Bit of help please

[Heatseeker]

I can't seem to pinpoint exactly what if anything is going on with my pc, but I'm noticing firefox crashing alot lately, as well as windows explorer. And now this morning, my pc has restarted itself twice just out of the blue..Here's my HJT log..Any ideas?


Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.1
Scan saved at 1:06:16 PM, on 8/8/2005
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\savedump.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\lsass.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\Ati2evxx.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\Sygate\SPF\smc.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\LEXPPS.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\system32\Ati2evxx.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\LTSMMSG.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\LXSUPMON.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\System32\spool\drivers\w32x86\3\hpztsb11.exe
C:\Program Files\HP\hpcoretech\hpcmpmgr.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\hphmon06.exe
C:\Program Files\ATI Technologies\ATI Control Panel\atiptaxx.exe
C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.5.0_01\bin\jusched.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\p2pnetworking.exe
C:\Program Files\TGTSoft\StyleXP\StyleXP.exe
C:\Program Files\Trend Micro\PC-cillin 2000\PNTIOMON.exe
C:\Program Files\Trend Micro\PC-cillin 2000\pccntupd.exe
C:\Program Files\Trend Micro\PC-cillin 2000\Tmntsrv.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\HPZipm12.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\wuauclt.exe
E:\Program Files\HijackThis.exe

O3 - Toolbar: &Radio - {8E718888-423F-11D2-876E-00A0C9082467} - C:\WINDOWS\System32\msdxm.ocx
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SiS KHooker] C:\WINDOWS\System32\khooker.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [QuickFinder Scheduler] "C:\Program Files\Corel\WordPerfect Office 2002\Programs\QFSCHD100.EXE"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [LTSMMSG] LTSMMSG.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [LiveNote] livenote.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [CleanupProgram] C:\Sonysys\cleanup.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [LXSUPMON] C:\WINDOWS\System32\LXSUPMON.EXE RUN
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [QuickTime Task] "C:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe" -atboottime
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [HPDJ Taskbar Utility] C:\WINDOWS\System32\spool\drivers\w32x86\3\hpztsb11.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [HPHUPD06] C:\Program Files\HP\{AAC4FC36-8F89-4587-8DD3-EBC57C83374D}\hphupd06.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [HP Component Manager] "C:\Program Files\HP\hpcoretech\hpcmpmgr.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [HPHmon06] C:\WINDOWS\System32\hphmon06.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ATIPTA] C:\Program Files\ATI Technologies\ATI Control Panel\atiptaxx.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SmcService] C:\PROGRA~1\Sygate\SPF\smc.exe -startgui
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SunJavaUpdateSched] C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.5.0_01\bin\jusched.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [winupdate] C:\Program Files\winupdate\winupdate.exe /auto
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [p2pnetworking] p2pnetworking.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [KernelFaultCheck] %systemroot%\system32\dumprep 0 -k
O4 - HKLM\..\RunServices: [p2pnetworking] p2pnetworking.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [MsnMsgr] "C:\Program Files\MSN Messenger\MsnMsgr.Exe" /background
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [STYLEXP] C:\Program Files\TGTSoft\StyleXP\StyleXP.exe -Hide
O4 - Global Startup: Adobe Gamma Loader.exe.lnk = C:\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe\Calibration\Adobe Gamma Loader.exe
O4 - Global Startup: Real-time Monitor.lnk = ?
O9 - Extra button: @C:\Program Files\Messenger\Msgslang.dll,-61144 - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: @C:\Program Files\Messenger\Msgslang.dll,-61144 - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
O12 - Plugin for .spop: C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\Plugins\NPDocBox.dll
O14 - IERESET.INF: START_PAGE_URL=http://www.sony.com/vaiopeople
O16 - DPF: {62475759-9E84-458E-A1AB-5D2C442ADFDE} - http://a1540.g.akamai.net/7/1540/52/20040427/qtinstall.info.apple.com/saba/us/win/QuickTimeInstaller.exe
O16 - DPF: {6414512B-B978-451D-A0D8-FCFDF33E833C} (WUWebControl Class) - http://update.microsoft.com/windowsupdate/v6/V5Controls/en/x86/client/wuweb_site.cab?1121128724703
O16 - DPF: {6E32070A-766D-4EE6-879C-DC1FA91D2FC3} (MUWebControl Class) - http://update.microsoft.com/microsoftupdate/v6/V5Controls/en/x86/client/muweb_site.cab?1121129347890
O16 - DPF: {ED28050F-D713-43BA-A376-DCC5C35407D5} (MsnMusicAx Class) - https://music.msn.com/client/msnmusax2317.cab
O23 - Service: Ati HotKey Poller - ATI Technologies Inc. - C:\WINDOWS\System32\Ati2evxx.exe
O23 - Service: ATI Smart - Unknown owner - C:\WINDOWS\system32\ati2sgag.exe
O23 - Service: LexBce Server (LexBceS) - Lexmark International, Inc. - C:\WINDOWS\system32\LEXBCES.EXE
O23 - Service: Pml Driver HPZ12 - HP - C:\WINDOWS\System32\HPZipm12.exe
O23 - Service: Sygate Personal Firewall (SmcService) - Sygate Technologies, Inc. - C:\Program Files\Sygate\SPF\smc.exe
O23 - Service: StyleXPService - Unknown owner - C:\Program Files\TGTSoft\StyleXP\StyleXPService.exe (file missing)
O23 - Service: Trend NT Realtime Service (Tmntsrv) - Trend Micro Inc. - C:\Program Files\Trend Micro\PC-cillin 2000\Tmntsrv.exe

