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

Logfile of HijackThis

8 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 Advice, software, and links below may be out of date — treat specific steps and download links with caution.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 #1
Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.1
Scan saved at 9:18:33 AM, on 3/7/2006
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\Explorer.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\system32\LEXBCES.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\LEXPPS.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\eHome\ehRecvr.exe
C:\WINDOWS\eHome\ehSched.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\nvsvc32.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\New Boundary\PrismXL\PRISMXL.SYS
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\Webroot\Spy Sweeper\WRSSSDK.exe
C:\Program Files\Trend Micro\Antivirus\Tmntsrv.exe
C:\Program Files\Trend Micro\Antivirus\tmproxy.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\dllhost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\ehome\ehtray.exe
C:\Program Files\Digital Media Reader\shwiconem.exe
C:\Program Files\CyberLink\PowerDVD\PDVDServ.exe
C:\WINDOWS\zHotkey.exe
C:\WINDOWS\eHome\ehmsas.exe
C:\WINDOWS\RTHDCPL.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\system32\RUNDLL32.EXE
C:\Program Files\Webroot\Spy Sweeper\SpySweeper.exe
C:\Program Files\Trend Micro\Antivirus\pccguide.exe
C:\Program Files\Trend Micro\Antivirus\PCClient.exe
C:\Program Files\Trend Micro\Antivirus\TMOAgent.exe
C:\Program Files\Lexmark X1100 Series\lxbkbmgr.exe
C:\Program Files\Lexmark X1100 Series\lxbkbmon.exe
C:\Program Files\MSN Messenger\MsnMsgr.Exe
C:\Program Files\BigFix\BigFix.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\Works Shared\WkCalRem.exe
C:\Program Files\Windows Defender\MsMpEng.exe
C:\Program Files\Windows Defender\MSASCui.exe
C:\Program Files\MSN\MSNCoreFiles\msn.exe
C:\Program Files\MSN\MSNIA\msniasvc.exe
C:\Program Files\MSN\MSNIA\WA\ClientSideProxy.exe
C:\Program Files\Windows Media Player\wmplayer.exe
C:\Documents and Settings\Owner\My Documents\My Downloads\HijackThis.exe

R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://www.emachines.com/
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings,ProxyServer = http=127.0.0.1:9022
O2 - BHO: AcroIEHlprObj Class - {06849E9F-C8D7-4D59-B87D-784B7D6BE0B3} - C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 7.0\ActiveX\AcroIEHelper.dll
O2 - BHO: Google Toolbar Helper - {AA58ED58-01DD-4d91-8333-CF10577473F7} - c:\program files\google\googletoolbar1.dll
O3 - Toolbar: &Google - {2318C2B1-4965-11d4-9B18-009027A5CD4F} - c:\program files\google\googletoolbar1.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ehTray] C:\WINDOWS\ehome\ehtray.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NeroFilterCheck] C:\WINDOWS\system32\NeroCheck.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SunKistEM] C:\Program Files\Digital Media Reader\shwiconem.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NvCplDaemon] RUNDLL32.EXE C:\WINDOWS\system32\NvCpl.dll,NvStartup
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [nwiz] nwiz.exe /install
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [High Definition Audio Property Page Shortcut] HDAShCut.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [RemoteControl] "C:\Program Files\CyberLink\PowerDVD\PDVDServ.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [CHotkey] zHotkey.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [RTHDCPL] RTHDCPL.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Alcmtr] ALCMTR.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NvMediaCenter] RUNDLL32.EXE C:\WINDOWS\system32\NvMcTray.dll,NvTaskbarInit
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SpySweeper] "C:\Program Files\Webroot\Spy Sweeper\SpySweeper.exe" /startintray
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [pccguide.exe] "C:\Program Files\Trend Micro\Antivirus\pccguide.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [PCClient.exe] "C:\Program Files\Trend Micro\Antivirus\PCClient.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [TM Outbreak Agent] "C:\Program Files\Trend Micro\Antivirus\TMOAgent.exe" /run
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Lexmark X1100 Series] "C:\Program Files\Lexmark X1100 Series\lxbkbmgr.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Windows Defender] "C:\Program Files\Windows Defender\MSASCui.exe" -hide
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [MsnMsgr] "C:\Program Files\MSN Messenger\MsnMsgr.Exe" /background
O4 - Startup: wkcalrem.LNK = C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\Works Shared\WkCalRem.exe
O4 - Global Startup: BigFix.lnk = C:\Program Files\BigFix\BigFix.exe
O8 - Extra context menu item: E&xport to Microsoft Excel - res://C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~2\OFFICE11\EXCEL.EXE/3000
O8 - Extra context menu item: View Original Image - C:\program files\msn\msnia\wa\getoriginal.htm
O9 - Extra button: Research - {92780B25-18CC-41C8-B9BE-3C9C571A8263} - C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~2\OFFICE11\REFIEBAR.DLL
O9 - Extra button: Real.com - {CD67F990-D8E9-11d2-98FE-00C0F0318AFE} - C:\WINDOWS\system32\Shdocvw.dll
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=39204
O17 - HKLM\System\CCS\Services\Tcpip\..\{1FDFCED5-2722-49A4-B692-A361A4AA10BB}: NameServer = 209.244.0.3 209.244.0.4
O20 - Winlogon Notify: WRNotifier - C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\WRLogonNTF.dll
O23 - Service: LexBce Server (LexBceS) - Lexmark International, Inc. - C:\WINDOWS\system32\LEXBCES.EXE
O23 - Service: NVIDIA Display Driver Service (NVSvc) - NVIDIA Corporation - C:\WINDOWS\system32\nvsvc32.exe
O23 - Service: PrismXL - New Boundary Technologies, Inc. - C:\Program Files\Common Files\New Boundary\PrismXL\PRISMXL.SYS
O23 - Service: Webroot Spy Sweeper Engine (svcWRSSSDK) - Webroot Software, Inc. - C:\Program Files\Webroot\Spy Sweeper\WRSSSDK.exe
O23 - Service: Trend NT Realtime Service (Tmntsrv) - Trend Micro Incorporated. - C:\Program Files\Trend Micro\Antivirus\Tmntsrv.exe
O23 - Service: Trend Micro Proxy Service (tmproxy) - Trend Micro Incorporated. - C:\Program Files\Trend Micro\Antivirus\tmproxy.exe
Post #2
Thanks for sending your information. We are sorry for the delay in responding. The volunteers here are swamped and unfortunately not all logs get answered as quickly as we'd like.

