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

need help with websurfing problem

5 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 Advice, software, and links below may be out of date — treat specific steps and download links with caution.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
When I am searching for something on the internet, and I find what I want, I click on it and then it starts to direct me to the link i clicked on, but then it quickly directs me to some random site. How do I fix this problem?? No matter what I'm searching for it always redirects me. I'm scanned my computer with ad-aware, a virus scanner, and super ad-blocker, and I've taken care of the problems that came up on those, but the problem still remains. Please help


Here is my Hijackthis log.

Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.1
Scan saved at 4:22:48 PM, on 1/16/07
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\ZONELABS\VSMON.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\MSTASK.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\DANTZ\RETROSPECT\WDSVC.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\mmtask.tsk
C:\WINDOWS\EXPLORER.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\TASKMON.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\SYSTRAY.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\RUNDLL32.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\USBMONIT.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\STIMON.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\ZONE LABS\ZONEALARM\ZLCLIENT.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\QTTASK.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\DISK REMOVAL UTILITY - WD\WD2507MON.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\WDBTNMGR.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\VIEWPOINT\VIEWPOINT MANAGER\VIEWMGR.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\COMMON FILES\REAL\UPDATE_OB\REALSCHED.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\MSN MESSENGER\MSNMSGR.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\WMIEXE.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\YAHOO!\MESSENGER\YMSGR_TRAY.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\INTERNET EXPLORER\IEXPLORE.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\DDHELP.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\PSTORES.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\DESKTOP\SPYWARE SCANNERS\HIJACKTHIS.EXE

