Zlob.BrainCodec is a Trojan that may pose as a video codec while actually taking control of your computer, installing other malware, and monitoring and tracking your personal and financial information and activity. Zlob.BrainCodec may install onto your system without your permission through security holes in your system. Because Zlob.BrainCodec may compromise your financial and personal information, it’s recommended you delete Zlob.BrainCodec immediately.

Do You Have Zlob.BrainCodec?

When you’re infected with badware — whether it’s Zlob.BrainCodec, spyware, adware, a Trojan, or a virus — there are a few key symptoms. Have you noticed…

• Slow computer performance: It just takes one parasite like Zlob.BrainCodec to slow your computer dramatically. If your PC takes longer than usual to reboot, or if your Internet connection is unusually slow, you may be infected with Zlob.BrainCodec.
• New desktop shortcuts or switched homepage: Badware like Zlob.BrainCodec may change your Internet settings to redirect your homepage to another site. Badware can even add desktop shortcuts to your PC.
• Annoying popups: Badware can bombard your computer with popup ads, even when you’re not online. Through these popups, you may be tricked into downloading more spyware.

How to Remove Zlob.BrainCodec Manually

Before we get started, you should backup your system and your registry, so it’ll be easy to restore your computer if anything goes wrong.

To remove Zlob.BrainCodec manually, you need to delete Zlob.BrainCodec files. Not sure how to delete Zlob.BrainCodec files? Click here, and I’ll show you. Otherwise, go ahead and…

Stop Zlob.BrainCodec processes:

Detect and Delete Zlob.BrainCodec files:

Note: In any Zlob.BrainCodec files I mention above, “%UserProfile%” is a variable referring to your current user’s profile folder. If you’re using Windows NT/2000/XP, by default this is “C:\Documents and Settings\[CURRENT USER]” (e.g., “C:\Documents and Settings\JoeSmith”). If you have any questions about manual Zlob.BrainCodec removal, go ahead and leave a comment.

How Do You Remove Zlob.BrainCodec Files?

Need help figuring out how to delete Zlob.BrainCodec files? While there’s some risk involved, and you should only manually remove Zlob.BrainCodec files if you’re comfortable editing your system, you’ll find it’s fairly easy to delete Zlob.BrainCodec files in Windows.

How to delete Zlob.BrainCodec files in Windows XP and Vista:

1. Click your Windows Start menu, and then click “Search.”
2. A speech bubble will pop up asking you, “What do you want to search for?” Click “All files and folders.”
3. Type a Zlob.BrainCodec file in the search box, and select “Local Hard Drives.”
4. Click “Search.” Once the file is found, delete it.

How to stop Zlob.BrainCodec processes:

1. Click the Start menu, select Run.
2. Type taskmgr.exe into the the Run command box, and click “OK.” You can also launch the Task Manager by pressing keys CTRL + Shift + ESC.
3. Click Processes tab, and find Zlob.BrainCodec processes.
4. Once you’ve found the Zlob.BrainCodec processes, right-click them and select “End Process” to kill Zlob.BrainCodec.

How to remove Zlob.BrainCodec registry keys:

Because your registry is such a key piece of your Windows system, you should always backup your registry before you edit it. Editing your registry can be intimidating if you’re not a computer expert, and when you change or a delete a critical registry key or value, there’s a chance you may need to reinstall your entire system. Make sure your backup your registry before editing it.

1. Select your Windows menu “Start,” and click “Run.” An “Open” field will appear. Type “regedit” and click “OK” to open up your Registry Editor.
2. Registry Editor will open as a window with two panes. The left side Registry Editor’s window lets you select various registry keys, and the right side displays the registry values of the registry key you select.
3. To find a registry key, such as any Zlob.BrainCodec registry keys, select “Edit,” then select “Find,” and in the search bar type any of Zlob.BrainCodec’s registry keys.
4. As soon as Zlob.BrainCodec registry key appears, you can delete the Zlob.BrainCodec registry key by right-clicking it and selecting “Modify,” then clicking “Delete.”

