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Spyware / Malware / Virus Removal

[Resolved]Need Help In Removal Of Spyware

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Post #1
I think I have WindowsAntiVirus 2007 spyware/malware. I got it yesterday (I believe). It keeps sending me balloon warnings that my computer is infected and dialog boxes suggesting I download the software. There is nothing I can do to get rid of these. It also has removed Control Panel from the start up menu. I can only access the control panel while logged into Administrator in safe mode and even then I can't select anything because of "restrictions on your computer" Here is a list of programs I've used to far. Some find errors or viruses, claim to fix them, but when I restart nothing has changed. They are all the updated to the latest versions.

CC Cleaner
RogueRemover
Spybot Search and Destroy
Lavasoft Adware
Registry Mechanic
AVG Antivirus
SmitFraurd
SmitRem

Here is my HijackThis log:

Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.1
Scan saved at 12:03:18:, on 8/12/2007
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\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\printer.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgcc.exe
C:\Program Files\Logitech\MouseWare\system\em_exec.exe
C:\Program Files\D-Tools\daemon.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgamsvr.exe
C:\Program Files\Picasa2\PicasaMediaDetector.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgupsvc.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\RUNDLL32.EXE
C:\Program Files\iTunes\iTunesHelper.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\nvsvc32.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\tbctray.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\Google\Google Talk\googletalk.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
C:\Program Files\Canon\CAL\CALMAIN.exe
C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Yahoo! Widget Engine\YahooWidgetEngine.exe
C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Yahoo! Widget Engine\YahooWidgetEngine.exe
C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Yahoo! Widget Engine\YahooWidgetEngine.exe
C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Yahoo! Widget Engine\YahooWidgetEngine.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\wscntfy.exe
C:\Program Files\iPod\bin\iPodService.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\Mozilla Firefox\firefox.exe
C:\Program Files\Hijackthis\HijackThis.exe

F2 - REG:system.ini: Shell=Explorer.exe C:\WINDOWS\system32\printer.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NvCplDaemon] RUNDLL32.EXE C:\WINDOWS\system32\NvCpl.dll,NvStartup
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Logitech Utility] Logi_MwX.Exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AVG7_CC] C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgcc.exe /STARTUP
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [KernelFaultCheck] %systemroot%\system32\dumprep 0 -k
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [DAEMON Tools-1033] "C:\Program Files\D-Tools\daemon.exe" -lang 1033
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Picasa Media Detector] C:\Program Files\Picasa2\PicasaMediaDetector.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [nwiz] nwiz.exe /install
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NvMediaCenter] RUNDLL32.EXE C:\WINDOWS\system32\NvMcTray.dll,NvTaskbarInit
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [QuickTime Task] "C:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe" -atboottime
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [iTunesHelper] "C:\Program Files\iTunes\iTunesHelper.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [WinAVX] C:\WINDOWS\system32\WinAvXX.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [TraySantaCruz] C:\WINDOWS\system32\tbctray.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [googletalk] "C:\Program Files\Google\Google Talk\googletalk.exe" /autostart
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [ctfmon.exe] C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [WinAVX] C:\WINDOWS\system32\WinAvXX.exe
O4 - Startup: Adobe Gamma.lnk = C:\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe\Calibration\Adobe Gamma Loader.exe
O4 - Startup: system.exe
O4 - Startup: Yahoo! Widget Engine.lnk = C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Yahoo! Widget Engine\YahooWidgetEngine.exe
O4 - Global Startup: autorun.exe
O4 - Global Startup: Desktop Weather Platinum.lnk = C:\Program Files\Desktop Weather Platinum\DWPlatinum.exe
O4 - Global Startup: Logitech Desktop Messenger.lnk = C:\Program Files\Logitech\Desktop Messenger\8876480\Program\LDMConf.exe
O7 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System, DisableRegedit=1
O7 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System, DisableRegedit=1
O8 - Extra context menu item: E&xport to Microsoft Excel - res://C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~2\OFFICE11\EXCEL.EXE/3000
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.5.0_06\bin\ssv.dll
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Sun Java Console - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.5.0_06\bin\ssv.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: Research - {92780B25-18CC-41C8-B9BE-3C9C571A8263} - C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~2\OFFICE11\REFIEBAR.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: {30528230-99f7-4bb4-88d8-fa1d4f56a2ab} (Installation Support) - C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Common\Yinsthelper.dll
O16 - DPF: {5D86DDB5-BDF9-441B-9E9E-D4730F4EE499} (BDSCANONLINE Control) - http://download.bitdefender.com/resources/scan8/oscan8.cab
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: Canon Camera Access Library 8 (CCALib8) - Canon Inc. - C:\Program Files\Canon\CAL\CALMAIN.exe
O23 - Service: iPod Service - Apple Computer, Inc. - C:\Program Files\iPod\bin\iPodService.exe
O23 - Service: NVIDIA Display Driver Service (NVSvc) - NVIDIA Corporation - C:\WINDOWS\system32\nvsvc32.exe



