Vosteran removal from a Windows8 machine [Solved]

Hi adayvolt,

My name is OCD. I would be more than happy to take a look at your log and help you with solving any malware problems you might have. Logs can take a while to research, so please be patient and know that I am working hard to get you a clean and functional system back in your hands. I'd be grateful if you would note the following:

• I will be working on your Malware issues, this may or may not, solve other issues you have with your machine.
• The fixes are specific to your problem and should only be used for the issues on this machine.
• Please continue to review my answers until I tell you your machine appears to be clear. Absence of symptoms does not mean that everything is clear.
• It's often worth reading through these instructions and printing them for ease of reference.
• If you don't know or understand something, please don't hesitate to say or ask!! It's better to be sure and safe than sorry.
• Please reply to this thread. Do not start a new topic.
• Copy and Paste logs directly into the reply window. DO NOT attach the logs unless specifically instructed to do so.

IMPORTANT NOTE : Please do not delete, download or install anything unless instructed to do so.

DO NOT use any TOOLS such as Combofix or HijackThis fixes without supervision. Doing so could make your system inoperable and could require a full reinstall of your Operating System and losing all your programs and data.

Please stay with this topic until I let you know that your system appears to be "All Clear"

Important: All tools MUST be run from the Desktop.

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With that being said. FRST should be located on your Desktop, you seem to be running it from your Downloads folder. Before we proceed please move the FRST program to your Desktop.

You also posted the FRST.txt log twice. Please locate the Addition.txt log and post that in your next reply.

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[external image: bullseye_zpse9eaf36e.gif] FRST Fix Script

Open notepad. Please copy the contents of the code box below. To do this highlight the contents of the box and right click on it. Paste this into the open notepad. Save it on the desktop as fixlist.txt

Start
CloseProcesses:
HKU\S-1-5-21-3824207208-2382884745-316597292-1001\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://vosteran.com/…=1558648318&ir=
SearchScopes: HKLM -> DefaultScope {0633EE93-D776-472f-A0FF-E1416B8B2E3A} URL = http://vosteran.com/…=1558648318&ir=
SearchScopes: HKLM -> {0633EE93-D776-472f-A0FF-E1416B8B2E3A} URL = http://vosteran.com/…=1558648318&ir=
SearchScopes: HKU\S-1-5-21-3824207208-2382884745-316597292-1001 -> DefaultScope {0633EE93-D776-472f-A0FF-E1416B8B2E3A} URL = http://vosteran.com/…=1558648318&ir=
SearchScopes: HKU\S-1-5-21-3824207208-2382884745-316597292-1001 -> {0633EE93-D776-472f-A0FF-E1416B8B2E3A} URL = http://vosteran.com/…=1558648318&ir=
CHR HomePage: Default -> hxxp://vosteran.com/?f=1&a=&cd=&cr=&ir=
CHR StartupUrls: Default -> "hxxp://vosteran.com/?f=7&a=&cd=&cr=&ir=", "https://www.google.c…spv=2&ie=UTF-8"
S4 APNMCP; C:\Program Files (x86)\AskPartnerNetwork\Toolbar\apnmcp.exe [166296 2014-11-24] () [File not signed]
C:\Program Files (x86)\AskPartnerNetwork
R2 NewPlayerUpdaterService; C:\Program Files (x86)\NewPlayer\NewPlayerUpdaterService.exe [11776 2014-04-16] () [File not signed]
C:\Program Files (x86)\NewPlayer
C:\WINDOWS\Tasks\WSE_Vosteran.job
CHR HKLM\…\Chrome\Extension: [aaaaaiabcopkplhgaedhbloeejhhankf] - C:\ProgramData\AskPartnerNetwork\Toolbar\Shared\CRX\aaaaaiabcopkplhgaedhbloeejhhankf.crx [2014-11-24]
CHR HKLM-x32\…\Chrome\Extension: [aaaaaiabcopkplhgaedhbloeejhhankf] - C:\ProgramData\AskPartnerNetwork\Toolbar\Shared\CRX\aaaaaiabcopkplhgaedhbloeejhhankf.crx [2014-11-24]
() C:\Program Files (x86)\NewPlayer\NewPlayerUpdaterService.exe
EmptyTemp:
End

NOTICE: This script was written specifically for this user, for use on that particular machine. Running this on another machine may cause damage to your operating system

Run FRST and press the Fix button just once and wait.
The tool will make a log (Fixlog.txt) please post it to your reply.

