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Spyware / Malware / Virus Removal

[Resolved] Computer slow: suspect hi-jacking

6 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 Advice, software, and links below may be out of date — treat specific steps and download links with caution.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 #1
Here's my log: Logfile of Trend Micro HijackThis v2.0.2 Scan saved at 1:27:27 PM, on 8/16/2008 Platform: Windows XP SP2 (WinNT 5.01.2600) MSIE: Internet Explorer v6.00 SP2 (6.00.2900.2180) Boot mode: Normal 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:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\AppCore\AppSvc32.exe C:\Program Files\Lavasoft\Ad-Aware 2007\aawservice.exe C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe C:\WINDOWS\arservice.exe C:\Program Files\Symantec\LiveUpdate\ALUSchedulerSvc.exe C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccSvcHst.exe C:\Program Files\Cisco Systems\VPN Client\cvpnd.exe C:\WINDOWS\eHome\ehRecvr.exe C:\WINDOWS\eHome\ehSched.exe C:\Program Files\Common Files\LightScribe\LSSrvc.exe C:\WINDOWS\system32\nvsvc32.exe C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe C:\WINDOWS\system32\dllhost.exe C:\Program Files\Lavasoft\Ad-Aware 2007\AAWTray.exe C:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccApp.exe C:\Program Files\Canon\MyPrinter\BJMyPrt.exe C:\Program Files\ScanSoft\OmniPageSE4\OpwareSE4.exe C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe C:\WINDOWS\system32\wuauclt.exe C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\CCPD-LC\symlcsvc.exe C:\Program Files\Trend Micro\HijackThis\HijackThis.exe O2 - BHO: Adobe PDF Reader Link Helper - {06849E9F-C8D7-4D59-B87D-784B7D6BE0B3} - C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 7.0\ActiveX\AcroIEHelper.dll O2 - BHO: (no name) - {1E8A6170-7264-4D0F-BEAE-D42A53123C75} - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\coShared\Browser\1.5\NppBho.dll O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AAWTray] C:\Program Files\Lavasoft\Ad-Aware 2007\AAWTray.exe O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NvCplDaemon] RUNDLL32.EXE C:\WINDOWS\system32\NvCpl.dll,NvStartup 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: [CanonSolutionMenu] C:\Program Files\Canon\SolutionMenu\CNSLMAIN.exe /logon O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [CanonMyPrinter] C:\Program Files\Canon\MyPrinter\BJMyPrt.exe /logon O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SSBkgdUpdate] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Scansoft Shared\SSBkgdUpdate\SSBkgdupdate.exe" -Embedding -boot O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [OpwareSE4] "C:\Program Files\ScanSoft\OmniPageSE4\OpwareSE4.exe" O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [KernelFaultCheck] %systemroot%\system32\dumprep 0 -k O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [MSMSGS] "C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe" /background O4 - .DEFAULT User Startup: Pin.lnk = C:\hp\bin\CLOAKER.EXE (User 'Default user') O4 - .DEFAULT User Startup: PinMcLnk.lnk = C:\hp\bin\cloaker.exe (User 'Default user') O4 - Global Startup: Adobe Reader Speed Launch.lnk = C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 7.0\Reader\reader_sl.exe O23 - Service: Ad-Aware 2007 Service (aawservice) - Lavasoft AB - C:\Program Files\Lavasoft\Ad-Aware 2007\aawservice.exe O23 - Service: Automatic LiveUpdate Scheduler - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Symantec\LiveUpdate\ALUSchedulerSvc.exe O23 - Service: Symantec Event Manager (ccEvtMgr) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccSvcHst.exe O23 - Service: Symantec Settings Manager (ccSetMgr) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccSvcHst.exe O23 - Service: Symantec Lic NetConnect service (CLTNetCnService) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccSvcHst.exe O23 - Service: COM Host (comHost) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\VAScanner\comHost.exe O23 - Service: Cisco Systems, Inc. VPN Service (CVPND) - Cisco Systems, Inc. - C:\Program Files\Cisco Systems\VPN Client\cvpnd.exe O23 - Service: Google Updater Service (gusvc) - Google - C:\Program Files\Google\Common\Google Updater\GoogleUpdaterService.exe O23 - Service: InstallDriver Table Manager (IDriverT) - Macrovision Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\InstallShield\Driver\1050\Intel 32\IDriverT.exe O23 - Service: iPod Service - Apple Inc. - C:\Program Files\iPod\bin\iPodService.exe O23 - Service: Symantec IS Password Validation (ISPwdSvc) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Norton Internet Security\isPwdSvc.exe O23 - Service: LightScribeService Direct Disc Labeling Service (LightScribeService) - Hewlett-Packard Company - C:\Program Files\Common Files\LightScribe\LSSrvc.exe O23 - Service: LiveUpdate - Symantec Corporation - C:\PROGRA~1\Symantec\LIVEUP~1\LUCOMS~1.EXE O23 - Service: LiveUpdate Notice Service Ex (LiveUpdate Notice Ex) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccSvcHst.exe O23 - Service: NVIDIA Display Driver Service (NVSvc) - NVIDIA Corporation - C:\WINDOWS\system32\nvsvc32.exe O23 - Service: Symantec Core LC - Unknown owner - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\CCPD-LC\symlcsvc.exe O23 - Service: Symantec AppCore Service (SymAppCore) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\AppCore\AppSvc32.exe – End of file - 5263 bytes
Post #2
steeleye,

