allcybersearch problems

[FowVay]

I'm having problems with a recently acquired parasite. I have run Spybot and it shows the following problems: coolwwwsearch.allcybersearch and coolwwwsearch.leftovers.

I also have the about:blank problem which changes my home page.

Spybot deletes the coolwwwsearch items but they instantly return. I did a scan with spynuker and it identified the registry problems and gave me 6 faulty registry values and keys.

Can I simply delete the faulty registry items or will this cause more problems?

thanks for any help.

FowVay

[Shadow2018]

If you don't have CWShredder then you need to get it and run it.Then check to see if this program has come with it's own uninstall program. Go to add/remove programs.

Try booting in safe mode and getting rid of it by running adaware and CWShredder. If those programs don't get it then try manually deleting those files while in safe mode.

Also if you do not have HIJACK THIS get it. When you complete the previous steps run it and post your log.

[FowVay]

Thank you for the reply. I did download and run the CWShredder but it did not find anything. I didn't run it in safe mode. I will try that now.

I was unable to download AdAware. It would start the download and then just stop. I let it sit for 10 minutes on one instance thinking that maybe the server was busy but it never responded.


Thanks again.
Fow

[Shadow2018]

Get HIJACK THIS andrun it. You will see the about blank file. Get rid of it using hijack this. Do Not delete anything else as of yet!!!! Then post your file log from it.

[FowVay]

OK, I hope that I did this correctly. Here is the file that was generated from the 'hijack this' program:

O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Adaptec DirectCD] C:\PROGRA~1\DIRECTCD\DIRECTCD.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [VsecomrEXE] C:\Program Files\Network Associates\McAfee VirusScan\VSEcomR.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Vshwin32EXE] C:\PROGRAM FILES\NETWORK ASSOCIATES\MCAFEE VIRUSSCAN\VSHWIN32.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [VsStatEXE] C:\Program Files\Network Associates\McAfee VirusScan\VSSTAT.EXE /SHOWWARNING
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [TkBellExe] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Real\Update_OB\realsched.exe" -osboot
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [sp] rundll32 C:\WINDOWS\TEMP\SE.DLL,DllInstall
O4 - HKLM\..\RunServices: [Hidserv] Hidserv.exe run
O4 - HKLM\..\RunServices: [Vshwin32EXE] C:\PROGRAM FILES\NETWORK ASSOCIATES\MCAFEE VIRUSSCAN\VSHWIN32.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\RunServices: [SchedulingAgent] mstask.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [Taskbar Display Controls] RunDLL deskcp16.dll,QUICKRES_RUNDLLENTRY
O4 - HKCU\..\RunServices: [Taskbar Display Controls] RunDLL deskcp16.dll,QUICKRES_RUNDLLENTRY
O4 - Startup: Microsoft Works Calendar Reminders.lnk = C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\Works Shared\wkcalrem.exe
O4 - Startup: Image Transfer.lnk = C:\Program Files\Sony Corporation\Image Transfer\SonyTray.exe
O4 - Startup: WinZip Quick Pick.lnk = C:\Program Files\WinZip\WZQKPICK.EXE
O9 - Extra button: Related - {c95fe080-8f5d-11d2-a20b-00aa003c157a} - C:\WINDOWS\web\related.htm
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Show &Related Links - {c95fe080-8f5d-11d2-a20b-00aa003c157a} - C:\WINDOWS\web\related.htm
O9 - Extra button: RealGuide - {CD67F990-D8E9-11d2-98FE-00C0F0318AFE} - C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\Shdocvw.dll
O9 - Extra button: Wallet - {F05B7DAE-337E-11D3-83B6-00E0980647AC} - C:\WINDOWS\PEOPLEPC\BIN\PAYMEN~1.DLL
O9 - Extra button: Guide - {A6E07A80-436A-11d3-83B6-00902747E82E} - c:\windows\system\shdocvw.dll
O9 - Extra button: PeoplePC - {A6E07A82-436A-11d3-83B6-00902747E82E} - c:\windows\PeoplePC\hta\peopledialer.hta
O14 - IERESET.INF: START_PAGE_URL=http://home.peoplepc.com/home
O16 - DPF: {E6EB803E-DD89-11D3-80C4-0050DA2E09D0} (LightSurfUploadCtl Class) - http://prints.picturecenter.kodak.com/activex/LightSurfUploadControl.cab
O16 - DPF: {0E5F0222-96B9-11D3-8997-00104BD12D94} (PCPitstop Utility) - http://www.pcpitstop.com/pcpitstop/PCPitStop.CAB

I have NOT deleted anything at all. At the moment I believe that the 'about:blank' thing is gone. I am only getting a pop-up that occurs whether I'm on-line or not.

