Dialer.QuestNet

SUMMARY

Behavior

Dialer.QuestNet is a dialer program that attempts to dial a high-cost number using a modem.

Symptoms

Your Symantec program detects files as Dialer.QuestNet.

Transmission

This dialer may be installed when you visit certain Web pages. You must agree to the installation.

Protection

• Virus Definitions (LiveUpdate™ Weekly) June 2, 2004
• Virus Definitions (Intelligent Updater) May 30, 2004

TECHNICAL DETAILS

When Dialer.QuestNet is installed, it does the following:

1. Creates a mutex named "Intexus GmbH". This mutex allows only one instance of the dialer to execute.
   
   
2. Creates an icon on the Windows desktop. The icon has the same name as the original file.
   
   
3. Creates a shortcut in the Startup folder, so that it is executed every time you start Windows.
   
   
4. Asks you which country the connection will be made from.
   
   
5. If you click Next, Dialer.QuestNet will make an outgoing connection to a server by dialing a high-cost number using the modem.

REMOVAL

The following instructions pertain to all Symantec antivirus products that support Security Risk detection.

1. Disable System Restore (Windows Me/XP).
2. Update the virus definitions.
3. Close modem connections
4. Run a full system scan and delete all the files detected as Dialer.QuestNet.

For specific details on each of these steps, read the following instructions.

1. Disabling System Restore (Windows Me/XP)
If you are running Windows Me or Windows XP, we recommend that you temporarily turn off System Restore. Windows Me/XP uses this feature, which is enabled by default, to restore the files on your computer in case they become damaged. If a virus, worm, or Trojan infects a computer, System Restore may back up the virus, worm, or Trojan on the computer.

Windows prevents outside programs, including antivirus programs, from modifying System Restore. Therefore, antivirus programs or tools cannot remove threats in the System Restore folder. As a result, System Restore has the potential of restoring an infected file on your computer, even after you have cleaned the infected files from all the other locations.

Also, a virus scan may detect a threat in the System Restore folder even though you have removed the threat.

For instructions on how to turn off System Restore, read your Windows documentation, or one of the following articles:

• "How to disable or enable Windows Me System Restore"
• "How to turn off or turn on Windows XP System Restore"

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Note: When you are completely finished with the removal procedure and are satisfied that the threat has been removed, re-enable System Restore by following the instructions in the aforementioned documents.

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For additional information, and an alternative to disabling Windows Me System Restore, see the Microsoft Knowledge Base article, "Antivirus Tools Cannot Clean Infected Files in the _Restore Folder," Article ID: Q263455.

2. Updating the virus definitions
Symantec Security Response fully tests all the virus definitions for quality assurance before they are posted to our servers. There are two ways to obtain the most recent virus definitions:

• Running LiveUpdate, which is the easiest way to obtain virus definitions: These virus definitions are posted to the LiveUpdate servers once each week (usually on Wednesdays), unless there is a major virus outbreak. To determine whether definitions for this threat are available by LiveUpdate, refer to the Virus Definitions (LiveUpdate).
• Downloading the definitions using the Intelligent Updater: The Intelligent Updater virus definitions are posted on U.S. business days (Monday through Friday). You should download the definitions from the Symantec Security Response Web site and manually install them. To determine whether definitions for this threat are available by the Intelligent Updater, refer to the Virus Definitions (Intelligent Updater).
  
  The Intelligent Updater virus definitions are available: Read "How to update virus definition files using the Intelligent Updater" for detailed instructions.

3. To close modem connections
This risk uses available modems to create an Internet connection, sometimes without any visible signs. In order to successfully remove this threat, ensure that all modem-based Internet connections are disconnected before proceeding. For instructions on how to do this, consult the appropriate Internet service provider, computer manufacturer, or operating system documentation.


4. Scanning for and deleting the infected files

1. Start Norton AntiVirus and make sure that it is configured to scan all the files. For more information, read the document, "How to configure Norton AntiVirus to scan all files."
2. Run a full system scan.
3. If any files are detected as Dialer.QuestNet, click Delete.