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Spyware / Malware / Virus Removal

[Resolved] HijackThis log -Njaga

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This thread's last reply is from . Advice, software, and links below may be out of date — treat specific steps and download links with caution.

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Post #1
Hi Still suspect have spyware. request to install software - LocusSoftware. also requests search for scvhost.exe Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.1 Scan saved at 11:27:45 PM, on 10/9/2007 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:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccSetMgr.exe C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccEvtMgr.exe C:\WINDOWS\system32\LEXBCES.EXE C:\WINDOWS\system32\LEXPPS.EXE C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe C:\Program Files\AntiVir PersonalEdition Classic\avguard.exe C:\Program Files\AntiVir PersonalEdition Classic\sched.exe C:\Program Files\Grisoft\AVG Anti-Spyware 7.5\guard.exe C:\Program Files\Norton AntiVirus\navapsvc.exe C:\Program Files\Norton AntiVirus\SAVScan.exe C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\Security Center\SymWSC.exe C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.exe C:\WINDOWS\AGRSMMSG.exe C:\WINDOWS\SOUNDMAN.EXE C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccApp.exe C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe C:\Program Files\AntiVir PersonalEdition Classic\avgnt.exe C:\Program Files\Grisoft\AVG Anti-Spyware 7.5\avgas.exe C:\Program Files\RFA\rfagent.exe C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe C:\WINDOWS\system32\wuauclt.exe C:\WINDOWS\system32\wuauclt.exe C:\Download\hijackthis1991\HijackThis.exe R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Local Page = R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Local Page = c:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\Stationery\Blank.htm F2 - REG:system.ini: Shell= O2 - BHO: NAV Helper - {BDF3E430-B101-42AD-A544-FADC6B084872} - C:\Program Files\Norton AntiVirus\NavShExt.dll O2 - BHO: (no name) - {CFE15135-C591-4000-A55E-A50E5F9F82BC} - (no file) O3 - Toolbar: Norton AntiVirus - {42CDD1BF-3FFB-4238-8AD1-7859DF00B1D6} - C:\Program Files\Norton AntiVirus\NavShExt.dll O3 - Toolbar: (no name) - {41F6170D-6AF8-4188-8D92-9DDAB3C71A78} - (no file) O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AGRSMMSG] AGRSMMSG.exe O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SoundMan] SOUNDMAN.EXE O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ccApp] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccApp.exe" O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NI.UGA6P_0001_N111M1707] "c:\documents and settings\phil\application data\install_en[1].exe" -nag O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [avgnt] "C:\Program Files\AntiVir PersonalEdition Classic\avgnt.exe" /min O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [!AVG Anti-Spyware] "C:\Program Files\Grisoft\AVG Anti-Spyware 7.5\avgas.exe" /minimized O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [rfagent] C:\Program Files\RFA\rfagent.exe O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [MSMSGS] "C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe" /background O4 - Global Startup: Microsoft Office.lnk = C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office10\OSA.EXE O8 - Extra context menu item: E&xport to Microsoft Excel - res://C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~2\Office10\EXCEL.EXE/3000 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 O17 - HKLM\System\CCS\Services\Tcpip\..\{E0F72A94-7C43-401C-B209-1E5DCF796054}: NameServer = 216.104.192.3 216.104.192.4 O17 - HKLM\System\CCS\Services\Tcpip\..\{F3AB202A-DA5C-42D0-894D-E9C67C7E302F}: NameServer = 172.16.4.16 O23 - Service: AntiVir PersonalEdition Classic Scheduler (AntiVirScheduler) - Avira GmbH - C:\Program Files\AntiVir PersonalEdition Classic\sched.exe O23 - Service: AntiVir PersonalEdition Classic Guard (AntiVirService) - Avira GmbH - C:\Program Files\AntiVir PersonalEdition Classic\avguard.exe O23 - Service: Ati HotKey Poller - Unknown owner - C:\WINDOWS\system32\Ati2evxx.exe O23 - Service: AVG Anti-Spyware Guard - GRISOFT s.r.o. - C:\Program Files\Grisoft\AVG Anti-Spyware 7.5\guard.exe O23 - Service: Symantec Event Manager (ccEvtMgr) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccEvtMgr.exe O23 - Service: Symantec Password Validation (ccPwdSvc) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccPwdSvc.exe O23 - Service: Symantec Settings Manager (ccSetMgr) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccSetMgr.exe O23 - Service: LexBce Server (LexBceS) - Lexmark International, Inc. - C:\WINDOWS\system32\LEXBCES.EXE O23 - Service: Norton AntiVirus Auto Protect Service (navapsvc) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Norton AntiVirus\navapsvc.exe O23 - Service: SAVScan - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Norton AntiVirus\SAVScan.exe O23 - Service: ScriptBlocking Service (SBService) - Symantec Corporation - C:\PROGRA~1\COMMON~1\SYMANT~1\SCRIPT~1\SBServ.exe O23 - Service: SymWMI Service (SymWSC) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\Security Center\SymWSC.exe
Post #2
Hi

