HELP - VX2 Betterinternet Removal!

Question

Last night determined I obtained the VX2 'mess.' Before I identified completely, ran Ad-ware and removed majority of files (all but one which I quarantined). Still received web redirects, RUNDLL errors. Manually removed a few files, at which time I found details on the VX2. Ran VX2 finder and removed 2 more files (do I run User Agent and Guardian.reg as well?). I then dowloaded and ran Hijack This, which generated my log file. Please review and advise on my log file below. Thank you! Logfile of HijackThis v1.97.7 Scan saved at 2:37:57 AM, on 6/28/2004 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\svchost.exe C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE C:\Program Files\MUSICMATCH\MUSICMATCH Jukebox\mm_tray.exe C:\Program Files\Common Files\Dell\EUSW\Support.exe C:\PROGRA~1\mcafee.com\agent\mcagent.exe C:\PROGRA~1\mcafee.com\vso\mcvsshld.exe C:\Program Files\Common Files\Real\Update_OBealsched.exe C:\Program Files\Dell\Support\Alert\bin\NotifyAlert.exe C:\WINDOWS\System32\DSentry.exe C:\WINDOWS\BCMSMMSG.exe C:\Program Files\Roxio\Easy CD Creator 5\DirectCD\DirectCD.exe C:\PROGRA~1\McAfee.com\PERSON~1\MpfTray.exe C:\Program Files\EarthLink TotalAccess\TaskPanl.exe c:\progra~1\mcafee.com\vso\mcvsescn.exe C:\Program Files\America Online 8.0\aoltray.exe C:\PROGRA~1\McAfee.com\PERSON~1\MpfAgent.exe C:\WINDOWS\system32\cisvc.exe c:\PROGRA~1\mcafee.com\vso\mcvsrte.exe C:\PROGRA~1\McAfee.com\PERSON~1\MPFSERVICE.exe C:\WINDOWS\System32
vsvc32.exe c:\PROGRA~1\mcafee.com\vso\mcshield.exe C:\WINDOWS\System32\wuauclt.exe C:\WINDOWS\system32\cidaemon.exe C:\WINDOWS\system32\cidaemon.exe C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe C:\Program Files\Lavasoft\Hijack This\HijackThis.exe R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Local Page = C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\blank.htm R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Local Page = R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Connection Wizard,Shellnext = http://www.dellnet.com/ O1 - Hosts: 69.20.16.183 ieautosearch O3 - Toolbar: &Radio - {8E718888-423F-11D2-876E-00A0C9082467} - C:\WINDOWS\System32\msdxm.ocx O3 - Toolbar: McAfee VirusScan - {BA52B914-B692-46c4-B683-905236F6F655} - c:\progra~1\mcafee.com\vso\mcvsshl.dll O3 - Toolbar: Pop-Up Blocker - {D7F30B62-8269-41AF-9539-B2697FA7D77E} - C:\Program Files\EarthLink TotalAccess\PnEL.dll O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [MMTray] C:\Program Files\MUSICMATCH\MUSICMATCH Jukebox\mm_tray.exe O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [DwlClient] C:\Program Files\Common Files\Dell\EUSW\Support.exe O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [sr1exe] 'C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Dell\Alert\252\updtSup3.exe' O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [MCUpdateExe] C:\PROGRA~1\mcafee.com\agent\mcupdate.exe O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [MCAgentExe] c:\PROGRA~1\mcafee.com\agent\mcagent.exe O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [VSOCheckTask] 'c:\PROGRA~1\mcafee.com\vso\mcmnhdlr.exe' /checktask O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [VirusScan Online] 'c:\PROGRA~1\mcafee.com\vso\mcvsshld.exe' O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [TkBellExe] 'C:\Program Files\Common Files\Real\Update_OBealsched.exe' -osboot O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NvCplDaemon] RUNDLL32.EXE C:\WINDOWS\System32\NvCpl.dll,NvStartup O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [MoneyStartUp10.0] 'C:\Program Files\Microsoft Money\System\Activation.exe' O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [DVDSentry] C:\WINDOWS\System32\DSentry.exe O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [BCMSMMSG] BCMSMMSG.exe O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AdaptecDirectCD] 'C:\Program Files\Roxio\Easy CD Creator 5\DirectCD\DirectCD.exe' O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [MPFExe] C:\PROGRA~1\McAfee.com\PERSON~1\MpfTray.exe O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [hpsysconf1] C:\WINDOWS\System32\fpofdao.exe O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [LzioMediaUpdater] C:\WINDOWS\System32\LzioMediaUpdater.exe O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [he3e3fc4] rundll32.exe c:\windows\system32\he3e3fc4.dll,EnableRunDLL32 O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [readdb40] rundll32.exe C:\WINDOWS\System32eaddb40.dll,EnableRunDLL32 O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [MSMSGS] 'C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe' /background O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [E6TaskPanel] 'C:\Program Files\EarthLink TotalAccess\TaskPanl.exe' -winstart O4 - Global Startup: America Online 8.0 Tray Icon.lnk = C:\Program Files\America Online 8.0\aoltray.exe O4 - Global Startup: Microsoft Office.lnk = C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office10\OSA.EXE O6 - HKCU\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Control Panel present O8 - Extra context menu item: E&xport to Microsoft Excel - res://C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~2\Office10\EXCEL.EXE/3000 O9 - Extra button: Real.com (HKLM) O9 - Extra button: MoneySide (HKLM) O16 - DPF: {0C568603-D79D-11D2-87A7-00C04FF158BB} (BrowseFolderPopup Class) - http://download.mcafee.com/molbin/Shared/MGBrwFld.cab O16 - DPF: {1EB17D1C-141D-4D9D-91CB-24D99215851D} - http://akamai.downloadv3.com/binaries/IA/netia32_EN_XP.cab O16 - DPF: {33564D57-0000-0010-8000-00AA00389B71} - http://download.microsoft.com/download/F/6...922/wmv9VCM.CAB O16 - DPF: {4ED9DDF0-7479-4BBE-9335-5A1EDB1D8A21} (McAfee.com Operating System Class) - http://bin.mcafee.com/molbin/shared/mcinsc...72/mcinsctl.cab O16 - DPF: {8E28B3A9-FE83-45D1-B657-D5426B81A121} (CustomerCtrl Class) - http://cs7b.instantservice.com/jars/customerxsigned35.cab O16 - DPF: {9EB320CE-BE1D-4304-A081-4B4665414BEF} (MediaTicketsInstaller Control) - http://www.mt-download.com/MediaTicketsInstaller.cab O16 - DPF: {A8658086-E6AC-4957-BC8E-7D54A7E8A78E} (SassCln Object) - http://www.microsoft.com/security/controls/SassCln.CAB O16 - DPF: {BCC0FF27-31D9-4614-A68E-C18E1ADA4389} (DwnldGroupMgr Class) - http://bin.mcafee.com/molbin/shared/mcgdmg...,16/mcgdmgr.cab O16 - DPF: {D857684F-34BA-4DFA-A466-24AEC1573B18} - http://www.setsofsexygirls.com/sbox.cab O16 - DPF: {E87F6C8E-16C0-11D3-BEF7-009027438003} (Persits Software XUpload) - http://schillers.lifepics.com/common/UserUpload/xupload.ocx

