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postdead
2008-10-17, 22:05
Having read the stickies I attched the following HJT log below:
Any help gratefully received. I have updated Jave to 6(7) and am now running a Kaspersky online scan which I will post shortly.

ManyThanks
Andrew

Logfile of Trend Micro HijackThis v2.0.2
Scan saved at 19:43:25, on 17/10/2008
Platform: Windows XP SP3 (WinNT 5.01.2600)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v6.00 SP3 (6.00.2900.5512)
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\Alwil Software\Avast4\aswUpdSv.exe
C:\Program Files\Alwil Software\Avast4\ashServ.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\logonui.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\Program Files\Intel\ASF Agent\ASFAgent.exe
C:\Program Files\Dell\OpenManage\Client\Iap.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\VS7DEBUG\MDM.EXE
C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\MSSQL$MICROSOFTBCM\Binn\sqlservr.exe
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\PDFCreatorMessages.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\vpop3\vpop3svc.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\vpop3\VPOP3.EXE
C:\Program Files\Alwil Software\Avast4\ashWebSv.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\winlogon.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\rdpclip.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\System32\DSentry.exe
C:\Program Files\Roxio\Easy CD Creator 5\DirectCD\DirectCD.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\spool\DRIVERS\W32X86\3\fpdisp5a.exe
C:\Program Files\JawsSystems\Jaws PDF Creator\PDFClient.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\spool\DRIVERS\W32X86\3\fppdis2a.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Samsung\PanelMgr\ssmmgr.exe
C:\Program Files\Royal Mail\SmartStamp\BINARY\STRAY.EXE
C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.6.0_07\bin\jusched.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
C:\Program Files\WinZip\WZQKPICK.EXE
C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\logon.scr
C:\Program Files\Trend Micro\HijackThis\HijackThis.exe

R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://www.interlinkexpress.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
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) - {207A4206-0323-4473-A911-81D9D91936ED} - (no file)
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {24E9519B-3F70-429B-99BC-4B2B49B96F66} - (no file)
O2 - BHO: SSVHelper Class - {761497BB-D6F0-462C-B6EB-D4DAF1D92D43} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.6.0_07\bin\ssv.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [DVDSentry] C:\WINDOWS\System32\DSentry.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AdaptecDirectCD] C:\Program Files\Roxio\Easy CD Creator 5\DirectCD\DirectCD.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NeroFilterCheck] C:\WINDOWS\system32\NeroCheck.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [FinePrint Dispatcher v5] "C:\WINDOWS\System32\spool\DRIVERS\W32X86\3\fpdisp5a.exe" /source=HKLM
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [PDFCreatorClient] C:\Program Files\JawsSystems\Jaws PDF Creator\PDFClient.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [igfxtray] C:\WINDOWS\system32\igfxtray.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [igfxhkcmd] C:\WINDOWS\system32\hkcmd.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [igfxpers] C:\WINDOWS\system32\igfxpers.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [pdfFactory Dispatcher v2] "C:\WINDOWS\System32\spool\DRIVERS\W32X86\3\fppdis2a.exe" /source=HKLM
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Samsung PanelMgr] C:\WINDOWS\Samsung\PanelMgr\ssmmgr.exe /autorun
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [OLP-Tray] C:\Program Files\Royal Mail\SmartStamp\BINARY\STRAY.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SunJavaUpdateSched] "C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.6.0_07\bin\jusched.exe"
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [ctfmon.exe] C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [updateMgr] "C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 7.0\Reader\AdobeUpdateManager.exe" AcRdB7_1_0 -reboot 1
O4 - HKUS\S-1-5-18\..\Run: [CTFMON.EXE] C:\WINDOWS\System32\CTFMON.EXE (User 'SYSTEM')
O4 - HKUS\.DEFAULT\..\Run: [CTFMON.EXE] C:\WINDOWS\System32\CTFMON.EXE (User 'Default user')
O4 - Global Startup: Adobe Reader Speed Launch.lnk = C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 7.0\Reader\reader_sl.exe
O4 - Global Startup: WinZip Quick Pick.lnk = C:\Program Files\WinZip\WZQKPICK.EXE
O8 - Extra context menu item: E&xport to Microsoft Excel - res://C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~2\OFFICE11\EXCEL.EXE/3000
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.6.0_07\bin\ssv.dll
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Sun Java Console - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.6.0_07\bin\ssv.dll
O9 - Extra button: Research - {92780B25-18CC-41C8-B9BE-3C9C571A8263} - C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~2\OFFICE11\REFIEBAR.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 .spop: C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\Plugins\NPDocBox.dll
O16 - DPF: {05CA9FB0-3E3E-4B36-BF41-0E3A5CAA8CD8} (Office Genuine Advantage Validation Tool) - http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=58813
O16 - DPF: {0EB0E74A-2A76-4AB3-A7FB-9BD8C29F7F75} (CKAVWebScan Object) - http://www.kaspersky.com/kos/english/kavwebscan_unicode.cab
O16 - DPF: {6AE54368-4CFF-4E54-9418-D36097479441} (Ship@ease Thermal Label Component) - http://www.interlinkexpress.com//ulbl6_0.cab
O17 - HKLM\System\CCS\Services\Tcpip\..\{36D77840-9846-4610-AF48-CDD11A399296}: NameServer = 194.106.56.6,194.106.33.42
O17 - HKLM\System\CS1\Services\Tcpip\..\{36D77840-9846-4610-AF48-CDD11A399296}: NameServer = 194.106.56.6,194.106.33.42
O17 - HKLM\System\CS2\Services\Tcpip\..\{36D77840-9846-4610-AF48-CDD11A399296}: NameServer = 194.106.56.6,194.106.33.42
O17 - HKLM\System\CS3\Services\Tcpip\..\{36D77840-9846-4610-AF48-CDD11A399296}: NameServer = 194.106.56.6,194.106.33.42
O17 - HKLM\System\CS4\Services\Tcpip\..\{36D77840-9846-4610-AF48-CDD11A399296}: NameServer = 194.106.56.6,194.106.33.42
O23 - Service: Adobe LM Service - Adobe Systems - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe Systems Shared\Service\Adobelmsvc.exe
O23 - Service: ASF Agent (ASFAgent) - Intel Corporation - C:\Program Files\Intel\ASF Agent\ASFAgent.exe
O23 - Service: avast! iAVS4 Control Service (aswUpdSv) - ALWIL Software - C:\Program Files\Alwil Software\Avast4\aswUpdSv.exe
O23 - Service: avast! Antivirus - ALWIL Software - C:\Program Files\Alwil Software\Avast4\ashServ.exe
O23 - Service: avast! Web Scanner - ALWIL Software - C:\Program Files\Alwil Software\Avast4\ashWebSv.exe
O23 - Service: Iap - Dell Computer Corporation - C:\Program Files\Dell\OpenManage\Client\Iap.exe
O23 - Service: Intel NCS NetService (NetSvc) - Intel(R) Corporation - C:\Program Files\Intel\NCS\Sync\NetSvc.exe
O23 - Service: PDFCreatorMessages - Global Graphics Software Ltd. - C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\PDFCreatorMessages.exe
O23 - Service: VPOP3 Email Server (VPOP3) - Unknown owner - C:\PROGRA~1\vpop3\vpop3svc.exe

