14 replies to this topic

[Offspinner]

When using browsers - Google, AltaVista, etc - and clicking on one or other of the items on the results list, I am railroaded into viewing suggestions by sestat, hrena and similar - they are all clones of each other - about totally unrelated subjects. I use Ad-Aware, Spybot, AVG and Windows Defender, but none finds sestat and co, or identifies them as potential threats. Can you help me to eradicate these nuisances, please? I have done the scans with Spybot, Ad-Aware, AVG, as suggested, including the AVG scan in safe mode. My most recent HJL is below, but I'd like to point out that, just before the hrena etc pages load, bar indicates that they are loading via av.rds.yahoo or some such. I'm not sure whether yahoo has any involvement in this, but perhaps you could advise.

Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.1
Scan saved at 11:17:14 PM, on 4/15/2007
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\csrss.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\winlogon.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\services.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\lsass.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\Ati2evxx.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\Windows Defender\MsMpEng.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\Program Files\ANI\ANIWZCS2 Service\ANIWZCSdS.exe
C:\Program Files\Grisoft\AVG Anti-Spyware 7.5\guard.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgamsvr.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgupsvc.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgemc.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\CTsvcCDA.EXE
C:\Program Files\Common Files\EPSON\EBAPI\SAgent2.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\Ati2evxx.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\Program Files\Logitech\ImageStudio\LogiTray.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgcc.exe
C:\Program Files\ATI Technologies\ATI Control Panel\atiptaxx.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Real\Update_OB\realsched.exe
C:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe
C:\Program Files\WinAce\WinAce.exe
C:\Program Files\Windows Defender\MSASCui.exe
C:\Program Files\Zone Labs\ZoneAlarm\zlclient.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\alg.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\LVComS.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\wuauclt.exe
C:\Program Files\Grisoft\AVG Anti-Spyware 7.5\avgas.exe
C:\Program Files\EPSON\EPSON SMART PANEL for Scanner\EspMain.exe
C:\DOCUME~1\Graham\LOCALS~1\Temp\~AceTemp\hijackthis\HijackThis.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\ZoneLabs\vsmon.exe

R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://www.timesonline.co.uk/uk/
O2 - BHO: Yahoo! Toolbar Helper - {02478D38-C3F9-4EFB-9B51-7695ECA05670} - C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Companion\Installs\cpn0\yt.dll (file missing)
O2 - BHO: Adobe PDF Reader Link Helper - {06849E9F-C8D7-4D59-B87D-784B7D6BE0B3} - C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 7.0\ActiveX\AcroIEHelper.dll
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {53707962-6F74-2D53-2644-206D7942484F} - C:\PROGRA~1\SPYBOT~1\SDHelper.dll
O3 - Toolbar: Yahoo! Toolbar - {EF99BD32-C1FB-11D2-892F-0090271D4F88} - C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Companion\Installs\cpn0\yt.dll (file missing)
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [LogitechImageStudioTray] C:\Program Files\Logitech\ImageStudio\LogiTray.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [D-Link AirPlus G] C:\Program Files\D-Link\AirPlus G\AirGCFG.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AVG7_CC] C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgcc.exe /STARTUP
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ATIPTA] "C:\Program Files\ATI Technologies\ATI Control Panel\atiptaxx.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [TkBellExe] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Real\Update_OB\realsched.exe" -osboot
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [QuickTime Task] "C:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe" -atboottime
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Windows Defender] "C:\Program Files\Windows Defender\MSASCui.exe" -hide
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ZoneAlarm Client] "C:\Program Files\Zone Labs\ZoneAlarm\zlclient.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [!AVG Anti-Spyware] "C:\Program Files\Grisoft\AVG Anti-Spyware 7.5\avgas.exe" /minimized
O4 - Global Startup: EPSON SMART PANEL for Scanner.lnk = C:\Program Files\EPSON\EPSON SMART PANEL for Scanner\EspMain.exe
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\Program Files\Java\j2re1.4.2\bin\npjpi142.dll
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Sun Java Console - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\Program Files\Java\j2re1.4.2\bin\npjpi142.dll
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {85d1f590-48f4-11d9-9669-0800200c9a66} - %windir%\bdoscandel.exe (file missing)
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Uninstall BitDefender Online Scanner v8 - {85d1f590-48f4-11d9-9669-0800200c9a66} - %windir%\bdoscandel.exe (file missing)
O9 - Extra button: PartyPoker.com - {B7FE5D70-9AA2-40F1-9C6B-12A255F085E1} - C:\Program Files\PartyGaming\PartyPoker\RunApp.exe (file missing)
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: PartyPoker.com - {B7FE5D70-9AA2-40F1-9C6B-12A255F085E1} - C:\Program Files\PartyGaming\PartyPoker\RunApp.exe (file missing)
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: {00B71CFB-6864-4346-A978-C0A14556272C} (Checkers Class) - http://messenger.zon...kr.cab31267.cab
O16 - DPF: {14B87622-7E19-4EA8-93B3-97215F77A6BC} (MessengerStatsClient Class) - http://messenger.zon...nt.cab31267.cab
O16 - DPF: {17492023-C23A-453E-A040-C7C580BBF700} (Windows Genuine Advantage Validation Tool) - http://go.microsoft....k/?LinkID=39204
O16 - DPF: {2917297F-F02B-4B9D-81DF-494B6333150B} (Minesweeper Flags Class) - http://messenger.zon...er.cab31267.cab
O16 - DPF: {38D63471-E630-4492-A986-B8C48B79F2F8} - http://update.videoe...ggPublisher.exe
O16 - DPF: {4F1E5B1A-2A80-42CA-8532-2D05CB959537} (MSN Photo Upload Tool) - http://spaces.msn.co...ad/MsnPUpld.cab
O16 - DPF: {56336BCB-3D8A-11D6-A00B-0050DA18DE71} - http://software-dl.r...ip/RdxIE601.cab
O16 - DPF: {5D86DDB5-BDF9-441B-9E9E-D4730F4EE499} (BDSCANONLINE Control) - http://download.bitd...can8/oscan8.cab
O16 - DPF: {6414512B-B978-451D-A0D8-FCFDF33E833C} (WUWebControl Class) - http://update.micros...b?1129114465131
O16 - DPF: {6E32070A-766D-4EE6-879C-DC1FA91D2FC3} (MUWebControl Class) - http://update.micros...b?1129122205691
O16 - DPF: {8E0D4DE5-3180-4024-A327-4DFAD1796A8D} (MessengerStatsClient Class) - http://messenger.zon...nt.cab31267.cab
O16 - DPF: {B38870E4-7ECB-40DA-8C6A-595F0A5519FF} (MsnMessengerSetupDownloadControl Class) - http://messenger.msn...pDownloader.cab
O16 - DPF: {B8BE5E93-A60C-4D26-A2DC-220313175592} (MSN Games - Installer) - http://cdn2.zone.msn...ro.cab55579.cab
O16 - DPF: {BF985246-09BF-11D2-BE62-006097DF57F6} (SimCityX Control) - http://simcity.ea.co...ic/SimCityX.cab
O16 - DPF: {DC75FEF6-165D-4D25-A518-C8C4BDA7BAA6} (CPlayFirstDinerDashControl Object) - http://www.playfirst...h/dinerdash.cab
O16 - DPF: {DF780F87-FF2B-4DF8-92D0-73DB16A1543A} - http://www.popcap.co...aploader_v6.cab
O16 - DPF: {E13F1132-4CA0-4005-84D3-51406E27D269} (BTDownloadCtrl Control) - http://www.shockwave...ownloadCtrl.cab
O16 - DPF: {F6BF0D00-0B2A-4A75-BF7B-F385591623AF} (Solitaire Showdown Class) - http://messenger.zon...wn.cab31267.cab
O17 - HKLM\System\CCS\Services\Tcpip\..\{091B645A-0683-4B80-946D-31BEE0F9D226}: NameServer = 85.255.114.10,85.255.112.219
O17 - HKLM\System\CCS\Services\Tcpip\..\{103EF1D5-8EF5-474F-BCF6-14D58A186923}: NameServer = 85.255.114.10,85.255.112.219
O17 - HKLM\System\CCS\Services\Tcpip\..\{2FE18634-F81B-4F1C-AA68-A82A69100CEF}: NameServer = 85.255.114.10,85.255.112.219
O17 - HKLM\System\CCS\Services\Tcpip\..\{34512C4D-4D46-47E1-A36F-EB192FAA9C39}: NameServer = 85.255.114.10,85.255.112.219
O17 - HKLM\System\CCS\Services\Tcpip\..\{50DF2B47-883D-4155-BBCA-051268BBCB5E}: NameServer = 85.255.114.10,85.255.112.219
O17 - HKLM\System\CCS\Services\Tcpip\..\{55C4DA98-D995-4549-9E76-58141F2F1B18}: NameServer = 85.255.114.10,85.255.112.219
O17 - HKLM\System\CCS\Services\Tcpip\..\{56F8ED29-96D5-404C-A27D-B06F819DFFB3}: NameServer = 85.255.114.10,85.255.112.219
O17 - HKLM\System\CCS\Services\Tcpip\..\{63C1D6B5-9D7C-4066-BA44-BE677B38C30B}: NameServer = 85.255.114.10,85.255.112.219
O17 - HKLM\System\CCS\Services\Tcpip\..\{6841B49F-0486-4915-96B8-75726F24602B}: NameServer = 85.255.114.10,85.255.112.219
O17 - HKLM\System\CCS\Services\Tcpip\..\{75F3B840-24B8-4992-93DA-B13D748ACD27}: NameServer = 85.255.114.10,85.255.112.219
O17 - HKLM\System\CCS\Services\Tcpip\..\{7B81096A-FC1C-4DEF-817F-E3C9C4AF7FC3}: NameServer = 85.255.114.10,85.255.112.219
O17 - HKLM\System\CCS\Services\Tcpip\..\{D548B3F2-A92D-4DF2-BBF0-D7A63A6483BD}: NameServer = 85.255.114.10,85.255.112.219
O17 - HKLM\System\CCS\Services\Tcpip\..\{D5B829BA-0AE6-4F9A-B07A-A79BF6E87AE8}: NameServer = 85.255.114.10,85.255.112.219
O17 - HKLM\System\CS1\Services\Tcpip\Parameters: NameServer = 85.255.114.10 85.255.112.219
O17 - HKLM\System\CS1\Services\Tcpip\..\{091B645A-0683-4B80-946D-31BEE0F9D226}: NameServer = 85.255.114.10,85.255.112.219
O17 - HKLM\System\CCS\Services\Tcpip\Parameters: NameServer = 85.255.114.10 85.255.112.219
O20 - Winlogon Notify: rqonn - rqonn.dll (file missing)
O20 - Winlogon Notify: WgaLogon - C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\WgaLogon.dll
O21 - SSODL: WPDShServiceObj - {AAA288BA-9A4C-45B0-95D7-94D524869DB5} - C:\WINDOWS\system32\WPDShServiceObj.dll
O23 - Service: ANIWZCSd Service (ANIWZCSdService) - Alpha Networks Inc. - C:\Program Files\ANI\ANIWZCS2 Service\ANIWZCSdS.exe
O23 - Service: Ati HotKey Poller - ATI Technologies Inc. - C:\WINDOWS\System32\Ati2evxx.exe
O23 - Service: ATI Smart - Unknown owner - C:\WINDOWS\system32\ati2sgag.exe
O23 - Service: AVG Anti-Spyware Guard - Anti-Malware Development a.s. - C:\Program Files\Grisoft\AVG Anti-Spyware 7.5\guard.exe
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
O23 - Service: AVG E-mail Scanner (AVGEMS) - GRISOFT, s.r.o. - C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgemc.exe
O23 - Service: Creative Service for CDROM Access - Creative Technology Ltd - C:\WINDOWS\system32\CTsvcCDA.EXE
O23 - Service: EPSON Printer Status Agent2 (EPSONStatusAgent2) - SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION - C:\Program Files\Common Files\EPSON\EBAPI\SAgent2.exe
O23 - Service: InstallDriver Table Manager (IDriverT) - Macrovision Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\InstallShield\Driver\11\Intel 32\IDriverT.exe
O23 - Service: TrueVector Internet Monitor (vsmon) - Zone Labs, LLC - C:\WINDOWS\system32\ZoneLabs\vsmon.exe

and the results of the AVG Anti-Spyware scan are -

AVG Anti-Spyware - Scan Report
---------------------------------------------------------

