"Search results are being redirected" problems

[TheWarden]

Ok, emptied that folder, then deleted all items from the Recycle Bin.

Tried a few searches with IE 8 and Firefox with Google, Bing, and Yahoo. No redirects! Yay!

I have a literal ton of questions for you, but first are there more steps you would like to take?

To save a post, I'll start compiling my questions (and before I forget them):
1. I'm still worried about now having software up to date. What are the important ones (I know Windows Update, Flash, and Java). I updated Java and Flash after I started having problems. How can I tell if everything is up to date?
2. I have no firewall software. Can you recommend a good free one or paid one?
3. Firefox says new Java Quick Starter add-on was installed when I started it today. I guess this was from my last updated Java?
4. I still have files (pictures, videos, and documents - doc, rtf, pdf) from my old Win 98 machine that mentioned on original post. How safe is it to bring files (and what type of files) from old to new via CD? Memory cards? What about the dozens of CDs I've made over the years? Just scan the with A/V?
5. Dumb question: Both machines are plugged into the same hub from router -Can viruses / malware propagate that way? Should disconnect old PC?

Sorry for all the dumb questions. I will wait for for your next response before taking action.

Thanks for your continued assistance!

[Shaba]

1. Instructions will be in my all clean

2. See 1.

3. Yes it is included in recent Java versions.

4. If there are malware, they should be recognized by all means by now.

5. They can in theory, yes.

[TheWarden]

Good to know.

Also, did ComboFix fix that safe mode problem?

Anyway, I shall wait for your next steps as usual.

[Shaba]

Yes it did if it works OK now?

[TheWarden]

Yep, safe mode is a-ok.

[Shaba]

Now that you are clean, please follow these simple steps in order to keep your computer clean and secure:

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 (Uncheck during installation "Install COMODO Antivirus (Recommended)"!, "Install Comodo HopSurf..", Make Comodo my default search provider" and "Make HopSurf my homepage")
2) Online Armor
3) PC Tools
4) Sunbelt/Kerio
5) ZoneAlarm (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.

Now lets uninstall ComboFix:

• Click START then RUN
• Now type Combofix /uninstall in the runbox and click OK

Next we remove all used tools.

Please download OTCleanIt and save it to desktop.

• Double-click OTCleanIt.exe.
• Click the CleanUp! button.
• Select Yes when the "Begin cleanup Process?" prompt appears.
• If you are prompted to Reboot during the cleanup, select Yes.
• The tool will delete itself once it finishes, if not delete it by yourself.

Note: If you receive a warning from your firewall or other security programs regarding OTCleanIt attempting to contact the internet, please allow it to do so.

• Disable and Enable System Restore. - If you are using Windows XP then you should disable and re-enable system restore to make sure there are no infected files found in a restore point.
  
  You can find instructions on how to enable and re-enable system restore here:
  
  Windows XP System Restore Guide

Re-enable system restore with instructions from tutorial above

• 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 and keep your other programs up-to-date Update your Antivirus programs and other security products regularly to avoid new threats that could infect your system.
  You can use one of these sites to check if any updates are needed for your pc.
  Secunia Software Inspector
  F-secure Health Check
  
• 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.
  
• 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
  
  Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware Scanning Guide
  
  
• 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
  
  
• 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 <= 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. See also a hosts file tutorial here
• Winpatrol <= 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

Stand Up and Be Counted ---> Malware Complaints <--- 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

Happy surfing and stay clean!

[TheWarden]

Awesome. You rock, Shaba. Thanks for all the help.

Took me a while but I got through all this:

- One of the Firewalls you suggested
- Combofix uninstall
- OTCleanit
- Disabled System Restore, restarted, renabled
- IE settings you describe
- Both web-check sites you mentioned.
- MVPS Hosts file replace. Hey it blocks ads too!
- Read over your last link

+ Have not MBAMed yet, but will check it out. I do have Spybot S&D w/ Teatimer already.
+ Have not SpywareBlastered yet, but will check it out. Have run Spybot's browser "Immunizer" feature, which I believe is similar? It added bunch of sites to Restricted Sites area amoung other things I reckon...

If you have a minute, I have one question: I'd really like to use Firefox instead of IE, but can't find equivalents to those security settings that we disabled in FF. Would FF be less secure then? That seems hard to believe...

[Shaba]

They are good as is

You can use NoScript and AdBlock Plus to enhance security.

[Shaba]

Since this issue appears to be resolved ... this Topic has been closed. Glad I could help.

Note: If it has been four 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 four 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. Please do not add any logs that might have been requested in the closed topic, you would be starting fresh.