--
End of file - 7243 bytes
postdead
2008-10-18, 08:33
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
KASPERSKY ONLINE SCANNER 7 REPORT
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Operating System: Microsoft Windows XP Professional Service Pack 3 (build 2600)
Kaspersky Online Scanner 7 version: 7.0.25.0
Program database last update: Friday, October 17, 2008 15:51:00
Records in database: 1319159
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Scan settings:
Scan using the following database: extended
Scan archives: yes
Scan mail databases: yes

Scan area - My Computer:
C:\
D:\
T:\
X:\

Scan statistics:
Files scanned: 95745
Threat name: 2
Infected objects: 3
Suspicious objects: 0
Duration of the scan: 03:18:13


File name / Threat name / Threats count
C:\Documents and Settings\DIGITAL COPY\Local Settings\Application Data\Identities\{2C7A8CD0-78FA-427F-BF86-AE333A20DC52}\Microsoft\Outlook Express\020108.dbx Infected: Worm.Win32.Feebs.gen 1
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\404Fix.exe Infected: Hoax.Win32.Renos.vaun 1
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\IEDFix.exe Infected: Hoax.Win32.Renos.vaun 1

The selected area was scanned.
Blade81
2008-10-21, 22:04
Hi Andrew,

Uninstall old Adobe Reader versions and get the latest one here (http://www.filehippo.com/download_adobe_reader/) or get Foxit Reader here (http://www.foxitsoftware.com/pdf/reader_2/down_reader.htm).

Open 020108.dbx Outlook mail box and delete all suspicious looking email messages.

Start hjt, do a system scan, check (if found):
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {207A4206-0323-4473-A911-81D9D91936ED} - (no file)
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {24E9519B-3F70-429B-99BC-4B2B49B96F66} - (no file)

Close browsers and fix checked.

Reboot.

