Hi donkrag, This could be a problem that needs to be removed, but in order to look at it to make sure, we will need you to follow the instructions below for us. Once you have posted your log, please be patient. Folks are spending time with families this Fathers Day, the logs are many and we (the volunteers) are few. Thanks....pskelley
We need you to download and install an analysis and repair tool called Hijackthis.
Please unzip Hijackthis.zip or move the hijackthis.exe file into a new folder you create in the root (first) level of the C: drive. Name this folder HJT for best and safest results. Don't place it on the Wallpaper, in a temp folder, or in the root level of the C: drive or the My Documents folder. It will create many backup files and they need to be stored in a unique Hijackthis folder.
After downloading, and unzipping the hijackthis file into a safe folder you create (preferably a folder named HJT in the first level of the C: drive)...run Hijackthis, click on the 'scan' button and then 'save log' button.
Copy and paste the contents of the text file you save into a reply to this message. A lot of posters make mistakes here in copying and pasting so reread the left info sidebar called Copy and Paste at
http://www.tomcoyote.com/hjt
Special Notice! Hijackthis is a powerful tool that edits the brains of Windows (the Registry). DO NOT FIX anything in the Hijackthis log screen without assistance from the experts! Most of the line items in the scanned log are normal for Windows operation. Hijackthis should identify the vast majority of your problems and enable us to help you clean them off your system.
Stay in this thread for continuity. Reply to this message.
Thanks,
Pskelley
In Training at TomCoyote.com and Spywareinfo.com
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.
Here is a copy of my hijackthis log. What I find interesting is that there is no line that mentions the "Wintools for Internet Explorer V2" (1.89MB in size) program that is contained in the list of programs created by my add/remove tool of my control panel. I would include a copy of this list as well, but the computor system won't let me copy the list.
Donkrag
Logfile of HijackThis v1.97.7 Scan saved at 9:43:22 PM, on 6/20/2004 Platform: Windows XP SP1 (WinNT 5.01.2600) MSIE: Internet Explorer v6.00 SP1 (6.00.2800.1106)
Reboot to normal mode and 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.
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:
Reboot a final time, browse a bit, exit IE 6 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 *;-
Here is my requested updated Hijackthis logfile. I think it is interesting to note that the wintools files didn't go away yet. See: O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [WinTools] C:\Program Files\Common files\WinTools\WToolsA.exe And, I did follow your instruction very carefully. I guess this is one tough bug. In addition, the Wintools for Internet Explorer v2 is still in the Control Panel Add/Remove list.
Donkrag
Logfile of HijackThis v1.97.7 Scan saved at 4:35:28 AM, on 6/23/2004 Platform: Windows XP SP1 (WinNT 5.01.2600) MSIE: Internet Explorer v6.00 SP1 (6.00.2800.1106)
Huntbar (the official pest name for what most folks refer to as Wintools) is a tough nut...it slaps files, values and keys in a broad swath. But if you can kill the Wintools folder in Safe Mode you will be much better off. Try again. Also run Adaware and Hijackthis (remove the entry again) in SAFE MODE. Get the updates for Adaware also...I saw new ones earlier at work today (and I killed Huntbar manually on a computer...hands-on for a change). Felt darn good!
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 in general and 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 *;-)
I'm impressed! Many thanks to you. It looks like we finally won the battle of wills with wintools. Now the question is, what is the best program to keep wintools out of the system.?
Donkrag
Logfile of HijackThis v1.97.7 Scan saved at 7:32:08 PM, on 6/23/2004 Platform: Windows XP SP1 (WinNT 5.01.2600) MSIE: Internet Explorer v6.00 SP1 (6.00.2800.1106)
You look clean 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.
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:
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:
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.
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.
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.
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. *;-)
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 *;-)
pskelley
933 Posts
0
June 20th, 2004 22:00
Hi donkrag, This could be a problem that needs to be removed, but in order to look at it to make sure, we will need you to follow the instructions below for us. Once you have posted your log, please be patient. Folks are spending time with families this Fathers Day, the logs are many and we (the volunteers) are few. Thanks....pskelley
http://209.133.47.12/~merijn/files/HijackThis.exe
Stay in this thread for continuity. Reply to this message.