Texruss · Answer

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

R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Local Page = C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\blank.htm
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Local Page =

O1 - Hosts: 69.20.16.183 ieautosearch
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [hpsysconf1] C:\WINDOWS\System32\fpofdao.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [LzioMediaUpdater] C:\WINDOWS\System32\LzioMediaUpdater.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [he3e3fc4] rundll32.exe c:\windows\system32\he3e3fc4.dll,EnableRunDLL32
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [readdb40] rundll32.exe C:\WINDOWS\System32\readdb40.dll,EnableRunDLL32
O16 - DPF: {1EB17D1C-141D-4D9D-91CB-24D99215851D} - http://akamai.downloadv3.com/binaries/IA/netia32_EN_XP.cab
O16 - DPF: {9EB320CE-BE1D-4304-A081-4B4665414BEF} (MediaTicketsInstaller Control) - http://www.mt-download.com/MediaTicketsInstaller.cab
O16 - DPF: {D857684F-34BA-4DFA-A466-24AEC1573B18} - http://www.setsofsexygirls.com/sbox.cab

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

Exit Hijackthis.

Reboot to SAFE MODE.

Show HIDDEN FILES and folders

FAQ 8 and 9 on this page:

http://www.russelltexas.com/malware/faqhijackthis.htm

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

Drill on down and delete the following files:

C:\WINDOWS\System32\fpofdao.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\LzioMediaUpdater.exe
c:\windows\system32\he3e3fc4.dll
C:\WINDOWS\System32\readdb40.dll

Exit Explorer. Empty Recycle Bin.

