What is the TDSS rootkit?

This is a type of rootkit that functions as a malware downloader, launches adware on your computer, and it blocks programs from running. While in your computer, it can infect system drivers, such as atapi.sys, iastor.sys, etc.
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ALIASES
Packed.Win32.TDSS, Rootkit.Win32.TDSS, Trojan.Win32.TDSS, Trojan.Win32.Patcher - Kaspersky Lab
Mal/TDSSPack, Mal/TDSSPk - Sophos
Trojan:Win32/Alureon - Microsoft
Packed.Win32.Tdss - Ikarus
W32.Tidserv, Backdoor.Tidserv - Symantec
Trojan.TDSS - Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware
Backdoor:W32/TDSS - F-Secure
BKDR_TDSS - Trend Micro
Rootkit.TDss - BitDefender
Generic Rootkit.d - McAfee
Trojan.Win32.Alureon, Packed.Win32.Tdss - Ikarus
Trojan.Win32.Alureon - A-Squared Anti-Malware
Backdoor.Tidserv - PC Tools
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Symptoms

• Google (browser) Redirects
  
• Inability to run various programs, popups such as "Application cannot be executed. This file is infected. Please activate your antivirus." Also, inability to load certain websites, by blocking them, or modifying your HOSTS file preventing you from visiting the sites.
  
• Adware.

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Removal
Please download TDSSKiller, and save it to your Desktop.

• Extract the zip by right-clicking on it, and selecting Extract All...Press next until it finished. Then, go in to the TDSSKiller folder without the zipper on it.
  
• You will see TDSSKiller.exe. Right-click on that file, and select Rename. Type in a random name like kitty.com or something like that. Hit enter. Confirm the prompt.
  
• Double-click on that randomly name file for TDSSKiller, allow it to run. If found infection, it will ask you to type Delete on the screen and hit enter. Please do that.
  
• If it asks you to reboot your computer, type Y and hit enter. It will then reboot the computer. The infection should be removed. If not, please follow instructions below "More issues."

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More issues

• Register for this forum, if you are not already.
  
• Please download Cheetah-Anti-Rogue, and save to your Desktop.
  
  • Double-click on Cheetah-Anti-Rogue.zip, and extract the file to your Desktop.
    
  • Double-click on Cheetah-Anti-Rogue.cmd to start.
    
  • It will finish quickly and launch a log. Keep that log on screen.
  
  
• When the log launches, select all of the text, right-click and choose Copy.
  
• Start a new topic, by clicking here. In the body of the new topic, right-click and select Paste.