Virtumonde and Antivirus 2009 and ...

[Defyme]

Ran AVG, Ad-Aware, Spybot multiple times in regular boot mode.
No effect.
Ran Spybot in safe mode.
No effect.

Get random web pages popping up.
Get ads for Antivirus 2009.

Lost System restore points.
Can not use Windows update.
Lost quickbar(?); thing next to start button.

Thanks in advance.

Logfile of Trend Micro HijackThis v2.0.2
Scan saved at 9:51:02 PM, on 8/20/2008
Platform: Windows XP SP3 (WinNT 5.01.2600)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v7.00 (7.00.6000.16674)
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
F:\utils\AdAware2008\aawservice.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\AVG\AVG8\avgwdsvc.exe
F:\utils\Nero7\Nero 7\InCD\InCDsrv.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\KodakCCS.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\LightScribe\LSSrvc.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\nvsvc32.exe
F:\utils\sandboxie\SbieSvc.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\AVG\AVG8\avgrsx.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\AVG\AVG8\avgemc.exe
F:\utils\tort\bin\TSVNCache.exe
C:\WINDOWS\SOUNDMAN.EXE
C:\Program Files\Verizon Online\Visual IP InSight\IPClient.exe
C:\Program Files\Verizon Online\Visual IP InSight\IPMon32.exe
F:\utils\My Lockbox\flockbox.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\AVG\AVG8\avgtray.exe
F:\utils\Nero7\Nero 7\InCD\NBHGui.exe
F:\utils\Nero7\Nero 7\InCD\InCD.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
F:\utils\Spybot - Search & Destroy\TeaTimer.exe
E:\utils\SpywareGuard\sgmain.exe
E:\utils\SpywareGuard\sgbhp.exe
C:\Program Files\Trend Micro\HijackThis\HijackThis.exe
C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe

R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://www.yahoo.com/
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
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Window Title = Microsoft Internet Explorer
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings,ProxyServer = 127.0.0.1:8080
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SoundMan] SOUNDMAN.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NvCplDaemon] RUNDLL32.EXE C:\WINDOWS\System32\NvCpl.dll,NvStartup
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [nwiz] nwiz.exe /install
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Tweak UI] RUNDLL32.EXE TWEAKUI.CPL,TweakMeUp
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [IPInSightLAN 01] "C:\Program Files\Verizon Online\Visual IP InSight\IPClient.exe" -l
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [IPInSightMonitor 01] "C:\Program Files\Verizon Online\Visual IP InSight\IPMon32.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [flockbox] F:\utils\My Lockbox\flockbox.exe /a
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AVG8_TRAY] C:\PROGRA~1\AVG\AVG8\avgtray.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NeroFilterCheck] C:\Program Files\Common Files\Ahead\Lib\NeroCheck.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SecurDisc] F:\utils\Nero7\Nero 7\InCD\NBHGui.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [InCD] F:\utils\Nero7\Nero 7\InCD\InCD.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [ctfmon.exe] C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [SpybotSD TeaTimer] F:\utils\Spybot - Search & Destroy\TeaTimer.exe
O4 - Startup: SpywareGuard.lnk = E:\utils\SpywareGuard\sgmain.exe
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.5.0_02\bin\npjpi150_02.dll
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Sun Java Console - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.5.0_02\bin\npjpi150_02.dll
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {DFB852A3-47F8-48C4-A200-58CAB36FD2A2} - F:\utils\SPYBOT~1\SDHelper.dll
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Spybot - Search & Destroy Configuration - {DFB852A3-47F8-48C4-A200-58CAB36FD2A2} - F:\utils\SPYBOT~1\SDHelper.dll
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {e2e2dd38-d088-4134-82b7-f2ba38496583} - C:\WINDOWS\Network Diagnostic\xpnetdiag.exe
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: @xpsp3res.dll,-20001 - {e2e2dd38-d088-4134-82b7-f2ba38496583} - C:\WINDOWS\Network Diagnostic\xpnetdiag.exe
O9 - Extra button: Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Windows Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
O12 - Plugin for .mov: C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\PLUGINS\npqtplugin.dll
O12 - Plugin for .mp3: C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\PLUGINS\npqtplugin3.dll
O12 - Plugin for .mpeg: C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\PLUGINS\npqtplugin3.dll
O12 - Plugin for .mpg: C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\PLUGINS\npqtplugin3.dll
O16 - DPF: {6414512B-B978-451D-A0D8-FCFDF33E833C} (WUWebControl Class) - http://www.update.microsoft.com/windowsupdate/v6/V5Controls/en/x86/client/wuweb_site.cab?1189864291687
O18 - Protocol: linkscanner - {F274614C-63F8-47D5-A4D1-FBDDE494F8D1} - C:\Program Files\AVG\AVG8\avgpp.dll
O20 - AppInit_DLLs: avgrsstx.dll
O23 - Service: Lavasoft Ad-Aware Service (aawservice) - Lavasoft - F:\utils\AdAware2008\aawservice.exe
O23 - Service: AVG8 E-mail Scanner (avg8emc) - AVG Technologies CZ, s.r.o. - C:\PROGRA~1\AVG\AVG8\avgemc.exe
O23 - Service: AVG8 WatchDog (avg8wd) - AVG Technologies CZ, s.r.o. - C:\PROGRA~1\AVG\AVG8\avgwdsvc.exe
O23 - Service: InstallDriver Table Manager (IDriverT) - Macrovision Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\InstallShield\Driver\11\Intel 32\IDriverT.exe
O23 - Service: InCD Helper (InCDsrv) - Nero AG - F:\utils\Nero7\Nero 7\InCD\InCDsrv.exe
O23 - Service: Kodak Camera Connection Software (KodakCCS) - Eastman Kodak Company - C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\KodakCCS.exe
O23 - Service: LightScribeService Direct Disc Labeling Service (LightScribeService) - Hewlett-Packard Company - C:\Program Files\Common Files\LightScribe\LSSrvc.exe
O23 - Service: NBService - Nero AG - F:\utils\Nero7\Nero 7\Nero BackItUp\NBService.exe
O23 - Service: NMIndexingService - Nero AG - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Ahead\Lib\NMIndexingService.exe
O23 - Service: NVIDIA Driver Helper Service (NVSvc) - NVIDIA Corporation - C:\WINDOWS\System32\nvsvc32.exe
O23 - Service: Sandboxie Service (SbieSvc) - tzuk - F:\utils\sandboxie\SbieSvc.exe