——————

Here's My Startup Log:

StartupList report, 8/12/2007, 12:05:07
StartupList version: 1.52.2
Started from : C:\Program Files\Hijackthis\HijackThis.EXE
Detected: Windows XP SP2 (WinNT 5.01.2600)
Detected: Internet Explorer v6.00 SP2 (6.00.2900.2180)
* Using default options
==================================================

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:\WINDOWS\system32\printer.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgcc.exe
C:\Program Files\Logitech\MouseWare\system\em_exec.exe
C:\Program Files\D-Tools\daemon.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgamsvr.exe
C:\Program Files\Picasa2\PicasaMediaDetector.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgupsvc.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\RUNDLL32.EXE
C:\Program Files\iTunes\iTunesHelper.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\nvsvc32.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\tbctray.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\Google\Google Talk\googletalk.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
C:\Program Files\Canon\CAL\CALMAIN.exe
C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Yahoo! Widget Engine\YahooWidgetEngine.exe
C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Yahoo! Widget Engine\YahooWidgetEngine.exe
C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Yahoo! Widget Engine\YahooWidgetEngine.exe
C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Yahoo! Widget Engine\YahooWidgetEngine.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\wscntfy.exe
C:\Program Files\iPod\bin\iPodService.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\Mozilla Firefox\firefox.exe
C:\Program Files\Hijackthis\HijackThis.exe

————————————————–

Listing of startup folders:

Shell folders Startup:
[C:\Documents and Settings\Eddie Mayas\Start Menu\Programs\Startup]
Adobe Gamma.lnk = C:\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe\Calibration\Adobe Gamma Loader.exe
system.exe
Yahoo! Widget Engine.lnk = C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Yahoo! Widget Engine\YahooWidgetEngine.exe

Shell folders Common Startup:
[C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Start Menu\Programs\Startup]
autorun.exe
Desktop Weather Platinum.lnk = C:\Program Files\Desktop Weather Platinum\DWPlatinum.exe
Logitech Desktop Messenger.lnk = C:\Program Files\Logitech\Desktop Messenger\8876480\Program\LDMConf.exe

————————————————–

Checking Windows NT UserInit:

[HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon]
UserInit = C:\WINDOWS\system32\userinit.exe,

————————————————–

Autorun entries from Registry:
HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run

NvCplDaemon = RUNDLL32.EXE C:\WINDOWS\system32\NvCpl.dll,NvStartup
Logitech Utility = Logi_MwX.Exe
AVG7_CC = C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgcc.exe /STARTUP
DAEMON Tools-1033 = "C:\Program Files\D-Tools\daemon.exe" -lang 1033
Picasa Media Detector = C:\Program Files\Picasa2\PicasaMediaDetector.exe
nwiz = nwiz.exe /install
NvMediaCenter = RUNDLL32.EXE C:\WINDOWS\system32\NvMcTray.dll,NvTaskbarInit
QuickTime Task = "C:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe" -atboottime
iTunesHelper = "C:\Program Files\iTunes\iTunesHelper.exe"
WinAVX = C:\WINDOWS\system32\WinAvXX.exe
TraySantaCruz = C:\WINDOWS\system32\tbctray.exe

————————————————–

Autorun entries from Registry:
HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run

googletalk = "C:\Program Files\Google\Google Talk\googletalk.exe" /autostart
ctfmon.exe = C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
WinAVX = C:\WINDOWS\system32\WinAvXX.exe

————————————————–

File association entry for .SCR:
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\AutoCADScriptFile\shell\open\command

(Default) = "C:\WINDOWS\system32\NOTEPAD.EXE" "%1"

————————————————–

Shell & screensaver key from C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM.INI:

Shell=*INI section not found*
SCRNSAVE.EXE=*INI section not found*
drivers=*INI section not found*

Shell & screensaver key from Registry:

Shell=Explorer.exe C:\WINDOWS\system32\printer.exe
SCRNSAVE.EXE=C:\WINDOWS\system32\scrnsave.scr
drivers=*Registry value not found*

Policies Shell key:

HKCU\..\Policies: Shell=*Registry value not found*
HKLM\..\Policies: Shell=*Registry value not found*

————————————————–


Enumerating Task Scheduler jobs:

1-Click Maintenance.job
AppleSoftwareUpdate.job
HP Usg Daily FY04.job

————————————————–

Enumerating Download Program Files:

[Installation Support]
InProcServer32 = C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Common\Yinsthelper.dll
CODEBASE = C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Common\Yinsthelper.dll

[{33564D57-0000-0010-8000-00AA00389B71}]
CODEBASE = http://download.microsoft.com/download/F/6…922/wmv9VCM.CAB

