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Hijacked By Search Everything

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Having some problems. After typing attrib -R res.dll I recive a message saying Access denied - C:\WINDOWS\System32\res.dll Any ideas? Thanks
Sorry it's been a while for this reply. I'm still waiting for a reply from our experts for an answer to your problem. Meanwhile, give this a try. Reboot in "safe" mode, then try the DOS commands. If you don't get the "Access Denied" error, reboot in normal mode before going to "Procedure One". My thought here is that you cannot modify the file or it's attributes because your system is accessing the file. By booting in "safe" mode, I hope the file won't be active, therefore you will be able to change the attributes. Let me know. :)
Hi heybabyzr0 & Micah_6:8

I assume you can now *see* the res.dll in C:\WINDOWS\System32?

If so, using Explorer go to your root drive: C:\ and create new folder, name it: 'Junk'. Unzip and run Winfile from here. Open it up, click File>Move…

Copy and paste this into the 'From' box: C:\WINDOWS\System32\res.dll
Copy and paste this into the 'To' box: C:\Junk\res.dll

Hit OK. Close Winfile and check in C:\Junk for that file - let me know what's there. If it's there, run CWShredder, hit 'fix' as opposed to 'scan only'. Reboot when done. Run HJT and post a new log for the final steps.
Thanks yet again for staying with me.

In the new "Junk" folder I saw the files res.dll and the ziped winfile folder.

This is the new hijackthis! log

Logfile of HijackThis v1.97.7
Scan saved at 10:30:16 PM, on 5/13/2004
Platform: Windows XP (WinNT 5.01.2600)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v6.00 (6.00.2600.0000)

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\logonui.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\PROGRA~1\COMMON~1\AOL\ACS\acsd.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\VS7Debug\mdm.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\CCPD-LC\symlcsvc.exe
C:\Program Files\Real\RealPlayer\RealPlay.exe
C:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\spool\drivers\w32x86\3\hpztsb05.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\ZONELA~1\ZONEAL~1\zlclient.exe
C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\ctfmon.exe
C:\Program Files\America Online 9.0a\aoltray.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\ZoneLabs\vsmon.exe
C:\WINDOWS\wanmpsvc.exe
C:\New Folder\HijackThis.exe

R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page = http://smartfinder.us/
R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://smartfinder.us/
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL = http://smartfinder.us/
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Search_URL = http://smartfinder.us/
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Search,SearchAssistant = http://smartfinder.us/sp.html
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Search,CustomizeSearch = http://smartfinder.us/
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://smartfinder.us/
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Bar = http://smartfinder.us/
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page = http://smartfinder.us/
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Search,CustomizeSearch = http://smartfinder.us/
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Search,SearchAssistant = http://smartfinder.us/sp.html
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Window Title = Microsoft Internet Explorer
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,HomeOldSP = about:blank
O2 - BHO: CCHelper - {0CF0B8EE-6596-11D5-A98E-0003470BB48E} - C:\Program Files\Panicware\Pop-Up Stopper\CCHelper.dll
O3 - Toolbar: Pa&nicware Pop-Up Stopper - {7E82235C-F31E-46CB-AF9F-1ADD94C585FF} - C:\Program Files\Panicware\Pop-Up Stopper\pstopper.dll
O3 - Toolbar: &Radio - {8E718888-423F-11D2-876E-00A0C9082467} - C:\WINDOWS\System32\msdxm.ocx
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [RealTray] C:\Program Files\Real\RealPlayer\RealPlay.exe SYSTEMBOOTHIDEPLAYER
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [QuickTime Task] "C:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe" -atboottime
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [FontsLoader] C:\WINDOWS\Fonts\ldfnt32.hta
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [HPDJ Taskbar Utility] C:\WINDOWS\System32\spool\drivers\w32x86\3\hpztsb05.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Zone Labs Client] C:\PROGRA~1\ZONELA~1\ZONEAL~1\zlclient.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [MSMSGS] "C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe" /background
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [ctfmon.exe] C:\WINDOWS\System32\ctfmon.exe
O4 - Global Startup: America Online 9.0 Tray Icon.lnk = C:\Program Files\America Online 9.0a\aoltray.exe
O4 - Global Startup: Microsoft Office.lnk = C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office10\OSA.EXE
O8 - Extra context menu item: E&xport to Microsoft Excel - res://C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~4\Office10\EXCEL.EXE/3000
O9 - Extra button: Related (HKLM)
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Show &Related Links (HKLM)
O9 - Extra button: Real.com (HKLM)
O12 - Plugin for .pdf: C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\PLUGINS\nppdf32.dll
O16 - DPF: {2359626E-7524-4F87-B04E-22CD38A0C88C} (ICSScannerLight Class) - http://download.zonelabs.com/bin/free/cm/ICSCM.cab
O16 - DPF: {9F1C11AA-197B-4942-BA54-47A8489BB47F} (Update Class) - http://v4.windowsupdate.microsoft.com/CAB/…8110.8061805556
If I read the directions right,

