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Help Me Again!

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Hello. You helped me out once before and everything was fine until recently. Now the computer is very very slow, hotmail playing up, ads appearing all the time and having lots of trouble even getting online in the first place. Very grateful for someone's help again as this is driving me mad!!!!

Thanks in advance, here's my hijack this log.

Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.1
Scan saved at 21:18:46, on 23/02/05
Platform: Windows 98 SE (Win9x 4.10.2222A)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v6.00 SP1 (6.00.2800.1106)

Running processes:
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\KERNEL32.DLL
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\MSGSRV32.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\MPREXE.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\mmtask.tsk
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\MSTASK.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\GRISOFT\AVG6\AVGSERV9.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\EXPLORER.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\TASKMON.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\SYSTRAY.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\WINAMP3\WINAMPA.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\GRISOFT\AVG6\AVGCC32.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\ADTOOLS SERVICE\ADTOOLS.EXE
C:\TEMP\SALM.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\WMIEXE.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\INIIIFA.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\ADTOOLS SERVICE\ADTOOLSKEEP.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\WFAT.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\ADAPTEC\EASY CD CREATOR 4\CREATECD\CREATECD.EXE
C:\MY DOCUMENTS\PICTURE SUITE\INSDETECT.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\IMACJI32.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\SPYWAREGUARD\SGMAIN.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\SPYWAREGUARD\SGBHP.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\CXTPLS\CXTPLS.EXE
C:\UNZIPPED\HIJACKTHIS[1]\HIJACKTHIS.EXE

R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings,ProxyServer = http=http://www-cache.freeserve.com:8080;ftp=http://www-cache.freeserve.com:8080
R3 - Default URLSearchHook is missing
O2 - BHO: AcroIEHlprObj Class - {06849E9F-C8D7-4D59-B87D-784B7D6BE0B3} - C:\PROGRAM FILES\ADOBE\ACROBAT 5.0\READER\ACTIVEX\ACROIEHELPER.OCX
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {53707962-6F74-2D53-2644-206D7942484F} - C:\PROGRA~1\SPYBOT~1\SDHELPER.DLL
O2 - BHO: SpywareGuard Download Protection - {4A368E80-174F-4872-96B5-0B27DDD11DB2} - C:\PROGRAM FILES\SPYWAREGUARD\DLPROTECT.DLL
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {016235BE-59D4-4CEB-ADD5-E2378282A1D9} - C:\PROGRAM FILES\CXTPLS\CXTPLS.DLL
O3 - Toolbar: &Radio - {8E718888-423F-11D2-876E-00A0C9082467} - C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\MSDXM.OCX
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ScanRegistry] C:\WINDOWS\scanregw.exe /autorun
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [TaskMonitor] C:\WINDOWS\taskmon.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SystemTray] SysTray.Exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [LoadPowerProfile] Rundll32.exe powrprof.dll,LoadCurrentPwrScheme
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [EnsoniqMixer] starter.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [WinampAgent] "C:\Program Files\Winamp3\winampa.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AVG_CC] C:\PROGRA~1\GRISOFT\AVG6\avgcc32.exe /STARTUP
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Ad Muncher] C:\Program Files\Ad Muncher\AdMunch.exe /bt
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AdTools Service] C:\PROGRAM FILES\ADTOOLS SERVICE\ADTOOLS.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [salm] c:\temp\salm.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [pq4S36g] INIIIFA.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [wfat] C:\WINDOWS\wfat.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [CreateCD] C:\PROGRA~1\ADAPTEC\EASYCD~1\CREATECD\CREATECD.EXE -r
O4 - HKLM\..\RunServices: [LoadPowerProfile] Rundll32.exe powrprof.dll,LoadCurrentPwrScheme
O4 - HKLM\..\RunServices: [SchedulingAgent] mstask.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\RunServices: [TrueVector] C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\ZONELABS\VSMON.EXE -service
O4 - HKLM\..\RunServices: [Avgserv9.exe] C:\PROGRA~1\GRISOFT\AVG6\Avgserv9.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [Jessops Insert Detect] C:\My Documents\Picture Suite\InsDetect.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [Y9v2RWMni] IMACJI32.EXE
O4 - Startup: Microsoft Office.lnk = C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office\OSA9.EXE
O4 - Startup: SpywareGuard.lnk = C:\Program Files\SpywareGuard\sgmain.exe
O8 - Extra context menu item: Download with Go!Zilla - file://C:\PROGRAM FILES\GO!ZILLA\download-with-gozilla.html
O12 - Plugin for .spop: C:\PROGRA~1\INTERN~1\Plugins\NPDocBox.dll
O16 - DPF: {11260943-421B-11D0-8EAC-0000C07D88CF} (iPIX ActiveX Control) - http://www.ipix.com/download/ipixx.cab
O16 - DPF: ppctlcab - http://www.pestscan.com/scanner/ppctlcab.cab
O16 - DPF: {15AD4789-CDB4-47E1-A9DA-992EE8E6BAD6} - http://static.windupdates.com/cab/Download…/bridge-c10.cab
Welcome back Elainedawson. :wavey:

Step 1
Open Task Manager and end process on the following:

CXTPLS.EXE
ADTOOLSKEEP.EXE
ADTOOLS.EXE
SALM.EXE
INIIIFA.EXE



Step 2
Open HijackThis, run a scan, then check the following:

R3 - Default URLSearchHook is missing

O2 - BHO: (no name) - {016235BE-59D4-4CEB-ADD5-E2378282A1D9} - C:\PROGRAM FILES\CXTPLS\CXTPLS.DLL

O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AdTools Service] C:\PROGRAM FILES\ADTOOLS SERVICE\ADTOOLS.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [salm] c:\temp\salm.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [pq4S36g] INIIIFA.EXE
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [Y9v2RWMni] IMACJI32.EXE

O16 - DPF: {15AD4789-CDB4-47E1-A9DA-992EE8E6BAD6} - http://static.windupdates.com/cab/Download…/bridge-c10.cab


The following have randomly named file names, and as such are normally malware, UNLESS you know what they are, and they are from a safe source, please check for removal.

O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [wfat] C:\WINDOWS\wfat.exe

Optional items to check with HijackThis for improved performance.
Resource hog that launches common MS Office components to help speed up the launch of Office programs. Some users claim there's no difference with or without it but it isn't required anyway.
O4 - Startup: Microsoft Office.lnk = C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office\OSA9.EXE

With all other programs and browsers closed, click fix checked.


Step 3
Please set your computer to show all files.

* Double-click My Computer.
* Click the Tools menu, and then click Folder Options.
* Click the View tab.
* Clear "Hide file extensions for known file types."
* Under the "Hidden files" folder, select "Show hidden files and folders."
* Clear "Hide protected operating system files."
* Click Apply, and then click OK.


Step 4
Please delete the following files/folders:

C:\PROGRAM FILES\ADTOOLS SERVICE << Whole Folder
C:\PROGRAM FILES\CXTPLS << Whole Folder

c:\temp\salm.exe << File Only
C:\WINDOWS\wfat.exe << File Only if fixed above

You'll need to search for these files with Explorer to delete. They may be in C:\WINDOWS\system32\ or C:\WINDOWS\

INIIIFA.EXE
IMACJI32.EXE



Step 5
I see that you are using AVG6 Antivirus on your computer. This version is no longer supported. Please download the newest version from here.


Step 6
Reboot normally and scan with HijackThis. Post the new log as a reply to this thread.
Please let us know how the computer is behaving.
Hi, the computer is working a lot better (quicker, no adverts so far). One or two problems still. I couldn't delete Imacji32 as a message kept coming up saying that it was in use by Windows. Also I still have to dial up by using outlook, ie I can't get online directly.
Thanks for your help, looking forward to your next message to sort out the last niggling problems.


Here my new hijack this log:

Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.1
Scan saved at 21:24:46, on 04/03/05
Platform: Windows 98 SE (Win9x 4.10.2222A)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v6.00 SP1 (6.00.2800.1106)

Running processes:
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\KERNEL32.DLL
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\MSGSRV32.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\MPREXE.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\mmtask.tsk
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\MSTASK.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\GRISOFT\AVG6\AVGSERV9.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\EXPLORER.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\TASKMON.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\SYSTRAY.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\WINAMP3\WINAMPA.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\GRISOFT\AVG6\AVGCC32.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\ADAPTEC\EASY CD CREATOR 4\CREATECD\CREATECD.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\WMIEXE.EXE
C:\MY DOCUMENTS\PICTURE SUITE\INSDETECT.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\SPYWAREGUARD\SGMAIN.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\SPYWAREGUARD\SGBHP.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\PSTORES.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\RNAAPP.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\TAPISRV.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\INTERNET EXPLORER\IEXPLORE.EXE
C:\UNZIPPED\HIJACKTHIS[1]\HIJACKTHIS.EXE

