Help with spyware/malware removal please

[Strathkona]

Hi guys. I'm sorry if I'm not doing this correctly, but I have some issues with pop ups when visiting cetain sites or clicking on some links, and I also get re-directed randomly to other sites while not doing anything but simply reading the page...I am very security conscious when it comes to my computer.. running multiple programs a few times a week, so I'm not quite sure what's going on with it.. I run NOD32 Anti-Virus, SpyBot S&D, Ad-Aware SE, Spyware Blaster, so I Don't really know how anything got passed all of that, I don't know if this has anything to do with it but I recently got SP2 and i had been experiencing these problems before that. So is there anything I can do to fix these problems or is it too late to do anything about it, please help.

this is my HJT log

Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.1
Scan saved at 1:09:07 PM, on 7/12/2007
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\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\Program Files\Creative\ShareDLL\CtNotify.exe
C:\WINDOWS\CTHELPER.EXE
C:\Program Files\Eset\nod32kui.exe
C:\Program Files\Creative\SBAudigy\Taskbar\CTLTray.exe
C:\Program Files\Creative\SBAudigy\Taskbar\CTLTask.exe
C:\Program Files\AIM95\aim.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\CTsvcCDA.EXE
C:\Program Files\Eset\nod32krn.exe
C:\Program Files\Creative\ShareDLL\MediaDet.Exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\MsPMSPSv.exe
C:\Program Files\Winamp\winamp.exe
C:\Program Files\Mozilla Firefox\firefox.exe
C:\Documents and Settings\pieguy\Desktop\HijackThis.exe

O2 - BHO: (no name) - {259F616C-A300-44F5-B04A-ED001A26C85C} - (no file)
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {53707962-6F74-2D53-2644-206D7942484F} - C:\PROGRA~1\SPYBOT~1\SDHelper.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Disc Detector] C:\Program Files\Creative\ShareDLL\CtNotify.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [UpdReg] C:\WINDOWS\Updreg.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Jet Detection] C:\Program Files\Creative\SBAudigy\PROGRAM\ADGJDet.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [CTHelper] CTHELPER.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [nod32kui] "C:\Program Files\Eset\nod32kui.exe" /WAITSERVICE
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [TaskTray] C:\Program Files\Creative\SBAudigy\Taskbar\CTLTray.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [Taskbar] C:\Program Files\Creative\SBAudigy\Taskbar\CTLTask.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [MsnMsgr] "C:\Program Files\MSN Messenger\MsnMsgr.Exe" /background
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [AIM (R)] C:\Program Files\AIM95\aim.exe -cnetwait.odl
O9 - Extra button: AIM (R) - {AC9E2541-2814-11d5-BC6D-00B0D0A1DE45} - C:\Program Files\AIM95\aim.exe
O9 - Extra button: @C:\Program Files\Messenger\Msgslang.dll,-61144 - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: @C:\Program Files\Messenger\Msgslang.dll,-61144 - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
O16 - DPF: {6414512B-B978-451D-A0D8-FCFDF33E833C} (WUWebControl Class) - http://update.microsoft.com/microsof...?1176458465311
O16 - DPF: {6E32070A-766D-4EE6-879C-DC1FA91D2FC3} (MUWebControl Class) - http://update.microsoft.com/microsof...?1176458438162
O23 - Service: Ares Chatroom server (AresChatServer) - Ares Development Group - C:\Program Files\Ares\chatServer.exe
O23 - Service: ASP.NET State Service (aspnet_state) - Unknown owner - C:\WINDOWS\Microsoft.NET\Framework\v2.0.50727\aspnet_state.exe (file missing)
O23 - Service: Creative Service for CDROM Access - Creative Technology Ltd - C:\WINDOWS\System32\CTsvcCDA.EXE
O23 - Service: NOD32 Kernel Service (NOD32krn) - Eset - C:\Program Files\Eset\nod32krn.exe

[Scotty]

Hi! Welcome to the Safer-networking forum.
My name is Scotty. I would be glad to take a look at your log and help you with solving any malware problems. HijackThis logs can take a while to research.
Please be patient and I'd be grateful if you would note the following:

• I will working be on your Malware issues, this may or may not, solve other issues you have with your machine.
• The fixes are specific to your problem and should only be used for this issue on this machine.
• Please continue to review my answers until I tell you your machine appears to be clear. Absence of symptoms does not mean that everything is clear.
• It's often worth reading through these instructions and printing them for ease of reference.
• If you don't know or understand something, please don't hesitate to say or ask!! It's better to be sure and safe than sorry.
• Please reply to this thread. Do not start a new topic.

