[Resolved] malware infection I think

I have started getting lots of annoying popups telling me that my computer is at risk and I need to buy someone's recommended products to protect it. It is in fact protected with Norton Internet Security 2008.

I suspect the popups originate from some .exe files that appeared about this time in a folder called NetProject, and containing the following .exe files: sbsm, scm, sbmntr, scit, and also sbmdl.dll.

If I am right, what should I do to fix this problem, please? I've seen references to a product called HijackThis, but I don't currently know what this is.

Later: I found out about Hijackthis and ran it. Here is the output:
Platform: Windows XP SP2 (WinNT 5.01.2600)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v7.00 (7.00.6000.16608)

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:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccSvcHst.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\CDAC11BA.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\system32\slserv.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\NetProject\scit.exe
C:\Program Files\NetProject\sbmntr.exe
C:\Program Files\NetProject\scm.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccSvcHst.exe
C:\Program Files\NetProject\sbsm.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\COMMON~1\SYMANT~1\CCPD-LC\symlcsvc.exe
C:\Program Files\Hijackthis\HijackThis.exe

R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=69157
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Search_URL = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=54896
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=54896
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=69157
O2 - BHO: Adobe PDF Reader Link Helper - {06849E9F-C8D7-4D59-B87D-784B7D6BE0B3} - C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 7.0\ActiveX\AcroIEHelper.dll
O2 - BHO: NCO 2.0 IE BHO - {602ADB0E-4AFF-4217-8AA1-95DAC4DFA408} - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\coShared\Browser\2.0\coIEPlg.dll
O2 - BHO: Symantec Intrusion Prevention - {6D53EC84-6AAE-4787-AEEE-F4628F01010C} - C:\PROGRA~1\COMMON~1\SYMANT~1\IDS\IPSBHO.dll
O2 - BHO: SSVHelper Class - {761497BB-D6F0-462C-B6EB-D4DAF1D92D43} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.6.0_02\bin\ssv.dll
O2 - BHO: e404 helper - {C03FD59D-9104-44B7-929A-9EAA0BA05211} - C:\Program Files\Helper\1202904613.dll (file missing)
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {C2A1C5CB-C0EF-4689-9436-F62CCA1C5383} - C:\Program Files\NetProject\sbmdl.dll
O2 - BHO: EpsonToolBandKicker Class - {E99421FB-68DD-40F0-B4AC-B7027CAE2F1A} - C:\Program Files\EPSON\EPSON Web-To-Page\EPSON Web-To-Page.dll
O3 - Toolbar: EPSON Web-To-Page - {EE5D279F-081B-4404-994D-C6B60AAEBA6D} - C:\Program Files\EPSON\EPSON Web-To-Page\EPSON Web-To-Page.dll
O3 - Toolbar: (no name) - {0BF43445-2F28-4351-9252-17FE6E806AA0} - (no file)
O3 - Toolbar: Show Norton Toolbar - {7FEBEFE3-6B19-4349-98D2-FFB09D4B49CA} - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\coShared\Browser\2.0\CoIEPlg.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [EPSON Stylus DX3800 Series] C:\WINDOWS\System32\spool\DRIVERS\W32X86\3\E_FATIACE.EXE /P26 "EPSON Stylus DX3800 Series" /O6 "USB001" /M "Stylus DX3800"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [QuickTime Task] "C:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe" -atboottime
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ccApp] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccApp.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [osCheck] "C:\Program Files\Norton Internet Security\osCheck.exe"
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [ctfmon.exe] C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
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: (no name) - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.6.0_02\bin\ssv.dll
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Sun Java Console - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.6.0_02\bin\ssv.dll
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {9034A523-D068-4BE8-A284-9DF278BE776E} - http://www.explorertool.net/redirect.php (file missing)
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: IE Anti-Spyware - {9034A523-D068-4BE8-A284-9DF278BE776E} - http://www.explorertool.net/redirect.php (file missing)
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {e2e2dd38-d088-4134-82b7-f2ba38496583} - %windir%\Network Diagnostic\xpnetdiag.exe (file missing)
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: @xpsp3res.dll,-20001 - {e2e2dd38-d088-4134-82b7-f2ba38496583} - %windir%\Network Diagnostic\xpnetdiag.exe (file missing)
O9 - Extra button: Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Windows Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
O11 - Options group: [INTERNATIONAL] International*
O16 - DPF: {5C6698D9-7BE4-4122-8EC5-291D84DBD4A0} (Facebook Photo Uploader 4 Control) - http://upload.facebook.com/controls/Facebo…toUploader3.cab
O16 - DPF: {5F8469B4-B055-49DD-83F7-62B522420ECC} (Facebook Photo Uploader Control) - http://upload.facebook.com/controls/Facebo…otoUploader.cab
O18 - Protocol: livecall - {828030A1-22C1-4009-854F-8E305202313F} - C:\PROGRA~1\MSNMES~1\MSGRAP~1.DLL
O18 - Protocol: msnim - {828030A1-22C1-4009-854F-8E305202313F} - C:\PROGRA~1\MSNMES~1\MSGRAP~1.DLL
O20 - Winlogon Notify: WgaLogon - C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\WgaLogon.dll
O23 - Service: C-DillaCdaC11BA - Macrovision - C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\CDAC11BA.EXE
O23 - Service: Symantec Event Manager (ccEvtMgr) - Unknown owner - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccSvcHst.exe" /h ccCommon (file missing)
O23 - Service: Symantec Settings Manager (ccSetMgr) - Unknown owner - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccSvcHst.exe" /h ccCommon (file missing)
O23 - Service: Symantec Lic NetConnect service (CLTNetCnService) - Unknown owner - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccSvcHst.exe" /h ccCommon (file missing)
O23 - Service: COM Host (comHost) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\VAScanner\comHost.exe
O23 - Service: LiveUpdate Notice - Unknown owner - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccSvcHst.exe" /h ccCommon (file missing)
O23 - Service: SmartLinkService (SLService) - Smart Link - C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\slserv.exe
O23 - Service: Symantec Core LC - Unknown owner - C:\PROGRA~1\COMMON~1\SYMANT~1\CCPD-LC\symlcsvc.exe