[Crunchie]

You have some entries there that need removing.

===============

Go to Add/Remove programs and remove(uninstall) the following, if present:

P2P Networking

The above could appear anywhere within the entry. Be careful not to remove any personal or system software.

===============

Let's look for, and delete, any program segments (prefetches) that might be present, and are associated with the 'problems' we're trying to remove from your PC. To do this, let's:

1) Click "Start | Search", then search for each of these program's base name(s), in all files and folders:

p2pnetworking.exe*

2) Then if any are found in the 'prefetch' folder, delete them.

Look closely, since the 'base' name will have a bunch of random numbers and letters attached to it.

===============

Next, Open a command prompt by:

1. Clicking "Start", then "Run...".
2. Enter "cmd" (without the quotes).
3. Enter "services.msc" (without the quotes).

-

Now, locate and 'stop' the following services, if present:

p2pnetworking ... (p2pnetworking.exe)

Look carefully, since the name of the service (above) can be anywhere in the entry; also be careful not to 'stop' any required system services. Once stopped, set this service to disabled.

===============

Run HiJackThis then:

1. Click "Open the Misc Tools Section"
2. Click "Open Process manager"

-

Next, while holding down the CTRL key, locate (if present) and click on (highlight) each of the following:

C:\WINDOWS\System32\p2pnetworking.exe

Now double-check and make sure that only those item(s) above are highlighted, then click "Kill process". Now, click "Refresh", check again, and repeat this step if any remain.

===============

Still in HiJackThis, click "Scan", then check(tick) the following, if present:


O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [winupdate] C:\Program Files\winupdate\winupdate.exe /auto
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [p2pnetworking] p2pnetworking.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\RunServices: [p2pnetworking] p2pnetworking.exe
O4 - Global Startup: Real-time Monitor.lnk = ?


Now, close all instances of Internet Explorer and any other windows you have open except HiJackThis, click "Fix checked".

===============

Locate and delete the following item(s), if present. Make sure you are able to view system and hidden files/ folders: (http://www.xtra.co.nz/help/0,,4155-1916458,00.html)

folders...

C:\Program Files\winupdate

files...

C:\WINDOWS\System32\p2pnetworking.exe

-

Note that some of these file(s)/folder(s) may or may not be present. If present, and cannot be deleted because they're 'in use', try deleting them in "Safe Mode (http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT/tsgeninfo.nsf/docid/2001052409420406?OpenDocument&src=sec_doc_nam)".

-

Reboot.

===============

After rebooting, rescan with hijackthis and post back a new log. Please let me know how your pc is now.

[Heatseeker]

I did everything you said except the run, cmd, thing..For some reason it kept giving me like an "illegal operation error" or something like that..Anyway, I think it is somewhat better anyway...Here's the new HJT log..


Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.1
Scan saved at 9:43:02 PM, on 8/10/2005
Platform: Windows XP SP1 (WinNT 5.01.2600)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v6.00 SP1 (6.00.2800.1106)

Running processes:
C:\WINDOWS\System32\smss.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\winlogon.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\services.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\lsass.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\Ati2evxx.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\Sygate\SPF\smc.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\LEXPPS.EXE
C:\Program Files\Trend Micro\PC-cillin 2000\Tmntsrv.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\Ati2evxx.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\LTSMMSG.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\LXSUPMON.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\System32\spool\drivers\w32x86\3\hpztsb11.exe
C:\Program Files\HP\hpcoretech\hpcmpmgr.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\hphmon06.exe
C:\Program Files\ATI Technologies\ATI Control Panel\atiptaxx.exe
C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.5.0_01\bin\jusched.exe
C:\Program Files\TGTSoft\StyleXP\StyleXP.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\HPZipm12.exe
E:\Program Files\HijackThis.exe

