Virus creating cookies on network connection, and causing (new tab) popups in Firefox

D

Dagalor

New member
This all started on Oct. 14. I was playing World of Warcraft and was getting continuously disconnected until my computer wouldn't find my wireless router, or any wireless for that matter. So I figured I'd run a virus scan or two and get back to playing... Like I said, that was Oct. 14th, almost two weeks ago. Since then I haven't trusted my computer to run at anything more advanced than Safe Mode w/ Networking.

The first two virus scans I did, Malwarebyte's Anti-Malware & SUPER Antispyware (both the free kind), found some stuff and got rid of it. Since then, only Super antispyware has found anything, and even then, it's only* tracking cookies. Now I know that "cookies are only txt files and can't hurt you" but the fact that I get 5-70somthing of them from just updating the virus definitions of my anti-whatevers.

*When opening FireFox (default browser), I end up getting a tabbed popup or two that usually have some "error" or "warning" box that pops up. After closing all that and running a virus scan, I usually end up with a found virus or trojan, in addition to the 5-70something cookies. I don't get these popups if I use IE, but I do still get the cookies.

I've attached the DDS log and the Attach log, please let me know if there's any other information that you need that I've left out, or if there is anything that needs clarification.

I thank you in advance for any assistance you can provide.


DDS (Ver_10-10-21.02) - NTFSx86 NETWORK
Run by Administrator at 16:01:29.50 on Wed 10/27/2010
Internet Explorer: 8.0.6001.18702 BrowserJavaVersion: 1.6.0_21
Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition 5.1.2600.3.1252.1.1033.18.2045.1533 [GMT -4:00]

AV: AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition 2011 *On-access scanning enabled* (Updated) {17DDD097-36FF-435F-9E1B-52D74245D6BF}

============== Running Processes ===============

C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost -k DcomLaunch
svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe -k netsvcs
svchost.exe
svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\Macromed\Shockwave 10\PostUpdate.exe
C:\Documents and Settings\Administrator.VALSPAR\My Documents\Downloads\dds.scr

