Persistent malware

yiftach

Howdy y'all,

I'm being plagued - OK, one of my machines is infected, not me - by some persistent problems. I don't want to delete anything without getting the go-ahead here, so have at it. Thanks in advance (and more to come)!

(needless to say, I've run AdAware and Spybot already)

Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.0
Scan saved at 10:42:32 AM, on 1/20/2005
Platform: Windows 2000 SP4 (WinNT 5.00.2195)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v6.00 SP1 (6.00.2800.1106)

Running processes:
C:\WINNT\System32\smss.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\winlogon.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\services.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\lsass.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\svchost.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\WINNT\System32\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\Network Associates\Common Framework\FrameworkService.exe
C:\Program Files\Network Associates\VirusScan\Mcshield.exe
C:\Program Files\Network Associates\VirusScan\VsTskMgr.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\regsvc.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\MSTask.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\stisvc.exe
C:\WINNT\System32\WBEM\WinMgmt.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\svchost.exe
C:\WINNT\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINNT\Explorer.EXE
C:\WINNT\system32\igfxtray.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\hkcmd.exe
C:\Program Files\Network Associates\VirusScan\SHSTAT.EXE
C:\Program Files\Network Associates\Common Framework\UpdaterUI.exe
C:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe
C:\Program Files\Common files\SearchUpgrader\SearchUpgrader.exe
C:\windows\bundles\adl_mteststub.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\dnsbr.exe
C:\Program Files\WinZip\WZQKPICK.EXE
C:\WINNT\system32\winupdt.exe
C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\IEXPLORE.EXE
C:\Program Files\CxtPls\CxtPls.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\MOZILL~1\firefox.exe
C:\Documents and Settings\Administrator.CAREERSERV00\Desktop\hijackthis\HijackThis.exe

