Help needed with Xlime issue -- Hijack This log ready

Time for a reality check: running any Internet computer without an antivirus program is simpy computer suicide. You might as well put up a red flag saying destroy my computer!
Add in running Kazaa it's a candidate for disaster. At the very least if you're going to run this cracked program, don't let it autoload.

Get an AV program immediately.

In the meantime...

Run Hijackthis, scan and check the box left of these numbered line items:

R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page = http://red.clientapps.yahoo.com/customize/ie/defaults/sp/ymsgr/*http://www.yahoo.com
R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://www.comcast.net/
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Bar = http://red.clientapps.yahoo.com/customize/ie/defaults/sb/ymsgr/*http://www.yahoo.com/ext/search/search.html
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page = http://red.clientapps.yahoo.com/customize/ie/defaults/sp/ymsgr/*http://www.yahoo.com
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Search_URL = http://red.clientapps.yahoo.com/customize/ie/defaults/su/ymsgr/*http://www.yahoo.com
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\SearchURL,(Default) = http://red.clientapps.yahoo.com/customize/ie/defaults/su/ymsgr/*http://www.yahoo.com
R3 - Default URLSearchHook is missing
F1 - win.ini: run=C:\WINDOWS\System32\services\exploit.exe
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {0000607D-D204-42C7-8E46-216055BF9918} - C:\WINDOWS\mxTarget.dll
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {021BB032-80A8-4FB6-B3D5-CF27B1553B95} - C:\WINDOWS\mslagent\4b_1,0,1,0_mslagent.dll (file missing)
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [zzzHPSETUP] E:\Setup.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ujhlsvent] C:\WINDOWS\System32\ksnrhe.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [cjkAgb3CT] C:\documents and settings\jesse\local settings\temp\cjkAgb3CT.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Dsi] C:\WINDOWS\System32\dp-him.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [574U3Eg] ahusdba.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ist service uninstall] C:\WINDOWS\mstasks2.exe /u
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [Kwv8ROM3T] ocmial32.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [NDrv] C:\WINDOWS\System32\NDrv.exe
O16 - DPF: {1EB17D1C-141D-4D9D-91CB-24D99215851D} - http://akamai.downloadv3.com/binaries/IA/netia32_EN_XP.cab
O16 - DPF: {2C38A62E-D257-40E8-8BB7-5624E38FEB0A} - http://www.terra.es/personal5/dialerdl/3077.exe
O16 - DPF: {FB2961FD-DD24-4F8A-8A92-6F9325FF6F11} - http://www.supaseek.com/toolbar/toolbar.cab
O16 - DPF: {FF65677A-8977-48CA-916A-DFF81B037DF3} - http://download.overpro.com/WildApp.cab

With no other windows open click on fix checked button in Hijackthis.

Exit Hijackthis.

Reboot to SAFE MODE and Show HIDDEN FILES and folders  (VERY IMPORTANT!)

FAQ 8 and 9 on this page: http://www.russelltexas.com/malware/faqhijackthis.htm

Hit Control-Shift-Escape keys at same time, stop processes for these if found:

ksnrhe.exe
cjkAgb3CT.exe
ahusdba.exe
ocmial32.exe
NDrv.exe

Open Windows Explorer: type the word explorer at Start/Run box and click OK:

Drill on down and delete the following files and/or folders: (some may not be present)

Folders and/or folder contents:


C:\WINDOWS\mslagent
C:\documents and settings\jesse\local settings\temp\   all files in temp folder...leave temp foldername intact.

Files:

C:\WINDOWS\System32\services\exploit.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\ksnrhe.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\dp-him.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\ahusdba.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\ocmial32.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\NDrv.exe

C:\WINDOWS\mxTarget.dll
C:\WINDOWS\mstasks2.exe

Exit Explorer...immediately right button click on Recycle Bin and empty it.

Reboot to normal mode:

Download and run these two programs (Spybot S&D and Adaware) at the link below. Use Spybot first.

