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Spyware / Malware / Virus Removal

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It seems fine. One thing that hasn't cleared up is an annoying thing in Firefox where it creates artificial hyperlinks to some advertisement website. So let's say there is a text on a webpage, I will see some words highlighted blue and underscored as if it were a link to another webpage…if I move the mouse over the link I will get a small popup picture-link (not a new tab or screen) with some Ipad ad. What might this be?
Ok….

AdwCleaner

Please download AdwCleaner by Xplode onto your desktop.
  • Double click on AdwCleaner.exe to run the tool.
  • Click on Search.
  • A logfile will automatically open after the scan has finished.
  • Please post the contents of that logfile with your next reply.
  • You can find the logfile at C:\AdwCleaner[R1].txt as well.
———-
# AdwCleaner v2.007 - Logfile created 11/07/2012 at 12:07:05 # Updated 06/11/2012 by Xplode # Operating system : Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 3 (32 bits) # User : Lewis - DAISY-A189183EE # Boot Mode : Normal # Running from : C:\Documents and Settings\Lewis.DAISY-A189183EE\Desktop\AdwCleaner.exe # Option [Search] ***** [Services] ***** ***** [Files / Folders] ***** File Found : C:\Program Files\Mozilla Firefox\Plugins\npvsharetvplg.dll Folder Found : C:\Program Files\Browsers Protector Folder Found : C:\Program Files\Mozilla Firefox\Extensions\[removed] ***** [Registry] ***** Key Found : HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Ext\PreApproved\{78F3A323-798E-4AEA-9A57-88F4B05FD5DD} Key Found : HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Ext\PreApproved\{7AC3E13B-3BCA-4158-B330-F66DBB03C1B5} Key Found : HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Ext\PreApproved\{8F97BFF8-488B-4107-BCEE-B161AB4E4183} Key Found : HKCU\Software\Softonic Key Found : HKCU\Software\StartSearch Key Found : HKLM\SOFTWARE\Classes\CLSID\{8F97BFF8-488B-4107-BCEE-B161AB4E4183} Key Found : HKLM\SOFTWARE\Classes\Interface\{3D782BB2-F2A5-11D3-BF4C-000000000000} Key Found : HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Ext\PreApproved\{8F97BFF8-488B-4107-BCEE-B161AB4E4183} Key Found : HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Ext\PreApproved\{A1B48071-416D-474E-A13B-BE5456E7FC31} ***** [Internet Browsers] ***** -\\ Internet Explorer v6.0.2900.5512 [OK] Registry is clean. -\\ Mozilla Firefox v16.0.2 (en-GB) -\\ Google Chrome v23.0.1271.64 ************************* AdwCleaner[R1].txt - [1653 octets] - [07/11/2012 12:07:05] ########## EOF - C:\AdwCleaner[R1].txt - [1713 octets] ##########
AdwCleaner

  • Close all open programs and internet browsers.
  • Double click on adwcleaner.exe to run the tool.
  • Click on Delete.
  • Confirm each time with Ok.
  • You will be prompted to restart your computer. A text file will open after the restart.
  • Please post the contents of that logfile with your next reply.
  • You can find the logfile at C:\AdwCleaner[S1].txt as well.
———-

Let me know how things are running. :)
# AdwCleaner v2.007 - Logfile created 11/07/2012 at 16:43:47 # Updated 06/11/2012 by Xplode # Operating system : Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 3 (32 bits) # User : Lewis - DAISY-A189183EE # Boot Mode : Normal # Running from : C:\Documents and Settings\Lewis.DAISY-A189183EE\Desktop\AdwCleaner.exe # Option [Delete] ***** [Services] ***** ***** [Files / Folders] ***** File Deleted : C:\Program Files\Mozilla Firefox\Plugins\npvsharetvplg.dll Folder Deleted : C:\Program Files\Browsers Protector Folder Deleted : C:\Program Files\Mozilla Firefox\Extensions\[removed] ***** [Registry] ***** Key Deleted : HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Ext\PreApproved\{78F3A323-798E-4AEA-9A57-88F4B05FD5DD} Key Deleted : HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Ext\PreApproved\{7AC3E13B-3BCA-4158-B330-F66DBB03C1B5} Key Deleted : HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Ext\PreApproved\{8F97BFF8-488B-4107-BCEE-B161AB4E4183} Key Deleted : HKCU\Software\Softonic Key Deleted : HKCU\Software\StartSearch Key Deleted : HKLM\SOFTWARE\Classes\CLSID\{8F97BFF8-488B-4107-BCEE-B161AB4E4183} Key Deleted : HKLM\SOFTWARE\Classes\Interface\{3D782BB2-F2A5-11D3-BF4C-000000000000} Key Deleted : HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Ext\PreApproved\{8F97BFF8-488B-4107-BCEE-B161AB4E4183} Key Deleted : HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Ext\PreApproved\{A1B48071-416D-474E-A13B-BE5456E7FC31} ***** [Internet Browsers] ***** -\\ Internet Explorer v6.0.2900.5512 [OK] Registry is clean. -\\ Mozilla Firefox v16.0.2 (en-GB) -\\ Google Chrome v23.0.1271.64 ************************* AdwCleaner[R1].txt - [1782 octets] - [07/11/2012 12:07:05] AdwCleaner[S1].txt - [1737 octets] - [07/11/2012 16:43:47] ########## EOF - C:\AdwCleaner[S1].txt - [1797 octets] ##########
All seems fine but one thing, my Ableton Live won't start anymore……..could this have anything to do with it? C:\ableton\Program\cpv.dll probably a variant of Win32/Agent.FGDSVNW trojan I took that line from the ESET scan log…

my Ableton Live won't start anymore……..could this have anything to do with it?

