Programs won't launch correctly. Also getting IE redirects

Woops! Forgot about the fresh scan. It's attached now. I should note that when I did that last OTL Fix, at the shutdown screen when the computer rebooted at the conclusion of the fix, it said it was installing 14 updates. I guess Windows Automatic Updates must be turned on and it was triggered when OTL did its reboot. So if this attached fresh scan picked up new files or folders that were added to the PC with the last 6 hours or so, that could be a possible explanation.

Hi,

Please delete the existing Combofix copy and download a new one. DO NOT run it just yet after downloaded.

Download Combofix from any of the links below but rename it to ConspireCF.com before saving it to your desktop.

Link 1
Link 2

===================================================

Please follow all previous instructions regarding security programs.

Open a new Notepad session

• Click the Start button, click run
• in the run box type notepad
• click ok
• In the notepad, Click "Format" and be certain that Word Wrap is not checked.
  
• Copy and paste all the text in the code box below into the Notepad. Do Not copy the word CODE

File::
c:\windows\system32\drivers\wmhawtzl.sys

Registry::
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\exefile\shell\open\command]
@="""%1"" %*"
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\.exe]
@=''exefile"

Rootkit::
C:\WINDOWS\system32\SKYNETdhopxmse.dat
C:\WINDOWS\system32\SKYNETkbcmpxvg.dll
C:\WINDOWS\system32\SKYNETkcjgktal.dat
C:\WINDOWS\system32\SKYNETaqcdwdeq.dll
C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\SKYNETndwyasvl.sys

Driver::
wlqwukvxccjbp
SKYNETxtpjdkxb

In the notepad

• Click File, Save as…, and set the Save in to your Desktop
• In the filename box, type (including quotation marks) as the filename: "CFScript.txt"
• Click save

Using your mouse left button, drag the new file CFscript.txt and drop it on the ComboFix.exe icon as shown below.

This will start ComboFix again.Close all browser/windows first.

**Note: Do not mouseclick combofix's window while it's running. That may cause it to stall**

[external image: Posted Image]

I've attached the CF log. Two things to note: 1) when I drag the file to Combofix and then Combofix begins to load, A bunch of different Windows open asking to run different applications and asking me which program to use to open them. Most of the instances are trying to open IE (iexplore.exe), but some are trying to open other applications or processes that I'm not familiar with. I just click "Cancel" to get out of all of these Windows and then eventually Combofix opened. 2) I keep getting a message saying that Norton Antivirus Realtime scan is active and that it could interfere with Combofix. But their are no Norton windows open, no Norton icon in the tray, and I don't recognize any processes that are obviously Norton in Task Manager. So I'm not sure it is truly running. If so, I'm not sure how to disable it. When I click on the Norton icon, of course it ask me what program to open it with. But I'm not sure what to choose or how to access the program/application that allows me to disable a realtime scan.

Hello, So are you still having the same problem as noted on your last post after running the CFScript? Any issues after that? Also, I would like you to run another round of OTL scan and post back here on your next reply. Thanks.

Conspire, I'm still having the issues when I try to open certain programs applications. For instance, if I try to start Notepad, it opens a Window called "Open With." In this Window, it asks me to "Choose the Program you want to use to open this file: notepad.exe" and then I have to either choose Notepad frrom the list of programs or browse for it. This same thing happens when I try to run OTL, MBAM, CF, Norton Antivirus, as well as other programs like Microsoft Money, Windows Movie Maker, etc. Internet Explorer is one of the only programs that actually opens without this Window popping up. Also, for some reason, when I open Notepad–again, after having to select it from the list of programs first–it is filled which a bunch of unrecognizable characters. I have been deleting this to start with a blank page to paste the custom scripts you have been having me run. Along with a fresh OTL log, I've saved and attached a copy of what Notepad looks like when I first open it.

Please download this FILE to your desktop

• Unzip the contents to to your desktop
• You should now have a file named xp_exe_fix.reg on your desktop
• right click it and select merge
• OK any warning.

Try to open a program.

That seemed to have fixed the problem opening programs! The first time I tried to merge the data, I got an error message saying that the registry could not be accessed. So I actually had to do it in Safe Mode. But since then I"ve been able to open MBAM and Notepad (to programs that I know were giving me the "Open With" window before) and they seem to be opening fine, in both Safe Mode and Normal Mode.

Hi,

Good to know that it is back to normal.

Re-run Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware

• Double-click MalwareBytes' (Note to Vista users, please right-click and select Run as Administrator.)
  
  • Go to Update tab to update Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware
• Then click Check for Updates.
• If an update is found, it will download and install the latest version.
• Once the program has loaded, select Perform Quick Scan, then click Scan.
• When the scan is complete, click OK, then Show Results to view the results.
• Be sure that everything is checked, and click Remove Selected.
• When completed, a log will open in Notepad. Please copy and paste the log back into your next reply

Note:

• The log can also be found here:
  C:\Documents and Settings\Username\Application Data\Malwarebytes\Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware\Logs\mbam-log-date (time).txt
• Or via the Logs tab when Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware is started.