+ Created at: 2:12:02 AM 4/16/2007

+ Scan result:



C:\System Volume Information\_restore{AC74175B-020F-49B0-99E8-5E27860DCB3C}\RP137\A0064065.dll -> Adware.SysProtect : Cleaned with backup (quarantined).


::Report end

Many thanks.
Message ends.

[Noviciate]

You will need to make a copy of these instructions because you have to disconnect from the internet to complete the fix. Either print them out or copy and paste them into Notepad.

Preparation

1) Download Fixwareout.exe by LonnyRJones from one of these two locations, and save it to your Desktop:

http://downloads.sub.../Fixwareout.exe
http://www.bleepingc.../Fixwareout.exe

2) Download the trial version of AVG Anti-Spyware from here and save it to your Desktop.
If you already have this program installed, skip to Updating AVG Anti-Spyware: below.

* Please note that this program was formerly known as Ewido anti-spyware 4.0.
Taken from the Ewido website -

ewido anti-spyware 4.0 will now continue under the new product name AVG Anti-Spyware 7.5. AVG Anti-Spyware 7.5 contains the same ewido technology, but with some further enhanced features:

Highly improved cleaning
Lower resource usage
Additional languages supported

All current licenses for ewido anti-spyware 4.0 will continue to be valid, and users can change over to the new AVG Anti-Spyware 7.5 for free.

Double click the avgas-setup file to begin installation and follow the prompts.
When the program has been installed, and you click the Finish button, AVG A-S will open.

• Updating AVG Anti-Spyware:
  
  By default AVG A-S is configured to update automatically so, if you have an active internet connection, it should do so following installation. If you are unsure whether or not it has done so, do the following:
• Click the Update icon at the top and under "Manual Update" - click the Start update button.
• Either AVG A-S will update or inform you that no update was available.
• If you cannot access the internet with the infected PC, or you are having problems updating, you can download the signatures file from here.
  Once you have installed AVG A-S, double click avgas-signatures-full-current.exe to update it.
  
  Disabling the Resident Shield:
  
• By default the Resident Shield is active but as it may interfere with the process of cleaning your PC, it will need to be disabled.
  (When the PC has been cleaned you can activate the shield again, if you wish.)
• Click the Shield icon at the top and under "Resident shield is..." - click active.
• This should now change to inactive.
  
  Changing Recommended Actions
  
• Click the Scanner icon at the top and then click the Settings Tab.
• Under "How to act?" click Recommended actions and select "Quarantine" from the menu.

You can now close AVG A-S.

AVG A-S is designed to be used to both scan for and remove malicious files and also to run in real-time alongside, but not replace, your existing anti-virus program to give an added layer of protection.
Both the Resident Shield and Automatic Updates will only be available for the thirty day trial period, after that AVG A-S will revert to a stand-alone scanner which you can keep and manually update for free and use in a similar way to Ad-Aware SE Personal, Spybot S&D etc.
Should you wish to benefit from the real-time protection, you will need to upgrade the program. To do this, simply open it and click on the Buy now button.

3) You will need to set Windows to show All Hidden Files and Folders.
Instructions can be found here.
** These files are hidden to stop you accidentally removing something important.
It is advisable to hide them again after fixing your computer. **

Please Note: You will need to remain connected to the internet during this fix.

Removal

1) Double click Fixwareout.exe to start the Fixwareout Setup Wizard

• Click Next > Install.
• Ensure that the box to the left of Run fixit is checked.
• Click on Finish.
• 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.
• When your system reboots, follow the prompts.

Afterwards HijackThis should launch by itself - if it does not, start it manually.

Click on 'Do a system scan only' and place a checkmark in the boxes to the left of the following entries, by clicking on them:

O2 - BHO: Yahoo! Toolbar Helper - {02478D38-C3F9-4EFB-9B51-7695ECA05670} - C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Companion\Installs\cpn0\yt.dll (file missing)

O17 - HKLM\System\CCS\Services\Tcpip\..\{091B645A-0683-4B80-946D-31BEE0F9D226}: NameServer = 85.255.114.10,85.255.112.219
O17 - HKLM\System\CCS\Services\Tcpip\..\{103EF1D5-8EF5-474F-BCF6-14D58A186923}: NameServer = 85.255.114.10,85.255.112.219
O17 - HKLM\System\CCS\Services\Tcpip\..\{2FE18634-F81B-4F1C-AA68-A82A69100CEF}: NameServer = 85.255.114.10,85.255.112.219
O17 - HKLM\System\CCS\Services\Tcpip\..\{34512C4D-4D46-47E1-A36F-EB192FAA9C39}: NameServer = 85.255.114.10,85.255.112.219
O17 - HKLM\System\CCS\Services\Tcpip\..\{50DF2B47-883D-4155-BBCA-051268BBCB5E}: NameServer = 85.255.114.10,85.255.112.219
O17 - HKLM\System\CCS\Services\Tcpip\..\{55C4DA98-D995-4549-9E76-58141F2F1B18}: NameServer = 85.255.114.10,85.255.112.219
O17 - HKLM\System\CCS\Services\Tcpip\..\{56F8ED29-96D5-404C-A27D-B06F819DFFB3}: NameServer = 85.255.114.10,85.255.112.219
O17 - HKLM\System\CCS\Services\Tcpip\..\{63C1D6B5-9D7C-4066-BA44-BE677B38C30B}: NameServer = 85.255.114.10,85.255.112.219
O17 - HKLM\System\CCS\Services\Tcpip\..\{6841B49F-0486-4915-96B8-75726F24602B}: NameServer = 85.255.114.10,85.255.112.219
O17 - HKLM\System\CCS\Services\Tcpip\..\{75F3B840-24B8-4992-93DA-B13D748ACD27}: NameServer = 85.255.114.10,85.255.112.219
O17 - HKLM\System\CCS\Services\Tcpip\..\{7B81096A-FC1C-4DEF-817F-E3C9C4AF7FC3}: NameServer = 85.255.114.10,85.255.112.219
O17 - HKLM\System\CCS\Services\Tcpip\..\{D548B3F2-A92D-4DF2-BBF0-D7A63A6483BD}: NameServer = 85.255.114.10,85.255.112.219
O17 - HKLM\System\CCS\Services\Tcpip\..\{D5B829BA-0AE6-4F9A-B07A-A79BF6E87AE8}: NameServer = 85.255.114.10,85.255.112.219
O17 - HKLM\System\CS1\Services\Tcpip\Parameters: NameServer = 85.255.114.10 85.255.112.219
O17 - HKLM\System\CS1\Services\Tcpip\..\{091B645A-0683-4B80-946D-31BEE0F9D226}: NameServer = 85.255.114.10,85.255.112.219
O17 - HKLM\System\CCS\Services\Tcpip\Parameters: NameServer = 85.255.114.10 85.255.112.219

O20 - Winlogon Notify: rqonn - rqonn.dll (file missing)

CLOSE ALL OPEN WINDOWS AND BROWSERS - EXCEPT HJT and click on Fix checked

** If you have any problems running Fixwareout, try fixing the O17 lines with HJT and then rerun the fix. Make sure that you run HJT where indicated and ensure that the lines are gone before proceeding with the rest of the fix. **

2) 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.

3) Go to Start > Run, enter cmd and click OK.

• At the Dos Prompt Screen, type in cd\ and then press <ENTER>.
• Now type in ipconfig /flushdns and then press <ENTER>. (notice the space after ipconfig)
• Close the command prompt window.

4) Boot into Safe Mode.

• If the computer is running, shut down Windows, and then turn off the power.
• Wait 30 seconds, and then turn the computer on.
• Start tapping the F8 key. The Windows Advanced Options Menu appears. If you begin tapping the F8 key too soon, some computers display a "keyboard error" message. To resolve this, restart the computer and try again.
• Ensure that the Safe Mode option is selected.
• Press Enter. The computer then begins to start in Safe mode.
• Login on your usual account.

5) Navigate to the C:\Windows\Temp folder and delete all the files that you find there.
Do this for all Usernames.

6) Navigate to C:\Documents and Settings\Username\Local Settings\Temp and delete all the files that you find there.
Do this for all Usernames.

7) Go to Start > Control Panel > Internet Options.

For I.E. 6 - under Temporary Internet files, click on Delete Files...
Check the box to the left of 'Delete all offline content' and then click on OK.

For I.E. 7 - under Browsing History, click delete...
Under Temporary Internet Files, click Delete files...

8) Ensure that ALL open Windows / Programs / Folders are closed and then run AVG A-S.

• If it is not already selected, click the Scanner icon at the top and then select the Scan Tab.
• Click "Complete System Scan"
• While the scan is in progress the PC should be left otherwise idle - so if you fancy a cuppa, now's the time to put the kettle on!
• When the scan has completed, any threats that AVG A-S has detected will be displayed.
• Click the Apply all actions button at the bottom.
• When AVG A-S has finished, it will display the message "All actions have been applied".
  
  Saving a report:
  
• Click the Save Report button at the bottom left and the "Reports" window will open.
• The content of the scan report will be displayed in the right hand pane and a copy will be automatically saved as Report-Scan-date-time.txt into the C:\Program Files\Grisoft\AVG Anti-Spyware 7.5\Reports folder.
• You will need to post a copy of this report into your next reply, so if it is more convenient, you can save another copy of this report elsewhere:
  Click the Save report as button and select a destination by clicking the down arrow to the right of the Save in: text box and then click Save.

Close AVG A-S.

9) Boot into Normal Mode.

Post a new HJT log (run in Normal Mode), the AVG A-S log, the contents of the logfile C:\fixwareout\report.txt AND a description of how your PC is running.