[BDSCANONLINE Control]
InProcServer32 = C:\WINDOWS\DOWNLO~1\oscan8.ocx
CODEBASE = http://download.bitdefender.com/resources/scan8/oscan8.cab

[Shockwave Flash Object]
InProcServer32 = C:\WINDOWS\system32\Macromed\Flash\Flash9.ocx
CODEBASE = http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwa…ash/swflash.cab

————————————————–

Enumerating ShellServiceObjectDelayLoad items:

PostBootReminder: C:\WINDOWS\system32\SHELL32.dll
CDBurn: C:\WINDOWS\system32\SHELL32.dll
WebCheck: C:\WINDOWS\system32\webcheck.dll
SysTray: C:\WINDOWS\system32\stobject.dll

————————————————–
End of report, 6,229 bytes
Report generated in 0.031 seconds

Command line options:
/verbose - to add additional info on each section
/complete - to include empty sections and unsuspicious data
/full - to include several rarely-important sections
/force9x - to include Win9x-only startups even if running on WinNT
/forcent - to include WinNT-only startups even if running on Win9x
/forceall - to include all Win9x and WinNT startups, regardless of platform
/history - to list version history only


If anyone can help that would be great!
Post #2
Hello and Welcome to the forum.

I suggest you do this:

Double-click My Computer.
Click the Tools menu, and then click Folder Options.
Click the View tab.
Clear "Hide file extensions for known file types."
Under the "Hidden files" folder, select "Show hidden files and folders."
Clear "Hide protected operating system files."
Click Apply, and then click OK.

Open the HijackThis Folder. Find the file HijackThis.exe, Right Click on the file and Select Rename. Rename Hijackthis.exe to Spyware.exe.


After the above:

Please download ATF Cleaner by Atribune.
Download - ATF Cleaner»

Double-click ATF-Cleaner.exe to run the program.
Under Main choose: Select All
Click the Empty Selected button.


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

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

Next:

Download ComboFix from Here to your Desktop.
  • Double click combofix.exe and follow the prompts.
  • When finished, it shall produce a log for you, combofix.txt. Post that log and a HiJackthis log in your next reply
Note: Do not mouseclick while its running. That may cause it to stall
Post #3
Here is the ComboFix Log:
——————————

ComboFix 07-08-09.3 - "Eddie Mayas" 2007-08-12 13:08:10.1 - NTFSx86
Microsoft Windows XP Professional 5.1.2600.2.1252.1.1033.18.667 [GMT -4:00]
* Created a new restore point


((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Other Deletions )))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))


C:\DOCUME~1\ALLUSE~1\STARTM~1\Programs\Startup.\autorun.exe
C:\DOCUME~1\EDDIEM~1\STARTM~1\Programs\Startup.\system.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\printer.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\WinAvXX.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\winio.sys


((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Drivers/Services )))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))


——-\LEGACY_WINIO
——-\nm
——-\WINIO


((((((((((((((((((((((((( Files Created from 2007-07-12 to 2007-08-12 )))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))


2007-08-12 13:07 51,200 –a—— C:\WINDOWS\nircmd.exe
2007-08-12 11:41 d——– C:\WINDOWS\system32\LogFiles
2007-08-12 11:17 d——– C:\DOCUME~1\ALLUSE~1\APPLIC~1\Spybot - Search & Destroy
2007-08-12 00:53 d——– C:\WINDOWS\BDOSCAN8
2007-08-12 00:52 d—s—- C:\DOCUME~1\ADMINI~1\UserData
2007-08-12 00:40 2,964 –a—— C:\WINDOWS\system32\tmp.reg
2007-08-12 00:25 d——– C:\Program Files\RogueRemover FREE
2007-08-12 00:25 d——– C:\Program Files\CCleaner
2007-08-12 00:22 d——– C:\virusremove
2007-08-12 00:12 786,432 –ah—– C:\DOCUME~1\ADMINI~1\NTUSER.DAT
2007-08-12 00:12 d–hs—- C:\WINDOWS\CSC
2007-08-11 23:47 d——– C:\Program Files\Enigma Software Group
2007-08-11 22:08 29,704 –a—— C:\WINDOWS\system32\uxtuneup.dll
2007-08-11 22:07 d——– C:\Program Files\TuneUp Utilities 2007
2007-08-11 22:07 d——– C:\Program Files\Common Files\Wise Installation Wizard
2007-08-11 22:07 d——– C:\DOCUME~1\EDDIEM~1\APPLIC~1\TuneUp Software
2007-08-11 22:07 d——– C:\DOCUME~1\ALLUSE~1\APPLIC~1\TuneUp Software
2007-08-11 01:05 d——– C:\Program Files\EVE
2007-08-11 00:48 d——– C:\Program Files\TAGAP
2007-08-11 00:44 d——– C:\Program Files\uTorrent
2007-08-11 00:44 d——– C:\DOCUME~1\EDDIEM~1\APPLIC~1\uTorrent
2007-08-10 17:57 d——– C:\Program Files\Call of Duty 2
2007-08-10 17:45 d——– C:\DOCUME~1\ALLUSE~1\APPLIC~1\Google


