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View Full Version : Popup/hijacker help requested: yieldmanager, amaena, etc

mrbunn
1 Nov 2006, 12:06am
I've been beating my head against a wall with this for about a month and nothing seems to get the job done. I've tried numerous spyware programs, Norton, Look2me_destroyer, and so on... Any help would be greatly appreciated.

The basic problem is that I'm getting really obnoxious pop-ups and browser hijacks, but haven't been able to figure out where they are coming from. This sucks. Here's my HijackThis log:

Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.1
Scan saved at 6:58:13 PM, on 10/31/2006
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\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\LEXBCES.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\LEXPPS.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\Program Files\Lexmark X6100 Series\lxbfbmgr.exe
C:\Program Files\Grisoft\AVG Anti-Spyware 7.5\avgas.exe
C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.5.0_06\bin\jusched.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
C:\Program Files\Lexmark X6100 Series\lxbfbmon.exe
C:\Program Files\Spyware Doctor\swdoctor.exe
C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 5.0\Distillr\AcroTray.exe
C:\Program Files\Grisoft\AVG Anti-Spyware 7.5\guard.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\VS7DEBUG\MDM.EXE
C:\Program Files\Spyware Doctor\sdhelp.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\devldr32.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\wdfmgr.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\wscntfy.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\alg.exe
C:\Documents and Settings\Joel\Desktop\HijackThis.exe

O2 - BHO: (no name) - {00DE985D-6D4E-416B-85E0-A622BF3072FE} - C:\WINDOWS\system32\msg3d9.dll
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {53707962-6F74-2D53-2644-206D7942484F} - C:\Program Files\Spybot - Search & Destroy\SDHelper.dll
O2 - BHO: PCTools Site Guard - {5C8B2A36-3DB1-42A4-A3CB-D426709BBFEB} - C:\PROGRA~1\SPYWAR~1\tools\iesdsg.dll
O2 - BHO: SSVHelper Class - {761497BB-D6F0-462C-B6EB-D4DAF1D92D43} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.5.0_06\bin\ssv.dll
O2 - BHO: PCTools Browser Monitor - {B56A7D7D-6927-48C8-A975-17DF180C71AC} - C:\PROGRA~1\SPYWAR~1\tools\iesdpb.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Lexmark X6100 Series] "C:\Program Files\Lexmark X6100 Series\lxbfbmgr.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NeroCheck] C:\WINDOWS\System32\NeroCheck.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [!AVG Anti-Spyware] "C:\Program Files\Grisoft\AVG Anti-Spyware 7.5\avgas.exe" /minimized
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SunJavaUpdateSched] C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.5.0_06\bin\jusched.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [ctfmon.exe] C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [MSMSGS] "C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe" /background
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [Spyware Doctor] "C:\Program Files\Spyware Doctor\swdoctor.exe" /Q
O4 - Global Startup: Acrobat Assistant.lnk = C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 5.0\Distillr\AcroTray.exe
O8 - Extra context menu item: E&xport to Microsoft Excel - res://C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~1\OFFICE11\EXCEL.EXE/3000
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.5.0_06\bin\ssv.dll
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Sun Java Console - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.5.0_06\bin\ssv.dll
O9 - Extra button: Spyware Doctor - {2D663D1A-8670-49D9-A1A5-4C56B4E14E84} - C:\PROGRA~1\SPYWAR~1\tools\iesdpb.dll
O9 - Extra button: Research - {92780B25-18CC-41C8-B9BE-3C9C571A8263} - C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~1\OFFICE11\REFIEBAR.DLL
O9 - Extra button: Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Windows Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
O16 - DPF: {0E8D0700-75DF-11D3-8B4A-0008C7450C4A} (DjVuCtl Class) - http://www.lizardtech.com/download/files/win/djvuplugin/en_US/DjVuControl_en_US.cab
O16 - DPF: {17492023-C23A-453E-A040-C7C580BBF700} (Windows Genuine Advantage Validation Tool) - http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkID=39204
O16 - DPF: {193C772A-87BE-4B19-A7BB-445B226FE9A1} (ewidoOnlineScan Control) - http://download.ewido.net/ewidoOnlineScan.cab
O16 - DPF: {5F8469B4-B055-49DD-83F7-62B522420ECC} (Facebook Photo Uploader Control) - http://upload.facebook.com/controls/FacebookPhotoUploader.cab
O16 - DPF: {9A9307A0-7DA4-4DAF-B042-5009F29E09E1} (ActiveScan Installer Class) - http://acs.pandasoftware.com/activescan/as5free/asinst.cab
O16 - DPF: {C4925E65-7A1E-11D2-8BB4-00A0C9CC72C3} (Virtools WebPlayer Class) - http://a532.g.akamai.net/f/532/6712/5m/virtools.download.akamai.com/6712/player/install3.0/installer.exe
O20 - Winlogon Notify: msg3d9 - C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\msg3d9.dll
O20 - Winlogon Notify: WgaLogon - C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\WgaLogon.dll
O23 - Service: AVG Anti-Spyware Guard - Anti-Malware Development a.s. - C:\Program Files\Grisoft\AVG Anti-Spyware 7.5\guard.exe
O23 - Service: Symantec Lic NetConnect service (CLTNetCnService) - Unknown owner - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccSvcHst.exe" /h ccCommon (file missing)
O23 - Service: InstallDriver Table Manager (IDriverT) - Macrovision Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\InstallShield\Driver\11\Intel 32\IDriverT.exe
O23 - Service: LexBce Server (LexBceS) - Lexmark International, Inc. - C:\WINDOWS\system32\LEXBCES.EXE
O23 - Service: PC Tools Spyware Doctor (SDhelper) - PC Tools Research Pty Ltd - C:\Program Files\Spyware Doctor\sdhelp.exe