============== Pseudo HJT Report ===============

uSearch Bar = hxxp://www.gateway.com/g/sidepanel.html?Ch=Retail&Br=EM&Loc=ENG_US&Sys=DTP&M=T3516
uStart Page = google.com
BHO: AVG Safe Search: {3ca2f312-6f6e-4b53-a66e-4e65e497c8c0} - c:\program files\avg\avg10\avgssie.dll
EB: Real.com: {fe54fa40-d68c-11d2-98fa-00c0f0318afe} - c:\windows\system32\Shdocvw.dll
uRun: [Power2GoExpress] NA
uRun: [ctfmon.exe] c:\windows\system32\ctfmon.exe
mRun: [RemoteControl] "c:\program files\cyberlink\powerdvd\PDVDServ.exe"
mRun: [Recguard] %WINDIR%\SMINST\RECGUARD.EXE
mRun: [REGSHAVE] c:\program files\regshave\REGSHAVE.EXE /AUTORUN
mRun: [EvtMgr6] c:\program files\logitech\setpointp\SetPoint.exe /launchGaming
mRun: [RTHDCPL] RTHDCPL.EXE
mRun: [Alcmtr] ALCMTR.EXE
mRun: [NvCplDaemon] RUNDLL32.EXE c:\windows\system32\NvCpl.dll,NvStartup
mRun: [nwiz] nwiz.exe /install
mRun: [NvMediaCenter] RUNDLL32.EXE c:\windows\system32\NvMcTray.dll,NvTaskbarInit
mRun: [SunJavaUpdateSched] "c:\program files\common files\java\java update\jusched.exe"
mRun: [Iturenezuduqiyal] rundll32.exe "c:\windows\ocebahukuruboho.dll",Startup
mRun: [AVG_TRAY] c:\program files\avg\avg10\avgtray.exe
mRun: [QuickTime Task] "c:\program files\quicktime\qttask.exe" -atboottime
mRun: [UserFaultCheck] %systemroot%\system32\dumprep 0 -u
dRunOnce: [SWHelper] "c:\windows\system32\macromed\shockwave 10\PostUpdate.exe" 1014020
dPolicies-system: DisableRegistryTools = 1 (0x1)
IE: E&xport to Microsoft Excel - c:\progra~1\micros~2\office11\EXCEL.EXE/3000
IE: {e2e2dd38-d088-4134-82b7-f2ba38496583} - %windir%\Network Diagnostic\xpnetdiag.exe
IE: {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - c:\program files\messenger\msmsgs.exe
IE: {92780B25-18CC-41C8-B9BE-3C9C571A8263} - {FF059E31-CC5A-4E2E-BF3B-96E929D65503} - c:\progra~1\micros~2\office11\REFIEBAR.DLL
IE: {CD67F990-D8E9-11d2-98FE-00C0F0318AFE} - {FE54FA40-D68C-11d2-98FA-00C0F0318AFE} - c:\windows\system32\Shdocvw.dll
DPF: {149E45D8-163E-4189-86FC-45022AB2B6C9} - file:///C:/Program%20Files/The%20Mystery%20of%20the%20Crystal%20Portal/Images/stg_drm.ocx
DPF: {166B1BCA-3F9C-11CF-8075-444553540000} - hxxp://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/director/sw.cab
DPF: {48DD0448-9209-4F81-9F6D-D83562940134} - hxxp://lads.myspace.com/upload/MySpaceUploader1006.cab
DPF: {8AD9C840-044E-11D1-B3E9-00805F499D93} - hxxp://java.sun.com/update/1.6.0/jinstall-1_6_0_21-windows-i586.cab
DPF: {8FFBE65D-2C9C-4669-84BD-5829DC0B603C} - hxxp://fpdownload.macromedia.com/get/flashplayer/current/ultrashim.cab
DPF: {CAFEEFAC-0016-0000-0021-ABCDEFFEDCBA} - hxxp://java.sun.com/update/1.6.0/jinstall-1_6_0_21-windows-i586.cab
DPF: {CAFEEFAC-FFFF-FFFF-FFFF-ABCDEFFEDCBA} - hxxp://java.sun.com/update/1.6.0/jinstall-1_6_0_21-windows-i586.cab
DPF: {CC450D71-CC90-424C-8638-1F2DBAC87A54} - file:///C:/Program%20Files/Amazing%20Adventures%20The%20Lost%20Tomb/Images/armhelper.ocx
DPF: {D0C0F75C-683A-4390-A791-1ACFD5599AB8} - hxxp://games.myspace.com/Gameshell/GameHost/1.0/OberonGameHost.cab
DPF: {E2883E8F-472F-4FB0-9522-AC9BF37916A7} - hxxp://platformdl.adobe.com/NOS/getPlusPlus/1.6/gp.cab
Handler: linkscanner - {F274614C-63F8-47D5-A4D1-FBDDE494F8D1} - c:\program files\avg\avg10\avgpp.dll
Notify: !SASWinLogon - c:\program files\superantispyware\SASWINLO.dll
Notify: AtiExtEvent - Ati2evxx.dll
Notify: LBTWlgn - c:\program files\common files\logishrd\bluetooth\LBTWlgn.dll
SSODL: WPDShServiceObj - {AAA288BA-9A4C-45B0-95D7-94D524869DB5} - c:\windows\system32\WPDShServiceObj.dll
SEH: SABShellExecuteHook Class: {5ae067d3-9afb-48e0-853a-ebb7f4a000da} - c:\program files\superantispyware\SASSEH.DLL

================= FIREFOX ===================

FF - ProfilePath - c:\docume~1\admini~1.val\applic~1\mozilla\firefox\profiles\9ex7g05c.default\
FF - prefs.js: browser.startup.homepage - hxxp://www.google.com
FF - plugin: c:\program files\google\google earth\plugin\npgeplugin.dll
FF - plugin: c:\program files\google\update\1.2.183.29\npGoogleOneClick8.dll
FF - plugin: c:\program files\java\jre6\bin\new_plugin\npdeployJava1.dll
FF - plugin: c:\program files\viewpoint\viewpoint experience technology\npViewpoint.dll
FF - HiddenExtension: Microsoft .NET Framework Assistant: {20a82645-c095-46ed-80e3-08825760534b} - c:\windows\microsoft.net\framework\v3.5\windows presentation foundation\dotnetassistantextension\
FF - HiddenExtension: XULRunner: {8562F985-F26B-42FB-B3E0-B4E4A13542F7} - c:\documents and settings\owner\local settings\application data\{8562F985-F26B-42FB-B3E0-B4E4A13542F7}