It seems you're using both Antivir & Norton Antivirus. It's not recommended to have more than one active antivirus product in same system.


Start hjt, click do a system scan only, check:
R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Local Page =
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Local Page = c:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\Stationery\Blank.htm
F2 - REG:system.ini: Shell=
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {CFE15135-C591-4000-A55E-A50E5F9F82BC} - (no file)
O3 - Toolbar: (no name) - {41F6170D-6AF8-4188-8D92-9DDAB3C71A78} - (no file)

Close browsers & other windows before clicking fix checked.


Save text below as fix.reg on Notepad (save it as all files (*.*)) on the Desktop.

REGEDIT4

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run]
"NI.UGA6P_0001_N111M1707"=-

It should look like this -> [external image: Posted Image]

Doubleclick fix.reg, press Yes and ok.

(In case you are unsure how to create a reg file, take a look here with screenshots.)


Show hidden files
—————–
* Click Start.
* Open My Computer.
* Select the Tools menu and click Folder Options.
* Select the View Tab.
* Under the Hidden files and folders heading select Show hidden files and folders.
* Uncheck the Hide protected operating system files (recommended) option.
* Click Yes to confirm.
* Click OK.


Delete following file if found:
c:\documents and settings\phil\application data\install_en[1].exe

Post back a fresh hjt log.
Post #3
Thanks. All steps proposed taken, inclding removing the file, and new hjack log appears below rmnjaga Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.1 Scan saved at 7:30:03 PM, on 10/17/2007 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:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccSetMgr.exe C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccEvtMgr.exe C:\WINDOWS\system32\LEXBCES.EXE C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe C:\WINDOWS\system32\LEXPPS.EXE C:\Program Files\AntiVir PersonalEdition Classic\avguard.exe C:\Program Files\AntiVir PersonalEdition Classic\sched.exe C:\Program Files\Grisoft\AVG Anti-Spyware 7.5\guard.exe C:\Program Files\Comodo\Firewall\cmdagent.exe C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\Security Center\SymWSC.exe C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.exe C:\WINDOWS\AGRSMMSG.exe C:\WINDOWS\SOUNDMAN.EXE C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccApp.exe C:\Program Files\AntiVir PersonalEdition Classic\avgnt.exe C:\Program Files\Grisoft\AVG Anti-Spyware 7.5\avgas.exe C:\Program Files\RFA\rfagent.exe C:\Program Files\Comodo\Firewall\CPF.exe C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe C:\WINDOWS\system32\wuauclt.exe C:\WINDOWS\system32\wuauclt.exe C:\Download\hijackthis1991\HijackThis.exe R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Local Page = c:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\Stationery\Blank.htm R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Local Page = c:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\Stationery\Blank.htm O2 - BHO: NAV Helper - {BDF3E430-B101-42AD-A544-FADC6B084872} - C:\Program Files\Norton AntiVirus\NavShExt.dll O3 - Toolbar: Norton AntiVirus - {42CDD1BF-3FFB-4238-8AD1-7859DF00B1D6} - C:\Program Files\Norton AntiVirus\NavShExt.dll O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AGRSMMSG] AGRSMMSG.exe O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SoundMan] SOUNDMAN.EXE O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ccApp] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccApp.exe" O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [avgnt] "C:\Program Files\AntiVir PersonalEdition Classic\avgnt.exe" /min O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [!AVG Anti-Spyware] "C:\Program Files\Grisoft\AVG Anti-Spyware 7.5\avgas.exe" /minimized O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [rfagent] C:\Program Files\RFA\rfagent.exe O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [COMODO Firewall Pro] "C:\Program Files\Comodo\Firewall\CPF.exe" /background O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [MSMSGS] "C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe" /background O4 - Global Startup: Microsoft Office.lnk = C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office10\OSA.EXE O8 - Extra context menu item: E&xport to Microsoft Excel - res://C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~2\Office10\EXCEL.EXE/3000 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 O17 - HKLM\System\CCS\Services\Tcpip\..\{E0F72A94-7C43-401C-B209-1E5DCF796054}: NameServer = 216.104.192.3 216.104.192.4 O17 - HKLM\System\CCS\Services\Tcpip\..\{F3AB202A-DA5C-42D0-894D-E9C67C7E302F}: NameServer = 172.16.4.16 O23 - Service: AntiVir PersonalEdition Classic Scheduler (AntiVirScheduler) - Avira GmbH - C:\Program Files\AntiVir PersonalEdition Classic\sched.exe O23 - Service: AntiVir PersonalEdition Classic Guard (AntiVirService) - Avira GmbH - C:\Program Files\AntiVir PersonalEdition Classic\avguard.exe O23 - Service: Ati HotKey Poller - Unknown owner - C:\WINDOWS\system32\Ati2evxx.exe O23 - Service: AVG Anti-Spyware Guard - GRISOFT s.r.o. - C:\Program Files\Grisoft\AVG Anti-Spyware 7.5\guard.exe O23 - Service: Symantec Event Manager (ccEvtMgr) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccEvtMgr.exe O23 - Service: Symantec Password Validation (ccPwdSvc) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccPwdSvc.exe O23 - Service: Symantec Settings Manager (ccSetMgr) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccSetMgr.exe O23 - Service: Comodo Application Agent (CmdAgent) - COMODO - C:\Program Files\Comodo\Firewall\cmdagent.exe O23 - Service: LexBce Server (LexBceS) - Lexmark International, Inc. - C:\WINDOWS\system32\LEXBCES.EXE O23 - Service: Norton AntiVirus Auto Protect Service (navapsvc) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Norton AntiVirus\navapsvc.exe O23 - Service: SAVScan - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Norton AntiVirus\SAVScan.exe O23 - Service: ScriptBlocking Service (SBService) - Symantec Corporation - C:\PROGRA~1\COMMON~1\SYMANT~1\SCRIPT~1\SBServ.exe O23 - Service: SymWMI Service (SymWSC) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\Security Center\SymWSC.exe
Post #4 last edited
Hi