and someone jump in and correct me if I am mistaken - PLEASE!! I'd hate to mess this up now!!!

you need to close all other windows and programs and run CWShredder.

Click "fix" (NOT SCAN), and let it fix what it can.

If you've already done that, then fix these with Hijack This!:

R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page = http://smartfinder.us/

R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://smartfinder.us/

R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL = http://smartfinder.us/

R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Search_URL = http://smartfinder.us/

R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Search,SearchAssistant = http://smartfinder.us/sp.html

R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Search,CustomizeSearch = http://smartfinder.us/

R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://smartfinder.us/

R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Bar = http://smartfinder.us/

R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page = http://smartfinder.us/

R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Search,CustomizeSearch = http://smartfinder.us/

R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Search,SearchAssistant = http://smartfinder.us/sp.html

R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,HomeOldSP = about:blank

Then reboot, and post a new Hijack This! log file.

Frankly, you're the first person I've tried to assist with this kind of infection. :)
(I know this does wonders for your confidence :rofl: )
I followed the steps listed above. This is the new log.


Logfile of HijackThis v1.97.7
Scan saved at 1:01:31 AM, on 5/14/2004
Platform: Windows XP (WinNT 5.01.2600)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v6.00 (6.00.2600.0000)

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\spoolsv.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\COMMON~1\AOL\ACS\acsd.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\VS7Debug\mdm.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\CCPD-LC\symlcsvc.exe
C:\Program Files\Real\RealPlayer\RealPlay.exe
C:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\spool\drivers\w32x86\3\hpztsb05.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\ZoneLabs\vsmon.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\ZONELA~1\ZONEAL~1\zlclient.exe
C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\ctfmon.exe
C:\Program Files\America Online 9.0a\aoltray.exe
C:\WINDOWS\wanmpsvc.exe
C:\New Folder\HijackThis.exe

R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page = http://smartfinder.us/
R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://smartfinder.us/
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL = http://smartfinder.us/
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Search_URL = http://smartfinder.us/
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Search,SearchAssistant = http://smartfinder.us/sp.html
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Search,CustomizeSearch = http://smartfinder.us/
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://smartfinder.us/
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Bar = http://smartfinder.us/
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page = http://smartfinder.us/
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Search,CustomizeSearch = http://smartfinder.us/
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Search,SearchAssistant = http://smartfinder.us/sp.html
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Window Title = Microsoft Internet Explorer
O2 - BHO: CCHelper - {0CF0B8EE-6596-11D5-A98E-0003470BB48E} - C:\Program Files\Panicware\Pop-Up Stopper\CCHelper.dll
O3 - Toolbar: Pa&nicware Pop-Up Stopper - {7E82235C-F31E-46CB-AF9F-1ADD94C585FF} - C:\Program Files\Panicware\Pop-Up Stopper\pstopper.dll
O3 - Toolbar: &Radio - {8E718888-423F-11D2-876E-00A0C9082467} - C:\WINDOWS\System32\msdxm.ocx
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [RealTray] C:\Program Files\Real\RealPlayer\RealPlay.exe SYSTEMBOOTHIDEPLAYER
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [QuickTime Task] "C:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe" -atboottime
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [FontsLoader] C:\WINDOWS\Fonts\ldfnt32.hta
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [HPDJ Taskbar Utility] C:\WINDOWS\System32\spool\drivers\w32x86\3\hpztsb05.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Zone Labs Client] C:\PROGRA~1\ZONELA~1\ZONEAL~1\zlclient.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [MSMSGS] "C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe" /background
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [ctfmon.exe] C:\WINDOWS\System32\ctfmon.exe
O4 - Global Startup: America Online 9.0 Tray Icon.lnk = C:\Program Files\America Online 9.0a\aoltray.exe
O4 - Global Startup: Microsoft Office.lnk = C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office10\OSA.EXE
O8 - Extra context menu item: E&xport to Microsoft Excel - res://C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~4\Office10\EXCEL.EXE/3000
O9 - Extra button: Related (HKLM)
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Show &Related Links (HKLM)
O9 - Extra button: Real.com (HKLM)
O12 - Plugin for .pdf: C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\PLUGINS\nppdf32.dll
O16 - DPF: {2359626E-7524-4F87-B04E-22CD38A0C88C} (ICSScannerLight Class) - http://download.zonelabs.com/bin/free/cm/ICSCM.cab
O16 - DPF: {9F1C11AA-197B-4942-BA54-47A8489BB47F} (Update Class) - http://v4.windowsupdate.microsoft.com/CAB/…8110.8061805556
:(

