A trip worth forgetting- (Trivandrum to Kodaikanal)

The Plan was to have a blast for the weekend and enjoy the scenic beauty of Kodaikanal after several hectic weeks at work. But what it turned out was a comedy of errors with nothing funny about it. All the plans went in the drain together with the water from the heavy downpour and we were left with nothing but a cycling journey to remember. Here are a few excerpts of how not to plan for an outing:

We were scheduled to leave at 9.30 pm on Friday (17th October 2008), but the bus arrived at our hotels at 11.15 taking its own time. It was as if we were the one who were being paid for riding on his Palace on Wheels. 

If coming late wasn't enough, the bus was also not the one we had booked for! We had asked for a semi-sleeper bus, but were provided with a normal travelling bus with no options of even adjusting the seats. And to add up to the situation even the driver was not that skilled with every vehicle on the road overtaking us (he in-fact was so poor in his driving skills that he used to stop the bus, pull it in the reverse and then made a left turn).

The tragedies were just beginning and it was not long before i started questioning myself as to why did I say yes for the trip in the first place. We slept through the entire night just to find out in the morning that our driver had forgotten his sense of direction in trivandrum itself. It took another hour for us to be back on track, but the damage had already started. We were already short on time and his foolishness was eating away even those precious hours. Adding insult to the injury (or rather the other way round) was the pain in my arm caused by sleeping on the window seat of the bus.

We reached Kodaikanal at 1 pm the next day (Saturday 18th October 2008) and checked in our hotels. All the travelling had taken its toll on the poor creature (called bus) and the coolant from its engine started leaking. It took some time for it to get repaired.

By the time we took a little rest and were ready to go for our adventures we were greeted by the showers from the heaven and all our plans of a wonderful day were now looking like a distant dream.

We took our lunch and boarded the bus for reaching our first stop "the boating point". The moment we reached the first point, there was a discussion whether to skip this point and go ahead at the next one or not. But the discussion was brought to a halt with many of the colleagues already out and enjoying themselves. There was a huge queue for boating and so we decided to go for cycling instead. It was years since we had placed our foot on peddle and believe me it was great fun. It was a half hour ride and at the end of it we were all exhausted as all of us were lazy bones with no one working out on  a regular basis. 

As we all gathered at the bus and were going ahead for the second stop of our journey, the rain-god's thought of paying us another visit. This time around it wasn't a meagre shower but heavy downpour. And our beloved Bus was too fragile to withstand this kind of weather. It broke down with its viper and headlights refusing to work under such conditions. We were all but stranded and had nothing to do.

A debate raged as to what shall be done with some asking for going back immediately to Trivandrum (including me)and saving at least a Sunday while others opting to stay back for the night and leave the next day morning.We finally decided on going back to our hotels and leaving the next day morning.

Again at the hotel people started debating whether to visit the remaining places in the morning and then leave or to start the journey to trivandrum at the earliest. This time though we were in no mood to relent and it was agreed upon that we would be going back to Trivandrum.

Once again we were on the roads and were driving towards Trivandrum, but this time it was day and everyone of us were sweating and cursing those who decided against leaving at night. We reached our destination at around 10 pm (Sunday 19th October 2008) and were totally exhausted by the travelling for such a long time.

The only positives of the entire trip were the food at the Vasantham Hotel where we stopped during our return journey. The hotel served only South Indian Lunch on a banana leaf and the quality of the food was just fabulous. We also greatly enjoyed singing along all the songs that were being played in the bus and playing several games during the road-trip.

Overall the outing was a total disaster and as my friend had stated "We spent Rs. 1100 just to go all the way to Kodaikanal and do cycling for half an hour."

A Time To Kill- A review

The First Novel by John Grisham “A Time to kill” should only be picked up if you have lots of Time for Killing.

The Novel though interesting is way too slow and too long to be interesting. I cannot believe that this is the same author who has penned some great works like “The Firm” and “The Broker”.

The novel is set in rural Mississippi in the mid-1980's and focuses on a young attorney named Jake Brigance who is a small-time lawyer. The novel opens with a young, African-American girl being raped by two white teenage boys. The boys are then picked up by the sheriff and are set for the trial but the father of the girl had different plans and goes ahead executing them by killing the two.

The book also puts in light the feeling of racial discrimination and how it gets surfaced during the trial of this heinous crime.

The book still is very slow and has several irrelevant sub plots that makes you feel that what was the point in putting them in.

But, said that, the book certainly gives you a great insight to the American judicial system.

The book is only worth reading if you have ample of time and nothing to do at all.

I would rate is as 4 out of 10.

