Malware/spyware/trojan infection

[momnewbie]

Hi,
I've been trying to clear my niece's computer of all kinds of malware. It had trojans, malware programs - a false anti-virus program was the worst - and spyware. It had also stopped being able to go online, possibly because of deletion rather than removal of all the malware.
I used a variety of programs to try to clean it up once I returned to a previous restore point.
So far I've used a program called Malwarebytes malware removal program;
I downloaded and ran a-squared free which fixed a number of things;
I also installed avast anti-virus and after a thorough scan, allowed it to fix a number of issues, but it has since warned me that there were "traces" or "signs" of a trojan;
I downloaded and installed Comodo firewall;
I downloaded installed and updated Spywareblaster and now I've done as much as I can.
I've now downloaded and run Erunt as directed and now will post the HJT log from the scan I've just run.
I'm hoping all is clear, but I'd be grateful if someone could check it over for me please so that I can wipe previous restore points and create a new "clean" one - I presume I can do that on a Vista machine? My machine runs XP so I'm not sure!
Any help would be greatly appreciated,
Thanks Momnewbie

Logfile of Trend Micro HijackThis v2.0.2
Scan saved at 19:20:33, on 18/02/2009
Platform: Windows Vista SP1 (WinNT 6.00.1905)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v7.00 (7.00.6001.18000)
Boot mode: Normal

Running processes:
C:\Windows\system32\taskeng.exe
C:\Windows\system32\Dwm.exe
C:\Windows\Explorer.EXE
C:\Program Files\Windows Defender\MSASCui.exe
C:\Windows\RtHDVCpl.exe
C:\Windows\System32\igfxtray.exe
C:\Windows\System32\hkcmd.exe
C:\Windows\System32\igfxpers.exe
C:\Program Files\Java\jre6\bin\jusched.exe
C:\Program Files\Alwil Software\Avast4\ashDisp.exe
C:\Program Files\COMODO\Firewall\cfp.exe
C:\Program Files\Windows Sidebar\sidebar.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\LightScribe\LightScribeControlPanel.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\ACD Systems\EN\DevDetect.exe
C:\Program Files\Kodak\Kodak EasyShare software\bin\EasyShare.exe
C:\Windows\system32\igfxsrvc.exe
C:\Program Files\Trend Micro\HijackThis\HijackThis.exe

