What the Tech?! Free tech support Archive
This is a read-only archive. No new posts or registrations. Privacy Page
Spyware / Malware / Virus Removal

Win32.Muollo [Solved]

14 min read

This thread's last reply is from . Advice, software, and links below may be out of date — treat specific steps and download links with caution.

Looking for the outcome? Ask AI

Post #16
First log attached and second pasted here. Computer seems about the same, maybe a touch faster loading pages but tough to tell if I'm being objective or not. My primary concern is a information security.

OTL logfile created on: 12/13/2012 3:36:09 PM - Run 2
OTL by OldTimer - Version 3.2.69.0 Folder = C:\Documents and Settings\Owner\Desktop
Windows XP Home Edition Service Pack 3 (Version = 5.1.2600) - Type = NTWorkstation
Internet Explorer (Version = 7.0.5730.13)
Locale: 00000409 | Country: United States | Language: ENU | Date Format: M/d/yyyy

383.36 Mb Total Physical Memory | 193.68 Mb Available Physical Memory | 50.52% Memory free
920.20 Mb Paging File | 588.23 Mb Available in Paging File | 63.92% Paging File free
Paging file location(s): C:\pagefile.sys 576 1152 [binary data]

%SystemDrive% = C: | %SystemRoot% = C:\WINDOWS | %ProgramFiles% = C:\Program Files
Drive C: | 108.45 Gb Total Space | 5.92 Gb Free Space | 5.46% Space Free | Partition Type: NTFS
Drive D: | 3.33 Gb Total Space | 1.56 Gb Free Space | 47.00% Space Free | Partition Type: FAT32
Drive E: | 654.81 Mb Total Space | 0.00 Mb Free Space | 0.00% Space Free | Partition Type: CDFS

Computer Name: PHOENIX | User Name: Owner | Logged in as Administrator.
Boot Mode: Normal | Scan Mode: Current user
Company Name Whitelist: Off | Skip Microsoft Files: Off | No Company Name Whitelist: On | File Age = 30 Days

========== Processes (SafeList) ==========

PRC - C:\Documents and Settings\Owner\Desktop\OTL.exe (OldTimer Tools)
PRC - C:\Program Files\SUPERAntiSpyware\SASCORE.EXE (SUPERAntiSpyware.com)
PRC - C:\Program Files\Spybot - Search & Destroy 2\SDUpdate.exe (Safer-Networking Ltd.)
PRC - C:\Program Files\Spybot - Search & Destroy 2\SDTray.exe (Safer-Networking Ltd.)
PRC - c:\Program Files\Microsoft Security Client\MpCmdRun.exe (Microsoft Corporation)
PRC - c:\Program Files\Microsoft Security Client\MsMpEng.exe (Microsoft Corporation)
PRC - C:\Program Files\Microsoft Security Client\msseces.exe (Microsoft Corporation)
PRC - C:\Program Files\HTC\Internet Pass-Through\PassThruSvr.exe ()
PRC - C:\Program Files\NEC Electronics\USB 3.0 Host Controller Driver\Application\nusb3mon.exe (NEC Electronics Corporation)
PRC - C:\WINDOWS\system32\ngvpnmgr.exe (Aventail Corporation)
PRC - C:\Program Files\Cisco Systems\VPN Client\cvpnd.exe (Cisco Systems, Inc.)
PRC - C:\Program Files\Common Files\New Boundary\PrismXL\PRISMXL.SYS (New Boundary Technologies, Inc.)
PRC - C:\WINDOWS\explorer.exe (Microsoft Corporation)


========== Modules (No Company Name) ==========

MOD - C:\Program Files\Spybot - Search & Destroy 2\snlFileFormats150.bpl ()
MOD - C:\Program Files\Spybot - Search & Destroy 2\snlThirdParty150.bpl ()
MOD - C:\Program Files\Spybot - Search & Destroy 2\VirtualTreesDXE150.bpl ()
MOD - C:\Program Files\Spybot - Search & Destroy 2\JSDialogPack150.bpl ()
MOD - C:\Program Files\Spybot - Search & Destroy 2\DEC150.bpl ()
MOD - C:\Program Files\HTC\Internet Pass-Through\PassThruSvr.exe ()
MOD - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Apple\Apple Application Support\zlib1.dll ()
MOD - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Apple\Apple Application Support\libxml2.dll ()
MOD - C:\WINDOWS\system32\vpnapi.dll ()


========== Services (SafeList) ==========

SRV - (SDWSCService) – C:\Program Files\Spybot File not found
SRV - (SDUpdateService) – C:\Program Files\Spybot File not found
SRV - (SDScannerService) – C:\Program Files\Spybot File not found
SRV - (HidServ) – %SystemRoot%\System32\hidserv.dll File not found
SRV - (AppMgmt) – %SystemRoot%\System32\appmgmts.dll File not found
SRV - (MozillaMaintenance) – C:\Program Files\Mozilla Maintenance Service\maintenanceservice.exe (Mozilla Foundation)
SRV - (!SASCORE) – C:\Program Files\SUPERAntiSpyware\SASCORE.EXE (SUPERAntiSpyware.com)
SRV - (AdobeFlashPlayerUpdateSvc) – C:\WINDOWS\system32\Macromed\Flash\FlashPlayerUpdateService.exe (Adobe Systems Incorporated)
SRV - (MsMpSvc) – c:\Program Files\Microsoft Security Client\MsMpEng.exe (Microsoft Corporation)
SRV - (PassThru Service) – C:\Program Files\HTC\Internet Pass-Through\PassThruSvr.exe ()
SRV - (WDFME) – C:\Program Files\Western Digital\WD SmartWare\Front Parlor\WDFME\WDFME.exe ()
SRV - (WDSC) – C:\Program Files\Western Digital\WD SmartWare\Front Parlor\WDSC.exe ()
SRV - (WDDMService) – C:\Program Files\Western Digital\WD SmartWare\WD Drive Manager\WDDMService.exe (WDC)
SRV - (NgVpnMgr) – C:\WINDOWS\system32\ngvpnmgr.exe (Aventail Corporation)
SRV - (YahooAUService) – C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\SoftwareUpdate\YahooAUService.exe (Yahoo! Inc.)
SRV - (CVPND) – C:\Program Files\Cisco Systems\VPN Client\cvpnd.exe (Cisco Systems, Inc.)
SRV - (PrismXL) – C:\Program Files\Common Files\New Boundary\PrismXL\PRISMXL.SYS (New Boundary Technologies, Inc.)


