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Help with About:Blank

5 min read

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Post #1
Hi People!
I was wondering if anyone could help me with this? Ive read alot about people being re-directed with about:blank etc etc. I dont 'appear' to of had this problem, but am concerned as to why it appears in the Main Configuration section of HijackThis.
Where it says "below URL's will be used when fixing hijacked/unwanted MSIE pages:" it has the default start page as About:Blank! I noticed it in Spybot S&D's config' options aswell!
Here's the log if needed.

Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.1
Scan saved at 13:44:55, on 12/01/2007
Platform: Windows XP SP2 (WinNT 5.01.2600)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v7.00 (7.00.5730.0011)

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:\Program Files\Grisoft\AVG Anti-Spyware 7.5\guard.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Creative Labs Shared\Service\CreativeLicensing.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\CTsvcCDA.exe
c:\program files\mcafee.com\agent\mcdetect.exe
c:\PROGRA~1\mcafee.com\vso\mcshield.exe
c:\PROGRA~1\mcafee.com\agent\mctskshd.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\McAfee.com\PERSON~1\MpfService.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\nvsvc32.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\ehome\ehtray.exe
C:\WINDOWS\stsystra.exe
C:\Program Files\Creative\SBAudigy\Surround Mixer\CTSysVol.exe
C:\WINDOWS\eHome\ehmsas.exe
C:\Program Files\McAfee.com\VSO\oasclnt.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\mcafee.com\agent\mcagent.exe
C:\WINDOWS\eHome\ehSched.exe
c:\program files\mcafee.com\vso\mcvsshld.exe
c:\progra~1\mcafee.com\vso\mcvsescn.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\McAfee.com\PERSON~1\MpfTray.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\McAfee.com\PERSON~1\MpfAgent.exe
C:\Program Files\Grisoft\AVG Anti-Spyware 7.5\avgas.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\dllhost.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\MOZILL~1\FIREFOX.EXE
C:\Documents and Settings\Matt\Desktop\HijackThis.exe