O3 - Toolbar: &Radio - {8E718888-423F-11D2-876E-00A0C9082467} - C:\WINDOWS\System32\msdxm.ocx
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [QuickFinder Scheduler] "C:\Program Files\Corel\WordPerfect Office 2002\Programs\QFSCHD100.EXE"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [LTSMMSG] LTSMMSG.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [LiveNote] livenote.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [CleanupProgram] C:\Sonysys\cleanup.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [LXSUPMON] C:\WINDOWS\System32\LXSUPMON.EXE RUN
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [QuickTime Task] "C:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe" -atboottime
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [HPDJ Taskbar Utility] C:\WINDOWS\System32\spool\drivers\w32x86\3\hpztsb11.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [HPHUPD06] C:\Program Files\HP\{AAC4FC36-8F89-4587-8DD3-EBC57C83374D}\hphupd06.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [HP Component Manager] "C:\Program Files\HP\hpcoretech\hpcmpmgr.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [HPHmon06] C:\WINDOWS\System32\hphmon06.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ATIPTA] C:\Program Files\ATI Technologies\ATI Control Panel\atiptaxx.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SmcService] C:\PROGRA~1\Sygate\SPF\smc.exe -startgui
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SunJavaUpdateSched] C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.5.0_01\bin\jusched.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [MsnMsgr] "C:\Program Files\MSN Messenger\MsnMsgr.Exe" /background
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [STYLEXP] C:\Program Files\TGTSoft\StyleXP\StyleXP.exe -Hide
O4 - Global Startup: Adobe Gamma Loader.exe.lnk = C:\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe\Calibration\Adobe Gamma Loader.exe
O9 - Extra button: @C:\Program Files\Messenger\Msgslang.dll,-61144 - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: @C:\Program Files\Messenger\Msgslang.dll,-61144 - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
O12 - Plugin for .spop: C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\Plugins\NPDocBox.dll
O14 - IERESET.INF: START_PAGE_URL=http://www.sony.com/vaiopeople
O16 - DPF: {62475759-9E84-458E-A1AB-5D2C442ADFDE} - http://a1540.g.akamai.net/7/1540/52/20040427/qtinstall.info.apple.com/saba/us/win/QuickTimeInstaller.exe
O16 - DPF: {6414512B-B978-451D-A0D8-FCFDF33E833C} (WUWebControl Class) - http://update.microsoft.com/windowsupdate/v6/V5Controls/en/x86/client/wuweb_site.cab?1121128724703
O16 - DPF: {6E32070A-766D-4EE6-879C-DC1FA91D2FC3} (MUWebControl Class) - http://update.microsoft.com/microsoftupdate/v6/V5Controls/en/x86/client/muweb_site.cab?1121129347890
O16 - DPF: {ED28050F-D713-43BA-A376-DCC5C35407D5} (MsnMusicAx Class) - https://music.msn.com/client/msnmusax2317.cab
O23 - Service: Ati HotKey Poller - ATI Technologies Inc. - C:\WINDOWS\System32\Ati2evxx.exe
O23 - Service: ATI Smart - Unknown owner - C:\WINDOWS\system32\ati2sgag.exe
O23 - Service: LexBce Server (LexBceS) - Lexmark International, Inc. - C:\WINDOWS\system32\LEXBCES.EXE
O23 - Service: Pml Driver HPZ12 - HP - C:\WINDOWS\System32\HPZipm12.exe
O23 - Service: Sygate Personal Firewall (SmcService) - Sygate Technologies, Inc. - C:\Program Files\Sygate\SPF\smc.exe
O23 - Service: StyleXPService - Unknown owner - C:\Program Files\TGTSoft\StyleXP\StyleXPService.exe (file missing)
O23 - Service: Trend NT Realtime Service (Tmntsrv) - Trend Micro Inc. - C:\Program Files\Trend Micro\PC-cillin 2000\Tmntsrv.exe

[Crunchie]

Congratulations! Your log looks clean - good work!

===============

Now that your PC is clean you need to follow these easy steps to keeping it this way:

Secure your Internet Explorer by going here (http://bshagnasty.home.att.net/browsersettings.htm) and following the instructions there.

Better yet, use an alternative browser! Download FireFox (http://www.mozilla.org/products/firefox/) and give it a run. It is far more secure than Internet Explorer. Or, you can get Opera (http://www.opera.com/download/) which in my opinion, is better still.

