Hsa

[Odofakyodo]

Hello,

I have been working for almost 5 hours now attempting to fix the HSA (about:blank) problem on my computer, and cannot figure out what I am doing wrong, if anything. I printed out the "Home Search Assistant Removal Guide" found here at Short-Media and have followed it through 4 times, with no success. The "offending" files keep being recreated. I would appreciate it if someone would help walk me through it. Here is my HJT log after restarting in Safe Mode, and running Adaware, S&D, HJT, and AboutBlaster:

Logfile of HijackThis v1.97.7
Scan saved at 6:24:34 PM, on 8/25/2004
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\Explorer.EXE
C:\Documents and Settings\Joseph Boyd\Desktop\Spyware Removers\HijackThis.exe

R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL = http://www.dellnet.com
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings,ProxyServer = sas.r1.attbi.com:8000
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings,ProxyOverride = *.r1.attbi.com
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Connection Wizard,Shellnext = http://www.dellnet.com/
O3 - Toolbar: &Radio - {8E718888-423F-11D2-876E-00A0C9082467} - C:\WINDOWS\System32\msdxm.ocx
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NvCplDaemon] RUNDLL32.EXE C:\WINDOWS\System32\NvCpl.dll,NvStartup
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [DVDSentry] C:\WINDOWS\System32\DSentry.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [CTSysVol] C:\Program Files\Creative\SBAudigy2\Surround Mixer\CTSysVol.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [CTDVDDet] C:\Program Files\Creative\SBAudigy2\DVDAudio\CTDVDDet.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [CTHelper] CTHELPER.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AsioReg] REGSVR32.EXE /S CTASIO.DLL
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [MoneyStartUp10.0] "C:\Program Files\Microsoft Money\System\Activation.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [MCAgentExe] c:\PROGRA~1\mcafee.com\agent\mcagent.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [MCUpdateExe] C:\PROGRA~1\McAfee.com\Agent\mcupdate.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AdaptecDirectCD] "C:\Program Files\Roxio\Easy CD Creator 5\DirectCD\DirectCD.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [VirusScan Online] "c:\PROGRA~1\mcafee.com\vso\mcvsshld.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [DwlClient] C:\Program Files\Common Files\Dell\EUSW\Support.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [VSOCheckTask] "c:\PROGRA~1\mcafee.com\vso\mcmnhdlr.exe" /checktask
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [QuickTime Task] "C:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe" -atboottime
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [mmtask] C:\Program Files\MUSICMATCH\MUSICMATCH Jukebox\mmtask.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [intdctrr] C:\WINDOWS\System32\idctup20.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ViewMgr] C:\Program Files\Viewpoint\Viewpoint Manager\ViewMgr.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [IMJPMIG8.1] "C:\WINDOWS\IME\imjp8_1\IMJPMIG.EXE" /Spoil /RemAdvDef /Migration32
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [IMEKRMIG6.1] C:\WINDOWS\ime\imkr6_1\IMEKRMIG.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [MSPY2002] C:\WINDOWS\System32\IME\PINTLGNT\ImScInst.exe /SYNC
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [PHIME2002ASync] C:\WINDOWS\System32\IME\TINTLGNT\TINTSETP.EXE /SYNC
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [PHIME2002A] C:\WINDOWS\System32\IME\TINTLGNT\TINTSETP.EXE /IMEName
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [userenv] C:\WINDOWS\System32\userenv.exe
O4 - Global Startup: Microsoft Office.lnk = C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office10\OSA.EXE
O8 - Extra context menu item: E&xport to Microsoft Excel - res://C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~2\Office10\EXCEL.EXE/3000
O9 - Extra button: Messenger (HKLM)
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Yahoo! Messenger (HKLM)
O9 - Extra button: AIM (HKLM)
O9 - Extra button: MoneySide (HKLM)
O12 - Plugin for .mpg: C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\PLUGINS\npqtplugin3.dll
O16 - DPF: v2cab - http://searchmiracle.com/cab/v2cab.cab
O16 - DPF: {166B1BCA-3F9C-11CF-8075-444553540000} (Shockwave ActiveX Control) - http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/director/sw.cab
O16 - DPF: {1D0D9077-3798-49BB-9058-393499174D5D} - file://c:\counter.cab
O16 - DPF: {30528230-99F7-4BB4-88D8-FA1D4F56A2AB} (YInstStarter Class) - http://download.yahoo.com/dl/installs/yinst0401.cab
O16 - 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.cab
O16 - DPF: {9F1C11AA-197B-4942-BA54-47A8489BB47F} (Update Class) - http://v4.windowsupdate.microsoft.com/CAB/x86/unicode/iuctl.CAB?37948.6000115741
O16 - DPF: {BCC0FF27-31D9-4614-A68E-C18E1ADA4389} (DwnldGroupMgr Class) - http://bin.mcafee.com/molbin/shared/mcgdmgr/en-us/1,0,0,15/mcgdmgr.cab
O16 - DPF: {D27CDB6E-AE6D-11CF-96B8-444553540000} - http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab

If you have any suggestions for deleting unnecessary files that have nothing to do with HSA, I'm open to those as well.

Thanks!

[Dexter]

Welcome to Short-Media. If you are not sure how to do some of the things I tell you, check the links I provide for instructions.

You do not appear to have the Home Page Assistant Hijack. Do you have a new home page with the words HOME PAGE and a bunch of links on it?

You do have some other problems though.


Set your system to Show Hidden Files and folders. (http://www.short-media.com/forum/showpost.php?p=172588&postcount=3)

For Windows XP or ME, Disable System Restore. (http://www.short-media.com/forum/showpost.php?p=172591&postcount=4)

Reboot into Safe Mode. (http://www.short-media.com/forum/showpost.php?p=175908&postcount=6)


Run Hijack This. FIX THE FOLLOWING:

**************


R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings,ProxyServer = sas.r1.attbi.com:8000
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings,ProxyOverride = *.r1.attbi.com
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Connection Wizard,Shellnext = http://www.dellnet.com/


O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [intdctrr] C:\WINDOWS\System32\idctup20.exe

O4 - HKCU\..\Run: C:\WINDOWS\System32\userenv.exe

O12 - Plugin for .mpg: C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\PLUGINS\npqtplugin3.dll

O16 - DPF: v2cab - http://searchmiracle.com/cab/v2cab.cab




**************

Stay in Safe mode, manually locate the exe and dll files in the entries above, and quarantine them. (http://www.short-media.com/forum/showpost.php?p=173532&postcount=5) Also, go into yur Windows folder, locate the Downloaded Program Files Folder, and delete everything inside it.

Reboot normally, check things out, [U]and come back to let us know how it turned out. Post a fresh HJT log for review. If things looks clean, re-enable your system restore and set a new restore point.

Dexter...

[Odofakyodo]

Thanks for the reply Dexter! To answer your question, yes I do have the Home Search Assistant problem. When I open up IE, the "Home Search" page with a TON of links pops up, and it continually pops up new browser windows as I browse the net. I had fixed everything that I could find wrong with my HJT log from referencing your guide, and that was the log that I posted for review, so that may be why you didn't see anything. However, when reboot my pc all of the files come back--at least, they are back in the log--only they are renamed. In any case, I will get on it and post a fresh log. Thanks again!

[Odofakyodo]

Whew! All right. I went through the HSA removal guide yet again just to be safe. I did the following:

1) Made sure Hidden Files and Folders were shown.
2) Disabled System Restore.
3) Hard booted my PC in Safe Mode.
4) Ran McAffee VirusScan to remove any known viruses. (It actually didn't find any).
5) Ran Adaware, Spybot:S&D, About:Buster, and HSRemove.
6) Ran HJT and fixed all the HSA crap. Also fixed the items you (Dexter) mentioned in your response, and quarantined any files that remained.
7) Scanned my WINDOWS/SYSTEM32 folder for any suspicious-looking Applications. Found some by "Twain Software". Quarantined them.
8) Deleted Notepad (it had been poisoned by HSA) and got a fresh copy.