C:\ableton\Program\cpv.dll probably a variant of Win32/Agent.FGDSVNW trojan

Sure seems like it could have….you might try a fresh install of Ableton Live but that file needed to go. :)
I re-installed and got it up and running again :) So thank you so much then, one last question. Which programmes would you recommend I run and how often to keep malware and other evils at bay?
Providing there are no other malware related problems…

IT APPEARS THAT YOUR LOGS ARE NOW CLEAN SO LETS DO A COUPLE OF THINGS TO WRAP THIS UP!!

This infection appears to have been cleaned, but I can not give you any absolute guarantees. As a precaution, I would go ahead and change all of your passwords as this is especially important after an infection.
———-

The following will implement some cleanup procedures as well as reset System Restore points:

Press the Windows key + R and this will open the Run box. Copy/paste the following text into the Run box as shown and click OK.
Combofix /Uninstall
(Note: There is a space between the ..X and the /U that needs to be there.)

[external image: Posted Image]
———-

Any of the logs that you created for use in the forums or remaining tools that have not yet been removed can be deleted so they aren't cluttering up your desktop.
If you didn't already have it I would keep Malwarebytes AntiMalware though.


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

1. Internet Explorer. Even if you don't use it as your main browser it should be kept up-to-date because that is the browser Windows uses for updates.
Make your Internet Explorer more secure
- This can be done by following these simple instructions:
  • From within Internet Explorer click on the Tools menu and then click on 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 Initialize 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.
2. FireFox. If you use Firefox, I recommend installing the following add-ons to help make your Firefox browser more secure:
NoScript
AdBlock Plus

3. Enable Protected Mode in Internet Explorer. This helps Windows Vista users stay more protected from attack by running Internet Explorer with restricted privileges as well as reducing the ability to write, alter or destroy data on your system or install malicious code. To make sure this is running follow these steps:
  • Open Internet Explorer
  • Click on Tools > Internet Options
  • Press Security tab
  • Select Internet zone then place check next to Enable Protected Mode if not already done
  • Do the same for Local Intranet, Trusted Sites and Restricted Sites and then press Apply
  • Restart Internet Explorer and in the bottom right corner of your screen you will see Protected Mode: On showing you it is enabled.
4. Use and update an anti-virus software - I can not overemphasize the need for you to use and update your anti-virus application on a regular basis. With the ever increasing number of new variants of malware arriving on the scene daily, you become very susceptible to an attack without updated protection.

5. Firewall
Using a third-party firewall will allow you to give/deny access for applications that want to go online. Without a firewall your computer is susceptible to being hacked and taken over. Simply using a firewall in its default configuration can lower your risk greatly. I would personally only recommend using one of the following two below:
Online Armor Free
Agnitum Outpost Firewall Free

6. Make sure you keep your Windows OS current. Windows XP users can visit Windows update regularly to download and install any critical updates and service packs. Windows Vista/7 users can open the Start menu > All Programs > Windows Update > Check for Updates (in left hand task pane) to update these systems. Without these you are leaving the back door open.

7. WOT (Web of Trust) As "Googling" is such an integral part of internet life, this free browser add on warns you about risky websites that try to scam visitors, deliver malware or send spam. It is especially helpful when browsing or searching in unfamiliar territory. WOT's color-coded icons show you ratings for 21 million websites, helping you avoid the dangerous sites. WOT has an add-on available for Firefox, Internet Explorer as well as Google Chrome.

8.Finally, I strongly recommend that you read How to Prevent Malware found here and also PC Safety and Security - What Do I Need?.

Please reply to this thread once more if you are satisfied so that we can mark the problem as resolved.
Hi Jeff. I did most things you listed up there and things seem to be running nicely. What about the programmes like aswMBR, Adwcleaner? Should I keep or delete them? So if I have AVG anti-virus, Malwarebytes and Online Armor…that should be enough protection, or should I keep things like Advanced Systemcare, Spybot or Superantispyware??

What about the programmes like aswMBR, Adwcleaner? Should I keep or delete them?

You can just drag them to the Recycle Bin. :)
————

So if I have AVG anti-virus, Malwarebytes and Online Armor…that should be enough protection

I think that would be more than enough and they are all good programs.
You are more than welcome! Glad that I could help!

Do you appreciate donations?

Thank you so much for the thoughts. If you wish to donate you can either use my PayPal link in my signature or the Donate button at the top left of the forum page under What the Tech and that would go to the forum. It is very much appreciated. :wavey:

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