Request for Your Assistance, Please.

[HMSBeagle]

Thank you all so much for providing this service!

My computer and cable internet connection have seemed rather slow for a while, but I regularly update and run AVG and Adaware so I’ve never given it much thought. What prompted me to seek help here is that, yesterday, a page full of, shall we say, unsavory photos popped up on my screen. Now I’m afraid that all sorts of malware (or worse) may be festering inside my computer.

Here’s what I’ve done so far:

1) I ran AVG and Adaware (both updated yesterday). AVG found nothing and Adaware found only cookies, which I deleted.

2) I ran Hijackthis and "fixed" the following files:

R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Bar = http://sidesearch.dropspam.com/sidesearch.htm
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL = http://www.yahoo.com
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://www.yahoo.com
R3 - URLSearchHook: Yahoo! Toolbar - {EF99BD32-C1FB-11D2-892F-0090271D4F88} - (no file)
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [VoIP_SoftPhone] C:\Program Files\VoIP\SoftPhone\voip_softphone.exe
O14 - IERESET.INF: START_PAGE_URL=http://www.att.net

3) I tried to install Spybot several times as instructed, but receive the message “error sending request a connection with the server could not be” (that isn’t a typo, there is nothing after the word “be”).

4) I ran Kaspersky Online Scanner:

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
KASPERSKY ONLINE SCANNER REPORT
Thursday, October 04, 2007 10:40:52 AM
Operating System: Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition, Service Pack 2 (Build 2600)
Kaspersky Online Scanner version: 5.0.93.1
Kaspersky Anti-Virus database last update: 4/10/2007
Kaspersky Anti-Virus database records: 427130
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Scan Settings:
Scan using the following antivirus database: extended
Scan Archives: true
Scan Mail Bases: true

Scan Target - My Computer:
A:\
C:\
D:\
E:\
F:\

Scan Statistics:
Total number of scanned objects: 130163
Number of viruses found: 1
Number of infected objects: 1
Number of suspicious objects: 0
Duration of the scan process: 01:44:56

Infected Object Name / Virus Name / Last Action
C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Grisoft\Avg7Data\avg7log.log Object is locked skipped
C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Grisoft\Avg7Data\avg7log.log.lck 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\Matt\Cookies\index.dat Object is locked skipped
C:\Documents and Settings\Matt\Local Settings\Application Data\Microsoft\Windows\UsrClass.dat Object is locked skipped
C:\Documents and Settings\Matt\Local Settings\Application Data\Microsoft\Windows\UsrClass.dat.LOG Object is locked skipped
C:\Documents and Settings\Matt\Local Settings\History\History.IE5\index.dat Object is locked skipped
C:\Documents and Settings\Matt\Local Settings\History\History.IE5\MSHist012007100420071005\index.dat Object is locked skipped
C:\Documents and Settings\Matt\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files\Content.IE5\index.dat Object is locked skipped
C:\Documents and Settings\Matt\NTUSER.DAT Object is locked skipped
C:\Documents and Settings\Matt\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:\Program Files\Save\SaveNowupdate.exe Infected: not-a-virus:AdTool.Win32.WhenU.g skipped
C:\System Volume Information\MountPointManagerRemoteDatabase Object is locked skipped
C:\System Volume Information\_restore{0EB391C7-5700-4DBF-8223-2256039C3415}\RP148\change.log Object is locked skipped
C:\WINDOWS\Debug\PASSWD.LOG Object is locked skipped
C:\WINDOWS\Internet Logs\fwpktlog.txt Object is locked skipped
C:\WINDOWS\Internet Logs\IAMDB.RDB Object is locked skipped
C:\WINDOWS\Internet Logs\STEVE.ldb Object is locked skipped
C:\WINDOWS\Internet Logs\tvDebug.log Object is locked skipped
C:\WINDOWS\SchedLgU.Txt Object is locked skipped
C:\WINDOWS\SoftwareDistribution\ReportingEvents.log Object is locked skipped
C:\WINDOWS\Sti_Trace.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\Internet.evt 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\h323log.txt 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\Temp\ZLT0220a.TMP Object is locked skipped
C:\WINDOWS\Temp\ZLT0223e.TMP Object is locked skipped
C:\WINDOWS\wiadebug.log Object is locked skipped
C:\WINDOWS\wiaservc.log Object is locked skipped
C:\WINDOWS\WindowsUpdate.log Object is locked skipped

Scan process completed.