========== Driver Services (SafeList) ==========

DRV - (WDICA) – File not found
DRV - (vNICdrv) – system32\DRIVERS\vNICdrv.sys File not found
DRV - (PDRFRAME) – File not found
DRV - (PDRELI) – File not found
DRV - (PDFRAME) – File not found
DRV - (PDCOMP) – File not found
DRV - (PCIDump) – File not found
DRV - (MpKsl0fd6532c) – c:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Microsoft\Microsoft Antimalware\Definition Updates\{84FB1CFC-3137-4FE4-8926-2A71178A0865}\MpKsl0fd6532c.sys File not found
DRV - (mbamchameleon) – C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\mbamchameleon.sys File not found
DRV - (lbrtfdc) – File not found
DRV - (Changer) – File not found
DRV - (catchme) – C:\DOCUME~1\Owner\LOCALS~1\Temp\catchme.sys File not found
DRV - (SASDIFSV) – C:\Program Files\SUPERAntiSpyware\sasdifsv.sys (SUPERAdBlocker.com and SUPERAntiSpyware.com)
DRV - (SASKUTIL) – C:\Program Files\SUPERAntiSpyware\SASKUTIL.SYS (SUPERAdBlocker.com and SUPERAntiSpyware.com)
DRV - (WDC_SAM) – C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\wdcsam.sys (Western Digital Technologies)
DRV - (htcnprot) – C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\htcnprot.sys (Windows ® Win 7 DDK provider)
DRV - (NgWfp) – C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\ngwfp.sys (Aventail Corporation)
DRV - (NgFilter) – C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\ngfilter.sys (Aventail Corporation)
DRV - (NgVpn) – C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\ngvpn.sys (Aventail Corporation)
DRV - (NgLog) – C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\nglog.sys (Aventail Corporation)
DRV - (HTCAND32) – C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\ANDROIDUSB.sys (HTC, Corporation)
DRV - (RTL8023xp) – C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\Rtnicxp.sys (Realtek Semiconductor Corporation )
DRV - (CVPNDRVA) – C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\CVPNDRVA.sys (Cisco Systems, Inc.)
DRV - (DNE) – C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\dne2000.sys (Deterministic Networks, Inc.)
DRV - (vsdatant) – C:\WINDOWS\system32\vsdatant.sys (Zone Labs, LLC)
DRV - (CVirtA) – C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\CVirtA.sys (Cisco Systems, Inc.)
DRV - (IntcAzAudAddService) – C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\RtkHDAud.Sys (Realtek Semiconductor Corp.)
DRV - (HSF_DPV) – C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\HSF_DPV.sys (Conexant Systems, Inc.)
DRV - (HSFHWBS2) – C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\HSFHWBS2.sys (Conexant Systems, Inc.)
DRV - (winachsf) – C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\HSF_CNXT.sys (Conexant Systems, Inc.)
DRV - (ati2mtag) – C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\ati2mtag.sys (ATI Technologies Inc.)
DRV - (rtl8139) – C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\RTL8139.sys (Realtek Semiconductor Corporation)
DRV - (wanatw) – C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\wanatw4.sys (America Online, Inc.)
DRV - (el575nd5) – C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\el575ND5.sys (3Com Corporation)


========== Standard Registry (SafeList) ==========


========== Internet Explorer ==========

IE - HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Secondary_Page_URL = http://news.yahoo.com/ [binary data]
IE - HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Secondary Start Pages = http://news.yahoo.com/ [binary data]
IE - HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://www.msn.com
IE - HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Search,Default_Search_URL = http://www.google.com/ie
IE - HKLM\..\SearchScopes,DefaultScope =
IE - HKLM\..\SearchScopes\{150E3CBD-4D8B-4AAE-A5FD-5E2986F71755}: "URL" = http://shopping.yahoo.com/search?p={search…s}&fr=yie7c
IE - HKLM\..\SearchScopes\{270B7DF7-37F9-4A47-8979-96B2EA387CEB}: "URL" = http://news.search.yahoo.com/search/news?p…s}&fr=yie7c
IE - HKLM\..\SearchScopes\{3A23AC5E-A2C9-4F31-829D-5FD2568A4B8E}: "URL" = http://images.search.yahoo.com/search/imag…s}&fr=yie7c
IE - HKLM\..\SearchScopes\{62858368-C109-4461-8523-C77F9708ABE9}: "URL" = http://local.yahoo.com/results?stx={search…s}&fr=yie7c
IE - HKLM\..\SearchScopes\{6A1806CD-94D4-4689-BA73-E35EA1EA9990}: "URL" = http://www.google.com/search?q={searchTerm…mp;sourceid=ie7
IE - HKLM\..\SearchScopes\{C65730D9-2E8C-4DF4-B4F3-ECDEA07E6E69}: "URL" = http://video.yahoo.com/search/?p={searchTerms}&fr=yie7c
IE - HKLM\..\SearchScopes\{E67F35BB-4A9E-4DCB-96BC-0AA2D39D0193}: "URL" = http://answers.yahoo.com/search/search_res…s}&fr=yie7c