Please note that all instructions given are customised for this computer only, the tools used may cause damage if used on a computer with different infections.

If you think you have similar problems, please post a log in the HJT forum and wait for help.

Unless informed of in advance, failure to post replies within 5 days will result in this thread being closed.

Hi pogostick,

I'm Gary R, I'll be glad to help you with your computer problems.

Please observe these rules while we work:

• Perform all actions in the order given.
• If you don't know, stop and ask! Don't keep going on.
• Please reply to this thread. Do not start a new topic.
• Stick with it till you're given the all clear.
• Remember, absence of symptoms does not mean the infection is all gone.

If you can do these things, everything should go smoothly.

• Please note you'll need to have Administrator privileges to perform the fixes. (XP accounts are Administrator by default)

Please download ATF Cleaner by Atribune and save it to your Desktop. (Do not run it yet)

Please download SmitfraudFix (by S!Ri) and extract (unzip) it to your Desktop. (Do not run it yet)

Please download Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware to your Desktop.

• Double-click mbam-setup.exe and follow the prompts to install the program. (Do not run it yet)

You should print out these instructions, or copy them to a NotePad file for reading while in Safe Mode, because you will not be able to connect to the Internet to read from this site.

Next, please boot your computer into 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, a menu with options should appear;
• Select the first option, to run Windows in Safe Mode, then press Enter.
• Choose your usual account (as long as it is an account with Administrator privileges).

Once in Safe Mode

• Open the SmitfraudFix folder and double-click smitfraudfix.cmd
• Select option #2 - Clean by typing 2, then press Enter.
• You will be prompted with: Registry cleaning - Do you want to clean the registry?
• Type Y, then press Enter, to remove the Desktop background and clean infected registry keys.
• The tool will now check if wininet.dll is infected.
• You may be prompted to replace the infected file.
• If prompted, type Y, then press Enter.
• The tool may need to restart your computer to finish the cleaning process; if it doesn't, please restart it into Normal Windows.
• A text file will appear onscreen, with results from the cleaning process.
• Please copy/paste the content of that report into your next reply. The report can also be found at C:\rapport.txt

Warning : running option #2 on a non infected computer will remove your Desktop background.

