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Spyware / Malware / Virus Removal

[Resolved] worm.win32.netsky & smitfraud-c.msvps with warning

12 min read

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 Advice, software, and links below may be out of date — treat specific steps and download links with caution.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 #16
Open notepad and copy/paste the text in the quotebox below into it:

File::
C:\WINNT\gormet.dll
C:\WINNT\pmkret.dll
C:\WINNT\monhop.exe
C:\WINNT\hdtip.dll
C:\WINNT\privacy_danger\index.htm
C:\DOCUME~1\bonik\LOCALS~1\Temp\krbnjexqKL1C.dll

Folder::
C:\Program Files\RichVideoCodec

Registry::
[-HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Toolbar\{872F66C1-E394-4545-8843-EDE16648058A}]
[-HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\clsid\{872f66c1-e394-4545-8843-ede16648058a}]
[-HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\hdtip.ToolBar.1]
[-HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\TypeLib\{20675C1B-8407-4F3B-AFC2-D30C3EF0E5F4}]
[-HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\hdtip.ToolBar]
[-HKEY_CURRENT_USER\software\microsoft\internet explorer\desktop\components\1]
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\ShellServiceObjectDelayLoad]
"gormet"=-
"pmkret"=-


Save this as Save this as "CFScript"


[external image: Posted Image]

Refering to the picture above, drag CFScript.txt into ComboFix.exe

Then post the results log and a new HijackThis log.


Also please describe how your computer behaves at the moment.
Post #17
Here's the latest log:

And my computer is lovely. Your help has been amazing!!!!
The horrible red wallpaper is gone, the pop-ups seem to have ceased and the only obvious hint of a problem is the home page has changed and I'm ok with having to fix that at the end.

ComboFix 07-12-08.1 - bonik 2007-12-08 12:00:34.2 - NTFSx86
Microsoft Windows XP Professional 5.1.2600.2.1252.1.1033.18.1400 [GMT -5:00]
Running from: C:\Documents and Settings\[removed]\Desktop\ComboFix.exe
Command switches used :: C:\Documents and Settings\bonik\Desktop\CFSCRIPT.txt
* Created a new restore point

FILE
C:\DOCUME~1\bonik\LOCALS~1\Temp\krbnjexqKL1C.dll
C:\WINNT\gormet.dll
C:\WINNT\hdtip.dll
C:\WINNT\monhop.exe
C:\WINNT\pmkret.dll
C:\WINNT\privacy_danger\index.htm
.

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

C:\Program Files\RichVideoCodec
C:\WINNT\gormet.dll
C:\WINNT\monhop.exe
C:\WINNT\pmkret.dll

.
((((((((((((((((((((((((( Files Created from 2007-11-08 to 2007-12-08 )))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))
.

2007-12-07 18:58 . 2007-12-07 18:58 d——– C:\Documents and Settings\bonik\DoctorWeb
2007-12-03 14:20 . 2007-12-03 14:20 d——– C:\unzipped
2007-11-30 23:06 . 2007-11-30 23:06 d——– C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Grisoft
2007-11-27 16:47 . 2007-11-27 16:47 164 –a—— C:\install.dat
2007-11-27 11:56 . 2005-09-23 08:29 626,688 –a—— C:\WINNT\system32\msvcr80.dll
2007-11-26 16:02 . 2007-12-06 20:50 d——– C:\Documents and Settings\bonik\Application Data\Lavasoft
2007-11-26 16:01 . 2007-12-01 10:32 d——– C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Spybot - Search & Destroy
2007-11-17 19:22 . 2007-11-17 19:22 d——– C:\Documents and Settings\bonik\Application Data\LinkedIn
2007-11-17 12:20 . 2007-11-17 12:20 d——– C:\Documents and Settings\bonik\Application Data\PlayFirst
2007-11-17 12:20 . 2007-11-17 12:20 d——– C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\PlayFirst
2007-11-16 19:20 . 2007-11-16 19:20 d——– C:\Documents and Settings\bonik\Application Data\Download Manager
2007-11-16 19:19 . 2007-11-16 19:19 d——– C:\Program Files\Akamai
2007-11-15 10:29 . 2007-11-15 10:29 d——– C:\WINNT\system32\Dell