IE - HKCU\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,SearchDefaultBranded = 1
IE - HKCU\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,SearchMigratedDefaultName = Google
IE - HKCU\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,SearchMigratedDefaultURL = http://www.google.com/search?q={searchTerm…tf8&oe=utf8
IE - HKCU\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://www.msn.com/
IE - HKCU\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Search,SearchAssistant = http://www.google.com/ie
IE - HKCU\..\SearchScopes,DefaultScope =
IE - HKCU\..\SearchScopes\{16B21786-46A2-4FE7-B672-ADE0B3F7ABA0}: "URL" = http://www.flickr.com/search/?q={searchTerms}
IE - HKCU\..\SearchScopes\{5CCCF04A-20AB-41E5-8112-380E3030E861}: "URL" = http://www.google.com/search?q={searchTerm…;rlz=1I7GWYE_en
IE - HKCU\..\SearchScopes\{6A1806CD-94D4-4689-BA73-E35EA1EA9990}: "URL" = http://www.google.com/search?q={searchTerm…mp;sourceid=ie7
IE - HKCU\..\SearchScopes\{7E514BB3-1029-4863-998C-02E4A2458819}: "URL" = http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-43047-14…e={searchTerms}
IE - HKCU\..\SearchScopes\{B124B23B-015B-41A3-816E-6A11FEFC55B0}: "URL" = http://delicious.com/search?p={searchTerms}
IE - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings: "ProxyEnable" = 0
IE - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings: "ProxyOverride" = *.local

========== FireFox ==========

FF - prefs.js..browser.startup.homepage: "msn.com"
FF - prefs.js..extensions.enabledAddons: amznUWL2%40amazon.com:1.10
FF - prefs.js..extensions.enabledAddons: autofillForms%40blueimp.net:0.9.9.0
FF - prefs.js..extensions.enabledAddons: %7B972ce4c6-7e08-4474-a285-3208198ce6fd%7D:17.0.1
FF - user.js - File not found

FF - HKLM\Software\MozillaPlugins\@adobe.com/FlashPlayer: C:\WINDOWS\system32\Macromed\Flash\NPSWF32_11_5_502_110.dll ()
FF - HKLM\Software\MozillaPlugins\@adobe.com/ShockwavePlayer: C:\WINDOWS\system32\Adobe\Director\np32dsw.dll (Adobe Systems, Inc.)
FF - HKLM\Software\MozillaPlugins\@Apple.com/iTunes,version=: File not found
FF - HKLM\Software\MozillaPlugins\@Apple.com/iTunes,version=1.0: C:\Program Files\iTunes\Mozilla Plugins\npitunes.dll ()
FF - HKLM\Software\MozillaPlugins\@java.com/JavaPlugin: C:\Program Files\Java\jre6\bin\new_plugin\npjp2.dll (Sun Microsystems, Inc.)
FF - HKLM\Software\MozillaPlugins\@mcafee.com/MVT: File not found
FF - HKLM\Software\MozillaPlugins\@messenger.yahoo.com/YahooMessengerStatePlugin;version=1.0.0.6: C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Shared\npYState.dll (Yahoo! Inc.)
FF - HKLM\Software\MozillaPlugins\@Microsoft.com/NpCtrl,version=1.0: c:\Program Files\Microsoft Silverlight\5.1.10411.0\npctrl.dll ( Microsoft Corporation)
FF - HKLM\Software\MozillaPlugins\@microsoft.com/WPF,version=3.5: c:\WINDOWS\Microsoft.NET\Framework\v3.5\Windows Presentation Foundation\NPWPF.dll (Microsoft Corporation)
FF - HKLM\Software\MozillaPlugins\@pandonetworks.com/PandoWebPlugin: C:\Program Files\Pando Networks\Media Booster\npPandoWebPlugin.dll (Pando Networks)
FF - HKLM\Software\MozillaPlugins\@RIM.com/WebSLLauncher,version=1.0: C:\Program Files\Common Files\Research In Motion\BBWebSLLauncher\NPWebSLLauncher.dll ()
FF - HKLM\Software\MozillaPlugins\@tools.google.com/Google Update;version=3: C:\Program Files\Google\Update\1.3.21.123\npGoogleUpdate3.dll (Google Inc.)
FF - HKLM\Software\MozillaPlugins\@tools.google.com/Google Update;version=9: C:\Program Files\Google\Update\1.3.21.123\npGoogleUpdate3.dll (Google Inc.)
FF - HKLM\Software\MozillaPlugins\Adobe Reader: C:\Program Files\Adobe\Reader 9.0\Reader\AIR\nppdf32.dll (Adobe Systems Inc.)
FF - HKCU\Software\MozillaPlugins\pandonetworks.com/PandoWebPlugin: C:\Program Files\Pando Networks\Media Booster\npPandoWebPlugin.dll (Pando Networks)

FF - HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\software\mozilla\Mozilla Firefox 17.0.1\extensions\\Components: C:\Program Files\Mozilla Firefox\components [2012/12/08 14:21:28 | 000,000,000 | —D | M]
FF - HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\software\mozilla\Mozilla Firefox 17.0.1\extensions\\Plugins: C:\Program Files\Mozilla Firefox\plugins [2012/12/08 14:19:47 | 000,000,000 | —D | M]