3 Mistakes of my life- A Review

A feeling of deja vu engulfed me the moment i started reading this new novel of Chetan Bhagat-"3 Mistakes of my Life".
The plot was very similar to that of 3 friends from IIT or to be more precise "Five Point Someone"(FPS). Even here the three friends are working hard to set their feet into the harsh world they are dwelling in. The plot is very much similar to that of FPS; however saying that this book has its own set of plus points and does come out as an all together different experience.

The primary difference between FPS and 3Mistakes is that in FPS the gang always used to get into troubles that were primarily because of their own actions. As far as 3 mistakes… is concerned it is the situations that the lead character faces and all about how he tackles them (Or should I say fails in tackling them).

The entire plot of Ali though a bit filmy in its approach has an underlying truth of the state of several true Indians being harassed by their fellow citizens just because they belong to a particular caste or group.

All and all the book is Chetan Bhagat at his best. You might feel that he has settled in a particular mould of writing and is not willing to experiment too much by sticking to the tried and tested but probably most successful novelists do the same- be it a Sheldon or an Archer.

One more plus point of the book (or for that matter every Chetan Bhagat books) is its local dialect with which everyone can relate themselves. It’s quite a different experience to read the words and abuses you use in your daily language in a best seller novel.

Also the pricing of the book is like icing on the cake. At a mere price tag of Rs. 95 there is no point I will not purchase an original book the day it’s in the market. And it is in the market at a very apt time with the summer vacations just ending and school/colleges yet to reopen; the perfect time for a fun filled novel.

I give a rating of 8 out of 10 to this novel and certainly a book worth reading if you are looking out for something interesting.

Mozilla's Attempt at the Guiness Record

Mozilla wants to break the Guiness record for the most software downloads in a 24-hour period with the release of Firefox 3. Download Day will begin as soon as Firefox 3 launches and last for 24 hours.

The release of Firefox 3 is expected in mid-June. Mozilla already has a site set up for the browser: http://www.spreadfirefox.com/en-US/worldrecord/

I have pledged my support to the cause of Mozilla as i have always found the browser far better than the Internet explorer.

Besides me there are millions of others as well who have already pledged their supports and you can check out the number of people from regions of the globe extending their support.

Why should we be left out? I have done my part and if anyone else who feels that the browser is any better than the one they are currently using, I seriously recommend you go ahead and try this out...

CAT '07 Story

CAT 07 had been one hell of a ride for me with my fortunes swinging between the extreme ends.
It all started with the results of CAT 07 and then there was no looking back. The ride had just begun and it had all its share of ups and downs which i would just be sharing with you'll.


After scoring 99.43%ile (A high)
I received calls from only 2 IIM's (A low)
Had a decent outing as far as IIM I interview was concerned (A high)
And a very bad day as far as IIM K interview was concerned (A low)
Results were out and was rejected by IIM K (A low)
But the was still some hope as i was in the waitlist of IIM I (A high)
All hopes got shattered as i got a waitlist no. of 272 (The lowest point)

But then, i have now gathered myself and am preparing in full swing for CAT '08. So am thinking of utilising this blog where i would be sharing all my mock CAT related experiences.

To start with i am putting up the link for registering to the All India Open SIMCAT which is to be conducted by IMS this sunday:
: http://www.imsindia.com/opensimcat/ .

hope it will be useful.

"The Inheritance Cycle"

One of my all time faviourite fictional series: "The Inheritance trilogy" is no longer a trilogy and has now been changed to "The Inheritance Cycle".

A story that is truly gripping and worth a read if you are a looking for some great fantasy novel which can create a magic similar to the one created by Harry Potter. The second part of this series had infact beaten Harry Potter on the International bestseller charts as well.

The movie based on Eragon was a complete spoiler and was no fun watching. But the Novel deserves all the praises and is one of the best work i have came across.
Especially the second part(Eldest) is filled up with so many twists and turns that it will certainly make you feel like "why is it to end now? Why can't it go on? And when is the third part being released?" It's not as fast-paced as a Harry Potter novel, but Eldest does a great job of keeping you turning pages because it makes an entire fantasy world come alive. From the incredible details of the dwarven empire, to a forest full of elves and an incredible story of bravery, responsibility and growing up, it's an incredible book. It also has lots of battles so if you like hearing stories of fantasy wars, check it out.

As far as the Third part is concerned, the name of the third book has been revealed to be "Brisingr" and it has also been declared that the series will not be a trilogy anymore and will consist of four books. But will have to wait till this september 20th to get my hands on the third part of the series.