Reboot in normal mode Windows and 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

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

Most of the Internet baddies 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.

Reboot and browse a bit, exit IE 6 and post a new Hijackthis log.

Special Comments: After the final all clear is given by us you should flush your Restore Points for XP. That means disabling the Restore Point, rebooting to flush it, then re-enabling a new Restore Point. The reason why we need to do this is to purge the bad files hidden in System Restore which can't be cleaned by your antivirus programs.

See FAQ 12 here: http://www.russelltexas.com/malware/faqhijackthis.htmOpen

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 malware like viruses, worms, adware, scumware, foistware and crudware in general. They are also the only experts specifically trained to analyze and advise on 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 *;-) BTW...clicking on people's usernames at the left will reveal information about them if they chose to have an open profile. My credentials are available for your perusal.

catch14 · Answer

Texruss .. Thanks for all the help .. I removed the entries you mentioned, booted in Safe Mode but none of those four files existed (believe I found on my own earlier).  Rebooted in normal and emptied the recylce bin, then downloaded the Spybot and VX2 plug in for Ad-Ware.  Ran Spybot which found 11 items (Alexa, DSO Exploit, a few others .. all of which I removed).  Then ran the VX2 plug in which was clean, and then ran a complete Ad-Aware which contained the normal (about 7 cookies).  I ran an updated Hijack This which resulted in the following log ... I believe I am clean, as well as now have even more tools to trouble shoot future problem (to go with my CWS shredder and Ad-Aware).  Let me know if there is something I missed based on the log file, otherwise - thanks again for the help! Logfile of HijackThis v1.97.7Scan saved at 12:41:08 AM, on 7/2/2004Platform: Windows XP SP1 (WinNT 5.01.2600)MSIE: Internet Explorer v6.00 SP1 (6.00.2800.1106) Running processes:C:\WINDOWS\System32\smss.exeC:\WINDOWS\system32\winlogon.exeC:\WINDOWS\system32\services.exeC:\WINDOWS\system32\lsass.exeC:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exeC:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exeC:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exeC:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXEC:\Program Files\MUSICMATCH\MUSICMATCH Jukebox\mm_tray.exeC:\Program Files\Common Files\Dell\EUSW\Support.exeC:\PROGRA~1\mcafee.com\agent\mcagent.exeC:\Program Files\Dell\Support\Alert\bin\NotifyAlert.exeC:\PROGRA~1\mcafee.com\vso\mcvsshld.exeC:\Program Files\Common Files\Real\Update_OBealsched.exec:\progra~1\mcafee.com\vso\mcvsescn.exeC:\WINDOWS\System32\DSentry.exeC:\WINDOWS\BCMSMMSG.exeC:\Program Files\Roxio\Easy CD Creator 5\DirectCD\DirectCD.exeC:\PROGRA~1\McAfee.com\PERSON~1\MpfTray.exeC:\Program Files\EarthLink TotalAccess\TaskPanl.exeC:\Program Files\America Online 8.0\aoltray.exeC:\PROGRA~1\McAfee.com\PERSON~1\MpfAgent.exeC:\WINDOWS\system32\cisvc.exec:\PROGRA~1\mcafee.com\vso\mcvsrte.exeC:\PROGRA~1\McAfee.com\PERSON~1\MPFSERVICE.exeC:\WINDOWS\System32
vsvc32.exec:\PROGRA~1\mcafee.com\vso\mcshield.exeC:\WINDOWS\System32\wuauclt.exeC:\WINDOWS\system32\cidaemon.exeC:\WINDOWS\system32\cidaemon.exeC:\Program Files\Lavasoft\Hijack This\HijackThis.exe R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Connection Wizard,Shellnext = http://www.dellnet.com/O2 - BHO: (no name) - {53707962-6F74-2D53-2644-206D7942484F} - C:\PROGRA~1\SPYBOT~1\SDHelper.dllO3 - Toolbar: &Radio - {8E718888-423F-11D2-876E-00A0C9082467} - C:\WINDOWS\System32\msdxm.ocxO3 - Toolbar: McAfee VirusScan - {BA52B914-B692-46c4-B683-905236F6F655} - c:\progra~1\mcafee.com\vso\mcvsshl.dllO3 - Toolbar: Pop-Up Blocker - {D7F30B62-8269-41AF-9539-B2697FA7D77E} - C:\Program Files\EarthLink TotalAccess\PnEL.dllO4 - HKLM\..