R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=54896
R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://www.bbc.co.uk/
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
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Search,SearchAssistant =
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Search,CustomizeSearch =
R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Toolbar,LinksFolderName =
O1 - Hosts: ::1 localhost
O2 - BHO: AcroIEHelperStub - {18DF081C-E8AD-4283-A596-FA578C2EBDC3} - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe\Acrobat\ActiveX\AcroIEHelperShim.dll
O2 - BHO: Java(tm) Plug-In SSV Helper - {761497BB-D6F0-462C-B6EB-D4DAF1D92D43} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre6\bin\ssv.dll
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {7E853D72-626A-48EC-A868-BA8D5E23E045} - (no file)
O2 - BHO: Windows Live Sign-in Helper - {9030D464-4C02-4ABF-8ECC-5164760863C6} - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\Windows Live\WindowsLiveLogin.dll
O2 - BHO: Google Toolbar Helper - {AA58ED58-01DD-4d91-8333-CF10577473F7} - C:\Program Files\Google\Google Toolbar\GoogleToolbar.dll
O2 - BHO: Google Toolbar Notifier BHO - {AF69DE43-7D58-4638-B6FA-CE66B5AD205D} - C:\Program Files\Google\GoogleToolbarNotifier\5.0.926.3450\swg.dll
O2 - BHO: Windows Live Toolbar Helper - {BDBD1DAD-C946-4A17-ADC1-64B5B4FF55D0} - C:\Program Files\Windows Live Toolbar\msntb.dll
O2 - BHO: Google Dictionary Compression sdch - {C84D72FE-E17D-4195-BB24-76C02E2E7C4E} - C:\Program Files\Google\Google Toolbar\Component\fastsearch_219B3E1547538286.dll
O2 - BHO: Java(tm) Plug-In 2 SSV Helper - {DBC80044-A445-435b-BC74-9C25C1C588A9} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre6\bin\jp2ssv.dll
O3 - Toolbar: Windows Live Toolbar - {BDAD1DAD-C946-4A17-ADC1-64B5B4FF55D0} - C:\Program Files\Windows Live Toolbar\msntb.dll
O3 - Toolbar: &Google Toolbar - {2318C2B1-4965-11d4-9B18-009027A5CD4F} - C:\Program Files\Google\Google Toolbar\GoogleToolbar.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Windows Defender] %ProgramFiles%\Windows Defender\MSASCui.exe -hide
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [RtHDVCpl] RtHDVCpl.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [IgfxTray] C:\Windows\system32\igfxtray.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [HotKeysCmds] C:\Windows\system32\hkcmd.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Persistence] C:\Windows\system32\igfxpers.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SunJavaUpdateSched] "C:\Program Files\Java\jre6\bin\jusched.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [avast!] C:\PROGRA~1\ALWILS~1\Avast4\ashDisp.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [COMODO Firewall Pro] "C:\Program Files\COMODO\Firewall\cfp.exe" -h
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [Sidebar] C:\Program Files\Windows Sidebar\sidebar.exe /autoRun
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [LightScribe Control Panel] C:\Program Files\Common Files\LightScribe\LightScribeControlPanel.exe -hidden
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [Device Detector] DevDetect.exe -autorun
O4 - HKUS\S-1-5-19\..\Run: [Sidebar] %ProgramFiles%\Windows Sidebar\Sidebar.exe /detectMem (User 'LOCAL SERVICE')
O4 - HKUS\S-1-5-19\..\Run: [WindowsWelcomeCenter] rundll32.exe oobefldr.dll,ShowWelcomeCenter (User 'LOCAL SERVICE')
O4 - HKUS\S-1-5-20\..\Run: [Sidebar] %ProgramFiles%\Windows Sidebar\Sidebar.exe /detectMem (User 'NETWORK SERVICE')
O4 - Global Startup: Kodak EasyShare software.lnk = C:\Program Files\Kodak\Kodak EasyShare software\bin\EasyShare.exe
O8 - Extra context menu item: &Windows Live Search - res://C:\Program Files\Windows Live Toolbar\msntb.dll/search.htm
O9 - Extra button: Blog This - {219C3416-8CB2-491a-A3C7-D9FCDDC9D600} - C:\Program Files\Windows Live\Writer\WriterBrowserExtension.dll
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: &Blog This in Windows Live Writer - {219C3416-8CB2-491a-A3C7-D9FCDDC9D600} - C:\Program Files\Windows Live\Writer\WriterBrowserExtension.dll
O9 - Extra button: PokerStars - {3AD14F0C-ED16-4e43-B6D8-661B03F6A1EF} - C:\Program Files\PokerStars\PokerStarsUpdate.exe
O13 - Gopher Prefix:
O16 - DPF: {20A60F0D-9AFA-4515-A0FD-83BD84642501} (Checkers Class) - http://messenger.zone.msn.com/binary/msgrchkr.cab56986.cab
O16 - DPF: {5C051655-FCD5-4969-9182-770EA5AA5565} (Solitaire Showdown Class) - http://messenger.zone.msn.com/binary/SolitaireShowdown.cab56986.cab
O16 - DPF: {C3F79A2B-B9B4-4A66-B012-3EE46475B072} (MessengerStatsClient Class) - http://messenger.zone.msn.com/binary/MessengerStatsPAClient.cab56907.cab
O20 - AppInit_DLLs: C:\Windows\system32\guard32.dll
O23 - Service: a-squared Free Service (a2free) - Emsi Software GmbH - C:\Program Files\a-squared Free\a2service.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! Mail Scanner - ALWIL Software - C:\Program Files\Alwil Software\Avast4\ashMaiSv.exe
O23 - Service: avast! Web Scanner - ALWIL Software - C:\Program Files\Alwil Software\Avast4\ashWebSv.exe
O23 - Service: COMODO Firewall Pro Helper Service (cmdAgent) - COMODO - C:\Program Files\COMODO\Firewall\cmdagent.exe
O23 - Service: Google Updater Service (gusvc) - Google - C:\Program Files\Google\Common\Google Updater\GoogleUpdaterService.exe
O23 - Service: InCD Helper (InCDsrv) - Nero AG - C:\Program Files\Nero\Nero 7\InCD\InCDsrv.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 - C:\Program Files\Nero\Nero 7\Nero BackItUp\NBService.exe
O23 - Service: NMIndexingService - Nero AG - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Ahead\Lib\NMIndexingService.exe