Thanks again!
Crunchie
1 Nov 2006, 11:25am
Can you please do the following.

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

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)

files...

C:\WINDOWS\system32\msg3d9.dll

-

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 by doing the following: Restart your computer After hearing your computer beep once during startup, but before the Windows icon appears, press F8. Instead of Windows loading as normal, a menu should appear. Select the first option to run Windows in Safe Mode hit enter.

-

Reboot.

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

Download VirtumundoBeGone (http://secured2k.home.comcast.net/tools/VirtumundoBeGone.exe) by secured2k (http://forums.mcafeehelp.com/profile.php?mode=viewprofile&u=69564&sid=f90294efbfcf66350544d590c528f3b6)
Save the file to your desktop
Close all running programs (including your Internet Browser)
Double-click VirtumundoBeGone.exe on the desktop
Read the introductory information, and then click Continue
Click Start
When asked if you want to continue, click Yes to run the fix
Click "Save Log"


Post this log and a new hijackthis log please.
mrbunn
1 Nov 2006, 7:04pm
Crunchie,
Thanks so much for getting back to me, and my apologies for the delay... I'm at work and the computer is at home... Anyhow, I remember trying to delete the file

C:\WINDOWS\system32\msg3d9.dll

without any success... it says that it is being used by other programs. I don't recall if I tried to delete it in Safe mode or not, so I'll try that when I get home.

Shortly after posting last evening I ran BitDefender and found that it was showing that this file in particular was scanning positive for

MemScan.conhook.trojan.C

but could not fix it. It also showed that the trojan was storing backup files on my desktop in a folder called "Backup." It was unable to remove them, too.

That said, I'll try deleting them in safe mode when I get home tonight.

Thanks again for your help!
mrbunn
2 Nov 2006, 1:02am
Crunchie,
I think it may have worked. Like I stated in my last post, I was not able to remove msg3d9.dll manually... it wouldn't delete in Safe mode either. When I ran VirtumundoBeGone, however it did delete the files and for the time being it looks like things are returning to normal. (Although you are probably a better judge of this than I am.) Anyhow, here's the logs and thanks!!!

Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.1
Scan saved at 7:56:41 PM, on 11/1/2006
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\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\LEXBCES.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\LEXPPS.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\Program Files\Lexmark X6100 Series\lxbfbmgr.exe
C:\Program Files\Grisoft\AVG Anti-Spyware 7.5\avgas.exe
C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.5.0_06\bin\jusched.exe
C:\Program Files\Lexmark X6100 Series\lxbfbmon.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
C:\Program Files\Spyware Doctor\swdoctor.exe
C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 5.0\Distillr\AcroTray.exe
C:\Program Files\Grisoft\AVG Anti-Spyware 7.5\guard.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\VS7DEBUG\MDM.EXE
C:\Program Files\Spyware Doctor\sdhelp.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\devldr32.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\wdfmgr.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\wscntfy.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\alg.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\wuauclt.exe
C:\Documents and Settings\Joel\Desktop\HijackThis.exe

O2 - BHO: (no name) - {53707962-6F74-2D53-2644-206D7942484F} - C:\Program Files\Spybot - Search & Destroy\SDHelper.dll
O2 - BHO: PCTools Site Guard - {5C8B2A36-3DB1-42A4-A3CB-D426709BBFEB} - C:\PROGRA~1\SPYWAR~1\tools\iesdsg.dll
O2 - BHO: SSVHelper Class - {761497BB-D6F0-462C-B6EB-D4DAF1D92D43} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.5.0_06\bin\ssv.dll
O2 - BHO: PCTools Browser Monitor - {B56A7D7D-6927-48C8-A975-17DF180C71AC} - C:\PROGRA~1\SPYWAR~1\tools\iesdpb.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Lexmark X6100 Series] "C:\Program Files\Lexmark X6100 Series\lxbfbmgr.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NeroCheck] C:\WINDOWS\System32\NeroCheck.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [!AVG Anti-Spyware] "C:\Program Files\Grisoft\AVG Anti-Spyware 7.5\avgas.exe" /minimized
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SunJavaUpdateSched] C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.5.0_06\bin\jusched.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [ctfmon.exe] C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [MSMSGS] "C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe" /background
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [Spyware Doctor] "C:\Program Files\Spyware Doctor\swdoctor.exe" /Q
O4 - Global Startup: Acrobat Assistant.lnk = C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 5.0\Distillr\AcroTray.exe
O8 - Extra context menu item: E&xport to Microsoft Excel - res://C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~1\OFFICE11\EXCEL.EXE/3000
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.5.0_06\bin\ssv.dll
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Sun Java Console - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.5.0_06\bin\ssv.dll
O9 - Extra button: Spyware Doctor - {2D663D1A-8670-49D9-A1A5-4C56B4E14E84} - C:\PROGRA~1\SPYWAR~1\tools\iesdpb.dll
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {85d1f590-48f4-11d9-9669-0800200c9a66} - %windir%\bdoscandel.exe (file missing)
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Uninstall BitDefender Online Scanner v8 - {85d1f590-48f4-11d9-9669-0800200c9a66} - %windir%\bdoscandel.exe (file missing)
O9 - Extra button: Research - {92780B25-18CC-41C8-B9BE-3C9C571A8263} - C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~1\OFFICE11\REFIEBAR.DLL
O9 - Extra button: Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Windows Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
O16 - DPF: {0E8D0700-75DF-11D3-8B4A-0008C7450C4A} (DjVuCtl Class) - http://www.lizardtech.com/download/files/win/djvuplugin/en_US/DjVuControl_en_US.cab
O16 - DPF: {17492023-C23A-453E-A040-C7C580BBF700} (Windows Genuine Advantage Validation Tool) - http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkID=39204
O16 - DPF: {193C772A-87BE-4B19-A7BB-445B226FE9A1} (ewidoOnlineScan Control) - http://download.ewido.net/ewidoOnlineScan.cab
O16 - DPF: {5D86DDB5-BDF9-441B-9E9E-D4730F4EE499} (BDSCANONLINE Control) - http://download.bitdefender.com/resources/scan8/oscan8.cab
O16 - DPF: {5F8469B4-B055-49DD-83F7-62B522420ECC} (Facebook Photo Uploader Control) - http://upload.facebook.com/controls/FacebookPhotoUploader.cab
O16 - DPF: {9A9307A0-7DA4-4DAF-B042-5009F29E09E1} (ActiveScan Installer Class) - http://acs.pandasoftware.com/activescan/as5free/asinst.cab
O16 - DPF: {C4925E65-7A1E-11D2-8BB4-00A0C9CC72C3} (Virtools WebPlayer Class) - http://a532.g.akamai.net/f/532/6712/5m/virtools.download.akamai.com/6712/player/install3.0/installer.exe
O20 - Winlogon Notify: WgaLogon - C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\WgaLogon.dll
O23 - Service: AVG Anti-Spyware Guard - Anti-Malware Development a.s. - C:\Program Files\Grisoft\AVG Anti-Spyware 7.5\guard.exe
O23 - Service: Symantec Lic NetConnect service (CLTNetCnService) - Unknown owner - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccSvcHst.exe" /h ccCommon (file missing)
O23 - Service: InstallDriver Table Manager (IDriverT) - Macrovision Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\InstallShield\Driver\11\Intel 32\IDriverT.exe
O23 - Service: LexBce Server (LexBceS) - Lexmark International, Inc. - C:\WINDOWS\system32\LEXBCES.EXE
O23 - Service: PC Tools Spyware Doctor (SDhelper) - PC Tools Research Pty Ltd - C:\Program Files\Spyware Doctor\sdhelp.exe