And for the people who are still wondering what i am talking about, here is a brief description of the Inheritance Cycle Novels as mentioned on its official website: www.alagaesia.com


Eragon:
When Eragon finds a polished blue stone in the forest, he thinks it is the lucky discovery of a poor farm boy; perhaps it will buy his family meat for the winter. But when the stone brings a dragon hatchling, Eragon realizes he has stumbled upon a legacy nearly as old as the Empire itself.
Overnight his simple life is shattered, and he is thrust into a perilous new world of destiny, magic, and power. With only an ancient sword and the advice of an old storyteller for guidance,
Eragon and the fledgling dragon must navigate the dangerous terrain and dark enemies of an Empire ruled by a king whose evil knows no bounds.

Can Eragon take up the mantle of the legendary Dragon Riders?
The fate of the Empire may rest in his hands. . . .






Eldest:
Darkness falls…despair abounds…evil reigns…

Eragon and his dragon, Saphira, have just saved the rebel state from destruction by the mighty forces of King Galbatorix, cruel ruler of the Empire.
Now Eragon must travel to Ellesméra, land of the elves, for further training in the skills of the Dragon Rider: magic and swordsmanship.
Soon he is on the journey of a lifetime, his eyes open to awe-inspiring new places and people, his days filled with fresh adventure. But chaos and betrayal plague him at every turn,
and nothing is what it seems. Before long, Eragon doesn’t know whom he can trust.
Meanwhile, his cousin Roran must fight a new battle–one that might put Eragon in even graver danger.
Will the king’s dark hand strangle all resistance?Eragon may not escape with even his life. . . .





Brisingr:
The Inheritance cycle was originally planned as a trilogy. In an October 30, 2007 press release, Paolini revealed that the third book would have been so large that it would need to be published in two volumes. An April 11, 2008 newsletter sent out by Paolini alluded that this book will be longer than either Eragon or Eldest. Brisingr is scheduled to be released on September 20, 2008;
release outside the United States will follow.

The cover of this book features the Dragon "Glaedr"

Book four's release date is unknown.

IIM Results: Rejected by IIM K; waitlisted by IIM I

After a long delay due to the various reasons the much awaited results for the final calls from the prestigious institutes of IIM's were out yesterday. But in the end all that happened was that my wait for the results was prolonged by another week.

I mean i did get a reject from IIM K. But that is not what upsets me. It is the result posted by IIM I (which states that i have been short-listed for the wait list and the wait list result would be out on the 8th of May) that is really bothering me. If you want to reject me then reject me outright as IIM K did. What is the point of mentioning that i am in the wait list and then not even letting me know where i stand in the wait list... If only i would have known my ranking as far as the wait list is concerned I would still have felt better. It would at least tell me what my chances are. But NO IIM's only believes in making people wait and wait and wait.

And all i can do is just wait for them to tell me what fate has in store for me....
So its again a waiting game till the 8th of May.

A true Super king: MSD

Now no need to be so surprised. No i haven't changed my side and i am still a strong supporter of the Kolkata Knoght Riders.
But then after watching today's game i was all praise for the Chennai Super Kings. Man they know how to bring Victory from the clutches of the Defeat.
And above all the credit for this win goes to one man, Mahendra Singh Dhoni.
Boy surely he can fight; and all the pyrotechnics he displayed during his batting just added to the charm he has, as one of the best captains India has recently unearthed.
He surely does not belong to this era where a "hard luck" comment can make one loose his temper(and also crores of moolahs).
The calmness he exhibits even when the chips are down for his team is truly commendable.
It is this super cool nature of him that makes him truly a leader and trust me we would love to have several more of his calibre.


As far as the Bangalore Royals are concerned; they have simply lost the plot.
I mean at a point i felt that they were purposely playing bad to bring an early end to all of their miseries.
They had the entire match in their hands but then they fell like a pack of cards.
Only god can now save them(and Mr. Mallya's money), for they lack a desire to win.


The entire IPL tamasha has won the heart's of many and i am no exception. So i thought why not start penning down some of my feelings regarding the same.
So here i am jst opening my heart out and cheering for a great win for the Chennai Super Kings.

But as far as my personal favourite for the tournament as well as for tomorrow's match is concerned they are the Kolkata Knight Riders. They bring a zeal to the game they play and the atmosphere during their games almost becomes electrifying.
But then this is a new format of the game and it is too soon to be predicting a winner for the tournament. So lets just wait and enjoy this cricketing extravaganza as it unfolds.....

Unhiding of Hidden Folders (caused by viruses) on your flash drive or PC

One of the viruses to hit my flash drive created a sort of problem for me to access the folders i had created on the drive by making them super hidden.
The data was of great importance and so i thought of getting to the root of the problem.

Initially i thought that i had lost the data forever, but later it appeared that the flash drive was showing that it was not empty but still was carrying the data(I saw the capacity of the drive and made this out.)


This issue was also related to a virus. So i would advise anyone facing a similar problem to perform several full system scans.