Most of the baddies you have can be killed by a one-two punch with Spybot and Adaware assuming these three factors are achieved:

1. Latest version
2. Configured correctly for running options
3. New definitions from update feature

Chris has posted an excellent tutorial by dgosling on how to run Spybot S&D and also how to enable customized deep scanning functions for Adaware. Once you set these options they will be retained for future scans by Adaware.

Follow the directions in this detailed guide for Spybot and Adaware...print out the directions in the custom scan tutorial as a reference while you set these options for the custom setup of Adaware. These custom settings will be retained for future custom scans so don't go nuts thinking you have to do this every time you run it! It may take you five minutes to set them up, but it's worth it.

http://www.cjwd.demon.co.uk/spybot-adaware.html

Please note the free Spybot 1.3 does have a slight bug...it detects some DSO exploits falsely. Hopefully an upgrade will fix this.The problem is not serious and should not deter people from using Spybot.

I also like to run Windows Disk Cleanup after cleaning with those two tools. Make sure you reboot if any reboot cleanup functions of Spybot and Adaware are advised by these tools (this may happen at the end of their cleanup).

Run Disk Cleanup: type cleanmgr at Start/Run. Scan all hard drives and check all categories at the end and click OK.

If you have any problems with Disk Cleanup completing...XP users can fix it here:

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;812248

Or try this fix: http://www2.whidbey.net/djdenham/DeleteOldFiles.htm

Reboot and browse a bit and post a new Hijackthis log.

All the best,

Texruss
www.russelltexas.com
Spyware Fighter Wilders Forum
Slyware Warrior Tom Coyote Forum
Expert Malware Responder Dell Forum

Please be aware only the following DellForum members were trained at
TomCoyote.com and SpywareInfo.com to help with Hijackthis logs: Texruss,
Baskar1234, Grinler, ChrisRLG, SpotCheckBilly, and pskelley. (If you are
one of our classmates and not on this list email me for an addition to this
list...we need all the help we can get *;-)

Muy bueno...one little vatito..

Fix check in Hijackthis:

R3 - Default URLSearchHook is missing
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [Kwv8ROM3T] dsu2nls.exe

Unload dsu2nls.exe in Processes, delete in C:\Windows\System32 folder.

Reboot, browse a bit, set and maintain a new home page. Reboot and post a new Hijackthis log.

Texruss

Here it is. 

 

Logfile of HijackThis v1.97.7
Scan saved at 1:20:06 PM, on 6/20/2004
Platform: Windows XP SP1 (WinNT 5.01.2600)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v6.00 SP1 (6.00.2800.1106)

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\Ati2evxx.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\Ati2evxx.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\Program Files\Hewlett-Packard\HP Share-to-Web\hpgs2wnd.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\HEWLET~1\HPSHAR~1\hpgs2wnf.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\Works Shared\WkUFind.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Real\Update_OB\realsched.exe
C:\Program Files\ATI Technologies\ATI Control Panel\atiptaxx.exe
C:\Program Files\Adaptec\Easy CD Creator 5\DirectCD\DirectCD.exe
C:\Program Files\Microsoft ActiveSync\WCESCOMM.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\System32\dsu2nls.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\CTsvcCDA.exe
C:\Program Files\Canon\MultiPASS4\MPSERVIC.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\MsPMSPSv.exe
C:\Program Files\Hijack\HijackThis.exe