[2010/03/17 13:53:22 | 000,000,000 | —D | M] (No name found) – C:\Documents and Settings\Owner\Application Data\Mozilla\Extensions
[2012/12/11 18:46:51 | 000,000,000 | —D | M] (No name found) – C:\Documents and Settings\Owner\Application Data\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\6fma6uhi.default\extensions
[2012/10/11 21:31:03 | 000,000,000 | —D | M] (Yahoo! Toolbar) – C:\Documents and Settings\Owner\Application Data\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\6fma6uhi.default\extensions\{635abd67-4fe9-1b23-4f01-e679fa7484c1}
[2012/11/16 20:05:48 | 000,243,287 | —- | M] () (No name found) – C:\Documents and Settings\Owner\Application Data\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\6fma6uhi.default\extensions\[removed]
[2012/12/11 18:46:51 | 000,149,045 | —- | M] () (No name found) – C:\Documents and Settings\Owner\Application Data\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\6fma6uhi.default\extensions\[removed]
[2012/12/08 14:19:40 | 000,000,000 | —D | M] (No name found) – C:\Program Files\Mozilla Firefox\extensions
[2012/12/08 14:19:40 | 000,000,000 | —D | M] (No name found) – C:\Program Files\Mozilla Firefox\extensions\New Folder
[2012/12/08 14:21:28 | 000,262,112 | —- | M] (Mozilla Foundation) – C:\Program Files\mozilla firefox\components\browsercomps.dll
[2011/10/03 04:06:04 | 000,476,904 | —- | M] (Sun Microsystems, Inc.) – C:\Program Files\mozilla firefox\plugins\npdeployJava1.dll
[2012/09/01 12:55:36 | 000,002,465 | —- | M] () – C:\Program Files\mozilla firefox\searchplugins\bing.xml
[2012/10/11 21:28:52 | 000,002,058 | —- | M] () – C:\Program Files\mozilla firefox\searchplugins\twitter.xml

