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Spyware / Malware / Virus Removal

Searchbar Keeps Showing Up

3 min read

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Post #1
Microsoft antispyware says searchbar is trying to change my homepage. How do i get rid of it. Here is my log, please help.

Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.1
Scan saved at 7:30:34 PM, on 10/03/2005
Platform: Windows XP SP2 (WinNT 5.01.2600)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v6.00 SP2 (6.00.2900.2180)

Running processes:
C:\WINDOWS\System32\smss.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\winlogon.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\services.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\lsass.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgamsvr.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgupsvc.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\system32\carpserv.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\igfxtray.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\hkcmd.exe
C:\WINDOWS\SOUNDMAN.EXE
C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgcc.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgemc.exe
C:\Program Files\Microsoft AntiSpyware\gcasServ.exe
C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
C:\Program Files\Microsoft AntiSpyware\gcasDtServ.exe
C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe
C:\Documents and Settings\Dav\Desktop\HijackThis.exe

R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Bar = file://C:\WINDOWS\system32\SearchBar.htm
R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://princeton.cablerocket.com/news/
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [CARPService] carpserv.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [IgfxTray] C:\WINDOWS\System32\igfxtray.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [HotKeysCmds] C:\WINDOWS\System32\hkcmd.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SoundMan] SOUNDMAN.EXE
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: [gcasServ] "C:\Program Files\Microsoft AntiSpyware\gcasServ.exe"
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [MSMSGS] "C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe" /background
O9 - Extra button: Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Windows Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
O16 - DPF: {17492023-C23A-453E-A040-C7C580BBF700} (Windows Genuine Advantage Validation Tool) - http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=36467&clcid=0x409
O20 - Winlogon Notify: igfxcui - C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\igfxsrvc.dll
O23 - Service: AVG7 Alert Manager Server (Avg7Alrt) - GRISOFT, s.r.o. - C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgamsvr.exe
O23 - Service: AVG7 Update Service (Avg7UpdSvc) - GRISOFT, s.r.o. - C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgupsvc.exe
Post #2
Hello Grizzgare and welcome to TomCoyote. :wavey:

Step 1
HijackThis needs to be placed into a permanent folder as it creates backups of everything fixed and you won't want these on your desktop. Go to Start > My Computer > and double click on C:. Now right click an open area and click New > folder and change the folder name to HJT. Move HijackThis from the desktop into this new folder.


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

R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Bar = file://C:\WINDOWS\system32\SearchBar.htm

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.

You will need to reverse this process when all steps are done.


Step 4
Please delete the following file:

C:\WINDOWS\system32\SearchBar.htm

If you have any problem deleting these files, reboot into Safe Mode (tap F8 during bootup, use arrow keys to select Safe Mode, then hit 'enter') and try again.


Step 5
Please delete your temporary files by deleting all files and folders that are in those folders (do not delete the temp folder itself) like for example
C:\WINDOWS\Temp\
C:\Temp\
C:\Documents and Settings\Every username\Local Settings\Temp\
Also delete your Temporary Internet Files (Start > Control Panel > Internet Options > Delete Files), be sure to also select delete all offline content.
Empty the Recycle Bin.


Step 6
Reboot normally. Make sure no items are prevented from startup either with msconfig or with a startup manager. Scan with HijackThis and post the new log as a reply to this thread.
Please let us know of any complications and how the computer is behaving.
Post #4
Now that everything is fixed, 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.

AVG AntiVirus - Free antivirus program if you currently are not using one.
ZoneAlarm - Free firewall program if you currently are not using one.

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.
Post #5
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