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In your next post please provide the following:

• Fixlog.txt
• Addition.txt

Hi adayvolt,

Your logs are looking much better.

[external image: bullseye_zpse9eaf36e.gif] FRST Fix Script

Open notepad. Please copy the contents of the code box below. To do this highlight the contents of the box and right click on it. Paste this into the open notepad. Save it on the desktop as fixlist.txt
 

Start
SearchScopes: HKU\.DEFAULT -> DefaultScope {0633EE93-D776-472f-A0FF-E1416B8B2E3A} URL = 
SearchScopes: HKU\S-1-5-19 -> DefaultScope {0633EE93-D776-472f-A0FF-E1416B8B2E3A} URL = 
SearchScopes: HKU\S-1-5-20 -> DefaultScope {0633EE93-D776-472f-A0FF-E1416B8B2E3A} URL = 
End

NOTICE: This script was written specifically for this user, for use on that particular machine. Running this on another machine may cause damage to your operating system

Run FRST and press the Fix button just once and wait.
The tool will make a log (Fixlog.txt) please post it to your reply.

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[external image: bullseye_zpse9eaf36e.gif] Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware

Download Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware (save it to your desktop).

• • Windows XP : Double click on the icon to run it.
  • Windows Vista, Windows 7 & 8 : Right click and select "Run as Administrator"
• Select Scan tab.
  [external image: MBAMDashboard_zpsddef9b5f.gif]
• Select type of scan to perform:
  [external image: MBAMScanTab_zps2c5e74bd.gif]
  • Threat Scan < — Select this type of scan
  • Custom Scan
  • Hyper Scan
• Next click the Scan button.
• When the scan is complete, if no malicious items are found you can close the program.
• If malicious items are found be sure that everything is checked, and click Quarantine .
• When completed, a log will open in Notepad. Please save it to a convenient location and post the results.
• Note: If you receive a notice that some of the items couldn't be removed, that they have been added to the delete on reboot list, please reboot.

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[external image: bullseye_zpse9eaf36e.gif] ESET Online Scanner

*Note:

• It is recommended to disable on-board antivirus program and anti-spyware programs while performing scans so there are no conflicts and it will speed up scan time.
• Please don't go surfing while your resident protection is disabled!
• Once the scan is finished remember to re-enable your antivirus along with your anti-spyware programs.

** You need to run your browser with Administrator Rights, to do so right click your browsers short cut and select "Run as Administrator".

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Go here to run ESET Online Scanner

(Note: You can use Internet Explorer or FireFox for this scan. If you use FireFox you will be asked to install an additional component. Please allow this.)

• Tick the box next to YES, I accept the Terms of Use.
• Click Start
• When asked, allow the activex control to install
• Disable your Antivirus software. You can usually do this with its Notification Tray icon near the clock
• Click Start
• Make sure that the option "Remove found threats" is Checked, and the option "Scan unwanted applications" is Checked.
• Click Scan.
• Wait for the scan to finish.
• When the scan completes, click List of found threats
• click Export to Text file and save the file to your desktop using a unique name, such as ESETScan.
• Include the contents of this report in your next reply
  
  Note - when ESET doesn't find any threats, no report will be created.
• Push the back button.
• Push Finish
• Re-enable your Antivirus software.

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In your next post please provide the following:

• Fixlog.txt
• MBAM log
• ESET's log.txt

OCD,

Thanks again for the quick response and all of your assistance!

Below are the requested logs:

• • Windows XP : Double click on the icon to run it.
  • Windows Vista, Windows 7 & 8 : Right click and select "Run as Administrator"
• Click on the Scan button.
• AdwCleaner will begin to scan your computer like it did before.
• After the scan has finished…
• This time, click on the Clean button.
• Press OK when asked to close all programs and follow the onscreen prompts.
• Press OK again to allow AdwCleaner to restart the computer and complete the removal process.
• After rebooting, a log file report (AdwCleaner[S1].txt) will open automatically.
• Copy and paste the contents of that log file in your next reply.
• A copy of that log file will also be saved in the C:\AdwCleaner folder.