\Run: [MMTray] C:\Program Files\MUSICMATCH\MUSICMATCH Jukebox\mm_tray.exeO4 - HKLM\..\Run: [DwlClient] C:\Program Files\Common Files\Dell\EUSW\Support.exeO4 - HKLM\..\Run: [sr1exe] 'C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Dell\Alert\252\updtSup3.exe' O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [MCUpdateExe] C:\PROGRA~1\mcafee.com\agent\mcupdate.exeO4 - HKLM\..\Run: [MCAgentExe] c:\PROGRA~1\mcafee.com\agent\mcagent.exeO4 - HKLM\..\Run: [VSOCheckTask] 'c:\PROGRA~1\mcafee.com\vso\mcmnhdlr.exe' /checktaskO4 - HKLM\..\Run: [VirusScan Online] 'c:\PROGRA~1\mcafee.com\vso\mcvsshld.exe'O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [TkBellExe] 'C:\Program Files\Common Files\Real\Update_OBealsched.exe' -osbootO4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NvCplDaemon] RUNDLL32.EXE C:\WINDOWS\System32\NvCpl.dll,NvStartupO4 - HKLM\..\Run: [MoneyStartUp10.0] 'C:\Program Files\Microsoft Money\System\Activation.exe'O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [DVDSentry] C:\WINDOWS\System32\DSentry.exeO4 - HKLM\..\Run: [BCMSMMSG] BCMSMMSG.exeO4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AdaptecDirectCD] 'C:\Program Files\Roxio\Easy CD Creator 5\DirectCD\DirectCD.exe'O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [MPFExe] C:\PROGRA~1\McAfee.com\PERSON~1\MpfTray.exeO4 - HKCU\..\Run: [MSMSGS] 'C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe' /backgroundO4 - HKCU\..\Run: [E6TaskPanel] 'C:\Program Files\EarthLink TotalAccess\TaskPanl.exe' -winstartO4 - Global Startup: America Online 8.0 Tray Icon.lnk = C:\Program Files\America Online 8.0\aoltray.exeO4 - Global Startup: Microsoft Office.lnk = C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office10\OSA.EXEO6 - HKCU\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Control Panel presentO8 - Extra context menu item: E&xport to Microsoft Excel - res://C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~2\Office10\EXCEL.EXE/3000O9 - Extra button: Real.com (HKLM)O9 - Extra button: MoneySide (HKLM)O16 - DPF: {0C568603-D79D-11D2-87A7-00C04FF158BB} (BrowseFolderPopup Class) - http://download.mcafee.com/molbin/Shared/MGBrwFld.cabO16 - DPF: {33564D57-0000-0010-8000-00AA00389B71} - http://download.microsoft.com/download/F/6/E/F6E491A6-77E1-4E20-9F5F-94901338C922/wmv9VCM.CABO16 - DPF: {4ED9DDF0-7479-4BBE-9335-5A1EDB1D8A21} (McAfee.com Operating System Class) - http://bin.mcafee.com/molbin/shared/mcinsctl/en-us/4,0,0,72/mcinsctl.cabO16 - DPF: {8E28B3A9-FE83-45D1-B657-D5426B81A121} (CustomerCtrl Class) - http://cs7b.instantservice.com/jars/customerxsigned35.cabO16 - DPF: {A8658086-E6AC-4957-BC8E-7D54A7E8A78E} (SassCln Object) - http://www.microsoft.com/security/controls/SassCln.CABO16 - DPF: {BCC0FF27-31D9-4614-A68E-C18E1ADA4389} (DwnldGroupMgr Class) - http://bin.mcafee.com/molbin/shared/mcgdmgr/en-us/1,0,0,16/mcgdmgr.cabO16 - DPF: {E87F6C8E-16C0-11D3-BEF7-009027438003} (Persits Software XUpload) - http://schillers.lifepics.com/common/UserUpload/xupload.ocx

Texruss · Answer

Great job! There is power in being flexible and not working in linear mode. *;-)

Add a few more tools...

You look clean (hopefully) and hearty congratulations! Now to stay that way:

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 and also on a weekly basis as a regular tool. 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 malware like viruses, worms, adware, scumware, foistware and crudware in general. They are also the only experts specifically trained to analyze and advise on 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 *;-) BTW...clicking on people's usernames at the left will reveal information about them if they chose to have an open profile. My credentials are available for your perusal.

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HELP - VX2 Betterinternet Removal!

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