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Search Bar Hijacked

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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 Advice, software, and links below may be out of date — treat specific steps and download links with caution.

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Post #1
Somehow the search bar in my IE6 got changed to MSN Search and can't put it back the way it was. The silly thing is in a frame to the left of the browser window as it should be, but clicking on a link doesn't change the URL in the main window. Hopefully you guys can make sense of this and help me put it back to default.
—————————————

Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.0
Scan saved at 3:07:41 PM, on 1/8/2005
Platform: Windows 2000 SP4 (WinNT 5.00.2195)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v6.00 SP1 (6.00.2800.1106)

Running processes:
C:\WINNT\System32\smss.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\winlogon.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\services.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\lsass.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\svchost.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\LEXBCES.EXE
C:\WINNT\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\WINNT\System32\Ati2evxx.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\LEXPPS.EXE
C:\WINNT\System32\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\Network Associates\Common Framework\FrameworkService.exe
C:\Program Files\Network Associates\VirusScan\Mcshield.exe
C:\Program Files\Network Associates\VirusScan\VsTskMgr.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\regsvc.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\MSTask.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\stisvc.exe
C:\WINNT\System32\WBEM\WinMgmt.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\svchost.exe
C:\WINNT\Explorer.EXE
C:\WINNT\System32\spool\DRIVERS\W32X86\2\printray.exe
C:\Program Files\ATI Technologies\ATI Control Panel\atiptaxx.exe
C:\Program Files\Network Associates\VirusScan\SHSTAT.EXE
C:\Program Files\Network Associates\Common Framework\UpdaterUI.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Network Associates\TalkBack\TBMon.exe
C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office\OSA.EXE
C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\IEXPLORE.EXE
C:\WINNT\system32\mdm.exe
D:\Upgrades and Exe's\hijackthis\HijackThis.exe