In Training at TomCoyote.com and Spywareinfo.com
TomCoyote.com and SpywareInfo.com to help with Hijackthis logs: Texruss, Baskar1234, Grinler, ChrisRLG, SpotCheckBilly, and pskelley.
donkrag
4 Posts
0
June 21st, 2004 04:00
Here is a copy of my hijackthis log. What I find interesting is that there is no line that mentions the "Wintools for Internet Explorer V2" (1.89MB in size) program that is contained in the list of programs created by my add/remove tool of my control panel. I would include a copy of this list as well, but the computor system won't let me copy the list.
Donkrag
Logfile of HijackThis v1.97.7
Scan saved at 9:43:22 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\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\system32\ntvdm.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\NORTON~1\navapw32.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\Logitech\MOUSEW~1\SYSTEM\EM_EXEC.EXE
C:\Program Files\ahead\InCD\InCD.exe
C:\Program Files\Roxio\Easy CD Creator 5\DirectCD\DirectCD.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\devldr32.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\STOMPS~1\SPYWAR~1\PPMemCheck.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\STOMPS~1\SPYWAR~1\PPControl.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\STOMPS~1\SPYWAR~1\CookiePatrol.exe
C:\Program Files\Common files\WinTools\WToolsA.exe
C:\Program Files\Real\RealPlayer\RealPlay.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\Works Shared\WkUFind.exe
C:\Program Files\Dell\Support\Alert\bin\DAMon.exe
C:\Program Files\Creative\ShareDLL\CtNotify.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\RUNDLL32.EXE
C:\OPLIMIT\ocrawr32.exe
C:\Program Files\Common files\WinTools\WSup.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\Works Shared\wkcalrem.exe
C:\Program Files\WinZip\WZQKPICK.EXE
C:\Program Files\Creative\ShareDLL\MediaDet.Exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\CTsvcCDA.EXE
C:\Program Files\Norton AntiVirus\navapsvc.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\nvsvc32.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\Ontrack\SYSTEM~1\MXTask.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\MsPMSPSv.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\Ontrack\SYSTEM~1\mxtask.exe
C:\HJT\HijackThis.exe
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Bar = http://www.websearch.com/ie.aspx?tb_id=3
R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://www.dellnet.com/
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL = http://www.dellnet.com/
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://www.dellnet.com/
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Search,CustomizeSearch = res://C:\PROGRA~1\Toolbar\toolbar.dll/sa
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Search,SearchAssistant = http://www.websearch.com/ie.aspx?tb_id=3
R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Local Page =
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Local Page =
R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Toolbar,LinksFolderName =
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,SearchAssistant = http://www.websearch.com/ie.aspx?tb_id=3
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,CustomizeSearch = res://C:\PROGRA~1\Toolbar\toolbar.dll/sa
R3 - URLSearchHook: (no name) - {8952A998-1E7E-4716-B23D-3DBE03910972} - C:\PROGRA~1\Toolbar\toolbar.dll
F1 - win.ini: load=C:\OPLIMIT\ocraware.exe
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {53707962-6F74-2D53-2644-206D7942484F} - C:\Program Files\Spybot - Search & Destroy\SDHelper.dll
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {8952A998-1E7E-4716-B23D-3DBE03910972} - C:\PROGRA~1\Toolbar\toolbar.dll
O3 - Toolbar: &Radio - {8E718888-423F-11D2-876E-00A0C9082467} - C:\WINDOWS\System32\msdxm.ocx
O3 - Toolbar: MSN Toolbar - {BDAD1DAD-C946-4A17-ADC1-64B5B4FF55D0} - C:\Program Files\MSN Toolbar\01.01.1629.0\en-us\msntb.dll