Looking quite good. :) Let's see does AVG still finds anything.
  • Launch AVG Anti-Spyware.
  • On the main screen under Your Computer's security.
    • Click on Change state next to Resident shield. It should now change to inactive.
    • Click on Change state next to Automatic updates. It should now change to inactive.
    • Next to Last Update, click on Update now. (You will need an active internet connection to perform this)
    • Wait until you see the Update succesfull message.
  • Right-click the AVG Anti-Spyware Tray Icon and uncheck Start with Windows.
  • Right-click the AVG Anti-Spyware Tray Icon and select Exit. Confirm by clicking Yes.
If you are having problems with the updater, you can use this link to manually update ewido.
AVG Anti-Spyware manual updates.
Download the Full database to your Desktop or to your usual Download Folder and install it by double clicking the file. Make sure that AVG Anti-Spyware is closed before installing the update. Don't run AVG yet. Will do it a bit later.


Download ATF (Atribune Temp File) Cleaner© by Atribune to your desktop.



Double-click ATF Cleaner.exe to open it

Under Main choose:
Windows Temp
Current User Temp
All Users Temp
Cookies
Temporary Internet Files
Prefetch
Java Cache
*The other boxes are optional*
Then click the Empty Selected button.

If you use Firefox:
Click Firefox at the top and choose: Select All
Click the Empty Selected button.
NOTE: If you would like to keep your saved passwords, please click NO at the prompt.

If you use Opera:
Click Opera at the top and choose: Select All
Click the Empty Selected button.
NOTE: If you would like to keep your saved passwords, please click NO at the prompt.

Click Exit on the Main menu to close the program.