Please tell me what needs to be deleted, if anything. I am not very comfortable with deleting things in my registry so I need step-by-step instruction.

Thanks very much once again.

Fow

[Buckeye_Sam]

You're on the right path Shadow2018, but this one can be tricky to get rid of. Let's try this first and see what happens with it.

Please download CWShredder but don't run it yet.
http://cwshredder.net/bin/CWSInstall.exe


Download Ad-aware SE from: http://www.majorgeeks.com/download506.html

Install the program and launch it. First, in the main window, look in the bottom right corner and click on Check for updates now and download the latest reference files. Exit Adaware for now.


Make sure that you can view all hidden files. Instructions on how to do this can be found here:

How to see hidden files in Windows (http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/tutorial62.html)

Run Hijackthis again, click scan, and Put a checkmark next to each of these. Then close all other windows--you should only see HijackThis on your Desktop--and click the Fix Checked button.

R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page = about:blank
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page = about:blank
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Search,SearchAssistant = about:blank
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Search,SearchAssistant = about:blank
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [sp] rundll32 C:\WINDOWS\TEMP\SE.DLL,DllInstall



Reboot your computer into Safe Mode (http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/tutorial61.html)


Now run CWShredder, making sure to click "Fix".


Then delete everything within this folder, but not the folder itself.

C:\WINDOWS\TEMP




Run a full scan with Adaware.

Reboot your computer to go back to normal mode.


Please run these two online scans.
Make sure they are set to clean automatically:

http://housecall.trendmicro.com/

http://www.pandasoftware.com/activescan/com/activescan_principal.htm

If there are files that can not be removed by the scans please include that information in your next post.



Reboot and post a new hijackthis log.

[FowVay]

Well, everything went well until I tried to run the on-line scan from Housecall. Twice my web browser was closed due to some type of internal failure.

I did not try to run the 'pandasoftware' scan.

Here is the new Hijackthis report:

Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.1
Scan saved at 10:17:35 PM, on 2/22/05
Platform: Windows 98 SE (Win9x 4.10.2222A)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v5.00 (5.00.2919.6304)

Running processes:
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\KERNEL32.DLL
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\MSGSRV32.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\MPREXE.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\NETWORK ASSOCIATES\MCAFEE VIRUSSCAN\VSHWIN32.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\MSTASK.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\mmtask.tsk
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\HIDSERV.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\EXPLORER.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\NETWORK ASSOCIATES\MCAFEE VIRUSSCAN\VSSTAT.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\SYSTRAY.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\HPSYSDRV.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\USBMMKBD.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\NETROPA\ONE-TOUCH MULTIMEDIA KEYBOARD\MMKEYBD.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\DIRECTCD\DIRECTCD.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\COMMON FILES\REAL\UPDATE_OB\REALSCHED.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\RunDLL.exe
C:\PROGRAM FILES\COMMON FILES\MICROSOFT SHARED\WORKS SHARED\WKCALREM.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\WINZIP\WZQKPICK.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\NETROPA\ONE-TOUCH MULTIMEDIA KEYBOARD\KEYBDMGR.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\NETROPA\ONSCREEN DISPLAY\OSD.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\WMIEXE.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\NETROPA\ONE-TOUCH MULTIMEDIA KEYBOARD\MMUSBKB2.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\MSHTA.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\PEOPLEPC\DIALER\DIALER.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\TAPISRV.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\RNAAPP.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\WINZIP\WINZIP32.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\TEMP\HIJACKTHIS.EXE

