A little knowledge is ...? Not enough!

[momnewbie]

Hi,
I've tried hard to solve this problem myself and think I have almost done so, but would be grateful if someone could check to see if anything else needs to be done.
My nephew's machine began acting "strangely" (his words). He "lost" zonealarm and his av program. Then his machine died. A newly-installed cpu later, his machine would not access the internet and IE disappeared.
I installed and ran AVG Free and removed 4 viruses and 17(!) Trojans.
I installed and ran Spybots - eventually in "safe mode" - until the scans came up clear.
Did the same with Adaware.
I installed Spywareblaster and spyware guard, then firefox.
Zonealarm would neither uninstall nor re-install because something had removed Root Certificates and locked up the machine. A tiptoe through the registry eventually removed all traces of ZA and I installed Sygate. Internet access was restored and the machine seems to be running OK.
I ran Hijack this and saw some strange items. I don't know if they are supposed to be there and would be grateful for any advice. His ISP is Telewest/Blueyonder, but I noticed a reference to BT (another UK provider).
Sorry about the long story, but just wanted to give you all details in case they are relevant.
Any help would be appreciated. :)

Momnewbie
Here's the log

Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.1
Scan saved at 09:34:18, on 11/05/2006
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:\Program Files\Sygate\SPF\smc.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\LEXBCES.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\system32\LEXPPS.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgamsvr.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgupsvc.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgemc.exe
C:\Program Files\Analog Devices\SoundMAX\SMAgent.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgcc.exe
C:\Program Files\SpywareGuard\sgbhp.exe
C:\hijackthis\HijackThis.exe

R3 - URLSearchHook: (no name) - {20EC3D2D-33C1-4C9D-BC37-C2D500688DA2} - (no file)
O2 - BHO: BTGrabObj Class - {00000000-F09C-02B4-6EC2-AD0300000000} - C:\WINDOWS\BTGrab.dll
O2 - BHO: Yahoo! Companion BHO - {02478D38-C3F9-4efb-9B51-7695ECA05670} - C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Messenger\ycomp.dll
O2 - BHO: SpywareGuard Download Protection - {4A368E80-174F-4872-96B5-0B27DDD11DB2} - C:\Program Files\SpywareGuard\dlprotect.dll
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {53707962-6F74-2D53-2644-206D7942484F} - C:\Program Files\Spybot - Search & Destroy\SDHelper.dll
O2 - BHO: ST - {9394EDE7-C8B5-483E-8773-474BF36AF6E4} - C:\Program Files\MSN Apps\ST\01.02.3000.1002\en-xu\stmain.dll
O2 - BHO: Google Toolbar Helper - {AA58ED58-01DD-4d91-8333-CF10577473F7} - c:\program files\google\googletoolbar1.dll
O2 - BHO: MSNToolBandBHO - {BDBD1DAD-C946-4A17-ADC1-64B5B4FF55D0} - C:\Program Files\MSN Apps\MSN Toolbar\01.02.3000.1001\en-us\msntb.dll
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {FFFFDA2C-A0D5-4D60-8EE1-1B7F8929E24D} - C:\Program Files\Lycos\sst.dll (file missing)
O3 - Toolbar: &Yahoo! Companion - {EF99BD32-C1FB-11D2-892F-0090271D4F88} - C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Messenger\ycomp.dll
O3 - Toolbar: MSN - {BDAD1DAD-C946-4A17-ADC1-64B5B4FF55D0} - C:\Program Files\MSN Apps\MSN Toolbar\01.02.3000.1001\en-us\msntb.dll
O3 - Toolbar: (no name) - {EA5A82FB-D6BE-44F9-9363-B1ABABC153C1} - (no file)
O3 - Toolbar: &Google - {2318C2B1-4965-11d4-9B18-009027A5CD4F} - c:\program files\google\googletoolbar1.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AVG7_CC] C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgcc.exe /STARTUP
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SmcService] C:\PROGRA~1\Sygate\SPF\smc.exe -startgui
O4 - Startup: SpywareGuard.lnk = C:\Program Files\SpywareGuard\sgmain.exe
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\Program Files\Java\j2re1.4.2_05\bin\npjpi142_05.dll
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Sun Java Console - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\Program Files\Java\j2re1.4.2_05\bin\npjpi142_05.dll
O9 - Extra button: Yahoo! Messenger - {E5D12C4E-7B4F-11D3-B5C9-0050045C3C96} - C:\PROGRA~1\Yahoo!\MESSEN~1\ypager.exe
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Yahoo! Messenger - {E5D12C4E-7B4F-11D3-B5C9-0050045C3C96} - C:\PROGRA~1\Yahoo!\MESSEN~1\ypager.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: {00000EF1-0786-4633-87C6-1AA7A44296DA} - http://www.addictivetechnologies.net/DM0/cab/emCraft1.cab
O16 - DPF: {70BA88C8-DAE8-4CE9-92BB-979C4A75F53B} (GSDACtl Class) - https://www.gamespyid.com/alaunch.cab
O16 - DPF: {8EF27A70-DD04-11D6-B7F6-00A0C9CD5F8A} - http://www.quikshield.com/qshsetup.exe
O16 - DPF: {AED98630-0251-4E83-917D-43A23D66D507} (WebHandler Class) - http://activex.microgaming.com/dlhelper/version7/dlhelper.cab
O23 - Service: AVG7 Alert Manager Server (Avg7Alrt) - GRISOFT, s.r.o. - C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgamsvr.exe
O23 - Service: AVG7 Update Service (Avg7UpdSvc) - GRISOFT, s.r.o. - C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgupsvc.exe
O23 - Service: AVG E-mail Scanner (AVGEMS) - GRISOFT, s.r.o. - C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgemc.exe
O23 - Service: iPod Service (iPodService) - Apple Computer, Inc. - C:\Program Files\iPod\bin\iPodService.exe
O23 - Service: LexBce Server (LexBceS) - Lexmark International, Inc. - C:\WINDOWS\system32\LEXBCES.EXE
O23 - Service: Sygate Personal Firewall (SmcService) - Sygate Technologies, Inc. - C:\Program Files\Sygate\SPF\smc.exe
O23 - Service: SoundMAX Agent Service (SoundMAX Agent Service (default)) - Analog Devices, Inc. - C:\Program Files\Analog Devices\SoundMAX\SMAgent.exe
O23 - Service: TrueVector Internet Monitor (vsmon) - Unknown owner - C:\WINDOWS\system32\ZoneLabs\vsmon.exe (file missing)