O1 HOSTS File: ([2012/12/13 15:22:45 | 000,000,098 | —- | M]) - C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\etc\Hosts
O1 - Hosts: 127.0.0.1 localhost
O1 - Hosts: ::1 localhost
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {02478D38-C3F9-4efb-9B51-7695ECA05670} - No CLSID value found.
O2 - BHO: (Spybot-S&D IE Protection) - {53707962-6F74-2D53-2644-206D7942484F} - C:\Program Files\Spybot - Search & Destroy 2\SDHelper.dll (Safer-Networking Ltd.)
O2 - BHO: (Google Toolbar Notifier BHO) - {AF69DE43-7D58-4638-B6FA-CE66B5AD205D} - C:\Program Files\Google\GoogleToolbarNotifier\5.7.7529.1424\swg.dll (Google Inc.)
O4 - HKLM..\Run: [APSDaemon] C:\Program Files\Common Files\Apple\Apple Application Support\APSDaemon.exe (Apple Inc.)
O4 - HKLM..\Run: [MSC] c:\Program Files\Microsoft Security Client\msseces.exe (Microsoft Corporation)
O4 - HKLM..\Run: [NUSB3MON] C:\Program Files\NEC Electronics\USB 3.0 Host Controller Driver\Application\nusb3mon.exe (NEC Electronics Corporation)
O4 - HKLM..\Run: [Recguard] C:\WINDOWS\SMINST\Recguard.exe ()
O4 - HKLM..\Run: [SDTray] C:\Program Files\Spybot - Search & Destroy 2\SDTray.exe (Safer-Networking Ltd.)
O4 - Startup: C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Start Menu\Programs\Startup\VPN Client.lnk = C:\WINDOWS\Installer\{51FB15F4-AD27-43BC-AD4B-DD0354FB6BBD}\Icon3E5562ED7.ico ()
O6 - HKLM\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Restrictions present
O6 - HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\policies\Explorer: HonorAutoRunSetting = 1
O6 - HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\policies\Explorer: NoResolveTrack = 1
O6 - HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\policies\Explorer: NoDriveTypeAutoRun = 323
O6 - HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\policies\Explorer: NoCDBurning = 0
O6 - HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\policies\Explorer: NoDriveAutoRun = 67108863
O6 - HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\policies\Explorer: NoDrives = 0
O7 - HKCU\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Control Panel present
O7 - HKCU\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\policies\Explorer: NoDriveTypeAutoRun = 323
O7 - HKCU\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\policies\Explorer: NoResolveTrack = 1
O7 - HKCU\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\policies\Explorer: NoThumbnailCache = 1
O7 - HKCU\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\policies\Explorer: link = [binary data]
O7 - HKCU\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\policies\Explorer: NoBandCustomize = 0
O7 - HKCU\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\policies\Explorer: NoMovingBands = 0
O7 - HKCU\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\policies\Explorer: NoCloseDragDropBands = 0
O7 - HKCU\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\policies\Explorer: NoSetTaskbar = 0
O7 - HKCU\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\policies\Explorer: NoToolbarsOnTaskbar = 0
O7 - HKCU\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\policies\Explorer: NoFileSharing = 1
O7 - HKCU\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\policies\Explorer: NoDriveAutoRun = 67108863
O7 - HKCU\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\policies\Explorer: NoDrives = 0
O9 - Extra Button: Add to Wish List - {76c5fb99-dd0a-4186-9e75-65d1bf3da283} - C:\Program Files\Amazon\Add to Wish List IE Extension\run.htm ()
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem : Spybot - Search && Destroy Configuration - {DFB852A3-47F8-48C4-A200-58CAB36FD2A2} - C:\Program Files\Spybot - Search & Destroy 2\SDHelper.dll (Safer-Networking Ltd.)
O10 - NameSpace_Catalog5\Catalog_Entries\000000000004 [] - C:\Program Files\Bonjour\mdnsNSP.dll (Apple Inc.)
O16 - DPF: {166B1BCA-3F9C-11CF-8075-444553540000} http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwa…director/sw.cab (Shockwave ActiveX Control)
O16 - DPF: {6E32070A-766D-4EE6-879C-DC1FA91D2FC3} http://www.update.microsoft.com/microsoftu…b?1355001087140 (MUWebControl Class)
O16 - DPF: {8AD9C840-044E-11D1-B3E9-00805F499D93} http://java.sun.com/update/1.6.0/jinstall-…indows-i586.cab (Java Plug-in 1.6.0_29)
O16 - DPF: {A3256902-51FA-45A0-8A97-FC1143C169D9} http://support.microsoft.com/mats/DiagWebControl.cab (Diagnostics ActiveX WebControl)
O16 - DPF: {CAFEEFAC-0016-0000-0029-ABCDEFFEDCBA} http://java.sun.com/update/1.6.0/jinstall-…indows-i586.cab (Java Plug-in 1.6.0_29)
O16 - DPF: {CAFEEFAC-FFFF-FFFF-FFFF-ABCDEFFEDCBA} http://java.sun.com/update/1.6.0/jinstall-…indows-i586.cab (Java Plug-in 1.6.0_29)
O16 - DPF: {D27CDB6E-AE6D-11CF-96B8-444553540000} http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwa…ash/swflash.cab (Shockwave Flash Object)
O17 - HKLM\System\CCS\Services\Tcpip\Parameters: DhcpNameServer = 192.168.1.254
O17 - HKLM\System\CCS\Services\Tcpip\Parameters\Interfaces\{E6D6B9BA-ED91-4F2D-9214-0EFE301B1679}: DhcpNameServer = 192.168.1.254
O20 - HKLM Winlogon: Shell - (Explorer.exe) - C:\WINDOWS\explorer.exe (Microsoft Corporation)
O20 - HKLM Winlogon: UserInit - (C:\WINDOWS\system32\userinit.exe) - C:\WINDOWS\system32\userinit.exe (Microsoft Corporation)
O20 - Winlogon\Notify\AtiExtEvent: DllName - (Ati2evxx.dll) - C:\WINDOWS\System32\ati2evxx.dll (ATI Technologies Inc.)
O20 - Winlogon\Notify\SensLogn: DllName - (Reg Error: Value error.) - Reg Error: Value error. File not found
O24 - Desktop WallPaper: C:\Documents and Settings\Owner\Local Settings\Application Data\Microsoft\Wallpaper1.bmp
O24 - Desktop BackupWallPaper: C:\Documents and Settings\Owner\Local Settings\Application Data\Microsoft\Wallpaper1.bmp
O28 - HKLM ShellExecuteHooks: {5AE067D3-9AFB-48E0-853A-EBB7F4A000DA} - C:\Program Files\SUPERAntiSpyware\SASSEH.DLL (SuperAdBlocker.com)
O32 - HKLM CDRom: AutoRun - 1
O32 - AutoRun File - [2006/05/06 18:38:36 | 000,000,000 | —- | M] () - C:\AUTOEXEC.BAT – [ NTFS ]
O32 - AutoRun File - [2005/12/07 12:21:44 | 000,000,000 | R–D | M] - E:\Autorun – [ CDFS ]
O32 - AutoRun File - [2005/10/15 00:42:09 | 000,253,952 | R— | M] (Firaxis Games) - E:\autorun.exe – [ CDFS ]
O32 - AutoRun File - [2005/10/15 00:42:09 | 000,004,118 | R— | M] () - E:\autorun.inf – [ CDFS ]
O34 - HKLM BootExecute: (autocheck autochk *)
O35 - HKLM\..comfile [open] – "%1" %*
O35 - HKLM\..exefile [open] – "%1" %*
O37 - HKLM\…com [@ = ComFile] – "%1" %*
O37 - HKLM\…exe [@ = exefile] – "%1" %*
O38 - SubSystems\\Windows: (ServerDll=winsrv:UserServerDllInitialization,3)
O38 - SubSystems\\Windows: (ServerDll=winsrv:ConServerDllInitialization,2)

