Pfamkaa.dll

[Bagel]

There is this file called "Pfamkaa.dll" in my Windows System folder. It resists all my attempts to delete it, saying that it is in use by Windows. I think my virus scanner or spyware or something found it, but was unable to remove it. I also believe it's connected to the recent rash of trouble on my computer. I use WinPatrol, and every so often, it pops up asking me if I want to change my homepage to About:blank. Kind of annoying when I'm playing a game or something. And, every time I sign on to AOL Instant Messenger, a flurry of pop-ups appears. Anyone have any ideas? I have Windows ME.

[Paul Miller]

Windows ME is an instant loss.

But on a more serious note, try booting in safe mode, then deleting it. That works wonders. Otherwise, you will have to find whatever process(es) is/are using it, and stop it/them, then try to be rid of it. Try that, let me know.

Edit: Also try scannig for spyware, the popup may be spyware and unrelated to that, or it may be a piece of spyware itself. Get lavasoft's adaware and also try spybot search and destroy (but only after you try adaware).

[polobunny]

Not wanting to be too repetitive but Ad-Aware and spybot search and destroy should be able to delete it. If not, Ad-Aware will ask if it can delete it at boot time. Say yes.

Again, ME is an instant loss. At least get windows 98 se.

[Winged 2.0]

Or you could just look for the process in task manager. End any processes that look suspicious and try to delete it. If you screw up, it wont damage the comp. Just say that it is shutting down.

[Bagel]

Nope. Starting in safe mode didn't do anything, and I already tried Adaware, Spybot, and AVG. AVG found it, but cound't delete it.

[quaycur]

damn, I wish I knew more about this.

Can you run AVG is safe mode?

Hmm...

Well, Just so you know that you have 1 option atleast. Try lots of things out, try everything, and if all else fails. [insert dramatic music here] Format

[Paul Miller]

Originally posted by Bagel
Nope. Starting in safe mode didn't do anything, and I already tried Adaware, Spybot, and AVG. AVG found it, but cound't delete it.

Look for some suspicious process that shouldn't be running. Kill them. It may take a while, and some trial and error (mostly error), but that should help.

A better plan would be to look into the hijakthis program I've heard (but never had the pleasure of using), that may be able to rack down the process locking up that file. Worth a shot.

Formatting is a solution, though quite drastic. But, if you can upgrade to XP in the process, then I would do it anyway.

[Transparent]

Originally posted by W2.0
Or you could just look for the process in task manager. End any processes that look suspicious and try to delete it. If you screw up, it wont damage the comp. Just say that it is shutting down.

DLLs don't show up in the process list.

[Paul Miller]

Originally posted by Transparent
DLLs don't show up in the process list.

True. But they are used by processes. And if that is the case, you can't delete them. So if he finds the process that happens to be using that dll, then he can delete it.

[Bagel]

Sorry for taking so long to reply. Can you guys take a look at my Hijack This log and tell me if anything's wrong?

[Gospel]

Of course, you can usually delete most things from DOS.