--
End of file - 6129 bytes

[Shaba]

Hi Defyme

Rename HijackThis.exe to Defyme.exe and post back a fresh HijackThis log, please :)

[Defyme]

Renamed HiJackThis.exe to Defyme.exe; re-ran log.
Here is the results :

Logfile of Trend Micro HijackThis v2.0.2
Scan saved at 7:28:35 AM, on 8/23/2008
Platform: Windows XP SP3 (WinNT 5.01.2600)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v7.00 (7.00.6000.16674)
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
F:\utils\AdAware2008\aawservice.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
F:\utils\tort\bin\TSVNCache.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\WINDOWS\SOUNDMAN.EXE
C:\Program Files\Verizon Online\Visual IP InSight\IPClient.exe
C:\Program Files\Verizon Online\Visual IP InSight\IPMon32.exe
F:\utils\My Lockbox\flockbox.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\AVG\AVG8\avgtray.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\AVG\AVG8\avgwdsvc.exe
F:\utils\Nero7\Nero 7\InCD\NBHGui.exe
F:\utils\Nero7\Nero 7\InCD\InCD.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
F:\utils\Nero7\Nero 7\InCD\InCDsrv.exe
F:\utils\Spybot - Search & Destroy\TeaTimer.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\KodakCCS.exe
E:\utils\SpywareGuard\sgmain.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\LightScribe\LSSrvc.exe
E:\utils\SpywareGuard\sgbhp.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\nvsvc32.exe
F:\utils\sandboxie\SbieSvc.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\AVG\AVG8\avgrsx.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\AVG\AVG8\avgemc.exe
C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\rundll32.exe
C:\Program Files\Trend Micro\HijackThis\Defyme.exe