Use a firewall to help prevent your PC's control being usurped by undesireables. There is a link to a good, free firewall in my signature.

Install and keep updated, Ad-Aware SE, (http://www.lavasoftusa.com/software/adaware/) and Spybot S&D. (http://www.computercops.biz/zx/phoenix22/spybotsd13.zip)
Run them both on a regular basis, following the manufacturer's recommendations.

[color=blue]Install an anti-virus. There are some good, free AV's available today. Make sure that it is updated regularly and have it scan your system often.

Check for Windows Updates. Microsoft regularly post updates for your systems safe running. Make sure to take advantage of this. Reboot when installed and return to make sure there are no others.


Clear your Temp folders.
Clear out your Temporary internet files and other temp files.
Go to Start > Settings > Control Panel >Internet Options.
Under the General tab click the Delete temporary internet files,
delete all Offline content as well. Clear out Cookies.

Also, go to Start > Find/search > Files or folders > in the named box, type: *.tmp and choose Edit > select all -> File > delete.

Empty/delete the entire contents of the C:\Windows\temp folder and C:\temp folder, if you have one. (Contents but not the folder itself.)

C:\Documents and Settings\username\Local Settings\Temp\

In order to view these files you may have to select 'show hidden files/folders.' Instructions on how to here. (http://www.xtra.co.nz/help/0,,4155-1916458,00.html)

Empty the Recycle Bin.

For XP users.
After something like this it is a good idea to Flush the Restore Points and start fresh.
To flush the XP system Restore Points.

Go to Start>Run and type msconfig. Press enter.

When msconfig opens, click the Launch System Restore Button.
On the next page, click the System Restore Settings link on the left.

Check the box labelled 'Turn off System restore'.

Reboot. Go back in and Turn System Restore Back on. A new Restore Point will be created.

Note that all previous restore points will be lost.

===============

If you have any more problems, post back.

-

Happy surfing,

crunchie.

[Heatseeker]

Well, still no luck with the crashing issue.

I still have no updated anit-virus, and that might be the case. Plus, today when I ran Spybot, I got a pop up message saying, "Spybot has changed since last time you used it. Since Spybot does not change itself, it is recommened that you check for viruses/malware immediately"

So, here's my new HJT log. There's something on my pc..just not sure where..and there's no programs listed under my add/remove program list either..


Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.1
Scan saved at 10:29:30 AM, on 8/15/2005
Platform: Windows XP SP2 (WinNT 5.01.2600)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v6.00 SP2 (6.00.2900.2180)

Running processes:
C:\WINDOWS\System32\smss.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\csrss.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\winlogon.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\services.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\lsass.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\Ati2evxx.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\Sygate\SPF\smc.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\LEXPPS.EXE
C:\Program Files\Webroot\Spy Sweeper\WRSSSDK.exe
C:\Program Files\Trend Micro\PC-cillin 2000\Tmntsrv.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\wdfmgr.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\alg.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\wbem\wmiprvse.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\Ati2evxx.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\wscntfy.exe
C:\WINDOWS\LTSMMSG.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\LXSUPMON.EXE
C:\Program Files\HP\hpcoretech\hpcmpmgr.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\hphmon06.exe
C:\Program Files\ATI Technologies\ATI Control Panel\atiptaxx.exe
C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.5.0_01\bin\jusched.exe
C:\Program Files\Webroot\Spy Sweeper\SpySweeper.exe
C:\Program Files\TGTSoft\StyleXP\StyleXP.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\drwtsn32.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\drwtsn32.exe
C:\WINDOWS\explorer.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\HPZipm12.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\wuauclt.exe
C:\WINDOWS\SoftwareDistribution\Download\91e37ce47e8587128bd714d9a2d1d8d2\update\update.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\drwtsn32.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\drwtsn32.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\drwtsn32.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\drwtsn32.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\drwtsn32.exe
E:\Program Files\HijackThis.exe