Note: If MBAM encounters a file that is difficult to remove, you will be presented with 1 of 2 prompts.
Click OK to either and let MBAM proceed with the disinfection process.
If asked to restart the computer, please do so. Failure to reboot will prevent MBAM from removing all the malware.

===================================================

Kaspersky Online Scanner in IE

I recommend you to leave your computer on for the whole night as the scanning will take longer than you expected.

Note: If you are using Windows Vista, open your browser by right-clicking on its icon and select 'Run as administrator' to perform this scan.

Please go to Kaspersky website and click on Kaspersky Online Scanner to perform an online scan.

• Read through the requirements and privacy statement and click on Accept button.
• It will start downloading and installing the scanner and virus definitions. You will be prompted to install an application from Kaspersky. Click Run.
• When the downloads have finished, click on Settings.
• Make sure these boxes are checked (ticked). If they are not, please tick them and click on the Save button:
  • Spyware, Adware, Dialers, and other potentially dangerous programs
  • Archives
  • Mail databases
• Click on My Computer under Scan.
• Once the scan is complete, it will display the results. Click on View Scan Report.
• You will see a list of infected items there. Click on Save Report As….
• Save this report to a convenient place. Change the Files of type to Text file (.txt) before clicking on the Save button.
  
  [external image: Posted Image]
  
• Please post this log in your next reply.

**Note

For clearer guidance, here's the animated tutorial :-

Click here

To optimize scanning time and produce a more sensible report for review:

• Close any open programs.
• Turn off the real-time scanner of all antivirus or antispyware programs while performing the online scan. Once scan is finished remember to re-enable resident antivirus protection along with whatever antispyware app you use.

Note for Internet Explorer 7 users: If at any time you have trouble with the accept button of the license, click on the Zoom tool located at the right bottom of the IE window and set the zoom to 75 %. Once the license is accepted, reset to 100%.

===================================================

Please get a new OTL scan log. Please set OTL up this way for the scan.

• Double click on OTL.exe to run it. Make sure all other windows are closed and to let it run uninterrupted.
• When the window appears, underneath Output at the top change it to Minimal Output
• UNCheck the boxes beside LOP Check and Purity Check.
• In the window under Custom Scans/Fixes copy and paste the following
  C:\Documents and Settings\Shopping Report\*.* /s
• Click the Run Scan button. Do not change any settings unless otherwise told to do so. The scan wont take long.

===================================================

On your next reply please post :
MBAM log
Kaspersky report
Fresh OTL log

Good Day!

All Attached.

Hi,

Run OTL.exe

• Copy/paste the following text written inside of the code box into the Custom Scans/Fixes box located at the bottom of OTL
  
  

  :OTL
  PRC - C:\WINDOWS\explorer.exe (Microsoft Corporation)
  
  :Files
  C:\Documents and Settings\HP_Administrator\My Documents\LimeWire\Incomplete\Preview-T-5113934-rihanna yung jeezy go hard very best new song.au
  C:\Documents and Settings\HP_Administrator\My Documents\LimeWire\Saved\keke palmer music box.mp3
  C:\Documents and Settings\HP_Administrator\My Documents\LimeWire\Saved\lecrae MTV.mp3
  C:\Documents and Settings\HP_Administrator\My Documents\LimeWire\Saved\Lil Wayne - Tha Carter lll - 11 - Shoot Me Down.mp3
  
  :Commands
  [purity]
  [emptytemp]
  [start explorer]
  [Reboot]

• Then click the Run Fix button at the top
• Let the program run unhindered, reboot when it is done
• Then post a new OTL log ( don't check the boxes beside LOP Check or Purity this time )

===================================================

Make sure you set OTL up this way for the scan.

• Double click on OTL.exe to run it. Make sure all other windows are closed and to let it run uninterrupted.
• When the window appears, underneath Output at the top change it to Minimal Output
• UNCheck the boxes beside LOP Check and Purity Check.
• In the window under Custom Scans/Fixes copy and paste the following
  
  :\Documents and Settings\Shopping Report\*.* /s
  
• Click the Run Scan button. Do not change any settings unless otherwise told to do so. The scan wont take long.

===================================================

On your next reply please post :
OTL fix log
Fresh OTL log

Good Day!

Hi,

Apologies, please take note on post #25 under the custom scans(second instruction) for generating fresh OTL log. Please add a C as shown below. Thanks.

C:\Documents and Settings\Shopping Report\*.* /s

Both attached. I had actually already deleted the Shopping Report folder a few days ago once you brought it to my attention. But I still put in the custom fix script as instructed.