I'm not seeing anything nefarious.

I suggest you:

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 or two.

Then

Please download Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware to your desktop.

  • Double-click mbam-setup.exe and follow the prompts to install the program.
  • At the end, be sure a checkmark is placed next to Update Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware and Launch Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware, then click Finish.
  • If an update is found, it will download and install the latest version.
  • Once the program has loaded, select Perform quick scan, then click Scan.
  • When the scan is complete, click OK, then Show Results to view the results.
  • Be sure that everything is checked, and click Remove Selected.
  • When completed, a log will open in Notepad. Please save it to a convenient location and post the results.
  • Note: If you receive a notice that some of the items couldn't be removed, that they have been added to the delete on reboot list, please reboot (shut down your computer then restart it).
Also "copy/paste" a new HijackThis log file into this thread.

Also please describe how your computer behaves at the moment.
Post #3
Here's the Malwarebyte's log Registry Keys Infected: (No malicious items detected) Registry Values Infected: (No malicious items detected) Registry Data Items Infected: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\Tcpip\Parameters\Interfaces\{4d589907-2d53-4dba-8511-d302d05be3eb}\DhcpNameServer (Trojan.DNSChanger) -> Data: [removed],[removed] -> Quarantined and deleted successfully. HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\Tcpip\Parameters\Interfaces\{892900fc-9814-4488-99c0-81491c1ee93d}\DhcpNameServer (Trojan.DNSChanger) -> Data: [removed],[removed] -> Quarantined and deleted successfully. HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\Tcpip\Parameters\Interfaces\{cccdf6f6-5beb-4d68-b49b-af547e5eefd6}\DhcpNameServer (Trojan.DNSChanger) -> Data: [removed],[removed] -> Quarantined and deleted successfully. HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\Tcpip\Parameters\Interfaces\{d6bfb623-d2ba-4249-8e3c-5627613c0c6e}\DhcpNameServer (Trojan.DNSChanger) -> Data: [removed],[removed] -> Quarantined and deleted successfully. HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\ControlSet001\Services\Tcpip\Parameters\Interfaces\{4d589907-2d53-4dba-8511-d302d05be3eb}\DhcpNameServer (Trojan.DNSChanger) -> Data: [removed],[removed] -> Quarantined and deleted successfully. HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\ControlSet001\Services\Tcpip\Parameters\Interfaces\{892900fc-9814-4488-99c0-81491c1ee93d}\DhcpNameServer (Trojan.DNSChanger) -> Data: [removed],[removed] -> Quarantined and deleted successfully. HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\ControlSet001\Services\Tcpip\Parameters\Interfaces\{cccdf6f6-5beb-4d68-b49b-af547e5eefd6}\DhcpNameServer (Trojan.DNSChanger) -> Data: [removed],[removed] -> Quarantined and deleted successfully. HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\ControlSet001\Services\Tcpip\Parameters\Interfaces\{d6bfb623-d2ba-4249-8e3c-5627613c0c6e}\DhcpNameServer (Trojan.DNSChanger) -> Data: [removed],[removed] -> Quarantined and deleted successfully. HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\ControlSet003\Services\Tcpip\Parameters\Interfaces\{4d589907-2d53-4dba-8511-d302d05be3eb}\DhcpNameServer (Trojan.DNSChanger) -> Data: [removed],[removed] -> Quarantined and deleted successfully. HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\ControlSet003\Services\Tcpip\Parameters\Interfaces\{892900fc-9814-4488-99c0-81491c1ee93d}\DhcpNameServer (Trojan.DNSChanger) -> Data: [removed],[removed] -> Quarantined and deleted successfully. HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\ControlSet003\Services\Tcpip\Parameters\Interfaces\{cccdf6f6-5beb-4d68-b49b-af547e5eefd6}\DhcpNameServer (Trojan.DNSChanger) -> Data: [removed],[removed] -> Quarantined and deleted successfully. HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\ControlSet003\Services\Tcpip\Parameters\Interfaces\{d6bfb623-d2ba-4249-8e3c-5627613c0c6e}\DhcpNameServer (Trojan.DNSChanger) -> Data: [removed],[removed] -> Quarantined and deleted successfully. Folders Infected: (No malicious items detected) Files Infected: (No malicious items detected) Here's the Hijack This log: Logfile of Trend Micro HijackThis v2.0.2 Scan saved at 7:18:12 PM, on 8/20/2008 Platform: Windows XP SP2 (WinNT 5.01.2600) MSIE: Internet Explorer v6.00 SP2 (6.00.2900.2180) Boot mode: Normal 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:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\AppCore\AppSvc32.exe C:\Program Files\Lavasoft\Ad-Aware 2007\aawservice.exe C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe C:\WINDOWS\arservice.exe C:\Program Files\Symantec\LiveUpdate\ALUSchedulerSvc.exe C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccSvcHst.exe C:\Program Files\Cisco Systems\VPN Client\cvpnd.exe C:\WINDOWS\eHome\ehRecvr.exe C:\WINDOWS\eHome\ehSched.exe C:\Program Files\Common Files\LightScribe\LSSrvc.exe C:\WINDOWS\system32\nvsvc32.exe C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe C:\WINDOWS\system32\dllhost.exe C:\Program Files\Lavasoft\Ad-Aware 2007\AAWTray.exe C:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccApp.exe C:\Program Files\Canon\MyPrinter\BJMyPrt.exe C:\Program Files\ScanSoft\OmniPageSE4\OpwareSE4.exe C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 7.0\Reader\reader_sl.exe C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe C:\WINDOWS\system32\wuauclt.exe C:\WINDOWS\system32\wuauclt.exe C:\Program Files\Trend Micro\HijackThis\HijackThis.exe O2 - BHO: Adobe PDF Reader Link Helper - {06849E9F-C8D7-4D59-B87D-784B7D6BE0B3} - C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 7.0\ActiveX\AcroIEHelper.dll O2 - BHO: (no name) - {1E8A6170-7264-4D0F-BEAE-D42A53123C75} - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\coShared\Browser\1.5\NppBho.dll O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AAWTray] C:\Program Files\Lavasoft\Ad-Aware 2007\AAWTray.exe O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NvCplDaemon] RUNDLL32.EXE C:\WINDOWS\system32\NvCpl.dll,NvStartup 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: [CanonSolutionMenu] C:\Program Files\Canon\SolutionMenu\CNSLMAIN.exe /logon O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [CanonMyPrinter] C:\Program Files\Canon\MyPrinter\BJMyPrt.exe /logon O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SSBkgdUpdate] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Scansoft Shared\SSBkgdUpdate\SSBkgdupdate.exe" -Embedding -boot O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [OpwareSE4] "C:\Program Files\ScanSoft\OmniPageSE4\OpwareSE4.exe" O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [KernelFaultCheck] %systemroot%\system32\dumprep 0 -k O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [MSMSGS] "C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe" /background O4 - .DEFAULT User Startup: Pin.lnk = C:\hp\bin\CLOAKER.EXE (User 'Default user') O4 - .DEFAULT User Startup: PinMcLnk.lnk = C:\hp\bin\cloaker.exe (User 'Default user') O4 - Global Startup: Adobe Reader Speed Launch.lnk = C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 7.0\Reader\reader_sl.exe O23 - Service: Ad-Aware 2007 Service (aawservice) - Lavasoft AB - C:\Program Files\Lavasoft\Ad-Aware 2007\aawservice.exe O23 - Service: Automatic LiveUpdate Scheduler - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Symantec\LiveUpdate\ALUSchedulerSvc.exe O23 - Service: Symantec Event Manager (ccEvtMgr) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccSvcHst.exe O23 - Service: Symantec Settings Manager (ccSetMgr) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccSvcHst.exe O23 - Service: Symantec Lic NetConnect service (CLTNetCnService) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccSvcHst.exe O23 - Service: COM Host (comHost) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\VAScanner\comHost.exe O23 - Service: Cisco Systems, Inc. VPN Service (CVPND) - Cisco Systems, Inc. - C:\Program Files\Cisco Systems\VPN Client\cvpnd.exe O23 - Service: Google Updater Service (gusvc) - Google - C:\Program Files\Google\Common\Google Updater\GoogleUpdaterService.exe O23 - Service: InstallDriver Table Manager (IDriverT) - Macrovision Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\InstallShield\Driver\1050\Intel 32\IDriverT.exe O23 - Service: iPod Service - Apple Inc. - C:\Program Files\iPod\bin\iPodService.exe O23 - Service: Symantec IS Password Validation (ISPwdSvc) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Norton Internet Security\isPwdSvc.exe O23 - Service: LightScribeService Direct Disc Labeling Service (LightScribeService) - Hewlett-Packard Company - C:\Program Files\Common Files\LightScribe\LSSrvc.exe O23 - Service: LiveUpdate - Symantec Corporation - C:\PROGRA~1\Symantec\LIVEUP~1\LUCOMS~1.EXE O23 - Service: LiveUpdate Notice Service Ex (LiveUpdate Notice Ex) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccSvcHst.exe O23 - Service: NVIDIA Display Driver Service (NVSvc) - NVIDIA Corporation - C:\WINDOWS\system32\nvsvc32.exe O23 - Service: Symantec Core LC - Unknown owner - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\CCPD-LC\symlcsvc.exe O23 - Service: Symantec AppCore Service (SymAppCore) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\AppCore\AppSvc32.exe – End of file - 5285 bytes The computer does seem a bit faster, although I'm posting this directly after running your suggestions. Thanks for your help.
Post #4
steeleye,