========== Files/Folders - Created Within 30 Days ==========

[2012/12/13 15:23:04 | 000,000,000 | -HSD | C] – C:\RECYCLER
[2012/12/13 15:22:09 | 000,000,000 | —D | C] – C:\_OTL
[2012/12/13 15:19:21 | 000,000,000 | —D | C] – C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Start Menu\Programs\ERUNT
[2012/12/13 15:19:18 | 000,000,000 | —D | C] – C:\Program Files\ERUNT
[2012/12/12 18:07:06 | 000,602,112 | —- | C] (OldTimer Tools) – C:\Documents and Settings\Owner\Desktop\OTL.exe
[2012/12/11 21:22:31 | 000,000,000 | —D | C] – C:\Documents and Settings\Owner\My Documents\ProcAlyzer Dumps
[2012/12/11 21:09:46 | 000,000,000 | —D | C] – C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Start Menu\Programs\Spybot - Search & Destroy 2
[2012/12/11 21:09:09 | 000,015,224 | —- | C] (Safer Networking Limited) – C:\WINDOWS\System32\sdnclean.exe
[2012/12/11 21:08:43 | 000,000,000 | —D | C] – C:\Program Files\Spybot - Search & Destroy 2
[2012/12/08 21:15:15 | 000,000,000 | —D | C] – C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Start Menu\Programs\Cisco Systems VPN Client
[2012/12/08 21:15:13 | 000,000,000 | —D | C] – C:\Program Files\Common Files\Deterministic Networks
[2012/12/08 14:19:34 | 000,000,000 | —D | C] – C:\Program Files\Mozilla Firefox
[2012/12/06 19:57:43 | 004,732,416 | —- | C] (AVAST Software) – C:\Documents and Settings\Owner\Desktop\aswMBR.exe
[2012/12/06 19:31:05 | 000,688,992 | R— | C] (Swearware) – C:\Documents and Settings\Owner\Desktop\dds.com
[2012/12/05 20:49:26 | 000,000,000 | —D | C] – C:\WINDOWS\temp
[2012/12/05 20:02:55 | 000,000,000 | RHSD | C] – C:\cmdcons
[2012/12/05 19:56:44 | 000,518,144 | —- | C] (SteelWerX) – C:\WINDOWS\SWREG.exe
[2012/12/05 19:56:44 | 000,060,416 | —- | C] (NirSoft) – C:\WINDOWS\NIRCMD.exe
[2012/12/05 19:56:43 | 000,406,528 | —- | C] (SteelWerX) – C:\WINDOWS\SWSC.exe
[2012/12/05 19:56:43 | 000,212,480 | —- | C] (SteelWerX) – C:\WINDOWS\SWXCACLS.exe
[2012/12/05 19:54:32 | 000,000,000 | —D | C] – C:\Qoobox
[2012/12/05 19:50:20 | 000,000,000 | —D | C] – C:\WINDOWS\erdnt
[2012/12/05 19:48:24 | 005,011,065 | R— | C] (Swearware) – C:\Documents and Settings\Owner\Desktop\ComboFix.exe
[2012/12/03 22:00:45 | 000,000,000 | RH-D | C] – C:\Documents and Settings\Owner\Recent
[2012/12/03 21:23:40 | 000,000,000 | —D | C] – C:\Documents and Settings\Owner\Application Data\Safer Networking
[2012/12/02 11:21:38 | 000,000,000 | —D | C] – C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\188F1432-103A-4ffb-80F1-36B633C5C9E1
[2012/12/02 11:00:25 | 000,000,000 | —D | C] – C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Start Menu\Programs\QuickTime
[2012/12/02 10:55:40 | 000,000,000 | —D | C] – C:\Program Files\QuickTime

========== Files - Modified Within 30 Days ==========

[2012/12/13 15:34:31 | 000,000,384 | -H– | M] () – C:\WINDOWS\tasks\Microsoft Antimalware Scheduled Scan.job
[2012/12/13 15:26:40 | 000,002,447 | —- | M] () – C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Start Menu\Programs\Startup\VPN Client.lnk
[2012/12/13 15:24:58 | 000,000,882 | —- | M] () – C:\WINDOWS\tasks\GoogleUpdateTaskMachineCore1cd95325eebdb52.job
[2012/12/13 15:24:58 | 000,000,620 | —- | M] () – C:\WINDOWS\tasks\Check for updates (Spybot - Search & Destroy).job
[2012/12/13 15:24:23 | 000,002,048 | –S- | M] () – C:\WINDOWS\bootstat.dat
[2012/12/13 15:24:21 | 402,051,072 | -HS- | M] () – C:\hiberfil.sys
[2012/12/13 15:22:45 | 000,000,098 | —- | M] () – C:\WINDOWS\System32\drivers\etc\Hosts
[2012/12/13 15:19:22 | 000,000,611 | —- | M] () – C:\Documents and Settings\Owner\Desktop\NTREGOPT.lnk
[2012/12/13 15:19:22 | 000,000,592 | —- | M] () – C:\Documents and Settings\Owner\Desktop\ERUNT.lnk
[2012/12/13 14:54:00 | 000,000,830 | —- | M] () – C:\WINDOWS\tasks\Adobe Flash Player Updater.job
[2012/12/12 19:38:01 | 000,000,284 | —- | M] () – C:\WINDOWS\tasks\AppleSoftwareUpdate.job
[2012/12/12 18:07:22 | 000,602,112 | —- | M] (OldTimer Tools) – C:\Documents and Settings\Owner\Desktop\OTL.exe
[2012/12/12 08:05:32 | 000,000,361 | RHS- | M] () – C:\boot.ini
[2012/12/12 04:28:52 | 000,169,896 | —- | M] () – C:\WINDOWS\System32\FNTCACHE.DAT
[2012/12/12 04:11:16 | 000,001,393 | —- | M] () – C:\WINDOWS\imsins.BAK
[2012/12/12 00:30:00 | 000,000,616 | —- | M] () – C:\WINDOWS\tasks\Refresh immunization (Spybot - Search & Destroy).job
[2012/12/11 21:15:57 | 000,000,446 | —- | M] () – C:\WINDOWS\tasks\Scan the system (Spybot - Search & Destroy).job
[2012/12/11 21:10:01 | 000,001,836 | —- | M] () – C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Desktop\Spybot-S&D Start Center.lnk
[2012/12/11 20:25:35 | 000,545,819 | —- | M] () – C:\Documents and Settings\Owner\Desktop\AdwCleaner.exe
[2012/12/11 19:00:29 | 005,011,065 | R— | M] (Swearware) – C:\Documents and Settings\Owner\Desktop\ComboFix.exe
[2012/12/08 21:16:23 | 000,001,594 | —- | M] () – C:\WINDOWS\VPNInstall.MIF
[2012/12/08 15:30:52 | 000,001,158 | —- | M] () – C:\WINDOWS\System32\wpa.dbl
[2012/12/06 21:04:10 | 000,000,512 | —- | M] () – C:\Documents and Settings\Owner\Desktop\MBR.dat
[2012/12/06 19:57:53 | 004,732,416 | —- | M] (AVAST Software) – C:\Documents and Settings\Owner\Desktop\aswMBR.exe
[2012/12/06 19:32:17 | 000,688,992 | R— | M] (Swearware) – C:\Documents and Settings\Owner\Desktop\dds.com
[2012/12/03 21:16:30 | 000,000,212 | —- | M] () – C:\Boot.bak
[2012/12/02 14:12:21 | 000,000,682 | —- | M] () – C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Desktop\CCleaner.lnk
[2012/12/02 13:13:31 | 000,444,843 | R— | M] () – C:\WINDOWS\System32\drivers\etc\hosts.20121203-183816.backup
[2012/12/02 12:22:13 | 000,001,594 | —- | M] () – C:\WINDOWS\VPNUnInstall.MIF
[2012/12/02 11:53:01 | 000,441,440 | —- | M] () – C:\WINDOWS\System32\perfh009.dat
[2012/12/02 11:53:01 | 000,071,354 | —- | M] () – C:\WINDOWS\System32\perfc009.dat
[2012/12/02 11:28:21 | 000,001,542 | —- | M] () – C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Desktop\iTunes.lnk
[2012/12/02 11:00:44 | 000,001,604 | —- | M] () – C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Desktop\QuickTime Player.lnk
[2012/11/27 08:05:33 | 000,444,793 | R— | M] () – C:\WINDOWS\System32\drivers\etc\hosts.20121202-131330.backup
[2012/11/19 19:37:36 | 000,001,710 | -H– | M] () – C:\Documents and Settings\Owner\My Documents\Default.rdp
[2012/11/18 19:05:56 | 000,000,736 | —- | M] () – C:\Documents and Settings\Owner\Desktop\Shortcut to vpngui.lnk
[2012/11/18 14:48:37 | 000,444,743 | R— | M] () – C:\WINDOWS\System32\drivers\etc\hosts.20121127-080532.backup
[2012/11/15 05:29:22 | 000,697,272 | —- | M] (Adobe Systems Incorporated) – C:\WINDOWS\System32\FlashPlayerApp.exe
[2012/11/15 05:29:21 | 000,073,656 | —- | M] (Adobe Systems Incorporated) – C:\WINDOWS\System32\FlashPlayerCPLApp.cpl