Post a fresh hjt log. How's the system running?
postdead
2008-10-22, 12:13
Remove Acrobat Reader v5, installed v9 which uninstalled v7 automatically. Deleted the whole 020108.dbx file as not required, and emptied Recycle Bin.
Fixed the two 02: lines in HJT

PC seems fine now, thanks

Logfile of Trend Micro HijackThis v2.0.2
Scan saved at 11:08:58, on 22/10/2008
Platform: Windows XP SP3 (WinNT 5.01.2600)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v6.00 SP3 (6.00.2900.5512)
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\Alwil Software\Avast4\aswUpdSv.exe
C:\Program Files\Alwil Software\Avast4\ashServ.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\logonui.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\Program Files\Intel\ASF Agent\ASFAgent.exe
C:\Program Files\Dell\OpenManage\Client\Iap.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\VS7DEBUG\MDM.EXE
C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\MSSQL$MICROSOFTBCM\Binn\sqlservr.exe
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\PDFCreatorMessages.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\vpop3\vpop3svc.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\vpop3\VPOP3.EXE
C:\Program Files\Alwil Software\Avast4\ashWebSv.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\logon.scr
C:\WINDOWS\system32\winlogon.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\rdpclip.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\System32\DSentry.exe
C:\Program Files\Roxio\Easy CD Creator 5\DirectCD\DirectCD.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\spool\DRIVERS\W32X86\3\fpdisp5a.exe
C:\Program Files\JawsSystems\Jaws PDF Creator\PDFClient.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\spool\DRIVERS\W32X86\3\fppdis2a.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Samsung\PanelMgr\ssmmgr.exe
C:\Program Files\Royal Mail\SmartStamp\BINARY\STRAY.EXE
C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.6.0_07\bin\jusched.exe
C:\Program Files\Adobe\Reader 9.0\Reader\Reader_sl.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
C:\Program Files\WinZip\WZQKPICK.EXE
C:\Program Files\Trend Micro\HijackThis\HijackThis.exe

R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://www.interlinkexpress.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
O2 - BHO: AcroIEHelperStub - {18DF081C-E8AD-4283-A596-FA578C2EBDC3} - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe\Acrobat\ActiveX\AcroIEHelperShim.dll
O2 - BHO: SSVHelper Class - {761497BB-D6F0-462C-B6EB-D4DAF1D92D43} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.6.0_07\bin\ssv.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [DVDSentry] C:\WINDOWS\System32\DSentry.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AdaptecDirectCD] C:\Program Files\Roxio\Easy CD Creator 5\DirectCD\DirectCD.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NeroFilterCheck] C:\WINDOWS\system32\NeroCheck.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [FinePrint Dispatcher v5] "C:\WINDOWS\System32\spool\DRIVERS\W32X86\3\fpdisp5a.exe" /source=HKLM
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [PDFCreatorClient] C:\Program Files\JawsSystems\Jaws PDF Creator\PDFClient.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [igfxtray] C:\WINDOWS\system32\igfxtray.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [igfxhkcmd] C:\WINDOWS\system32\hkcmd.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [igfxpers] C:\WINDOWS\system32\igfxpers.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [pdfFactory Dispatcher v2] "C:\WINDOWS\System32\spool\DRIVERS\W32X86\3\fppdis2a.exe" /source=HKLM
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Samsung PanelMgr] C:\WINDOWS\Samsung\PanelMgr\ssmmgr.exe /autorun
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [OLP-Tray] C:\Program Files\Royal Mail\SmartStamp\BINARY\STRAY.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SunJavaUpdateSched] "C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.6.0_07\bin\jusched.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Adobe Reader Speed Launcher] "C:\Program Files\Adobe\Reader 9.0\Reader\Reader_sl.exe"
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [ctfmon.exe] C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [updateMgr] "C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 7.0\Reader\AdobeUpdateManager.exe" AcRdB7_1_0 -reboot 1
O4 - HKUS\S-1-5-18\..\Run: [CTFMON.EXE] C:\WINDOWS\System32\CTFMON.EXE (User 'SYSTEM')
O4 - HKUS\.DEFAULT\..\Run: [CTFMON.EXE] C:\WINDOWS\System32\CTFMON.EXE (User 'Default user')
O4 - Global Startup: WinZip Quick Pick.lnk = C:\Program Files\WinZip\WZQKPICK.EXE
O8 - Extra context menu item: E&xport to Microsoft Excel - res://C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~2\OFFICE11\EXCEL.EXE/3000
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.6.0_07\bin\ssv.dll
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Sun Java Console - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.6.0_07\bin\ssv.dll
O9 - Extra button: Research - {92780B25-18CC-41C8-B9BE-3C9C571A8263} - C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~2\OFFICE11\REFIEBAR.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
O16 - DPF: {05CA9FB0-3E3E-4B36-BF41-0E3A5CAA8CD8} (Office Genuine Advantage Validation Tool) - http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=58813
O16 - DPF: {0EB0E74A-2A76-4AB3-A7FB-9BD8C29F7F75} (CKAVWebScan Object) - http://www.kaspersky.com/kos/english/kavwebscan_unicode.cab
O16 - DPF: {6AE54368-4CFF-4E54-9418-D36097479441} (Ship@ease Thermal Label Component) - http://www.interlinkexpress.com//ulbl6_0.cab
O17 - HKLM\System\CCS\Services\Tcpip\..\{36D77840-9846-4610-AF48-CDD11A399296}: NameServer = 194.106.56.6,194.106.33.42
O17 - HKLM\System\CS1\Services\Tcpip\..\{36D77840-9846-4610-AF48-CDD11A399296}: NameServer = 194.106.56.6,194.106.33.42
O17 - HKLM\System\CS2\Services\Tcpip\..\{36D77840-9846-4610-AF48-CDD11A399296}: NameServer = 194.106.56.6,194.106.33.42
O17 - HKLM\System\CS3\Services\Tcpip\..\{36D77840-9846-4610-AF48-CDD11A399296}: NameServer = 194.106.56.6,194.106.33.42
O17 - HKLM\System\CS4\Services\Tcpip\..\{36D77840-9846-4610-AF48-CDD11A399296}: NameServer = 194.106.56.6,194.106.33.42
O23 - Service: Adobe LM Service - Adobe Systems - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe Systems Shared\Service\Adobelmsvc.exe
O23 - Service: ASF Agent (ASFAgent) - Intel Corporation - C:\Program Files\Intel\ASF Agent\ASFAgent.exe
O23 - Service: avast! iAVS4 Control Service (aswUpdSv) - ALWIL Software - C:\Program Files\Alwil Software\Avast4\aswUpdSv.exe
O23 - Service: avast! Antivirus - ALWIL Software - C:\Program Files\Alwil Software\Avast4\ashServ.exe
O23 - Service: avast! Web Scanner - ALWIL Software - C:\Program Files\Alwil Software\Avast4\ashWebSv.exe
O23 - Service: Iap - Dell Computer Corporation - C:\Program Files\Dell\OpenManage\Client\Iap.exe
O23 - Service: Intel NCS NetService (NetSvc) - Intel(R) Corporation - C:\Program Files\Intel\NCS\Sync\NetSvc.exe
O23 - Service: PDFCreatorMessages - Global Graphics Software Ltd. - C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\PDFCreatorMessages.exe
O23 - Service: VPOP3 Email Server (VPOP3) - Unknown owner - C:\PROGRA~1\vpop3\vpop3svc.exe