[Offspinner]

Many thanks. I followed that all through, except for:
“5) Navigate to the C:\Windows\Temp folder and delete all the files that you find there.
Do this for all Usernames.” At this point, I did not find any usernames – I found three text documents, viz. dw.log, MpCmdRun.log and WGAErrLog, plus seven other files, viz. ZLT00925.TMP, ZLT05359.TMP, ZLT0093f.TMP, dy150fil.TMP, kdshi.ren, WGANotify.settings, and y5s0y49d.TMP. I was not sure whether you meant me to delete ALL files, so I simply sent them to the Recycle Bin. And:
“6) Navigate to C:\Documents and Settings\Username\Local Settings\Temp and delete all the files that you find there. Do this for all Usernames.” I missed doing this the first time around. But after doing the rest and rebooting in Normal Mode, I navigated back deleted all the Usernames. But again, I was not sure whether you meant me to delete ALL the files there – most of the 80 or so which remain are TomCoyote-related, and while they can all probably be deleted without any ill effects, I have not deleted them.

However, the problem with Sestat, Hrena & Co seems to have disappeared, and the PC is running normally – if anything, somewhat faster. Below is the latest HJT log, with the AVG A-S log and the Fixwareout report as at the time I rebooted the PC.


Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.1
Scan saved at 5:11:53 PM, on 4/19/2007
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\Ati2evxx.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\Windows Defender\MsMpEng.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\Program Files\ANI\ANIWZCS2 Service\ANIWZCSdS.exe
C:\Program Files\Grisoft\AVG Anti-Spyware 7.5\guard.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgamsvr.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgupsvc.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgemc.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\CTsvcCDA.EXE
C:\Program Files\Common Files\EPSON\EBAPI\SAgent2.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\Ati2evxx.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\Program Files\Logitech\ImageStudio\LogiTray.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgcc.exe
C:\Program Files\ATI Technologies\ATI Control Panel\atiptaxx.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Real\Update_OB\realsched.exe
C:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe
C:\Program Files\Windows Defender\MSASCui.exe
C:\Program Files\Zone Labs\ZoneAlarm\zlclient.exe
C:\Program Files\Grisoft\AVG Anti-Spyware 7.5\avgas.exe
C:\Program Files\EPSON\EPSON SMART PANEL for Scanner\EspMain.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\LVComS.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\ZoneLabs\vsmon.exe
C:\Program Files\Outlook Express\msimn.exe
C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office\WINWORD.EXE
C:\Program Files\WinAce\WinAce.exe
C:\DOCUME~1\Graham\LOCALS~1\Temp\~AceTemp\hijackthis\HijackThis.exe

R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://www.timesonline.co.uk/uk/
O2 - BHO: Adobe PDF Reader Link Helper - {06849E9F-C8D7-4D59-B87D-784B7D6BE0B3} - C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 7.0\ActiveX\AcroIEHelper.dll
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {53707962-6F74-2D53-2644-206D7942484F} - C:\PROGRA~1\SPYBOT~1\SDHelper.dll
O3 - Toolbar: Yahoo! Toolbar - {EF99BD32-C1FB-11D2-892F-0090271D4F88} - C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Companion\Installs\cpn0\yt.dll (file missing)
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [LogitechImageStudioTray] C:\Program Files\Logitech\ImageStudio\LogiTray.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [D-Link AirPlus G] C:\Program Files\D-Link\AirPlus G\AirGCFG.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AVG7_CC] C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgcc.exe /STARTUP
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ATIPTA] "C:\Program Files\ATI Technologies\ATI Control Panel\atiptaxx.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [TkBellExe] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Real\Update_OB\realsched.exe" -osboot
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [QuickTime Task] "C:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe" -atboottime
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Windows Defender] "C:\Program Files\Windows Defender\MSASCui.exe" -hide
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ZoneAlarm Client] "C:\Program Files\Zone Labs\ZoneAlarm\zlclient.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [!AVG Anti-Spyware] "C:\Program Files\Grisoft\AVG Anti-Spyware 7.5\avgas.exe" /minimized
O4 - Global Startup: EPSON SMART PANEL for Scanner.lnk = C:\Program Files\EPSON\EPSON SMART PANEL for Scanner\EspMain.exe
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\Program Files\Java\j2re1.4.2\bin\npjpi142.dll
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Sun Java Console - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\Program Files\Java\j2re1.4.2\bin\npjpi142.dll
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {85d1f590-48f4-11d9-9669-0800200c9a66} - %windir%\bdoscandel.exe (file missing)
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Uninstall BitDefender Online Scanner v8 - {85d1f590-48f4-11d9-9669-0800200c9a66} - %windir%\bdoscandel.exe (file missing)
O9 - Extra button: PartyPoker.com - {B7FE5D70-9AA2-40F1-9C6B-12A255F085E1} - C:\Program Files\PartyGaming\PartyPoker\RunApp.exe (file missing)
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: PartyPoker.com - {B7FE5D70-9AA2-40F1-9C6B-12A255F085E1} - C:\Program Files\PartyGaming\PartyPoker\RunApp.exe (file missing)
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: {00B71CFB-6864-4346-A978-C0A14556272C} (Checkers Class) - http://messenger.zon...kr.cab31267.cab
O16 - DPF: {14B87622-7E19-4EA8-93B3-97215F77A6BC} (MessengerStatsClient Class) - http://messenger.zon...nt.cab31267.cab
O16 - DPF: {17492023-C23A-453E-A040-C7C580BBF700} (Windows Genuine Advantage Validation Tool) - http://go.microsoft....k/?LinkID=39204
O16 - DPF: {2917297F-F02B-4B9D-81DF-494B6333150B} (Minesweeper Flags Class) - http://messenger.zon...er.cab31267.cab
O16 - DPF: {38D63471-E630-4492-A986-B8C48B79F2F8} - http://update.videoe...ggPublisher.exe
O16 - DPF: {4F1E5B1A-2A80-42CA-8532-2D05CB959537} (MSN Photo Upload Tool) - http://spaces.msn.co...ad/MsnPUpld.cab
O16 - DPF: {56336BCB-3D8A-11D6-A00B-0050DA18DE71} - http://software-dl.r...ip/RdxIE601.cab
O16 - DPF: {5D86DDB5-BDF9-441B-9E9E-D4730F4EE499} (BDSCANONLINE Control) - http://download.bitd...can8/oscan8.cab
O16 - DPF: {6414512B-B978-451D-A0D8-FCFDF33E833C} (WUWebControl Class) - http://update.micros...b?1129114465131
O16 - DPF: {6E32070A-766D-4EE6-879C-DC1FA91D2FC3} (MUWebControl Class) - http://update.micros...b?1129122205691
O16 - DPF: {8E0D4DE5-3180-4024-A327-4DFAD1796A8D} (MessengerStatsClient Class) - http://messenger.zon...nt.cab31267.cab
O16 - DPF: {B38870E4-7ECB-40DA-8C6A-595F0A5519FF} (MsnMessengerSetupDownloadControl Class) - http://messenger.msn...pDownloader.cab
O16 - DPF: {B8BE5E93-A60C-4D26-A2DC-220313175592} (MSN Games - Installer) - http://cdn2.zone.msn...ro.cab55579.cab
O16 - DPF: {BF985246-09BF-11D2-BE62-006097DF57F6} (SimCityX Control) - http://simcity.ea.co...ic/SimCityX.cab
O16 - DPF: {DC75FEF6-165D-4D25-A518-C8C4BDA7BAA6} (CPlayFirstDinerDashControl Object) - http://www.playfirst...h/dinerdash.cab
O16 - DPF: {DF780F87-FF2B-4DF8-92D0-73DB16A1543A} - http://www.popcap.co...aploader_v6.cab
O16 - DPF: {E13F1132-4CA0-4005-84D3-51406E27D269} (BTDownloadCtrl Control) - http://www.shockwave...ownloadCtrl.cab
O16 - DPF: {F6BF0D00-0B2A-4A75-BF7B-F385591623AF} (Solitaire Showdown Class) - http://messenger.zon...wn.cab31267.cab
O17 - HKLM\System\CCS\Services\Tcpip\..\{85585182-4E12-4E48-ABC1-EC8CD732FB01}: NameServer = 85.255.114.10 85.255.112.219
O20 - Winlogon Notify: WgaLogon - C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\WgaLogon.dll
O21 - SSODL: WPDShServiceObj - {AAA288BA-9A4C-45B0-95D7-94D524869DB5} - C:\WINDOWS\system32\WPDShServiceObj.dll
O23 - Service: ANIWZCSd Service (ANIWZCSdService) - Alpha Networks Inc. - C:\Program Files\ANI\ANIWZCS2 Service\ANIWZCSdS.exe
O23 - Service: Ati HotKey Poller - ATI Technologies Inc. - C:\WINDOWS\System32\Ati2evxx.exe
O23 - Service: ATI Smart - Unknown owner - C:\WINDOWS\system32\ati2sgag.exe
O23 - Service: AVG Anti-Spyware Guard - Anti-Malware Development a.s. - C:\Program Files\Grisoft\AVG Anti-Spyware 7.5\guard.exe
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
O23 - Service: AVG E-mail Scanner (AVGEMS) - GRISOFT, s.r.o. - C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgemc.exe
O23 - Service: Creative Service for CDROM Access - Creative Technology Ltd - C:\WINDOWS\system32\CTsvcCDA.EXE
O23 - Service: EPSON Printer Status Agent2 (EPSONStatusAgent2) - SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION - C:\Program Files\Common Files\EPSON\EBAPI\SAgent2.exe
O23 - Service: InstallDriver Table Manager (IDriverT) - Macrovision Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\InstallShield\Driver\11\Intel 32\IDriverT.exe
O23 - Service: TrueVector Internet Monitor (vsmon) - Zone Labs, LLC - C:\WINDOWS\system32\ZoneLabs\vsmon.exe

I note that another O17 item has crept in!


---------------------------------------------------------
AVG Anti-Spyware - Scan Report
---------------------------------------------------------

+ Created at: 11:42:50 PM 4/18/2007

+ Scan result:



C:\Documents and Settings\Graham\Cookies\graham@tribalfusion[1].txt -> TrackingCookie.Tribalfusion : Cleaned.


::Report end


Fixwareout Last edited 4/5/2007
Post this report in the forums please
...
»»»»»Prerun check
HKLM\SOFTWARE\~\Winlogon\ "System"="kdshi.exe"

»»»»» System restarted

»»»»» Postrun check
HKLM\SOFTWARE\~\Winlogon\ "system"=""
....
....
»»»»» Misc files.
....
»»»»» Checking for older varients.
....

Search five digit cs, dm, kd, jb, other, files.
The following files NEED TO BE SUBMITTED to one of the following URL'S for further inspection.