---- FIREFOX POLICIES ----
c:\program files\mozilla firefox\greprefs\all.js - pref("network.IDN.whitelist.xn--mgbaam7a8h", true);
c:\program files\mozilla firefox\greprefs\all.js - pref("network.IDN.whitelist.xn--fiqz9s", true); // Traditional
c:\program files\mozilla firefox\greprefs\all.js - pref("network.IDN.whitelist.xn--fiqs8s", true); // Simplified
c:\program files\mozilla firefox\greprefs\all.js - pref("network.IDN.whitelist.xn--j6w193g", true);
c:\program files\mozilla firefox\greprefs\all.js - pref("network.IDN.whitelist.xn--mgberp4a5d4ar", true);
c:\program files\mozilla firefox\greprefs\all.js - pref("network.IDN.whitelist.xn--mgberp4a5d4a87g", true);
c:\program files\mozilla firefox\greprefs\all.js - pref("network.IDN.whitelist.xn--mgbqly7c0a67fbc", true);
c:\program files\mozilla firefox\greprefs\all.js - pref("network.IDN.whitelist.xn--mgbqly7cvafr", true);
c:\program files\mozilla firefox\greprefs\all.js - pref("network.IDN.whitelist.xn--kpry57d", true); // Traditional
c:\program files\mozilla firefox\greprefs\all.js - pref("network.IDN.whitelist.xn--kprw13d", true); // Simplified

============= SERVICES / DRIVERS ===============

R0 AVGIDSEH;AVGIDSEH;c:\windows\system32\drivers\AVGIDSEH.sys [2010-9-13 25680]
R0 Avgrkx86;AVG Anti-Rootkit Driver;c:\windows\system32\drivers\avgrkx86.sys [2010-9-7 26064]
R1 Avgtdix;AVG TDI Driver;c:\windows\system32\drivers\avgtdix.sys [2010-9-7 298448]
S0 amrsc;amrsc;c:\windows\system32\drivers\amrsc.sys [2010-10-17 0]
S1 Avgldx86;AVG AVI Loader Driver;c:\windows\system32\drivers\avgldx86.sys [2010-9-7 249424]
S1 Avgmfx86;AVG Mini-Filter Resident Anti-Virus Shield;c:\windows\system32\drivers\avgmfx86.sys [2010-9-7 34384]
S1 SASDIFSV;SASDIFSV;c:\program files\superantispyware\sasdifsv.sys [2010-2-17 12872]
S1 SASKUTIL;SASKUTIL;c:\program files\superantispyware\SASKUTIL.SYS [2010-2-17 66632]
S2 AVGIDSAgent;AVGIDSAgent;c:\program files\avg\avg10\identity protection\agent\bin\AVGIDSAgent.exe [2010-9-3 6104144]
S2 avgwd;AVG WatchDog;c:\program files\avg\avg10\avgwdsvc.exe [2010-9-10 265400]
S2 gupdate1c9cd77a8f2388;Google Update Service (gupdate1c9cd77a8f2388);c:\program files\google\update\GoogleUpdate.exe [2009-5-5 133104]
S3 AVGIDSDriver;AVGIDSDriver;c:\windows\system32\drivers\AVGIDSDriver.sys [2010-8-19 123472]
S3 AVGIDSFilter;AVGIDSFilter;c:\windows\system32\drivers\AVGIDSFilter.sys [2010-8-19 30288]
S3 AVGIDSShim;AVGIDSShim;c:\windows\system32\drivers\AVGIDSShim.sys [2010-8-19 26192]
S3 el575nd5;3Com Megahertz 10/100 LAN CardBus PC Card Driver;c:\windows\system32\drivers\el575ND5.sys [2006-7-1 69692]
S3 SASENUM;SASENUM;c:\program files\superantispyware\SASENUM.SYS [2010-2-17 12872]