[shelf life]

hi momnewbie,

you did a good job. i only see afew items left.

scan with HJT, put a checkmark beside the items below, close all windows and click fix checked.

R3 - URLSearchHook: (no name) - {20EC3D2D-33C1-4C9D-BC37-C2D500688DA2} - (no file)

O2 - BHO: BTGrabObj Class - {00000000-F09C-02B4-6EC2-AD0300000000} - C:\WINDOWS\BTGrab.dll

O2 - BHO: (no name) - {FFFFDA2C-A0D5-4D60-8EE1-1B7F8929E24D} - C:\Program Files\Lycos\sst.dll (file missing)

O3 - Toolbar: (no name) - {EA5A82FB-D6BE-44F9-9363-B1ABABC153C1} - (no file)

O16 - DPF: {00000EF1-0786-4633-87C6-1AA7A44296DA} - http://www.addictivetechnologies.net...b/emCraft1.cab
-----------------------------------------
next do this:

go to start>run and type in--> services.msc <--in the list of services that comes up look for>>TrueVector Internet Monitor (vsmon)

right click on it and select properties. under the general tab:
make sure that the service status is: Stopped
and the Startup type is: disabled

thats part of zone alarm, its not a problem as long as it is stopped.
(i like sygate better)
----------------------------------------
reboot once and rescan with hjt and post anew log.........shelf life

[momnewbie]

Thanks for the prompt response Shelf Life.
I did as you suggested and fixed the list of things.
Here's the new log.

Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.1
Scan saved at 12:41:42, on 12/05/2006
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:\Program Files\Sygate\SPF\smc.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\LEXBCES.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\system32\LEXPPS.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgamsvr.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgupsvc.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgemc.exe
C:\Program Files\Analog Devices\SoundMAX\SMAgent.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgcc.exe
C:\Program Files\MSN Apps\Updater\01.02.3000.1001\en-us\msnappau.exe
C:\Program Files\Mozilla Firefox\firefox.exe
C:\Program Files\SpywareGuard\sgbhp.exe
C:\hijackthis\HijackThis.exe

R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://www.google.co.uk/
O2 - BHO: Yahoo! Companion BHO - {02478D38-C3F9-4efb-9B51-7695ECA05670} - C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Messenger\ycomp.dll
O2 - BHO: SpywareGuard Download Protection - {4A368E80-174F-4872-96B5-0B27DDD11DB2} - C:\Program Files\SpywareGuard\dlprotect.dll
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {53707962-6F74-2D53-2644-206D7942484F} - C:\Program Files\Spybot - Search & Destroy\SDHelper.dll
O2 - BHO: ST - {9394EDE7-C8B5-483E-8773-474BF36AF6E4} - C:\Program Files\MSN Apps\ST\01.02.3000.1002\en-xu\stmain.dll
O2 - BHO: Google Toolbar Helper - {AA58ED58-01DD-4d91-8333-CF10577473F7} - c:\program files\google\googletoolbar2.dll
O2 - BHO: MSNToolBandBHO - {BDBD1DAD-C946-4A17-ADC1-64B5B4FF55D0} - C:\Program Files\MSN Apps\MSN Toolbar\01.02.3000.1001\en-us\msntb.dll
O3 - Toolbar: &Yahoo! Companion - {EF99BD32-C1FB-11D2-892F-0090271D4F88} - C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Messenger\ycomp.dll
O3 - Toolbar: MSN - {BDAD1DAD-C946-4A17-ADC1-64B5B4FF55D0} - C:\Program Files\MSN Apps\MSN Toolbar\01.02.3000.1001\en-us\msntb.dll
O3 - Toolbar: &Google - {2318C2B1-4965-11d4-9B18-009027A5CD4F} - c:\program files\google\googletoolbar2.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AVG7_CC] C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgcc.exe /STARTUP
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SmcService] C:\PROGRA~1\Sygate\SPF\smc.exe -startgui
O4 - Startup: SpywareGuard.lnk = C:\Program Files\SpywareGuard\sgmain.exe
O8 - Extra context menu item: &Google Search - res://c:\program files\google\GoogleToolbar2.dll/cmsearch.html
O8 - Extra context menu item: &Translate English Word - res://c:\program files\google\GoogleToolbar2.dll/cmwordtrans.html
O8 - Extra context menu item: Backward Links - res://c:\program files\google\GoogleToolbar2.dll/cmbacklinks.html
O8 - Extra context menu item: Cached Snapshot of Page - res://c:\program files\google\GoogleToolbar2.dll/cmcache.html
O8 - Extra context menu item: Similar Pages - res://c:\program files\google\GoogleToolbar2.dll/cmsimilar.html
O8 - Extra context menu item: Translate Page into English - res://c:\program files\google\GoogleToolbar2.dll/cmtrans.html
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\Program Files\Java\j2re1.4.2_05\bin\npjpi142_05.dll
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Sun Java Console - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\Program Files\Java\j2re1.4.2_05\bin\npjpi142_05.dll
O9 - Extra button: Yahoo! Messenger - {E5D12C4E-7B4F-11D3-B5C9-0050045C3C96} - C:\PROGRA~1\Yahoo!\MESSEN~1\ypager.exe
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Yahoo! Messenger - {E5D12C4E-7B4F-11D3-B5C9-0050045C3C96} - C:\PROGRA~1\Yahoo!\MESSEN~1\ypager.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: {70BA88C8-DAE8-4CE9-92BB-979C4A75F53B} (GSDACtl Class) - https://www.gamespyid.com/alaunch.cab
O16 - DPF: {8EF27A70-DD04-11D6-B7F6-00A0C9CD5F8A} - http://www.quikshield.com/qshsetup.exe
O16 - DPF: {AED98630-0251-4E83-917D-43A23D66D507} (WebHandler Class) - http://activex.microgaming.com/dlhelper/version7/dlhelper.cab
O23 - Service: AVG7 Alert Manager Server (Avg7Alrt) - GRISOFT, s.r.o. - C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgamsvr.exe
O23 - Service: AVG7 Update Service (Avg7UpdSvc) - GRISOFT, s.r.o. - C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgupsvc.exe
O23 - Service: AVG E-mail Scanner (AVGEMS) - GRISOFT, s.r.o. - C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgemc.exe
O23 - Service: iPod Service (iPodService) - Apple Computer, Inc. - C:\Program Files\iPod\bin\iPodService.exe
O23 - Service: LexBce Server (LexBceS) - Lexmark International, Inc. - C:\WINDOWS\system32\LEXBCES.EXE
O23 - Service: Sygate Personal Firewall (SmcService) - Sygate Technologies, Inc. - C:\Program Files\Sygate\SPF\smc.exe
O23 - Service: SoundMAX Agent Service (SoundMAX Agent Service (default)) - Analog Devices, Inc. - C:\Program Files\Analog Devices\SoundMAX\SMAgent.exe