Close ALL open Windows / Programs / Folders. Please start AVG Anti-Spyware and run a full scan.
  • Click on Scanner on the toolbar.
  • Click on the Settings tab.
    • Under How to act?
      • Click on Recommended Action and choose Quarantine from the popup menu.
    • Under How to scan?
      • All checkboxes should be ticked.
    • Under Possibly unwanted software:
      • All checkboxes should be ticked.
    • Under Reports:
      • Don't select Automatically generate report after every scan and uncheck Only if threats were found.
    • Under What to scan?
      • Select Scan every file.
  • Click on the Scan tab.
  • Click on Complete System Scan to start the scan process.
  • Let the program scan the machine.
  • When the scan has finished, follow the instructions below.
    IMPORTANT : Don't click on the
    Save Scan Report
    button before you did hit the
    Apply all Actions
    button.
    • Make sure that Set all elements to: shows Quarantine (1), if not click on the link and choose Quarantine from the popup menu. (2)
    • At the bottom of the window click on the Apply all Actions button. (3)
      [external image: Posted Image]
  • When done, click the Save Scan Report button. (4)
    • Click the Save Report as button.
    • Save the report to your Desktop.
  • Right-click the AVG Anti-Spyware Tray Icon and select Exit. Confirm by clicking Yes.

Post
-AVG Anti-Spyware log


PS. It looks like you have both Norton Antivirus & Antivir installed. It's not recommended to have more than one antivirus product active in same system.
Post #5
Thanks Have followed all steps proposed , and re-activated NAV and uninstalled Avira. The AVG AntiSpy log appears below: ——————————————————— AVG Anti-Spyware - Scan Report ——————————————————— + Created at: 7:10:18 PM 10/25/2007 + Scan result: Nothing found. ::Report end rmnjaga
Post #7
Hi HiJack log attached. rmnjaga Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.1 Scan saved at 10:48:08 AM, on 10/28/2007 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:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccSetMgr.exe C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccEvtMgr.exe C:\WINDOWS\system32\LEXBCES.EXE C:\WINDOWS\system32\LEXPPS.EXE C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe C:\Program Files\Grisoft\AVG Anti-Spyware 7.5\guard.exe C:\Program Files\Comodo\Firewall\cmdagent.exe C:\Program Files\Norton AntiVirus\navapsvc.exe C:\Program Files\Norton AntiVirus\SAVScan.exe C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\Security Center\SymWSC.exe C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.exe C:\WINDOWS\AGRSMMSG.exe C:\WINDOWS\SOUNDMAN.EXE C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccApp.exe C:\WINDOWS\system32\wuauclt.exe C:\Program Files\RFA\rfagent.exe C:\Program Files\Comodo\Firewall\CPF.exe C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe C:\WINDOWS\system32\wuauclt.exe C:\Download\hijackthis1991\HijackThis.exe R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Local Page = c:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\Stationery\Blank.htm R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Local Page = c:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\Stationery\Blank.htm O2 - BHO: NAV Helper - {BDF3E430-B101-42AD-A544-FADC6B084872} - C:\Program Files\Norton AntiVirus\NavShExt.dll O3 - Toolbar: Norton AntiVirus - {42CDD1BF-3FFB-4238-8AD1-7859DF00B1D6} - C:\Program Files\Norton AntiVirus\NavShExt.dll O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AGRSMMSG] AGRSMMSG.exe O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SoundMan] SOUNDMAN.EXE O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ccApp] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccApp.exe" O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [rfagent] C:\Program Files\RFA\rfagent.exe O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [COMODO Firewall Pro] "C:\Program Files\Comodo\Firewall\CPF.exe" /background O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [MSMSGS] "C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe" /background O4 - Global Startup: Microsoft Office.lnk = C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office10\OSA.EXE O8 - Extra context menu item: E&xport to Microsoft Excel - res://C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~2\Office10\EXCEL.EXE/3000 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 O17 - HKLM\System\CCS\Services\Tcpip\..\{E0F72A94-7C43-401C-B209-1E5DCF796054}: NameServer = 216.104.192.3 216.104.192.4 O17 - HKLM\System\CCS\Services\Tcpip\..\{F3AB202A-DA5C-42D0-894D-E9C67C7E302F}: NameServer = 172.16.4.16 O23 - Service: Ati HotKey Poller - Unknown owner - C:\WINDOWS\system32\Ati2evxx.exe O23 - Service: AVG Anti-Spyware Guard - GRISOFT s.r.o. - C:\Program Files\Grisoft\AVG Anti-Spyware 7.5\guard.exe O23 - Service: Symantec Event Manager (ccEvtMgr) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccEvtMgr.exe O23 - Service: Symantec Password Validation (ccPwdSvc) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccPwdSvc.exe O23 - Service: Symantec Settings Manager (ccSetMgr) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccSetMgr.exe O23 - Service: Comodo Application Agent (CmdAgent) - COMODO - C:\Program Files\Comodo\Firewall\cmdagent.exe O23 - Service: LexBce Server (LexBceS) - Lexmark International, Inc. - C:\WINDOWS\system32\LEXBCES.EXE O23 - Service: Norton AntiVirus Auto Protect Service (navapsvc) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Norton AntiVirus\navapsvc.exe O23 - Service: SAVScan - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Norton AntiVirus\SAVScan.exe O23 - Service: ScriptBlocking Service (SBService) - Symantec Corporation - C:\PROGRA~1\COMMON~1\SYMANT~1\SCRIPT~1\SBServ.exe O23 - Service: SymWMI Service (SymWSC) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\Security Center\SymWSC.exe
Post #8
Well congrats, it appears your system is all clean Are you still noticing any problems? If not, it's time to secure your system to prevent against further intrusions.