R3 - Default URLSearchHook is missing
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {06849E9F-C8D7-4D59-B87D-784B7D6BE0B3} - C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 5.0\Reader\ActiveX\AcroIEHelper.ocx
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {53707962-6F74-2D53-2644-206D7942484F} - C:\Program Files\Spybot - Search & Destroy\SDHelper.dll
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {FDD3B846-8D59-4ffb-8758-209B6AD74ACC} - C:\Program Files\Microsoft Money\System\mnyviewer.dll
O3 - Toolbar: &Radio - {8E718888-423F-11D2-876E-00A0C9082467} - C:\WINDOWS\System32\msdxm.ocx
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ATIModeChange] Ati2mdxx.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Share-to-Web Namespace Daemon] C:\Program Files\Hewlett-Packard\HP Share-to-Web\hpgs2wnd.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [monitr32] C:\Program Files\Canon\MultiPASS4\monitr32.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [UpdReg] C:\WINDOWS\UpdReg.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [WorksFUD] C:\Program Files\Microsoft Works\wkfud.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Microsoft Works Portfolio] C:\Program Files\Microsoft Works\WksSb.exe /AllUsers
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Microsoft Works Update Detection] C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\Works Shared\WkUFind.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [MoneyStartUp10.0] "C:\Program Files\Microsoft Money\System\Activation.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [TkBellExe] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Real\Update_OB\realsched.exe" -osboot
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ATIPTA] C:\Program Files\ATI Technologies\ATI Control Panel\atiptaxx.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AdaptecDirectCD] C:\Program Files\Adaptec\Easy CD Creator 5\DirectCD\DirectCD.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [QuickTime Task] "C:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe" -atboottime
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [H/PC Connection Agent] "C:\Program Files\Microsoft ActiveSync\WCESCOMM.EXE"
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [Yahoo! Pager] C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Messenger\ypager.exe -quiet
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [MsnMsgr] "C:\Program Files\MSN Messenger\MsnMsgr.Exe" /background
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [Kwv8ROM3T] dsu2nls.exe
O8 - Extra context menu item: E&xport to Microsoft Excel - res://C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~3\Office10\EXCEL.EXE/3000
O8 - Extra context menu item: Yahoo! Dictionary - file:///C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Common/ycdict.htm
O8 - Extra context menu item: Yahoo! Search - file:///C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Common/ycsrch.htm
O9 - Extra button: Create Mobile Favorite (HKLM)
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Create Mobile Favorite... (HKLM)
O9 - Extra button: AIM (HKLM)
O9 - Extra button: MoneySide (HKLM)
O9 - Extra button: Messenger (HKLM)
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Messenger (HKLM)
O12 - Plugin for .spop: C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\Plugins\NPDocBox.dll
O16 - DPF: {01A88BB1-1174-41EC-ACCB-963509EAE56B} (SysProWmi Class) - http://support.dell.com/systemprofiler/SysPro.CAB
O16 - DPF: {0E4796D6-A990-4372-9069-72FBDB4AE868} - http://www.one2one.com/static/class/one2oneSvc.cab
O16 - DPF: {17D72920-7A15-11D4-921E-0080C8DA7A5E} (AimSp32 Class) - http://makeover.substance.com/save/makeover.cab
O16 - DPF: {33564D57-0000-0010-8000-00AA00389B71} - http://download.microsoft.com/download/F/6/E/F6E491A6-77E1-4E20-9F5F-94901338C922/wmv9VCM.CAB
O16 - DPF: {9EB320CE-BE1D-4304-A081-4B4665414BEF} - http://www.mt-download.com/MediaTicketsInstaller.cab
O16 - DPF: {A1A961DA-2BA6-4032-859E-01AC35357163} (One2One Viewer) - http://www.one2one.com/static/class/one2one.cab
O16 - DPF: {AE1C01E3-0283-11D3-9B3F-00C04F8EF466} (HeartbeatCtl Class) - http://fdl.msn.com/zone/datafiles/heartbeat.cab
O16 - DPF: {AFCC55FE-70FA-474C-A90C-A6803817B7A7} (myregistry_checker Class) - http://68.52.0.14/servlet/WebCIDER?cmd=showpage&sid=086451795081&html=/WebCIDER/RegistryReader.cab
O16 - DPF: {D27CDB6E-AE6D-11CF-96B8-444553540000} (Shockwave Flash Object) - http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab
O17 - HKLM\System\CCS\Services\VxD\MSTCP: Domain = mydomain.com
O17 - HKLM\System\CS1\Services\Tcpip\..\windows: NameServer = 69.57.146.14
O17 - HKLM\System\CS2\Services\VxD\MSTCP: Domain = mydomain.com
O17 - HKLM\System\CS2\Services\VxD\MSTCP: NameServer = 69.57.146.14
O17 - HKLM\System\CS3\Services\VxD\MSTCP: Domain = mydomain.com
O17 - HKLM\System\CS3\Services\VxD\MSTCP: NameServer = 69.57.146.14
O17 - HKLM\System\CCS\Services\VxD\MSTCP: NameServer = 69.57.146.14

 

 

 

Thanks for your help with this.  Here it is.