(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Find3M Report ))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))

2007-08-12 13:13 ——— d——– C:\DOCUME~1\EDDIEM~1\APPLIC~1\Weather Channel Platinum
2007-08-11 22:11 ——— d——– C:\Program Files\Warcraft III
2007-08-11 00:59 ——— d——– C:\Program Files\Azureus
2007-08-11 00:45 ——— d——– C:\DOCUME~1\EDDIEM~1\APPLIC~1\Azureus
2007-08-10 17:05 ——— d——– C:\Program Files\Yahoo!
2007-07-27 20:56 ——— d——– C:\Program Files\SNEX9X
2007-07-27 20:56 ——— d——– C:\DOCUME~1\EDDIEM~1\APPLIC~1\SolidWorks


((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Reg Loading Points ))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))


*Note* empty entries & legit default entries are not shown

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run]
"NvCplDaemon"="C:\WINDOWS\system32\NvCpl.dll" [2006-08-11 21:43]
"Logitech Utility"="Logi_MwX.Exe" [2003-12-11 05:50 C:\WINDOWS\LOGI_MWX.EXE]
"AVG7_CC"="C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgcc.exe" [2007-04-22 18:38]
"DAEMON Tools-1033"="C:\Program Files\D-Tools\daemon.exe" [2004-08-22 18:05]
"Picasa Media Detector"="C:\Program Files\Picasa2\PicasaMediaDetector.exe" [2006-03-15 19:07]
"nwiz"="nwiz.exe" [2006-08-11 21:43 C:\WINDOWS\system32\nwiz.exe]
"NvMediaCenter"="C:\WINDOWS\system32\NvMcTray.dll" [2006-08-11 21:43]
"QuickTime Task"="C:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe" [2006-10-25 19:58]
"iTunesHelper"="C:\Program Files\iTunes\iTunesHelper.exe" [2006-10-30 10:36]
"TraySantaCruz"="C:\WINDOWS\system32\tbctray.exe" [2002-04-17 14:51]

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run]
"googletalk"="C:\Program Files\Google\Google Talk\googletalk.exe" [2007-01-01 17:22]
"ctfmon.exe"="C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe" [2004-08-03 18:56]

[HKEY_USERS\.default\software\microsoft\windows\currentversion\runonce]
"RunNarrator"=Narrator.exe

C:\Documents and Settings\Eddie Mayas\Start Menu\Programs\Startup\
Adobe Gamma.lnk - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe\Calibration\Adobe Gamma Loader.exe [2005-03-16 19:16:50]
Yahoo! Widget Engine.lnk - C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Yahoo! Widget Engine\YahooWidgetEngine.exe [2007-07-20 13:57:16]

C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Start Menu\Programs\Startup\
Desktop Weather Platinum.lnk - C:\Program Files\Desktop Weather Platinum\DWPlatinum.exe [2003-12-03 15:59:46]
Logitech Desktop Messenger.lnk - C:\Program Files\Logitech\Desktop Messenger\8876480\Program\LDMConf.exe [2005-08-22 16:15:59]

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\software\microsoft\windows\currentversion\policies\system]
"NoDispAppearancePage"=0 (0x0)
"NoColorChoice"=0 (0x0)
"NoSizeChoice"=0 (0x0)
"NoDispBackgroundPage"=0 (0x0)
"NoDispScrSavPage"=0 (0x0)
"NoDispCPL"=0 (0x0)
"NoVisualStyleChoice"=0 (0x0)
"NoDispSettingsPage"=0 (0x0)

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\software\microsoft\windows\currentversion\policies\explorer]
"NoActiveDesktopChanges"=0 (0x0)

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\software\microsoft\windows\currentversion\policies\explorer]
"NoSaveSettings"=0 (0x0)
"NoThemesTab"=0 (0x0)

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\software\microsoft\shared tools\msconfig\startupfolder\C:^Documents and Settings^All Users^Start Menu^Programs^Startup^Adobe Reader Speed Launch.lnk]
backup=C:\WINDOWS\pss\Adobe Reader Speed Launch.lnkCommon Startup

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\software\microsoft\shared tools\msconfig\startupfolder\C:^Documents and Settings^All Users^Start Menu^Programs^Startup^AutoCAD Startup Accelerator.lnk]
backup=C:\WINDOWS\pss\AutoCAD Startup Accelerator.lnkCommon Startup

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\software\microsoft\shared tools\msconfig\startupfolder\C:^Documents and Settings^All Users^Start Menu^Programs^Startup^HP Digital Imaging Monitor.lnk]
backup=C:\WINDOWS\pss\HP Digital Imaging Monitor.lnkCommon Startup