THESE STEPS ARE VERY IMPORTANT

Let's reset system restore
Reset and Re-enable your System Restore to remove infected files that have been backed up by Windows. The files in System Restore are protected to prevent any programs changing those files. This is the only way to clean these files: You will lose all previous restore points which are likely to be infected. Please note you need Administrator Access to do clean the restore points.

1. 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.

2. Reboot.

3. Turn ON System Restore.
On the Desktop, right-click My Computer.
Click Properties.
Click the System Restore tab.
UN-Check *Turn off System Restore*.
Click Apply, and then click OK.
NOTE: only do this ONCE,NOT on a regular basis



We need to re hide system files. To do so, please follow the steps below:
  • Double-click My Computer.
  • Click the Tools menu, and then click Folder Options.
  • Click the View tab.
  • Put a check by
    Hide file extensions for known file types.
  • Under the
    Hidden files
    folder, select
    Show hidden files and folders.
  • Check
    Hide protected operating system files.
  • Click Apply, and then click OK.


UPDATING WINDOWS AND INTERNET EXPLORER

IMPORTANT: You Need to Update Windows and Internet Explorer to protect your computer from the malware that is around on the Internet. Please go to the windows update site to get the critical updates.

If you are running Microsoft Office, or any portion thereof, go to the Microsoft's Office Update site and make sure you have at least all the critical updates installed (Free) Microsoft Office Update.


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.



The following are recommended third party programs that are designed to keep your computer clean. A link as well as a brief description is included with each item.
  • Comodo BOCLEAN <= Stop identity thieves from getting personal information. Instantly detects well over 1,000,000 unique, variant and repack malware in total. And it's free.
  • Download Adaware
    Adaware is a free program. It scans for known spyware on your computer. These scans should be run at least once every two weeks. For more information, see this tutorial
    The program is available for download here
  • Download Spybot
    Spybot is a scanner like adaware. It scans for spyware and other malicious programs. It is important to have both Adaware and Spybot on your computer because each program provides unique detection and pretection measures. Spybot has preventitive tools that stop programs from even installing on your computer.
    To see how to set this up as well as more spybot features, see here
    Spybot can be downloaded at this location
  • Download SpywareBlaster
    Spyware blaster is a program that stops known malicious activex controls from installing on your computer. It works by changing settings in your registry. It makes
    kill bits
    in the registry, so that certain activex controls can't install.
    If you don't know what activex controls are, see here
    You can download SpywareBlaster here here
    SpywareBlaster tutorial
  • Download iespyad
    It puts many bad webpages on your restricted zones list. This means that you can still view the
    bad
    webpages, but the webpages cannot do certain things (such as use javascripts and cookies).
    If you need help understanding how it works, there is a tutorial here
    Download it here
  • hosts file:
  • Every version of windows has a hosts file as part of them.
  • In a very basic sense, they are used to locate webpages.
  • We can customize a hosts file so that it blocks certain webpages.
  • However, it can slow down certain computers.
  • This is why using a hosts file is optional!!
Download it here. Make sure you read the instructions on how to install the hosts file. There is a good tutorial here
If you decide to download the hosts file, the slowdown problems can usually be avoided by following these steps:
  • Click the start button (at the lower left hand corner of your screen)
  • Click run
  • In the dialog box, type services.msc
  • hit enter, then locate dns client
  • Highlight it, then double-click it.
  • On the dropdown box, change the setting from automatic to manual.
  • Click ok

Just a final reminder for you. I am trying to stress these two points.
UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE!!! Make sure you do this about every 1-2 weeks.
Make sure all of your security programs are up to date.
Run the spybot and adaware regularly. (Once or twice a week minimum.)
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.



Once again, please post and tell me how things are going with your system… problems etc.

Have a great day,
Blade B)
Post #9
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.

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