O2 - BHO: (no name) - {53707962-6F74-2D53-2644-206D7942484F} - E:\PROGRA~1\SPYBOT~1\SDHelper.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [QuickFinder Scheduler] "C:\Program Files\Corel\WordPerfect Office 2002\Programs\QFSCHD100.EXE"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [LTSMMSG] LTSMMSG.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [LiveNote] livenote.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [CleanupProgram] C:\Sonysys\cleanup.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [LXSUPMON] C:\WINDOWS\System32\LXSUPMON.EXE RUN
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [QuickTime Task] "C:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe" -atboottime
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [HPDJ Taskbar Utility] C:\WINDOWS\System32\spool\drivers\w32x86\3\hpztsb11.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [HPHUPD06] C:\Program Files\HP\{AAC4FC36-8F89-4587-8DD3-EBC57C83374D}\hphupd06.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [HP Component Manager] "C:\Program Files\HP\hpcoretech\hpcmpmgr.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [HPHmon06] C:\WINDOWS\System32\hphmon06.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ATIPTA] C:\Program Files\ATI Technologies\ATI Control Panel\atiptaxx.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SmcService] C:\PROGRA~1\Sygate\SPF\smc.exe -startgui
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SunJavaUpdateSched] C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.5.0_01\bin\jusched.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SpySweeper] "C:\Program Files\Webroot\Spy Sweeper\SpySweeper.exe" /startintray
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [MsnMsgr] "C:\Program Files\MSN Messenger\MsnMsgr.Exe" /background
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [STYLEXP] C:\Program Files\TGTSoft\StyleXP\StyleXP.exe -Hide
O4 - Global Startup: Adobe Gamma Loader.exe.lnk = C:\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe\Calibration\Adobe Gamma Loader.exe
O9 - Extra button: @C:\Program Files\Messenger\Msgslang.dll,-61144 - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: @C:\Program Files\Messenger\Msgslang.dll,-61144 - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
O12 - Plugin for .spop: C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\Plugins\NPDocBox.dll
O14 - IERESET.INF: START_PAGE_URL=http://www.sony.com/vaiopeople
O16 - DPF: {17492023-C23A-453E-A040-C7C580BBF700} (Windows Genuine Advantage Validation Tool) - http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=39204
O16 - DPF: {62475759-9E84-458E-A1AB-5D2C442ADFDE} - http://a1540.g.akamai.net/7/1540/52/20040427/qtinstall.info.apple.com/saba/us/win/QuickTimeInstaller.exe
O16 - DPF: {6414512B-B978-451D-A0D8-FCFDF33E833C} (WUWebControl Class) - http://update.microsoft.com/windowsupdate/v6/V5Controls/en/x86/client/wuweb_site.cab?1121128724703
O16 - DPF: {6E32070A-766D-4EE6-879C-DC1FA91D2FC3} (MUWebControl Class) - http://update.microsoft.com/microsoftupdate/v6/V5Controls/en/x86/client/muweb_site.cab?1121129347890
O16 - DPF: {ED28050F-D713-43BA-A376-DCC5C35407D5} (MsnMusicAx Class) - https://music.msn.com/client/msnmusax2317.cab
O23 - Service: Ati HotKey Poller - ATI Technologies Inc. - C:\WINDOWS\System32\Ati2evxx.exe
O23 - Service: ATI Smart - Unknown owner - C:\WINDOWS\system32\ati2sgag.exe
O23 - Service: LexBce Server (LexBceS) - Lexmark International, Inc. - C:\WINDOWS\system32\LEXBCES.EXE
O23 - Service: Pml Driver HPZ12 - HP - C:\WINDOWS\System32\HPZipm12.exe
O23 - Service: Sygate Personal Firewall (SmcService) - Sygate Technologies, Inc. - C:\Program Files\Sygate\SPF\smc.exe
O23 - Service: StyleXPService - Unknown owner - C:\Program Files\TGTSoft\StyleXP\StyleXPService.exe (file missing)
O23 - Service: Webroot Spy Sweeper Engine (svcWRSSSDK) - Webroot Software, Inc. - C:\Program Files\Webroot\Spy Sweeper\WRSSSDK.exe
O23 - Service: Trend NT Realtime Service (Tmntsrv) - Trend Micro Inc. - C:\Program Files\Trend Micro\PC-cillin 2000\Tmntsrv.exe

[Crunchie]

Only seeing one nasty there.

===============

Let's look for, and delete, any program segments (prefetches) that might be present, and are associated with the 'problems' we're trying to remove from your PC. To do this, let's:

1) Click "Start | Search", then search for each of these program's base name(s), in all files and folders:

update.exe*

2) Then if any are found in the 'prefetch' folder, delete them.

Look closely, since the 'base' name will have a bunch of random numbers and letters attached to it.

===============

Run HiJackThis then:

1. Click "Open the Misc Tools Section"
2. Click "Open Process manager"

-

Next, while holding down the CTRL key, locate (if present) and click on (highlight) each of the following:

C:\WINDOWS\SoftwareDistribution\Download\91e37ce47 e8587128bd714d9a2d1d8d2\update\update.exe

Now double-check and make sure that only those item(s) above are highlighted, then click "Kill process". Now, click "Refresh", check again, and repeat this step if any remain.