I keep getting a run-time error for Spyware Guard once the machine has booted up, so am not sure if some virus has removed a necessary file. I'll Google the error and/or reinstall to see if I can fix that.
Thanks for you time on this, I can see how busy you all are: your help is very much appreciated.
Momnewbie

[shelf life]

hi momnewbie,

that log looks good. i dont use spyware guard, if i can help let me know. its a good idea to make new clean restore points:

You must be logged in as an Administrator to do this. If you are not logged in as an Administrator, the System Restore tab will not be displayed.
Turning off System Restore will clear out all previous restore points.
To turn off Windows XP System Restore:

NOTE: These instructions assume that you are using the default Windows XP Start Menu and have not changed to the Classic Start menu. To re-enable the default menu, right-click Start, click Properties, click Start menu (not Classic) and then click OK.

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. (will delete possibly infected restore points)

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.

4. Reboot (new clean restore point)
-------------------------------------------------------------
for your reference:

Be careful of what you download, and where you download it from. Many programs come bundled with extra software.You may be installing more than you think. Make sure you understand what it is you will be downloading and installing to your computer. Visit the makers website, learn more about the program, Does the program you want come bundled with other "3rd party" programs? What do the 3rd party programs do? Will they deliver ads? Track your surfing habits?. Read the EULA agreement, you know, that paragraph of stuff you "agree to" before the software installs? If you search hard enough you can always find a "clean" alternative to any software. Stay away from warez and crack sites. Becarful what you download from file sharing networks. If you are not sure, scan it with your Antivirus app. A small file (in KB) is probably not what you think it is. DO YOU TRUST THE SOURCE? Check this database:Spyware Guide (http://www.spywareguide.com/) A Few afew file sharing tips. (http://security-central.us/SafeHex/file%20sharing.htm)

Make sure you keep your Windows OS current by visiting Windows update (http://v4.windowsupdate.microsoft.com/en/default.asp)
occasionaly to download and install any critical updates and service packs. With out these you are leaving the backdoor open.

Adjust your browser settings: Change your(active x) settings in IE. With IE open go to tools, internet options, security tab. Click on the internet globe, then custom level. Set the first option "download signed active x controls" to prompt, the next two to disable. Read more:
Internet Explorer Privacy & Security Settings (https://netfiles.uiuc.edu/ehowes/www/btw/ie/ie-opts.htm)
Working with Internet Explorer 6 Security (http://www.microsoft.com/windows/ie/using/howto/security/settings.mspx)
Many exploits are directed at Internet Explorer, you dont have to use it. Try a different browser. You can have and use more than one browser on your computer.
Like Firefox (http://www.mozilla.org/products/firefox/),


Install a Firewall:A firewall will control what comes in from the internet and what leaves your computer to the internet. A firewall will also alert you when a application trys to connect to the internet from your computer, this is a good way to catch crapware or trojans, trying to connect out bound from your computer- whats that and why does it need a internet connection? You can deny it access it until more investigation is done. Zone Alarm is a free and easy to use firewall, that will provide in and outbound protection. Microsoft XP firewall only provides inbound protection. SP2 adds in and out bound protection which is better than nothing, but is not as robust as third party firewalls, Be sure to run only >one< firewall.If you use another, be sure to disable XP's built in firewall. If you use Zone Alarm learn what needs/uses your internet connection. If something unusal or out of the ordinary "asks" deny it access until more investigation is done.
Zone Alarm (http://www.zonelabs.com/store/content/catalog/products/sku_list_za.jsp?dc=12bms&ctry=US&lang=en&lid=dbtopnav_zass)
OutPost Lite (http://www.agnitum.com/products/outpostfree/download.php)

