How-To: Posting HijackThis Logs to a Forum

[dygital]

How To Post HijackThis (HJT) Logs to a Forum
[tutorial / how-to / article]
-- last updated: 8/19/2007 --

Overview
This tutorial will show how to post HijackThis logs to a forum or message board. I will explain the procedure and provide suggestions on helping you resolve your malicious software.

Caution
HijackThis is an advanced tool to assist in the removal of malicious files from your computer. It is NOT to be used as a replacement for automated security software. The tool is designed for the triage of a technical issue. Most PC technicians should familiarize themselves with this tool for diagnosis. THIS TOOL CAN DAMAGE YOUR OPERATING SYSTEM'S FILES, ONLY USE AFTER FOLLOWING THE ADVICE OF AN EXPERIENCED COMPUTER TECHNICIAN. THIS FORUM, OR MYSELF ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY DAMAGES INCURRED. The good news is, I haven't seen anyone really break their system. If the instructions are followed, there shouldn't be a problem.

The Basics
First, you must download HijackThis. The download is in the form of an installable executable file. First, you will download it, install it, then later copy and paste your log to the forum.

HijackThis started out as an independent project by Merijn Bellekom, but has been sold to TrendMicro and is still provided for free.

1. Download HijackThis, preferably to your Desktop.
2. Double-click on HJTInstall.exe
   
3. Proceed through installation, by clicking Install and agree to the EULA.
   

Generating a Log File

1. After the installation, HijackThis should then appear. If it doesn't, just launch it from the Desktop, it should have a shortcut placed there. Click the button labeled, "Do a system scan and save a logfile."
   
   
2. After a few moments, it will be scanning your system internals. A Notepad window will appear with the results titled, "hijackthis.log"
3. Click Edit, then Select All. This can also be accomplished via CTRL+A on the keyboard to select all the text. Then press CTRL+C to copy the text.
   
   
4. Now you have a copy of your log on the clipboard. The next step involves creating a new thread on this forum using a descriptive title and body regarding your issue. Make sure you are creating the new thread in the Antivirus & Spyware forum!
   
   
   
   
   You're almost done! Now, you need to provide some details about the problem you have. Be sure that you include when it started, what you downloaded, what programs you have installed, what virus scanner, firewall, or anything else that could be related.
   
   I strongly suggest that you use this format so it helps us better pick out problems and fix them.
   
   
   
   Then after you give that information, Paste the HijackThis Log into the body. You can press CTRL+V or Edit > Paste on the menu on your web browser.
5. Submit the new thread. Please be patient, as this forum is provided by all volunteers. Do not double post! If you need to edit or provide additional details, EDIT your thread.

ZOMG! Someone Replied! What do I do?
When someone replies with a suggestion what to do, it may seem a little confusing. It is quite simple. They will usually indicate to check the boxes for certain items and "FIX". If they ask questions about your system, be honest and upfront so you can get it fixed the first time.

When someone resolves your issue -- please be kind to EDIT your post title and add [RESOLVED] to the end of it. This helps everyone who reads your post understand the outcome of the issue. Otherwise, I will do these on my own time, eventually.

[DaftAMDUser]

Nice!!!!!!!

[ironman28]

Sticky-worthy material. Thankfully I've yet to run into a serious spyware problem but I'll tuck that away in case I need it.

[MrObvious]

+1 Sticky.

[lozootmaniac]

Ehh pictures are broken which is why you should upload.

[dygital]

Updated. I've hosted the images on AOL Pictures, so the load time should be decent, too.

I modified the instructions to use the HJT Installer, since it involves less steps, but the same material.