <== this folder only

You may have to first open the folder, choose View, Details, and delete all the underlying files and folders before an entire folder can be deleted.
All the files contained in that folder are infected. MAKE SURE YOU DON'T ACTIVATE ANY OF THEM.
Please Note if you cannot delete the folder.
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Run Temp File Cleaner
Right click TFC.exe on your desktop and "Run as Administrator".
If you have a lot of junk files to remove, it could take a while, so please be patient and let it finish.
When it's done, if it asks to Reboot, choose to do so. This will remove files that could not be removed while Windows was running.
After Restart, log back in to your usual account.
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Reset System Restore Points
Click Start, Right Click on Computer, and select Properties.
In the left pane, click System Protection.
UNcheck the box labeled Local Disk C:
When asked if you are sure you want to turn off System restore, click Turn System Restore Off
Click Apply and OK.
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Now Reboot Your Machine
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Click Start, Right Click on Computer, and select Properties.
In the left pane, click System Protection.
Check the box labeled Local Disk C:
Click Apply and OK.
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Install a HOSTS File
You can read a tutorial about HOSTS files here : http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/hosts.htm
The hpHosts file is larger and protects against more sites than the Mvps version. Both are competent.
Download the hpHosts file installer from here: http://support.it-mate.co.uk/downloads/hpHosts-Setup-Win32.exe
Save it to your desktop.

• For XP, double click the Installer to run it. For Vista or Win7, right click the installer and choose "Run as administrator".
• Click the button to Accept the agreement
• Click Next
• Click Install
• When the screen labeled Completing the hp HOSTS Setup Wizard appears, be SURE to check the box labeled "Disable the DNS Client (Recommended)".
  (If you don't check that box, the next boot up may take a very long time, and the internet will be slow.)
• Click Finish.

You should be in good shape. Let me know how it goes.
askey127

askey127,

I did all the things mentioned above. The hosts file installation initially froze the machine so that I had to power it off to reboot. I restarted in safe mode and deleted what was installed since I didn't get the chance to disable the Windows DNS client. I ran the insallation again and was able to do so successfully (disabling the DNS client this time).

mgpatton4,
I think you should be all set.
Good work.
askey127

askey127,

Thanks for all of your help! I could have never figured this out on my own. I guess I can remove all of the tools and logs that were created during the malware removal process now.

Thanks again!