--
End of file - 6990 bytes

[pskelley]

Welcome to Safer Networking, I wish to be sure you have viewed and understand this information.
"BEFORE you POST" (READ this Procedure before Requesting Assistance) http://forums.spybot.info/showthread.php?t=288
All advice given is taken at your own risk.
Please make sure you have read this information so we are on the same page.

For your benefit, the instructions are pinned (sticky) to the top of the Malware Removal forum,
please read and be sure you have followed those instructions. I have also posted the "Before you Post"
instructions at the top of this thread.

1) Here are instructions you appear to have missed.

Do NOT run 'FIXES' before helpers have analyzed the HJT log
http://forums.spybot.info/showthread.php?t=16806

2) I see no malware in the HJT log you posted.

3) Windows Vista System Restore Guide
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/tutorials/tutorial143.html

Thanks

[momnewbie]

Hi,
Thanks for the reply - I can see how busy the boards are and I really appreciate you taking the time to check the log.

I have always looked after my own computer carefully and regularly run scans with avast, Spybot S&D and have Spywareblaster installed. When my niece began to have problems with her machine, I tried all of those programs to see if I could clean it myself.
Spybot S&D could fix some errors, but even when I ran the machine in safe mode, it could not completely get rid of Antivirus2009. So I googled to see what else was recommended on a few of the "trusted" sites I have used for downloads before and I came across a program I'd never heard of called Malwarebyte and the instructions seemed simple so I ran it. It seemed to get rid of the false program, so I ran all of the other programs I trust as well as a full virus scan and they still seemed to find, but fix problems. Once I had done all of the above, I knew anything else was out of my depth, and I remembered this site had helped me a few years ago, so I decided to run HJT and ask someone to check it for me, to see if there was anything else I needed to do.
I *have* read the links you gave me, so I am aware of what you advise and this is why I have not attempted to "fix" anything in the HJT log: I do not understand the logs, and I *never* meddle with things I don't understand.

I'm delighted that there is no malware in the log, and would like to thank you for checking it for me. Is there anything in it which might cause problems to the smooth running of the machine, for example any BHOs my niece would be better off without?
I also appreciate the link to the Vista restore guide.
Relieved to know that I was able to clean the machine using my old faithful programs.
Thanks for your time,
Momnewbie

[pskelley]

I can see some room for improvement (even though I do not own Vista) and I will post links before we finish. First I would like to do some cleaning and a check.

1) Please DO NOT ENABLE Spybot S&D TeaTimer while we work together.

If you still have MBAM onboard, use it but make sure you update first and run it as in the instructions.

2) Download Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware to your Desktop
http://www.malwarebytes.org/

http://www.besttechie.net/mbam/mbam-setup.exe <<< download

* Double-click mbam-setup.exe and follow the prompts to install the program.
* Be sure a checkmark is placed next to Update Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware and Launch Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware, then click Finish.
* If an update is found, it will download and install the latest version.
* Once the program has loaded, select Perform FULL SCAN, then click Scan.
* When the scan is complete, click OK, then Show Results to view the results.
* Be sure that everything is checked, and click Remove Selected.
* When completed, a log will open in Notepad. Please save it to a convenient location. The log can also be opened by going to Start > All Programs > Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware > Logs > log-date.txt
* Please post contents of that file & a new HJT log in your next reply.

