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Last post:
May 27, 2009 3:58 AM by
Mark (secured2k) 
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The Generic PUP.x is not a virus but a PUP. PUPs are Potentially Unwanted Programs. This means it could be something you want and be legitimate but McAfee has found that sometimes it ends up on your computer without your knowledge or permission.
If you can post more information about the detection (File name and Path and program accessing the file), I might be able to tell you more information about what it is.
Otherwise, it is probably safe to remove or trust based on your PC experience. If you are getting popups or unwanted browser hijacks or toolbars, removing this PUP might fix your problem.
Note: I've found that some ISP's and computer manufacturers will install some software considered PUPs.
If you can post more information about the detection (File name and Path and program accessing the file), I might be able to tell you more information about what it is.
Otherwise, it is probably safe to remove or trust based on your PC experience. If you are getting popups or unwanted browser hijacks or toolbars, removing this PUP might fix your problem.
Note: I've found that some ISP's and computer manufacturers will install some software considered PUPs.
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McAfee might not be able to remove the PUP since it might be contained within an Archive (a package of a group of files) OR the file is locked by backup software (since I see the folder detection starts with "C:\MyBackup...")
Simply locate the file in "My Computer" and delete it.
Simply locate the file in "My Computer" and delete it.
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I looked up a copy of an adware infection library and found an example of your detection.
AdWare.Win32.Shopper.l (adware)
* \\??\\Downloads\myspacegraphicsfree(2).exe\resource.0000.pkg\Freeze-SmartShopper_Installer.exe
If your computer has run some unknown code claiming to be some picture or video, you might have another trojan downloader.
You can check your computer with another Antivirus (in case McAfee missed something) and MalwareBytes for AntiSpyware.
ESET Online Scanner - Scans and Cleans detected threats
MalwareBytes - Specialized AntiSpyware scanner
Finally, if you see someone signing on and you know for sure they are not signing on (be careful that you can truly verify this) then the account might be compromised. The password should be changed from a CLEAN computer only.
AdWare.Win32.Shopper.l (adware)
* \\??\\Downloads\myspacegraphicsfree(2).exe\resource.0000.pkg\Freeze-SmartShopper_Installer.exe
If your computer has run some unknown code claiming to be some picture or video, you might have another trojan downloader.
You can check your computer with another Antivirus (in case McAfee missed something) and MalwareBytes for AntiSpyware.
ESET Online Scanner - Scans and Cleans detected threats
MalwareBytes - Specialized AntiSpyware scanner
Finally, if you see someone signing on and you know for sure they are not signing on (be careful that you can truly verify this) then the account might be compromised. The password should be changed from a CLEAN computer only.
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Even if McAfee detected a PUP, your system should be safe. The main problem of PUPs is that they could be annoying software with completely legitimate license information, installers, and uninstallers. Ideally, you would just remove the bad PUP from Add/Remove Programs. However, since some PUPs come with other software (usually "free" software), you can't remove them without breaking a license agreement or removing the parent program.
If your system seems to be running OK, then chances are you are fine and don't have to do more scans. Some people want the feeling of added security and assurance their system is indeed clean. This is why I provide a link to a good spyware/behavior scanner (malwarebytes) and an AntiVirus that is good at detecting new and unknown viruses without a lot of false positives (ESET Online Scanner).
If your system seems to be running OK, then chances are you are fine and don't have to do more scans. Some people want the feeling of added security and assurance their system is indeed clean. This is why I provide a link to a good spyware/behavior scanner (malwarebytes) and an AntiVirus that is good at detecting new and unknown viruses without a lot of false positives (ESET Online Scanner).
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It is normal to get an alert if McAfee detects something. In this case, mcAfee detected the PUP in System Restore (Restore point #546). This is either an older restore point that contains a backup of your system from an ealier point when the PUP was installed OR a freshly created Restore point created automatically by Windows during a system change or software install.
VirusScan will detect and clean items in System Restore. In some cases, the scan engine *might* not be able to clean files in System Restore in which case the recommended instruction is to disable and re-enable System Restore to clear all the contents of the past restore points.
VirusScan will detect and clean items in System Restore. In some cases, the scan engine *might* not be able to clean files in System Restore in which case the recommended instruction is to disable and re-enable System Restore to clear all the contents of the past restore points.
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Generally PUPs are unwanted so I would suggest removing it.
Exceptions to this are known recognized false positives (detection errors) or if you actually want a PUP McAfee detects (ex browser toolbar from MyWebSearch).
Exceptions to this are known recognized false positives (detection errors) or if you actually want a PUP McAfee detects (ex browser toolbar from MyWebSearch).
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The program you mentioned is a part of the Windows Live Services, most likely dealing with Office Live and/or integration with the Windows Desktop Search technology. I suggest you allow this program (only because I recognize it as from Microsoft). You could block it but some functionality may be broken or disabled (for example Live mail could stop working when trying to do a search, as a purely hypothetical example).