===============

Locate and delete the following item(s), if present. Make sure you are able to view system and hidden files/ folders: (http://www.xtra.co.nz/help/0,,4155-1916458,00.html)

folders...

C:\WINDOWS\SoftwareDistribution

-

Note that some of these file(s)/folder(s) may or may not be present. If present, and cannot be deleted because they're 'in use', try deleting them in "Safe Mode (http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT/tsgeninfo.nsf/docid/2001052409420406?OpenDocument&src=sec_doc_nam)".

-

Reboot.

===============

After rebooting, rescan with hijackthis and post back a new log. Please let me know how your pc is now.

[Heatseeker]

Here's my new log. Things seem better, but not perfect. I'm noticing still that when I go to a website, in the bottom left hand corner, where it says, "waiting for, www.whatever.com" when it starts transferring, I'm still catching glimpses of hitbox, advertising.com etc..

I've run spybot, adaware, etc. plenty of times now. Is it possible whatever is or was on my computer messed those particular programs up? Should I maybe delete and reinstall them and see what that yields?

Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.1
Scan saved at 12:12:11 PM, on 8/16/2005
Platform: Windows XP SP2 (WinNT 5.01.2600)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v6.00 SP2 (6.00.2900.2180)

Running processes:
C:\WINDOWS\System32\smss.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\csrss.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\winlogon.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\services.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\lsass.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\Ati2evxx.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\Sygate\SPF\smc.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\LEXPPS.EXE
C:\Program Files\Webroot\Spy Sweeper\WRSSSDK.exe
C:\Program Files\Trend Micro\PC-cillin 2000\Tmntsrv.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\wdfmgr.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\alg.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\wbem\wmiprvse.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\Ati2evxx.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\system32\wscntfy.exe
C:\WINDOWS\LTSMMSG.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\LXSUPMON.EXE
C:\Program Files\HP\hpcoretech\hpcmpmgr.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\hphmon06.exe
C:\Program Files\ATI Technologies\ATI Control Panel\atiptaxx.exe
C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.5.0_01\bin\jusched.exe
C:\Program Files\Webroot\Spy Sweeper\SpySweeper.exe
C:\Program Files\TGTSoft\StyleXP\StyleXP.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\HPZipm12.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\wuauclt.exe
E:\Program Files\HijackThis.exe

O2 - BHO: (no name) - {53707962-6F74-2D53-2644-206D7942484F} - E:\PROGRA~1\SPYBOT~1\SDHelper.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [QuickFinder Scheduler] "C:\Program Files\Corel\WordPerfect Office 2002\Programs\QFSCHD100.EXE"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [LTSMMSG] LTSMMSG.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [LiveNote] livenote.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [CleanupProgram] C:\Sonysys\cleanup.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [LXSUPMON] C:\WINDOWS\System32\LXSUPMON.EXE RUN
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [QuickTime Task] "C:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe" -atboottime
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [HPDJ Taskbar Utility] C:\WINDOWS\System32\spool\drivers\w32x86\3\hpztsb11.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [HPHUPD06] C:\Program Files\HP\{AAC4FC36-8F89-4587-8DD3-EBC57C83374D}\hphupd06.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [HP Component Manager] "C:\Program Files\HP\hpcoretech\hpcmpmgr.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [HPHmon06] C:\WINDOWS\System32\hphmon06.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ATIPTA] C:\Program Files\ATI Technologies\ATI Control Panel\atiptaxx.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SmcService] C:\PROGRA~1\Sygate\SPF\smc.exe -startgui
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SunJavaUpdateSched] C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.5.0_01\bin\jusched.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SpySweeper] "C:\Program Files\Webroot\Spy Sweeper\SpySweeper.exe" /startintray
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [MsnMsgr] "C:\Program Files\MSN Messenger\MsnMsgr.Exe" /background
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [STYLEXP] C:\Program Files\TGTSoft\StyleXP\StyleXP.exe -Hide
O4 - Global Startup: Adobe Gamma Loader.exe.lnk = C:\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe\Calibration\Adobe Gamma Loader.exe
O9 - Extra button: @C:\Program Files\Messenger\Msgslang.dll,-61144 - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: @C:\Program Files\Messenger\Msgslang.dll,-61144 - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
O12 - Plugin for .spop: C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\Plugins\NPDocBox.dll
O14 - IERESET.INF: START_PAGE_URL=http://www.sony.com/vaiopeople
O16 - DPF: {17492023-C23A-453E-A040-C7C580BBF700} (Windows Genuine Advantage Validation Tool) - http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=39204
O16 - DPF: {62475759-9E84-458E-A1AB-5D2C442ADFDE} - http://a1540.g.akamai.net/7/1540/52/20040427/qtinstall.info.apple.com/saba/us/win/QuickTimeInstaller.exe
O16 - DPF: {6414512B-B978-451D-A0D8-FCFDF33E833C} (WUWebControl Class) - http://update.microsoft.com/windowsupdate/v6/V5Controls/en/x86/client/wuweb_site.cab?1121128724703
O16 - DPF: {6E32070A-766D-4EE6-879C-DC1FA91D2FC3} (MUWebControl Class) - http://update.microsoft.com/microsoftupdate/v6/V5Controls/en/x86/client/muweb_site.cab?1121129347890
O16 - DPF: {ED28050F-D713-43BA-A376-DCC5C35407D5} (MsnMusicAx Class) - https://music.msn.com/client/msnmusax2317.cab
O23 - Service: Ati HotKey Poller - ATI Technologies Inc. - C:\WINDOWS\System32\Ati2evxx.exe
O23 - Service: ATI Smart - Unknown owner - C:\WINDOWS\system32\ati2sgag.exe
O23 - Service: LexBce Server (LexBceS) - Lexmark International, Inc. - C:\WINDOWS\system32\LEXBCES.EXE
O23 - Service: Pml Driver HPZ12 - HP - C:\WINDOWS\System32\HPZipm12.exe
O23 - Service: Sygate Personal Firewall (SmcService) - Sygate Technologies, Inc. - C:\Program Files\Sygate\SPF\smc.exe
O23 - Service: StyleXPService - Unknown owner - C:\Program Files\TGTSoft\StyleXP\StyleXPService.exe (file missing)
O23 - Service: Webroot Spy Sweeper Engine (svcWRSSSDK) - Webroot Software, Inc. - C:\Program Files\Webroot\Spy Sweeper\WRSSSDK.exe
O23 - Service: Trend NT Realtime Service (Tmntsrv) - Trend Micro Inc. - C:\Program Files\Trend Micro\PC-cillin 2000\Tmntsrv.exe