R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL = www.google.co.uk/ig/dell?hl=en&client=dell-usuk&channel=uk&ibd=3061113
R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://www.google.co.uk/
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=69157
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Search_URL = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=54896
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=54896
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=69157
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Search,Default_Page_URL = www.google.co.uk/ig/dell?hl=en&client=dell-usuk&channel=uk&ibd=3061113
O2 - BHO: SSVHelper Class - {761497BB-D6F0-462C-B6EB-D4DAF1D92D43} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.6.0\bin\ssv.dll
O3 - Toolbar: McAfee VirusScan - {BA52B914-B692-46c4-B683-905236F6F655} - c:\progra~1\mcafee.com\vso\mcvsshl.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ehTray] C:\WINDOWS\ehome\ehtray.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NvCplDaemon] RUNDLL32.EXE C:\WINDOWS\system32\NvCpl.dll,NvStartup
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SigmatelSysTrayApp] stsystra.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [CTSysVol] C:\Program Files\Creative\SBAudigy\Surround Mixer\CTSysVol.exe /r
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [VSOCheckTask] "C:\PROGRA~1\McAfee.com\VSO\mcmnhdlr.exe" /checktask
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [OASClnt] C:\Program Files\McAfee.com\VSO\oasclnt.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [MCAgentExe] c:\PROGRA~1\mcafee.com\agent\mcagent.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [MCUpdateExe] c:\PROGRA~1\mcafee.com\agent\mcupdate.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [VirusScan Online] C:\Program Files\McAfee.com\VSO\mcvsshld.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [MPFExe] C:\PROGRA~1\McAfee.com\PERSON~1\MpfTray.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SpeedTouch USB Diagnostics] "C:\Program Files\Thomson\SpeedTouch USB\Dragdiag.exe" /icon
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NvMediaCenter] RUNDLL32.EXE C:\WINDOWS\system32\NvMcTray.dll,NvTaskbarInit
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [!AVG Anti-Spyware] "C:\Program Files\Grisoft\AVG Anti-Spyware 7.5\avgas.exe" /minimized
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [SetDefaultMIDI] MIDIDef.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [ctfmon.exe] C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
O6 - HKCU\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Restrictions present
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.6.0\bin\ssv.dll
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Sun Java Console - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.6.0\bin\ssv.dll
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {CD67F990-D8E9-11d2-98FE-00C0F0318AFE} - (no file)
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {e2e2dd38-d088-4134-82b7-f2ba38496583} - %windir%\Network Diagnostic\xpnetdiag.exe (file missing)
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: @xpsp3res.dll,-20001 - {e2e2dd38-d088-4134-82b7-f2ba38496583} - %windir%\Network Diagnostic\xpnetdiag.exe (file missing)
O11 - Options group: [INTERNATIONAL] International*
O16 - DPF: {4ED9DDF0-7479-4BBE-9335-5A1EDB1D8A21} (McAfee.com Operating System Class) - http://download.mcafee.com/molbin/shared/m…01/mcinsctl.cab
O17 - HKLM\System\CCS\Services\Tcpip\..\{F8F44410-3A10-4E40-982F-DB80DEDEF7FE}: NameServer = 212.139.132.23 212.139.132.22
O23 - Service: AVG Anti-Spyware Guard - Anti-Malware Development a.s. - C:\Program Files\Grisoft\AVG Anti-Spyware 7.5\guard.exe
O23 - Service: Creative Labs Licensing Service - Creative Labs - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Creative Labs Shared\Service\CreativeLicensing.exe
O23 - Service: Creative Service for CDROM Access - Creative Technology Ltd - C:\WINDOWS\system32\CTsvcCDA.exe
O23 - Service: McAfee WSC Integration (McDetect.exe) - McAfee, Inc - c:\program files\mcafee.com\agent\mcdetect.exe
O23 - Service: McAfee.com McShield (McShield) - McAfee Inc. - c:\PROGRA~1\mcafee.com\vso\mcshield.exe
O23 - Service: McAfee Task Scheduler (McTskshd.exe) - McAfee, Inc - c:\PROGRA~1\mcafee.com\agent\mctskshd.exe
O23 - Service: McAfee SecurityCenter Update Manager (mcupdmgr.exe) - McAfee, Inc - C:\PROGRA~1\McAfee.com\Agent\mcupdmgr.exe
O23 - Service: McAfee Personal Firewall Service (MpfService) - McAfee Corporation - C:\PROGRA~1\McAfee.com\PERSON~1\MpfService.exe
O23 - Service: NVIDIA Display Driver Service (NVSvc) - NVIDIA Corporation - C:\WINDOWS\system32\nvsvc32.exe

Hope someone can help!
Its always appreciated!
Post #2
hi Mattness, relax. you dont have about:blank. log looks ok. i dont have hjt on this computer so i cant check the config section to see what your seeing. i will check another computer if you want. your log looks good as far as malware goes. shelf life
Post #3
Hi…..Thanks for responding! Good to know my log looks safe. Any ideas on how to remove About:blank as the Default Start page. Im pretty sure its always been set as the 'default start' , but as ive never needed to hijack my current Start Page, the about:blank default has never been triggered. Is it as simple as replacing it with a new address, or do I need to remove the source of how it was set as About:blank in the first place. It seems to be a real pain for alot of people, so im keen to remove its presence from my computer. Like I said in my post description….I have a feeling its waiting in the bushes and one-day, jump out and expose itself to me and my browser! Just joking of course…im not that e-paranoid!
Post #4
hi Mattness, you mean when you view internet explorer options it says about:blank for your homepage? with IE open>tools>internet options.General tab if so might try resetting defaults under the programs tab> reset web settings of course you may have done this already. shelf life
Post #5
Hello again! My Homepage in IE is google.co.uk etc. When I view Hijackthis, Misc Tools, Main…it has About:Blank as my Default Start Page. This makes me believe that if I were to press 'use default' in IE general tab, it would use About:Blank. Ive used CWshredder, but nothing detected. Any ideas…? I know it sounds fussy if ive never been re-directed, I just want to prevent it 'getting me'!
Post #6
hi Mattness, i looked in HJT, mine says the same thing. right above it, it says those are the defaults used when hjt "fixes" unwanted pages. clicking default in IE under the general tab pretty sure will get you msn.com the default start page with IE. try it, cant hurt. dont worry about the about:blank, you dont have it. shelf life
Post #7
Thanks for that….(sigh of relief)! I will try your suggestions and see what happens. The fact that you have the same setting is a promising sign! I didnt realize there is a genuine About:Blank setting! Thanks alot for your time!
Post #8
hi Mattness,