=============== Created Last 30 ================

2010-10-26 21:24:22 -------- d-----w- c:\docume~1\admini~1.val\locals~1\applic~1\Mozilla
2010-10-26 00:22:28 0 ----a-w- c:\windows\system32\lsp18.tmp
2010-10-21 14:46:42 -------- d-----w- c:\program files\GMER
2010-10-21 13:46:33 -------- d--h--w- c:\docume~1\alluse~1\applic~1\Common Files
2010-10-21 13:45:14 -------- d-----w- c:\windows\system32\drivers\AVG
2010-10-21 13:45:13 -------- d-----w- c:\docume~1\alluse~1\applic~1\AVG10
2010-10-21 13:27:16 -------- d-----w- c:\windows\pss
2010-10-20 16:10:44 -------- d-----w- c:\docume~1\admini~1.val\locals~1\applic~1\Adobe
2010-10-20 16:06:13 -------- d-sh--w- c:\documents and settings\administrator.valspar\PrivacIE
2010-10-18 23:27:24 -------- d-----w- c:\docume~1\admini~1.val\applic~1\Malwarebytes
2010-10-17 23:47:55 0 ----a-w- c:\windows\Jcudifasocukexug.bin
2010-10-17 23:45:54 0 ----a-w- c:\windows\system32\drivers\amrsc.sys
2010-10-17 23:45:48 -------- d-----w- c:\docume~1\alluse~1\applic~1\Update
2010-10-17 23:32:41 -------- d-----w- c:\docume~1\alluse~1\applic~1\MFAData
2010-10-15 16:22:12 -------- d-----w- c:\docume~1\admini~1.val\applic~1\SUPERAntiSpyware.com
2010-10-15 16:21:46 -------- d-sh--w- c:\documents and settings\administrator.valspar\IETldCache
2010-10-15 16:20:03 49152 ----a-r- c:\docume~1\admini~1.val\applic~1\microsoft\installer\{15377c3e-9655-400f-b441-e69f0a6beafe}\NewShortcut3_15377C3E9655400FB441E69F0A6BEAFE.EXE
2010-10-15 16:20:03 45056 ----a-r- c:\docume~1\admini~1.val\applic~1\microsoft\installer\{15377c3e-9655-400f-b441-e69f0a6beafe}\NewShortcut2_15377C3E9655400FB441E69F0A6BEAFE.EXE
2010-10-15 16:20:03 45056 ----a-r- c:\docume~1\admini~1.val\applic~1\microsoft\installer\{15377c3e-9655-400f-b441-e69f0a6beafe}\NewShortcut1_15377C3E9655400FB441E69F0A6BEAFE.exe
2010-10-13 02:39:04 954368 -c----w- c:\windows\system32\dllcache\mfc40.dll
2010-10-13 02:39:03 974848 -c----w- c:\windows\system32\dllcache\mfc42.dll
2010-10-13 02:39:03 953856 -c----w- c:\windows\system32\dllcache\mfc40u.dll
2010-10-13 02:38:34 617472 -c----w- c:\windows\system32\dllcache\comctl32.dll
2010-10-09 13:29:29 143360 ----a-w- c:\windows\system32\nvcolor.exe

==================== Find3M ====================

2010-09-18 16:23:26 974848 ----a-w- c:\windows\system32\mfc42u.dll
2010-09-18 06:53:25 974848 ----a-w- c:\windows\system32\mfc42.dll
2010-09-18 06:53:25 954368 ------w- c:\windows\system32\mfc40.dll
2010-09-18 06:53:25 953856 ----a-w- c:\windows\system32\mfc40u.dll
2010-09-10 05:58:08 916480 ----a-w- c:\windows\system32\wininet.dll
2010-09-10 05:58:06 43520 ----a-w- c:\windows\system32\licmgr10.dll
2010-09-10 05:58:06 1469440 ------w- c:\windows\system32\inetcpl.cpl
2010-09-01 11:51:14 285824 ----a-w- c:\windows\system32\atmfd.dll
2010-08-31 13:42:52 1852800 ----a-w- c:\windows\system32\win32k.sys
2010-08-27 08:02:29 119808 ----a-w- c:\windows\system32\t2embed.dll
2010-08-27 05:57:43 99840 ----a-w- c:\windows\system32\srvsvc.dll
2010-08-26 12:52:45 5120 ----a-w- c:\windows\system32\xpsp4res.dll
2010-08-23 16:12:04 617472 ----a-w- c:\windows\system32\comctl32.dll
2010-08-17 13:17:06 58880 ----a-w- c:\windows\system32\spoolsv.exe
2010-08-16 08:45:00 590848 ----a-w- c:\windows\system32\rpcrt4.dll

============= FINISH: 16:03:22.96 ===============
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Hi,

Download GMER here by clicking download exe -button and then saving it your desktop:
  • Double-click .exe that you downloaded
  • Click rootkit-tab, uncheck files option and then click scan.
  • Don't check
    Show All
    box while scanning in progress!
  • When scanning is ready, click Copy.
  • This copies log to clipboard
  • Post log (if the log is long, archive it into a zip file and attach instead of posting) in your reply. Post fresh dds.txt too.
 