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\software\microsoft\shared tools\msconfig\startupfolder\C:^Documents and Settings^All Users^Start Menu^Programs^Startup^Post-it® Software Notes.lnk]
backup=C:\WINDOWS\pss\Post-it® Software Notes.lnkCommon Startup

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\software\microsoft\shared tools\msconfig\startupfolder\C:^Documents and Settings^Eddie Mayas^Start Menu^Programs^Startup^Adobe Gamma.lnk]
backup=C:\WINDOWS\pss\Adobe Gamma.lnkStartup

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\software\microsoft\shared tools\msconfig\startupreg\Active Desktop Calendar]

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\software\microsoft\shared tools\msconfig\startupreg\Anti-Blaxx Manager]

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\software\microsoft\shared tools\msconfig\startupreg\AVG7_CC]

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\software\microsoft\shared tools\msconfig\startupreg\ctfmon.exe]
C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\software\microsoft\shared tools\msconfig\startupreg\DAEMON Tools-1033]
"C:\Program Files\D-Tools\daemon.exe" -lang 1033

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\software\microsoft\shared tools\msconfig\startupreg\Google Desktop Search]
"C:\Program Files\Google\Google Desktop Search\GoogleDesktop.exe" /startup

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\software\microsoft\shared tools\msconfig\startupreg\HP Component Manager]
"C:\Program Files\HP\hpcoretech\hpcmpmgr.exe"

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\software\microsoft\shared tools\msconfig\startupreg\HP Software Update]
C:\Program Files\HP\HP Software Update\HPWuSchd2.exe

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\software\microsoft\shared tools\msconfig\startupreg\HPDJ Taskbar Utility]
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spool\drivers\w32x86\3\hpztsb11.exe

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\software\microsoft\shared tools\msconfig\startupreg\HPHmon06]
C:\WINDOWS\system32\hphmon06.exe

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\software\microsoft\shared tools\msconfig\startupreg\HPHUPD06]
C:\Program Files\HP\{AAC4FC36-8F89-4587-8DD3-EBC57C83374D}\hphupd06.exe

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\software\microsoft\shared tools\msconfig\startupreg\iTunesHelper]
"C:\Program Files\iTunes\iTunesHelper.exe"

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\software\microsoft\shared tools\msconfig\startupreg\KernelFaultCheck]
%systemroot%\system32\dumprep 0 -k

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\software\microsoft\shared tools\msconfig\startupreg\MSMSGS]
"C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe" /background

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\software\microsoft\shared tools\msconfig\startupreg\NapsterShell]
C:\Program Files\Napster\napster.exe /systray

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\software\microsoft\shared tools\msconfig\startupreg\NeroFilterCheck]
C:\WINDOWS\system32\NeroCheck.exe

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\software\microsoft\shared tools\msconfig\startupreg\nwiz]
nwiz.exe /install

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\software\microsoft\shared tools\msconfig\startupreg\PWRISOVM.EXE]
C:\Program Files\PowerISO\PWRISOVM.EXE

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\software\microsoft\shared tools\msconfig\startupreg\QuickTime Task]
"C:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe" -atboottime

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\software\microsoft\shared tools\msconfig\startupreg\RegistryMechanic]


[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\software\microsoft\shared tools\msconfig\startupreg\RemoteControl]
"C:\Program Files\PowerDVD\PDVDServ.exe"

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\software\microsoft\shared tools\msconfig\startupreg\RssReader]

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\software\microsoft\shared tools\msconfig\startupreg\SoundMAX]
"C:\Program Files\Analog Devices\SoundMAX\Smax4.exe" /tray

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\software\microsoft\shared tools\msconfig\startupreg\SoundMAXPnP]
C:\Program Files\Analog Devices\SoundMAX\SMax4PNP.exe

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\software\microsoft\shared tools\msconfig\startupreg\SunJavaUpdateSched]
C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.5.0_06\bin\jusched.exe

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\software\microsoft\shared tools\msconfig\startupreg\TraySantaCruz]
C:\WINDOWS\system32\tbctray.exe

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\software\microsoft\shared tools\msconfig\startupreg\WinampAgent]

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\software\microsoft\shared tools\msconfig\services]
"SoundMAX Agent Service (default)"=2 (0x2)
"StarWindService"=2 (0x2)
"Pml Driver HPZ12"=3 (0x3)
"ose"=3 (0x3)
"MDM"=2 (0x2)
"matlabserver"=2 (0x2)
"iPodService"=3 (0x3)
"IDriverT"=3 (0x3)
"Autodesk Licensing Service"=3 (0x3)
"Adobe LM Service"=3 (0x3)