O3 - Toolbar: &Search Toolbar - {339BB23F-A864-48C0-A59F-29EA915965EC} - C:\PROGRA~1\Toolbar\toolbar.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NvCplDaemon] RUNDLL32.EXE C:\WINDOWS\System32\NvCpl.dll,NvStartup
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [UpdReg] C:\WINDOWS\Updreg.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AHQInit] C:\Program Files\Creative\SBLive\Program\AHQInit.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NAV Agent] C:\PROGRA~1\NORTON~1\navapw32.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [EM_EXEC] C:\PROGRA~1\Logitech\MOUSEW~1\SYSTEM\EM_EXEC.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NeroCheck] C:\WINDOWS\system32\NeroCheck.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [InCD] C:\Program Files\ahead\InCD\InCD.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AdaptecDirectCD] "C:\Program Files\Roxio\Easy CD Creator 5\DirectCD\DirectCD.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [nwiz] nwiz.exe /install
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [PPMemCheck] C:\PROGRA~1\STOMPS~1\SPYWAR~1\PPMemCheck.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Spyware X-terminator Control Center] C:\PROGRA~1\STOMPS~1\SPYWAR~1\PPControl.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [CookiePatrol] C:\PROGRA~1\STOMPS~1\SPYWAR~1\CookiePatrol.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [WinTools] C:\Program Files\Common files\WinTools\WToolsA.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [RealTray] C:\Program Files\Real\RealPlayer\RealPlay.exe SYSTEMBOOTHIDEPLAYER
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Microsoft Works Update Detection] C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\Works Shared\WkUFind.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [QuickTime Task] "C:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe" -atboottime
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Dell|Alert] C:\Program Files\Dell\Support\Alert\bin\DAMon.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Disc Detector] C:\Program Files\Creative\ShareDLL\CtNotify.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [NvMediaCenter] RUNDLL32.EXE C:\WINDOWS\System32\NVMCTRAY.DLL,NvTaskbarInit
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [Symantec NetDriver Monitor] C:\PROGRA~1\Symantec\LIVEUP~1\SNDMon.EXE
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [MSMSGS] "C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe" /background
O4 - Global Startup: Adobe Gamma Loader.exe.lnk = C:\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe\Calibration\Adobe Gamma Loader.exe
O4 - Global Startup: CorelCENTRAL 10.lnk = ?
O4 - Global Startup: Digital Line Detect.lnk = ?
O4 - Global Startup: Microsoft Works Calendar Reminders.lnk = ?
O4 - Global Startup: Quicken Scheduled Updates.lnk = C:\QUICKENW\bagent.exe
O4 - Global Startup: Quicken Startup.lnk = C:\QUICKENW\QWDLLS.EXE
O4 - Global Startup: WinZip Quick Pick.lnk = C:\Program Files\WinZip\WZQKPICK.EXE
O9 - Extra button: Related (HKLM)
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Show &Related Links (HKLM)
O9 - Extra button: Real.com (HKLM)
O9 - Extra button: Messenger (HKLM)
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Windows Messenger (HKLM)
O12 - Plugin for .spop: C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\Plugins\NPDocBox.dll
O16 - DPF: {4B9F2C37-C0CF-42BC-BB2D-DCFA8B25CABF} (PopCapLoaderCtrl Class) - http://zone.msn.com/bingame/rock/default/popcaploader1.cab
O16 - DPF: {4E888414-DB8F-11D1-9CD9-00C04F98436A} (Microsoft.WinRep) - https://webresponse.one.microsoft.com/oas/ActiveX/winrep.cab
O16 - DPF: {597C45C2-2D39-11D5-8D53-0050048383FE} (OPUCatalog Class) - http://office.microsoft.com/productupdates/content/opuc.cab
O16 - DPF: {9AA73F41-EC64-489E-9A73-9CD52E528BC4} (ZoneAxRcMgr Class) - http://zone.msn.com/binGame/ZAxRcMgr.cab
O16 - DPF: {9F1C11AA-197B-4942-BA54-47A8489BB47F} (Update Class) - http://v4.windowsupdate.microsoft.com/CAB/x86/unicode/iuctl.CAB?37574.0680439815