I suppose you've noticed all the "stuff" came back….

Just makes ya wanna :wall: huh?

Just out of curiosity…. do you have a clue at what web site you picked ths infection up at???

This is deifinitely one of the nastiest, most persistant infections going…..

Well, you may not like this, but this was suggested by one more learned than I:

He installed a virusscanner on an infected machine…
Not good…
Only clean installs are good…
Make him uninstall it again, do an online virus scan and THEN reinstall it again…

Make him download this:
tools.zerosrealm.com/dllfix.exe
Run it and afterwards run adaware and CWShredder…
Let's see if it works…


Please hang in there!!!!

We're really close to getting this thing whipped!!!!!

I don't know if you have Adaware (by Lavasoft) installed on your machine or not. I have it on my machine and think it's a terrific program.

Here is the link, and suggested "tweaks" before scanning:

AdAware 6 from http://www.lavasoft.de/support/download

ADAWARE:

Before you scan with AdAware, check for updates of the reference file by using the "webupdate" button at the lower right of the panel. Updates for this program come out almost every day, to keep up with new malware. THIS IS CRITICAL; updating is as important as installing these programs.

Make sure the following settings are made and on ——-"ON=GREEN"
From main window :Click "Start" then " Activate in-depth scan"

Click "Use custom scanning options>Customize" and have these options ON: "Scan within archives" ,"Scan active processes","Scan registry", "Deep scan registry" ,"Scan my IE Favorites for banned URL" and "Scan my host-files"

Go to settings (the gear icon on top of AdAware)>Tweak>Scanning engine and tick "Unload recognized processes during scanning" , then "Cleaning engine" and "Let windows remove files in use at next reboot"

Click "proceed" to save your settings.

Now to scan, simply click the NEXT button.

When scan is finished, mark everything for removal and get rid of it. (Right-click the window and choose"select all" from the drop down menu) then press "next" and then say yes to the prompt, "do you want to remove all these entries?"

Please give what the expert suggested a try.

Be sure to reboot between running each program (dllfix.exe, Adaware. and CWShredder). Be sure that all windows and programs are closed before you run CWShredder.

Then reboot again before running Hijack This!

Meanwhile, I'll be praying for you!!! :)
Have HJT fix the following:

R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page = http://smartfinder.us/
R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://smartfinder.us/
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL = http://smartfinder.us/
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Search_URL = http://smartfinder.us/
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Search,SearchAssistant = http://smartfinder.us/sp.html
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Search,CustomizeSearch = http://smartfinder.us/
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://smartfinder.us/
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Bar = http://smartfinder.us/
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page = http://smartfinder.us/
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Search,CustomizeSearch = http://smartfinder.us/
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Search,SearchAssistant = http://smartfinder.us/sp.html

O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [FontsLoader] C:\WINDOWS\Fonts\ldfnt32.hta


Reboot when done, find and delete:

C:\WINDOWS\Fonts\ldfnt32.hta

Also see if you can delete that 'Junk' folder you created earlier - let me know.
Thanks for your everyones help. I was not avalibe yesterday and will follow your directions today. The Virus scan program I got was not installed on my computer but was run for the CD only and thus I have nothing to unistall. I'll let you know how it goes. Justin PS I have no idea where I got this infection. This computer has not been working for quite a while.
Ok, I followed the instruction above.