[Crunchie]

Try running Ewido. Some of the things you are seeing could be cookies from 3rd parties. You should set your cookie manager to manual and block the cookies you do not want.

==

Please download the trial version of Ewido Security Suite here:
http://www.ewido.net/en/download/
Install it, and update the definitions to the newest files. Do NOT run a scan yet.
Next, please reboot your computer in Safe Mode by doing the following:
1) Restart your computer
2) After hearing your computer beep once during startup, but before the Windows icon appears, press F8.
3) Instead of Windows loading as normal, a menu should appear
4) Select the first option, to run Windows in Safe Mode.

For additional help in booting into Safe Mode, see the following site:
http://www.pchell.com/support/safemode.shtml

Once in Safe Mode, please run Ewido, and do a full scan. During the scan it will prompt you to clean files, click OK.

[Heatseeker]

Okay, something is really messed up now.

I dl'd ewido, that kind of worked but within days every program I had running was crashing left and right. So last night I said screw it, and reformatted. Now, my 80G harddrive is partitioned into a C and an E drive. I did reformat both..

I did that, dl'd every security update Windows has to offer, then went ahead and bought PC-Cillin Internet Security 2005. Did a virus scan, spyware scan, etc...Put up my firewall....

And NOW,

my PC is STILL crashing. Not every program like before but Firefox won't say open for longer than a few seconds, and IE crashes every few minutes now..Should I just buy a new HD? Is there no fixing this thing? I dl'd and ran Registry Mechanic, but it wouldn't clean the whole thing unless you buy it...What to do?!

[Crunchie]

If you did a complete reformat and the thing is still playing up, then I would say that you are having hardware problems. Not really within my area of knowledge though, so my help is limited :(.
Could possibly be some sort of overheating problem that you are having? There is a program called Everest that can give you that sort of info. Why don't you d'l it and give it a try.

[Heatseeker]

Here's an update:


I reformatted the other night, AND I added a totally fresh and clean harddrive and a copy of Windows XP with sp2.


Right now I'm having two probs. First, IE is crashing when it encounters macromedia enabled web pages. Or, pages with animations. I disabled Active X, and shockwave, but I would like to figure out the problem..

Secondly, and I know hardware isn't your specialty, but my pc now isn't recognizing that I have speakers plugged in. I've tried unplugging and plugging them back in and no luck. According to Labtec's website, you don't need drivers for them either as they are as they say, "plug and play." Any clues what I could do here... It'd be nice to have sound on my PC!