Please be patient as my posts to you have to be checked before I reply, so they make take longer.

Rename HijackThis
There is probably an infection which is hiding part of the HijackThis log because it's called hijackthis.exe.
Please rename hijackthis.exe to scanner.exe

Now scan again and post a new log, please.

[Strathkona]

Hi Scotty. Okay I followed what you said to do and that was to rename HJT.exe to scanner.exe which I did, but everything is still kind of looking the same... I don't know maybe you see something i don't well here it is.

I forgot to mention in my previous post that the two main pop ups that I am getting are Partypoker which is known malware and casale media




Logfile of Trend Micro HijackThis v2.0.2
Scan saved at 9:10:51 AM, on 7/13/2007
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:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\Program Files\Creative\ShareDLL\CtNotify.exe
C:\WINDOWS\CTHELPER.EXE
C:\Program Files\Eset\nod32kui.exe
C:\Program Files\Creative\SBAudigy\Taskbar\CTLTray.exe
C:\Program Files\Creative\SBAudigy\Taskbar\CTLTask.exe
C:\Program Files\AIM95\aim.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\CTsvcCDA.EXE
C:\Program Files\Creative\ShareDLL\MediaDet.Exe
C:\Program Files\Eset\nod32krn.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\MsPMSPSv.exe
C:\Program Files\Mozilla Firefox\firefox.exe
C:\Documents and Settings\pieguy\Desktop\scanner.exe.exe

O2 - BHO: (no name) - {259F616C-A300-44F5-B04A-ED001A26C85C} - (no file)
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {53707962-6F74-2D53-2644-206D7942484F} - C:\PROGRA~1\SPYBOT~1\SDHelper.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Disc Detector] C:\Program Files\Creative\ShareDLL\CtNotify.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [UpdReg] C:\WINDOWS\Updreg.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Jet Detection] C:\Program Files\Creative\SBAudigy\PROGRAM\ADGJDet.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [CTHelper] CTHELPER.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [nod32kui] "C:\Program Files\Eset\nod32kui.exe" /WAITSERVICE
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [TaskTray] C:\Program Files\Creative\SBAudigy\Taskbar\CTLTray.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [Taskbar] C:\Program Files\Creative\SBAudigy\Taskbar\CTLTask.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [MsnMsgr] "C:\Program Files\MSN Messenger\MsnMsgr.Exe" /background
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [AIM (R)] C:\Program Files\AIM95\aim.exe -cnetwait.odl
O9 - Extra button: AIM (R) - {AC9E2541-2814-11d5-BC6D-00B0D0A1DE45} - C:\Program Files\AIM95\aim.exe
O9 - Extra button: @C:\Program Files\Messenger\Msgslang.dll,-61144 - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: @C:\Program Files\Messenger\Msgslang.dll,-61144 - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
O16 - DPF: {6414512B-B978-451D-A0D8-FCFDF33E833C} (WUWebControl Class) - http://update.microsoft.com/microsof...?1176458465311
O16 - DPF: {6E32070A-766D-4EE6-879C-DC1FA91D2FC3} (MUWebControl Class) - http://update.microsoft.com/microsof...?1176458438162
O23 - Service: Ares Chatroom server (AresChatServer) - Ares Development Group - C:\Program Files\Ares\chatServer.exe
O23 - Service: ASP.NET State Service (aspnet_state) - Unknown owner - C:\WINDOWS\Microsoft.NET\Framework\v2.0.50727\aspnet_state.exe (file missing)
O23 - Service: Creative Service for CDROM Access - Creative Technology Ltd - C:\WINDOWS\System32\CTsvcCDA.EXE
O23 - Service: NOD32 Kernel Service (NOD32krn) - Eset - C:\Program Files\Eset\nod32krn.exe

--
End of file - 3094 bytes

[Scotty]

Hi Strathkona

Please do an online scan with Kaspersky Online Scanner. You will be prompted to install an ActiveX component from Kaspersky, Click Yes.