Here is a free on-line scan offered by BitDefender: http://tinyurl.com/aauh5 .
And another by TrendMicro: : http://tinyurl.com/2xis .

using AVG Free (http://tinyurl.com/2mlwm7) or your own anti-virus program, with the latest virus definitions, perform a full system scan in Safe Mode. You can also use McAfee Stinger (http://tinyurl.com/1x4v).

If you determine that there is indeed a virus involved,
I recommend you go here:
http://tinyurl.com/hnsvd .
TrendMicro has always been my favorite source for virus information and removal.

My second choice would be BitDefender. Here's a link to their extensive library of free removal tools:
http://tinyurl.com/y6opnp

NOW... to fix the problem with un-hiding hidden files...

Open My Computer or Windows Explorer.
Open the Tools menu and select Folder Options.
Click on the View tab.
Put a dot in front of 'Show hidden files and folders.'
You can also remove the check in front of 'Hide protected operating system files' if you want. Be sure you click on the Apply button and then the OK buttons to save your changes.

If that does not correct the issue, the next step involves making a change in the system registry.

***Warning: Performing manual changes to the Windows Registry incorrectly can make Windows inoperable. It is always advised to perform a Registry backup and setting an XP Restore point prior to making changes to the Registry.***

That being said...

Go to Start - Run (type) regedit - (right click on the little my computer icon, and export the whole thing.)

find this key: HKEY_CURRENT_USER \Software \Microsoft \Windows \CurrentVersion \Explorer \Advanced. Go to the rightside of the window, where the values are. Find the value "Hidden" . Rightclick it and modify it to 1.

The bold text below is from my own registry (Windows XP). Copy all of the text between the dashed lines and paste it into Notepad, next rename the notepad file's extension (.txt), so it has the extension .reg ,and then doubleclick it.
(NOTE: if you do not see the file's three letter extension, go to My Computer - Tools - Folder Options and remove the check in front of 'Hide extensions for known file types' and click Apply):

--------------------
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \SOFTWARE \Microsoft \Windows \CurrentVersion \Explorer \Advanced \Folder \Hidden ]
"Text"="@shell32.dll,-30499"
"Type"="group"
"Bitmap"
=hex(2):25,00,53,00,79,00,73,00,74,00,65,00,6d,00,52,00,6f,00,6f,00,74,\
00,25,00,5c,00,73,00,79,00,73,00,74,00,65,00,6d,00,33,00,32,00,5c,00,53,00,\
48,00,45,00,4c,00,4c,00,33,00,32,00,2e,00,64,00,6c,00,6c,00,2c,00,34,00,00,\
00
"HelpID"="shell.hlp#51131"

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \SOFTWARE \Microsoft \Windows \CurrentVersion \Explorer \Advanced \Folder \Hidden \NOHIDDEN]
"RegPath"="Software \\Microsoft \\Windows \\CurrentVersion \\Explorer \\Advanced"
"Text"="@shell32.dll,-30501"
"Type"="radio"
"CheckedValue"=dword:00000002
"ValueName"="Hidden"
"DefaultValue"=dword:00000002
"HKeyRoot"=dword:80000001
"HelpID"="shell.hlp#51104"

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \SOFTWARE \Microsoft \Windows \CurrentVersion \Explorer \Advanced \Folder \Hidden \SHOWALL]
"RegPath"="Software \\Microsoft \\Windows \\CurrentVersion \\Explorer \\Advanced"
"Text"="@shell32.dll,-30500"
"Type"="radio"
"CheckedValue"=dword:00000001
"ValueName"="Hidden"
"DefaultValue"=dword:00000002
"HKeyRoot"=dword:80000001
"HelpID"="shell.hlp#51105"

--------------------------
You may also want to try this Registry change:
[Start] [Run] [Regedit]
Registry Key: HKEY_CURRENT_USER \Software \Microsoft \Windows \CurrentVersion \Explorer \Advanced
Data Type: REG_DWORD [Dword Value] // Value Name: ShowSuperHidden
Modify/Create the Value Name [ShowSuperHidden] according to the Value Data listed below.
Value Data: [0 = ShowSuperHidden Disabled / 1 = ShowSuperHidden Enabled]
Exit Registry and Reboot

.
I hope this helps.

Some mind boggling Questions

I just recently came across few of these questions of which i was able to answer only 4 correctly.
So i thought why not put them up and see how others fare at them. Do try them and tell me how much you'll scored. The answers are mentioned at the end of this post itself.

So here are the Questions:

1. What programming language is GOOGLE developed in?

2. What was YAHOO initially known as till 1994?

3. What is the expansion of ADIDAS?

4. Expansion of Star as in Star TV Network?

5. What is expansion of "ICICI?"

6. What does "baker's dozen" signify?

7. The 1984-85 season. 2nd ODI between India and Pakistan at Sialkot - India 210/3 with Vengsarkar 94*. Match abandoned. Why?