Clean out your Temp files.

• 1st Ensure your Internet Browser is closed.
• Double click ATF-Cleaner.exe to run the program.
• Check the following boxes:
  
  • Windows Temp
  • Current User Temp
  • All Users Temp
  • Temporary Internet Files
  • Prefetch
  • Recycle Bin
  • Java Cache
• The rest are optional - if you want to remove the lot, check Select All.
• Now click Empty Selected.
• When you get the Done Cleaning message, click OK.

Run a scan with Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware

• Click on the Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware icon to launch the programme.
  
  • Click the Updates tab.
    
  • Click Check for Updates and allow the programme to download the latest definitions.
• Click the Scanner tab.
  
  • Check Perform Quick Scan.
  • Click Scan and wait for the scan to complete.
  • When the scan is complete, click OK, then Show Results.
  • Ensure all items are checked then click Remove Selected.
    
  • A box will pop-up telling you that files have been quarantined.
  • A log will pop-up.
• Post the log in your next reply please.

You can also access the log by doing the following

• Click on the Logs tab.
  
• Click on the log at the bottom of those listed to highlight it.
• Click Open

Open the SmitfraudFix folder again

• Double-click smitfraudfix.cmd
• Select option #3 - Delete Trusted zone by typing 3, then press Enter.

(Note: If you use SpywareBlaster and/or IE-SPYAD, it will be necessary to re-install the protection both afford. For SpywareBlaster, run the program and re-protect all items. For IE-SPYAD, run the batch file and reinstall the protection.)

Please post the following logs.

• c:\rapport.txt
• Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware log
• A new HijackThis log

Please post each log separately so they don't get cut off by the forum post size limiter.

Thanks very much indeed Gary. I think it's been successful. The only puzzle I had was after I selected 'Delete Trusted Zone'. It then said ' restore trusted zone?', to which I said yes, and then it said it had deleted the trusted zone. Confusing! Does it sound ok to you?

Here first of all is the HijackThis report.
Platform: Windows XP SP2 (WinNT 5.01.2600)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v7.00 (7.00.6000.16608)

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:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccSvcHst.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\CDAC11BA.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\system32\slserv.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccSvcHst.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe
C:\Program Files\Hijackthis\HijackThis.exe