R0 Vax347b;Vax347b;C:\WINDOWS\system32\DRIVERS\Vax347b.sys
R0 Vax347s;Vax347s;C:\WINDOWS\system32\Drivers\Vax347s.sys
R1 PQNTDrv;PQNTDrv;C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\PQNTDrv.sys
R2 Sentinel;Sentinel;C:\WINDOWS\system32\Drivers\SENTINEL.SYS
R2 UxTuneUp;TuneUp Theme Extension;C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe -k netsvcs
R3 tbcspud;Santa Cruz Driver;C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\tbcspud.sys
R3 tbcwdm;Santa Cruz WDM Driver;C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\tbcwdm.sys
R3 WmBEnum;Logitech Virtual Bus Enumerator Driver;C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\WmBEnum.sys
R3 WmXlCore;Logitech WingMan Translation Layer Driver;C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\WmXlCore.sys
S2 QZRITZCD;QZRITZCD;\??\C:\WINDOWS\system32\qzritzcd.bjh
S3 MidiSyn;MidiSyn;C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\MidiSyn.sys
S3 WmFilter;Logitech Gaming HID Filter Driver;C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\WmFilter.sys
S3 WmVirHid;Logitech Virtual Hid Device Driver;C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\WmVirHid.sys
S4 SoundMAX Agent Service (default);SoundMAX Agent Service;C:\Program Files\Analog Devices\SoundMAX\SMAgent.exe

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Svchost - NetSvcs
UxTuneUp


[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\software\microsoft\windows\currentversion\explorer\mountpoints2\{d1efb00a-fbb6-11d9-9b70-806d6172696f}]
AutoRun\command- F:\Autorun.exe
dinstall\command- F:\Directx\dxsetup.exe


Contents of the 'Scheduled Tasks' folder
2007-08-12 02:08:29 C:\WINDOWS\Tasks\1-Click Maintenance.job - C:\Program Files\TuneUp Utilities 2007\SystemOptimizer.exe
2006-12-14 12:04:01 C:\WINDOWS\Tasks\AppleSoftwareUpdate.job - C:\Program Files\Apple Software Update\SoftwareUpdate.exe
2007-08-12 03:14:01 C:\WINDOWS\Tasks\HP Usg Daily FY04.job - C:\Program Files\HP\{AAC4FC36-8F89-4587-8DD3-EBC57C83374D}\pexpress\hphped06.exe

**************************************************************************

catchme 0.3.1061 W2K/XP/Vista - rootkit/stealth malware detector by Gmer, http://www.gmer.net
Rootkit scan 2007-08-12 13:12:42
Windows 5.1.2600 Service Pack 2 NTFS

scanning hidden processes …

scanning hidden registry entries …

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\{E9F81423-211E-46B6-9AE0-38568BC5CF6F}]
"DisplayName"="Alcohol 120"

scanning hidden files …

scan completed successfully
hidden files: 0

**************************************************************************

Completion time: 2007-08-12 13:14:12 - machine was rebooted
C:\ComboFix-quarantined-files.txt … 2007-08-12 13:13

— E O F —




—————————-
Here is the new HijackThis Log:
—————————-

Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.1
Scan saved at 13:15:31:, on 8/12/2007
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\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgamsvr.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgupsvc.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\nvsvc32.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\Canon\CAL\CALMAIN.exe
C:\Program Files\Logitech\MouseWare\system\em_exec.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgcc.exe
C:\Program Files\D-Tools\daemon.exe
C:\Program Files\Picasa2\PicasaMediaDetector.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\RUNDLL32.EXE
C:\Program Files\iTunes\iTunesHelper.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\tbctray.exe
C:\Program Files\Google\Google Talk\googletalk.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Yahoo! Widget Engine\YahooWidgetEngine.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\wscntfy.exe
C:\Program Files\iPod\bin\iPodService.exe
C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Yahoo! Widget Engine\YahooWidgetEngine.exe
C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Yahoo! Widget Engine\YahooWidgetEngine.exe
C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Yahoo! Widget Engine\YahooWidgetEngine.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\wuauclt.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\notepad.exe
C:\Program Files\Hijackthis\Spyware.exe