.
(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Find3M Report ))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))
.
2007-12-07 23:05 ——— d—–w C:\Program Files\Norton Security Scan
2007-11-26 14:51 ——— d—–w C:\Program Files\Google
2007-11-26 14:00 ——— d—–w C:\Program Files\Common Files\Oberon Media
2007-11-26 14:00 ——— d—–w C:\Program Files\Comcast Play Games
2007-11-19 14:39 ——— d—–w C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared
2007-11-19 04:13 ——— d—a-w C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\TEMP
2007-11-01 17:44 51,304 —-a-w C:\WINNT\system32\drivers\atnt40k.sys
2007-10-30 23:30 ——— d–h–w C:\Program Files\InstallShield Installation Information
2007-10-30 23:30 ——— d—–w C:\Program Files\Cisco Systems
2007-10-30 20:01 ——— d—–w C:\Program Files\iTunes
2007-10-30 20:00 ——— d—–w C:\Program Files\iPod
2007-10-23 23:43 ——— d—–w C:\Program Files\Brio
2007-10-13 22:56 ——— d—–w C:\Program Files\Java
2007-10-13 22:54 ——— d—–w C:\Program Files\Common Files\Java
.

((((((((((((((((((((((((((((( snapshot@2007-12-08_10.44.41.29 )))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))
.
- 2007-12-08 15:19:30 64,268 —-a-w C:\WINNT\system32\perfc009.dat
+ 2007-12-08 15:45:07 64,268 —-a-w C:\WINNT\system32\perfc009.dat
- 2007-12-08 15:19:30 406,582 —-a-w C:\WINNT\system32\perfh009.dat
+ 2007-12-08 15:45:07 406,582 —-a-w C:\WINNT\system32\perfh009.dat
+ 2007-12-08 17:06:42 16,384 —-atw C:\WINNT\Temp\Perflib_Perfdata_608.dat
.
((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Reg Loading Points ))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))
.
.
*Note* empty entries & legit default entries are not shown
REGEDIT4

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run]
"Yahoo! Pager"="C:\PROGRA~1\Yahoo!\MESSEN~1\YAHOOM~1.exe" [2006-11-30 21:49]

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run]
"Apoint"="C:\Program Files\Apoint\Apoint.exe" [2004-09-13 11:33]
"NvCplDaemon"="RUNDLL32.exe" [2004-08-04 07:00 C:\WINNT\system32\rundll32.exe]
"NVHotkey"="rundll32.exe" [2004-08-04 07:00 C:\WINNT\system32\rundll32.exe]
"SigmatelSysTrayApp"="stsystra.exe" [2006-03-20 22:00 C:\WINNT\stsystra.exe]
"McAfeeUpdaterUI"="C:\Program Files\Network Associates\Common Framework\UdaterUI.exe" [2006-11-17 03:06]
"ShStatEXE"="C:\Program Files\Network Associates\VirusScan\SHSTAT.exe" [2004-09-22 20:00]
"Network Associates Error Reporting Service"="C:\Program Files\Common Files\Network Associates\TalkBack\TBMon.exe" [2003-10-07 09:48]
"QuickTime Task"="C:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe" [2007-06-29 05:24]
"SunJavaUpdateSched"="C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.6.0_03\bin\jusched.exe" [2007-09-25 00:11]

C:\Documents and Settings\bonik\Start Menu\Programs\Startup\
Monitor My eRooms (V7).lnk - C:\Program Files\eRoom 7\ERClient7.exe [2007-01-05 15:36:07]

C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Start Menu\Programs\Startup\
Adobe Reader Speed Launch.lnk - C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 7.0\Reader\reader_sl.exe [2005-09-23 22:05:26]
Cisco Security Agent.lnk - C:\Program Files\Cisco Systems\CSAgent\bin\okclient.exe [2007-10-30 18:30:39]
EMCSI.lnk - C:\EMCSoftware\EMCSIUser.exe [2001-06-29 08:17:56]
MediaChecker.lnk - C:\Program Files\HOTALBUMMyBOX\MediaChecker.exe [2007-02-13 21:38:50]

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\software\microsoft\windows\currentversion\policies\system]
"HideLegacyLogonScripts"= 1 (0x1)
"HideLogonScripts"= 1 (0x1)

[hkey_local_machine\software\microsoft\windows\currentversion\explorer\shellexecutehooks]
"{FBF23B40-E3F0-101B-8488-00AA003E56F8}"= shdocvw.dll [ ]

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\software\microsoft\windows nt\currentversion\windows]
"AppInit_DLLs"=csauser.dll

