I suppose I should preface this commentary with the fact that the system this occurred on was Win98SE. We keep a Win98 system because of simplicity, and that we still use some older MS-DOS programs. It handles the limited reasons for keeping it, so we're satisifed.
I had my first experience with ''Side Find'' this afternoon while trying to clean up a bunch of spyware, adware, and junk off of one of the computers at work.
I'd never heard of it before, and it reminded me of an old M$ program that consisted of the tool bar for MSIE. I think it was for Win98. But had its origins in late Win95. Regardless, the name wasn't the same, so I went into the control panel>add/remove programs, and followed standard removal procedures.
It then took me to a questionaire of sorts (Why you want to remove it, what it would take to get you to keep it, what if's, etc...), and unknowingly answered all of the questions-- somewhat naively-- and continued on. Once I got to the end, it said I'd ''need to place the above noted code number into the box, and click finish, it'd then finish the uninstallation of the Side Find program.''
So, again naively, I inserted the code and was told to reboot for the install to be completed. It shows itself to be a ''user friendly'' process-- this is not the case.
If you happen to follow this procedure, it's deceptive, and will cause to you be faced with reinstalling windows.
At first, I tried accessing safe mode-- this does not work. I then went into the command prompt and did a dir command. I found that the side find directory still exists. It was never removed, it just acted like a vicious, or malicious virus-- destroying what we think was the master boot record, or file structure. The explorer file was severely damaged, and performs an illegal operation each time the user tries to reboot into windows. It then stops prematurely, and prevents access to windows in any standard format.
At present, the only way to access one's computer system once they tried standard removal protocols, is through DOS. Obviously, XP, and 2000 PRO no longer supports that format.
After all was said and done, I came home and looked up the file name on symantec's site. I was unable to locate anything on it from them.
Ironically, other spyware/adware removers show this one, and how to remove it-- strange to be sure.
So, my advice is:
If you find yourself to be stuck with this program-- do not uninstall it... YET. First, do a back up of all your important files-- doc's, email, network, etc... settings, passwords, etc.... Whatever you believe to be of importance, and cannot save otherwise, BACK IT UP FIRST!!
Then try to find the directory in your computer, and remove that first.
Since the program actually has a remove option in the add/remove programs list, it's in your registry as well.
This of course may destabilize your system, but a good registry cleaner may take care of that. Remember-- the given program removal format will not work, and will only destroy your system. BPS will not remove it, and AVG Free does not recognize it either.
Oh, one more thing-- all of your files will remain, but the main point of access will be ruined. I was grateful for that much.
I hope this is helpful. I sure wish I would've known about it before hand.
Remember-- if you find it-- ''Side Find'', do a back up first. Second, do not use the standard removal format-- it'll only ruin your system, requiring a format, and reinstallation of windows. 3rd-- find a good registry cleaner, etc....