O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NvCplDaemon] RUNDLL32.EXE C:\WINDOWS\system32\NvCpl.dll,NvStartup
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Logitech Utility] Logi_MwX.Exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AVG7_CC] C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgcc.exe /STARTUP
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [DAEMON Tools-1033] "C:\Program Files\D-Tools\daemon.exe" -lang 1033
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Picasa Media Detector] C:\Program Files\Picasa2\PicasaMediaDetector.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [nwiz] nwiz.exe /install
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NvMediaCenter] RUNDLL32.EXE C:\WINDOWS\system32\NvMcTray.dll,NvTaskbarInit
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [QuickTime Task] "C:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe" -atboottime
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [iTunesHelper] "C:\Program Files\iTunes\iTunesHelper.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [TraySantaCruz] C:\WINDOWS\system32\tbctray.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [googletalk] "C:\Program Files\Google\Google Talk\googletalk.exe" /autostart
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [ctfmon.exe] C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
O4 - Startup: Adobe Gamma.lnk = C:\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe\Calibration\Adobe Gamma Loader.exe
O4 - Startup: Yahoo! Widget Engine.lnk = C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Yahoo! Widget Engine\YahooWidgetEngine.exe
O4 - Global Startup: Desktop Weather Platinum.lnk = C:\Program Files\Desktop Weather Platinum\DWPlatinum.exe
O4 - Global Startup: Logitech Desktop Messenger.lnk = C:\Program Files\Logitech\Desktop Messenger\8876480\Program\LDMConf.exe
O8 - Extra context menu item: E&xport to Microsoft Excel - res://C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~2\OFFICE11\EXCEL.EXE/3000
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.5.0_06\bin\ssv.dll
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Sun Java Console - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.5.0_06\bin\ssv.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: Research - {92780B25-18CC-41C8-B9BE-3C9C571A8263} - C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~2\OFFICE11\REFIEBAR.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: {30528230-99f7-4bb4-88d8-fa1d4f56a2ab} (Installation Support) - C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Common\Yinsthelper.dll
O16 - DPF: {5D86DDB5-BDF9-441B-9E9E-D4730F4EE499} (BDSCANONLINE Control) - http://download.bitdefender.com/resources/scan8/oscan8.cab
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: Canon Camera Access Library 8 (CCALib8) - Canon Inc. - C:\Program Files\Canon\CAL\CALMAIN.exe
O23 - Service: iPod Service - Apple Computer, Inc. - C:\Program Files\iPod\bin\iPodService.exe
O23 - Service: NVIDIA Display Driver Service (NVSvc) - NVIDIA Corporation - C:\WINDOWS\system32\nvsvc32.exe
Post #5
After reboot, it seems everything is back to normal. I can access control panel again and no more annoying messages. Here is the new log generated from HackThis:


Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.1
Scan saved at 13:59:47:, on 8/12/2007
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\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgcc.exe
C:\Program Files\Logitech\MouseWare\system\em_exec.exe
C:\Program Files\D-Tools\daemon.exe
C:\Program Files\Picasa2\PicasaMediaDetector.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\RUNDLL32.EXE
C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgamsvr.exe
C:\Program Files\iTunes\iTunesHelper.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\tbctray.exe
C:\Program Files\Google\Google Talk\googletalk.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgupsvc.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\nvsvc32.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\Canon\CAL\CALMAIN.exe
C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Yahoo! Widget Engine\YahooWidgetEngine.exe
C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Yahoo! Widget Engine\YahooWidgetEngine.exe
C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Yahoo! Widget Engine\YahooWidgetEngine.exe
C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Yahoo! Widget Engine\YahooWidgetEngine.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\wscntfy.exe
C:\Program Files\iPod\bin\iPodService.exe
C:\Program Files\Mozilla Firefox\firefox.exe
C:\Program Files\Hijackthis\Spyware.exe

O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NvCplDaemon] RUNDLL32.EXE C:\WINDOWS\system32\NvCpl.dll,NvStartup
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Logitech Utility] Logi_MwX.Exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AVG7_CC] C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgcc.exe /STARTUP
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [DAEMON Tools-1033] "C:\Program Files\D-Tools\daemon.exe" -lang 1033
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Picasa Media Detector] C:\Program Files\Picasa2\PicasaMediaDetector.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [nwiz] nwiz.exe /install
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NvMediaCenter] RUNDLL32.EXE C:\WINDOWS\system32\NvMcTray.dll,NvTaskbarInit
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [QuickTime Task] "C:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe" -atboottime
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [iTunesHelper] "C:\Program Files\iTunes\iTunesHelper.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [TraySantaCruz] C:\WINDOWS\system32\tbctray.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [googletalk] "C:\Program Files\Google\Google Talk\googletalk.exe" /autostart
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [ctfmon.exe] C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
O4 - Startup: Adobe Gamma.lnk = C:\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe\Calibration\Adobe Gamma Loader.exe
O4 - Startup: Yahoo! Widget Engine.lnk = C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Yahoo! Widget Engine\YahooWidgetEngine.exe
O4 - Global Startup: Desktop Weather Platinum.lnk = C:\Program Files\Desktop Weather Platinum\DWPlatinum.exe
O4 - Global Startup: Logitech Desktop Messenger.lnk = C:\Program Files\Logitech\Desktop Messenger\8876480\Program\LDMConf.exe
O8 - Extra context menu item: E&xport to Microsoft Excel - res://C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~2\OFFICE11\EXCEL.EXE/3000
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.5.0_06\bin\ssv.dll
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Sun Java Console - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.5.0_06\bin\ssv.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: Research - {92780B25-18CC-41C8-B9BE-3C9C571A8263} - C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~2\OFFICE11\REFIEBAR.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: {30528230-99f7-4bb4-88d8-fa1d4f56a2ab} (Installation Support) - C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Common\Yinsthelper.dll
O16 - DPF: {5D86DDB5-BDF9-441B-9E9E-D4730F4EE499} (BDSCANONLINE Control) - http://download.bitdefender.com/resources/scan8/oscan8.cab
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: Canon Camera Access Library 8 (CCALib8) - Canon Inc. - C:\Program Files\Canon\CAL\CALMAIN.exe
O23 - Service: iPod Service - Apple Computer, Inc. - C:\Program Files\iPod\bin\iPodService.exe
O23 - Service: NVIDIA Display Driver Service (NVSvc) - NVIDIA Corporation - C:\WINDOWS\system32\nvsvc32.exe



