Vundo + Darksma = popups

I no longer get pop ups, and havent had any issues with explorer.exe failing to load.

The only issue I have now is when I turn on my pc from being shut down, most of the time msn will begin to load (not sure if that's the issue at all though) then it freezes. At that point the internet doesnt work at all. Logging out and back into the account (not restarting) solves the issue as it then loads properly. When that happens and I go to log off, there are usually 3 programs that crash (not sure at the moment what they are) but one is always a different set of 3 random numbers and/or letters.

Any ideas?
 
Hi

You can try to fix this entry with HijackThis, reboot and let me know it if helped:

O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [msnmsgr] "C:\Program Files\Windows Live\Messenger\MsnMsgr.Exe" /background
 
Well, after one start up, the problem hasnt come up, so hopefully that worked. Otherwise I think everything else is clean

The final issue I have left is the problem with not being able to enter safemode... I think that may require a fresh install with the Gateway restore disk... unless you have any ideas I can try with regards to that, I think we're done here.

Thank you SO very much for all the help!
 
Hi

You can try this:

Please download AVZ

Run AVZ then click File > System Recovery>Restore Safeboot Reg keys

Exit AVZ.
 
Seems I just had the stalling issue on startup again. When I went to Log out, "a54" (alwasy 3 random characters) and msnmsgr.exe crashed... then when I logged back in it worked fine as usual.

With regards to AVZ, I cannot download the file you speak of... there is however a similar one, but it's not in english and I cannot understand the menus at all. Maybe if you just walk me through what to press. According to another site, I think I should press the first drop down menu (file?), then option 10 on the list (?), and from there I would assume I'm pressing the button with the green triangle to start it.

Thanks.
 
Hi

"Seems I just had the stalling issue on startup again. When I went to Log out, "a54" (alwasy 3 random characters) and msnmsgr.exe crashed... then when I logged back in it worked fine as usual."

Sorry to hear that. Anyway, that is a misc windows issue and not a malware issue any more. I can re-direct you to some windows forum if you like to.

As for AVZ, my bad.

There is currently only Russian version out.

But you can download an English version from here
 
Hi,

When I "Run AVZ then click File > System Recovery>", the box that opens up is empty and I have no options, such as "Restore Safeboot Reg keys".

Any ideas?

As for a seperate forum for the stalling issue, that would be appreciated. I have dissabled msn from automatically starting and so far that is working.
 
Hi

Then I just give you final instructions:

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

Your Java is out of date. Older versions have vulnerabilities that malware can use to infect your system. A malicious site could render Java content under older, vulnerable versions of Sun's software if the user has not removed them. Please follow these steps to remove older version Java components and update:
  • Download the latest version of Java Runtime Environment (JRE) 6 Update 5 and save it to your desktop.
  • Scroll down to where it saysThe Java SE Runtime Environment (JRE) allows end-users to run Java applications..
  • 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 > Settings > Control Panel, double-click on Add/Remove Programs and remove all older versions of Java.
  • Check (highlight) 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-6u5-windows-i586-p.exe to install the newest version.

Next we remove all used tools.

Please download OTMoveIt2 and save it to desktop.
  • Double-click OTMoveIt2.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 OTMoveIt2 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 - It is imperitive that you update your Antivirus software at least once a week (Even more if you wish). If you do not update your antivirus software then it will not be able to catch any of the new variants that may come out.

  • 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 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
  • Google Toolbar <= Get the free google toolbar to help stop pop up windows.
  • Comodo BOCLEAN <= Stop identity thieves from getting personal information. Instantly detects well over 1,000,000 unique, variant and repack malware in total. And it's free.
  • 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! :bigthumb:
 
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 your helper a private message (pm). A valid, working link to the closed topic is required.
 
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