Thank you for responding, hopefully with your help I can avoid a "fun" filled day of formating and reinstalling Windows...

Oh, and please let me know if you want things run in Windows "normal" mode, as opposed to safe mode w/ networking.

Thanks again!
 
Hi,

Do the following things in normal mode. Make sure you have your antivirus protection turned off (it's possible you're asked to uninstall it until we've finished the cleaning process).

Please visit this webpage for download links, and instructions for running ComboFix tool:

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

Please ensure you read this guide carefully first.

Please continue as follows:

  1. Close/disable all anti virus and anti malware programs so they do not interfere with the running of ComboFix, link
    Remember to re-enable them afterwards.

  2. 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 dds log.

A word of warning: Neither I nor sUBs are responsible for any damage you may have caused your machine by running ComboFix. This tool is not a toy and not for everyday use.
 
Hi again,

Download & run AppRemover to remove AVG leftovers. You may reinstall it when we've finished if you wish.


Open notepad and copy/paste the text in the quotebox below into it:

Code: 
File::
c:\windows\system32\lsp18.tmp
Folder::
c:\docume~1\owner\applic~1\Qyyci
c:\docume~1\owner\applic~1\Avupzi
c:\docume~1\alluse~1\applic~1\Update
RegLock::
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run\OptionalComponents\IMAIL]
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run\OptionalComponents\MAPI]
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run\OptionalComponents\MSFS]


Save this as
CFScript

A word of warning: Neither I nor sUBs are responsible for any damage you may have caused your machine. This tool is not a toy and not for everyday use.

CFScriptB-4.gif


Close all browser windows and refering to the picture above, drag CFScript into ComboFix.exe
Then post the resultant log.


Uninstall old Adobe Reader versions and get the latest one (9.4) here or get Foxit Reader here. Make sure you don't install toolbar if choose Foxit Reader! You may also check free readers introduced here.


Your Java is out of date. Older versions have vulnerabilities that malware can use to infect your system. Please follow these steps to remove older version Java components and update to the latest version...

Updating Java:
  • Download the latest version of Java Runtime Environment (JRE) 6 Update 22.
  • Click the
    Download
    button to the right.
  • Select Windows on platform combobox and check the box that says:
    Accept License Agreement. Click continue.
  • The page will refresh.
  • Click on the link to download Windows Offline Installation with or without Multi-language and save to your desktop.
  • Close any programs you may have running - especially your web browser.
  • Go to Start > Control Panel double-click on Add/Remove programs and remove all older versions of Java.
  • Check any item with Java Runtime Environment (JRE or J2SE) in the name.
  • Click the Remove or Change/Remove button.
  • Repeat as many times as necessary to remove each Java versions.
  • Reboot your computer once all Java components are removed.
  • Then from your desktop double-click on jre-6u22-windows-i586-p.exe to install the newest version. Uncheck Carbonite online backup trial if it's offered there.



Download ATF (Atribune Temp File) Cleaner© by Atribune to your desktop.

Double-click ATF Cleaner.exe to open it

Under Main choose:
Windows Temp
Current User Temp
All Users Temp
Cookies
Temporary Internet Files
Prefetch
Java Cache
*The other boxes are optional*
Then click the Empty Selected button.

If you use Firefox:
Click Firefox at the top and choose: Select All
Click the Empty Selected button.
NOTE: If you would like to keep your saved passwords, please click NO at the prompt.

If you use Opera:
Click Opera at the top and choose: Select All
Click the Empty Selected button.
NOTE: If you would like to keep your saved passwords, please click NO at the prompt.

Click Exit on the Main menu to close the program.


Please run an online scan with Kaspersky Online Scanner as instructed in the screenshot here.

Post back its report, a fresh dds.txt log and above mentioned ComboFix resultant log.
 
The AppRemover couldn't find the AVG leftovers, tried both remove and clean up. I plan on reinstalling AVG (unless you know of a better free virus scan that auto updates and auto scans, in which case please let me know), so with that in mind, I would think that getting rid of those extra few files wouldn't be that critical. Although, I'm the one with the messed up computer, so maybe we should just ignore what I think :D:
 
Yep, reinstallation later should work for AVG :)

Open notepad and copy/paste the text in the quotebox below into it:

Code: 
File::
c:\windows\Jcudifasocukexug.bin
C:\Documents and Settings\LocalService\Application Data\Sun\Java\Deployment\cache\6.0\31\73769d5f-2accbaee
C:\Documents and Settings\NetworkService\Application Data\Sun\Java\Deployment\cache\6.0\32\4a7a7920-4a971627


Save this as
CFScript

A word of warning: Neither I nor sUBs are responsible for any damage you may have caused your machine. This tool is not a toy and not for everyday use.