5) I ran Hijackthis:

Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.1
Scan saved at 10:55:44 AM, on 10/4/2007
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\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\COMMON~1\Stardock\SDMCP.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVG7\avgamsvr.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVG7\avgupsvc.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\CTsvcCDA.EXE
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\VS7Debug\mdm.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\HPZipm12.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\ZoneLabs\vsmon.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
C:\Program Files\Creative\MediaSource5\MtdAcqu.exe
C:\Program Files\Mustek 1200 UB PLUS\Panel\Panel.exe
C:\Documents and Settings\Matt\Desktop\HijackThis.exe

R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://www.dogpile.com/
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\jre1.5.0_09\bin\ssv.dll
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [ctfmon.exe] C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [MtdAcqu] "C:\Program Files\Creative\MediaSource5\MtdAcqu.exe" /s
O4 - Global Startup: Microsoft Office.lnk = C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office10\OSA.EXE
O8 - Extra context menu item: &ieSpell Options - res://C:\Program Files\ieSpell\iespell.dll/SPELLOPTION.HTM
O8 - Extra context menu item: &Lookup Meaning - res://C:\Program Files\ieSpell\iespell.dll/LOOKUPMEANING.HTM
O8 - Extra context menu item: Check &Spelling - res://C:\Program Files\ieSpell\iespell.dll/SPELLCHECK.HTM
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\jre1.5.0_09\bin\ssv.dll
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Sun Java Console - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.5.0_09\bin\ssv.dll
O9 - Extra button: ieSpell - {0E17D5B7-9F5D-4fee-9DF6-CA6EE38B68A8} - C:\Program Files\ieSpell\iespell.dll
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: ieSpell - {0E17D5B7-9F5D-4fee-9DF6-CA6EE38B68A8} - C:\Program Files\ieSpell\iespell.dll
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {1606D6F9-9D3B-4aea-A025-ED5B2FD488E7} - C:\Program Files\ieSpell\iespell.dll
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: ieSpell Options - {1606D6F9-9D3B-4aea-A025-ED5B2FD488E7} - C:\Program Files\ieSpell\iespell.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
O16 - DPF: {01012101-5E80-11D8-9E86-0007E96C65AE} (SupportSoft Script Runner Class) - http://www.comcastsupport.com/OneClickFix/tgctlsr.cab
O16 - DPF: {0A5FD7C5-A45C-49FC-ADB5-9952547D5715} (Creative Software AutoUpdate) - http://www.creative.com/su/ocx/15030/CTSUEng.cab
O16 - DPF: {0EB0E74A-2A76-4AB3-A7FB-9BD8C29F7F75} (CKAVWebScan Object) - http://www.kaspersky.com/kos/english/kavwebscan_unicode.cab
O16 - DPF: {17492023-C23A-453E-A040-C7C580BBF700} (Windows Genuine Advantage Validation Tool) - http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=39204
O16 - DPF: {2BC66F54-93A8-11D3-BEB6-00105AA9B6AE} (Symantec AntiVirus scanner) - http://security.symantec.com/sscv6/SharedContent/vc/bin/AvSniff.cab
O16 - DPF: {4C39376E-FA9D-4349-BACC-D305C1750EF3} (EPUImageControl Class) - http://tools.ebayimg.com/eps/wl/activex/eBay_Enhanced_Picture_Control_v1-0-3-36.cab
O16 - DPF: {644E432F-49D3-41A1-8DD5-E099162EEEC5} (Symantec RuFSI Utility Class) - http://security.symantec.com/sscv6/SharedContent/common/bin/cabsa.cab
O16 - DPF: {6E32070A-766D-4EE6-879C-DC1FA91D2FC3} (MUWebControl Class) - http://update.microsoft.com/microsoftupdate/v6/V5Controls/en/x86/client/muweb_site.cab?1141877063062
O16 - DPF: {9A9307A0-7DA4-4DAF-B042-5009F29E09E1} (ActiveScan Installer Class) - http://acs.pandasoftware.com/activescan/as5free/asinst.cab
O16 - DPF: {E06E2E99-0AA1-11D4-ABA6-0060082AA75C} (GpcContainer Class) - https://pcd.webex.com/client/v_mywebex-t20/webex/ieatgpc.cab
O16 - DPF: {F6ACF75C-C32C-447B-9BEF-46B766368D29} (Creative Software AutoUpdate Support Package) - http://www.creative.com/su/ocx/15030/CTPID.cab
O17 - HKLM\System\CCS\Services\Tcpip\..\{1FF512DF-1D3D-4A1E-99EF-3AE1F0239D2A}: NameServer = 70.34.113.10,70.34.113.11
O17 - HKLM\System\CS1\Services\Tcpip\..\{1FF512DF-1D3D-4A1E-99EF-3AE1F0239D2A}: NameServer = 70.34.113.10,70.34.113.11
O20 - Winlogon Notify: igfxcui - C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\igfxsrvc.dll
O20 - Winlogon Notify: MCPClient - C:\PROGRA~1\COMMON~1\Stardock\mcpstub.dll
O20 - Winlogon Notify: WBSrv - C:\Program Files\Stardock\Object Desktop\WindowBlinds\wbsrv.dll
O20 - Winlogon Notify: WgaLogon - C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\WgaLogon.dll
O23 - Service: AVG7 Alert Manager Server (Avg7Alrt) - GRISOFT, s.r.o. - C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVG7\avgamsvr.exe
O23 - Service: AVG7 Update Service (Avg7UpdSvc) - GRISOFT, s.r.o. - C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVG7\avgupsvc.exe
O23 - Service: Creative Service for CDROM Access - Creative Technology Ltd - C:\WINDOWS\system32\CTsvcCDA.EXE
O23 - Service: InstallDriver Table Manager (IDriverT) - Macrovision Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\InstallShield\Driver\11\Intel 32\IDriverT.exe
O23 - Service: Pml Driver HPZ12 - HP - C:\WINDOWS\system32\HPZipm12.exe
O23 - Service: TrueVector Internet Monitor (vsmon) - Zone Labs, LLC - C:\WINDOWS\system32\ZoneLabs\vsmon.exe