R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Bar = http://home.peoplepc.com/search/
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL = http://home.peoplepc.com/home
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Window Title = Microsoft Internet Explorer provided by PeoplePC
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {53707962-6F74-2D53-2644-206D7942484F} - C:\PROGRA~1\SPYBOT~1\SDHELPER.DLL
O3 - Toolbar: @msdxmLC.dll,-1@1033,&Radio - {8E718888-423F-11D2-876E-00A0C9082467} - C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\MSDXM.OCX
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ScanRegistry] c:\windows\scanregw.exe /autorun
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SystemTray] SysTray.Exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [hpsysdrv] c:\windows\system\hpsysdrv.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [USBMMKBD] usbmmkbd.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Keyboard Manager] C:\Program Files\Netropa\One-touch Multimedia Keyboard\MMKeybd.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Adaptec DirectCD] C:\PROGRA~1\DIRECTCD\DIRECTCD.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [VsecomrEXE] C:\Program Files\Network Associates\McAfee VirusScan\VSEcomR.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Vshwin32EXE] C:\PROGRAM FILES\NETWORK ASSOCIATES\MCAFEE VIRUSSCAN\VSHWIN32.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [VsStatEXE] C:\Program Files\Network Associates\McAfee VirusScan\VSSTAT.EXE /SHOWWARNING
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [TkBellExe] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Real\Update_OB\realsched.exe" -osboot
O4 - HKLM\..\RunServices: [Hidserv] Hidserv.exe run
O4 - HKLM\..\RunServices: [Vshwin32EXE] C:\PROGRAM FILES\NETWORK ASSOCIATES\MCAFEE VIRUSSCAN\VSHWIN32.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\RunServices: [SchedulingAgent] mstask.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [Taskbar Display Controls] RunDLL deskcp16.dll,QUICKRES_RUNDLLENTRY
O4 - Startup: Microsoft Works Calendar Reminders.lnk = C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\Works Shared\wkcalrem.exe
O4 - Startup: Image Transfer.lnk = C:\Program Files\Sony Corporation\Image Transfer\SonyTray.exe
O4 - Startup: WinZip Quick Pick.lnk = C:\Program Files\WinZip\WZQKPICK.EXE
O9 - Extra button: RealGuide - {CD67F990-D8E9-11d2-98FE-00C0F0318AFE} - C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\Shdocvw.dll
O9 - Extra button: Wallet - {F05B7DAE-337E-11D3-83B6-00E0980647AC} - C:\WINDOWS\PEOPLEPC\BIN\PAYMEN~1.DLL
O9 - Extra button: Guide - {A6E07A80-436A-11d3-83B6-00902747E82E} - c:\windows\system\shdocvw.dll
O9 - Extra button: PeoplePC - {A6E07A82-436A-11d3-83B6-00902747E82E} - c:\windows\PeoplePC\hta\peopledialer.hta
O14 - IERESET.INF: START_PAGE_URL=http://home.peoplepc.com/home
O16 - DPF: {E6EB803E-DD89-11D3-80C4-0050DA2E09D0} (LightSurfUploadCtl Class) - http://prints.picturecenter.kodak.com/activex/LightSurfUploadControl.cab
O16 - DPF: {0E5F0222-96B9-11D3-8997-00104BD12D94} (PCPitstop Utility) - http://www.pcpitstop.com/pcpitstop/PCPitStop.CAB
O16 - DPF: {74D05D43-3236-11D4-BDCD-00C04F9A3B61} (HouseCall Control) - http://a840.g.akamai.net/7/840/537/2004061001/housecall.trendmicro.com/housecall/xscan53.cab

How does it look now?

Thanks to both of you for your assistance!!
Fow

[Buckeye_Sam]

Your log looks good, but there was an indication of a unidentified virus in your first log. The virus scan is an important step.

Please run at least one of these two online scans.
Make sure they are set to clean automatically:

http://www3.ca.com/securityadvisor/virusinfo/scan.aspx

http://www.pandasoftware.com/activescan/com/activescan_principal.htm

If there are files that can not be removed by the scans please include that information in your next post.



Reboot and post a new hijackthis log.

[FowVay]

Sam, I ran the Pandasoftware and it detected 1 infected file. However, at the end of the scan I got a message that stated that Panda detects spyware but does not disinfect it. So, no action was taken on this scan.

I tried to run the www3.ca.com program but it wouldn't run. It asked me if I had a IE version of 4.0 or higher which I do have so I don't know why it had difficulty.