Click browse, find the file then click submit.
http://www.virustota...h/index_en.html
Or http://virusscan.jotti.org/

»»»»» Other
C:\WINDOWS\Temp\kdshi.ren 63863 08/04/2004


»»»»» Current runs
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run]
"LogitechImageStudioTray"="C:\\Program Files\\Logitech\\ImageStudio\\LogiTray.exe"
"D-Link AirPlus G"="C:\\Program Files\\D-Link\\AirPlus G\\AirGCFG.exe"
"AVG7_CC"="C:\\PROGRA~1\\Grisoft\\AVGFRE~1\\avgcc.exe /STARTUP"
"ATIPTA"="\"C:\\Program Files\\ATI Technologies\\ATI Control Panel\\atiptaxx.exe\""
"TkBellExe"="\"C:\\Program Files\\Common Files\\Real\\Update_OB\\realsched.exe\" -osboot"
"QuickTime Task"="\"C:\\Program Files\\QuickTime\\qttask.exe\" -atboottime"
"Windows Defender"="\"C:\\Program Files\\Windows Defender\\MSASCui.exe\" -hide"
"ZoneAlarm Client"="\"C:\\Program Files\\Zone Labs\\ZoneAlarm\\zlclient.exe\""
"!AVG Anti-Spyware"="\"C:\\Program Files\\Grisoft\\AVG Anti-Spyware 7.5\\avgas.exe\" /minimized"

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run]
"Steam"=""
....
Hosts file was reset, If you use a custom hosts file please replace it
»»»»» End report »»»»»

And I think that’s it for now.

[Noviciate]

All the files in your Temp folders are by their nature temporary - that's why they are kept there. In theory once these files have served their purpose, they should be deleted by the application that had created them. In practise a lot get left behind cluttering up the place and making it look untidy. You can also find malicious files in these locations which is why I wanted the folders emptying. Partly because you didn't empty the folders, and partly because of the new O17, i'd like you to repeat the instructions and post accordingly. As this fix usually goes without a hitch, I am assuming that the problem is due to you not following the instructions fully, but it is also possible that you have a nasty that is particularly unwilling to depart - i'll know more when you have posted next.

[Offspinner]

OK, here we go. First time, I was thrown by the instructions to “Delete all the files that you find there” followed by “Do this for all usernames”, as though they were two separate and sequential actions. In fact, it appears that “Delete all the files that you find there” would be sufficient. Or have I missed something?

The HJT log is now
Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.1
Scan saved at 4:15:36 AM, on 4/20/2007
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\Ati2evxx.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\Windows Defender\MsMpEng.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\Program Files\ANI\ANIWZCS2 Service\ANIWZCSdS.exe
C:\Program Files\Grisoft\AVG Anti-Spyware 7.5\guard.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgamsvr.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgupsvc.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgemc.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\CTsvcCDA.EXE
C:\Program Files\Common Files\EPSON\EBAPI\SAgent2.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\ZoneLabs\vsmon.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\Ati2evxx.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\system32\notepad.exe
C:\Program Files\Logitech\ImageStudio\LogiTray.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgcc.exe
C:\Program Files\ATI Technologies\ATI Control Panel\atiptaxx.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\LVComS.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Real\Update_OB\realsched.exe
C:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe
C:\Program Files\Windows Defender\MSASCui.exe
C:\Program Files\Zone Labs\ZoneAlarm\zlclient.exe
C:\Program Files\Grisoft\AVG Anti-Spyware 7.5\avgas.exe
C:\Program Files\EPSON\EPSON SMART PANEL for Scanner\EspMain.exe
C:\Program Files\WinAce\WinAce.exe
C:\DOCUME~1\Graham\LOCALS~1\Temp\~AceTemp\hijackthis\HijackThis.exe
C:\Program Files\Outlook Express\msimn.exe
C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe

R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://www.timesonline.co.uk/uk/
O2 - BHO: Adobe PDF Reader Link Helper - {06849E9F-C8D7-4D59-B87D-784B7D6BE0B3} - C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 7.0\ActiveX\AcroIEHelper.dll
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {53707962-6F74-2D53-2644-206D7942484F} - C:\PROGRA~1\SPYBOT~1\SDHelper.dll
O3 - Toolbar: Yahoo! Toolbar - {EF99BD32-C1FB-11D2-892F-0090271D4F88} - C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Companion\Installs\cpn0\yt.dll (file missing)
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [LogitechImageStudioTray] C:\Program Files\Logitech\ImageStudio\LogiTray.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [D-Link AirPlus G] C:\Program Files\D-Link\AirPlus G\AirGCFG.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AVG7_CC] C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgcc.exe /STARTUP
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ATIPTA] "C:\Program Files\ATI Technologies\ATI Control Panel\atiptaxx.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [TkBellExe] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Real\Update_OB\realsched.exe" -osboot
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [QuickTime Task] "C:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe" -atboottime
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Windows Defender] "C:\Program Files\Windows Defender\MSASCui.exe" -hide
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ZoneAlarm Client] "C:\Program Files\Zone Labs\ZoneAlarm\zlclient.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [!AVG Anti-Spyware] "C:\Program Files\Grisoft\AVG Anti-Spyware 7.5\avgas.exe" /minimized
O4 - Global Startup: EPSON SMART PANEL for Scanner.lnk = C:\Program Files\EPSON\EPSON SMART PANEL for Scanner\EspMain.exe
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\Program Files\Java\j2re1.4.2\bin\npjpi142.dll
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Sun Java Console - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\Program Files\Java\j2re1.4.2\bin\npjpi142.dll
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {85d1f590-48f4-11d9-9669-0800200c9a66} - %windir%\bdoscandel.exe (file missing)
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Uninstall BitDefender Online Scanner v8 - {85d1f590-48f4-11d9-9669-0800200c9a66} - %windir%\bdoscandel.exe (file missing)
O9 - Extra button: PartyPoker.com - {B7FE5D70-9AA2-40F1-9C6B-12A255F085E1} - C:\Program Files\PartyGaming\PartyPoker\RunApp.exe (file missing)
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: PartyPoker.com - {B7FE5D70-9AA2-40F1-9C6B-12A255F085E1} - C:\Program Files\PartyGaming\PartyPoker\RunApp.exe (file missing)
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: {00B71CFB-6864-4346-A978-C0A14556272C} (Checkers Class) - http://messenger.zon...kr.cab31267.cab
O16 - DPF: {14B87622-7E19-4EA8-93B3-97215F77A6BC} (MessengerStatsClient Class) - http://messenger.zon...nt.cab31267.cab
O16 - DPF: {17492023-C23A-453E-A040-C7C580BBF700} (Windows Genuine Advantage Validation Tool) - http://go.microsoft....k/?LinkID=39204
O16 - DPF: {2917297F-F02B-4B9D-81DF-494B6333150B} (Minesweeper Flags Class) - http://messenger.zon...er.cab31267.cab
O16 - DPF: {38D63471-E630-4492-A986-B8C48B79F2F8} - http://update.videoe...ggPublisher.exe
O16 - DPF: {4F1E5B1A-2A80-42CA-8532-2D05CB959537} (MSN Photo Upload Tool) - http://spaces.msn.co...ad/MsnPUpld.cab
O16 - DPF: {56336BCB-3D8A-11D6-A00B-0050DA18DE71} - http://software-dl.r...ip/RdxIE601.cab
O16 - DPF: {5D86DDB5-BDF9-441B-9E9E-D4730F4EE499} (BDSCANONLINE Control) - http://download.bitd...can8/oscan8.cab
O16 - DPF: {6414512B-B978-451D-A0D8-FCFDF33E833C} (WUWebControl Class) - http://update.micros...b?1129114465131
O16 - DPF: {6E32070A-766D-4EE6-879C-DC1FA91D2FC3} (MUWebControl Class) - http://update.micros...b?1129122205691
O16 - DPF: {8E0D4DE5-3180-4024-A327-4DFAD1796A8D} (MessengerStatsClient Class) - http://messenger.zon...nt.cab31267.cab
O16 - DPF: {B38870E4-7ECB-40DA-8C6A-595F0A5519FF} (MsnMessengerSetupDownloadControl Class) - http://messenger.msn...pDownloader.cab
O16 - DPF: {B8BE5E93-A60C-4D26-A2DC-220313175592} (MSN Games - Installer) - http://cdn2.zone.msn...ro.cab55579.cab
O16 - DPF: {BF985246-09BF-11D2-BE62-006097DF57F6} (SimCityX Control) - http://simcity.ea.co...ic/SimCityX.cab
O16 - DPF: {DC75FEF6-165D-4D25-A518-C8C4BDA7BAA6} (CPlayFirstDinerDashControl Object) - http://www.playfirst...h/dinerdash.cab
O16 - DPF: {DF780F87-FF2B-4DF8-92D0-73DB16A1543A} - http://www.popcap.co...aploader_v6.cab
O16 - DPF: {E13F1132-4CA0-4005-84D3-51406E27D269} (BTDownloadCtrl Control) - http://www.shockwave...ownloadCtrl.cab
O16 - DPF: {F6BF0D00-0B2A-4A75-BF7B-F385591623AF} (Solitaire Showdown Class) - http://messenger.zon...wn.cab31267.cab
O20 - Winlogon Notify: WgaLogon - C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\WgaLogon.dll
O21 - SSODL: WPDShServiceObj - {AAA288BA-9A4C-45B0-95D7-94D524869DB5} - C:\WINDOWS\system32\WPDShServiceObj.dll
O23 - Service: ANIWZCSd Service (ANIWZCSdService) - Alpha Networks Inc. - C:\Program Files\ANI\ANIWZCS2 Service\ANIWZCSdS.exe
O23 - Service: Ati HotKey Poller - ATI Technologies Inc. - C:\WINDOWS\System32\Ati2evxx.exe
O23 - Service: ATI Smart - Unknown owner - C:\WINDOWS\system32\ati2sgag.exe
O23 - Service: AVG Anti-Spyware Guard - Anti-Malware Development a.s. - C:\Program Files\Grisoft\AVG Anti-Spyware 7.5\guard.exe
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
O23 - Service: AVG E-mail Scanner (AVGEMS) - GRISOFT, s.r.o. - C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgemc.exe
O23 - Service: Creative Service for CDROM Access - Creative Technology Ltd - C:\WINDOWS\system32\CTsvcCDA.EXE
O23 - Service: EPSON Printer Status Agent2 (EPSONStatusAgent2) - SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION - C:\Program Files\Common Files\EPSON\EBAPI\SAgent2.exe
O23 - Service: InstallDriver Table Manager (IDriverT) - Macrovision Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\InstallShield\Driver\11\Intel 32\IDriverT.exe
O23 - Service: TrueVector Internet Monitor (vsmon) - Zone Labs, LLC - C:\WINDOWS\system32\ZoneLabs\vsmon.exe

I note that the O17 item mentioned in my previous post has disappeared!

The most recent AVG A-S report is
---------------------------------------------------------
AVG Anti-Spyware - Scan Report
---------------------------------------------------------

+ Created at: 5:59:53 AM 4/20/2007

+ Scan result:

C:\Documents and Settings\Graham\Cookies\graham@connextra[1].txt -> TrackingCookie.Connextra : Cleaned.
C:\Documents and Settings\Graham\Cookies\graham@revsci[2].txt -> TrackingCookie.Revsci : Cleaned.
C:\Documents and Settings\Graham\Cookies\graham@tribalfusion[1].txt -> TrackingCookie.Tribalfusion : Cleaned.