Thank you all in advance,

Matt

[Blade81]

Hi

First of all you shouldn't fix entries by yourself if you're not sure what you're doing. It's easy to crash whole system by fixing wrong entries.

Your hjt log looks clean. By looking at Kaspersky log I notice you may have WhenUSave adware installed.

Remove items named as WhenUSave (or something similar) thru add/remove programs.

Then delete following folder:
C:\Program Files\Save

[HMSBeagle]

Whew. I'm glad it's nothing serious.

I didn't see anything suspicious in "add/remove programs", but I did find the folder called "Save" in "programs". I deleted it.

Thanks again for your help.

Regards,

Matt

[Blade81]

You're welcome :) Here are some tips for the future.


Your Java is out of date. Older versions have vulnerabilities that malware can use to infect your system. Please follow these steps to remove older version Java components and update to the latest version...

Updating Java:

Download the latest version of Java Runtime Environment (JRE) 6u3 (http://java.sun.com/javase/downloads/index.jsp).
Scroll down to where it says
The J2SE Runtime Environment (JRE) allows end-users to run Java applications.

Click the
Download
button to the right.
Check the box that says:
Accept License Agreement.

The page will refresh.
Click on the link to download Windows Offline Installation with or without Multi-language and save to your desktop.
Close any programs you may have running - especially your web browser.
Go to Start > Control Panel double-click on Add/Remove programs and remove all older versions of Java.
Check any item with Java Runtime Environment (JRE or J2SE) in the name.
Click the Remove or Change/Remove button.
Repeat as many times as necessary to remove each Java versions.
Reboot your computer once all Java components are removed.
Then from your desktop double-click on jre-6u3-windows-i586-p.exe to install the newest version.