 

Logfile of HijackThis v1.97.7
Scan saved at 8:10:42 PM, on 6/20/2004
Platform: Windows XP SP1 (WinNT 5.01.2600)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v6.00 SP1 (6.00.2800.1106)

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\Ati2evxx.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\Ati2evxx.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\Program Files\Hewlett-Packard\HP Share-to-Web\hpgs2wnd.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\HEWLET~1\HPSHAR~1\hpgs2wnf.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\Works Shared\WkUFind.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Real\Update_OB\realsched.exe
C:\Program Files\ATI Technologies\ATI Control Panel\atiptaxx.exe
C:\Program Files\Adaptec\Easy CD Creator 5\DirectCD\DirectCD.exe
C:\Program Files\Microsoft ActiveSync\WCESCOMM.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\System32\CTsvcCDA.exe
C:\Program Files\Canon\MultiPASS4\MPSERVIC.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\MsPMSPSv.exe
C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\IEXPLORE.EXE
C:\Program Files\Hijack\HijackThis.exe

R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://support.dell.com/dellcare/
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://www.msn.com/
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Connection Wizard,Shellnext = http://www.microsoft.com/isapi/redir.dll?prd=ie&pver=6&ar=msnhome
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {06849E9F-C8D7-4D59-B87D-784B7D6BE0B3} - C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 5.0\Reader\ActiveX\AcroIEHelper.ocx
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {53707962-6F74-2D53-2644-206D7942484F} - C:\Program Files\Spybot - Search & Destroy\SDHelper.dll
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {FDD3B846-8D59-4ffb-8758-209B6AD74ACC} - C:\Program Files\Microsoft Money\System\mnyviewer.dll
O3 - Toolbar: &Radio - {8E718888-423F-11D2-876E-00A0C9082467} - C:\WINDOWS\System32\msdxm.ocx
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ATIModeChange] Ati2mdxx.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Share-to-Web Namespace Daemon] C:\Program Files\Hewlett-Packard\HP Share-to-Web\hpgs2wnd.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [monitr32] C:\Program Files\Canon\MultiPASS4\monitr32.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [UpdReg] C:\WINDOWS\UpdReg.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [WorksFUD] C:\Program Files\Microsoft Works\wkfud.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Microsoft Works Portfolio] C:\Program Files\Microsoft Works\WksSb.exe /AllUsers
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Microsoft Works Update Detection] C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\Works Shared\WkUFind.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [MoneyStartUp10.0] "C:\Program Files\Microsoft Money\System\Activation.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [TkBellExe] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Real\Update_OB\realsched.exe" -osboot
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ATIPTA] C:\Program Files\ATI Technologies\ATI Control Panel\atiptaxx.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AdaptecDirectCD] C:\Program Files\Adaptec\Easy CD Creator 5\DirectCD\DirectCD.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [QuickTime Task] "C:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe" -atboottime
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [H/PC Connection Agent] "C:\Program Files\Microsoft ActiveSync\WCESCOMM.EXE"
O8 - Extra context menu item: E&xport to Microsoft Excel - res://C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~3\Office10\EXCEL.EXE/3000
O9 - Extra button: Create Mobile Favorite (HKLM)
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Create Mobile Favorite... (HKLM)
O9 - Extra button: AIM (HKLM)
O9 - Extra button: MoneySide (HKLM)
O9 - Extra button: Messenger (HKLM)
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Messenger (HKLM)
O12 - Plugin for .spop: C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\Plugins\NPDocBox.dll
O16 - DPF: {01A88BB1-1174-41EC-ACCB-963509EAE56B} (SysProWmi Class) - http://support.dell.com/systemprofiler/SysPro.CAB
O16 - DPF: {0E4796D6-A990-4372-9069-72FBDB4AE868} - http://www.one2one.com/static/class/one2oneSvc.cab
O16 - DPF: {17D72920-7A15-11D4-921E-0080C8DA7A5E} (AimSp32 Class) - http://makeover.substance.com/save/makeover.cab
O16 - DPF: {33564D57-0000-0010-8000-00AA00389B71} - http://download.microsoft.com/download/F/6/E/F6E491A6-77E1-4E20-9F5F-94901338C922/wmv9VCM.CAB
O16 - DPF: {9EB320CE-BE1D-4304-A081-4B4665414BEF} - http://www.mt-download.com/MediaTicketsInstaller.cab
O16 - DPF: {A1A961DA-2BA6-4032-859E-01AC35357163} (One2One Viewer) - http://www.one2one.com/static/class/one2one.cab
O16 - DPF: {AE1C01E3-0283-11D3-9B3F-00C04F8EF466} (HeartbeatCtl Class) - http://fdl.msn.com/zone/datafiles/heartbeat.cab
O16 - DPF: {AFCC55FE-70FA-474C-A90C-A6803817B7A7} (myregistry_checker Class) - http://68.52.0.14/servlet/WebCIDER?cmd=showpage&sid=086451795081&html=/WebCIDER/RegistryReader.cab
O16 - DPF: {D27CDB6E-AE6D-11CF-96B8-444553540000} (Shockwave Flash Object) - http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab
O17 - HKLM\System\CCS\Services\VxD\MSTCP: Domain = mydomain.com
O17 - HKLM\System\CS1\Services\Tcpip\..\windows: NameServer = 69.57.146.14
O17 - HKLM\System\CS2\Services\VxD\MSTCP: Domain = mydomain.com
O17 - HKLM\System\CS2\Services\VxD\MSTCP: NameServer = 69.57.146.14
O17 - HKLM\System\CS3\Services\VxD\MSTCP: Domain = mydomain.com
O17 - HKLM\System\CS3\Services\VxD\MSTCP: NameServer = 69.57.146.14
O17 - HKLM\System\CCS\Services\VxD\MSTCP: NameServer = 69.57.146.14