Here's my new HJT log, running in normal mode:

Logfile of HijackThis v1.97.7
Scan saved at 2:48:10 PM, on 8/28/2004
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:\WINDOWS\System32\DSentry.exe
C:\Program Files\Creative\SBAudigy2\Surround Mixer\CTSysVol.exe
C:\Program Files\Creative\SBAudigy2\DVDAudio\CTDVDDet.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\System32\CTHELPER.EXE
C:\PROGRA~1\mcafee.com\agent\mcagent.exe
C:\Program Files\Roxio\Easy CD Creator 5\DirectCD\DirectCD.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\mcafee.com\vso\mcvsshld.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Dell\EUSW\Support.exe
C:\Program Files\MUSICMATCH\MUSICMATCH Jukebox\mmtask.exe
C:\Program Files\Dell\Support\Alert\bin\NotifyAlert.exe
C:\Program Files\MUSICMATCH\MUSICMATCH Jukebox\mmtask.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\cisvc.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\CTsvcCDA.exe
c:\PROGRA~1\mcafee.com\vso\mcvsrte.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\VS7Debug\mdm.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\nvsvc32.exe
c:\PROGRA~1\mcafee.com\vso\mcshield.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\wuauclt.exe
C:\Documents and Settings\Joseph Boyd\Desktop\Spyware Removers\HijackThis.exe

R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://www.cnn.com/
O3 - Toolbar: &Radio - {8E718888-423F-11D2-876E-00A0C9082467} - C:\WINDOWS\System32\msdxm.ocx
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NvCplDaemon] RUNDLL32.EXE C:\WINDOWS\System32\NvCpl.dll,NvStartup
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [DVDSentry] C:\WINDOWS\System32\DSentry.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [CTSysVol] C:\Program Files\Creative\SBAudigy2\Surround Mixer\CTSysVol.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [CTDVDDet] C:\Program Files\Creative\SBAudigy2\DVDAudio\CTDVDDet.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [CTHelper] CTHELPER.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AsioReg] REGSVR32.EXE /S CTASIO.DLL
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [MoneyStartUp10.0] "C:\Program Files\Microsoft Money\System\Activation.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [MCAgentExe] c:\PROGRA~1\mcafee.com\agent\mcagent.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [MCUpdateExe] C:\PROGRA~1\mcafee.com\agent\McUpdate.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AdaptecDirectCD] "C:\Program Files\Roxio\Easy CD Creator 5\DirectCD\DirectCD.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [VirusScan Online] "c:\PROGRA~1\mcafee.com\vso\mcvsshld.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [DwlClient] C:\Program Files\Common Files\Dell\EUSW\Support.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [VSOCheckTask] "c:\PROGRA~1\mcafee.com\vso\mcmnhdlr.exe" /checktask
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [QuickTime Task] "C:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe" -atboottime
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [mmtask] C:\Program Files\MUSICMATCH\MUSICMATCH Jukebox\mmtask.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ViewMgr] C:\Program Files\Viewpoint\Viewpoint Manager\ViewMgr.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [IMJPMIG8.1] "C:\WINDOWS\IME\imjp8_1\IMJPMIG.EXE" /Spoil /RemAdvDef /Migration32
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [IMEKRMIG6.1] C:\WINDOWS\ime\imkr6_1\IMEKRMIG.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [MSPY2002] C:\WINDOWS\System32\IME\PINTLGNT\ImScInst.exe /SYNC
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [PHIME2002ASync] C:\WINDOWS\System32\IME\TINTLGNT\TINTSETP.EXE /SYNC
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [PHIME2002A] C:\WINDOWS\System32\IME\TINTLGNT\TINTSETP.EXE /IMEName
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [KernelFaultCheck] %systemroot%\system32\dumprep 0 -k
O4 - Global Startup: Microsoft Office.lnk = C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office10\OSA.EXE
O8 - Extra context menu item: E&xport to Microsoft Excel - res://C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~2\Office10\EXCEL.EXE/3000
O9 - Extra button: Messenger (HKLM)
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Yahoo! Messenger (HKLM)
O9 - Extra button: AIM (HKLM)
O9 - Extra button: MoneySide (HKLM)
O16 - DPF: {10000000-1000-0000-1000-000000000000} - file://C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\hvlnlinb.exe
O16 - DPF: {166B1BCA-3F9C-11CF-8075-444553540000} (Shockwave ActiveX Control) - http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/director/sw.cab
O16 - DPF: {1D0D9077-3798-49BB-9058-393499174D5D} - file://c:\counter.cab
O16 - DPF: {30528230-99F7-4BB4-88D8-FA1D4F56A2AB} (YInstStarter Class) - http://download.yahoo.com/dl/installs/yinst0401.cab
O16 - 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.cab
O16 - DPF: {9F1C11AA-197B-4942-BA54-47A8489BB47F} - http://v4.windowsupdate.microsoft.com/CAB/x86/unicode/iuctl.CAB?37948.6000115741
O16 - DPF: {BCC0FF27-31D9-4614-A68E-C18E1ADA4389} (DwnldGroupMgr Class) - http://bin.mcafee.com/molbin/shared/mcgdmgr/en-us/1,0,0,15/mcgdmgr.cab
O16 - DPF: {D27CDB6E-AE6D-11CF-96B8-444553540000} (Shockwave Flash Object) - http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab



I was able to reboot normally and start Internet Explorer. I can now set my own home page and there have been NO annoying popups so far. Thus, everything seems to be in order, at least with regard to IE! :) Thank you so much for taking a look at my log. I REALLY appreciate it.

One last thing: There is a problem left that I'm still not sure how to fix. I thought it was a symptom of HSA, since it started the same time that HSA did (a few days ago), but now I'm not so sure. I thought it would be fixed when HSA was eliminated, but it isn't. When I set a new desktop picture, it does not display. Only a blue background displays as the desktop. I have tried several pictures that worked before, but not of them show up. If I change the "Theme" to Windows XP, then a default picture shows up and I can then display the picture of my choice. However, when I restart the computer the theme goes back to "Modified Theme" and the blue background is there. Any ideas as to what this could be?

Thanks so much again!

[Dexter]

That log looks good, glad we can help.

Not sure on the desktop issue, but I will suggest 2 things:

- try running the Service Pack 2 upgrade, and maybe that will fix whatever is causing this. You will see a link to SP2 in my "standard closing message" below...

- if that does not help, post a new thread in the Windows forum. (http://www.short-media.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=32) One of the regular guys there may be able to help you better.


*begin standard closing message*

If you have not done so already, re-enable your system restore and set a new restore point.

Please read our article on Defeating Spyware (http://www.short-media.com/review.php?r=132) for tips on how to improve your Internet Explorer security, or to learn how to switch to a different browser. For more general information about spyware read this page. (http://www.short-media.com/review.php?r=252&p=4)

You are running Windows XP, and have not yet upgraded to Service Pack 2, please do so, especially if you plan to stay on Internet Explorer. SP2 introduces some security features to help protect you from unwanted downloads in Internet Explorer. Upgrade to XP Service Pack 2 here (http://www.short-media.com/download.php?d=300), courtesy of Short-Media's downloads section.

Finally, if you have not already done so, please take the time to find out more about Folding For a Cure (http://www.short-media.com/folding.php?v=projectinfo), a good cause by which your computer uses it's spare power to help search for cures to diseases. We would love to have you on our Team.

Dexter...