Note: If MBAM encounters a file that is difficult to remove, you will be presented with 1 of 2 prompts. Click OK to either and let MBAM proceed with the disinfection process. If asked to restart the computer, please do so immediately. Failure to reboot will prevent MBAM from removing all the malware.

Tutorial if needed:
http://www.techsupportteam.org/forum/tutorials/2282-malwarebytes-anti-malware-mbam.html


3) Post also an uninstall list: Open Hijackthis.
Click the "Open the Misc Tools" section Button.
Click the "Open Uninstall Manager" Button.
Click the "Save list..." Button.
Save it to your desktop. Copy and paste the contents into your reply.
Image: http://img.bleepingcomputer.com/tutorials/hijackthis/uninstall-man.jpg

Thanks...Phil

[momnewbie]

Hi Phil,
Have done as you asked and updated Malwarebytes program. It found 1 item which it quarantined. I'll now post copies of its log as well as the most recent HJT log.
My own computer is XP so there are lots of Vista items unfamiliar to me, and whilst my niece has always used IE, I've been using Firefox for years and no longer know how - it it's ever possible! - to configure IE for "safe" browsing.
Thanks again for your time.
Momnewbie

Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware 1.34
Database version: 1792
Windows 6.0.6001 Service Pack 1

22/02/2009 16:00:50
mbam-log-2009-02-22 (16-00-50).txt

Scan type: Full Scan (C:\|)
Objects scanned: 183219
Time elapsed: 1 hour(s), 19 minute(s), 36 second(s)

Memory Processes Infected: 0
Memory Modules Infected: 0
Registry Keys Infected: 1
Registry Values Infected: 0
Registry Data Items Infected: 0
Folders Infected: 0
Files Infected: 0

Memory Processes Infected:
(No malicious items detected)

Memory Modules Infected:
(No malicious items detected)

Registry Keys Infected:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Ext\Stats\{d263fa6d-84cc-48a8-9af6-c664362b7a5b} (Trojan.BHO) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.

Registry Values Infected:
(No malicious items detected)

Registry Data Items Infected:
(No malicious items detected)

Folders Infected:
(No malicious items detected)

Files Infected:
(No malicious items detected)


HJT
Logfile of Trend Micro HijackThis v2.0.2
Scan saved at 16:05:00, on 22/02/2009
Platform: Windows Vista SP1 (WinNT 6.00.1905)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v7.00 (7.00.6001.18000)
Boot mode: Normal

Running processes:
C:\Windows\system32\taskeng.exe
C:\Windows\system32\Dwm.exe
C:\Windows\Explorer.EXE
C:\Windows\RtHDVCpl.exe
C:\Windows\System32\igfxtray.exe
C:\Windows\System32\hkcmd.exe
C:\Windows\System32\igfxpers.exe
C:\Program Files\Java\jre6\bin\jusched.exe
C:\Program Files\Alwil Software\Avast4\ashDisp.exe
C:\Windows\system32\igfxsrvc.exe
C:\Program Files\COMODO\Firewall\cfp.exe
C:\Program Files\Trend Micro\HijackThis\HijackThis.exe