::Report end


I think that’s it. Thanks for your patience.

[Noviciate]

First time, I was thrown by the instructions to “Delete all the files that you find there” followed by “Do this for all usernames”, as though they were two separate and sequential actions. In fact, it appears that “Delete all the files that you find there” would be sufficient. Or have I missed something?

You are the first person in twenty-three months to have been thrown by these instructions - whether it is you or they who have missed something, I cannot say.

I note that the O17 item mentioned in my previous post has disappeared!

Then I guess the instructions worked.

You are running an old version of Sun Java which needs updating:

• Go here and click on the Download button to the right of Java Runtime Environment (JRE) 6u1.
• Accept the license agreement by clicking the appropriate radio button and then continue.
• Under Windows Platform - Java™ SE Runtime Environment 6 Update 1, click the Windows Offline Installation, Multi-language link.
• Go to Add/Remove Programs and remove any entries that refer to Java 2 Runtime Environment and then reboot your PC.
• Navigate to and delete the following folder, if it exists: C:\Program Files\Java.
• Finally double click the installation file that you downloaded earlier.

I want you to run your PC as normal for a few days and when you are happy that everything is fine, do the following:

Update your anti-virus program,
Disable System Restore,
Boot into Safe Mode,
Scan your computer for viruses.
When you get the all clear, reboot into Normal Mode.
Re-enable System Restore,
Create a Restore Point.
This will give a clean Restore Point should you need it in the future.
A tutorial for System Restore is available here.

The reason for waiting is that if removing the malware has caused a problem, which it occasionally does, you can put your PC back to how it was before the fix. This will re-install the malware, but an infected PC is better than an expensive paperweight!

Some bedtime reading: This is a very good tutorial about keeping your computer safe and secure on the internet.

[Offspinner]

Many thanks for that. I first updated Sun Java, thanks.
I made sure my AV program was up to date.
I disabled System Restore,
Booted in Safe Mode,
Scanned for viruses and found no trace,
Re-enabled System Restore and created a new Restore Point.

All went well for several days.
Before getting back to you, I decided to run all the scans again.

I ran Fixwareout, with results as shown lower down.
I ran HJT, and the log showed that one of the O17 items (which had been deleted) had crept back in. I have not yet deleted it – see below for latest log.
I ran AVG A-S, which detected only the “usual suspects”, six or seven trackers which appear to come in with the tide every day. Scan results below – I have subsequently deleted them.
I ran Ad-Aware, which identified most of the same trackers, nothing more.

Then, over the weekend, the PC began to run very slowly, and has been taking hours to do scans. At the same time, programs and applications (including attempts to run HJT, Photoshop, even Word) would stop responding, so I was having frequent recourse to Task Manager to clear the jams. This seemed odd, as there was plenty of free space on the disk.

This morning (30 April), I decided to revert to System Restore. But the Restore Point which I created last week had gone, and had been replaced by one dated this morning, around 1.00 am. It was the only Restore Point on the calendar. This I also found odd, because prior to disabling System Restore last week, this PC regularly created new Restore Points every few days, and I would have four or five points to choose from, so capacity does not appear to be an issue. Anyway, the end result is that I am not now able to go back to the Restore Point which I created on 24/25 April.

My latest scans, done earlier today, are –

Fixwareout Last edited 4/5/2007
Post this report in the forums please
...
»»»»»Prerun check

»»»»» System restarted

»»»»» Postrun check
HKLM\SOFTWARE\~\Winlogon\ "system"=""
....
....
»»»»» Misc files.
....
»»»»» Checking for older varients.
....

Search five digit cs, dm, kd, jb, other, files.
The following files NEED TO BE SUBMITTED to one of the following URL'S for further inspection.

Click browse, find the file then click submit.
http://www.virustota...h/index_en.html
Or http://virusscan.jotti.org/

»»»»» Other

»»»»» Current runs
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run]
"D-Link AirPlus G"="C:\\Program Files\\D-Link\\AirPlus G\\AirGCFG.exe"
"AVG7_CC"="C:\\PROGRA~1\\Grisoft\\AVGFRE~1\\avgcc.exe /STARTUP"
"ATIPTA"="\"C:\\Program Files\\ATI Technologies\\ATI Control Panel\\atiptaxx.exe\""
"Windows Defender"="\"C:\\Program Files\\Windows Defender\\MSASCui.exe\" -hide"
"ZoneAlarm Client"="\"C:\\Program Files\\Zone Labs\\ZoneAlarm\\zlclient.exe\""
"!AVG Anti-Spyware"="\"C:\\Program Files\\Grisoft\\AVG Anti-Spyware 7.5\\avgas.exe\" /minimized"

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run]
"Steam"=""
....
Hosts file was reset, If you use a custom hosts file please replace it
»»»»» End report »»»»»

AVG Ant-Virus
AVG Anti-Spyware - Scan Report
---------------------------------------------------------

+ Created at: 1:01:09 PM 4/30/2007

+ Scan result:

C:\Documents and Settings\Graham\Cookies\graham@adtech[2].txt -> TrackingCookie.Adtech : No action taken.
C:\Documents and Settings\Graham\Cookies\graham@com[1].txt -> TrackingCookie.Com : No action taken.
C:\Documents and Settings\Graham\Cookies\graham@connextra[2].txt -> TrackingCookie.Connextra : No action taken.
C:\Documents and Settings\Graham\Cookies\graham@revsci[2].txt -> TrackingCookie.Revsci : No action taken.
C:\Documents and Settings\Graham\Cookies\graham@toplist[1].txt -> TrackingCookie.Toplist : No action taken.
C:\Documents and Settings\Graham\Cookies\graham@tribalfusion[1].txt -> TrackingCookie.Tribalfusion : No action taken.
C:\Documents and Settings\Graham\Cookies\graham@m.webtrends[1].txt -> TrackingCookie.Webtrends : No action taken.

::Report end – but I have now deleted these.


Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.1
Scan saved at 2:48:47 PM, on 4/30/2007
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\Ati2evxx.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\Windows Defender\MsMpEng.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\Program Files\ANI\ANIWZCS2 Service\ANIWZCSdS.exe
C:\Program Files\Grisoft\AVG Anti-Spyware 7.5\guard.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgamsvr.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgupsvc.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgemc.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\CTsvcCDA.EXE
C:\Program Files\Common Files\EPSON\EBAPI\SAgent2.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\ZoneLabs\vsmon.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\Ati2evxx.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgcc.exe
C:\Program Files\ATI Technologies\ATI Control Panel\atiptaxx.exe
C:\Program Files\Windows Defender\MSASCui.exe
C:\Program Files\Zone Labs\ZoneAlarm\zlclient.exe
C:\Program Files\Grisoft\AVG Anti-Spyware 7.5\avgas.exe
C:\Program Files\Outlook Express\msimn.exe
C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe
C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office\WINWORD.EXE
C:\Program Files\WinAce\WinAce.exe
C:\DOCUME~1\Graham\LOCALS~1\Temp\~AceTemp\hijackthis\HijackThis.exe

R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://www.timesonline.co.uk/uk/
O2 - BHO: Adobe PDF Reader Link Helper - {06849E9F-C8D7-4D59-B87D-784B7D6BE0B3} - C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 7.0\ActiveX\AcroIEHelper.dll
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {53707962-6F74-2D53-2644-206D7942484F} - C:\PROGRA~1\SPYBOT~1\SDHelper.dll
O2 - BHO: SSVHelper Class - {761497BB-D6F0-462C-B6EB-D4DAF1D92D43} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.6.0_01\bin\ssv.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [D-Link AirPlus G] C:\Program Files\D-Link\AirPlus G\AirGCFG.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AVG7_CC] C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgcc.exe /STARTUP
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ATIPTA] "C:\Program Files\ATI Technologies\ATI Control Panel\atiptaxx.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Windows Defender] "C:\Program Files\Windows Defender\MSASCui.exe" -hide
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ZoneAlarm Client] "C:\Program Files\Zone Labs\ZoneAlarm\zlclient.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [!AVG Anti-Spyware] "C:\Program Files\Grisoft\AVG Anti-Spyware 7.5\avgas.exe" /minimized
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.6.0_01\bin\ssv.dll
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Sun Java Console - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.6.0_01\bin\ssv.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: {00B71CFB-6864-4346-A978-C0A14556272C} (Checkers Class) - http://messenger.zon...kr.cab31267.cab
O16 - DPF: {14B87622-7E19-4EA8-93B3-97215F77A6BC} (MessengerStatsClient Class) - http://messenger.zon...nt.cab31267.cab
O16 - DPF: {17492023-C23A-453E-A040-C7C580BBF700} (Windows Genuine Advantage Validation Tool) - http://go.microsoft....k/?LinkID=39204
O16 - DPF: {2917297F-F02B-4B9D-81DF-494B6333150B} (Minesweeper Flags Class) - http://messenger.zon...er.cab31267.cab
O16 - DPF: {38D63471-E630-4492-A986-B8C48B79F2F8} - http://update.videoe...ggPublisher.exe
O16 - DPF: {4F1E5B1A-2A80-42CA-8532-2D05CB959537} (MSN Photo Upload Tool) - http://spaces.msn.co...ad/MsnPUpld.cab
O16 - DPF: {56336BCB-3D8A-11D6-A00B-0050DA18DE71} - http://software-dl.r...ip/RdxIE601.cab
O16 - DPF: {5D86DDB5-BDF9-441B-9E9E-D4730F4EE499} (BDSCANONLINE Control) - http://download.bitd...can8/oscan8.cab
O16 - DPF: {6414512B-B978-451D-A0D8-FCFDF33E833C} (WUWebControl Class) - http://update.micros...b?1129114465131
O16 - DPF: {6E32070A-766D-4EE6-879C-DC1FA91D2FC3} (MUWebControl Class) - http://update.micros...b?1129122205691
O16 - DPF: {8E0D4DE5-3180-4024-A327-4DFAD1796A8D} (MessengerStatsClient Class) - http://messenger.zon...nt.cab31267.cab
O16 - DPF: {B38870E4-7ECB-40DA-8C6A-595F0A5519FF} (MsnMessengerSetupDownloadControl Class) - http://messenger.msn...pDownloader.cab
O16 - DPF: {B8BE5E93-A60C-4D26-A2DC-220313175592} (MSN Games - Installer) - http://cdn2.zone.msn...ro.cab55579.cab
O16 - DPF: {BF985246-09BF-11D2-BE62-006097DF57F6} (SimCityX Control) - http://simcity.ea.co...ic/SimCityX.cab
O16 - DPF: {DC75FEF6-165D-4D25-A518-C8C4BDA7BAA6} (CPlayFirstDinerDashControl Object) - http://www.playfirst...h/dinerdash.cab
O16 - DPF: {DF780F87-FF2B-4DF8-92D0-73DB16A1543A} - http://www.popcap.co...aploader_v6.cab
O16 - DPF: {E13F1132-4CA0-4005-84D3-51406E27D269} (BTDownloadCtrl Control) - http://www.shockwave...ownloadCtrl.cab
O16 - DPF: {F6BF0D00-0B2A-4A75-BF7B-F385591623AF} (Solitaire Showdown Class) - http://messenger.zon...wn.cab31267.cab
O17 - HKLM\System\CCS\Services\Tcpip\..\{85585182-4E12-4E48-ABC1-EC8CD732FB01}: NameServer = 85.255.114.10 85.255.112.219
O20 - Winlogon Notify: WgaLogon - C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\WgaLogon.dll
O21 - SSODL: WPDShServiceObj - {AAA288BA-9A4C-45B0-95D7-94D524869DB5} - C:\WINDOWS\system32\WPDShServiceObj.dll
O23 - Service: ANIWZCSd Service (ANIWZCSdService) - Alpha Networks Inc. - C:\Program Files\ANI\ANIWZCS2 Service\ANIWZCSdS.exe
O23 - Service: Ati HotKey Poller - ATI Technologies Inc. - C:\WINDOWS\System32\Ati2evxx.exe
O23 - Service: ATI Smart - Unknown owner - C:\WINDOWS\system32\ati2sgag.exe
O23 - Service: AVG Anti-Spyware Guard - Anti-Malware Development a.s. - C:\Program Files\Grisoft\AVG Anti-Spyware 7.5\guard.exe
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
O23 - Service: AVG E-mail Scanner (AVGEMS) - GRISOFT, s.r.o. - C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgemc.exe
O23 - Service: Creative Service for CDROM Access - Creative Technology Ltd - C:\WINDOWS\system32\CTsvcCDA.EXE
O23 - Service: EPSON Printer Status Agent2 (EPSONStatusAgent2) - SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION - C:\Program Files\Common Files\EPSON\EBAPI\SAgent2.exe
O23 - Service: InstallDriver Table Manager (IDriverT) - Macrovision Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\InstallShield\Driver\11\Intel 32\IDriverT.exe
O23 - Service: TrueVector Internet Monitor (vsmon) - Zone Labs, LLC - C:\WINDOWS\system32\ZoneLabs\vsmon.exe