Paused2 EMCSI;EMC Software Install Manager;C:\EMCSoftware\EMCSI.exe
R0 a320raid;a320raid;C:\WINNT\system32\DRIVERS\a320raid.sys
R0 csacenter;Cisco Security Agent Rule Engine;C:\WINNT\system32\drivers\csacentr.sys
R0 csafile;Cisco Security Agent File Access Controller;C:\WINNT\system32\drivers\csafile.sys
R0 csanet;Cisco Security Agent Packet Verifier;C:\WINNT\system32\drivers\csanet.sys
R0 csareg;Cisco Security Agent Registry Access Controller;C:\WINNT\system32\drivers\csareg.sys
R0 PzWDM;PzWDM;C:\WINNT\system32\Drivers\PzWDM.sys
R1 csatdi;Cisco Security Agent Network Access Controller;C:\WINNT\system32\drivers\csatdi.sys
R1 NaiAvTdi1;NaiAvTdi1;C:\WINNT\system32\drivers\mvstdi5x.sys
R2 CcmExec;SMS Agent Host;C:\WINNT\system32\CCM\CcmExec.exe
R2 CSAgent;Cisco Security Agent;"C:\Program Files\Cisco Systems\CSAgent\bin\CSAControl.exe" -t c
R2 Wuser32;SMS Remote Control Agent;C:\WINNT\system32\CCM\CLICOMP\RemCtrl\Wuser32.exe
R3 idisw2km;idisw2km;C:\WINNT\system32\DRIVERS\idisw2km.sys
R3 kbstuff;SMS Virtual Keyboard;C:\WINNT\system32\DRIVERS\kbstuff5.sys
R3 prepdrvr;SMS Process Event Driver;\??\C:\WINNT\system32\CCM\prepdrv.sys
R3 USBCCID;USB Smart Card reader;C:\WINNT\system32\DRIVERS\usbccid.sys
S0 black;black;C:\WINNT\system32\drivers\BlackDrv.sys
S3 RapFile;RapFile;\??\C:\WINNT\system32\drivers\RapFile.sys
S3 RapNet;RapNet;\??\C:\WINNT\system32\drivers\RapNet.sys

.
Contents of the 'Scheduled Tasks' folder
"2007-12-04 20:43:03 C:\WINNT\Tasks\AppleSoftwareUpdate.job"
- C:\Program Files\Apple Software Update\SoftwareUpdate.exe
"2007-12-08 17:00:08 C:\WINNT\Tasks\Daily Backup INC.job"
- C:\WINNT\system32\ntbackup.exeEbackup
.
——————— DLLs Loaded Under Running Processes ———————

PROCESS: C:\WINNT\Explorer.EXE [6.00.2900.2180]
-> C:\DOCUME~1\bonik\LOCALS~1\Temp\krbnjexqKL1C.dll
.
**************************************************************************

catchme 0.3.1331 W2K/XP/Vista - rootkit/stealth malware detector by Gmer, http://www.gmer.net
Rootkit scan 2007-12-08 12:06:37
Windows 5.1.2600 Service Pack 2 NTFS

scanning hidden processes …

scanning hidden autostart entries …

scanning hidden files …

scan completed successfully
hidden files: 0

**************************************************************************
.
Completion time: 2007-12-08 12:08:20 - machine was rebooted
C:\ComboFix2.txt … 2007-12-08 10:45
.
— E O F —
Post #20
hijackthis log:

Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.1
Scan saved at 12:27, on 2007-12-08
Platform: Windows XP SP2 (WinNT 5.01.2600)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v6.00 SP2 (6.00.2900.2180)