R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://www.yahoo.com/
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
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Window Title = Microsoft Internet Explorer
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings,ProxyServer = 127.0.0.1:8080
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {0DD6E843-5DDE-45F3-82BD-5FB0ADE0AE00} - C:\WINDOWS\system32\geBroOfd.dll (file missing)
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {88A7ECC7-36ED-4DEE-B8E3-008246F14D64} - (no file)
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {88C57045-BC55-429D-8BDD-38EC38BEC235} - C:\WINDOWS\system32\mlJArQIY.dll
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {ED53D2DC-969F-4F34-8D37-3B19DE51EA5D} - C:\WINDOWS\system32\urqOFwUm.dll
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {FCC9B851-50D1-4B8B-AA42-617C1F04E9C2} - C:\WINDOWS\system32\geBuRLBq.dll (file missing)
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SoundMan] SOUNDMAN.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NvCplDaemon] RUNDLL32.EXE C:\WINDOWS\System32\NvCpl.dll,NvStartup
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [nwiz] nwiz.exe /install
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Tweak UI] RUNDLL32.EXE TWEAKUI.CPL,TweakMeUp
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [IPInSightLAN 01] "C:\Program Files\Verizon Online\Visual IP InSight\IPClient.exe" -l
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [IPInSightMonitor 01] "C:\Program Files\Verizon Online\Visual IP InSight\IPMon32.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [flockbox] F:\utils\My Lockbox\flockbox.exe /a
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AVG8_TRAY] C:\PROGRA~1\AVG\AVG8\avgtray.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NeroFilterCheck] C:\Program Files\Common Files\Ahead\Lib\NeroCheck.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SecurDisc] F:\utils\Nero7\Nero 7\InCD\NBHGui.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [InCD] F:\utils\Nero7\Nero 7\InCD\InCD.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [ctfmon.exe] C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [SpybotSD TeaTimer] F:\utils\Spybot - Search & Destroy\TeaTimer.exe
O4 - Startup: SpywareGuard.lnk = E:\utils\SpywareGuard\sgmain.exe
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.5.0_02\bin\npjpi150_02.dll
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Sun Java Console - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.5.0_02\bin\npjpi150_02.dll
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {DFB852A3-47F8-48C4-A200-58CAB36FD2A2} - F:\utils\SPYBOT~1\SDHelper.dll
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Spybot - Search & Destroy Configuration - {DFB852A3-47F8-48C4-A200-58CAB36FD2A2} - F:\utils\SPYBOT~1\SDHelper.dll
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {e2e2dd38-d088-4134-82b7-f2ba38496583} - C:\WINDOWS\Network Diagnostic\xpnetdiag.exe
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: @xpsp3res.dll,-20001 - {e2e2dd38-d088-4134-82b7-f2ba38496583} - C:\WINDOWS\Network Diagnostic\xpnetdiag.exe
O9 - Extra button: Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Windows Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
O12 - Plugin for .mov: C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\PLUGINS\npqtplugin.dll
O12 - Plugin for .mp3: C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\PLUGINS\npqtplugin3.dll
O12 - Plugin for .mpeg: C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\PLUGINS\npqtplugin3.dll
O12 - Plugin for .mpg: C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\PLUGINS\npqtplugin3.dll
O16 - DPF: {6414512B-B978-451D-A0D8-FCFDF33E833C} (WUWebControl Class) - http://www.update.microsoft.com/windowsupdate/v6/V5Controls/en/x86/client/wuweb_site.cab?1189864291687
O18 - Protocol: linkscanner - {F274614C-63F8-47D5-A4D1-FBDDE494F8D1} - C:\Program Files\AVG\AVG8\avgpp.dll
O20 - AppInit_DLLs: avgrsstx.dll
O20 - Winlogon Notify: urqOFwUm - C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\urqOFwUm.dll
O23 - Service: Lavasoft Ad-Aware Service (aawservice) - Lavasoft - F:\utils\AdAware2008\aawservice.exe
O23 - Service: AVG8 E-mail Scanner (avg8emc) - AVG Technologies CZ, s.r.o. - C:\PROGRA~1\AVG\AVG8\avgemc.exe
O23 - Service: AVG8 WatchDog (avg8wd) - AVG Technologies CZ, s.r.o. - C:\PROGRA~1\AVG\AVG8\avgwdsvc.exe
O23 - Service: InstallDriver Table Manager (IDriverT) - Macrovision Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\InstallShield\Driver\11\Intel 32\IDriverT.exe
O23 - Service: InCD Helper (InCDsrv) - Nero AG - F:\utils\Nero7\Nero 7\InCD\InCDsrv.exe
O23 - Service: Kodak Camera Connection Software (KodakCCS) - Eastman Kodak Company - C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\KodakCCS.exe
O23 - Service: LightScribeService Direct Disc Labeling Service (LightScribeService) - Hewlett-Packard Company - C:\Program Files\Common Files\LightScribe\LSSrvc.exe
O23 - Service: NBService - Nero AG - F:\utils\Nero7\Nero 7\Nero BackItUp\NBService.exe
O23 - Service: NMIndexingService - Nero AG - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Ahead\Lib\NMIndexingService.exe
O23 - Service: NVIDIA Driver Helper Service (NVSvc) - NVIDIA Corporation - C:\WINDOWS\System32\nvsvc32.exe
O23 - Service: Sandboxie Service (SbieSvc) - tzuk - F:\utils\sandboxie\SbieSvc.exe