--
End of file - 7018 bytes
Blade81
2008-10-22, 17:46
Hi

You may delete these two files now:
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\404Fix.exe
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\IEDFix.exe



Well congrats, it appears your system is all clean Are you still noticing any problems? If not, it's time to secure your system to prevent against further intrusions.


THESE STEPS ARE VERY IMPORTANT

Let's reset system restore
Reset and Re-enable your System Restore to remove infected files that have been backed up by Windows. The files in System Restore are protected to prevent any programs changing those files. This is the only way to clean these files: You will lose all previous restore points which are likely to be infected. Please note you need Administrator Access to do clean the restore points.

1. Turn off System Restore.
On the Desktop, right-click My Computer.
Click Properties.
Click the System Restore tab.
Check Turn off System Restore.
Click Apply, and then click OK.

2. Reboot.

3. Turn ON System Restore.
On the Desktop, right-click My Computer.
Click Properties.
Click the System Restore tab.
UN-Check *Turn off System Restore*.
Click Apply, and then click OK.
NOTE: only do this ONCE,NOT on a regular basis




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
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.


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)

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

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 susceptible to being hacked and taken over. Simply using a Firewall in its default configuration can lower your risk greatly. For more info, check this (http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/tutorial60.html) webpage out.
See here (http://www.freebyte.com/antivirus/#firewalls) to choose one if you don't have a 3rd party firewall.



Just a final reminder for you. I am trying to stress these two points.
UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE!!! Make sure you do this about every 1-2 weeks.
Make sure all of your security programs are up to date.
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.



Once again, please post and tell me how things are going with your system... problems etc.

Have a great day,
Blade :cool:
postdead
2008-10-23, 13:47
I have done everything you have recommended and will be making a donation to the forum.

Many Thanks for your help.

Kind regards

Andrew
Blade81
2008-10-23, 18:16
Since this issue appears to be resolved ... this Topic has been closed. Glad I could help. :)

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 MOD a private message (pm). A valid, working link to the closed topic is required.