How to delete Zlob.BrainCodec DLL files:

1. First locate Zlob.BrainCodec DLL files you want to delete. Open your Windows Start menu, then click “Run.” Type “cmd” in Run, and click “OK.”
2. To change your current directory, type “cd” in the command box, press your “Space” key, and enter the full directory where the Zlob.BrainCodec DLL file is located. If you’re not sure if the Zlob.BrainCodec DLL file is located in a particular directory, enter “dir” in the command box to display a directory’s contents. To go one directory back, enter “cd ..” in the command box and press “Enter.”
3. When you’ve located the Zlob.BrainCodec DLL file you want to remove, type “regsvr32 /u SampleDLLName.dll” (e.g., “regsvr32 /u jl27script.dll”) and press your “Enter” key.

That’s it. If you want to restore any Zlob.BrainCodec DLL file you removed, type “regsvr32 DLLJustDeleted.dll” (e.g., “regsvr32 jl27script.dll”) into your command box, and press your “Enter” key.

Did Zlob.BrainCodec change your homepage?

1. Click Windows Start menu > Control Panel > Internet Options.
2. Under Home Page, select the General > Use Default.
3. Type in the URL you want as your home page (e.g., “http://www.homepage.com”).
4. Select Apply > OK.
5. You’ll want to open a fresh web page and make sure that your new default home page pops up.

Zlob.BrainCodec Removal Tip

Is your computer acting funny after deleting any Zlob.BrainCodec files? I recommend using a program like File Recover from PC Tools. File Recover saves deleted files that otherwise can’t be recovered by Windows operating sytem.

Want to save time finding Zlob.BrainCodec files? Download Spyware Doctor, let it find the Zlob.BrainCodec files for you, and then manually delete Zlob.BrainCodec files.

How Did You Get Zlob.BrainCodec?

Wondering how Zlob.BrainCodec ended up on your PC? If you’re infected with Zlob.BrainCodec or other badware, perhaps you were using…

• Freeware or shareware: Did you download and install shareware or freeware? These low-cost or free software applications may come bundled with spyware, adware, or programs like Zlob.BrainCodec. Sometimes adware is attached to the free software to “pay” developers for the cost of creating the software, and more often spyware is secretly attached to free software to harm your computer and steal your personal and financial information.
• Peer-to-peer software: Do you use a peer-to-peer (P2P) program or other application with a shared network? When you use these applications, you put your system at risk for unknowingly downloading an infected file, including applications like Zlob.BrainCodec.
• Questionable websites: Did you visit a website that’s of questionable nature? When you visit malicious sites that are fishy and phishy, badware may be automatically downloaded and installed onto your computer, sometimes including applications like Zlob.BrainCodec. I recommend you use Firefox web browser, if you don’t already.

Understanding Zlob.BrainCodec

If you’re infected with Zlob.BrainCodec, you should know what you’re fighting. I’ll explain some definitions related to Zlob.BrainCodec.

Zlob.BrainCodec May Be a Trojan

Trojans install themselves secretly onto your computer, most often through your downloading a simple email attachment (often Trojans pose as harmless pictures). Most Trojans are able to gain complete control over your PC after installation. With this control, the Trojan and the hacker behind it may change your system settings, delete important files, steal your passwords, and watch your computer acitivity.

Infection Methods of Zlob.BrainCodec and Other Trojans

Most Trojans infect your computer by tricking you into launching an infected file. This poisoned file could disguised as a small file, such as a jpeg or other email attachment, or it might be downloaded via a website or FTP.

• Email: Your PC may be infected with a Trojan when you download infected email attachments, or sometimes even when you simply open an email. Many Trojans exploit security holes in Microsoft Outlook. You may be able to reduce your chances of getting infected by a Trojan by using a spam-blocking software.
• Websites: Your PC may be infected with a Trojan when you visit a rogue site. Many Trojans exploit security holes in Internet Explorer web browser so that by simply visiting a website you may unknowingly download a Trojan.
• Open ports: If your computer runs programs that provide file-sharing functions – such as AOL Instant Messenger (AIM), MSN Messenger, and more – you may open your computer up to vulnerabilities. Using file sharing through these applications may create a network that gives attackers the opportunity to remotely access your computer.