R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=54896
R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://www.bbc.co.uk/
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
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Search,SearchAssistant =
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Search,CustomizeSearch =
R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Toolbar,LinksFolderName =
O1 - Hosts: ::1 localhost
O2 - BHO: AcroIEHelperStub - {18DF081C-E8AD-4283-A596-FA578C2EBDC3} - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe\Acrobat\ActiveX\AcroIEHelperShim.dll
O2 - BHO: Java(tm) Plug-In SSV Helper - {761497BB-D6F0-462C-B6EB-D4DAF1D92D43} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre6\bin\ssv.dll
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {7E853D72-626A-48EC-A868-BA8D5E23E045} - (no file)
O2 - BHO: Windows Live Sign-in Helper - {9030D464-4C02-4ABF-8ECC-5164760863C6} - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\Windows Live\WindowsLiveLogin.dll
O2 - BHO: Google Toolbar Helper - {AA58ED58-01DD-4d91-8333-CF10577473F7} - C:\Program Files\Google\Google Toolbar\GoogleToolbar.dll
O2 - BHO: Google Toolbar Notifier BHO - {AF69DE43-7D58-4638-B6FA-CE66B5AD205D} - C:\Program Files\Google\GoogleToolbarNotifier\5.0.926.3450\swg.dll
O2 - BHO: Windows Live Toolbar Helper - {BDBD1DAD-C946-4A17-ADC1-64B5B4FF55D0} - C:\Program Files\Windows Live Toolbar\msntb.dll
O2 - BHO: Google Dictionary Compression sdch - {C84D72FE-E17D-4195-BB24-76C02E2E7C4E} - C:\Program Files\Google\Google Toolbar\Component\fastsearch_219B3E1547538286.dll
O2 - BHO: Java(tm) Plug-In 2 SSV Helper - {DBC80044-A445-435b-BC74-9C25C1C588A9} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre6\bin\jp2ssv.dll
O3 - Toolbar: Windows Live Toolbar - {BDAD1DAD-C946-4A17-ADC1-64B5B4FF55D0} - C:\Program Files\Windows Live Toolbar\msntb.dll
O3 - Toolbar: &Google Toolbar - {2318C2B1-4965-11d4-9B18-009027A5CD4F} - C:\Program Files\Google\Google Toolbar\GoogleToolbar.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [RtHDVCpl] RtHDVCpl.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [IgfxTray] C:\Windows\system32\igfxtray.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [HotKeysCmds] C:\Windows\system32\hkcmd.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Persistence] C:\Windows\system32\igfxpers.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SunJavaUpdateSched] "C:\Program Files\Java\jre6\bin\jusched.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [avast!] C:\PROGRA~1\ALWILS~1\Avast4\ashDisp.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [COMODO Firewall Pro] "C:\Program Files\COMODO\Firewall\cfp.exe" -h
O4 - HKUS\S-1-5-19\..\Run: [Sidebar] %ProgramFiles%\Windows Sidebar\Sidebar.exe /detectMem (User 'LOCAL SERVICE')
O4 - HKUS\S-1-5-19\..\Run: [WindowsWelcomeCenter] rundll32.exe oobefldr.dll,ShowWelcomeCenter (User 'LOCAL SERVICE')
O4 - HKUS\S-1-5-20\..\Run: [Sidebar] %ProgramFiles%\Windows Sidebar\Sidebar.exe /detectMem (User 'NETWORK SERVICE')
O8 - Extra context menu item: &Windows Live Search - res://C:\Program Files\Windows Live Toolbar\msntb.dll/search.htm
O9 - Extra button: Blog This - {219C3416-8CB2-491a-A3C7-D9FCDDC9D600} - C:\Program Files\Windows Live\Writer\WriterBrowserExtension.dll
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: &Blog This in Windows Live Writer - {219C3416-8CB2-491a-A3C7-D9FCDDC9D600} - C:\Program Files\Windows Live\Writer\WriterBrowserExtension.dll
O9 - Extra button: PokerStars - {3AD14F0C-ED16-4e43-B6D8-661B03F6A1EF} - C:\Program Files\PokerStars\PokerStarsUpdate.exe
O13 - Gopher Prefix:
O16 - DPF: {20A60F0D-9AFA-4515-A0FD-83BD84642501} (Checkers Class) - http://messenger.zone.msn.com/binary/msgrchkr.cab56986.cab
O16 - DPF: {5C051655-FCD5-4969-9182-770EA5AA5565} (Solitaire Showdown Class) - http://messenger.zone.msn.com/binary/SolitaireShowdown.cab56986.cab
O16 - DPF: {C3F79A2B-B9B4-4A66-B012-3EE46475B072} (MessengerStatsClient Class) - http://messenger.zone.msn.com/binary/MessengerStatsPAClient.cab56907.cab
O20 - AppInit_DLLs: C:\Windows\system32\guard32.dll
O23 - Service: a-squared Free Service (a2free) - Emsi Software GmbH - C:\Program Files\a-squared Free\a2service.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! Mail Scanner - ALWIL Software - C:\Program Files\Alwil Software\Avast4\ashMaiSv.exe
O23 - Service: avast! Web Scanner - ALWIL Software - C:\Program Files\Alwil Software\Avast4\ashWebSv.exe
O23 - Service: COMODO Firewall Pro Helper Service (cmdAgent) - COMODO - C:\Program Files\COMODO\Firewall\cmdagent.exe
O23 - Service: Google Updater Service (gusvc) - Google - C:\Program Files\Google\Common\Google Updater\GoogleUpdaterService.exe
O23 - Service: InCD Helper (InCDsrv) - Nero AG - C:\Program Files\Nero\Nero 7\InCD\InCDsrv.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 - C:\Program Files\Nero\Nero 7\Nero BackItUp\NBService.exe
O23 - Service: NMIndexingService - Nero AG - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Ahead\Lib\NMIndexingService.exe