• The program will launch and then start to download the latest definition files.
• Once the scanner is installed and the definitions downloaded, click Next.
• Now click on Scan Settings
• In the scan settings make sure that the following are selected:
  
  • Scan using the following Anti-Virus database:
    
    + Extended(If available otherwise Standard)
    
  • Scan Options:
    
    + Scan Archives
    + Scan Mail Bases
• Click OK
• Now under select a target to scan select My Computer
• The scan will take a while so be patient and let it run. Once the scan is complete it will display if your system has been infected.
• Now click on the Save as Text button
• Save the file to your desktop.
• Copy and paste that information in your next post with a new HijackThis log.

[Strathkona]

Okay as requested the Kasperksy online scan is first up


Saturday, July 14, 2007 11:11:19 AM
Operating System: Microsoft Windows XP Professional, Service Pack 2 (Build 2600)
Kaspersky Online Scanner version: 5.0.93.0
Kaspersky Anti-Virus database last update: 14/07/2007
Kaspersky Anti-Virus database records: 362306
Scan Settings
Scan using the following antivirus database extended
Scan Archives true
Scan Mail Bases true
Scan Target My Computer
A:\
C:\
D:\
Scan Statistics
Total number of scanned objects 27107
Number of viruses found 2
Number of infected objects 7
Number of suspicious objects 0
Duration of the scan process 01:23:14