R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://dsl.snet.net/
R3 - URLSearchHook: (no name) - _{CA0E28FA-1AFD-4C21-A8DC-70EB5BE2F076} - (no file)
F2 - REG:system.ini: UserInit=userinit.exe,
N1 - Netscape 4: user_pref("browser.startup.homepage", "http://php2.cthome.net/"); (C:\Program Files\Netscape\Users\david_cullen\prefs.js)
O2 - BHO: BTGrabObj Class - {00000000-F09C-02B4-6EC2-AD0300000000} - C:\WINNT\BTGrab.dll
O2 - BHO: AcroIEHlprObj Class - {06849E9F-C8D7-4D59-B87D-784B7D6BE0B3} - C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 6.0\Reader\ActiveX\AcroIEHelper.dll
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {53707962-6F74-2D53-2644-206D7942484F} - C:\PROGRA~1\SPYBOT~1\SDHelper.dll
O2 - BHO: SDWin32 Class - {C18DF550-18BD-46F4-B378-220A6C7ECAE2} - C:\WINNT\System32\xxeks.dll (file missing)
O3 - Toolbar: @msdxmLC.dll,-1@1033,&Radio - {8E718888-423F-11D2-876E-00A0C9082467} - C:\WINNT\System32\msdxm.ocx
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Synchronization Manager] mobsync.exe /logon
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [UpdReg] C:\WINNT\UpdReg.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Jet Detection] "C:\Program Files\Creative\SBLive\PROGRAM\ADGJDet.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [PrinTray] C:\WINNT\System32\spool\DRIVERS\W32X86\2\printray.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ATIPTA] C:\Program Files\ATI Technologies\ATI Control Panel\atiptaxx.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [QuickTime Task] "C:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe" -atboottime
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ShStatEXE] "C:\Program Files\Network Associates\VirusScan\SHSTAT.EXE" /STANDALONE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [McAfeeUpdaterUI] "C:\Program Files\Network Associates\Common Framework\UpdaterUI.exe" /StartedFromRunKey
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Network Associates Error Reporting Service] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Network Associates\TalkBack\TBMon.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [bewkvmcqzrmq] C:\WINNT\system32\otulkyof.exe
O4 - Global Startup: Adobe Gamma Loader.lnk = C:\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe\Calibration\Adobe Gamma Loader.exe
O4 - Global Startup: Office Startup.lnk = C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office\OSA.EXE
O8 - Extra context menu item: E&xport to Microsoft Excel - res://C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~2\Office10\EXCEL.EXE/3000
O9 - Extra button: AIM - {AC9E2541-2814-11d5-BC6D-00B0D0A1DE45} - C:\Program Files\AIM95\aim.exe
O10 - Unknown file in Winsock LSP: c:\winnt\system32\calsp.dll
O10 - Unknown file in Winsock LSP: c:\winnt\system32\calsp.dll
O10 - Unknown file in Winsock LSP: c:\winnt\system32\calsp.dll
O10 - Unknown file in Winsock LSP: c:\winnt\system32\calsp.dll
O12 - Plugin for .pdf: C:\Program Files\Netscape\Communicator\Program\PLUGINS\nppdf32.dll
O16 - DPF: {1D0D9077-3798-49BB-9058-393499174D5D} - file://c:\counter.cab
O16 - DPF: {1E2941E3-8E63-11D4-9D5A-00902742D6E0} (iNotes Class) - http://itgnhvdoma.prox.com/iNotes.cab
O16 - DPF: {3BFFE033-BF43-11D5-A271-00A024A51325} (iNotes6 Class) - http://itgnhvdoma.prox.com/iNotes6.cab
O16 - DPF: {4C39376E-FA9D-4349-BACC-D305C1750EF3} (EPUImageControl Class) - http://tools.ebayimg.com/eps/wl/activex/EP…l_v1-0-3-12.cab
O16 - DPF: {70BA88C8-DAE8-4CE9-92BB-979C4A75F53B} (GSDACtl Class) - http://launch.gamespyarcade.com/software/launch/alaunch.cab
O16 - DPF: {7B297BFD-85E4-4092-B2AF-16A91B2EA103} (WScanCtl Class) - http://www3.ca.com/securityadvisor/virusinfo/webscan.cab
O17 - HKLM\System\CCS\Services\Tcpip\..\{624225C8-7CAF-4319-89BA-FF54E1AFAF41}: NameServer = 204.60.203.179 66.73.20.40
O23 - Service: Ati HotKey Poller - Unknown - C:\WINNT\System32\Ati2evxx.exe
O23 - Service: ATI Smart - Unknown - C:\WINNT\system32\ati2sgag.exe
O23 - Service: Logical Disk Manager Administrative Service - VERITAS Software Corp. - C:\WINNT\System32\dmadmin.exe
O23 - Service: LexBce Server - Lexmark International, Inc. - C:\WINNT\system32\LEXBCES.EXE
O23 - Service: McAfee Framework Service - Network Associates, Inc. - C:\Program Files\Network Associates\Common Framework\FrameworkService.exe
O23 - Service: Network Associates McShield - Network Associates, Inc. - C:\Program Files\Network Associates\VirusScan\Mcshield.exe
O23 - Service: Network Associates Task Manager - Network Associates, Inc. - C:\Program Files\Network Associates\VirusScan\VsTskMgr.exe
Post #2
Hello ,welcome to the TC.


Please do all the steps in the order they are listed

Uninstall Virtumundo from control panel >> add remove program if listed there

Reboot if Virtumundo is found. If not found just continue.

Download LSPfix here: http://www.cexx.org/lspfix.htm

Start the program and then check the I know what I'm doing box.

Move all instances of calsp.dll (and nothing else), to the Remove pane.
Click the Finish Button and reboot.

Find and delete the file c:\windows\system\calsp.dll


Run Hijack This again and put a check by these.

