When I hit Ctrl Alt Del the Task Manager doesn't open. Trying to run Start/Run "Taskmgr" gives me the message "Another program is currently using this file."
So I ran the computer in safe mode and full system scanned it with Adaware and Spybot. Also ran SmitFraudFix first, Look2me Destroyer, AboutBuster, CWShredder, and VundoFix. Afterwards, I restarted and used Hijack this:
Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.1
Scan saved at 4:37:51 PM, on 9/19/2007
Platform: Windows XP SP2 (WinNT 5.01.2600)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v7.00 (7.00.6000.16512)
Double click SDFix.exe and it will extract the files to %systemdrive%
(Drive that contains the Windows Directory, typically C:\SDFix)
Please then reboot your computer in Safe Mode by doing the following :
Restart your computer
After hearing your computer beep once during startup, but before the Windows icon appears, tap the F8 key continually;
Instead of Windows loading as normal, the Advanced Options Menu should appear;
Select the first option, to run Windows in Safe Mode, then press Enter.
Choose your usual account.
Open the extracted SDFix folder and double click RunThis.bat to start the script.
Type Y to begin the cleanup process.
It will remove any Trojan Services and Registry Entries that it finds then prompt you to press any key to Reboot.
Press any Key and it will restart the PC.
When the PC restarts the Fixtool will run again and complete the removal process then display Finished, press any key to end the script and load your desktop icons.
Once the desktop icons load the SDFix report will open on screen and also save into the SDFix folder as Report.txt
(Report.txt will also be copied to Clipboard ready for posting back on the forum).
Finally paste the contents of the Report.txt back on the forum with a new HijackThis log
Problem is solved! Or at least, Task Manager opens again! Thank you so much for your help! I used to post on this site when it was TomCoyote, and the quality of your service hasn't gone down! Here is a copy of the report and Hijackthis.
SDFix: Version 1.107
Run by [removed] on Wed 09/26/2007 at 10:58 AM
Microsoft Windows XP [Version 5.1.2600]
Running From: C:\SDFix\SDFix
Safe Mode:
Checking Services:
Restoring Windows Registry Values
Restoring Windows Default Hosts File
Sun 16 Sep 2007 4,348 A.SH. — "C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\DRM\DRMv1.bak"
Wed 8 Aug 2007 0 A.SH. — "C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\DRM\Cache\Indiv01.tmp"
Wed 18 Jul 2007 35,328 A..H. — "C:\Documents and Settings\Mal\Desktop\Career stuff\~WRL0703.tmp"
Wed 8 Aug 2007 0 A..H. — "C:\WINDOWS\SoftwareDistribution\Download\ccaf14158dd167fe34055e2bcf5a04e7\BITF.tmp"
Wed 4 Oct 2006 3,072,000 A..H. — "C:\Documents and Settings\Mal\Application Data\U3\temp\Launchpad Removal.exe"
Finished!
Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.1
Scan saved at 11:12:32 AM, on 9/26/2007
Platform: Windows XP SP2 (WinNT 5.01.2600)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v7.00 (7.00.6000.16512)
I used to post on this site when it was TomCoyote, and the quality of your service hasn't gone
Yep, just a small change, same fine people that I have been working with for the past few years.
Your log looks fine A couple of things you may want to try.
Download CCleaner from here to clean temp files from your computer.
Double click on the file to start the installation of the program.
Select your language and click OK, then next.
Read the license agreement and click I Agree.
Click next to use the default install location. Click Install then finish to complete installation.
Double click the CCleaner shortcut on the desktop to start the program.
On the "Windows" tab, under "Internet Explorer," uncheck "Cookies" if you do not want them deleted. (If deleted, you will likely need to reenter your passwords at all sites where a cookie is used to recognize you when you visit).
If you use either the Firefox or Mozilla browsers, the box to uncheck for "Cookies" is on the Applications tab, under Firefox/Mozilla.
Click on the "Options" icon at the left side of the window, then click on "Advanced." deselect "Only delete files in Windows Temp folders older than 48 hours."
Click on the "Cleaner" icon on the left side of the window, then click Run Cleaner to run the program.
Caution: It is not recommended that you use the "Issues" feature unless you are very familiar with the registry as it has been known to find legitimate items.
After CCleaner has completed its process, click Exit.
*NOTE* CCleaner deletes EVERYTHING out of temp/temporary folders. If you have anything in a temp folder, back it up or move it to a permanent folder prior to running CCleaner!
Depending on how your manufacturer set up your system, you may or may not need the Windows XP CD. If you have a I386 folder on your C:\ drive you may not need the disk.
Click Start>Run
Type in sfc /scannow, hit Enter.
Note: there is a space between sfc and /scannow
This should replace any corrupted/missing system files and will hopefully fix things.
Malware Complaints
Are you mad ? I mean really mad, seething mad, so mad your ready to spit, mad that you have taken your hard earned dollars to buy a computer only to have some Miscredents, Dirt Bags and Cyber Criminals install a malicious program on your computer without your knowledge or consent. You can post your complaint at the above site. If you live in the U.S.A. you can also report your grievance to your State Attorney Generals Office and the Federal Trade Commission's Bureau of Consumer Protection.
How did I get infected in the first place ? Read these links and find out how to prevent getting infected again.
Tutorial for System Restore <– Do this first to prevent yourself from being reinfected.
Spyware Blaster It will prevent most spyware from ever being installed.
Spyware Guard It offers realtime protection from spyware installation attempts.
Win Patrol This program will warn you when any changes are being made to your system and give
you the option to deny the change.
IE-Spyad
IE-Spyad places over 4000 web sites and domains in the IE Restricted list which will severely impair attempts to infect your system. It basically prevents any downloads
(cookies etc) from the sites listed, although you will still be able to connect to the sites.
Firefox 2.0 It has more features and is a lot more secure than IE. It is a very easy and
painless download and install, it will no way interfere with IE, you can use them both.
Zone Alarm Here is a free Firewall from Zone Labs, I
wouldn't access the internet without it.
Since this issue appears to be resolved … this Topic has been closed. Glad we could be of assistance.
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A couple of things you may want to try.