--
End of file - 6224 bytes

I have the log from the previous Malwarebytes scan, if you ever need any further details.
Thanks again,
Momnewbie

[pskelley]

Here is what I have for Vista:
http://www.netsquirrel.com/msconfig/msconfig_vista.html

Get maximum performance from Windows Vista
http://windowshelp.microsoft.com/windows/en-us/Help/596FB57F-CC9D-4AC5-A813-5C0830E9156A1033.mspx

Some of this information may apply:
http://www.malwareremoval.com/tutorials/runningslowly.php
http://users.telenet.be/bluepatchy/miekiemoes/slowcomputer.html
http://www.microsoft.com/atwork/getstarted/speed.mspx

Before I move on, could I get the uninstall list I requested in instruction #3?

How is the computer running, any malware issues?

Thanks

[momnewbie]

Hi Phil,
Sorry about that. Here's the uninstall list as requested.

ACDSee for PENTAX 3.0
Acrobat.com
Acrobat.com
Adobe AIR
Adobe AIR
Adobe Flash Player 10 ActiveX
Adobe Reader 9
Adobe Shockwave Player
a-squared Free 4.0
avast! Antivirus
CCleaner (remove only)
CCScore
COMODO Firewall Pro
ErrorSmart
ERUNT 1.1j
ESSBrwr
ESSCDBK
ESScore
ESSgui
ESSini
ESSPCD
ESSPDock
ESSSONIC
ESSTOOLS
essvatgt
Euchre
fflink
Full Tilt Poker
Galaxy of Games Gold Edition
Google Earth
Google Toolbar for Internet Explorer
Google Updater
HijackThis 2.0.2
Intel(R) Graphics Media Accelerator Driver
Java(TM) 6 Update 11
Java(TM) 6 Update 7
kgcbaby
kgcbase
kgchday
kgchlwn
kgcinvt
kgckids
kgcmove
kgcvday
Kodak EasyShare software
Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware
Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Compact Edition [ENU]
Mozilla Firefox (3.0.6)
MSXML 4.0 SP2 (KB936181)
MSXML 4.0 SP2 (KB941833)
MSXML 4.0 SP2 (KB954430)
MSXML 4.0 SP2 Parser and SDK
Nero 7 Essentials
neroxml
netbrdg
Norton PC Checkup
OfotoXMI
PKR
PokerStars
QuickTime
Realtek High Definition Audio Driver
SecondLife (remove only)
SFR
SHASTA
Shockwave
skin0001
SKINXSDK
Solitaire 25 Volume 3
Solitaire Vol.4 Special Edition
Solitairy Confinement
Spybot - Search & Destroy
SpywareBlaster 4.1
staticcr
The Sims 2
The Sims 2 Family Fun Stuff
The Sims 2 Glamour Life Stuff
The Sims 2 Nightlife
The Sims 2 Open For Business
The Sims 2 University
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WIRELESS