CFScriptB-4.gif


Close all browser windows and refering to the picture above, drag CFScript into ComboFix.exe
Then post the resultant log. Any symptoms left?
 
The symptoms that caused me to ask for help are gone, I checked for cookies - none found, then updated the virus definitions, checked again for cookies - none found, then opened Firefox, no popups or cookies.

While searching for the cookies though, one of the svchost processes failed. I've attached a cropped screen shot of the windows error message. This happened before during the first run of ComboFix, though I forgot to mention it, sorry.

Thanks again for all your help, please let me know if there's anything else I need to do.
 
Hi,

Sounds promising if the error hasn't returned after fixing steps we've taken after it:)


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



Now lets uninstall ComboFix:
  • Click START then RUN
  • Now copy-paste Combofix /uninstall in the runbox and click OK


Please download OTC and save it to desktop.
  • Double-click OTC.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 OTC attempting to contact the internet, please allow it to do so.


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 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.

  • 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. Make sure you read the instructions on how to install the hosts file. There is a good tutorial here
    If you decide to download the hosts file, the slowdown problems can usually be avoided by following these steps:
    1. [*]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
  • Download and run Secunia Personal Software Inspector (PSI) and fix its findings.


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:

P.S. After those steps above have been taken AVG can be reinstalled.
 
So far everything still looks fine. I've removed ComboFix and ran OTC and updated everything that Secunia had found. Unfortunately though, I can't get to the Microsoft update site.

I went to http://update.microsoft.com/microsoftupdate clicked on the start now button, and then continue on the next page, it then checks for activeX and then it says that there's a connection problem.
 
Hi,

I assume you are able to access www.microsoft.com (let me know if you aren't).

1. Download Dial-a-Fix archive file here.
2. Extract contents to suitable place (e.g. your desktop) and navigate to that location.
3. Double-click Dial-a-Fix.exe file to execute the program.
4. Checkmark Fix Windows Update -checkbox. It's possible that the program checks some options automatically after that. Leave those untouched and click GO -button.

When tool has finished, reboot and see if you're able to access Windows Update.
 
I can access microsoft.com

I downloaded the Dial-a-Fix, and ran the fix windows update, but the same thing still happens. It checks for activeX then says that it encountered an error.

Also, the svchost error came up again, I've saved the temp directory that the "report this problem to Microsoft" utility created in case you wanted to see the log files from it. The only thing it seems to do is change my task bar from the blue windows XP one to the gray windows 98 one. It doesn't seem to affect anything critical, but it is kinda annoying.
 
Hi,

Try to reset IE settings:
1. Exit all programs, including Internet Explorer (if it is running).
2. Click Start, and then click Run. Type the following command in the Open box, and then press ENTER:
inetcpl.cpl
The Internet Options dialog box appears.
3. Click the Advanced tab.
4. Under Reset Internet Explorer settings, click Reset. Then click Reset again.
5. When Internet Explorer finishes resetting the settings, click Close in the Reset Internet Explorer Settings dialog box.
6. Start Internet Explorer again.
 
After resetting, I got the prompt to install the activeX plugin, but after it installed I got the the same encountered an error page.
 
Hi,

What firewall are you using? Please post complete error message you get while trying to access Windows Update.
 
I'm currently only using the windows firewall, I've tried connecting to the microsoft update with it on and with it off.

The error number I get is 0x80072EFF, the only other thing is says is:
"The website has encountered a problem and cannot display the page you are trying to view."
 
Hi,

Could you see if you're able to uninstall AVG there (you can try their remover) and then try to access Windows Update?
 
Hi,

Open notepad and then copy and paste the bolded lines below into it. Go to File > save as and name the file fixes.bat, change the Save as type to all files and save it to your desktop.
@ECHO OFF
type c:\windows\system32\drivers\etc\hosts >Log.txt

Double-click on fixes.bat file to execute it. Attach Log.txt file to your post, please

Among that I need to see fresh dds logs.
 
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