If you still need help with your problem, please run Hijack This again. Scan and copy the log, then post it here, in this topic . We do need to see a current logfile.

To post, please use the Add Reply feature, so I will be notified.

Please provide a description of the problem.

Please do not edit your Hijack This log. We need to see the entire logfile, with no revisions.
Post #3
First thing is when I run "Windows Defender" I keep being alerted (not each time I run Defended but almost every time) "Possible Host File Hijack". Defender continues to say the resource file is "C:\WINDOWS\system32\etc\HOSTS". Second thing is
Spy Sweeper IE Security Shield found "C\PROGRAM FILES\MSN\MSNCOREFILES\MSN.EXE – IE Security modification denied. Below is a new HJT Logfile.
Thank you for helping.

Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.1
Scan saved at 4:05:28 PM, on 3/9/2006
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:\Program Files\Windows Defender\MsMpEng.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\system32\LEXBCES.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\LEXPPS.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\eHome\ehRecvr.exe
C:\WINDOWS\eHome\ehSched.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\nvsvc32.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\New Boundary\PrismXL\PRISMXL.SYS
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\Webroot\Spy Sweeper\WRSSSDK.exe
C:\Program Files\Trend Micro\Antivirus\Tmntsrv.exe
C:\Program Files\Trend Micro\Antivirus\tmproxy.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\dllhost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\ehome\ehtray.exe
C:\Program Files\Digital Media Reader\shwiconem.exe
C:\Program Files\CyberLink\PowerDVD\PDVDServ.exe
C:\WINDOWS\zHotkey.exe
C:\WINDOWS\RTHDCPL.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\system32\RUNDLL32.EXE
C:\Program Files\Webroot\Spy Sweeper\SpySweeper.exe
C:\Program Files\Trend Micro\Antivirus\pccguide.exe
C:\Program Files\Trend Micro\Antivirus\PCClient.exe
C:\Program Files\Trend Micro\Antivirus\TMOAgent.exe
C:\Program Files\Lexmark X1100 Series\lxbkbmgr.exe
C:\Program Files\Windows Defender\MSASCui.exe
C:\Program Files\MSN Messenger\MsnMsgr.Exe
C:\Program Files\BigFix\BigFix.exe
C:\WINDOWS\eHome\ehmsas.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\Works Shared\WkCalRem.exe
C:\Program Files\Lexmark X1100 Series\lxbkbmon.exe
C:\Program Files\MSN\MSNIA\msniasvc.exe
C:\Program Files\MSN\MSNCoreFiles\msn.exe
C:\Program Files\MSN\MSNIA\WA\ClientSideProxy.exe
C:\Program Files\Windows Media Player\wmplayer.exe
C:\Program Files\Windows Defender\MpCmdRun.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\wuauclt.exe
C:\Documents and Settings\Owner\My Documents\My Downloads\HijackThis.exe