Infected Object Name Virus Name Last Action
C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Microsoft\Network\Downloader\qmgr0.dat Object is locked skipped
C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Microsoft\Network\Downloader\qmgr1.dat Object is locked skipped
C:\Documents and Settings\LocalService\Cookies\index.dat Object is locked skipped
C:\Documents and Settings\LocalService\Local Settings\Application Data\Microsoft\Windows\UsrClass.dat Object is locked skipped
C:\Documents and Settings\LocalService\Local Settings\Application Data\Microsoft\Windows\UsrClass.dat.LOG Object is locked skipped
C:\Documents and Settings\LocalService\Local Settings\History\History.IE5\index.dat Object is locked skipped
C:\Documents and Settings\LocalService\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files\Content.IE5\index.dat Object is locked skipped
C:\Documents and Settings\LocalService\NTUSER.DAT Object is locked skipped
C:\Documents and Settings\LocalService\ntuser.dat.LOG Object is locked skipped
C:\Documents and Settings\NetworkService\Local Settings\Application Data\Microsoft\Windows\UsrClass.dat Object is locked skipped
C:\Documents and Settings\NetworkService\Local Settings\Application Data\Microsoft\Windows\UsrClass.dat.LOG Object is locked skipped
C:\Documents and Settings\NetworkService\NTUSER.DAT Object is locked skipped
C:\Documents and Settings\NetworkService\ntuser.dat.LOG Object is locked skipped
C:\Documents and Settings\pieguy\Application Data\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\l8bphiv2.default\cert8.db Object is locked skipped
C:\Documents and Settings\pieguy\Application Data\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\l8bphiv2.default\history.dat Object is locked skipped
C:\Documents and Settings\pieguy\Application Data\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\l8bphiv2.default\key3.db Object is locked skipped
C:\Documents and Settings\pieguy\Application Data\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\l8bphiv2.default\parent.lock Object is locked skipped
C:\Documents and Settings\pieguy\Application Data\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\l8bphiv2.default\search.sqlite Object is locked skipped
C:\Documents and Settings\pieguy\Application Data\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\l8bphiv2.default\urlclassifier2.sqlite Object is locked skipped
C:\Documents and Settings\pieguy\Application Data\Sun\Java\Deployment\cache\javapi\v1.0\jar\crtdcghcn.jar-770614b0-797abbe8.zip/BaaaaBaa.class Infected: Exploit.Java.Gimsh.a skipped
C:\Documents and Settings\pieguy\Application Data\Sun\Java\Deployment\cache\javapi\v1.0\jar\crtdcghcn.jar-770614b0-797abbe8.zip ZIP: infected - 1 skipped
C:\Documents and Settings\pieguy\Cookies\index.dat Object is locked skipped
C:\Documents and Settings\pieguy\Local Settings\Application Data\Microsoft\Windows\UsrClass.dat Object is locked skipped
C:\Documents and Settings\pieguy\Local Settings\Application Data\Microsoft\Windows\UsrClass.dat.LOG Object is locked skipped
C:\Documents and Settings\pieguy\Local Settings\Application Data\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\l8bphiv2.default\Cache\_CACHE_001_ Object is locked skipped
C:\Documents and Settings\pieguy\Local Settings\Application Data\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\l8bphiv2.default\Cache\_CACHE_002_ Object is locked skipped
C:\Documents and Settings\pieguy\Local Settings\Application Data\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\l8bphiv2.default\Cache\_CACHE_003_ Object is locked skipped
C:\Documents and Settings\pieguy\Local Settings\Application Data\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\l8bphiv2.default\Cache\_CACHE_MAP_ Object is locked skipped
C:\Documents and Settings\pieguy\Local Settings\History\History.IE5\index.dat Object is locked skipped
C:\Documents and Settings\pieguy\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files\Content.IE5\index.dat Object is locked skipped
C:\Documents and Settings\pieguy\NTUSER.DAT Object is locked skipped
C:\Documents and Settings\pieguy\ntuser.dat.LOG Object is locked skipped
C:\Program Files\ESET\cache\CACHE.NDB Object is locked skipped
C:\Program Files\ESET\infected\5FZR1BAA.NQF Infected: not-a-virus:PSWTool.Win32.RAS.a skipped
C:\Program Files\ESET\infected\ECNKF3BA.NQF/data.rar/officekey.exe Infected: not-a-virus:PSWTool.Win32.RAS.a skipped
C:\Program Files\ESET\infected\ECNKF3BA.NQF/data.rar Infected: not-a-virus:PSWTool.Win32.RAS.a skipped
C:\Program Files\ESET\infected\ECNKF3BA.NQF RarSFX: infected - 2 skipped
C:\Program Files\ESET\infected\ECNKF3BA.NQF PE-Crypt.XorPE: infected - 2 skipped
C:\Program Files\ESET\logs\virlog.dat Object is locked skipped
C:\Program Files\ESET\logs\warnlog.dat Object is locked skipped
C:\System Volume Information\MountPointManagerRemoteDatabase Object is locked skipped
C:\System Volume Information\_restore{A19182ED-EB8F-4867-834E-0DA3AA3AAE64}\RP157\change.log Object is locked skipped
C:\WINDOWS\Debug\PASSWD.LOG Object is locked skipped
C:\WINDOWS\SchedLgU.Txt Object is locked skipped
C:\WINDOWS\SoftwareDistribution\ReportingEvents.log Object is locked skipped
C:\WINDOWS\system32\CatRoot2\edb.log Object is locked skipped
C:\WINDOWS\system32\CatRoot2\tmp.edb Object is locked skipped
C:\WINDOWS\system32\config\AppEvent.Evt Object is locked skipped
C:\WINDOWS\system32\config\default Object is locked skipped
C:\WINDOWS\system32\config\default.LOG Object is locked skipped
C:\WINDOWS\system32\config\SAM Object is locked skipped
C:\WINDOWS\system32\config\SAM.LOG Object is locked skipped
C:\WINDOWS\system32\config\SecEvent.Evt Object is locked skipped
C:\WINDOWS\system32\config\SECURITY Object is locked skipped
C:\WINDOWS\system32\config\SECURITY.LOG Object is locked skipped
C:\WINDOWS\system32\config\software Object is locked skipped
C:\WINDOWS\system32\config\software.LOG Object is locked skipped
C:\WINDOWS\system32\config\SysEvent.Evt Object is locked skipped
C:\WINDOWS\system32\config\system Object is locked skipped
C:\WINDOWS\system32\config\system.LOG Object is locked skipped
C:\WINDOWS\system32\wbem\Repository\FS\INDEX.BTR Object is locked skipped
C:\WINDOWS\system32\wbem\Repository\FS\INDEX.MAP Object is locked skipped
C:\WINDOWS\system32\wbem\Repository\FS\MAPPING.VER Object is locked skipped
C:\WINDOWS\system32\wbem\Repository\FS\MAPPING1.MAP Object is locked skipped
C:\WINDOWS\system32\wbem\Repository\FS\MAPPING2.MAP Object is locked skipped
C:\WINDOWS\system32\wbem\Repository\FS\OBJECTS.DATA Object is locked skipped
C:\WINDOWS\system32\wbem\Repository\FS\OBJECTS.MAP Object is locked skipped
C:\WINDOWS\WindowsUpdate.log Object is locked skipped
C:\WINDOWS\{00000000-00000000-00000010-00001102-00000004-00531102}.CDF Object is locked skipped
Scan process completed.