O16 - DPF: {A31CCCB0-46A8-11D3-A726-005004B35102} (XView Class) - http://download.actify.com/SpinFire/SFViewerWeb.cab
O16 - DPF: {AE1C01E3-0283-11D3-9B3F-00C04F8EF466} (HeartbeatCtl Class) - http://fdl.msn.com/zone/datafiles/heartbeat.cab
O16 - DPF: {C2FCEF52-ACE9-11D3-BEBD-00105AA9B6AE} (Symantec RuFSI Registry Information Class) - http://security.symantec.com/sscv6/SharedContent/common/bin/cabsa.cab
O16 - DPF: {D27CDB6E-AE6D-11CF-96B8-444553540000} (Shockwave Flash Object) - http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab
O16 - DPF: {DF780F87-FF2B-4DF8-92D0-73DB16A1543A} (PopCapLoader Object) - http://zone.msn.com/bingame/zuma/default/popcaploader_v5.cab
Texruss
3.4K Posts
0
June 23rd, 2004 02:00
Run Hijackthis, scan and check the box left of these numbered line items:
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Bar = http://www.websearch.com/ie.aspx?tb_id=3
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Search,CustomizeSearch = res://C:\PROGRA~1\Toolbar\toolbar.dll/sa
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Search,SearchAssistant = http://www.websearch.com/ie.aspx?tb_id=3
R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Local Page =
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Local Page =
R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Toolbar,LinksFolderName =
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,SearchAssistant = http://www.websearch.com/ie.aspx?tb_id=3
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,CustomizeSearch = res://C:\PROGRA~1\Toolbar\toolbar.dll/sa
R3 - URLSearchHook: (no name) - {8952A998-1E7E-4716-B23D-3DBE03910972} - C:\PROGRA~1\Toolbar\toolbar.dll
O3 - Toolbar: &Search Toolbar - {339BB23F-A864-48C0-A59F-29EA915965EC} - C:\PROGRA~1\Toolbar\toolbar.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [WinTools] C:\Program Files\Common files\WinTools\WToolsA.exe
O4 - Global Startup: CorelCENTRAL 10.lnk = ?
O4 - Global Startup: Digital Line Detect.lnk = ?
O4 - Global Startup: Microsoft Works Calendar Reminders.lnk = ?
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
Open Windows Explorer: type the word explorer at Start/Run box and click OK:
Navigate with your mouse through the folders in the left hand window and delete the following folders:
C:\Program Files\Toolbar
C:\Program Files\Common files\WinTools
Exit Explorer and empty the Recycle Bin.
Reboot to normal mode and 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.
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 a final time, browse a bit, exit IE 6 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 *;-
donkrag
4 Posts
0
June 23rd, 2004 10:00
6/23/04
Thanks for all the help folks!
Here is my requested updated Hijackthis logfile. I think it is interesting to note that the wintools files didn't go away yet. See: O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [WinTools] C:\Program Files\Common files\WinTools\WToolsA.exe
And, I did follow your instruction very carefully. I guess this is one tough bug. In addition, the Wintools for Internet Explorer v2 is still in the Control Panel Add/Remove list.
Donkrag
Logfile of HijackThis v1.97.7
Scan saved at 4:35:28 AM, on 6/23/2004
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:\WINDOWS\system32\ntvdm.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\NORTON~1\navapw32.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\Logitech\MOUSEW~1\SYSTEM\EM_EXEC.EXE
C:\Program Files\ahead\InCD\InCD.exe
C:\Program Files\Roxio\Easy CD Creator 5\DirectCD\DirectCD.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\STOMPS~1\SPYWAR~1\PPMemCheck.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\STOMPS~1\SPYWAR~1\PPControl.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\STOMPS~1\SPYWAR~1\CookiePatrol.exe
C:\Program Files\Real\RealPlayer\RealPlay.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\Works Shared\WkUFind.exe
C:\Program Files\Dell\Support\Alert\bin\DAMon.exe
C:\Program Files\Creative\ShareDLL\CtNotify.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\RUNDLL32.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\System32\devldr32.exe