R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://www.google.co.uk/
O2 - BHO: Adobe PDF Reader Link Helper - {06849E9F-C8D7-4D59-B87D-784B7D6BE0B3} - C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 7.0\ActiveX\AcroIEHelper.dll
O2 - BHO: NCO 2.0 IE BHO - {602ADB0E-4AFF-4217-8AA1-95DAC4DFA408} - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\coShared\Browser\2.0\coIEPlg.dll
O2 - BHO: Symantec Intrusion Prevention - {6D53EC84-6AAE-4787-AEEE-F4628F01010C} - C:\PROGRA~1\COMMON~1\SYMANT~1\IDS\IPSBHO.dll
O2 - BHO: SSVHelper Class - {761497BB-D6F0-462C-B6EB-D4DAF1D92D43} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.6.0_02\bin\ssv.dll
O2 - BHO: EpsonToolBandKicker Class - {E99421FB-68DD-40F0-B4AC-B7027CAE2F1A} - C:\Program Files\EPSON\EPSON Web-To-Page\EPSON Web-To-Page.dll
O3 - Toolbar: EPSON Web-To-Page - {EE5D279F-081B-4404-994D-C6B60AAEBA6D} - C:\Program Files\EPSON\EPSON Web-To-Page\EPSON Web-To-Page.dll
O3 - Toolbar: (no name) - {0BF43445-2F28-4351-9252-17FE6E806AA0} - (no file)
O3 - Toolbar: Show Norton Toolbar - {7FEBEFE3-6B19-4349-98D2-FFB09D4B49CA} - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\coShared\Browser\2.0\CoIEPlg.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [EPSON Stylus DX3800 Series] C:\WINDOWS\System32\spool\DRIVERS\W32X86\3\E_FATIACE.EXE /P26 "EPSON Stylus DX3800 Series" /O6 "USB001" /M "Stylus DX3800"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [QuickTime Task] "C:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe" -atboottime
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ccApp] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccApp.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [osCheck] "C:\Program Files\Norton Internet Security\osCheck.exe"
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [ctfmon.exe] C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
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: (no name) - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.6.0_02\bin\ssv.dll
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Sun Java Console - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.6.0_02\bin\ssv.dll
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {e2e2dd38-d088-4134-82b7-f2ba38496583} - %windir%\Network Diagnostic\xpnetdiag.exe (file missing)
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: @xpsp3res.dll,-20001 - {e2e2dd38-d088-4134-82b7-f2ba38496583} - %windir%\Network Diagnostic\xpnetdiag.exe (file missing)
O9 - Extra button: Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Windows Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
O11 - Options group: [INTERNATIONAL] International*
O16 - DPF: {5C6698D9-7BE4-4122-8EC5-291D84DBD4A0} (Facebook Photo Uploader 4 Control) - http://upload.facebook.com/controls/Facebo…toUploader3.cab
O16 - DPF: {5F8469B4-B055-49DD-83F7-62B522420ECC} (Facebook Photo Uploader Control) - http://upload.facebook.com/controls/Facebo…otoUploader.cab
O18 - Protocol: livecall - {828030A1-22C1-4009-854F-8E305202313F} - C:\PROGRA~1\MSNMES~1\MSGRAP~1.DLL
O18 - Protocol: msnim - {828030A1-22C1-4009-854F-8E305202313F} - C:\PROGRA~1\MSNMES~1\MSGRAP~1.DLL
O20 - Winlogon Notify: WgaLogon - C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\WgaLogon.dll
O23 - Service: C-DillaCdaC11BA - Macrovision - C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\CDAC11BA.EXE
O23 - Service: Symantec Event Manager (ccEvtMgr) - Unknown owner - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccSvcHst.exe" /h ccCommon (file missing)
O23 - Service: Symantec Settings Manager (ccSetMgr) - Unknown owner - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccSvcHst.exe" /h ccCommon (file missing)
O23 - Service: Symantec Lic NetConnect service (CLTNetCnService) - Unknown owner - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccSvcHst.exe" /h ccCommon (file missing)
O23 - Service: COM Host (comHost) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\VAScanner\comHost.exe
O23 - Service: LiveUpdate Notice - Unknown owner - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccSvcHst.exe" /h ccCommon (file missing)
O23 - Service: SmartLinkService (SLService) - Smart Link - C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\slserv.exe
O23 - Service: Symantec Core LC - Unknown owner - C:\PROGRA~1\COMMON~1\SYMANT~1\CCPD-LC\symlcsvc.exe

Hi pogostick,

Yes what you did is fine, I agree the trusted zone instructions are a little confusing.

OK, there's one minor item to remove using HJT, nothing of any real concern, just a Registry orphan.

Run a scan with HJT and when finished check the following items (if found).

O3 - Toolbar: (no name) - {0BF43445-2F28-4351-9252-17FE6E806AA0} - (no file)


Now close all open windows and click Fix Checked to remove them.

Right, time for a little tidying up.

Delete the Smitfraudfix folder, the tool is updated regularly so this version will not be any use against future infections.

Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware is Freeware, so you can keep it or discard it as you wish. If you wish to remove it, uninstall it using Control Panel > Add/Remove Programs.

ATF Cleaner is a useful little utility for cleaning out your Temp files easily, but if you don't want it all you have to do is delete it.

As far as I can see, your computer looks clear of infection now.

Are you still noticing any problems ?

• If you are let me know about them.
• If not it's time to make your computer more secure.

Below are a series of recommendations which will help you keep more secure online.

Obviously you have already taken care of some of the issues mentioned, but it is important that you read through them, and address any that you may have missed.

THESE STEPS ARE VERY IMPORTANT

Lets 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 clean the 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.
• Reboot.
  
• 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.

