spyware in bios mobo

[Speelgoedmannetje]

A while ago, I re-installed Windows on a friend's computer (an old P3).
When it was done (a clean install of Win98) it launched a to me unknown program called 'PhoenixNET'. This program could only be clicked away with ctrl-del. Every time Windows started, this program started and every time it gave error messages.

I surfed the net for information to remove this program but nothing!
I only read that it was built-in in the BIOS and that it was spyware (a 'service' from Phoenix).

And I couldn't find ANYTHING referring to it in the BIOS setup.

Eventually, I could click it a bit away (now it runs on the background).

so... if you need to buy a new PC mobo, you're warned.

[Speelgoedmannetje]

:-) Of course I considered it, but I couldn't find an appropriate BIOS.

It seemed to be completely abandoned.

[Speelgoedmannetje]

:-( *sigh* not atm, not exactly

but where would you look for it if I may ask? :-) (so I can look for it when I am there, behind the particular computer)

[Speelgoedmannetje]

@Whabang
yeah, I've been across this several times, but couldn't find something usefull in it.
They suggest you uninstall the program, but it can't be uninstalled because there is no uninstall option. (not even in the add/remove programs, nor in TweakUI)

but, ah well, thnx in advance anyway, here, one for you :pint:

[Speelgoedmannetje]

[Speelgoedmannetje]

Cyberus wrote:

Speelgoedmannetje wrote:

whabang wrote:
Try to use msconfig to remove it from the windows startup, and then remove the offending files from the hard drive.

Thanks for the tip :pint:

@hnl_dk, thanks for the offer :pint:

and thanks for making me want a beer :pint: :-)

Not a cuppa tea? Tis time for it I see.
Naah, beer is for the late evening (except if you're on vacation or so)

@DanDude
I KNOW I KNOW I KNOW. :lol: :-x

[Speelgoedmannetje]

I know how to flash a bios,
but this mobo seems to be abandoned. I might try some bios roms from obscure sites, but it's not my computer, and I do not like to take risks with other's posessions.
@Glaucus
Yeah, I tried an anti-spyware program, but it didn't detect it. And I think if an anti-spyware program would detect it and remove it, it'd be installed again by the mobo.
(well, I tried to remove the shortcut from the desktop, but when restarting it was again on top)

ah well, thanks for the tips and here's one for you Glaucus, :pint: (or something alcohol-free, I dunno)