C:\Program Files\WinZip\WZQKPICK.EXE
C:\Program Files\Creative\ShareDLL\MediaDet.Exe
C:\OPLIMIT\ocrawr32.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\CTsvcCDA.EXE
C:\Program Files\Norton AntiVirus\navapsvc.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\nvsvc32.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\Ontrack\SYSTEM~1\MXTask.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\MsPMSPSv.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\Ontrack\SYSTEM~1\mxtask.exe
C:\HJT\HijackThis.exe
R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://www.dellnet.com/
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL = http://www.dellnet.com/
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://www.dellnet.com/
F1 - win.ini: load=C:\OPLIMIT\ocraware.exe
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {53707962-6F74-2D53-2644-206D7942484F} - C:\Program Files\Spybot - Search & Destroy\SDHelper.dll
O3 - Toolbar: &Radio - {8E718888-423F-11D2-876E-00A0C9082467} - C:\WINDOWS\System32\msdxm.ocx
O3 - Toolbar: MSN Toolbar - {BDAD1DAD-C946-4A17-ADC1-64B5B4FF55D0} - C:\Program Files\MSN Toolbar\01.01.1629.0\en-us\msntb.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NvCplDaemon] RUNDLL32.EXE C:\WINDOWS\System32\NvCpl.dll,NvStartup
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [UpdReg] C:\WINDOWS\Updreg.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AHQInit] C:\Program Files\Creative\SBLive\Program\AHQInit.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NAV Agent] C:\PROGRA~1\NORTON~1\navapw32.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [EM_EXEC] C:\PROGRA~1\Logitech\MOUSEW~1\SYSTEM\EM_EXEC.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NeroCheck] C:\WINDOWS\system32\NeroCheck.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [InCD] C:\Program Files\ahead\InCD\InCD.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AdaptecDirectCD] "C:\Program Files\Roxio\Easy CD Creator 5\DirectCD\DirectCD.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [nwiz] nwiz.exe /install
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [PPMemCheck] C:\PROGRA~1\STOMPS~1\SPYWAR~1\PPMemCheck.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Spyware X-terminator Control Center] C:\PROGRA~1\STOMPS~1\SPYWAR~1\PPControl.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [CookiePatrol] C:\PROGRA~1\STOMPS~1\SPYWAR~1\CookiePatrol.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [RealTray] C:\Program Files\Real\RealPlayer\RealPlay.exe SYSTEMBOOTHIDEPLAYER
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Microsoft Works Update Detection] C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\Works Shared\WkUFind.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [QuickTime Task] "C:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe" -atboottime
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Dell|Alert] C:\Program Files\Dell\Support\Alert\bin\DAMon.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Disc Detector] C:\Program Files\Creative\ShareDLL\CtNotify.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [WinTools] C:\Program Files\Common files\WinTools\WToolsA.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [NvMediaCenter] RUNDLL32.EXE C:\WINDOWS\System32\NVMCTRAY.DLL,NvTaskbarInit
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [Symantec NetDriver Monitor] C:\PROGRA~1\Symantec\LIVEUP~1\SNDMon.EXE
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [MSMSGS] "C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe" /background
O4 - Global Startup: Adobe Gamma Loader.exe.lnk = C:\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe\Calibration\Adobe Gamma Loader.exe
O4 - Global Startup: Quicken Scheduled Updates.lnk = C:\QUICKENW\bagent.exe
O4 - Global Startup: Quicken Startup.lnk = C:\QUICKENW\QWDLLS.EXE
O4 - Global Startup: WinZip Quick Pick.lnk = C:\Program Files\WinZip\WZQKPICK.EXE
O9 - Extra button: Real.com (HKLM)