R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://www.emachines.com/
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings,ProxyServer = http=127.0.0.1:9022
O2 - BHO: AcroIEHlprObj Class - {06849E9F-C8D7-4D59-B87D-784B7D6BE0B3} - C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 7.0\ActiveX\AcroIEHelper.dll
O2 - BHO: Google Toolbar Helper - {AA58ED58-01DD-4d91-8333-CF10577473F7} - c:\program files\google\googletoolbar1.dll
O3 - Toolbar: &Google - {2318C2B1-4965-11d4-9B18-009027A5CD4F} - c:\program files\google\googletoolbar1.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ehTray] C:\WINDOWS\ehome\ehtray.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NeroFilterCheck] C:\WINDOWS\system32\NeroCheck.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SunKistEM] C:\Program Files\Digital Media Reader\shwiconem.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NvCplDaemon] RUNDLL32.EXE C:\WINDOWS\system32\NvCpl.dll,NvStartup
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [nwiz] nwiz.exe /install
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [High Definition Audio Property Page Shortcut] HDAShCut.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [RemoteControl] "C:\Program Files\CyberLink\PowerDVD\PDVDServ.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [CHotkey] zHotkey.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [RTHDCPL] RTHDCPL.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Alcmtr] ALCMTR.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NvMediaCenter] RUNDLL32.EXE C:\WINDOWS\system32\NvMcTray.dll,NvTaskbarInit
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SpySweeper] "C:\Program Files\Webroot\Spy Sweeper\SpySweeper.exe" /startintray
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [pccguide.exe] "C:\Program Files\Trend Micro\Antivirus\pccguide.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [PCClient.exe] "C:\Program Files\Trend Micro\Antivirus\PCClient.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [TM Outbreak Agent] "C:\Program Files\Trend Micro\Antivirus\TMOAgent.exe" /run
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Lexmark X1100 Series] "C:\Program Files\Lexmark X1100 Series\lxbkbmgr.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Windows Defender] "C:\Program Files\Windows Defender\MSASCui.exe" -hide
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [MsnMsgr] "C:\Program Files\MSN Messenger\MsnMsgr.Exe" /background
O4 - Startup: wkcalrem.LNK = C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\Works Shared\WkCalRem.exe
O4 - Global Startup: BigFix.lnk = C:\Program Files\BigFix\BigFix.exe
O8 - Extra context menu item: E&xport to Microsoft Excel - res://C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~2\OFFICE11\EXCEL.EXE/3000
O8 - Extra context menu item: View Original Image - C:\program files\msn\msnia\wa\getoriginal.htm
O9 - Extra button: Research - {92780B25-18CC-41C8-B9BE-3C9C571A8263} - C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~2\OFFICE11\REFIEBAR.DLL
O9 - Extra button: Real.com - {CD67F990-D8E9-11d2-98FE-00C0F0318AFE} - C:\WINDOWS\system32\Shdocvw.dll
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=39204
O17 - HKLM\System\CCS\Services\Tcpip\..\{1FDFCED5-2722-49A4-B692-A361A4AA10BB}: NameServer = 209.244.0.3 209.244.0.4
O20 - Winlogon Notify: WRNotifier - C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\WRLogonNTF.dll
O23 - Service: LexBce Server (LexBceS) - Lexmark International, Inc. - C:\WINDOWS\system32\LEXBCES.EXE
O23 - Service: NVIDIA Display Driver Service (NVSvc) - NVIDIA Corporation - C:\WINDOWS\system32\nvsvc32.exe
O23 - Service: PrismXL - New Boundary Technologies, Inc. - C:\Program Files\Common Files\New Boundary\PrismXL\PRISMXL.SYS
O23 - Service: Webroot Spy Sweeper Engine (svcWRSSSDK) - Webroot Software, Inc. - C:\Program Files\Webroot\Spy Sweeper\WRSSSDK.exe
O23 - Service: Trend NT Realtime Service (Tmntsrv) - Trend Micro Incorporated. - C:\Program Files\Trend Micro\Antivirus\Tmntsrv.exe
O23 - Service: Trend Micro Proxy Service (tmproxy) - Trend Micro Incorporated. - C:\Program Files\Trend Micro\Antivirus\tmproxy.exe
Post #4
Hi willy25:

That's a couple of good ones.
First, I do not see any sign of a hosts file hijack, in the HJT log. We could replace your hosts file. Your option.