Alright now here is the new HijackThis log



Logfile of Trend Micro HijackThis v2.0.2
Scan saved at 11:21:30 AM, on 7/14/2007
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:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\Program Files\Creative\ShareDLL\CtNotify.exe
C:\WINDOWS\CTHELPER.EXE
C:\Program Files\Eset\nod32kui.exe
C:\Program Files\Creative\SBAudigy\Taskbar\CTLTray.exe
C:\Program Files\Creative\SBAudigy\Taskbar\CTLTask.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\CTsvcCDA.EXE
C:\Program Files\Creative\ShareDLL\MediaDet.Exe
C:\Program Files\Eset\nod32krn.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\MsPMSPSv.exe
C:\Program Files\AIM95\aim.exe
C:\Program Files\Mozilla Firefox\firefox.exe
C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe
C:\Documents and Settings\pieguy\My Documents\HiJackThis.exe

O2 - BHO: (no name) - {259F616C-A300-44F5-B04A-ED001A26C85C} - (no file)
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {53707962-6F74-2D53-2644-206D7942484F} - C:\PROGRA~1\SPYBOT~1\SDHelper.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Disc Detector] C:\Program Files\Creative\ShareDLL\CtNotify.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [UpdReg] C:\WINDOWS\Updreg.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Jet Detection] C:\Program Files\Creative\SBAudigy\PROGRAM\ADGJDet.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [CTHelper] CTHELPER.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [nod32kui] "C:\Program Files\Eset\nod32kui.exe" /WAITSERVICE
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [TaskTray] C:\Program Files\Creative\SBAudigy\Taskbar\CTLTray.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [Taskbar] C:\Program Files\Creative\SBAudigy\Taskbar\CTLTask.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [MsnMsgr] "C:\Program Files\MSN Messenger\MsnMsgr.Exe" /background
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [AIM (R)] C:\Program Files\AIM95\aim.exe -cnetwait.odl
O9 - Extra button: AIM (R) - {AC9E2541-2814-11d5-BC6D-00B0D0A1DE45} - C:\Program Files\AIM95\aim.exe
O9 - Extra button: @C:\Program Files\Messenger\Msgslang.dll,-61144 - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: @C:\Program Files\Messenger\Msgslang.dll,-61144 - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
O16 - DPF: {0EB0E74A-2A76-4AB3-A7FB-9BD8C29F7F75} (CKAVWebScan Object) - http://www.kaspersky.com/kos/english...an_unicode.cab
O16 - DPF: {6414512B-B978-451D-A0D8-FCFDF33E833C} (WUWebControl Class) - http://update.microsoft.com/microsof...?1176458465311
O16 - DPF: {6E32070A-766D-4EE6-879C-DC1FA91D2FC3} (MUWebControl Class) - http://update.microsoft.com/microsof...?1176458438162
O23 - Service: Ares Chatroom server (AresChatServer) - Ares Development Group - C:\Program Files\Ares\chatServer.exe
O23 - Service: ASP.NET State Service (aspnet_state) - Unknown owner - C:\WINDOWS\Microsoft.NET\Framework\v2.0.50727\aspnet_state.exe (file missing)
O23 - Service: Creative Service for CDROM Access - Creative Technology Ltd - C:\WINDOWS\System32\CTsvcCDA.EXE
O23 - Service: NOD32 Kernel Service (NOD32krn) - Eset - C:\Program Files\Eset\nod32krn.exe

--
End of file - 3282 bytes

[Scotty]

Hello Strathkona

Im not seeing much in either log. You perhaps need toempty the quarantined files within NOD32.