O9 - Extra button: Messenger (HKLM)
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Windows Messenger (HKLM)
O12 - Plugin for .spop: C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\Plugins\NPDocBox.dll
O16 - DPF: {4B9F2C37-C0CF-42BC-BB2D-DCFA8B25CABF} (PopCapLoaderCtrl Class) - http://zone.msn.com/bingame/rock/default/popcaploader1.cab
O16 - DPF: {4E888414-DB8F-11D1-9CD9-00C04F98436A} (Microsoft.WinRep) - https://webresponse.one.microsoft.com/oas/ActiveX/winrep.cab
O16 - DPF: {597C45C2-2D39-11D5-8D53-0050048383FE} (OPUCatalog Class) - http://office.microsoft.com/productupdates/content/opuc.cab
O16 - DPF: {9AA73F41-EC64-489E-9A73-9CD52E528BC4} (ZoneAxRcMgr Class) - http://zone.msn.com/binGame/ZAxRcMgr.cab
O16 - DPF: {9F1C11AA-197B-4942-BA54-47A8489BB47F} (Update Class) - http://v4.windowsupdate.microsoft.com/CAB/x86/unicode/iuctl.CAB?37574.0680439815
O16 - DPF: {A31CCCB0-46A8-11D3-A726-005004B35102} (XView Class) - http://download.actify.com/SpinFire/SFViewerWeb.cab
O16 - DPF: {AE1C01E3-0283-11D3-9B3F-00C04F8EF466} (HeartbeatCtl Class) - http://fdl.msn.com/zone/datafiles/heartbeat.cab
O16 - DPF: {C2FCEF52-ACE9-11D3-BEBD-00105AA9B6AE} (Symantec RuFSI Registry Information Class) - http://security.symantec.com/sscv6/SharedContent/common/bin/cabsa.cab
O16 - DPF: {D27CDB6E-AE6D-11CF-96B8-444553540000} (Shockwave Flash Object) - http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab
O16 - DPF: {DF780F87-FF2B-4DF8-92D0-73DB16A1543A} (PopCapLoader Object) - http://zone.msn.com/bingame/zuma/default/popcaploader_v5.cab
O17 - HKLM\System\CCS\Services\Tcpip\..\{F0110385-60E0-4DA1-B892-CFDFFEAA0722}: NameServer = 66.51.205.100 66.51.206.100
Texruss
3.4K Posts
0
June 23rd, 2004 23:00
Huntbar (the official pest name for what most folks refer to as Wintools) is a tough nut...it slaps files, values and keys in a broad swath. But if you can kill the Wintools folder in Safe Mode you will be much better off. Try again. Also run Adaware and Hijackthis (remove the entry again) in SAFE MODE. Get the updates for Adaware also...I saw new ones earlier at work today (and I killed Huntbar manually on a computer...hands-on for a change). Felt darn good!
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 in general and 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 *;-)
donkrag
4 Posts
0
June 24th, 2004 01:00
I'm impressed! Many thanks to you. It looks like we finally won the battle of wills with wintools. Now the question is, what is the best program to keep wintools out of the system.?
Donkrag
Logfile of HijackThis v1.97.7
Scan saved at 7:32:08 PM, on 6/23/2004
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:\WINDOWS\system32\ntvdm.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\NORTON~1\navapw32.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\Logitech\MOUSEW~1\SYSTEM\EM_EXEC.EXE
C:\Program Files\ahead\InCD\InCD.exe
C:\Program Files\Roxio\Easy CD Creator 5\DirectCD\DirectCD.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\devldr32.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\STOMPS~1\SPYWAR~1\PPMemCheck.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\STOMPS~1\SPYWAR~1\PPControl.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\STOMPS~1\SPYWAR~1\CookiePatrol.exe
C:\Program Files\Dell\Support\Alert\bin\DAMon.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\RUNDLL32.EXE
C:\Program Files\WinZip\WZQKPICK.EXE
C:\OPLIMIT\ocrawr32.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\CTsvcCDA.EXE
C:\Program Files\Norton AntiVirus\navapsvc.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\nvsvc32.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\Ontrack\SYSTEM~1\MXTask.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\MsPMSPSv.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\Ontrack\SYSTEM~1\mxtask.exe
C:\HJT\HijackThis.exe
R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://www.dellnet.com/
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL = http://www.dellnet.com/
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://www.dellnet.com/