Update your Java.
Older versions have vulnerabilities that malware can and are using to infect systems.

Please follow these steps to remove older version Java components. This is important as it's still possible to get infected through an old install even if you're using the latest version of Java.

• Close any programmes you may have running, ESPECIALLY your web browser
• Click Start > Control Panel.
• Click Add/Remove Programs.
• Check any item with Java Runtime Environment (JRE) in the name.
• Click the Remove or Change/Remove button.
• Repeat as many times as necessary to remove all versions of Java.
• Reboot your computer once all Java components are removed.

Download the latest version of Java Runtime Environment (JRE) 6u4, and install it to your computer.

Updating Windows and Internet Explorer
It is essential you keep your Operating System up to date with all the latest patches. The bad guys watch for the latest exploits, as soon as Microsoft brings out a patch, the bad guys will bring out an infection to exploit that vulnerability. If you don't have all the latest patches your computer is vulnerable. Please go to the windows update site and get the critical updates.

Use a "secure" browser
Install Internet Explorer 7 or an alternative browser like Firefox or Opera for more secure surfing.
Please remember that there is no such thing as a totally secure browser. Your browsing habits will be the major factor in determining just how safe you are online. If you visit, Crack/Warez sites, Porn sites, or other sites of a questionable nature, you still run a severe risk of getting infected.

The following are free programs that are designed to keep your computer clean. A brief description is included with each item, click on name to go to download site.

• Spybot S & D
  Spybot is a scanner. It scans for spyware and other malicious programs. It is important to have at least one malware scanner on your computer. 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
  
• WinPatrol by BillPStudios is a programme that monitors your computer and notifies you if there are any unauthorised changes made to it. It gives you the option to allow or forbid the changes, thus guarding you against Malware installations. I consider this one a must have.
  
  If you find you like it, you can get a lifetime upgrade to the Plus version for a small one time fee.
  
• 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
  
• IE Spyad
  It puts many bad webpages on your restricted zones LIST. This means that you can still view the "bad" webpages, but the webpages can't do certain things (such as use javascripts and cookies). Use IE Spyad for single account computers, and IE Spyad 2 for multi account computers.
  
• Hosts file:
• Make sure you read the instructions on how to install the hosts file, here.
  
  
  • 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.
• 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

• Use an Anti Virus Software - It's very important that your computer has an anti-virus software running. This alone can save you a lot of trouble with malware in the future. See this link for a listing of some on line & their stand-alone anti virus programs:
  Computer Safety On line - LIST of free Anti virus programs
  
• Use a Firewall - I cannot stress enough how important it is that you use a Firewall on your computer. Without a firewall your computer is susceptible to being hacked and taken over. Simply using a Firewall in its default configuration can lower your risk greatly. For more info, check this webpage out.
  See here to choose one.
  
• Site Advisor This is a utility that can be downloaded and installed. It loads an icon to the taskbar of your browser (versions for IE and Firefox), indicating the trustworthiness of the site you are on. Green for safe, Red for suspicious. Click on the icon to access details that SiteAdvisor has about the site.

Here's links to a few articles which are well worth reading

• The Spyware Warrior Guide to Getting help with Spyware
• Microsoft - Security at Home
• Top Ten excuses why people don't want to secure their computer and why they are wrong - by Budfred
• How did I get infected in the first place - by TonyKlein
• Prevent Re-infection
• Simple and easy ways to keep your computer safe and secure on the Internet
• Help! My computer is slow! - How to improve system performance after malware removal - by Miekiemoes

Finally

NOW is the time you can start to hit back at the people who infected you.
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Please take the time to go and complain - that forum has a topic for your infection which is Smitfraud……… (if not, post in the Is your infection not listed here? topic). Please post as a reply, you do not need to register to do so (but you can if you wish). It will also have a list of other places you can go to to register your complaint, depending on the country you are resident in. Please read the topics and complain, it is only with such complaints to government or government agencies that something will get done.

Fine. Have done what you suggested with HJT, Java etc, and will now work on improving my general security. Thanks again for your help. Will also lodge a complaint as you suggest. pogostick.

You're welcome, glad we could help. Keep safe. Gary

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.