R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Bar = http://us.rd.yahoo.com/customize/ie/defaul…rch/search.html
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page = http://us.rd.yahoo.com/customize/ie/defaul…//www.yahoo.com
R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://www.yahoo.com/
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL = http://www.yahoo.com/
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Search_URL = http://us.rd.yahoo.com/customize/ie/defaul…//www.yahoo.com
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Bar = http://us.rd.yahoo.com/customize/ie/defaul…rch/search.html
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page = http://us.rd.yahoo.com/customize/ie/defaul…//www.yahoo.com
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://www.yahoo.com/
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Search,SearchAssistant =
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\SearchURL,(Default) = http://us.rd.yahoo.com/customize/ie/defaul…//www.yahoo.com
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings,ProxyOverride = 127.0.0.1
R3 - URLSearchHook: Yahoo! Toolbar - {EF99BD32-C1FB-11D2-892F-0090271D4F88} - C:\PROGRAM FILES\YAHOO!\COMPANION\INSTALLS\CPN1\YT.DLL
O2 - BHO: Yahoo! Toolbar Helper - {02478D38-C3F9-4EFB-9B51-7695ECA05670} - C:\PROGRAM FILES\YAHOO!\COMPANION\INSTALLS\CPN1\YT.DLL
O2 - BHO: AcroIEHlprObj Class - {06849E9F-C8D7-4D59-B87D-784B7D6BE0B3} - C:\PROGRAM FILES\ADOBE\ACROBAT 5.0\READER\ACTIVEX\ACROIEHELPER.OCX
O2 - BHO: FPBrowserHelperObject Class - {6427806D-3820-11D5-9939-00B0D0522EB5} - C:\PROGRAM FILES\PALMONE\FIRECONVERTERBROWSERHELPEROBJECT.DLL
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {53707962-6F74-2D53-2644-206D7942484F} - C:\PROGRA~1\SPYBOT~1\SDHELPER.DLL
O3 - Toolbar: &Radio - {8E718888-423F-11D2-876E-00A0C9082467} - C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\MSDXM.OCX
O3 - Toolbar: Yahoo! Toolbar - {EF99BD32-C1FB-11D2-892F-0090271D4F88} - C:\PROGRAM FILES\YAHOO!\COMPANION\INSTALLS\CPN1\YT.DLL
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [TaskMonitor] C:\WINDOWS\taskmon.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SystemTray] SysTray.Exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Cmaudio] RunDll32 cmicnfg.cpl,CMICtrlWnd
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Gene USB Monitor] C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\USBMonit.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NvMediaCenter] RUNDLL32.EXE C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\NvMcTray.dll,NvTaskbarInit
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Winkjx] C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\Winkjx.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [StillImageMonitor] C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\STIMON.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Zone Labs Client] C:\Program Files\Zone Labs\ZoneAlarm\zlclient.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [QuickTime Task] "C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\QTTASK.EXE" -atboottime
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [WD2507MON] C:\Program Files\Disk Removal Utility - WD\WD2507Mon.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [WD Button Manager] WDBtnMgr.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Winklgz] C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\Winklgz.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ViewMgr] C:\Program Files\Viewpoint\Viewpoint Manager\ViewMgr.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [TkBellExe] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Real\Update_OB\realsched.exe" -osboot
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Winkur] C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\Winkur.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\RunServices: [TrueVector] C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\ZONELABS\VSMON.EXE -service
O4 - HKLM\..\RunServices: [SchedulingAgent] mstask.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\RunServices: [Retrospect WD Service] C:\PROGRAM FILES\DANTZ\RETROSPECT\WDSVC.EXE
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [MsnMsgr] "C:\Program Files\MSN Messenger\MsnMsgr.Exe" /background
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [Yahoo! Pager] "C:\PROGRAM FILES\YAHOO!\MESSENGER\YAHOOMESSENGER.EXE" -quiet
O9 - Extra button: Real.com - {CD67F990-D8E9-11d2-98FE-00C0F0318AFE} - C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\Shdocvw.dll
O9 - Extra button: Messenger - {4528BBE0-4E08-11D5-AD55-00010333D0AD} - C:\PROGRAM FILES\YAHOO!\COMPANION\MODULES\MESSMOD2\V4\YHEXBMES.DLL
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Yahoo! Messenger - {4528BBE0-4E08-11D5-AD55-00010333D0AD} - C:\PROGRAM FILES\YAHOO!\COMPANION\MODULES\MESSMOD2\V4\YHEXBMES.DLL
O12 - Plugin for .spop: C:\PROGRA~1\INTERN~1\Plugins\NPDocBox.dll
O16 - DPF: {30528230-99F7-4BB4-88D8-FA1D4F56A2AB} (YInstStarter Class) - C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Common\yinsthelper.dll
O16 - DPF: Yahoo! Literati - http://download2.games.yahoo.com/games/clients/y/tt5_x.cab
O16 - DPF: {B8BE5E93-A60C-4D26-A2DC-220313175592} (ZoneIntro Class) - http://cdn2.zone.msn.com/binFramework/v10/…ro.cab53083.cab
O16 - DPF: Yahoo! Poker - http://download.games.yahoo.com/games/clients/y/pt3_x.cab
O16 - DPF: {9A9307A0-7DA4-4DAF-B042-5009F29E09E1} (ActiveScan Installer Class) - http://acs.pandasoftware.com/activescan/as5free/asinst.cab
O16 - DPF: {4F1E5B1A-2A80-42CA-8532-2D05CB959537} (MSN Photo Upload Tool) - http://leeannedisel.spaces.live.com//Photo…ad/MsnPUpld.cab
O16 - DPF: Yahoo! Spelldown - http://download.games.yahoo.com/games/clients/y/sdt1_x.cab
O16 - DPF: {DF780F87-FF2B-4DF8-92D0-73DB16A1543A} (PopCapLoader Object) - http://download.games.yahoo.com/games/web_…aploader_v6.cab
O16 - DPF: {17492023-C23A-453E-A040-C7C580BBF700} (Windows Genuine Advantage Validation Tool) - http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=39204
O16 - DPF: Yahoo! Word Racer - http://download2.games.yahoo.com/games/clients/y/wt1_x.cab
O16 - DPF: {8E0D4DE5-3180-4024-A327-4DFAD1796A8D} (MessengerStatsClient Class) - http://messenger.zone.msn.com/binary/Messe…nt.cab31267.cab
O17 - HKLM\System\CCS\Services\VxD\MSTCP: Domain = aoldsl.net
O17 - HKLM\System\CCS\Services\VxD\MSTCP: NameServer = 85.255.115.157,85.255.112.97
O20 - Winlogon Notify: !SASWinLogon - C:\PROGRAM FILES\SUPERANTISPYWARE\SASWINLO.DLL
Post #2
Hi Lee-Anneand welcome to Tom Coyote forums

I am currently looking over your log. As I am an Undergraduate, everything that I post to you must be checked by an Admin or Moderator. Thus, there may be a tiny bit of a delay between posts, but it shouldn't be too long. I will post back shortly with a potential fix.

Thanks for your patience!
dan
Post #3
Hi Lee-Anne

This is optional, read here first:

Optional - VIEWPOINT MANAGER
Viewpoint Manager is considered as foistware instead of malware since it is installed without users approval but doesn't spy or do anything "bad". This will change from what we know in 2006 read this article: http://www.clickz.com/news/article.php/3561546
Additional info:Here
I suggest you remove the program now. Go to Start > Settings > Control Panel > Add/Remove Programs and remove the following programs if present.
  • Viewpoint
  • Viewpoint Manager
  • Viewpoint Media Player
  • Viewpoint Toolbar
Your call.