8. Who is the only man to have written the National Anthems for two different countries?

9. From what four word expression does the word `goodbye` derive?

10. How was Agnes Gonxha Bojaxhiu better known?

11. Name the only other country to have got independence on Aug 15th?

12. Why was James Bond Associated with the Number 007?

13. Who faced the first ball in the first ever One day match?

14. The faces of which four Presidents are carved at Mt.Rushmore?

15. Which is the only sport which is not allowed to play left handed?



Answers:
1. Google is written in Asynchronous java-script and XML, or its acronym Ajax ..

2. "Jerry's Guide to the World Wide Web" after its founders name. However in 1994 they decided to rename it as YAHOO because they liked the word's general definition, which comes from Gulliver's Travels by Jonathan Swift: "rude, unsophisticated, uncouth."

3. ADIDAS is named after its founder Adolf (Adi) Dassler and is not an acronym of All Day I Dream About Sports as per the poular belief.

4. STAR stands for Satellite Television Asian Region.

5. ICICI stands for Industrial credit and Investments Corporation of India.

6. A baker's dozen consists of 13 items - 1 more than the items in a normal dozen.

7. That match was abandoned after people heard the news of Indira Gandhi being killed.

8. Rabindranath Tagore who wrote national anthem for two different countries one is Indian's National anthem and another one is for Bangladesh- (Amar Sonar* *Bangla)

9. Goodbye comes from the ex-pression: 'god be with you'.

10. Agnes Gonxha Bojaxhiu is none other Mother Teresa.

11. South Korea ..

12. Because 007 is the ISD code for Russia (or the USSR , as it was known during the cold war)

13. Geoffrey Boycott

14. George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln.

15. POLO.

regsvr.exe / rundll.exe / ‘Microsoft CorpAration’ virus details & heal uploaded

I recently had to face the problem of a particular virus on my PC. This virus was quite a survivor even with it being detected on every scan that i performed. It had made some changes into the registries because of which all my antivirus was able to do was to give me a message that a special removal technique is required to remove this virus and it would be removed at the next reboot. However it was not to be the case and the virus survived every action taken by my anti-virus software. So i thought i have to gear up myself to bring an end to this menace.So i googled the name of the virus and found a very interesting article upon the virus, which i am posting here hoping that it would be of use to someone who might be troubled by its presence as well....

This virus creates a lot of files and make a lot of registry changes. Finding the solution was really challenging. It is built with AutoIt , version unknown. Latest update of kaspersky do not detect this virus, unless it is scanned thoroughly.

not-a-virus:Monitor.Win32.007SpySoft.q -> rundll.exe
Worm.Win32.AutoIt.s -> regsvr.exe

The “Microsoft Corparation” tag is really confusing. Mind it, its Corp’a'ration, not Corp’o'ration … he he

I wont say the heal is totally complete, but still some more work is supposed to be done with it, probably to fix some more registries. But overall this heal will end task the virus files and restore most of the registries.

This virus/Trojan keeps complete look on the system, by taking snap shots every 30 seconds. Suppose u have this virus for 30 days, just think how much space it will eat. lol

Like the recent coming viruses, even this virus makes exe file inside every folder with the name of the parent folder. (BUT only in the removable drives,this is one of its peculiarity). It spreads via pen drives, leaving regsvr.exe, New Folder.exe, autorun.inf files in the root directory of pen drive and other files inside.

So here is the solution…

regsvr.exe / Winhelp.exe / rundll.exe
===========================

File names

———–

Name : regsvr.exe
Name : winhelp.exe
Type of File : Application
Icon : Folder icon
size : 1.06 MB (1,114,588 bytes)
size on disk : 1.07 MB (1,122,304 bytes)
File version : 1.1.2.2
Description : Microsoft Corparation (its Microsoft Corp’a'ration not Microsoft Corporation)
Copyright :
Compiled Script : Microsoft Corporation
File Verion : 1,1,2,2
Language : English (United Kingdom)

Name : rundll.exe
Type of File : Application
Description : Generic Host Process for Win32 Services
Size : 161 KB (164,864 bytes)
size on disk : 168 KB (172,032 bytes)
File version : 3.8.0.7400
Company : Microsoft Corporation
Internal name : svchost-full-org
Language : English (United States)
Original name : svchost-full-org.exe

Other supporting files, created during installation of virus:

Name: MSINET.OCX
Type: ActiveX Control
Size: 60.5 KB (61,952 bytes)
Size on disk: 64.0 KB (65,536 bytes)
File version: 5.1.45.11
Description: Microsoft Internet Transfer Control DLL
Copyright: Copyright © 1987-1997 Microsoft Corp.
Comments: September 11, 1997
Company: Microsoft Corporation
File version: 5.01.4511
Internal name: MSINET.OCX

Name: ijl11pro.dll
Type: Application Extension
Size: 70.0 KB (71,680 bytes)
size on disk : 72.0 KB (73,728 bytes)
File version : 1.1.2.16
Description : Intel® JPEG Library - Retail Version
Copyright : Copyright © 1999
Comments : Intel® JPEG Library
Company : Intel Corporation
File version : 1.1.2
Internal name : Intel® JPEG Library
Original name : ijl11.dll

x—x—x

Recognized by KAV
—————–
not-a-virus:Monitor.Win32.007SpySoft.q rundll.exe
Worm.Win32.AutoIt.s regsvr.exe
x—x—x

Running Process
—————

regsvr.exe 1-30% 2 threads
rundll.exe 0% 4 threads
Winhelp.exe SYSTEM 1-40% 1 thread

x—x—x

Behind the Screen
—————–

Files Created:
…………..
C:\DOCUME~1\JAYDEV\LOCALS~1\Temp\aut3.tmp
C:\DOCUME~1\JAYDEV\LOCALS~1\Temp\aut4.tmp
C:\DOCUME~1\ JAYDEV \LOCALS~1\Temp\aut5.tmp
C:\DOCUME~1\ JAYDEV \LOCALS~1\Temp\aut6.tmp
C:\WINDOWS\winhelp.ini
C:\WINDOWS\system32\rundll.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\ijl11pro.dll
C:\WINDOWS\system32\MSINET.OCX
C:\WINDOWS\system32\regsvr.exe
C:\WINDOWS\regsvr.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\winhelp.exe
C:\Documents and Settings\Piyush Chandra\Local Settings\Temp\~DFD5E6.tmp
C:\WINDOWS\WinSxS\x86_Microsoft.Windows.Common-Controls_6595b64144ccf1df_6.0.2600.2180_x-ww_a84f1ff9
C:\WINDOWS\system32\COMCTL32.OCX
C:\WINDOWS\system32\stdole2.tlb
ModifyFile C:\WINDOWS\winhelp.ini

Regsitries changed:
……………….
ModifyRegValue \REGISTRY\USER\S-1-5-21-1935655697-308236825-682003330-1003\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MountPoints2\{79ebb8fd-f8e1-11dc-a1b1-806d6172696f}\BaseClass
etc
ModifyRegValue \REGISTRY\MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon\Shell
CreateRegValue \REGISTRY\USER\S-1-5-21-1935655697-308236825-682003330-1003\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run\Yahoo Messenger
CreateRegValue \REGISTRY\USER\S-1-5-21-1935655697-308236825-682003330-1003\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer\NofolderOptions
CreateRegValue \REGISTRY\USER\S-1-5-21-1935655697-308236825-682003330-1003\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System\DisableTaskMgr
CreateRegValue \REGISTRY\USER\S-1-5-21-1935655697-308236825-682003330-1003\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System\DisableRegistryTools
CreateRegValue \REGISTRY\MACHINE\SYSTEM\ControlSet001\Services\Schedule\AtTaskMaxHours
ModifyRegValue \REGISTRY\MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon\system
CreateDir C:\WINNT\system32\ssdata\
CreateDir C:\Recycled\WinLiveUpdate32\scrdata\
CreateDir C:\Recycled\WinLiveUpdate32\
CreateRegValue \REGISTRY\MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run\User Themes
CreateRegKey \REGISTRY\MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\TypeLib\{48E59290-9880-11CF-9754-00AA00C00908}
etc
CreateRegKey \REGISTRY\MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\CLSID\{48E59293-9880-11CF-9754-00AA00C00908}\Implemented Categories\{40FC6ED5-2438-11CF-A3DB-080036F12502}
etc
CreateRegValue HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run\User “I:\WINDOWS\system32\rundll.exe”

Registry access:
…………….
HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings
HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Shell Extensions\
HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer
HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\FileExts
HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
HKLM\SYSTEM\ControlSet001\Control\NetworkProvider\HwOrder
HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Drivers32
HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon
HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings
HKLM\SYSTEM\ControlSet001\Services\WinSock2\Parameters\
HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Tracing\RASAPI32
HKLM\SYSTEM\ControlSet001\Services\Tcpip\Linkage
HKLM\SYSTEM\ControlSet001\Services\Tcpip\Parameters
HKLM\SYSTEM\ControlSet001\Services\NetBT\Parameters\Interfaces
HKLM\SYSTEM\ControlSet001\Hardware Profiles001
HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Network\Location Awareness

x—x—x

More behind the screen
———————-
The virus gets completely installed only after rebooting two times.