• • Windows XP : Double click on the icon to run it.
  • Windows Vista, Windows 7 & 8 : Right click and select "Run as Administrator"
• When the tool opens click Yes to disclaimer.
• Press Scan button.
• It will make a log (FRST.txt) in the same directory the tool is run. Please copy and paste it to your reply.

• AdwCleaner[S1].txt
• FRST.txt

Hi adayvolt,
 

It appears to be running fine. My wife says that she hasn't noticed anything out of the ordinary.

 

That's good to hear!

Your log looks good. Do you have any issues we haven't addressed?

OCD,

Thanks for all of your help!!!!  I think we have addressed all of the issues at hand.

Much appreciated.

Best Regards!

Hi adayvolt ,

You're welcome.
Your log appears to be clean.
We have a few items to take care of before we get to the All Clean Speech.

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[external image: bullseye_zpse9eaf36e.gif] Remove Disinfection Tools

• Download Delfix
• Tick the following boxes:
  • Remove disinfection tools
  • Create registry backup
  • Purge system restore
  [external image: Delfix_zpsbce6c60b.gif]
• Click Run
• Any other tools and files found can simply be deleted or uninstall via the Control Panel.

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With the above items taken care of let's move on to the All Clean part of the process.

The following procedures are recommendations for helping to keep your system running smoothly. If you are currently satisfied with how your system is running some or all of these may not pertain to you. Implement what you need.

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.

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.

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

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 Launching programs and files in an IFRAME to Prompt
• Change the Navigate windows and 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.

Make your Mozilla Firefox more secure - This can be done by adding these add-ons:

• NoScript
• AdBlockPlus

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.

Free Anti-Virus

• Avast Free Antivirus
• Avira Free Antivirus 2013
• PC Tools AntiVirus Free
• Ad-Aware Free Antivirus +

Free 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. A tutorial on firewalls can be found here.

• Online Armor Free
• Agnitum Outpost Firewall Free
• Comodo Firewall

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Be prepared for CryptoLocker:

Cryptolocker Ransomware: What You Need To Know
CryptoLocker Ransomware Information Guide and FAQ

to help protect your computer in the future I recommend that you get the following free program:

CryptoPrevent install this program to lock down and prevent crypto-ransomeware

[external image: CryptoPrevent_zps7ddc3ebd.jpg]

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COMPUTER SECURITY - a short guide to staying safer online

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WOT Web of Trust, warns you about risky websites that try to scam visitors, deliver malware or send spam. Protect your computer against online threats by using WOT as your front-line layer of protection when browsing or searching in unfamiliar territory. WOT's color-coded icons show you ratings for 21 million websites - green to go, yellow for caution and red to stop, helping you avoid the dangerous sites. WOT has an addon available for both Firefox and IE.

• Green should be good to go
• Yellow for caution
• Red to stop

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P2P may be a great way to get lots of stuffs, but it is a great way to get infected as well. There's no way to tell if the file being shared is infected. Worse still, some worms spread via P2P networks, infecting you as well.

Please read these short reports on the dangers of peer-2-peer programs and file sharing.

• FBI Cyber Education Letter
• USAToday
• infoworld

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Make sure you keep your Windows OS current.

• Windows XP:
  Microsoft will no longer offer support for Windows XP beginning on April 8, 2014
  If you are running Windows XP, please take the time to read the information provided at these links.
  • Windows XP - The Elephant In The Room
  • Windows XP - The end of the road
• 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.
• Window 8 Open Windows Update by swiping in from the right edge of the screen (or, if you're using a mouse, pointing to the lower-right corner of the screen and moving the mouse pointer up), tapping or clicking Settings, tapping or clicking Change PC settings, and then tapping or clicking Update and recovery.

Without these you are leaving the back door open.

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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.

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Finally, I strongly recommend that you read TonyKlein's good advice So how did I get infected in the first place?

Please reply to this thread once more if you are satisfied so that we can mark the problem as resolved.