To paint a clearer picture, could you describe what the popups are advertising, and which websites you are being re-directed to?
That might help us pin down the infection.

[Strathkona]

Hi Mac.

When you say you're not seeing anything in either log, are you saying I could be spyware/malware free...?

I noticed today during a Spybot scan that most of the pop ups I'm recieving are being flagged at the end of the scan as being tracking cookies is it possible these pop ups are being spawned from cookies tracking what I'm doing?

as for the pop ups I'm getting these pop ups have some weird behavior, there will be times where I don't click anything but some plain text and a pop up will be spawned...

for an extreme example I went to this site www.realestniggas.com to test this out and everytime I clicked on a thread or went up a page a pop up from www.blackjackballroom.com would appear


also when I do some file sharing with a friend of mine via www.depositfiles.com or www.megaupload.com I'll click the download now button and that almost always launches a pop up or two about everytime and they're always www.partypoker.com and www.casalemedia.com, www.fastclick.com on rare occasions, and I have asked many others if they get the same problems as I do and they don't


and the re-directions are actually a page blocker that blocks the page I orginally intended to view and it's almost always an advertisement for some adult site with a tab in the window saying click here to skip this add

in this recent case it was for Adult Adworld advertisement which seemed to have some affiliation to www.zangocash.com

hope that helps

[Scotty]

Hi Strathkona

Download MVPS Hosts file <= The MVPS Hosts file replaces your current HOSTS file with one containing well know ad sites etc. Basically, this prevents your computer from connecting to those sites by redirecting them to 127.0.0.1 which is your local computer.

Let me know if that cures the pop-up problem.

[Strathkona]

Hi Mac.

Absolutely amazing, this HOSTS file that I down loaded has got rid of all the pop ups I had been receiving, and the re directions as well, also my web browsing seems to be a tad bit faster

if there are anymore problems in the future I will be sure to check back in with you

thank you for your time and effor helping me with the few bugs I had it was very much appreciated


Strathkona

[Scotty]

Hi Shannon

This is my usual speech for when you are clean, which you appear to be.

Please follow these simple steps in order to keep your computer clean and secure:

1. Disable and Enable System Restore. - If you are using Windows ME or XP then you should disable
   and reenable system restore to make sure there are no infected files found in a restore point.
   
   You can find instructions on how to enable and reenable system restore here:
   
   Managing Windows Millenium System Restore
   
   or
   
   Windows XP System Restore Guide
   
   Re-enable system restore with instructions from tutorial above
   
   
2. Make your Internet Explorer more secure - This can be done by following these simple instructions:
   
   1. From within Internet Explorer click on the Tools menu and then click on Options.
   2. Click once on the Security tab
   3. Click once on the Internet icon so it becomes highlighted.
   4. Click once on the Custom Level button.
      
      1. Change the Download signed ActiveX controls to Prompt
         
      2. Change the Download unsigned ActiveX controls to Disable
         
      3. Change the Initialize and script ActiveX controls not marked as safe to Disable
         
      4. Change the Installation of desktop items to Prompt
         
      5. Change the Launching programs and files in an IFRAME to Prompt
         
      6. Change the Navigate sub-frames across different domains to Prompt
         
      7. When all these settings have been made, click on the OK button.
         
      8. If it prompts you as to whether or not you want to save the settings, press the Yes button.
   5. Next press the Apply button and then the OK to exit the Internet Properties page.
   
   
   
3. Use an AntiVirus Software - It is very important that your computer has an anti-virus software running on your machine.
   This alone can save you a lot of trouble with malware in the future.
   
   See this link for a listing of some online & their stand-alone antivirus programs:
   
   Virus, Spyware, and Malware Protection and Removal Resources
   
   
4. 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.
   
   
5. 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
   
   
6. 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.
   
   
7. 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
   
   
8. Install Ad-Aware - Download and install Ad-Aware.
   You should also scan your computer with this program on a regular basis
   just as you would an antivirus software in conjunction with Spybot.
   
   A tutorial on installing & using this product can be found here:
   
   Using Ad-aware to remove Spyware, Malware, & Hijackers from Your Computer
   
   
9. 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
   
   
10. 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
    
    
11. 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.

Follow this list and your potential for being infected again will reduce dramatically.

Glad I was able to help.