Here is my most recent Hijack log:

Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.1
Scan saved at 11:09:22 AM, on 2/23/05
Platform: Windows 98 SE (Win9x 4.10.2222A)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v5.00 (5.00.2919.6304)

Running processes:
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\KERNEL32.DLL
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\MSGSRV32.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\MPREXE.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\NETWORK ASSOCIATES\MCAFEE VIRUSSCAN\VSHWIN32.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\MSTASK.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\HIDSERV.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\mmtask.tsk
C:\PROGRAM FILES\NETWORK ASSOCIATES\MCAFEE VIRUSSCAN\VSSTAT.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\EXPLORER.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\SYSTRAY.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\HPSYSDRV.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\USBMMKBD.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\NETROPA\ONE-TOUCH MULTIMEDIA KEYBOARD\MMKEYBD.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\DIRECTCD\DIRECTCD.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\COMMON FILES\REAL\UPDATE_OB\REALSCHED.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\RunDLL.exe
C:\PROGRAM FILES\COMMON FILES\MICROSOFT SHARED\WORKS SHARED\WKCALREM.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\NETROPA\ONE-TOUCH MULTIMEDIA KEYBOARD\KEYBDMGR.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\NETROPA\ONSCREEN DISPLAY\OSD.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\NETROPA\ONE-TOUCH MULTIMEDIA KEYBOARD\MMUSBKB2.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\WMIEXE.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\DDHELP.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\MSHTA.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\PEOPLEPC\DIALER\DIALER.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\TAPISRV.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\RNAAPP.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\WINZIP\WINZIP32.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\TEMP\HIJACKTHIS.EXE

R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Bar = http://home.peoplepc.com/search/
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL = http://home.peoplepc.com/home
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Window Title = Microsoft Internet Explorer provided by PeoplePC
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {53707962-6F74-2D53-2644-206D7942484F} - C:\PROGRA~1\SPYBOT~1\SDHELPER.DLL
O3 - Toolbar: @msdxmLC.dll,-1@1033,&Radio - {8E718888-423F-11D2-876E-00A0C9082467} - C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\MSDXM.OCX
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ScanRegistry] c:\windows\scanregw.exe /autorun
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SystemTray] SysTray.Exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [hpsysdrv] c:\windows\system\hpsysdrv.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [USBMMKBD] usbmmkbd.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Keyboard Manager] C:\Program Files\Netropa\One-touch Multimedia Keyboard\MMKeybd.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Adaptec DirectCD] C:\PROGRA~1\DIRECTCD\DIRECTCD.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [VsecomrEXE] C:\Program Files\Network Associates\McAfee VirusScan\VSEcomR.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Vshwin32EXE] C:\PROGRAM FILES\NETWORK ASSOCIATES\MCAFEE VIRUSSCAN\VSHWIN32.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [VsStatEXE] C:\Program Files\Network Associates\McAfee VirusScan\VSSTAT.EXE /SHOWWARNING
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [TkBellExe] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Real\Update_OB\realsched.exe" -osboot
O4 - HKLM\..\RunServices: [Hidserv] Hidserv.exe run
O4 - HKLM\..\RunServices: [Vshwin32EXE] C:\PROGRAM FILES\NETWORK ASSOCIATES\MCAFEE VIRUSSCAN\VSHWIN32.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\RunServices: [SchedulingAgent] mstask.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [Taskbar Display Controls] RunDLL deskcp16.dll,QUICKRES_RUNDLLENTRY
O4 - Startup: Microsoft Works Calendar Reminders.lnk = C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\Works Shared\wkcalrem.exe
O4 - Startup: Image Transfer.lnk = C:\Program Files\Sony Corporation\Image Transfer\SonyTray.exe
O4 - Startup: WinZip Quick Pick.lnk = C:\Program Files\WinZip\WZQKPICK.EXE
O9 - Extra button: RealGuide - {CD67F990-D8E9-11d2-98FE-00C0F0318AFE} - C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\Shdocvw.dll
O9 - Extra button: Wallet - {F05B7DAE-337E-11D3-83B6-00E0980647AC} - C:\WINDOWS\PEOPLEPC\BIN\PAYMEN~1.DLL
O9 - Extra button: Guide - {A6E07A80-436A-11d3-83B6-00902747E82E} - c:\windows\system\shdocvw.dll
O9 - Extra button: PeoplePC - {A6E07A82-436A-11d3-83B6-00902747E82E} - c:\windows\PeoplePC\hta\peopledialer.hta
O14 - IERESET.INF: START_PAGE_URL=http://home.peoplepc.com/home
O16 - DPF: {E6EB803E-DD89-11D3-80C4-0050DA2E09D0} (LightSurfUploadCtl Class) - http://prints.picturecenter.kodak.com/activex/LightSurfUploadControl.cab
O16 - DPF: {0E5F0222-96B9-11D3-8997-00104BD12D94} (PCPitstop Utility) - http://www.pcpitstop.com/pcpitstop/PCPitStop.CAB
O16 - DPF: {74D05D43-3236-11D4-BDCD-00C04F9A3B61} (HouseCall Control) - http://a840.g.akamai.net/7/840/537/2004061001/housecall.trendmicro.com/housecall/xscan53.cab
O16 - DPF: {9A9307A0-7DA4-4DAF-B042-5009F29E09E1} (ActiveScan Installer Class) - http://www.pandasoftware.com/activescan/as5/asinst.cab

Thx,
Fow

[Buckeye_Sam]

Your log is clean!