R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings,ProxyServer = http=http://www-cache.freeserve.com:8080;ftp=http://www-cache.freeserve.com:8080
O2 - BHO: AcroIEHlprObj Class - {06849E9F-C8D7-4D59-B87D-784B7D6BE0B3} - C:\PROGRAM FILES\ADOBE\ACROBAT 5.0\READER\ACTIVEX\ACROIEHELPER.OCX
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {53707962-6F74-2D53-2644-206D7942484F} - C:\PROGRA~1\SPYBOT~1\SDHELPER.DLL
O2 - BHO: SpywareGuard Download Protection - {4A368E80-174F-4872-96B5-0B27DDD11DB2} - C:\PROGRAM FILES\SPYWAREGUARD\DLPROTECT.DLL
O3 - Toolbar: &Radio - {8E718888-423F-11D2-876E-00A0C9082467} - C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\MSDXM.OCX
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ScanRegistry] C:\WINDOWS\scanregw.exe /autorun
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [TaskMonitor] C:\WINDOWS\taskmon.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SystemTray] SysTray.Exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [LoadPowerProfile] Rundll32.exe powrprof.dll,LoadCurrentPwrScheme
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [EnsoniqMixer] starter.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [WinampAgent] "C:\Program Files\Winamp3\winampa.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AVG_CC] C:\PROGRA~1\GRISOFT\AVG6\avgcc32.exe /STARTUP
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Ad Muncher] C:\Program Files\Ad Muncher\AdMunch.exe /bt
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AdTools Service] C:\PROGRAM FILES\ADTOOLS SERVICE\ADTOOLS.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [CreateCD] C:\PROGRA~1\ADAPTEC\EASYCD~1\CREATECD\CREATECD.EXE -r
O4 - HKLM\..\RunServices: [LoadPowerProfile] Rundll32.exe powrprof.dll,LoadCurrentPwrScheme
O4 - HKLM\..\RunServices: [SchedulingAgent] mstask.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\RunServices: [TrueVector] C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\ZONELABS\VSMON.EXE -service
O4 - HKLM\..\RunServices: [Avgserv9.exe] C:\PROGRA~1\GRISOFT\AVG6\Avgserv9.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [Jessops Insert Detect] C:\My Documents\Picture Suite\InsDetect.exe
O4 - Startup: SpywareGuard.lnk = C:\Program Files\SpywareGuard\sgmain.exe
O8 - Extra context menu item: Download with Go!Zilla - file://C:\PROGRAM FILES\GO!ZILLA\download-with-gozilla.html
O12 - Plugin for .spop: C:\PROGRA~1\INTERN~1\Plugins\NPDocBox.dll
O16 - DPF: {11260943-421B-11D0-8EAC-0000C07D88CF} (iPIX ActiveX Control) - http://www.ipix.com/download/ipixx.cab
O16 - DPF: ppctlcab - http://www.pestscan.com/scanner/ppctlcab.cab

Also I still have to dial up by using outlook, ie I can't get online directly.

Ad-Muncher is known to have conflicts with outlook. Did you have this problem before getting this program?


Step 1
Open HijackThis, run a scan, then check the following:

C:\PROGRAM FILES\ADTOOLS SERVICE\ADTOOLS.EXE

With all other programs and browsers closed, click fix checked.


Step 2
Please set your computer to show all files.

* Double-click My Computer.
* Click the Tools menu, and then click Folder Options.
* Click the View tab.
* Clear "Hide file extensions for known file types."
* Under the "Hidden files" folder, select "Show hidden files and folders."
* Clear "Hide protected operating system files."
* Click Apply, and then click OK.


Step 3
Reboot the computer into Safe Mode
1. Restart the computer.
2. As the computer restarts, press and hold down the F8 key until the Windows 98 startup menu appears.
3. Choose Safe mode from the startup menu, and then press Enter. Windows starts in Safe mode.


Step 4
Please delete the following files/folders:

C:\PROGRAM FILES\ADTOOLS SERVICE << Whole Folder

You'll need to search for these files with Explorer to delete. They may be in C:\WINDOWS\system32\ or C:\WINDOWS\

IMACJI32.EXE


Step 5
Very Important! You are using AVG6 Antivirus on your computer. This version is no longer supported. Please download the newest version from here.


Step 6
Reboot normally and scan with HijackThis. Post the new log as a reply to this thread.
Please let us know how the computer is behaving and if you had any problem removing the file and folder above.
Hello. Latest Hijack log attached below. The computer is now behaving quite well. Do you recommend I get rid of Ad muncher as I still have to open Outlook to form an internet connection before opening IE. I was not able to find and delete Adtools program.

On another subject, have you any idea why I am unable to use peripherals on my USB ports? I have inherited this Compaq Deskpro from my brother's office, and I suppose its a little old now. I have read up about modifying the BIOS and flash etc but I can't even get into the BIOS at setup, despite pressing a bewildering combination of buttons. If you can offer any ideas I'd be v grateful.

Bye. Give your dog a scratch betweeen the ears from me.


Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.1
Scan saved at 21:43:22, on 08/03/05
Platform: Windows 98 SE (Win9x 4.10.2222A)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v6.00 SP1 (6.00.2800.1106)

Running processes:
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\KERNEL32.DLL
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\MSGSRV32.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\MPREXE.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\mmtask.tsk
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\MSTASK.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\EXPLORER.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\TASKMON.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\SYSTRAY.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\WINAMP3\WINAMPA.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\GRISOFT\AVG FREE\AVGCC.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\GRISOFT\AVG FREE\AVGEMC.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\WMIEXE.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\GRISOFT\AVG FREE\AVGAMSVR.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\ADAPTEC\EASY CD CREATOR 4\CREATECD\CREATECD.EXE
C:\MY DOCUMENTS\PICTURE SUITE\INSDETECT.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\SPYWAREGUARD\SGMAIN.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\SPYWAREGUARD\SGBHP.EXE
C:\UNZIPPED\HIJACKTHIS[1]\HIJACKTHIS.EXE

R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings,ProxyServer = http=http://www-cache.freeserve.com:8080;ftp=http://www-cache.freeserve.com:8080
O2 - BHO: AcroIEHlprObj Class - {06849E9F-C8D7-4D59-B87D-784B7D6BE0B3} - C:\PROGRAM FILES\ADOBE\ACROBAT 5.0\READER\ACTIVEX\ACROIEHELPER.OCX
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {53707962-6F74-2D53-2644-206D7942484F} - C:\PROGRA~1\SPYBOT~1\SDHELPER.DLL
O2 - BHO: SpywareGuard Download Protection - {4A368E80-174F-4872-96B5-0B27DDD11DB2} - C:\PROGRAM FILES\SPYWAREGUARD\DLPROTECT.DLL
O3 - Toolbar: &Radio - {8E718888-423F-11D2-876E-00A0C9082467} - C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\MSDXM.OCX
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ScanRegistry] C:\WINDOWS\scanregw.exe /autorun
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [TaskMonitor] C:\WINDOWS\taskmon.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SystemTray] SysTray.Exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [LoadPowerProfile] Rundll32.exe powrprof.dll,LoadCurrentPwrScheme
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [EnsoniqMixer] starter.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [WinampAgent] "C:\Program Files\Winamp3\winampa.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Ad Muncher] C:\Program Files\Ad Muncher\AdMunch.exe /bt
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AVG7_CC] C:\PROGRA~1\GRISOFT\AVGFRE~1\AVGCC.EXE /STARTUP
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AVG7_EMC] C:\PROGRA~1\GRISOFT\AVGFRE~1\AVGEMC.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AVG7_AMSVR] C:\PROGRA~1\GRISOFT\AVGFRE~1\AVGAMSVR.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [CreateCD] C:\PROGRA~1\ADAPTEC\EASYCD~1\CREATECD\CREATECD.EXE -r
O4 - HKLM\..\RunServices: [LoadPowerProfile] Rundll32.exe powrprof.dll,LoadCurrentPwrScheme
O4 - HKLM\..\RunServices: [SchedulingAgent] mstask.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\RunServices: [TrueVector] C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\ZONELABS\VSMON.EXE -service
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [Jessops Insert Detect] C:\My Documents\Picture Suite\InsDetect.exe
O4 - Startup: SpywareGuard.lnk = C:\Program Files\SpywareGuard\sgmain.exe
O8 - Extra context menu item: Download with Go!Zilla - file://C:\PROGRAM FILES\GO!ZILLA\download-with-gozilla.html
O12 - Plugin for .spop: C:\PROGRA~1\INTERN~1\Plugins\NPDocBox.dll
O16 - DPF: {11260943-421B-11D0-8EAC-0000C07D88CF} (iPIX ActiveX Control) - http://www.ipix.com/download/ipixx.cab
O16 - DPF: ppctlcab - http://www.pestscan.com/scanner/ppctlcab.cab
That is a clean log now. :)

Do you recommend I get rid of Ad muncher as I still have to open Outlook to form an internet connection before opening IE.

You can try removing it and see if it helps. If it still doesn't work, it can always be reinstalled.

On another subject, have you any idea why I am unable to use peripherals on my USB ports?

You may have already read this article but I'll post the link here.
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?…kb;en-us;263218


We usually refer these types of problems to PCPitsop Forums as they are better equipt to deal with these types of issues. Be sure to include a link to this thread if you do post there.


I suggest that you get these programs to help keep the computer clean:

Spyware Blaster - Blocks bad ActiveX items from installing on your computer.
SpywareGuard - Real-time protection from spyware installation attempts
ie-spyad - Puts over 8,000 bad URLs into your restricted sites for Internet Explorer.
Google Toolbar - Blocks many unwanted pop-ups in Internet Explorer.
Firefox - Safer alternative to the Internet Explorer web browser.

Update these regularly.

You may also want to read "How did I get infected in the first place" to learn how to better secure your computer.

Be sure to keep Windows and your Anti-virus updated.
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