R3 - URLSearchHook: (no name) - _{CA0E28FA-1AFD-4C21-A8DC-70EB5BE2F076} - (no file)

F2 - REG:system.ini: UserInit=userinit.exe,

O2 - BHO: BTGrabObj Class - {00000000-F09C-02B4-6EC2-AD0300000000} - C:\WINNT\BTGrab.dll

O2 - BHO: SDWin32 Class - {C18DF550-18BD-46F4-B378-220A6C7ECAE2} - C:\WINNT\System32\xxeks.dll (file missing)

O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [UpdReg] C:\WINNT\UpdReg.EXE

O4 - Global Startup: Office Startup.lnk = C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office\OSA.EXE

ALL 016's. They'll come back if needed.

Close ALL windows and browsers except HijackThis and click "Fix checked"


1. Open My Computer
2. Right click on your hard drive that you wish to clean (C drive, for example)
3. In the context menu that opens, select properties
4. Under the general tab you should select Disk Cleanup
5. Windows will scan your drive which will take a few seconds/minutes
6. A box will display the various files you can remove.
Check all boxes except compress old files
7. Click OK and windows will comply.

Restart your computer.

Reboot and "copy/paste" a new log file into this thread.
Post #3
Thanks very much for the help. I did all that you recommended, but the MSN search bar still remains. Below is the latest log file.

Thanks again.

Dave

Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.0
Scan saved at 11:03:36 AM, on 1/9/2005
Platform: Windows 2000 SP4 (WinNT 5.00.2195)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v6.00 SP1 (6.00.2800.1106)

Running processes:
C:\WINNT\System32\smss.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\winlogon.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\services.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\lsass.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\svchost.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\LEXBCES.EXE
C:\WINNT\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\WINNT\System32\Ati2evxx.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\LEXPPS.EXE
C:\WINNT\System32\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\Network Associates\Common Framework\FrameworkService.exe
C:\Program Files\Network Associates\VirusScan\Mcshield.exe
C:\Program Files\Network Associates\VirusScan\VsTskMgr.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\regsvc.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\MSTask.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\stisvc.exe
C:\WINNT\System32\WBEM\WinMgmt.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\svchost.exe
C:\WINNT\Explorer.EXE
C:\WINNT\System32\spool\DRIVERS\W32X86\2\printray.exe
C:\Program Files\ATI Technologies\ATI Control Panel\atiptaxx.exe
C:\Program Files\Network Associates\VirusScan\SHSTAT.EXE
C:\Program Files\Network Associates\Common Framework\UpdaterUI.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Network Associates\TalkBack\TBMon.exe
C:\Program Files\AIM95\aim.exe
D:\Upgrades and Exe's\hijackthis\HijackThis.exe

R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://dsl.snet.net/
N1 - Netscape 4: user_pref("browser.startup.homepage", "http://php2.cthome.net/"); (C:\Program Files\Netscape\Users\david_cullen\prefs.js)
O2 - BHO: AcroIEHlprObj Class - {06849E9F-C8D7-4D59-B87D-784B7D6BE0B3} - C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 6.0\Reader\ActiveX\AcroIEHelper.dll
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {53707962-6F74-2D53-2644-206D7942484F} - C:\PROGRA~1\SPYBOT~1\SDHelper.dll
O3 - Toolbar: @msdxmLC.dll,-1@1033,&Radio - {8E718888-423F-11D2-876E-00A0C9082467} - C:\WINNT\System32\msdxm.ocx
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Synchronization Manager] mobsync.exe /logon
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Jet Detection] "C:\Program Files\Creative\SBLive\PROGRAM\ADGJDet.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [PrinTray] C:\WINNT\System32\spool\DRIVERS\W32X86\2\printray.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ATIPTA] C:\Program Files\ATI Technologies\ATI Control Panel\atiptaxx.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [QuickTime Task] "C:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe" -atboottime
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ShStatEXE] "C:\Program Files\Network Associates\VirusScan\SHSTAT.EXE" /STANDALONE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [McAfeeUpdaterUI] "C:\Program Files\Network Associates\Common Framework\UpdaterUI.exe" /StartedFromRunKey
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Network Associates Error Reporting Service] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Network Associates\TalkBack\TBMon.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [bewkvmcqzrmq] C:\WINNT\system32\otulkyof.exe
O4 - Global Startup: Adobe Gamma Loader.lnk = C:\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe\Calibration\Adobe Gamma Loader.exe
O8 - Extra context menu item: E&xport to Microsoft Excel - res://C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~2\Office10\EXCEL.EXE/3000
O9 - Extra button: AIM - {AC9E2541-2814-11d5-BC6D-00B0D0A1DE45} - C:\Program Files\AIM95\aim.exe
O12 - Plugin for .pdf: C:\Program Files\Netscape\Communicator\Program\PLUGINS\nppdf32.dll
O17 - HKLM\System\CCS\Services\Tcpip\..\{624225C8-7CAF-4319-89BA-FF54E1AFAF41}: NameServer = 204.60.203.179 66.73.20.40
O23 - Service: Ati HotKey Poller - Unknown - C:\WINNT\System32\Ati2evxx.exe
O23 - Service: ATI Smart - Unknown - C:\WINNT\system32\ati2sgag.exe
O23 - Service: Logical Disk Manager Administrative Service - VERITAS Software Corp. - C:\WINNT\System32\dmadmin.exe
O23 - Service: LexBce Server - Lexmark International, Inc. - C:\WINNT\system32\LEXBCES.EXE
O23 - Service: McAfee Framework Service - Network Associates, Inc. - C:\Program Files\Network Associates\Common Framework\FrameworkService.exe
O23 - Service: Network Associates McShield - Network Associates, Inc. - C:\Program Files\Network Associates\VirusScan\Mcshield.exe
O23 - Service: Network Associates Task Manager - Network Associates, Inc. - C:\Program Files\Network Associates\VirusScan\VsTskMgr.exe
Post #4
I suggest you do this:

Run Hijack This again and put a check by these.

O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [bewkvmcqzrmq] C:\WINNT\system32\otulkyof.exe

Close ALL windows and browsers except HijackThis and click "Fix checked"


Restart your computer in Safe Mode

Press the F8 key, when you see the Starting Windows bar at the bottom of the screen.

Choose the Safe Mode option from the Windows Advanced Options Menu then press Enter.



Open C:\WINNT\system32\otulkyof.exe <–Delete File



1. Open My Computer
2. Right click on your hard drive that you wish to clean (C drive, for example)
3. In the context menu that opens, select properties
4. Under the general tab you should select Disk Cleanup
5. Windows will scan your drive which will take a few seconds/minutes
6. A box will display the various files you can remove.
Check all boxes except compress old files (If listed)
7. Click OK and windows will comply.

Restart your computer.

Reboot and "copy/paste" a new log file into this thread.
Post #5
OK, I've done all that and still no Joy. I'm beginning to wonder if it's a malfunction within IE6 and not an official "hijack".

The file you asked me to delete didn't actually exist. Disk Cleanup only found what was in my Recycle Bin.

Getting to my wit's end. Here's the current scan:

Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.0
Scan saved at 6:46:28 PM, on 1/12/2005
Platform: Windows 2000 SP4 (WinNT 5.00.2195)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v6.00 SP1 (6.00.2800.1106)

Running processes:
C:\WINNT\System32\smss.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\winlogon.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\services.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\lsass.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\svchost.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\LEXBCES.EXE
C:\WINNT\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\WINNT\System32\Ati2evxx.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\LEXPPS.EXE
C:\WINNT\System32\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\Network Associates\Common Framework\FrameworkService.exe
C:\Program Files\Network Associates\VirusScan\Mcshield.exe
C:\Program Files\Network Associates\VirusScan\VsTskMgr.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\regsvc.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\MSTask.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\stisvc.exe
C:\WINNT\System32\WBEM\WinMgmt.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\svchost.exe
C:\WINNT\Explorer.EXE
C:\WINNT\System32\spool\DRIVERS\W32X86\2\printray.exe
C:\Program Files\ATI Technologies\ATI Control Panel\atiptaxx.exe
C:\Program Files\Network Associates\VirusScan\SHSTAT.EXE
C:\Program Files\Network Associates\Common Framework\UpdaterUI.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Network Associates\TalkBack\TBMon.exe
C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\IEXPLORE.EXE
D:\Upgrades and Exe's\hijackthis\HijackThis.exe