Whatever else it does, the O17 item does not seem to have caused a recurrence of Sestat, etc, so we may be getting off the original subject, but I should be grateful for any further assistance you can provide.

[Noviciate]

I can't say whether the O17 is a continuation of the previous infection or a new one, but the System Restore issue is a worry. I haven't heard of this in connection with Wareout so it is probably unconnected.
It is possible that it is due to a malware infection or your OS could have become corrupted in some way.
The first thing I would do is to back up all you important data - whether this is malicious in nature or not, it could get worse!
We'll start with a system clean-up and hope that this has a positive effect:

1) Download ATF Cleaner by Atribune from here and save it to your Desktop.
Double click ATF-Cleaner.exe to run the program.
Check the boxes to the left of:Windows Temp
Current User Temp
All Users Temp
Temporary Internet Files
Java Cache
The rest are optional - if you want to remove the lot, check "Select All".
Finally click Empty Selected. When you get the "Done Cleaning" message, click OK.

If you use the Firefox or Opera browsers, you can use this program as a quick way to tidy those up as well.

When you have finished, click on the Exit button in the Main menu.

For Technical Support, double-click the e-mail address located at the bottom of each menu.

Please Note: This program is for Windows XP and Windows 2000 only.

2) Double click My Computer.
Right click the disc drive you wish to check.
Click Properties.
In the Properties dialog box, click the Tools Tab.
Under Error-checking, click the Check Now button.
In the "Check Disc Local Disk (C:)" dialog box, check both Automatically fix file system errors and Scan for and attempt recovery of bad sectors, and then click Start.

This will look for and attempt to repair any errors that your hard drive has.

3) Go to Start > Run, enter sfc /scannow ( note the space between the "c" and "/" ) and click on OK.

This will look for and attempt to replace any corrupt system files that can be found. There are backups of some of these files on your PC and Windows will check for a copy here first. If you are prompted to insert your Windows XP disc, do so. If you don't have this disc and are asked for it, you will have to cancel at this point.

For details on the System File Checker, click here.

4) Defragment your hard drive. A tutorial for disc defragmentation is available here.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

You are running HJT from an unsafe location. An easy way to correct this is to do the following:

Download a copy of HJTsetup.exe from one of these locations and save it to your Desktop:Location one.
Location two.
Location three.

• Double click HJTsetup.exe to begin installation.
• By default it will install to C:\Program Files\HijackThis.
• Continue to click Next in the setup dialogue boxes until you get to the Select Addition Tasks dialogue.
• Put a check by Create a desktop icon then click Next again.
• Continue to follow the prompts from there.
• At the final dialogue box uncheck the box to the left of "Launch Hijackthis" and then click Finish

Do this BEFORE you proceed!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

1) Run HijackThis as you did to generate a log, but this time click on 'Do a system scan only'.
Place a checkmark in the boxes to the left of the following entries, by clicking on them:

O16 - DPF: {56336BCB-3D8A-11D6-A00B-0050DA18DE71} - http://software-dl.r...ip/RdxIE601.cab

O17 - HKLM\System\CCS\Services\Tcpip\..\{85585182-4E12-4E48-ABC1-EC8CD732FB01}: NameServer = 85.255.114.10 85.255.112.219

CLOSE ALL OPEN WINDOWS AND BROWSERS - EXCEPT HJT and click on Fix checked

2) 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.

3) Go to Start > Run, enter cmd and click OK.

• At the Dos Prompt Screen, type in cd\ and then press <ENTER>.
• Now type in ipconfig /flushdns and then press <ENTER>. (notice the space after ipconfig)
• Close the command prompt window.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

You will need to make a copy of these instructions because you have to disconnect from the internet to complete the fix. Either print them out or copy and paste them into Notepad.

Preparation

1) Download Dr Web Cureit from here and save it to your Desktop.

2) Log off from the internet and disconnect your modem cable for the duration of the fix.

Removal

1) Double click drweb-cureit.exe to begin - the program takes a few seconds to open so give it time.

• Click Start.
• When a new window appears, click OK to start the express scan - this will only take a short while.
• If anything is found, click Yes when you are asked if you want to Cure?
• Once the express scan has finished, click the Select drives button on the left - this will place a red dot over all of your hard drives.
• Click the green arrow on the right and the main scan will begin.
• If you see a pop-up informing you of an infected file and asking if you want to Cure? or Move?, click Yes to All.
• Now all you can do is wait while the scan completes as it needs no further action on your part.
• Once the scan has completed, you may see a list of infected files appear.
  • If so, there will be a button to the left of them that resembles a pile of papers with a red tick on top - click it.
  • A green dot will appear over each of the file icons and also light up four more buttons.
  • You need to click the second one down that resembles a green cup and select Move incurable from the menu that appears.
• Then from the main menu (top left), click File > Save report list.
• You will need to change the filename from DrWeb to "DrWeb.txt" - it is important that you include the quotation marks.
• Click Save and the report will be saved by default to My Documents although you can save it elsewhere if you wish.
• Close DrWeb Cureit.

2) Reboot your PC.

Post a fresh HJT log, the contents of [b]DrWeb.txt AND a description of how your PC is running.

[Offspinner]

HJT installed and run from location one. All instructions in above post now completed.

Fresh HJT log is:-

Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.1
Scan saved at 12:39:52 PM, on 5/7/2007
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\Ati2evxx.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\Windows Defender\MsMpEng.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\Program Files\ANI\ANIWZCS2 Service\ANIWZCSdS.exe
C:\Program Files\Grisoft\AVG Anti-Spyware 7.5\guard.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgamsvr.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgupsvc.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgemc.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\CTsvcCDA.EXE
C:\Program Files\Common Files\EPSON\EBAPI\SAgent2.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\Ati2evxx.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgcc.exe
C:\Program Files\ATI Technologies\ATI Control Panel\atiptaxx.exe
C:\Program Files\Windows Defender\MSASCui.exe
C:\Program Files\Zone Labs\ZoneAlarm\zlclient.exe
C:\Program Files\Grisoft\AVG Anti-Spyware 7.5\avgas.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Real\Update_OB\realsched.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\ZoneLabs\vsmon.exe
C:\Program Files\Windows NT\Pinball\PINBALL.EXE
C:\Program Files\Outlook Express\msimn.exe
C:\Program Files\Hijackthis\HijackThis.exe