Trojan.DNSChanger


That piece of junk is reported to seriously slow down a system.

Lets make sure there is nothing else. This scan will take several hours. :wacko:

Please go to Kaspersky website and perform an online antivirus scan.

  • Read through the requirements and privacy statement and click on Accept button.
  • It will start downloading and installing the scanner and virus definitions. You will be prompted to install an application from Kaspersky. Click Run.
  • When the downloads have finished, click on Settings.
  • Make sure these boxes are checked (ticked). If they are not, please tick them and click on the Save button:
    • Spyware, Adware, Dialers, and other potentially dangerous programs
      Archives
      Mail databases
  • Click on My Computer under Scan.
  • Once the scan is complete, it will display the results. Click on View Scan Report.
  • You will see a list of infected items there. Click on Save Report As….
  • Save this report to a convenient place. Change the Files of type to Text file (.txt) before clicking on the Save button.
  • Please post this log in your next reply.
Post #5
Here's the Kaspersky log: KASPERSKY ONLINE SCANNER 7 REPORT Friday, August 22, 2008 Operating System: Microsoft Windows XP Professional Service Pack 2 (build 2600) Kaspersky Online Scanner 7 version: 7.0.25.0 Program database last update: Friday, August 22, 2008 18:44:27 Records in database: 1124860 ——————————————————————————– Scan settings: Scan using the following database: extended Scan archives: yes Scan mail databases: yes Scan area - My Computer: A:\ C:\ D:\ E:\ F:\ G:\ H:\ I:\ J:\ Scan statistics: Files scanned: 113596 Threat name: 1 Infected objects: 4 Suspicious objects: 0 Duration of the scan: 01:38:48 File name / Threat name / Threats count D:\I386\APPS\APP18358\src\CompaqPresario_Spring06.exe Infected: not-a-virus:AdWare.Win32.WeatherBug.a 2 D:\I386\APPS\APP18358\src\HPPavillion_Spring06.exe Infected: not-a-virus:AdWare.Win32.WeatherBug.a 2 The selected area was scanned.
Post #6
steeleye,

Using Windows Explorer (Windows Key + E), locate the following files and DELETE them:
D:\I386\APPS\APP18358\src\CompaqPresario_Spring06.exe<–This file
D:\I386\APPS\APP18358\src\HPPavillion_Spring06.exe <–This file

With that done you should be good to go. :thumbup:



You need to create a new Clean restore point.
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.

Remove all previous Restore Points
Click Start Menu > Run > copy and paste

cleanmgr

At top, click on More Options tab. Click Clean up… button in the System Restore box. Click on Yes button. When finished, click on Cancel button to exit.

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

Keep Microsoft Windows Updated - This will ensure your computer has always the latest security updates available installed on your computer. The easiest way to do this is to turn on Automatic Updates. Do this by:
  • From your desktop, right-click on My Computer,
  • click on Properties
  • Select the Automatic Updates tab
  • Click on Automatic
  • Click on Apply button
  • Click on OK to exit.
If there are new updates to install, install them immediately, until there are no more critical updates.

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

Download and install the free version of WinPatrol - This program protects your computer in a variety of ways and will work well with your existing security software.
Winpatrol


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

Please respond back once more to let me know if you have any questions. If not, I'll close this thread Resolved.
Post #8
steeleye,

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.

Now see if you can find them.
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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