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"ws2dummy.dll"? What is that?

8

8thNote

Member
First of all, my desktop PC has issues, but that's beside the point for this post.

I recently downloaded Google Desktop 2.0 Beta and attempted to install it, but it says that a "ws2dummy.dll" is currently using some resources that GD needs in order to install. Any idea what this file is? To me, it looks like some malicious software, but I can't find any information on the web. Any ideas?
 
1) disable System Restore and back up any data you care about as a precaution

2) download and save WinSockFix

3) download and save this text file, right-click & save it. Get the McAfee scanning utility it mentions, unzip it as directed, and wait.

4) download, install and update a free 30-day trialware of Webroot Spysweeper but do not scan yet.

5) download, install and update Microsoft AntiSpyware Beta but do not scan yet.

6) reboot into Safe Mode and disable System Restore.

7) fire off the McAfee scanner using the command in the text file, and go to bed :moon: because it'll take a while to munch through the scan.

8) when you get up, make coffee. Then fire off the Microsoft AntiSpyware scan in full-scan mode (not Quick Scan), and follow that with the Webroot Spysweeper scan. In Safe Mode still. Fix everything, don't let MS AS do any Ignores.

9) run WinSockFix

10) restart Windows normally and see if you're good now.
 
If you know how to use it, you could always try removing it (in safe mode) by running HiJackThis, without doing it the long way (as mechBgon described).

However, he's described, essentially, the failproof way of blasting all spyware, viruses and junk off your PC.

WinSockFix is often a last resort for techs, but for end users it's the easiest way to 'make sure' your PC is safe. If you want to make sure your PC is safe, follow mechBgon's instructions to the letter 🙂 . Although personally I prefer Lavasoft's Adaware to Microsoft AntiSpyware.

---------------

A tip about Google Desktop 2.0 Beta: I ran it for awhile, and really liked some of its features, but it is a VERY buggy piece of software. It caused occasional errors on my PC with annoying alerts. It is very much beta software at this stage.
 
Thanks! I didn't make the connection between "ws" and WinSock. I've used WinSockFix many times, and that's all that it took to fix this problem.
 
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