R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://www.timesonline.co.uk/uk/
O2 - BHO: Adobe PDF Reader Link Helper - {06849E9F-C8D7-4D59-B87D-784B7D6BE0B3} - C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 7.0\ActiveX\AcroIEHelper.dll
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {53707962-6F74-2D53-2644-206D7942484F} - C:\PROGRA~1\SPYBOT~1\SDHelper.dll
O2 - BHO: SSVHelper Class - {761497BB-D6F0-462C-B6EB-D4DAF1D92D43} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.6.0_01\bin\ssv.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [D-Link AirPlus G] C:\Program Files\D-Link\AirPlus G\AirGCFG.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AVG7_CC] C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgcc.exe /STARTUP
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ATIPTA] "C:\Program Files\ATI Technologies\ATI Control Panel\atiptaxx.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Windows Defender] "C:\Program Files\Windows Defender\MSASCui.exe" -hide
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ZoneAlarm Client] "C:\Program Files\Zone Labs\ZoneAlarm\zlclient.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [!AVG Anti-Spyware] "C:\Program Files\Grisoft\AVG Anti-Spyware 7.5\avgas.exe" /minimized
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [TkBellExe] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Real\Update_OB\realsched.exe" -osboot
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.6.0_01\bin\ssv.dll
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Sun Java Console - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.6.0_01\bin\ssv.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: {00B71CFB-6864-4346-A978-C0A14556272C} (Checkers Class) - http://messenger.zon...kr.cab31267.cab
O16 - DPF: {14B87622-7E19-4EA8-93B3-97215F77A6BC} (MessengerStatsClient Class) - http://messenger.zon...nt.cab31267.cab
O16 - DPF: {17492023-C23A-453E-A040-C7C580BBF700} (Windows Genuine Advantage Validation Tool) - http://go.microsoft....k/?LinkID=39204
O16 - DPF: {2917297F-F02B-4B9D-81DF-494B6333150B} (Minesweeper Flags Class) - http://messenger.zon...er.cab31267.cab
O16 - DPF: {38D63471-E630-4492-A986-B8C48B79F2F8} - http://update.videoe...ggPublisher.exe
O16 - DPF: {4F1E5B1A-2A80-42CA-8532-2D05CB959537} (MSN Photo Upload Tool) - http://spaces.msn.co...ad/MsnPUpld.cab
O16 - DPF: {5D86DDB5-BDF9-441B-9E9E-D4730F4EE499} (BDSCANONLINE Control) - http://download.bitd...can8/oscan8.cab
O16 - DPF: {6414512B-B978-451D-A0D8-FCFDF33E833C} (WUWebControl Class) - http://update.micros...b?1129114465131
O16 - DPF: {6E32070A-766D-4EE6-879C-DC1FA91D2FC3} (MUWebControl Class) - http://update.micros...b?1129122205691
O16 - DPF: {8E0D4DE5-3180-4024-A327-4DFAD1796A8D} (MessengerStatsClient Class) - http://messenger.zon...nt.cab31267.cab
O16 - DPF: {B38870E4-7ECB-40DA-8C6A-595F0A5519FF} (MsnMessengerSetupDownloadControl Class) - http://messenger.msn...pDownloader.cab
O16 - DPF: {B8BE5E93-A60C-4D26-A2DC-220313175592} (MSN Games - Installer) - http://cdn2.zone.msn...ro.cab55579.cab
O16 - DPF: {BF985246-09BF-11D2-BE62-006097DF57F6} (SimCityX Control) - http://simcity.ea.co...ic/SimCityX.cab
O16 - DPF: {DC75FEF6-165D-4D25-A518-C8C4BDA7BAA6} (CPlayFirstDinerDashControl Object) - http://www.playfirst...h/dinerdash.cab
O16 - DPF: {DF780F87-FF2B-4DF8-92D0-73DB16A1543A} - http://www.popcap.co...aploader_v6.cab
O16 - DPF: {E13F1132-4CA0-4005-84D3-51406E27D269} (BTDownloadCtrl Control) - http://www.shockwave...ownloadCtrl.cab
O16 - DPF: {F6BF0D00-0B2A-4A75-BF7B-F385591623AF} (Solitaire Showdown Class) - http://messenger.zon...wn.cab31267.cab
O17 - HKLM\System\CCS\Services\Tcpip\..\{85585182-4E12-4E48-ABC1-EC8CD732FB01}: NameServer = 85.255.114.10 85.255.112.219
O20 - Winlogon Notify: WgaLogon - C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\WgaLogon.dll
O21 - SSODL: WPDShServiceObj - {AAA288BA-9A4C-45B0-95D7-94D524869DB5} - C:\WINDOWS\system32\WPDShServiceObj.dll
O23 - Service: ANIWZCSd Service (ANIWZCSdService) - Alpha Networks Inc. - C:\Program Files\ANI\ANIWZCS2 Service\ANIWZCSdS.exe
O23 - Service: Ati HotKey Poller - ATI Technologies Inc. - C:\WINDOWS\System32\Ati2evxx.exe
O23 - Service: ATI Smart - Unknown owner - C:\WINDOWS\system32\ati2sgag.exe
O23 - Service: AVG Anti-Spyware Guard - Anti-Malware Development a.s. - C:\Program Files\Grisoft\AVG Anti-Spyware 7.5\guard.exe
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
O23 - Service: AVG E-mail Scanner (AVGEMS) - GRISOFT, s.r.o. - C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgemc.exe
O23 - Service: Creative Service for CDROM Access - Creative Technology Ltd - C:\WINDOWS\system32\CTsvcCDA.EXE
O23 - Service: EPSON Printer Status Agent2 (EPSONStatusAgent2) - SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION - C:\Program Files\Common Files\EPSON\EBAPI\SAgent2.exe
O23 - Service: InstallDriver Table Manager (IDriverT) - Macrovision Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\InstallShield\Driver\11\Intel 32\IDriverT.exe
O23 - Service: TrueVector Internet Monitor (vsmon) - Zone Labs, LLC - C:\WINDOWS\system32\ZoneLabs\vsmon.exe

DrWeb.txt result is:-

CIMSVR.exe;C:\WINDOWS\system32;Probably BACKDOOR.Trojan;Incurable.Moved.;

Observations:
1. PC appears to be running normally, although the DrWebCurit scan took about 6 hours.
2. The O16 item recommended for deletion no longer appears in the HJT log.
3. The O17 item is still there if I do a scan while logged on, but if I do a scan while disconnected from the internet, the O17 item does not appear on the list.
4. Before receiving your last message, I went to gain access, via a link in a saved Word document, to the site www.number-10.gov.uk/output/Page823.asp. I inadvertently included a comma before the URL, and got diverted to one of another raft of sites very much like Hrena, Sestat, etc. This time it was Foxic.net, Myfinder.net and others. But this group do not appear to have attacked my browsers.

Thanks.

[Noviciate]

1. PC appears to be running normally, although the DrWebCurit scan took about 6 hours.

It all depends on the amount of data it has to scan and the processor time it has on offer.

2. The O16 item recommended for deletion no longer appears in the HJT log.

As long as it's gone, that's all that matters.

3. The O17 item is still there if I do a scan while logged on, but if I do a scan while disconnected from the internet, the O17 item does not appear on the list.

4. Before receiving your last message, I went to gain access, via a link in a saved Word document, to the site www.number-10.gov.uk/output/Page823.asp. I inadvertently included a comma before the URL, and got diverted to one of another raft of sites very much like Hrena, Sestat, etc. This time it was Foxic.net, Myfinder.net and others. But this group do not appear to have attacked my browsers.

The problem here is that you are using a malicious Domain Name Server for your I.P. address information and incorrectly entering the url doesn't help either. Make sure you make a note of any settings that you change, just in case you need to undo them to get back online!

• Disconnect from Internet.
• Click Start, click Control Panel, click Network and Internet Connections, and then click Network Connections.
• Right-click the network connection that you want to configure, and then click Properties.
• On the General tab (for a local area connection), or the Networking tab (for all other connections), click Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), and then click Properties.
• Under Use the following DNS server addresses remove the 85.255.114.10 and 85.255.112.219 entry (empty the boxes between the dots)
• You should now be able to tick the Obtain DNS server address automatically.
• If you still can't tick the option, follow the steps below.
• If you want to manually configure DNS server addresses, click Use the following DNS server addresses, and then type the preferred DNS server 10.205.0.111 and alternate DNS server IP 10.205.0.112 addresses in the Preferred DNS server and Alternate DNS server boxes.
• Click OK and close all windows.

See if that solves the problem.

You also need to check on the file that DrWeb found as it may be a false-positive.
If you navigate to C:\Documents and Settings\User Name\DoctorWeb, you will find a Quarantine folder. In there will be the file CIMSVR.exe - right click it, select Properties from the menu and see if you can find out any information about it. I suspect that it is a Logitech file and needs to go back in the Windows\System32 folder where it came from.

[Offspinner]

Thankyou for the new instructions.

I followed steps 1 to 6. Having no problem with 6, I proceeded direct to 9, restarted my PC and logged on, but an HJT scan found the O17 item still there.

I repeated steps 1 to 6, and this time went to step 8 and typed in the suggested DNS server and alternate DNS server addresses. I restarted the PC, logged on, did a scan and found the O17 item still there, but now ending with the 10.205.0.111 and 112 addresses which I had typed in, instead of the earlier 85.255.114.10 and 85.255.112.219 entries.

I again repeated steps 1 to 5, this time deleting the new DNS addresses, and followed steps 6 and 9. I restarted the PC, logged on, and did another HJT scan. The O17 item was again there, but this time ending in NameServer = 168.95.192.1 168.95.1.1. I checked the item in the log, clicked on ‘fix checked’, and then ran another scan without logging off. The item had disappeared from the list. Then I disconnected, restarted the PC, logged on, scanned again, and it was back in the list.

I returned to Network Connections to check the Internet Protocol properties, but there are no addresses – the boxes are empty and 'Obtain DNS server automatically' is still engaged.

The latest scan is at the foot of this post.

I also carried out the check on the file that DrWeb found, and you were right about the false positive. CIMSVR.exe is a Logitech file. I have put it back in the Windows/System32 folder, along with an associated descript.ion Notepad file. Both were shown as created on Sunday, May 06, 2007, but that was the date of the DrWeb scan completion - all my other Logitech files date from the time I installed a webcam in 2005.

Latest HJT log:-

Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.1
Scan saved at 1:54:52 AM, on 5/10/2007
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\Ati2evxx.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\Windows Defender\MsMpEng.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\Program Files\ANI\ANIWZCS2 Service\ANIWZCSdS.exe
C:\Program Files\Grisoft\AVG Anti-Spyware 7.5\guard.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgamsvr.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgupsvc.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgemc.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\CTsvcCDA.EXE
C:\Program Files\Common Files\EPSON\EBAPI\SAgent2.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\ZoneLabs\vsmon.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\Ati2evxx.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgcc.exe
C:\Program Files\ATI Technologies\ATI Control Panel\atiptaxx.exe
C:\Program Files\Windows Defender\MSASCui.exe
C:\Program Files\Zone Labs\ZoneAlarm\zlclient.exe
C:\Program Files\Grisoft\AVG Anti-Spyware 7.5\avgas.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spider.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Real\Update_OB\realsched.exe
C:\Program Files\Hijackthis\HijackThis.exe