========== Files Created - No Company Name ==========

[2012/12/13 15:19:22 | 000,000,611 | —- | C] () – C:\Documents and Settings\Owner\Desktop\NTREGOPT.lnk
[2012/12/13 15:19:22 | 000,000,592 | —- | C] () – C:\Documents and Settings\Owner\Desktop\ERUNT.lnk
[2012/12/12 04:09:44 | 000,001,393 | —- | C] () – C:\WINDOWS\imsins.BAK
[2012/12/11 21:15:56 | 000,000,446 | —- | C] () – C:\WINDOWS\tasks\Scan the system (Spybot - Search & Destroy).job
[2012/12/11 21:15:54 | 000,000,616 | —- | C] () – C:\WINDOWS\tasks\Refresh immunization (Spybot - Search & Destroy).job
[2012/12/11 21:15:51 | 000,000,620 | —- | C] () – C:\WINDOWS\tasks\Check for updates (Spybot - Search & Destroy).job
[2012/12/11 21:10:04 | 000,001,842 | —- | C] () – C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Start Menu\Programs\Spybot-S&D Start Center.lnk
[2012/12/11 21:10:01 | 000,001,836 | —- | C] () – C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Desktop\Spybot-S&D Start Center.lnk
[2012/12/11 20:25:30 | 000,545,819 | —- | C] () – C:\Documents and Settings\Owner\Desktop\AdwCleaner.exe
[2012/12/08 21:15:15 | 000,002,447 | —- | C] () – C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Start Menu\Programs\Startup\VPN Client.lnk
[2012/12/06 21:04:09 | 000,000,512 | —- | C] () – C:\Documents and Settings\Owner\Desktop\MBR.dat
[2012/12/05 20:03:10 | 000,000,212 | —- | C] () – C:\Boot.bak
[2012/12/05 20:03:04 | 000,260,272 | RHS- | C] () – C:\cmldr
[2012/12/05 19:56:44 | 000,256,000 | —- | C] () – C:\WINDOWS\PEV.exe
[2012/12/05 19:56:44 | 000,208,896 | —- | C] () – C:\WINDOWS\MBR.exe
[2012/12/05 19:56:44 | 000,068,096 | —- | C] () – C:\WINDOWS\zip.exe
[2012/12/05 19:56:43 | 000,098,816 | —- | C] () – C:\WINDOWS\sed.exe
[2012/12/05 19:56:43 | 000,080,412 | —- | C] () – C:\WINDOWS\grep.exe
[2012/12/02 11:00:32 | 000,001,604 | —- | C] () – C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Desktop\QuickTime Player.lnk
[2012/11/18 19:05:56 | 000,000,736 | —- | C] () – C:\Documents and Settings\Owner\Desktop\Shortcut to vpngui.lnk
[2012/07/28 13:30:08 | 000,178,688 | —- | C] () – C:\WINDOWS\System32\unrar.dll
[2012/01/24 14:35:58 | 000,000,552 | —- | C] () – C:\WINDOWS\System32\d3d8caps.dat
[2011/10/18 20:06:30 | 000,000,256 | —- | C] () – C:\WINDOWS\System32\pool.bin
[2011/08/11 19:05:08 | 000,045,568 | —- | C] () – C:\WINDOWS\UniFish3.exe
[2009/08/16 10:57:42 | 000,000,135 | —- | C] () – C:\Documents and Settings\LocalService\Local Settings\Application Data\fusioncache.dat
[2009/03/22 11:07:35 | 003,178,496 | —- | C] () – C:\Documents and Settings\Owner\s-1-5-21-1806658709-4140761436-1139466424-1003.rrr
[2008/08/16 13:55:14 | 000,000,128 | —- | C] () – C:\Documents and Settings\Owner\Local Settings\Application Data\fusioncache.dat