[11/01/2006, 19:51:27] - VirtumundoBeGone v1.5 ( "C:\Documents and Settings\Joel\Desktop\VirtumundoBeGone.exe" )
[11/01/2006, 19:51:34] - Detected System Information:
[11/01/2006, 19:51:34] - Windows Version: 5.1.2600, Service Pack 2
[11/01/2006, 19:51:34] - Current Username: Joel (Admin)
[11/01/2006, 19:51:34] - Windows is in NORMAL mode.
[11/01/2006, 19:51:34] - Searching for Browser Helper Objects:
[11/01/2006, 19:51:34] - BHO 1: {00DE985D-6D4E-416B-85E0-A622BF3072FE} ()
[11/01/2006, 19:51:34] - WARNING: BHO has no default name. Checking for Winlogon reference.
[11/01/2006, 19:51:34] - Checking for HKLM\...\Winlogon\Notify\msg3d9
[11/01/2006, 19:51:34] - Found: HKLM\...\Winlogon\Notify\msg3d9 - This is probably Virtumundo.
[11/01/2006, 19:51:34] - Assigning {00DE985D-6D4E-416B-85E0-A622BF3072FE} MSEvents Object
[11/01/2006, 19:51:34] - BHO list has been changed! Starting over...
[11/01/2006, 19:51:34] - BHO 1: {00DE985D-6D4E-416B-85E0-A622BF3072FE} (MSEvents Object)
[11/01/2006, 19:51:34] - ALERT: Found MSEvents Object!
[11/01/2006, 19:51:34] - BHO 2: {53707962-6F74-2D53-2644-206D7942484F} ()
[11/01/2006, 19:51:34] - WARNING: BHO has no default name. Checking for Winlogon reference.
[11/01/2006, 19:51:34] - Checking for HKLM\...\Winlogon\Notify\SDHelper
[11/01/2006, 19:51:34] - Key not found: HKLM\...\Winlogon\Notify\SDHelper, continuing.
[11/01/2006, 19:51:34] - BHO 3: {5C8B2A36-3DB1-42A4-A3CB-D426709BBFEB} (PCTools Site Guard)
[11/01/2006, 19:51:34] - BHO 4: {761497BB-D6F0-462C-B6EB-D4DAF1D92D43} (SSVHelper Class)
[11/01/2006, 19:51:34] - BHO 5: {B56A7D7D-6927-48C8-A975-17DF180C71AC} (PCTools Browser Monitor)
[11/01/2006, 19:51:34] - Finished Searching Browser Helper Objects
[11/01/2006, 19:51:35] - *** Detected MSEvents Object
[11/01/2006, 19:51:35] - Trying to remove MSEvents Object...
[11/01/2006, 19:51:36] - Terminating Process: IEXPLORE.EXE
[11/01/2006, 19:51:36] - Terminating Process: RUNDLL32.EXE
[11/01/2006, 19:51:36] - Disabling Automatic Shell Restart
[11/01/2006, 19:51:36] - Terminating Process: EXPLORER.EXE
[11/01/2006, 19:51:37] - Suspending the NT Session Manager System Service
[11/01/2006, 19:51:38] - Terminating Windows NT Logon/Logoff Manager
[11/01/2006, 19:51:39] - Re-enabling Automatic Shell Restart
[11/01/2006, 19:51:39] - File to disable: C:\WINDOWS\system32\msg3d9.dll
[11/01/2006, 19:51:39] - Renaming C:\WINDOWS\system32\msg3d9.dll -> C:\WINDOWS\system32\msg3d9.dll.vir