happy safe surfing. some info for you:

Be careful of what you download, and where you download it from. Many programs come bundled with extra software.You may be installing more than you think. Learn more about the program, Does it come bundled with other "3rd party" programs? If you search hard enough you can always find a "clean" alternative to any software DO YOU TRUST THE SOURCE? Check this database:Spyware Guide or this: Library before installing free/shareware.

Make sure you keep your Windows OS/Browser current by visiting Windows update
occasionaly to download and install any critical updates and service packs. These patch flaws/bugs that can be exploited.

Adjust your browser settings: Change your(active x) settings in IE. With IE open go to tools, internet options, security tab. Click on the internet globe, then custom level. Set the first option "download signed active x controls" to prompt, the next two to disable. Read more:
Working with Internet Explorer 6 SecurityUse XP with SP2, consider using the new IE 7.0
Many exploits are directed at Internet Explorer, you dont have to use it. Try a different browser. You can have and use more than one browser on your computer.
Like Firefox,

Install a Firewall:A firewall will help to control what comes in from the internet and what leaves your computer to the internet. Zone Alarm is a free and easy to use firewall, that will provide in and outbound protection. Xp's built in firewall isnt as robust as third part firewalls. Zone Alarm is one of the easiest to use "out of the box" others have learning curves. I put them in what I believe is ease of use. Learn how to use it. "allow all" wont do much good if you have a trojan on your computer.
Zone Alarm
Sygate v 5.6 The last version
Tiny Firewall 2005 The last version
OutPost
Look n Stop
Jetico Personal Firewall


Outlook Express with the default settings is not secure. It will run scripts, download images etc, just like a browser, but this was the old Outlook Express. Service Pack 2 has made huge improvements to Outlook, but just like with Internet Explorer, you dont have to use it.
try Pegasus E-Mail.

Make sure you have and keep updated Antivirus software
Free for home users:
avast! 4 Home Edition Download
AVG free version 7.0
AntiVir Personal Edition
Clam Win

Download one or two of these, install and update before using:(if these are constantly finding malware, then you need to make changes to your browser and or your habits)
SuperAntiSpyware
CounterSpy
Spybot Search and destroy
Ad-Aware SE Personal edition
Microsoft Windows Defender
Becarful with spyware "removers and scanners"– there are many "rogue/suspect" programs that "claim to remove" spyware.Check here first.


AntiTrojan software to fill in the gap:
a2 free
Avg Anti-Spyware Free
Trojan Hunter
Tauscan trial version

Other programs to consider:
Process Guard stop events/processes with user intervention
SpywareBlaster add security to IE
IE-SPYAD adds adware peddlers sites/domains to IE restricted zone
ATF cleaner (W2K,XP only) cleans out temp files,history, cookies etc.

Learn More:
Test Your Browser
Parasite Free
Safe Hex
Shelf Lifes page
Browser Security Checkup
Post #9
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.

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Make sure you use proper prevention to keep from having problems occur to your computer in the future.

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

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