========== ZeroAccess Check ==========

[2006/05/06 18:44:26 | 000,000,227 | RHS- | M] () – C:\WINDOWS\assembly\Desktop.ini

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\clsid\{42aedc87-2188-41fd-b9a3-0c966feabec1}\InProcServer32]

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\clsid\{fbeb8a05-beee-4442-804e-409d6c4515e9}\InProcServer32]

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Classes\clsid\{42aedc87-2188-41fd-b9a3-0c966feabec1}\InProcServer32]
"" = %SystemRoot%\system32\shdocvw.dll – [2008/04/13 18:12:05 | 001,499,136 | —- | M] (Microsoft Corporation)
"ThreadingModel" = Apartment

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Classes\clsid\{5839FCA9-774D-42A1-ACDA-D6A79037F57F}\InProcServer32]
"" = %systemroot%\system32\wbem\fastprox.dll – [2009/02/09 06:10:48 | 000,473,600 | —- | M] (Microsoft Corporation)
"ThreadingModel" = Free

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Classes\clsid\{F3130CDB-AA52-4C3A-AB32-85FFC23AF9C1}\InProcServer32]
"" = %systemroot%\system32\wbem\wbemess.dll – [2008/04/13 18:12:08 | 000,273,920 | —- | M] (Microsoft Corporation)
"ThreadingModel" = Both

< End of report >
Post #17
Hi,

Ok let's keep going. :)

I see that your Java software is out of date. Please go to Start >> Control Panel >> Programs and Features >> uninstall all versions of Java.

Now download and install the newest version from here >> http://java.com/en/download/index.jsp
————-

Clear Java Cache

See this page for instructions on how to clear java's cache.

Go into the Control Panel and double-click the Java Icon. (looks like a coffee cup)
  • Under Temporary Internet Files, click the Delete Files button.
  • There are three options in the window to clear the cache - Leave ALL 3 Checked
    • Downloaded Applets
      Downloaded Applications
      Other Files
  • Click OK on Delete Temporary Files Window
    Note: This deletes ALL the Downloaded Applications and Applets from the CACHE.
  • Click OK to leave the Java Control Panel.
———-

Malwarebytes

Please open Malwarebytes, update it and then run a Quick Scan. Save the log that is created for your next reply.
———-

ESET Online Scanner

Go here to run an online scannner from ESET. Windows Vista/Windows 7 users will need to right click on their Internet Explorer shortcut, and select Run as Administrator
  • Note: For browsers other than Internet Explorer, you will be prompted to download and install esetsmartinstaller_enu.exe. Click on the link and save the file to a convenient location. Double click on it to install and a new window will open. Follow the prompts.
  • Turn off the real time scanner of any existing antivirus program while performing the online scan
  • Tick the box next to YES, I accept the Terms of Use.
  • Click Start
  • When asked, allow the activex control to install
  • Click Start
  • Make sure that the option Remove found threats is unticked and the Scan Archives option is ticked.
  • Click on Advanced Settings, ensure the options Scan for potentially unwanted applications, Scan for potentially unsafe applications, and Enable Anti-Stealth Technology are ticked.
  • Click Scan
  • Wait for the scan to finish
  • When the scan is done, if it shows a screen that says "Threats found!", then click "List of found threats", and then click "Export to text file…"
  • Save that text file on your desktop. Copy and paste the contents of that log as a reply to this topic.
  • Close the ESET online scan, and let me know how things are now.
———-
Post #18
No threats found. Malwarebytes log below. Malwarebytes Anti-Malware 1.65.1.1000 www.malwarebytes.org Database version: v2012.12.14.12 Windows XP Service Pack 3 x86 NTFS Internet Explorer 7.0.5730.13 Owner :: PHOENIX [administrator] 12/14/2012 6:11:27 PM mbam-log-2012-12-14 (18-11-27).txt Scan type: Quick scan Scan options enabled: Memory | Startup | Registry | File System | Heuristics/Extra | Heuristics/Shuriken | PUP | PUM | P2P Scan options disabled: Objects scanned: 227774 Time elapsed: 17 minute(s), 34 second(s) Memory Processes Detected: 0 (No malicious items detected) Memory Modules Detected: 0 (No malicious items detected) Registry Keys Detected: 0 (No malicious items detected) Registry Values Detected: 0 (No malicious items detected) Registry Data Items Detected: 0 (No malicious items detected) Folders Detected: 0 (No malicious items detected) Files Detected: 0 (No malicious items detected) (end)
Post #20 last edited
Internet pages seem to load more quickly and it is more stable. Thank you for your help and patience in walking me through this.
Post #21
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]
———-

Clean up with OTL:
  • Right-click and Run as Administrator 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.
———-

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.

Ask AI

AI can make mistakes. Check the cited posts. Archived advice can be out-of-date

Don't include personal information. Questions and selected public posts go to OpenAI. About Ask AI