--
End of file - 6719 bytes

[Shaba]

We will begin with ComboFix. Please visit this webpage for download links, and instructions for running the tool:

http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/combofix/how-to-use-combofix

Please ensure you read this guide carefully and install the Recovery Console first.

The Windows Recovery Console will allow you to boot up into a special recovery (repair) mode. This allows us to more easily help you should your computer have a problem after an attempted removal of malware. It is a simple procedure that will only take a few moments of your time.

Once installed, you should see a blue screen prompt that says:

The Recovery Console was successfully installed.

Please continue as follows:


Close/disable all anti virus and anti malware programs so they do not interfere with the running of ComboFix, link (http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/topic114351.html)
Remember to re-enable them afterwards.


Click Yes to allow ComboFix to continue scanning for malware.


When the tool is finished, it will produce a report for you.

Please include the following reports for further review, and so we may continue cleansing the system:

C:\ComboFix.txt
New HijackThis log.

A word of warning: Please do not run ComboFix on your own. This tool is not a toy and not for everyday use.

[Defyme]

Sorry, but after last shutdown something must have happened.
I think I remember seeing something about rundll.dll or like that.

Now I can't boot up fully into Windows anymore.
It gets half way through then I get the blue screen of death and the computer restarts. I have tried booting into safe mode but that does the same. Just an endless loop of starting to load windows, blue screen, reboot.

I am replying from a different PC.

What to do now...? :sad:

[Shaba]

Did it happen when combofix booted computer?

Also were SpywareGuard and TeaTimer off as instructed in my link?

If so, you can try last known good configuration from boot menu.

If you installed recovery console there should be no worries; it can be likely restored.

[Defyme]

Never got that far.

It happened after I got the last Hijackthis log (the one were I renamed the exe to Defyme.exe).

After getting that log I had shut down the PC, but it did not shut down cleanly.
Some thing (rundll.dll I think) would not shutdown and automatically a window came up to "End now", so I did.

Then on this other PC that I am on now that I use to post here, I saw your reply with the instructions to begin with combofix, etc.

So I booted up the infected PC intent on following your instructions to the letter and that is when I noticed it was in the terrible endless loop.

[Shaba]

I see, thank you for information.

Is there recovery console installed?

If not, easiest way would be putting that hard drive as a slave to another computer. Another option is likely reformatting, unfortunately (if no RC installed).

[Defyme]

Never got as far as getting RC installed on the infected PC.

I could put the infected PC's drive as slave to another PC.
The PC I am using to post to this forum is a Windows ME OS and the 'dead' infected one is Windows XP.
I would not mind trying to revive the bootabily (is that a word?) this way.

I could reformat and re-install Windows as a last resort.
If I go that route could you point me to a link that would walk me through the steps?

And thanks for your helping me and all the others here.

[Shaba]

Hopefully then ME PC is able to recognize that HD.

It will also limit chances to clean it as most tools don't support ME anymore.

Do you have windows CD handy?

If so, you could attempt to boot from it.

[Defyme]

Shaba,

I do have the XP Upgrade CD.
But, I have to go now.
I will try to boot from it later today.

If I am able to boot from it, I will follow your instructions about combofix, RC, etc. and I will post results and logs here.

I will let you know how I made out.

Best Regards.

[Shaba]

OK :)

You may need to set also CD/DVD-drive as first in boot order from BIOS that it will boot from CD.

[Defyme]

I set the Bios to boot from CD drive.
Used XP install CD to boot to recovery console.
Tried fixboot, fixmbr, and a Windows repair type of install.
All failed.
Ended up re-formating the C:\ drive and re-installing XP.