Running processes:
C:\WINNT\System32\smss.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\winlogon.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\services.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\lsass.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\Cisco Systems\CSAgent\bin\CSAControl.exe
C:\Program Files\Cisco Systems\CSAgent\bin\leventmgr.exe
C:\WINNT\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Apple\Mobile Device Support\bin\AppleMobileDeviceService.exe
C:\Program Files\EMC VPN\VPN Client\cvpnd.exe
C:\Program Files\Network Associates\Common Framework\FrameworkService.exe
C:\Program Files\Network Associates\VirusScan\Mcshield.exe
C:\Program Files\Network Associates\VirusScan\VsTskMgr.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\VS7DEBUG\MDM.EXE
C:\WINNT\system32\nvsvc32.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\CCM\CLICOMP\RemCtrl\Wuser32.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\CCM\CcmExec.exe
C:\WINNT\Explorer.EXE
C:\Program Files\Apoint\Apoint.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\rundll32.exe
C:\WINNT\stsystra.exe
C:\Program Files\Network Associates\Common Framework\UdaterUI.exe
C:\Program Files\Network Associates\VirusScan\SHSTAT.EXE
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Network Associates\TalkBack\TBMon.exe
C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.6.0_03\bin\jusched.exe
C:\EMCSoftware\EMCSIUser.exe
C:\Program Files\Network Associates\Common Framework\McTray.exe
C:\Program Files\HOTALBUMMyBOX\MediaChecker.exe
C:\Program Files\eRoom 7\ERClient7.exe
C:\Program Files\Apoint\Apntex.exe
C:\WINNT\System32\svchost.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\Yahoo!\MESSEN~1\ymsgr_tray.exe
C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\IEXPLORE.EXE
C:\Program Files\Hijackthis\HijackThis.exe

R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://softwarereferral.com/jump.php?wmid=…6Ojg5&lid=2
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Bar = http://us.rd.yahoo.com/customize/ie/defaul…rch/search.html
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://www.yahoo.com/
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\SearchURL,(Default) = http://us.rd.yahoo.com/customize/ie/defaul…//www.yahoo.com
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Connection Wizard,ShellNext = http://oa.corp.emc.com/emcweb
R3 - URLSearchHook: Yahoo! Toolbar - {EF99BD32-C1FB-11D2-892F-0090271D4F88} - (no file)
O2 - BHO: Adobe PDF Reader Link Helper - {06849E9F-C8D7-4D59-B87D-784B7D6BE0B3} - C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 7.0\ActiveX\AcroIEHelper.dll
O2 - BHO: SSVHelper Class - {761497BB-D6F0-462C-B6EB-D4DAF1D92D43} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.6.0_03\bin\ssv.dll
O3 - Toolbar: (no name) - {872F66C1-E394-4545-8843-EDE16648058A} - (no file)
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Apoint] "C:\Program Files\Apoint\Apoint.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NvCplDaemon] "RUNDLL32.EXE" C:\WINNT\system32\NvCpl.dll,NvStartup
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NVHotkey] "rundll32.exe" nvHotkey.dll,Start
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SigmatelSysTrayApp] stsystra.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [McAfeeUpdaterUI] "C:\Program Files\Network Associates\Common Framework\UdaterUI.exe" /StartedFromRunKey
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ShStatEXE] "C:\Program Files\Network Associates\VirusScan\SHSTAT.EXE" /STANDALONE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Network Associates Error Reporting Service] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Network Associates\TalkBack\TBMon.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [QuickTime Task] "C:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe" -atboottime
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SunJavaUpdateSched] "C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.6.0_03\bin\jusched.exe"
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [Yahoo! Pager] "C:\PROGRA~1\Yahoo!\MESSEN~1\YAHOOM~1.EXE" -quiet
O4 - Startup: Monitor My eRooms (V7).lnk = C:\Program Files\eRoom 7\ERClient7.exe
O4 - Global Startup: Adobe Reader Speed Launch.lnk = C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 7.0\Reader\reader_sl.exe
O4 - Global Startup: Cisco Security Agent.lnk = ?
O4 - Global Startup: EMCSI.lnk = C:\EMCSoftware\EMCSIUser.exe
O4 - Global Startup: MediaChecker.lnk = C:\Program Files\HOTALBUMMyBOX\MediaChecker.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\jre1.6.0_03\bin\ssv.dll
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Sun Java Console - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.6.0_03\bin\ssv.dll
O9 - Extra button: Research - {92780B25-18CC-41C8-B9BE-3C9C571A8263} - C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~2\OFFICE11\REFIEBAR.DLL
O9 - Extra button: AIM - {AC9E2541-2814-11d5-BC6D-00B0D0A1DE45} - C:\Program Files\AIM\aim.exe
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
O15 - Trusted Zone: http://itcentral.corp.emc.com
O15 - Trusted Zone: http://itonline.isus.emc.com
O15 - Trusted Zone: http://itportal.corp.emc.com
O15 - Trusted Zone: http://itcentral.corp.emc.com (HKLM)
O15 - Trusted Zone: http://itonline.isus.emc.com (HKLM)
O15 - Trusted Zone: http://itportal.corp.emc.com (HKLM)
O16 - DPF: {9b935470-ad4a-11d5-b63e-00c04faedb18} (Oracle JInitiator 1.1.8.16) -
O17 - HKLM\System\CCS\Services\Tcpip\Parameters: Domain = corp.emc.com
O17 - HKLM\Software\..\Telephony: DomainName = corp.emc.com
O17 - HKLM\System\CS1\Services\Tcpip\Parameters: Domain = corp.emc.com
O17 - HKLM\System\CS1\Services\Tcpip\Parameters: SearchList = corp.emc.com,isus.emc.com,lss.emc.com,eng.emc.com,webo.dg.com,documentum.com,emc
.com,legato.com,vmware.com
O17 - HKLM\System\CS2\Services\Tcpip\Parameters: Domain = corp.emc.com
O17 - HKLM\System\CS2\Services\Tcpip\Parameters: SearchList = corp.emc.com,isus.emc.com,lss.emc.com,eng.emc.com,webo.dg.com,documentum.com,emc
.com,legato.com,vmware.com
O17 - HKLM\System\CCS\Services\Tcpip\Parameters: SearchList = corp.emc.com,isus.emc.com,lss.emc.com,eng.emc.com,webo.dg.com,documentum.com,emc
.com,legato.com,vmware.com
O20 - AppInit_DLLs: csauser.dll
O20 - Winlogon Notify: WgaLogon - C:\WINNT\SYSTEM32\WgaLogon.dll
O23 - Service: Apple Mobile Device - Apple, Inc. - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Apple\Mobile Device Support\bin\AppleMobileDeviceService.exe
O23 - Service: Cisco Security Agent (CSAgent) - Unknown owner - C:\Program Files\Cisco Systems\CSAgent\bin\CSAControl.exe" -t c (file missing)
O23 - Service: Cisco Systems, Inc. VPN Service (CVPND) - Cisco Systems, Inc. - C:\Program Files\EMC VPN\VPN Client\cvpnd.exe
O23 - Service: EMC Software Install Manager (EMCSI) - EMC - C:\EMCSoftware\EMCSI.exe
O23 - Service: iPod Service - Apple Inc. - C:\Program Files\iPod\bin\iPodService.exe
O23 - Service: McAfee Framework Service (McAfeeFramework) - Unknown owner - C:\Program Files\Network Associates\Common Framework\FrameworkService.exe" /ServiceStart (file missing)
O23 - Service: Network Associates McShield (McShield) - Network Associates, Inc. - C:\Program Files\Network Associates\VirusScan\Mcshield.exe
O23 - Service: Network Associates Task Manager (McTaskManager) - Network Associates, Inc. - C:\Program Files\Network Associates\VirusScan\VsTskMgr.exe
O23 - Service: NVIDIA Display Driver Service (NVSvc) - NVIDIA Corporation - C:\WINNT\system32\nvsvc32.exe
Post #21
Just a little cleanup.