 

You look clean and hearty congratulations! Now to stay that way: (and with all the new CWS about:blank strains wreaking havoc...it would be wise to pay attention here)

Cleanup Programs and Preventative Procedures

(the four free programs in Items 2, 3, and 4 bolded below are a MUST in my opinion)

1. Spybot Search&Destroy, Ad-aware Run weekly - or after a heavy internet session. Download at the following link.

Chris has posted an excellent tutorial by dgosling on how to run Spybot S&D and also how to enable customized deep scanning functions for Adaware. Once you set these options they will be retained for future scans by Adaware.

Follow the directions in this detailed guide for Spybot and Adaware... go slow on the directions for the custom setup of Adaware and print it out as a hard copy. It will take five minutes to set up the custom scanning options for Adaware, but it's worth it as these settings will be retained and you won't have to re-enter them again.

http://www.cjwd.demon.co.uk/spybot-adaware.html

Please note the free Spybot 1.3 does have a slight bug...it detects some DSO exploits falsely. Hopefully an upgrade will fix this.The problem is not serious and should not deter people from using Spybot.

I also like to run Windows Disk Cleanup after cleaning with those two tools. Make sure you reboot if any reboot cleanup functions of Spybot and Adaware are advised by these tools (this may happen at the end of their cleanup).

Reboot and click on Start/Run/ type: cleanmgr

If you have problems with Disk Cleanup hanging and not completing see this page for XP users:

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;812248

Or try this fix: http://www2.whidbey.net/djdenham/DeleteOldFiles.htm

From MS Help: " Disk Cleanup helps free up space on your hard drive. Disk Cleanup searches your drive, and then shows you temporary files, Internet cache files, and unnecessary program files that you can safely delete. You can direct Disk Cleanup to delete some or all of those files."

I check all the selected categories and click OK at the end of Disk Cleanup.

If you have any problems with Disk Cleaner completing...XP users can fix it here:

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;812248

Or try this fix: http://www2.whidbey.net/djdenham/DeleteOldFiles.htm

2. Proactive programs: Spywareblaster & Spywareguard, first sets kill bits to stop known bad MSIE ActiveX scripts from installing, second acts like your AV to stop browser hijacks and installing of known baddies.