UPDATING WINDOWS AND INTERNET EXPLORER

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

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


Make your Internet Explorer more secure

This can be done by following these simple instructions:
From within Internet Explorer click on the Tools menu and then click on Options.
Click once on the Security tab
Click once on the Internet icon so it becomes highlighted.
Click once on the Custom Level button.
Change the Download signed ActiveX controls to Prompt
Change the Download unsigned ActiveX controls to Disable
Change the Initialize and script ActiveX controls not marked as safe to Disable
Change the Installation of desktop items to Prompt
Change the Launching programs and files in an IFRAME to Prompt
Change the Navigate sub-frames across different domains to Prompt
Change the allow paste operations via script to Disable
When all these settings have been made, click on the OK button.
If it prompts you as to whether or not you want to save the settings, press the Yes button.
Next press the Apply button and then the OK to exit the Internet Properties page.



The following are recommended third party programs that are designed to keep your computer clean. A link as well as a brief description is included with each item.

Comodo BOCLEAN (http://www.comodo.com/boclean/boclean.html) <= Stop identity thieves from getting personal information. Instantly detects well over 1,000,000 unique, variant and repack malware in total. And it's free.
Download Adaware
Adaware is a free program. It scans for known spyware on your computer. These scans should be run at least once every two weeks. For more information, see this tutorial (http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/index.php?showtutorial=48)
The program is available for download here (http://www.download.com/Ad-Aware-SE-Personal-Edition/3000-8022_4-10319876.html?tag=lst-0-1)
Download Spybot
Spybot is a scanner like adaware. It scans for spyware and other malicious programs. It is important to have both Adaware and Spybot on your computer because each program provides unique detection and pretection measures. Spybot has preventitive tools that stop programs from even installing on your computer.
To see how to set this up as well as more spybot features, see here (http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/index.php?showtutorial=43)
Spybot can be downloaded at this location (http://www.download.com/Spybot-Search-Destroy/3000-8022-10122137.html?part=dl-spybot&subj=dl&tag=but)
Download SpywareBlaster
Spyware blaster is a program that stops known malicious activex controls from installing on your computer. It works by changing settings in your registry. It makes
kill bits
in the registry, so that certain activex controls can't install.
If you don't know what activex controls are, see here (http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/A/ActiveX_control.html)
You can download SpywareBlaster here here (http://majorgeeks.com/downloadget.php?id=2859&file=11&evp=61b0e8ad41924a03c37615f4682b4cef)
SpywareBlaster tutorial (http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/tutorial49.html)

Download iespyad
It puts many bad webpages on your restricted zones list. This means that you can still view the
bad
webpages, but the webpages cannot do certain things (such as use javascripts and cookies).
If you need help understanding how it works, there is a tutorial here (http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/tutorials/tutorial53.html)
Download it here (http://www.spywarewarrior.com/uiuc/res/ie-spyad.exe)

hosts file:
Every version of windows has a hosts file as part of them. In a very basic sense, they are used to locate webpages. We can customize a hosts file so that it blocks certain webpages. However, it can slow down certain computers. This is why using a hosts file is optional!!
Download it here (http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/hosts.htm). Make sure you read the instructions on how to install the hosts file. There is a good tutorial here (http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/tutorial51.html)
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

[HMSBeagle]

Blade81,

I've followed all of your advice and now appear to be spyware free! Spybot (I was finally able to download it using the link you provided) found all sorts of crap that Adaware didn't and successfully removed it all. I can't afford to pay what I think you are worth, but I did send a donation via Paypal.

Thank you so very much for your time and expertise. It's obvious that you all spend a significant amount of your time helping us novices and, believe me, we appreciate it (anyone else who may be reading this: show your appreciation and donate!)

I wish you and everyone else there the best of luck.

Regards,

Matt

[Blade81]

Since this issue appears to be resolved ... this Topic has been closed. Glad we could help. :)

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.