Run hijackthis. Hit None of the above, Click Do a System Scan Only. Put a checkmark/tick in the box on the left side on these:

R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://softwarereferral.com/jump.php?wmid=…6Ojg5&lid=2
R3 - URLSearchHook: Yahoo! Toolbar - {EF99BD32-C1FB-11D2-892F-0090271D4F88} - (no file)
O3 - Toolbar: (no name) - {872F66C1-E394-4545-8843-EDE16648058A} - (no file)
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [QuickTime Task] "C:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe" -atboottime

Close ALL windows and browsers except HijackThis and click "Fix checked"


After the above:

Good job :thumbup:

  • Click START then RUN
  • Now type Combofix /u in the runbox and click OK. Note the space between the X and the U, it needs to be there.

    • [external image: Posted Image]
  • If shown the disclaimer, Select "2"


Here's my usual all clean post

Log looks good :D


You need to create a new Clean restore point.

Note: This will remove all previous Restore Points

Click Start Menu > Run > copy and paste

%SystemRoot%\System32\restore\rstrui.exe

Press OK. Choose Create a Restore Point then click Next. Name it (something you'll remember) and click Create, when the confirmation screen shows the restore point has been created click Close.

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 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 #22
This beautiful - it's back to normal - no more pop-ups and I can actually work on it. I've added all the suggested protections and I'm relaxing for the first time in two weeks. I can't thank you enough for your help - i will absolutley be making a donation. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!!! Kathy
Post #24
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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