I'm not aware of any malware problems at the moment. My niece had installed Norton, but I couldn't access it, so couldn't control it, so I disabled it in start programs and installed Comodo as I use that on my own machine and am familiar with it. I set defender+ to "paranoid mode" so I was getting a lot of notifications, but mostly they were as a result of trusted programs running - for example, Avast requiring access to registry and archive files during a scan - but the programs I wasn't familiar with I've denied all access to. Some of these were things like Java updates, which appear to be legitimate. I've also denied access to a couple of Google programs - the toolbar notifier and a "Google updater" - as I'm not sure what they're doing; I can see odd references to "errorsmart" and I don't know what that is, but it hasn't tried to access the internet, so as far as I know.
Last time I ran Avast and Spybot they came up clear and Avast has not reported any unusual activity either and I have all 6 providers running when I go online.
Hope that information helps.
Thanks once again for taking the time to help me.
Momnewbie

[pskelley]

Uninstall list: I look for malware and security issues and will not know all of your programs, but you should.
Hackers are using out of date programs to infect folks more and more,
Here is a small free tool that lets you know when something needs an update if you are interested:
http://secunia.com/vulnerability_scanning/personal/ While PSI runs in the System Tray for realtime notifications, I personally prefer to turn it off in MSConfig and run it from All Programs when I want to do a check.

Not seeing much, but I do see this:

Java(TM) 6 Update 7 Uninstall the out of date version:
http://forums.spybot.info/showpost.php?p=12880&postcount=2
Be aware of this information so you can opt out of anything you do not want.
Microsoft Does MSN Toolbar Distribution Deal With Java:
http://searchengineland.com/microsoft-does-msn-toolbar-distribution-deal-with-java-15413.php

I suggest you get rid of, these, they are not malware, just not needed.

a-squared Free 4.0
ErrorSmart
Full Tilt Poker
PokerStars

The other stuff (Google) use The MSConfig information and stop everything from running at startup except security programs. If they are needed at some point, the can be started in All Programs.

Thanks

[momnewbie]

Hi Phil,
Thanks again for all your help. Have uninstalled the items you suggested. Will check with my niece which programs she still uses and suggest she uninstalls what she doesn't need anymore.
I've downloaded the secunia update checker as I'm sure I'll find that a very useful tool.
I'm also working my way through the Vista "tweak" links you provided. I'll still keep my XP OS for now, but will do what I can to make my niece's machine more safe and efficient before I hand it back.
I appreciate all of your help. Hopefully my niece will be more careful how she surfs the internet now and I won't need to bother you again!
Thanks.
Momnewbie

[pskelley]

Thanks for the feedback, safe surfing:bigthumb:

Here is some great information from experts in this field that will help you stay clean and safe online.
http://users.telenet.be/bluepatchy/miekiemoes/prevention.html
http://forums.spybot.info/showthread.php?t=279
http://russelltexas.com/malware/allclear.htm
http://forum.malwareremoval.com/viewtopic.php?t=14
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/topict2520.html
http://cybercoyote.org/security/not-admin.shtml

http://www.malwarecomplaints.info/

Thanks...pskelley
Safer Networking Forums
http://www.spybot.info/en/donate/index.html
If you are reading this information...thank a teacher,
If you are reading it in English...thank a soldier.

http://users.telenet.be/bluepatchy/miekiemoes/Links.html