And C\PROGRAM FILES\MSN\MSNCOREFILES\MSN.EXE, seems to be a valid MS file.
However, msn.exe could also be a Trojan/Worm, so lets see what Ewido has to say.

There is nothing in your HJT log that indicates those type problems.

Please set your system to show all files; please see here if you're unsure how to do this.


Disable SpySweeper:
You have SpySweeper installed. We need to temporarily disable (not uninstall) the program because it might stop our fix.
  • Open it click >Options over to the left then >program options>Uncheck "load at windows startup"
  • Over to the left click "shields" and uncheck all there.
  • Uncheck" home page shield".
  • Uncheck ''automatically restore default without notification".
After all of the fixes are complete it is very important that you enable SpySweeper again.

Close all Windows and browsers, leaving only HijackThis running.

Place a check against each of the following.

O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Alcmtr] ALCMTR.EXE

Click on Fix Checked when finished and exit HijackThis.

[*]Reboot into Safe Mode: please see here if you are not sure how to do this.


Using Windows Explorer, locate the following files/folders shown DARK and delete them:
You will need to do an all files search for,
ALCMTR.EXE
Exit Explorer, enable hidden files and reboot as normal.

Next:

Please download, install, update and scan your system with the free version of Ewido trojan scanner:
  1. When installing, under "Additional Options" uncheck "Install background guard" and "Install scan via context menu".
  2. When you run ewido for the first time, you will get a warning "Database could not be found!". Click OK.
  3. From the main ewido screen, click on update in the left menu, then click the Start update button.
  4. After the update finishes (the status bar at the bottom will display "Update successful"), click on the Scanner button in the left menu, then click on the Start button. This scan can take quite a while to run, so time to go get a drink and a snack….
  5. If ewido finds anything, it will pop up a notification. You can select "clean" and check the boxes "Perform action with all infections" and "Create encrypted backup" before clicking on OK.
  6. When the scan finishes, click on "Save Report". This will create a text file.
    7. Please save the Ewido report, to be posted here later.

    If you are having problems with the updater, you can use this link to manually update Ewido.
    Ewido manual updates

    The trial version of Ewido works like a full featured version for 14 days, after that the only features that will not work are, autoupdate and realtime protection. It will still be able to be updated with the link above and be used to scan and remove undesirables.

    Please post the Ewido report into this topic.

    To post, please use the Add Reply feature, so I will be notified.
Post #5
Question When I disable Spy Sweeper, I'm not clear about the term "uncheck all there" Do I need to disable every shield or just Uncheck" home page shield" and Uncheck ''automatically restore default without notification"?
Post #6
Yes, we need to disable the shields just as the directions state, because they will attempt to prevent us from making the necessary changes. Many Programs of this type need to be disabled, or fixing the entries with HJT will be prevented and so will continue to remain on your PC.
Post #7
——————————————————— ewido anti-malware - Scan report ——————————————————— + Created on: 5:49:22 PM, 3/10/2006 + Report-Checksum: 951CCA36 + Scan result: C:\Documents and Settings\Owner\Cookies\owner@doubleclick[1].txt -> TrackingCookie.Doubleclick : Cleaned with backup C:\Documents and Settings\Owner\Cookies\owner@msnportal.112.2o7[1].txt -> TrackingCookie.2o7 : Cleaned with backup ::Report End
Post #8
Hi
Well Ewido only found a couple of cookies. Nothing to be concerned about.

Lets have a look at that file and see if it is a genuine Microsoft.

Be sure to first close all open Windows and browsers.
Next, make sure you have Set Windows to show Hidden Files & Folders, then reboot into safe mode

Then, using Windows Explorer locate the following file shown DARK. Right Click on the file and select "PROPERTIES". This will sometimes give you information such as the size, attributes,version number and often the maker.
From this you can often determine if it is good. If it doesn't tell you who made it and you can't find it in Google, it is probably bad. If the file is not from MICROSOFT, then delete it. But I'm fairly certain it will be MS.