It uses cacls.exe to change some permission setting (not yet discovered)

It saves printscreen images in c:\recycled\WinLiveUpdate32\ at an interval of 30 seconds
so it eats up the space for your c:\ if u are affected by this virus for long time

It saves some processes going on the system in c: recycled\WinLiveUpdate32\scrdata\ in files namely Apps.data, Files.dat, Keys.data, scr.data, lgstat.ini

In simple words: it keeps a complete track about you computer.

Warning Messages
—————–

rundll.exe
Another program is currently using this file.

Kaspersky
Riskware: not-a-virus:Monitor.Win32.007SpySoft.q
File: I:\WINDOWS\system32\rundll.exe

x—x—x

Solution:
———

Start > Run > type the following

(if you have a lappy, then copy taskkill.exe in your c:\windows\system32\ folder)

End task
……..
taskkill /f /im regsvr.exe /t
taskkill /f /im rundll.exe /t
taskkill /f /im winhelp.exe /t

Registries
……….
at /delete /yes
reg add HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System /v DisableRegistryTools /t REG_DWORD /d 0 /f
reg delete HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System
reg delete HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer /v NoFolderOptions /f
reg delete HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run /v “Yahoo Messengger” /f
reg delete HKEY_USERS\.DEFAULT\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run /v “Yahoo Messengger” /f
reg add “HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon” /v System /t REG_SZ /d “” /f
reg add “HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon” /v shell /t REG_SZ /d “Explorer.exe” /f
reg delete “HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run” /v “User Themes” /f

Files
…..
cmd /k del “%USERPROFILE%\Local Settings\Temp\aut*” /f
cmd /k del “%USERPROFILE%\Local Settings\Temp\~*” /f
cmd /k del “%WINDIR%\System32\rundll.exe” /f
cmd /k del “%WINDIR%\winhelp.ini” /f
cmd /k del “%WINDIR%\system32\ijl11pro.dll” /f
cmd /k del “%WINDIR%\system32\MSINET.OCX” /f
cmd /k del “%WINDIR%\system32\regsvr.exe” /f
cmd /k del “%WINDIR%\regsvr.exe” /f
cmd /k del “%WINDIR%\system32\winhelp.exe” /f
cmd /k del “C:\WINNT\system32\ssdata\”
cmd /k del “C:\Recycled\WinLiveUpdate32\scrdata\” /f /q
cmd /k del “C:\Recycled\WinLiveUpdate32\” /f /q
(and delete regsvr.exe, New Folder.exe and autorun.inf from pen drives)

Download:
———
Please download the Heal for regsvr.exe from here

http://rapidshare.com/files/103081849/Heal_regsvr1.0.rar

IIM Indore GD/PI Experience

If IIM Kozhikode experience was memorable then this would be by no means lesser important. In fact after the IIM K experience i was a bit more relaxed and confident this time around.


GD/PI on 20th Feb, 1:50 pm slot at Mumbai.


GD: A case study on some organisation appointing a Mr. GAUTAM as their Manager. Gautam was previously working with Eventus an event management firm but was appointed as the manager in this firm. He implemented several of his ideas of the utilisation of the unused areas of the company premises for several social events and implemented several work shops for the employees of the company.
However after sometime it was found that the quality of their main product has gone down drastically and requires some quick action.
A committee looks into the matter and finds out that the employees level of focus to their primary product has decreased owing to the multiple tasks they are involved into. Gautam has to attend the meeting on the falling quality of the product of the company. What should he do?


The Group consisted of 7 people. We were given 5min. to read the case, 14 min. to discuss abd 5 min. to write a summary of the GD.

I chipped in 3-4 times and overall the GD was a good experience.

They were randomly calling people for the interview and i was the 3rd person to go in for the interview.
The panel consisted of two members(I will call them P1 and P2)

When i entered the interview only P2 was sitting there.

P2:So you are from Electronics?
Me: Yes sir from the Electronics and telecommunication.

P2: Any work experience?
Me: No sir currently into my final year of engg. However i did my diploma and had a one year of inplant training integrated within the course.

P2: What is the reason behind this drastic fall in your academic scores?
Me: (My scores do have a drastic fall if you look at it.)I stated that i used to do well till the 3rd semester of degree; however after thaty the subjects went on becoming more and more theoretical and though i had a good knowledge of the subject i have one major weakness(and i had also mentioned it in the form) that my writing speed is very less because of which i can only attempt around 80-90 marks in the exam.

He seemed satisfied.

P2: Tell me abt 1G,2G,3G,4G?
Me: Explained.