Hi,

Follow these steps to uninstall Combofix

• Click START then RUN
• Now copy/paste the code into the runbox and click OK. Note the space between the ..X and the /U, it needs to be there.

Combofix /Uninstall

[external image: Posted Image]

===================================================

Clean up with OTL:

• Double-click OTL.exe to start the program.
• Close all other programs apart from OTL as this step will require a reboot
• On the OTL main screen, press the CLEANUP button
• Say Yes to the prompt and then allow the program to reboot your computer.

Please delete xp_exe_fix.reg and xp_exe_fix.reg.zip as well.

===================================================

Your java is out of date. Click your start button, open Control panel.

• Locate the Java icon (it looks like a coffee cup)
• double click it to open it
• click the Update tab
• Click update now

After the java is updated, reboot your computer if not prompted to.

Next, clear the java cache

To clear the Java Plug-in cache:

• Click Start > Control Panel.
• Double-click the Java icon in the control panel.
• On the General tab, Click Settings under Temporary Internet Files.
• On the Temporary Files Settings screen, Click Delete Files.
• check all boxes
• Click OK

===================================================

Your log appears to be clean.

Here are some tips to reduce the potential for spyware infection in the future:

• Make your Internet Explorer More Secure
  
  • From within Internet Explorer click on the Tools menu and then click on Internet Options.
  • Click once on the Security tab.
  • Click once on the Internet icon so it becomes highlighted.
  • Click once on the Custom Level button.
    
    
    • Change the Download signed ActiveX controls to Prompt.
    • Change the Download unsigned ActiveX controls to Disable.
    • Change the Initialise and script ActiveX controls not marked as safe to Disable.
    • Change the Installation of desktop items to Prompt.
    • Change the Launching programs and files in an IFRAME to Prompt.
    • Change the Navigate sub-frames across different domains to Prompt.
    • When all these settings have been made, click on the OK button.
    • If it prompts you as to whether or not you want to save the settings, press the Yes button.
  • Next press the Apply button and then the OK to exit the Internet Properties page.
  
  
• Update your AntiVirus Software - It is imperitive that you update your Antivirus software at least once a week (Even more if you wish). If you do not update your antivirus software then it will not be able to catch any of the new variants that may come out.
  
  
• Use a Firewall - I can not stress how important it is that you use a Firewall on your computer. Without a firewall your computer is succeptible to being hacked and taken over. I am very serious about this and see it happen almost every day with my clients. Simply using a Firewall in its default configuration can lower your risk greatly.
  
  For a tutorial on Firewalls and a listing of some available ones see the link below:
  
  Understanding and Using Firewalls
  
  
• Visit Microsoft's Windows Update Site Frequently - It is important that you visit http://www.windowsupdate.com regularly. This will ensure your computer has always the latest security updates available installed on your computer. If there are new updates to install, install them immediately, reboot your computer, and revisit the site until there are no more critical updates.
  
  
• Install SpywareBlaster - SpywareBlaster will added a large list of programs and sites into your Internet Explorer settings that will protect you from running and downloading known malicious programs.
  
  A tutorial on installing & using this product can be found here:
  
  Using SpywareBlaster to protect your computer from Spyware and Malware
  
  
• Consider a custom hosts file such as MVPS HOSTS - This custom hosts file effectively blocks a wide range of unwanted ads, banners, 3rd party Cookies, 3rd party page counters, web bugs, and many hijackers.
  For information on how to download and install, please read this tutorial by WinHelp2002
  Note: Be sure to follow the instructions to disable the DNS Client service before installing a custom hosts file.
  
  
• Update all these programs regularly - Make sure you update all the programs I have listed regularly. Without regular updates you WILL NOT be protected when new malicious programs are released.

Please also read Tony Klein's excellent article:
How I got
Infected in the First Place


Follow this list and your potential for being infected again will reduce dramatically.

Hopefully this should take care of your problems! Good luck.

Do you have any questions or problems to ask? Please do not hesitate to do so.

**Please respond this one more time to ensure it is resolved.

Thanks Conspire! Couple of questions. Does the OTL cleanup uninstall OTL? If not, is it ok to uninstall OTL, and/or remove it from my desktop? Also, is it OK to go ahead and delete the Quarantined items from MBAM? That way the infected items would be completely removed from the system instead of hanging around in some quarantine folder. On a similar note, if I were to completely uninstall MBAM, would that automatically delete the quarantined, or what they actually be restored to their pre-MBAM location?

The OTL cleanup will uninstall OTL and when you do that, it will require a reboot to complete the uninstallation. It is strongly recommended that you follow the instructions given because the cleanup not only deletes the OTL itself but also other tools that we might used previously too. You may go ahead and delete the quarantined items from MBAM as you wish. When you uninstall MBAM, it would automatically delete the quarantined items as well. But if I were you, I would keep MBAM for regular maintenance purposes which will keep my computer in a tip top condition. Anymore questions?