3. IE-Spyad, puts 4000 bad sites in your restricted (banned) sites list, to stop you accidentally getting sent to a bad site, it has optional list of "bad" adult sites to install as well.

Links for these at: http://www.cjwd.demon.co.uk/compsafetyonline.html

4. MVPS Hosts file at: http://mvps.org/winhelp2002/hosts.htm

The MVPS Hosts file replaces your current HOSTS file with one that prevents your computer from connecting to hostile sites by redirecting them to 127.0.0.1 which is your local computer. This is an easy way to prevent one of the most common hijackings computer users will face on the Internet! Do it now.

5. Don't forget keeping Windows updated. The automatic updates frequently fail so run it manually once a week or when new updates are publicized.

Windows Live Update Page
http://v4.windowsupdate.microsoft.com/en/default.asp
Free Windows Security CD (for those who qualify):
www.microsoft.com/security/protect/cd/order.asp

You can also start Windows Update by running Internet Explorer, pulling down Tools on top Menu bar and selecting Windows Update. Install ALL critical updates! Always!

If LiveUpdate fails (and it is prone to on MANY machines) download each patch manually from the MS advisory pages and install manually. Works for me!

6. Keep your antivirus updated.
Free AVG Antivirus for home users: http://www.grisoft.com

7. Beg, borrow, or buy a Software Firewall if at all possible. I use Norton Internet Security 2004 and it has saved my bacon more times than I can count. For a free software firewall turn on the fairly lame firewall in Windows XP (I say it is lame because it does not monitor or block outgoing traffic...only incoming...a serious omission if the threat occurs inside your network). Hopefully with the upcoming Service Pack 2 this flaw will be addressed.

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/community/columns/5min/5min-101.mspx#XSLTsection125121120120

A better choice for now for a free software firewall is Zone Alarm.
http://www.zonelabs.com/store/content/company/products/znalm/freeDownload.jsp

8. Practice safe computer habits. Don't click on strange email attachments thinking your AV will defend you. Usually it will. Sometimes it won't when a new virus hits the Net and definitions take hours to create by the AV vendors. There is only one defense that works 100% for the safe protection of your machine's personal data and that is timely and accurate backups of your files. Hard drives die, viruses ruin your files, and other bad things can happen (fire, theft, etc..). Offsite backups are the best.

9. Don't forget our great analysis tool Hijackthis. We have a lot of gratitude we need to show towards the author Merijn. I hope he does great things in his future endeavors and is richly rewarded for his time and expertise in providing this super program.

Hijackthis (to analyse your system and submit a log file to expert forums):
http://tomcoyote.com/hjt

(for Hijackthis logs...please copy to and run Hijackthis.exe into a new folder you create in the root level of the C: drive. Name this folder HJT for best and safest results). (don't put in a Local Settings Temp folder, or the Windows desktop, etc...as it needs a safe folder to keep backup logs). Also when XP and W2K users post here and place it in the Local Settings, the log usually shows their full name since their Windows user profile is commonly named with their full name. We try not to disturb your privacy. *;-)

See this link for graphical instruction: http://russelltexas.com/malware/faqhijackthis.htm

Forums for help and analysis of your Hijackthis logfile:

http://forums.us.dell.com/supportforums
http://forums.tomcoyote.com
http://www.spywareinfo.com/forums
http://www.wilderssecurity.com
http://www.computercops.us/forums.html
http://forums.net-integration.net
http://boards.cexx.org
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com

Good luck and safe computing!

Texruss
www.russelltexas.com
Spyware Fighter Wilders Forum
Slyware Warrior Tom Coyote Forum
Expert Malware Responder Dell Forum

Please be aware only the following DellForum members were trained at
TomCoyote.com and SpywareInfo.com to help with Hijackthis logs: Texruss, Baskar1234, Grinler, ChrisRLG, SpotCheckBilly, and pskelley. (If you are
one of our classmates and not on this list email me for an addition to this
list...we need all the help we can get *;-)