(P1 enters the room)
P2: Bluetooth and Wifi and the reason for their co-existence?
Me: Explained

P2 asks P1 to take over.

P1: Names a few personalities and asks if i know something about anyone of them.
Me: No idea what names he was taking.....

P1: Finally speaks about a familiar name: Barkha Dutt
Me: Tell him tha she is a news reporte working with NDTV.

P1: Can you tell me the movie made on her?
Me: ????????

P1: Asks about me extra curricular activities.
Me: more than happy answering all these questions.

Suddenly P1 makes an entry and asks what do you mean by Culture?
Me: blah blah blah....(The question came when i stated that i was the Cultural secretary for my college events).


P1: Asks about RISC and CISC?
Me: Something related to micro controllers but cannot recall it correctly.

P2: Asks me about BRIC?
Me: Answered.

P2: Which of the BRIC countries have the highest per capita income?
Me: No idea sir.

P1: (Checks out my form and asks) So who was the first Home minister of India/
Me: (What the hell!!)NO idea sir.

P1: Who is the Chief minister of Mumbai?
Me: Chief minister of Maharashtra?

P1: Ohh Yes of course; my mistake.
Me: It is Vilasrao Deshmukh.

P1: So you are from mumbai itself.
Me: Yes sir. Born and brought up here.

P1: Why was Bombay rechristened to Mumbai?
Me: Told

P2: Can you tell us how the Dabbawallas of Mumbai operate?
Me: Now the Interview was getting interesting. I knew the topic very well and explained the entire operations of how the Dabbas are collected; segregated and delivered and everything including that mumbai dabbawalas are six sigma certified and then i was stopped while i was further explaining the details.

P1: What is Nifty?
Me: Told

P1: Who is mohammad Azhar mehmood?
Me: No idea.

Ok; You can leave.

So that was it, Hopefully i did well.

IIM Kozhikode GD/PI experience

Didnt know what to start from; so thought i would pen down(or rather type) one of my most memorable events and when i thought over it this was the first thing that came to my mind. Why not give a brief description of what i went through when i gave my first B-school interview. So here goes my GD/PI experience for IIM Kozhikode.


GD/PI on 12th Feb, 9 am slot at Mumbai

GD: Labour unions and the management should not be at loggerheads but work together for the benefit of the company. Labour unions should not just keep on going to strikes and should play an active role in the development of the company(and something related to this.... gave some 6-7 lines for reading)

9 people constituted the GD as 2 were sent to join the other panel where some 4 people were absent.

The GD was pretty decent however i felt i should have entered more often. Chipped in 3-4 times, however at the very end of the GD a great example struck me but i was unable to put it as the mods told us to stop (had an example of how a japanese shoe making company labour union who had problems with their management found a unique way to go on strike. Till the time the management would not listen to their demands the labourers just kept on producing only left leg shoes. The moment their demands were met they started producing the right leg shoes thereby not hampering the output of the company and also effectively putting their point.)


PI - I was the second to go in among my group of 9

P1 and P2 were the interviewers

Me:gud morning sir
P1:have a seat and give us ur file
P1:So where r u from?
Me:i first mistook it for my college and stated that i m from somaiya.

P1: So you came here from somaiya?
Me:No sir i stay at borivali.
P1:Tell me something about Borivali.
Me:Told in about 1.5 mins.
P1:So what is the population of Borivali?
Me:stumped....
P1:Population of Mumbai, India?
Me:told
P1:Which is the largest city in India?
Me:told
P1:which is the largest company in India?
Me:Told
P2:Asked Questions related to the CEO and CIO and hy are they only officers and not managers?
Me:Told have little idea abt it.
P2:Which company have you been recruited to?
Me:TCS
P1:Is it TCS or TCSL?
Me:TCSL
P1:What is the meaning of limited company?
Me:explained

P2:What are your hobbies?
Me:Chess and reading novels
P1:Tell me something about the sicilian defence.
Me:Stumped again
P1:How many types of chess boards are available?
Me:As far as i know there is only one type of chess board however there can be several variants of the game butthey do not come under the category of chess.
P2:Can we not have a larger or a smaller chess board?
Me:We can however i would prefer the 64 cells chess only.

P1:Which all novels do you read?
Me:told
P1:Which of the Dan Brown series have you read?
Me:stated
P1:what do you think about the controversy related to the Da vinci code?
Me:blah, blah

Now they stared asking technical Questions related to transistors, diodes, resistors, TCP/IP, OSI, Antenna theory, Boolean gates, etc
(thoroughly grilled me)
Also asked about VSAT and broadband technolgy.

Lastly P2 asks me why did i opt for a degree course after completing my diploma rather than joining afirm and now why am i opting for an MBA.



The PI lasted for around 30 minutes.

Don't know what to make of it.