I ran dllfix.exe, downloaded then installed and updated then ran ad-ware, ran CW Schreader. I also ran a virus scan from the CD. I ran HijackThis! and fixed the values Daemon listed. I rebooted and searched for C:\WINDOWS\Fonts\Idfnt32.hta This was not found.
I tried to delete the 'junk' folder created eairler however this was not permited due to res.dll being in use.


This is my new HijackThis! log.

Logfile of HijackThis v1.97.7
Scan saved at 5:29:33 PM, on 5/15/2004
Platform: Windows XP (WinNT 5.01.2600)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v6.00 (6.00.2600.0000)

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:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\PROGRA~1\COMMON~1\AOL\ACS\acsd.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\VS7Debug\mdm.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\CCPD-LC\symlcsvc.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\ZoneLabs\vsmon.exe
C:\Program Files\Real\RealPlayer\RealPlay.exe
C:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\spool\drivers\w32x86\3\hpztsb05.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\ZONELA~1\ZONEAL~1\zlclient.exe
C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\ctfmon.exe
C:\Program Files\America Online 9.0a\aoltray.exe
C:\WINDOWS\wanmpsvc.exe
C:\New Folder\HijackThis.exe

R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Window Title = Microsoft Internet Explorer
O2 - BHO: CCHelper - {0CF0B8EE-6596-11D5-A98E-0003470BB48E} - C:\Program Files\Panicware\Pop-Up Stopper\CCHelper.dll
O3 - Toolbar: Pa&nicware Pop-Up Stopper - {7E82235C-F31E-46CB-AF9F-1ADD94C585FF} - C:\Program Files\Panicware\Pop-Up Stopper\pstopper.dll
O3 - Toolbar: &Radio - {8E718888-423F-11D2-876E-00A0C9082467} - C:\WINDOWS\System32\msdxm.ocx
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [RealTray] C:\Program Files\Real\RealPlayer\RealPlay.exe SYSTEMBOOTHIDEPLAYER
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [QuickTime Task] "C:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe" -atboottime
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [HPDJ Taskbar Utility] C:\WINDOWS\System32\spool\drivers\w32x86\3\hpztsb05.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Zone Labs Client] C:\PROGRA~1\ZONELA~1\ZONEAL~1\zlclient.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [MSMSGS] "C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe" /background
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [ctfmon.exe] C:\WINDOWS\System32\ctfmon.exe
O4 - Global Startup: America Online 9.0 Tray Icon.lnk = C:\Program Files\America Online 9.0a\aoltray.exe
O4 - Global Startup: Microsoft Office.lnk = C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office10\OSA.EXE
O8 - Extra context menu item: E&xport to Microsoft Excel - res://C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~4\Office10\EXCEL.EXE/3000
O9 - Extra button: Real.com (HKLM)
O12 - Plugin for .pdf: C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\PLUGINS\nppdf32.dll
O16 - DPF: {2359626E-7524-4F87-B04E-22CD38A0C88C} (ICSScannerLight Class) - http://download.zonelabs.com/bin/free/cm/ICSCM.cab
O16 - DPF: {9F1C11AA-197B-4942-BA54-47A8489BB47F} (Update Class) - http://v4.windowsupdate.microsoft.com/CAB/…8110.8061805556
Try this - boot into Safe Mode by tapping F8 after the BIOS has loaded. Right-click on the C:\Junk\res.dll go to the Security tab>advanced and take ownership giving yourself 'Full control' (preferably to Administrators 'group'). Right-click the C:\Junk folder and hit properties. Click on security tab then the advanced button. Check the box that says reset permissions on all child objects. Hit apply. You should now be able to delete the file and folder. Let me know how you get on and post a new HJT log in this thread.
Justin…. Daemon…. I don't know if you noticed, but……….

IT'S FIXED!!!!!!

It looks to me like all you have left is a little "cleanup", but I think the browser hijack is dead…. May it rest in peace… ;)
Well, it's almost fixed - the symptoms have gone now. We still need to get rid of the file and check the security settings after renaming the key.
Just a word of thanks… Thanks to Justin for being so patient. This has been a rough one. :thumbup: Thanks to you, Daemon, for stepping in and fulfilling my shortcomings. :thumbup: Thanks to those in the "Classroom" forum (who shall remain anonymous) who have offered helpful hints and advice all thru this ordeal. :thumbup: :)

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