F1 - win.ini: load=C:\OPLIMIT\ocraware.exe
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {53707962-6F74-2D53-2644-206D7942484F} - C:\Program Files\Spybot - Search & Destroy\SDHelper.dll
O3 - Toolbar: &Radio - {8E718888-423F-11D2-876E-00A0C9082467} - C:\WINDOWS\System32\msdxm.ocx
O3 - Toolbar: MSN Toolbar - {BDAD1DAD-C946-4A17-ADC1-64B5B4FF55D0} - C:\Program Files\MSN Toolbar\01.01.1629.0\en-us\msntb.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NvCplDaemon] RUNDLL32.EXE C:\WINDOWS\System32\NvCpl.dll,NvStartup
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AHQInit] C:\Program Files\Creative\SBLive\Program\AHQInit.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NAV Agent] C:\PROGRA~1\NORTON~1\navapw32.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [EM_EXEC] C:\PROGRA~1\Logitech\MOUSEW~1\SYSTEM\EM_EXEC.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [InCD] C:\Program Files\ahead\InCD\InCD.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AdaptecDirectCD] "C:\Program Files\Roxio\Easy CD Creator 5\DirectCD\DirectCD.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [PPMemCheck] C:\PROGRA~1\STOMPS~1\SPYWAR~1\PPMemCheck.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Spyware X-terminator Control Center] C:\PROGRA~1\STOMPS~1\SPYWAR~1\PPControl.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [CookiePatrol] C:\PROGRA~1\STOMPS~1\SPYWAR~1\CookiePatrol.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Dell|Alert] C:\Program Files\Dell\Support\Alert\bin\DAMon.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [NvMediaCenter] RUNDLL32.EXE C:\WINDOWS\System32\NVMCTRAY.DLL,NvTaskbarInit
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [Symantec NetDriver Monitor] C:\PROGRA~1\Symantec\LIVEUP~1\SNDMon.EXE
O4 - Global Startup: Adobe Gamma Loader.exe.lnk = C:\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe\Calibration\Adobe Gamma Loader.exe
O4 - Global Startup: Quicken Scheduled Updates.lnk = C:\QUICKENW\bagent.exe
O4 - Global Startup: Quicken Startup.lnk = C:\QUICKENW\QWDLLS.EXE
O4 - Global Startup: WinZip Quick Pick.lnk = C:\Program Files\WinZip\WZQKPICK.EXE
O9 - Extra button: Real.com (HKLM)
O9 - Extra button: Messenger (HKLM)
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Windows Messenger (HKLM)
O12 - Plugin for .spop: C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\Plugins\NPDocBox.dll
O16 - DPF: {4B9F2C37-C0CF-42BC-BB2D-DCFA8B25CABF} (PopCapLoaderCtrl Class) - http://zone.msn.com/bingame/rock/default/popcaploader1.cab
O16 - DPF: {4E888414-DB8F-11D1-9CD9-00C04F98436A} (Microsoft.WinRep) - https://webresponse.one.microsoft.com/oas/ActiveX/winrep.cab
O16 - DPF: {597C45C2-2D39-11D5-8D53-0050048383FE} (OPUCatalog Class) - http://office.microsoft.com/productupdates/content/opuc.cab
O16 - DPF: {9AA73F41-EC64-489E-9A73-9CD52E528BC4} (ZoneAxRcMgr Class) - http://zone.msn.com/binGame/ZAxRcMgr.cab
O16 - DPF: {9F1C11AA-197B-4942-BA54-47A8489BB47F} (Update Class) - http://v4.windowsupdate.microsoft.com/CAB/x86/unicode/iuctl.CAB?37574.0680439815
O16 - DPF: {A31CCCB0-46A8-11D3-A726-005004B35102} (XView Class) - http://download.actify.com/SpinFire/SFViewerWeb.cab
O16 - DPF: {AE1C01E3-0283-11D3-9B3F-00C04F8EF466} (HeartbeatCtl Class) - http://fdl.msn.com/zone/datafiles/heartbeat.cab
O16 - DPF: {C2FCEF52-ACE9-11D3-BEBD-00105AA9B6AE} (Symantec RuFSI Registry Information Class) - http://security.symantec.com/sscv6/SharedContent/common/bin/cabsa.cab
O16 - DPF: {D27CDB6E-AE6D-11CF-96B8-444553540000} (Shockwave Flash Object) - http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab
O16 - DPF: {DF780F87-FF2B-4DF8-92D0-73DB16A1543A} (PopCapLoader Object) - http://zone.msn.com/bingame/zuma/default/popcaploader_v5.cab
O17 - HKLM\System\CCS\Services\Tcpip\..\{F0110385-60E0-4DA1-B892-CFDFFEAA0722}: NameServer = 66.51.205.100 66.51.206.100
Texruss
3.4K Posts
0
June 24th, 2004 01:00
You look clean 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. 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 *;-)