To provide a satisfying consumer experience and to operate effectively, the Viewpoint Media Player periodically sends information to servers at Viewpoint.
Each installation of the Viewpoint Media Player is identifiable to Viewpoint via a Customer Unique Identifier (CUID), an alphanumeric identifier embedded in the Viewpoint Media Player.
The Viewpoint Media Player randomly generates the CUID during installation and uses it to indicate a unique installation of the product. A CUID is never connected to a user's name, email address, or other personal contact information.
CUIDs are used for the sole purpose of filtering redundant information. Each of these information exchanges occurs anonymously.'

**Take care when answering any questions posed by an uninstaller. Some questions may be worded to deceive you into keeping the program.
_______________________


You may want to print out these instructions for reference, since you will have to restart your computer during the fix.

Go to Start > Control Panel >Network Connections. Right click your default connection, usually Local Area Connection or Dial-up Connection if you are using Dial-up, and left click on Properties.
* Make a note of the settings before you change them just in case you need to put them back how they were.
Double-click on the Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) item and select the radio button that says Obtain DNS servers automatically. Click OK twice.

Go to Start > Run, enter command and click OK.
  • At the Dos Prompt Screen, type in cd\ and then press .
  • Now type in ipconfig /flushdns and then press . (notice the space after ipconfig)
  • Close the command prompt window.
______________________

We need to reveal system folders
  • Close all programs so that you are at your desktop.
  • Double-click on the My Computer icon.
  • Select the Tools menu and click Folder Options
  • After the new window appears select the View tab.
  • Place a checkmark in the checkbox labeled Display the contents of system folders
  • Under the Hidden files and folders section select the radio button labeled Show hidden files and folders
  • Remove the checkmark from the checkbox labeled Hide file extensions for known file types
  • Remove the checkmark from the checkbox labeled Hide protected operating system files
  • Press the Apply and then the ok button and shut down my computer
  • Now your computer is configured to show all hidden files.
  • For you and the tools to be able to see appropriate files we need to Show Hidden Files
  • Next, please reboot your computer in Safe Mode by doing the following:
  • Restart your computer
  • After hearing your computer beep once during startup, but before the Windows icon appears, press F8.
  • Instead of Windows loading as normal, a menu should appear use arrow up to highlight
  • Select the first option, to run Windows in Safe Mode hit enter.
  • For additional help in booting into Safe Mode, see the following site: HERE
Please do not delete anything unless instructed to.


Run hijackthis. Click Do a System Scan Only. Put a Check in the box on the left side on these:

R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Search,SearchAssistant =
O16 - DPF: Yahoo! Literati - http://download2.games.yahoo.com/games/clients/y/tt5_x.cab
O16 - DPF: Yahoo! Poker - http://download.games.yahoo.com/games/clients/y/pt3_x.cab
O16 - DPF: Yahoo! Spelldown - http://download.games.yahoo.com/games/clients/y/sdt1_x.cab
O16 - DPF: Yahoo! Word Racer - http://download2.games.yahoo.com/games/clients/y/wt1_x.cab
O17 - HKLM\System\CCS\Services\VxD\MSTCP: NameServer = 85.255.115.157,85.255.112.97

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


Please download FixWareout from one of these sites:
http://downloads.subratam.org/Fixwareout.exe
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/files/lonny/Fixwareout.exe

Save it to your desktop and run it. Click Next, then Install, make sure "Run fixit" is checked and click Finish.
The fix will begin; follow the prompts.
You will be asked to reboot your computer; please do so.
Your system may take longer than usual to load; this is normal.

Once the desktop loads a text that will open (report.txt) Please save this file, you'll need to post it with a new HijackThis log.


Please download ATF Cleaner by Atribune.
Download - ATF Cleaner»
Double-click ATF-Cleaner.exe to run the program.
Under Main choose: Select All
Click the Empty Selected button.

(If you use FireFox or the Opera browser
To keep saved passwords, click No at the prompt.)

It's normal after running ATF cleaner that the PC will be slower to boot the first time or two


Reboot and "copy/paste" the text file (report.txt) and a new Hijackthis log

Also please describe how your computer is behaving at the moment.

Please include new HJT log in your next post
Thanks dan
Post #5
Because no reply was made. 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

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

Also follow the recommendations in Tony Klein's article
So how did I get infected in the first place?

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