R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://www.timesonline.co.uk/uk/
O2 - BHO: Adobe PDF Reader Link Helper - {06849E9F-C8D7-4D59-B87D-784B7D6BE0B3} - C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 7.0\ActiveX\AcroIEHelper.dll
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {53707962-6F74-2D53-2644-206D7942484F} - C:\PROGRA~1\SPYBOT~1\SDHelper.dll
O2 - BHO: SSVHelper Class - {761497BB-D6F0-462C-B6EB-D4DAF1D92D43} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.6.0_01\bin\ssv.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [D-Link AirPlus G] C:\Program Files\D-Link\AirPlus G\AirGCFG.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AVG7_CC] C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgcc.exe /STARTUP
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ATIPTA] "C:\Program Files\ATI Technologies\ATI Control Panel\atiptaxx.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Windows Defender] "C:\Program Files\Windows Defender\MSASCui.exe" -hide
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ZoneAlarm Client] "C:\Program Files\Zone Labs\ZoneAlarm\zlclient.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [!AVG Anti-Spyware] "C:\Program Files\Grisoft\AVG Anti-Spyware 7.5\avgas.exe" /minimized
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [TkBellExe] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Real\Update_OB\realsched.exe" -osboot
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.6.0_01\bin\ssv.dll
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Sun Java Console - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.6.0_01\bin\ssv.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: {00B71CFB-6864-4346-A978-C0A14556272C} (Checkers Class) - http://messenger.zon...kr.cab31267.cab
O16 - DPF: {14B87622-7E19-4EA8-93B3-97215F77A6BC} (MessengerStatsClient Class) - http://messenger.zon...nt.cab31267.cab
O16 - DPF: {17492023-C23A-453E-A040-C7C580BBF700} (Windows Genuine Advantage Validation Tool) - http://go.microsoft....k/?LinkID=39204
O16 - DPF: {2917297F-F02B-4B9D-81DF-494B6333150B} (Minesweeper Flags Class) - http://messenger.zon...er.cab31267.cab
O16 - DPF: {38D63471-E630-4492-A986-B8C48B79F2F8} - http://update.videoe...ggPublisher.exe
O16 - DPF: {4F1E5B1A-2A80-42CA-8532-2D05CB959537} (MSN Photo Upload Tool) - http://spaces.msn.co...ad/MsnPUpld.cab
O16 - DPF: {5D86DDB5-BDF9-441B-9E9E-D4730F4EE499} (BDSCANONLINE Control) - http://download.bitd...can8/oscan8.cab
O16 - DPF: {6414512B-B978-451D-A0D8-FCFDF33E833C} (WUWebControl Class) - http://update.micros...b?1129114465131
O16 - DPF: {6E32070A-766D-4EE6-879C-DC1FA91D2FC3} (MUWebControl Class) - http://update.micros...b?1129122205691
O16 - DPF: {8E0D4DE5-3180-4024-A327-4DFAD1796A8D} (MessengerStatsClient Class) - http://messenger.zon...nt.cab31267.cab
O16 - DPF: {B38870E4-7ECB-40DA-8C6A-595F0A5519FF} (MsnMessengerSetupDownloadControl Class) - http://messenger.msn...pDownloader.cab
O16 - DPF: {B8BE5E93-A60C-4D26-A2DC-220313175592} (MSN Games - Installer) - http://cdn2.zone.msn...ro.cab55579.cab
O16 - DPF: {BF985246-09BF-11D2-BE62-006097DF57F6} (SimCityX Control) - http://simcity.ea.co...ic/SimCityX.cab
O16 - DPF: {DC75FEF6-165D-4D25-A518-C8C4BDA7BAA6} (CPlayFirstDinerDashControl Object) - http://www.playfirst...h/dinerdash.cab
O16 - DPF: {DF780F87-FF2B-4DF8-92D0-73DB16A1543A} - http://www.popcap.co...aploader_v6.cab
O16 - DPF: {E13F1132-4CA0-4005-84D3-51406E27D269} (BTDownloadCtrl Control) - http://www.shockwave...ownloadCtrl.cab
O16 - DPF: {F6BF0D00-0B2A-4A75-BF7B-F385591623AF} (Solitaire Showdown Class) - http://messenger.zon...wn.cab31267.cab
O17 - HKLM\System\CCS\Services\Tcpip\..\{85585182-4E12-4E48-ABC1-EC8CD732FB01}: NameServer = 168.95.192.1 168.95.1.1
O20 - Winlogon Notify: WgaLogon - C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\WgaLogon.dll
O21 - SSODL: WPDShServiceObj - {AAA288BA-9A4C-45B0-95D7-94D524869DB5} - C:\WINDOWS\system32\WPDShServiceObj.dll
O23 - Service: ANIWZCSd Service (ANIWZCSdService) - Alpha Networks Inc. - C:\Program Files\ANI\ANIWZCS2 Service\ANIWZCSdS.exe
O23 - Service: Ati HotKey Poller - ATI Technologies Inc. - C:\WINDOWS\System32\Ati2evxx.exe
O23 - Service: ATI Smart - Unknown owner - C:\WINDOWS\system32\ati2sgag.exe
O23 - Service: AVG Anti-Spyware Guard - Anti-Malware Development a.s. - C:\Program Files\Grisoft\AVG Anti-Spyware 7.5\guard.exe
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
O23 - Service: AVG E-mail Scanner (AVGEMS) - GRISOFT, s.r.o. - C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgemc.exe
O23 - Service: Creative Service for CDROM Access - Creative Technology Ltd - C:\WINDOWS\system32\CTsvcCDA.EXE
O23 - Service: EPSON Printer Status Agent2 (EPSONStatusAgent2) - SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION - C:\Program Files\Common Files\EPSON\EBAPI\SAgent2.exe
O23 - Service: InstallDriver Table Manager (IDriverT) - Macrovision Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\InstallShield\Driver\11\Intel 32\IDriverT.exe
O23 - Service: TrueVector Internet Monitor (vsmon) - Zone Labs, LLC - C:\WINDOWS\system32\ZoneLabs\vsmon.exe

END.

Thanks again.

[Noviciate]

Apologies for the delay, the site is having issues with the email notification system.

Your DNS now points to Taiwan which makes a change from the Ukraine! Is this reasonable? I don't know your location, so I can't comment. It's possible that your PC is now using the DNS that your ISP supplies which means the problem is solved, hopefully! If it's not, could you contact you ISP and see what the address should be? Also do the following:

1) Download F-Secure's BlackLight from here and save it to your Desktop.

2) Log off from the internet and disconnect your modem cable.

3) Go to Start > Run, copy and paste the following into the text box and hit OK:
"%userprofile%\desktop\fsbl.exe" /expert

The F-Secure Blacklight Beta window should open.

• Accept the agreement and click Next >.
• Click the Scan button to begin.
• Leave the PC idle while the scan takes place.
• When it has completed, click the Close button.
• A text file, fsbl-date/time, will be saved onto your Desktop - copy and paste this into your next reply.

[Offspinner]

Equally sorry for the delay in getting back – I’ve been out of town for a bit. I am based in Taiwan, and 168.95.192.1 etc is my ISP, Chung Hwa Telecom. So on the face of it, that looks OK, and my broadband connection data show the Server IP address and the Client IP address as being in the 125.229. range, which is also CHT. I have no idea how that Ukranian address crept in – following your earlier advice, I started to try to identify the O17 entries in my logs and found that one to be xbox.dedi.inhoster.com - but I can’t work out from material available what level of threat it posed – if any - or how it avoided detection by my spyware protection programs, which I normally keep updated as far as possible. Anyway, good riddance. I've run FSBL – Nothing detected, results as follows: 05/25/07 01:51:54 [Info]: BlackLight Engine 1.0.61 initialized 05/25/07 01:51:54 [Info]: OS: 5.1 build 2600 (Service Pack 2) 05/25/07 01:51:54 [Note]: 7019 4 05/25/07 01:51:54 [Note]: 7005 0 05/25/07 01:52:00 [Note]: 7006 0 05/25/07 01:52:00 [Note]: 7022 0 05/25/07 01:52:00 [Note]: 7011 840 05/25/07 01:52:01 [Note]: 7026 0 05/25/07 01:52:01 [Note]: 7026 0 05/25/07 01:52:05 [Note]: FSRAW library version 1.7.1021 05/25/07 02:26:21 [Note]: 2000 1012 05/25/07 02:26:21 [Note]: 2000 1012 05/25/07 02:26:21 [Note]: 2000 1012 05/25/07 02:26:21 [Note]: 2000 1012 05/25/07 02:26:21 [Note]: 2000 1012 05/25/07 02:26:21 [Note]: 2000 1012 05/25/07 02:26:21 [Note]: 2000 1012 05/25/07 02:26:21 [Note]: 2000 1012 05/25/07 02:26:21 [Note]: 2000 1012 05/25/07 02:26:21 [Note]: 2000 1012 05/25/07 02:26:21 [Note]: 2000 1012 05/25/07 02:26:21 [Note]: 2000 1012 05/25/07 02:26:21 [Note]: 2000 1012 05/25/07 02:26:21 [Note]: 2000 1012 05/25/07 02:26:21 [Note]: 2000 1012 05/25/07 02:26:21 [Note]: 2000 1012 05/25/07 02:26:21 [Note]: 2000 1012 05/25/07 02:26:21 [Note]: 2000 1012 05/25/07 02:26:21 [Note]: 2000 1012 05/25/07 02:26:21 [Note]: 2000 1012 05/25/07 02:27:16 [Note]: 7007 0 PC appears to be running normally, although slowly. I'll look at that separately, but an initial observation is that the defrag facility on XP doesn't appear as effective as on ME (which I had on this PC earlier), but that may be just the way the results are displayed. I'll read up on other members' experiences. Many thanks.

[Noviciate]

I can’t work out from material available what level of threat it posed – if any - or how it avoided detection by my spyware protection programs

I don't know your level of PC knowledge, so scroll through the bits you know:
Every PC has an I.P. Address - a way of identifying individual machines, much like a phone number. If you want to phone somebody, you call Directory Enquiries and get their number. In the PC world, your browser contacts a Domain Name Server and gets the I.P. Address that it needs to go to the site you specify - the location of the DNS is indicated by the O17. Although not all HJT logs have these entries, all PCs have a DNS that they use.
By having your browser contact their PC for IP information, malware writers can control your browsing. They are able to supply your browser with the I.P Addresses that they choose and therefore send your browser to any PC they wish. Much in the same way that a prankster on a switchboard could send a caller to any number they chose. The risk isn't in the DNS itself, it's in the sites that you can be directed to.

The infection is known as Wareout, hence the removal tool is FixWareout, and has stealth capabilities which make it difficult to find and deal with. Google "rootkit" if you want to know more about this sort of thing.

an initial observation is that the defrag facility on XP doesn't appear as effective as on ME

Personally I use this: http://www.majorgeek...ad.php?det=1207
It runs as a service, so you need to be aware that at any moment it can deliver a pop-up informing you that you need to defrag. It can cause problems if you are playing a game, so I kill the process using Task Manager before starting. You just turn down the chance to upgrade when it prompts and that's about it for the negatives. It does remind you very often about defragging, but I only do it about once a month and it doesn't mind if you ignore it.
I normally defrag while surfing and it works quite happily in the background. I've never had a crash in nearly two years of using it, so i've got no issues with recommending it.

The Blacklight log looks OK, so i'd be inclined to say that the PC is malware-free. The speed issue is a problem, as it's going to be very difficult to pinpoint the cause. It could be malware, registry bloat, an old installation that needs a reinstall to freshen it up, or even M$ Updates causing the problems.
We can go hunting, but you need to be aware that looking for malware that may not exist is going to take some time. If we don't find it, is it because it's well hidden, or because it's not there?
Let me know what you decide.

[Offspinner]

Sorry to have been so long in getting back. First, on the O17 issue, I follow what you say about IP addresses being identifiers, and malware writers accessing them to control browsing. On the face of it, there doesn’t seem a great deal I can do about that, except run HJT occasionally and delete any ‘alien’ O17 entries that may appear, while AVG and AdAware etc continue to do their regular checks. But would removing my own IP from the log serve any purpose? I ask this because, early on, I read (in a discussion thread elsewhere) of someone being advised to delete the intruder O17 entries, but that it would be “OK” to leave in the O17 entry containing his own IP address. Is deleting your own IP address from the log an option, and could there be some benefit as regards heading off malware purveyors? My gut feeling is that it would likely reinstate itself the next time I logged on. If you could answer this one for me, I think we can draw this to a close, as you have eradicated the original problem that I had, and I will hopefully be better able to deal with it if it resurfaces. Wrt sluggish PC response and defragging options, thanks for the Majorgeeks download link. I’ve been running DK Lite regularly since then - it keeps reminding me to do so! The ‘after’ profile still always looks a bit of a mosaic - it doesn’t, for example, shunt all the free space to the end, the way the ME version of Windows used to do, and there are blocks of fragmented files alternating with big blocks of free space, but I guess this may be because I have been editing video material (home movies) and have saved a lot of clips to the HD. I also do Photoshop editing on a daily basis, so that probably also contributes to the need to clean up very regularly (and hence the prompts from DKL). I’ve also been deleting more and more unnecessary stuff at a result of its frequent suggestions, and performance appears to be improving gradually. And DKL is certainly more proactive and informative than the inbuilt program. Thanks again for the recommendation.