ERDNT.LOC Threat

What is ERDNT.LOC?

ERDNT.LOC is the name of a threat detected by the AVG and Avast anti-virus/anti-spyware suites. ERDNT.LOC is presented as a significant threat and, therefore, AVG and Avast eliminates it immediately. You should not worry, since the ERDNT.LOC threat is mostly a 'false positive'.

As mentioned above, ERDNT.LOC is classed as a false positive. Therefore, a certain file (which is legitimate) is categorized as a virus. This typically happens when anti-virus/anti-spyware suite databases contain a misleading entry. This may not seem to be a significant problem, however, it can cause serious issues.

Anti-virus/anti-spyware suites eliminate detected threats by deleting malicious files. The detected file might be important (e.g., a type of database). In the case of incorrectly detecting a normal file, deletion might cause serious issues. Fortunately, this false positive detection can be resolved simply by updating the AVG/Avast programs.

The software will simply receive a newer version of the database, which will probably no longer contain the aforementioned misleading entry.

You should scan the system again. If, by chance, the ERDNT.LOC threat is detected again, you should check which file is classed as malicious - there is a slight chance that your computer might be infected. In most cases, however, there is nothing to worry about.

There are many cases in which anti-virus/anti-spyware suites end up detecting normal files as malware. For example, Trojan:O97M/DPLink.A, Win32/Bluteal.B!rfn, Idp.alexa.51. In some cases, the viruses exist, however, virus entries in databases are often not very accurate and, therefore, anti-virus/anti-spyware suites end up detecting legitimate files as malware.

There are also variations of this issue whereby the presented threat simply does not exist - the virus database merely contains a false entry. If, however, your computer is genuinely infected, there is a significant risk. In most cases, viruses pose a threat to your privacy and computer safety.

They collect personal information (logins/passwords, keystrokes, browsing activity, etc.), encrypt data, and so on. Therefore, the presence of viruses can lead to serious privacy issues, significant financial loss, and permanent data loss.

How did ERDNT.LOC infiltrate my computer?

Viruses are often distributed using trojans, spam emails, third party software download sources, and fake software updaters. Trojans open "backdoors" for other malware to infiltrate the system. Email spam campaigns distribute malicious attachments that, once opened, stealthily download and install malware onto the system.

Unofficial download sources (freeware download websites, free file hosting sites, peer-to-peer [P2P] networks, etc.) present malware as legitimate software.

Therefore, users are tricked into downloading and installing malware. Fake software updaters infect the system by exploiting old software bugs/flaws or simply downloading viruses rather than the promised updates. Ultimately, the main reasons for computer infections are poor knowledge and careless behavior.

How to avoid installation of malware?

The key to computer safety is caution. Therefore, to prevent computer infections, be very cautious when browsing the Internet and downloading and installing software. Carefully analyze each email attachment received. If the file is irrelevant or has been sent by a suspicious/unrecognizable email address, you should never open it.

Furthermore, download software from official sources only, using direct download links. Third party downloaders/installers often include rogue apps, and thus should never be used. The same applies to software updates. It is important to keep installed software updated.

To achieve this, however, use only implemented functions or tools provided by the official developer. Having a reputable anti-virus/anti-spyware suite installed and running is also paramount. If you believe that your computer is already infected, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate infiltrated malware.

Instant automatic malware removal: Manual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced IT skills. Combo Cleaner is a professional automatic malware removal tool that is recommended to get rid of malware. Download it by clicking the button below:
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Quick menu:

• What is ERDNT.LOC?
• STEP 1. Manual removal of ERDNT.LOC malware.
• STEP 2. Check if your computer is clean.

How to remove malware manually?

Manual malware removal is a complicated task - usually it is best to allow antivirus or anti-malware programs to do this automatically.

To remove this malware we recommend using Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows. If you wish to remove malware manually, the first step is to identify the name of the malware that you are trying to remove. Here is an example of a suspicious program running on a user's computer:

If you checked the list of programs running on your computer, for example using task manager, and identified a program that looks suspicious, you should continue with these steps:

 Download a program called Autoruns. This program shows auto-start applications, Registry, and file system locations:

Restart your computer into Safe Mode:

Windows XP and Windows 7 users: Start your computer in Safe Mode. Click Start, click Shut Down, click Restart, click OK. During your computer start process, press the F8 key on your keyboard multiple times until you see the Windows Advanced Option menu, and then select Safe Mode with Networking from the list.

Video showing how to start Windows 7 in "Safe Mode with Networking":

Windows 8 users: Start Windows 8 is Safe Mode with Networking - Go to Windows 8 Start Screen, type Advanced, in the search results select Settings. Click Advanced startup options, in the opened "General PC Settings" window, select Advanced startup. Click the "Restart now" button.

Your computer will now restart into the "Advanced Startup options menu". Click the "Troubleshoot" button, and then click the "Advanced options" button. In the advanced option screen, click "Startup settings". Click the "Restart" button. Your PC will restart into the Startup Settings screen. Press F5 to boot in Safe Mode with Networking.

Video showing how to start Windows 8 in "Safe Mode with Networking":

Windows 10 users: Click the Windows logo and select the Power icon. In the opened menu click "Restart" while holding "Shift" button on your keyboard. In the "choose an option" window click on the "Troubleshoot", next select "Advanced options". In the advanced options menu select "Startup Settings" and click on the "Restart" button.

In the following window you should click the "F5" button on your keyboard. This will restart your operating system in safe mode with networking.

Video showing how to start Windows 10 in "Safe Mode with Networking":

 

Extract the downloaded archive and run the Autoruns.exe file.

In the Autoruns application click "Options" at the top and uncheck "Hide Empty Locations" and "Hide Windows Entries" options. After this procedure, click the "Refresh" icon.

Check the list provided by the Autoruns application and locate the malware file that you want to eliminate.

You should write down its full path and name. Note that some malware hides process names under legitimate Windows process names. At this stage, it is very important to avoid removing system files. After you locate the suspicious program you wish to remove, right click your mouse over its name and choose "Delete".

After removing the malware through the Autoruns application (this ensures that the malware will not run automatically on the next system startup), you should search for the malware name on your computer. Be sure to enable hidden files and folders before proceeding. If you find the filename of the malware, remove it.

Reboot your computer in normal mode. Following these steps should remove any malware from your computer. Note that manual threat removal requires advanced computer skills. If you do not have these skills, leave malware removal to antivirus and anti-malware programs.

These steps might not work with advanced malware infections. As always it is best to prevent infection than try to remove malware later. To keep your computer safe, install the latest operating system updates and use antivirus software.

To be sure your computer is free of malware infections, we recommend scanning it with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows.

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