———————————-

Is it safe to assume the problem is solved? How come all the other programs I used couldn't get rid of this thing but those two seemed to do the trick? Thanks for your help so far, you are a true hero of the internet!!
Post #6

How come all the other programs I used couldn't get rid of this thing but those two seemed to do the trick?

The vendors can't add infections until they're found. The programs I had you run dig into the registry to find them.


You can remove any programs / Tools I had you install. Use Add/Remove Programs to remove if listed there otherwise just delete them and empty recycle bin.

Log looks good :D


You need to create a new Clean restore point.

Note: This will remove all previous Restore Points

Turn off System Restore:

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

Restart your computer, turn it back on.

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

Double-click My Computer.
Click the Tools menu, and then click Folder Options.
Click the View tab.
Check "Hide file extensions for known file types."
Under the "Hidden files" folder, Uncheck "Show hidden files and folders."
Check "Hide protected operating system files."
Click Apply, and then click OK.
  • Make your Internet Explorer more secure - This can be done by following these simple instructions:
    • From within Internet Explorer click on the Tools menu and then click on Options.
    • Click once on the Security tab
    • Click once on the Internet icon so it becomes highlighted.
    • Click once on the Custom Level button.
      • Change the Download signed ActiveX controls to Prompt
      • Change the Download unsigned ActiveX controls to Disable
      • Change the Initialize and script ActiveX controls not marked as safe to Disable
      • Change the Installation of desktop items to Prompt
      • Change the Launching programs and files in an IFRAME to Prompt
      • Change the Navigate sub-frames across different domains to Prompt
      • When all these settings have been made, click on the OK button.
      • If it prompts you as to whether or not you want to save the settings, press the Yes button.
    • Next press the Apply button and then the OK to exit the Internet Properties page.
  • Update your AntiVirus Software - It is imperative that you update your Antivirus software at least once a week
    (Even more if you wish). If you do not update your antivirus software then it will not be able to catch any of the new variants that may come out.

  • Use a Firewall - I can not stress how important it is that you use a Firewall on your computer.
    Without a firewall your computer is succeptible to being hacked and taken over.
    I am very serious about this and see it happen almost every day with my clients.
    Simply using a Firewall in its default configuration can lower your risk greatly.

    For a tutorial on Firewalls and a listing of some available ones see the link below:

    Understanding and Using Firewalls

  • Visit Microsoft's Windows Update Site Frequently - It is important that you visit http://www.windowsupdate.com regularly.
    This will ensure your computer has always the latest security updates available installed on your computer.
    If there are new updates to install, install them immediately, reboot your computer, and revisit the site
    until there are no more critical updates.

  • Install Spybot - Search and Destroy - Install and download Spybot - Search and Destroy with its TeaTimer option.
    This will provide realtime spyware & hijacker protection on your computer alongside your virus protection.
    You should also scan your computer with this program on a regular basis just as you would an antivirus software.

    A tutorial on installing & using this product can be found here:

    Using Spybot - Search & Destroy to remove Spyware , Malware, and Hijackers

  • Install Ad-Aware - Download and install Ad-Aware.
    You should also scan your computer with this program on a regular basis
    just as you would an antivirus software in conjunction with Spybot.

    A tutorial on installing & using this product can be found here:

    Using Ad-aware to remove Spyware, Malware, & Hijackers from Your Computer

  • Install SpywareBlaster - SpywareBlaster will add a large list of programs and sites into your Internet Explorer
    settings that will protect you from running and downloading known malicious programs.

    A tutorial on installing & using this product can be found here:

    Using SpywareBlaster to protect your computer from Spyware and Malware

  • IE-SPYAD puts over 5000 sites in your restricted zone so you'll be protected when you visit innocent-looking sites that aren't actually innocent at all.

    Using IE-SPYAD to help block unwanted sites and activities

  • Update all these programs regularly - Make sure you update all the programs I have listed regularly.
    Without regular updates you WILL NOT be protected when new malicious programs are released.
Only run one Anti-Virus and Firewall program.

I would also suggest you read this:
So how did I get infected in the first place?
by Tony Klein
Post #7
Since this issue appears to be resolved … this Topic has been closed. Glad we could be of assistance.

If you're the topic starter, and need this topic reopened, please contact a staff member with the address of the thread.

Everyone else please begin a New Topic.

Coyote's Installed programs for prevention:

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

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

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