If this might help anyone else out there, if your PC is badly infected, consider leaving it powered on. At least then you have access to Windows. I shut mine down and it never started up again.

This thread can probably be closed.

Shaba, a big thanks for your time. It was greatly appreciated, believe me. :)

[Shaba]

That is sorry to hear but sometimes it can happen :(

See below for my tips for the future:

Please download JavaRa (http://sourceforge.net/project/downloading.php?groupname=javara&filename=JavaRa.zip&use_mirror=osdn) and unzip it to your desktop.

***Please close any instances of Internet Explorer before continuing!***

Double-click on JavaRa.exe to start the program.
From the drop-down menu, choose English and click on Select.
JavaRa will open; click on Remove Older Versions to remove the older versions of Java installed on your computer.
Click Yes when prompted. When JavaRa is done, a notice will appear that a logfile has been produced. Click OK.
A logfile will pop up. Please save it to a convenient location.

Then download and install Java Runtime Environment (JRE) 6 Update 7 (http://java.sun.com/javase/downloads/index.jsp).

Looking over your log, it seems you don't have any evidence of a third party firewall.

As the term conveys, a firewall is an extra layer of security installed onto computers, which restricts access to systems from the outside world. Firewalls protect against hackers and malicious intruders. I want you to download a free firewall NOW from one of these excellent vendors:

1) Comodo (http://www.personalfirewall.comodo.com/) (Uncheck during installation "Install Comodo SafeSurf..", Make Comodo my default search provider" and "Make Comodo Search my homepage")
2) Online Armor (http://www.tallemu.com/online_armor_free.html)
3) Sunbelt/Kerio (http://www.sunbelt-software.com/Kerio-Download.cfm)
4) Agnitum (http://www.agnitum.com/products/outpostfree/download.php)
5) ZoneAlarm (http://www.zonelabs.com/store/content/catalog/products/sku_list_za.jsp?dc=12bms&ctry=US&lang=en&lid=nav_za) (uncheck ZoneAlarm Spy Blocker during installation if you choose this one)

If you are using the built-in Windows XP firewall, it is not recommended as it does not block outgoing connections. This means that any malware on your computer is free to "phone home" for more instructions. Simply put, Windows XP contains a mediocre firewall. This firewall is NO replacement for a dedicated software solution. Remember to use only one firewall at the same time.

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 imperitive 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.


Visit Microsoft's Windows Update Site Frequently - It is important that you visit http://www.windowsupdate.com (http://www.windowsupdate.com) regularly. This will ensure your computer has always the latest security updates available installed on your computer. If there are new updates to install, install them immediately, reboot your computer, and revisit the site until there are no more critical updates.

Install Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware - Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware is a new and powerful anti-malware tool. It is
totally free but for real-time protection you will have to pay a small one-time fee. Tutorial on installing & using this product can be found below:

Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware Setup Guide (http://www.bfccomputers.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=1644)

Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware Scanning Guide (http://www.bfccomputers.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=1645)


Install SpywareBlaster - SpywareBlaster will added 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 (http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/tutorials/tutorial49.html)


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.

Here are some additional utilities that will enhance your safety

MVPS Hosts file (http://mvps.org/winhelp2002/hosts.htm) <= 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
Winpatrol (http://www.winpatrol.com/) <= Download and install the free version of Winpatrol. a tutorial for this product is located here:
Using Winpatrol to protect your computer from malicious software (http://www.winpatrol.com/features.html)

Stand Up and Be Counted ---> Malware Complaints (http://www.malwarecomplaints.info/index.php) <--- where you can make difference!

The site offers people who have been (or are) victims of malware the opportunity to document their story and, in that way, launch a complaint against the malware and the makers of the malware.

Also, please read this great article by Tony Klein So How Did I Get Infected In First Place (http://forums.spybot.info/showthread.php?t=279)

[Shaba]

Since this issue appears to be resolved ... this Topic has been closed.

Note: If it has been five days or more since your last post, and the helper assisting you posted a response to that post to which you did not reply, your topic will not be reopened. At that point, if you still require help, please start a new topic and include a fresh HijackThis log and a link to your previous thread.

If it has been less than five days since your last response and you need the thread re-opened, please send me or your helper a private message (pm). A valid, working link to the closed topic is required.