Now that you are clean, please follow these simple steps in order to keep your computer clean and secure:
Disable and Enable System Restore. - If you are using Windows ME or XP then you should disable and reenable system restore to make sure there are no infected files found in a restore point left over from what we have just cleaned.

You can find instructions on how to enable and reenable system restore here:

Managing Windows Millenium System Restore (http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/index.php?showtutorial=63)

or

Windows XP System Restore Guide (http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/index.php?showtutorial=56)

Renable system restore with instructions from tutorial above


Make your Internet Explorer more secure - This can be done by following these simple instructions:
From within Internet Explorer click on the Tools menu and then click on Options.
Click once on the Security tab
Click once on the Internet icon so it becomes highlighted.
Click once on the Custom Level button.

Change the Download signed ActiveX controls to Prompt

Change the Download unsigned ActiveX controls to Disable

Change the Initialize and script ActiveX controls not marked as safe to Disable

Change the Installation of desktop items to Prompt

Change the Launching programs and files in an IFRAME to Prompt

Change the Navigate sub-frames across different domains to Prompt

When all these settings have been made, click on the OK button.

If it prompts you as to whether or not you want to save the settings, press the Yes button.

Next press the Apply button and then the OK to exit the Internet Properties page.



Use an AntiVirus Software - It is very important that your computer has an anti-virus software running on your machine. This alone can save you a lot of trouble with malware in the future.

See this link for a listing of some online & their stand-alone antivirus programs:

Virus, Spyware, and Malware Protection and Removal Resources (http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=405)


Update your AntiVirus Software - It is imperitive that you update your Antivirus software at least once a week (Even more if you wish). If you do not update your antivirus software then it will not be able to catch any of the new variants that may come out.


Use a Firewall - I can not stress how important it is that you use a Firewall on your computer. Without a firewall your computer is succeptible to being hacked and taken over. I am very serious about this and see it happen almost every day with my clients. Simply using a Firewall in its default configuration can lower your risk greatly.

For a tutorial on Firewalls and a listing of some available ones see the link below:

Understanding and Using Firewalls (http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/index.php?showtutorial=60)


Visit Microsoft's Windows Update Site Frequently - It is important that you visit http://www.windowsupdate.com regularly. This will ensure your computer has always the latest security updates available installed on your computer. If there are new updates to install, install them immediately, reboot your computer, and revisit the site until there are no more critical updates.


Install Spybot - Search and Destroy - Install and download Spybot - Search and Destroy with its TeaTimer option. This will provide realtime spyware & hijacker protection on your computer alongside your virus protection. You should also scan your computer with program on a regular basis just as you would an antivirus software.

A tutorial on installing & using this product can be found here:

Using Spybot - Search & Destroy to remove Spyware , Malware, and Hijackers (http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/index.php?showtutorial=43)


Install Ad-Aware - Install and download Ad-Aware. ou should also scan your computer with program on a regular basis just as you would an antivirus software in conjunction with Spybot.

A tutorial on installing & using this product can be found here:

Using Ad-aware to remove Spyware, Malware, & Hijackers from Your Computer (http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/index.php?showtutorial=48)


Install SpywareBlaster - SpywareBlaster will added a large list of programs and sites into your Internet Explorer settings that will protect you from running and downloading known malicious programs.

A tutorial on installing & using this product can be found here:

Using SpywareBlaster to protect your computer from Spyware and Malware (http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/index.php?showtutorial=49)


Update all these programs regularly - Make sure you update all the programs I have listed regularly. Without regular updates you WILL NOT be protected when new malicious programs are released.
Follow this list and your potential for being infected again will reduce dramatically.

[FowVay]

Well, the problems appear to be gone. I have not had a pop-up in two days and the about:blank went away several days ago.

I did add a free firewall from ZoneAlarm and as I review the log it is amazing how many hits my computer takes just from being on-line.

I appreciate the help from both of you guys that responded. It appears to have been a success.

Thanks again!!
Fow

[Shadow2018]

For other security measures I might suggest getting rid of IE and getting firefox browser.