C\PROGRAM FILES\MSN\MSNCOREFILES\MSN.EXE

Please advise me of the outcome.
Post #9
In safe mode I checked for "C\PROGRAM FILES\MSN\MSNCOREFILES\MSN.EXE" but it didn't exist. Instead the path was "C\PROGRAM FILES\MSN\" which contained an MSN shortcut to the sign in page, and 2 directories, MSNIA & MsnInstaller. Also In safe mode I searched for MSN.EXE but could only locate MSN.EXE-203c664d.pf. I check the properties of MSN.EXE-203c664d.pf which indicated unknown application. Spy Sweeper IE Tracking Cookies Shield removed 2o7.net cookie at startup.
Post #10
Hi willy25

The file in question looks to be in Prefetch.
The prefetch folder resides on your local hard disk, under the Windows folder.

C:\windows\prefetch

Look for the file in question, Right Click and select Properties. If it says unknown file, or any other than a Microsoft file, it can be deleted. Deleting all the files in Prefetch is another option.

Your choice: you can either Ctrl + A and then Del, to delete all the files in Prefetch, or look for that specific file, then select and delete only that file. Either way, the file in question should be gone.

Use this link if you have any questions concerning the above procedure.
http://www.windowsnetworking.com/articles_…refetch-XP.html

Tracking cookies are common. You have at least one every time you visit this, or any other site. They are nothing at all to be concerned about.
SpySweeper will drive you to distraction reporting tracking cookies, if you allow it. :blink:
Post #11
Piatan, The Prefetch file MSN.EXE-203C664D.pf properties indicate unknown application. I deleted MSN.EXE-203C664D.pf but the file regenerates when I sign in to MSN. Thanks, Willy25
Post #12
Well, it seems MS is confused and does not recognize the file it is generating.
If there are no continuing problems, I recommend the following.

One of the best features of Windows XP is the System Restore option, however if Malware infects a computer with this operating system the Malware can be backed up in the System Restore folder. Therefore, clearing the restore points is necessary after a virus removal.

To reset your restore points, please note that you will need to log into your computer with an account which has full administrator access. You will know if the account has administrator access because you will be able to see the System Restore tab. If the tab is missing, you are logged in under a limited account.

(winXP)

1. Turn off System Restore.
On the Desktop, right-click My Computer.
Click Properties.
Click the System Restore tab.
Check Turn off System Restore.
Click Apply, and then click OK.

2. Reboot.

3. Turn ON System Restore.
On the Desktop, right-click My Computer.
Click Properties.
Click the System Restore tab.
UN-Check *Turn off System Restore*.
Click Apply, and then click OK.

Here are some tips, to reduce the potential for spyware infection in the future, I strongly recommend installing the following applications:
  • Spywareblaster <= SpywareBlaster will prevent spyware from being installed.
  • Spywareguard <= SpywareGuard offers realtime protection from spyware installation attempts.

    Download the new Ad-Aware SE version, and follow the instructions on how to do a full scan: http://forums.spywareinfo.com/index.php?showtopic=11150
    -reboot after using Ad-Aware SE. Also while there get the VX2 plugin and follow the instructions to run it also.
  • How to use Spybot to remove Spyware <= If you suspect that you have spyware installed on your computer, here are instructions on how to download, install and then use Spybot. Similar to Ad-Aware, I strongly recommend both to catch most spyware.
To protect yourself further:
  • MVPS Hosts file <= The MVPS Hosts file replaces your current HOSTS file with one containing well know ad sites etc. Basically, this prevents your coputer from connecting to those sites by redirecting them to 127.0.0.1 which is your local computer
  • Google Toolbar <= Get the free google toolbar to help stop pop up windows.
I also suggest that you delete any files from "temp", "tmp" folders. In Internet Explorer, click on "Tools" => "Internet Options" => "Delete Files" and select the box that says "Delete All Offline Content" and click on "OK" twice. Also, empty the recycle bin by right clicking on it and selecting "Empty Recycle Bin". These steps should be done on a regular basis.

And also see TonyKlein's good advice
http://castlecops.com/postlite7736-.html
So how did I get infected in the first place?

Safe surfing. :wavey:
Post #13
Glad we could be of assistance. This topic is now closed. If you wish it reopened, please send us an email (Click for address) with a link to your thread.

Do not bother contacting us if you are not the topic starter. A valid, working link to the closed topic is required along with the user name used. If the user name does not match the one in the thread linked, the email will be deleted.
Make sure you use proper prevention to keep from having problems occur to your computer in the future.

Coyote's Installed programs for prevention:

http://forums.tomcoyote.org/index.php?showtopic=31418

The help you receive here is free. If you wish to show your appreciation, then you may donate to help keep us online.

Visit the CoyoteStore http://TomCoyote.org/coyotestore.php

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