[11/01/2006, 19:51:39] - File successfully renamed!
[11/01/2006, 19:51:39] - Removing HKLM\...\Browser Helper Objects\{00DE985D-6D4E-416B-85E0-A622BF3072FE}
[11/01/2006, 19:51:39] - Removing HKCR\CLSID\{00DE985D-6D4E-416B-85E0-A622BF3072FE}
[11/01/2006, 19:51:40] - Adding Kill Bit for ActiveX for GUID: {00DE985D-6D4E-416B-85E0-A622BF3072FE}
[11/01/2006, 19:51:40] - Deleting ATLEvents/MSEvents Registry entries
[11/01/2006, 19:51:40] - Removing HKLM\...\Winlogon\Notify\msg3d9
[11/01/2006, 19:51:40] - Searching for Browser Helper Objects:
[11/01/2006, 19:51:40] - BHO 1: {53707962-6F74-2D53-2644-206D7942484F} ()
[11/01/2006, 19:51:40] - WARNING: BHO has no default name. Checking for Winlogon reference.
[11/01/2006, 19:51:40] - Checking for HKLM\...\Winlogon\Notify\SDHelper
[11/01/2006, 19:51:40] - Key not found: HKLM\...\Winlogon\Notify\SDHelper, continuing.
[11/01/2006, 19:51:40] - BHO 2: {5C8B2A36-3DB1-42A4-A3CB-D426709BBFEB} (PCTools Site Guard)
[11/01/2006, 19:51:40] - BHO 3: {761497BB-D6F0-462C-B6EB-D4DAF1D92D43} (SSVHelper Class)
[11/01/2006, 19:51:40] - BHO 4: {B56A7D7D-6927-48C8-A975-17DF180C71AC} (PCTools Browser Monitor)
[11/01/2006, 19:51:40] - Finished Searching Browser Helper Objects
[11/01/2006, 19:51:40] - Finishing up...
[11/01/2006, 19:51:40] - A restart is needed.
[11/01/2006, 19:51:54] - Attempting to Restart via STOP error (Blue Screen!)
Crunchie
2 Nov 2006, 8:10am
Looks all good to me :).

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

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

Download CCleaner (http://www.ccleaner.com/ccdownload.asp) and install, then run it. It will clear out your temp folders.

Uncheck "Cookies" under "Internet Explorer".
Click on Run Cleaner in the lower right-hand corner. This can take quite a while to run.
Close when finished.


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, Ewido anti-malware, (http://www.majorgeeks.com/Ewido_security_suite_d4677.html) 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.

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. (http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com/) 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.

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If you have any more problems, post back.

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Happy surfing,

crunchie.