[Crunchie]

Do you have a sound card? If so, you will likely need drivers for it. As you did a reformat, you would need to install all the drivers necessary for the hardware you have onboard.
Other than that, scratches my head. :)

[Slydog]

Heatseeker,

sounds like you definately have hardware issues.

Instability like that can be caused by several hardware related things like bad memory, power supply etc. Its really easy to test your memory and is probably a good first step. just download memtest from the downloads section and use it to create a bootable floppy to test your memory.

With regards to your sound issue, look at control panel> System> Device manager and look to see what hardware has issues (ie a yellow exclamation mark). It would be helpful know what hardware you have as there are bound to be people who have the same and can help you far better than me. Once we know what hardware you have we can make a far better call on what may be wrong!

If you dont get too many responses from your posts in this thread, it may be better to make a new thread in the hardware section of the forum.

If you suspect that it is your hard drive, you can usually download a tool to test your hard drive from the manufacturer's website. Give that a whirl and see if your harddrive is good. Has it been clicking or making noises of late other than the usual spin up and read / write sounds? (when the clicking / grinding begins, backup immediately!!).

its best to eliminate obvious and easy possibilities early on (ie the memory and the hard drive) before we try other things but doesnt seem to be spyware / virus related as cruchie has you cleaned.

[Heatseeker]

Okay, in the device manager, I have several things with a yellow exclamation mark.

They are:

Multimedia audio controller
PCI modem
Unknown device
Video controller
Video Controller (VGA compatible)

I'm guessing I need to dl drivers for these, but I'm not sure from where...When I have the computer lookup drivers for them, it comes up with nothing..I'm assuming these issues are also why my windows media player isn't working..

As for hardware, I know for sure the hard drive is just fine..It's brand new as of yesterday..My video card is also less than two months old. (although it's not the most up to date, ATi 9550) My memory *could* be it...I have a gig of RAM with two 256 sticks and one 512 stick..I'll test that out and see what I come up with..

[Heatseeker]

Hmmmm, well I ran memtest for only a few minutes and it started coming up with a bunch of errors.

They were all: error found with word pair (bunch of numbers). (bunch of numbers) and (bunch of numbers) do not match.

I got a good 25 errors just like this with each one having different numbers in there...It time to pull the RAM?

[Slydog]

heatseeker... looks like one of your ram sticks is bad which may well be why your system was very unstable :( it is time to test each stick individually and if they all have errors, try them individually in a different ram slot just to make sure its not the slot itself. ANY errors your ram throws up in memtest means your ram is bad (but to different degrees!)

is it the cheap generic stuff or does it have a lifetime garentee? that would definately clear some stability probs. hopefully it is just one of your sticks (and not the big one!).

your drivers need to be downloaded from the relative website (or indeed from the download section of this site) but you need to know what hardware you have. what about your motherboard? did you install all your chipset drivers? is it an nvidia based board etc. you will be able to find chipset drivers for the most common chipsets right here in the download section.

your ati graphics card driver can be downloaded from www.ati.com

is this computer a branded one (eg an HP etc) because they usually have all the drivers you need on their website (or indeed on the driver cd that came with your computer).

Let us know how you go with the ram memtesting them individually as if you have a good stick, you can just use that and concentrate on your driver probs!

[Heatseeker]

Hmm,

well, I bought a 512mb stick just about two months ago, but it is the cheapO stuff from comp-usa..

As for drivers, I own a Sony VAIO PCV-RX762.

My hard drive is new and is a WD i think..either that or Maxtor..Not sure what kind of mobo I have though..

[Slydog]

go to:

http://esupport.sony.com/perl/swu-list.pl?mdl=PCVRX762&UpdateType=Everything

as this links you to all the software and drivers your particular computer needs! search through the list and see what corresponds to the drivers you are missing I can see some of them just by glancing down ie sound and graphics drivers).

also, are all your ram sticks bad? if not, just run the computer with the good ones and see about rmaing the bad one(s).

[Heatseeker]

Well, I updated the audio drivers and dl'd the updated one from the ATI website..but still no sound?

[Heatseeker]

Okay, nvm..got the sound working..now I'll focus on the RAM issue

[Slydog]

glad you have one thing sorted :)

[Heatseeker]

Problem solved Sly...

It was indeed the memory. I ran memtest without the most recent 512mb stick I bought in there, and it came up clean..Took er' out and she's running just fine now...Thanks so much for all the help!

[Slydog]

Sweeeeet :) no worries for the help.... very glad you got it sorted