R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://dsl.snet.net/
N1 - Netscape 4: user_pref("browser.startup.homepage", "http://php2.cthome.net/"); (C:\Program Files\Netscape\Users\david_cullen\prefs.js)
O2 - BHO: AcroIEHlprObj Class - {06849E9F-C8D7-4D59-B87D-784B7D6BE0B3} - C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 6.0\Reader\ActiveX\AcroIEHelper.dll
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {53707962-6F74-2D53-2644-206D7942484F} - C:\PROGRA~1\SPYBOT~1\SDHelper.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Synchronization Manager] mobsync.exe /logon
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Jet Detection] "C:\Program Files\Creative\SBLive\PROGRAM\ADGJDet.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [PrinTray] C:\WINNT\System32\spool\DRIVERS\W32X86\2\printray.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ATIPTA] C:\Program Files\ATI Technologies\ATI Control Panel\atiptaxx.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [QuickTime Task] "C:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe" -atboottime
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ShStatEXE] "C:\Program Files\Network Associates\VirusScan\SHSTAT.EXE" /STANDALONE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [McAfeeUpdaterUI] "C:\Program Files\Network Associates\Common Framework\UpdaterUI.exe" /StartedFromRunKey
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Network Associates Error Reporting Service] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Network Associates\TalkBack\TBMon.exe"
O4 - Global Startup: Adobe Gamma Loader.lnk = C:\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe\Calibration\Adobe Gamma Loader.exe
O8 - Extra context menu item: E&xport to Microsoft Excel - res://C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~2\Office10\EXCEL.EXE/3000
O9 - Extra button: AIM - {AC9E2541-2814-11d5-BC6D-00B0D0A1DE45} - C:\Program Files\AIM95\aim.exe
O12 - Plugin for .pdf: C:\Program Files\Netscape\Communicator\Program\PLUGINS\nppdf32.dll
O16 - DPF: {3BFFE033-BF43-11D5-A271-00A024A51325} (iNotes6 Class) - http://itgnhvdoma.prox.com/iNotes6.cab
O17 - HKLM\System\CCS\Services\Tcpip\..\{624225C8-7CAF-4319-89BA-FF54E1AFAF41}: NameServer = 204.60.203.179 66.73.20.40
O23 - Service: Ati HotKey Poller - Unknown - C:\WINNT\System32\Ati2evxx.exe
O23 - Service: ATI Smart - Unknown - C:\WINNT\system32\ati2sgag.exe
O23 - Service: Logical Disk Manager Administrative Service - VERITAS Software Corp. - C:\WINNT\System32\dmadmin.exe
O23 - Service: LexBce Server - Lexmark International, Inc. - C:\WINNT\system32\LEXBCES.EXE
O23 - Service: McAfee Framework Service - Network Associates, Inc. - C:\Program Files\Network Associates\Common Framework\FrameworkService.exe
O23 - Service: Network Associates McShield - Network Associates, Inc. - C:\Program Files\Network Associates\VirusScan\Mcshield.exe
O23 - Service: Network Associates Task Manager - Network Associates, Inc. - C:\Program Files\Network Associates\VirusScan\VsTskMgr.exe

Thanks a bunch.

Dave
Post #6
Your log looks good :thumbup: Put your mouse pointer up on the search bar and do a Right Click. Do you have one that shows MSN with a check mark? If so, un checkit.
Post #7
My problem has been resolved. I guess it wasn't a hijack case after all. One of the MS IE6 forums recommended the following:

Restore default Search functions:

In order to restore you default Search functions, download and run the
program below. You will have to redo any customized features you may have
added afterward.

http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/regs_edits…toreSearch2.REG

My search bar has now been restored to the default behavior, which was my intent. Maybe you guys should keep this for future reference.

In any case, I thank you profoundly for having taken the time to deal with this with me. I'm sure my registry thanks you as well.

dave
Post #9
Glad we could help.

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