Outlook Express with the default settings is not secure. It will run scripts, download images etc, just like a browser. You dont have to use it. Windows SP1/SP2 updates have made some improvments to Outlook. Another reason to stay updated.
look here (http://www.codecutters.org/outlook/)
and here (http://www.tames.net/security/oesettings.htm)
Or try Pegasus Mail, safer by default,no tweaking needed. (http://www.pmail.com/)

Make sure you have and keep updated Antivirus software
Free for home users:
avast! 4 Home Edition Download (http://www.avast.com/eng/free_virus_protectio.html)
AVG free version 7.0 (http://free.grisoft.com/freeweb.php/doc/2/)
AntiVir Personal Edition (http://www.free-av.com/)
clam Win (http://www.Clamwin.com/component/option,com_frontpage/Itemid,1/)

Download one or two of these, install and update before using:(if these are constantly finding malware, then you need to make changes to your browser and or your habits)
CounterSpy (http://www.sunbelt-software.com/)Free trial version
Spybot Search and destroy (http://www.safer-networking.org/en/index.html)
Ad-Aware SE Personal edition (http://www.lavasoft.de/)
Microsoft Windows Defender (http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware/software/default.mspx)
Becarful with spyware "removers and scanners"-- there are many "rogue/suspect" (http://www.spywarewarrior.com/rogue_anti-spyware.htm) programs that "claim to remove" spyware.Check here first.

Dont be tempted to click on popup ads offering free scans or free downloads for malware removers. Read the above line again.

AntiTrojan software to fill in the gap:
a2 free (http://www.emsisoft.com/en/software/free/)
Ewido Anti-Malware (http://www.ewido.net/en/)
Trojan Hunter (30 day trial version) (http://www.misec.net/)
Tauscan trial version (http://www.agnitum.com/products/tauscan/)

Other programs to consider:
Process Guard (http://www.diamondcs.com.au/processguard/) stop events/processes with user intervention
SpywareBlaster (http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/index.php?showtutorial=49) add security to IE
IE-SPYAD (https://netfiles.uiuc.edu/ehowes/www/resource.htm#IESPYAD) adds adware peddlers sites/domains to IE restricted zone
CleanUp (http://www.stevengould.org/software/CleanUp/index.html) cleans out temp files,history, autoforms etc
ATF cleaner (W2K,XP only) (http://www.atribune.org/content/view/25/2/) cleans out temp files, history etc

Learn More:
Browser Checkup (http://www.jasons-toolbox.com/BrowserSecurity/)
Parasite Free (http://www.doxdesk.com/parasite/prevention.html)
Safe Hex (http://www.claymania.com/safe-hex.html)
Shelf Lifes page (http://security-central.us/SafeHex/index.htm)
Home Computer Security (http://www.cert.org/homeusers/HomeComputerSecurity/)

[momnewbie]

Thanks for all of your help. Personally I'm a Win98 user so I'd never have thought of using a "restore point" but I'll make sure I make one on my nephew's machine.
I'm always very careful where I surf and what I download but I've pasted all of your advice into notepad and saved it as a text file on the desktop of my nephew's machine and I'll demand that he reads it!
As far as Spywareguard is concerned a google revealed that the machine seems to be missing a windows script file. Aparently it is normally installed by default but some malware mangles it to prevent programs like spywareblaster and spywareguard from functioning. I can either download it from microsoft or re-install it from the XP disc, so I'll sort that out.
Hopefully, my nephew will be more careful now, but if not, I can always return to this restore point!
Thanks once again.
Momnewbie

[LonnyRJones]

Im Glad we could help
Since the problems are solved Im going to close the topic now, this keeps others with similar problems from posting there logs/question here, they should start a new topic.
If you should need to post another log for the same PC let Me, shelf life or Tashi know.