R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Search,SearchAssistant =
R3 - Default URLSearchHook is missing
O2 - BHO: IE Agent - {00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000002230} - C:\Program Files\CSBB\CSBB.DLL
O2 - BHO: LocalNRDObj Class - {00320615-B6C2-40A6-8F99-F1C52D674FAD} - C:\WINNT\localNRD.dll
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {016235BE-59D4-4CEB-ADD5-E2378282A1D9} - C:\Program Files\CxtPls\cxtpls.dll
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {017C20C1-F86F-11D8-9B25-000ACD002AE3} - C:\WINNT\Helper101.dll
O2 - BHO: AcroIEHlprObj Class - {06849E9F-C8D7-4D59-B87D-784B7D6BE0B3} - C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 6.0\Reader\ActiveX\AcroIEHelper.dll
O2 - BHO: SDWin32 Class - {141B7477-9746-4E5F-9405-01F7F3824994} - C:\WINNT\system32\ymzkr.dll
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {53707962-6F74-2D53-2644-206D7942484F} - C:\PROGRA~1\SPYBOT~1\SDHelper.dll
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {A2054D3F-ABF0-8572-8218-8E1D861745CE} - C:\WINNT\system32\sjcizdhk.dll
O2 - BHO: Google Toolbar Helper - {AA58ED58-01DD-4d91-8333-CF10577473F7} - c:\program files\google\googletoolbar1.dll
O3 - Toolbar: &Radio - {8E718888-423F-11D2-876E-00A0C9082467} - C:\WINNT\System32\msdxm.ocx
O3 - Toolbar: &Google - {2318C2B1-4965-11d4-9B18-009027A5CD4F} - c:\program files\google\googletoolbar1.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Synchronization Manager] mobsync.exe /logon
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [IgfxTray] C:\WINNT\system32\igfxtray.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [HotKeysCmds] C:\WINNT\system32\hkcmd.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ShStatEXE] "C:\Program Files\Network Associates\VirusScan\SHSTAT.EXE" /STANDALONE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [McAfeeUpdaterUI] "C:\Program Files\Network Associates\Common Framework\UpdaterUI.exe" /StartedFromRunKey
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [QuickTime Task] "C:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe" -atboottime
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SearchUpgrader] C:\Program Files\Common files\SearchUpgrader\SearchUpgrader.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [xpawynaxoezh] C:\WINNT\system32\cehwegd.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [winupdtl] C:\WINNT\system32\winupdtl.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [vcmpin] C:\windows\bundles\adl_mteststub.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [VBundleOuterDL] C:\Program Files\VBouncer\BundleOuter.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [x72i36e] dnsbr.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [VBouncer] C:\PROGRA~1\VBouncer\VirtualBouncer.exe
O4 - Global Startup: Microsoft Office.lnk = C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office\OSA9.EXE
O4 - Global Startup: WinZip Quick Pick.lnk = C:\Program Files\WinZip\WZQKPICK.EXE
O8 - Extra context menu item: &Google Search - res://c:\program files\google\GoogleToolbar1.dll/cmsearch.html
O8 - Extra context menu item: Backward Links - res://c:\program files\google\GoogleToolbar1.dll/cmbacklinks.html
O8 - Extra context menu item: Cached Snapshot of Page - res://c:\program files\google\GoogleToolbar1.dll/cmcache.html
O8 - Extra context menu item: Similar Pages - res://c:\program files\google\GoogleToolbar1.dll/cmsimilar.html
O8 - Extra context menu item: Translate into English - res://c:\program files\google\GoogleToolbar1.dll/cmtrans.html
O16 - DPF: Yahoo! Dominoes - http://download.games.yahoo.com/games/clients/y/dot8_x.cab
O16 - DPF: Yahoo! Pool 2 - http://download.games.yahoo.com/games/clients/y/potd_x.cab
O16 - DPF: {15AD4789-CDB4-47E1-A9DA-992EE8E6BAD6} - http://public.windupdates.com/get_file.php?bt=ie&p=d92e82475438e9d8d9556b1e0a1591c9853022c443af9de3b37fce8825f50c21d478e11b43301e0fc147ec3a24451589a6c286:56ec2024eefc6e67e7a8fea7bc3ecfd6
O16 - DPF: {288C5F13-7E52-4ADA-A32E-F5BF9D125F98} (CR64Loader Object) - http://www.miniclip.com/platypus/miniclipGameLoader.dll
O16 - DPF: {5C3A9EA6-4068-46B8-8B5A-692FB10607B1} (IntDialerData Class) - http://www.grupomarineda.net/auto/DialerData.cab
O16 - DPF: {CC05BC12-2AA2-4AC7-AC81-0E40F83B1ADF} (Live365Player Class) - http://www.live365.com/players/play365.cab
O16 - DPF: {DF780F87-FF2B-4DF8-92D0-73DB16A1543A} (PopCapLoader Object) - http://antu.popcap.com/games/popcaploader_v5.cab
O16 - DPF: {E62A47D8-74B1-4A93-963A-E5E43B7CC5C2} (UCSearch.ucUCSearch) - http://www.zuvio.com/opnste/UCSearch.CAB
O16 - DPF: {FA3662C3-B8E8-11D6-A667-0010B556D978} (IWinAmpActiveX Class) - http://cdn.digitalcity.com/_media/dalaillama/ampx.cab
O17 - HKLM\System\CCS\Services\Tcpip\Parameters: Domain = careerserv00.sdsu.edu
O17 - HKLM\System\CCS\Services\Tcpip\..\{522CA1D9-6B9F-4F54-9A64-09503AC28392}: NameServer = 130.191.200.1,130.191.1.1
O17 - HKLM\System\CS1\Services\Tcpip\Parameters: Domain = careerserv00.sdsu.edu
O17 - HKLM\System\CS2\Services\Tcpip\Parameters: Domain = careerserv00.sdsu.edu
O23 - Service: Logical Disk Manager Administrative Service - VERITAS Software Corp. - C:\WINNT\System32\dmadmin.exe
O23 - Service: McAfee Framework Service - Network Associates, Inc. - C:\Program Files\Network Associates\Common Framework\FrameworkService.exe
O23 - Service: Network Associates McShield - Network Associates, Inc. - C:\Program Files\Network Associates\VirusScan\Mcshield.exe
O23 - Service: Network Associates Task Manager - Network Associates, Inc. - C:\Program Files\Network Associates\VirusScan\VsTskMgr.exe

yiftach

Greetings,

I think this probably got lost in the shuffle, or I wasn't clear enough in asking for help.

I need help! I've run AA and SB, set my system to show hidden files and folders, and gone through the HJT log once and fixed things I knew I could. Please take a look and tell me if there's anything else I can remove safely and get this machine cleaned up.

Thanks...

Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.0
Scan saved at 2:14:37 PM, on 1/24/2005
Platform: Windows 2000 SP4 (WinNT 5.00.2195)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v6.00 SP1 (6.00.2800.1106)

Running processes:
C:\WINNT\System32\smss.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\winlogon.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\services.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\lsass.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\svchost.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\WINNT\System32\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\Network Associates\Common Framework\FrameworkService.exe
C:\Program Files\Network Associates\VirusScan\Mcshield.exe
C:\Program Files\Network Associates\VirusScan\VsTskMgr.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\regsvc.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\MSTask.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\stisvc.exe
C:\WINNT\System32\WBEM\WinMgmt.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\svchost.exe
C:\WINNT\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINNT\Explorer.EXE
C:\WINNT\system32\igfxtray.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\hkcmd.exe
C:\Program Files\Network Associates\VirusScan\SHSTAT.EXE
C:\Program Files\Network Associates\Common Framework\UpdaterUI.exe
C:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe
C:\Program Files\Common files\SearchUpgrader\SearchUpgrader.exe
C:\windows\bundles\adl_mteststub.exe
C:\Program Files\WinZip\WZQKPICK.EXE
C:\WINNT\system32\winupdt.exe
C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\IEXPLORE.EXE
C:\WINNT\system32\filedump.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\forndmgr.exe
C:\Program Files\CxtPls\CxtPls.exe
C:\Documents and Settings\Administrator.CAREERSERV00\Desktop\security\HijackThis.exe

R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://career.sdsu.edu/
O2 - BHO: IE Agent - {00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000002230} - C:\Program Files\CSBB\CSBB.DLL
O2 - BHO: LocalNRDObj Class - {00320615-B6C2-40A6-8F99-F1C52D674FAD} - C:\WINNT\localNRD.dll
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {016235BE-59D4-4CEB-ADD5-E2378282A1D9} - C:\Program Files\CxtPls\cxtpls.dll
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {017C20C1-F86F-11D8-9B25-000ACD002AE3} - C:\WINNT\Helper101.dll
O2 - BHO: AcroIEHlprObj Class - {06849E9F-C8D7-4D59-B87D-784B7D6BE0B3} - C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 6.0\Reader\ActiveX\AcroIEHelper.dll
O2 - BHO: SDWin32 Class - {141B7477-9746-4E5F-9405-01F7F3824994} - C:\WINNT\system32\ymzkr.dll
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {53707962-6F74-2D53-2644-206D7942484F} - C:\PROGRA~1\SPYBOT~1\SDHelper.dll
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {A2054D3F-ABF0-8572-8218-8E1D861745CE} - C:\WINNT\system32\sjcizdhk.dll
O2 - BHO: Google Toolbar Helper - {AA58ED58-01DD-4d91-8333-CF10577473F7} - c:\program files\google\googletoolbar1.dll
O3 - Toolbar: &Radio - {8E718888-423F-11D2-876E-00A0C9082467} - C:\WINNT\System32\msdxm.ocx
O3 - Toolbar: &Google - {2318C2B1-4965-11d4-9B18-009027A5CD4F} - c:\program files\google\googletoolbar1.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Synchronization Manager] mobsync.exe /logon
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [IgfxTray] C:\WINNT\system32\igfxtray.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [HotKeysCmds] C:\WINNT\system32\hkcmd.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ShStatEXE] "C:\Program Files\Network Associates\VirusScan\SHSTAT.EXE" /STANDALONE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [McAfeeUpdaterUI] "C:\Program Files\Network Associates\Common Framework\UpdaterUI.exe" /StartedFromRunKey
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [QuickTime Task] "C:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe" -atboottime
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [xpawynaxoezh] C:\WINNT\system32\cehwegd.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [winupdtl] C:\WINNT\system32\winupdtl.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [vcmpin] C:\windows\bundles\adl_mteststub.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [x72i36e] forndmgr.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [gwtsRWKqV] filedump.exe
O4 - Global Startup: Microsoft Office.lnk = C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office\OSA9.EXE
O4 - Global Startup: WinZip Quick Pick.lnk = C:\Program Files\WinZip\WZQKPICK.EXE
O8 - Extra context menu item: &Google Search - res://c:\program files\google\GoogleToolbar1.dll/cmsearch.html
O8 - Extra context menu item: Backward Links - res://c:\program files\google\GoogleToolbar1.dll/cmbacklinks.html
O8 - Extra context menu item: Cached Snapshot of Page - res://c:\program files\google\GoogleToolbar1.dll/cmcache.html
O8 - Extra context menu item: Similar Pages - res://c:\program files\google\GoogleToolbar1.dll/cmsimilar.html
O8 - Extra context menu item: Translate into English - res://c:\program files\google\GoogleToolbar1.dll/cmtrans.html
O17 - HKLM\System\CCS\Services\Tcpip\Parameters: Domain = careerserv00.sdsu.edu
O17 - HKLM\System\CCS\Services\Tcpip\..\{522CA1D9-6B9F-4F54-9A64-09503AC28392}: NameServer = 130.191.200.1,130.191.1.1
O17 - HKLM\System\CS1\Services\Tcpip\Parameters: Domain = careerserv00.sdsu.edu
O17 - HKLM\System\CS2\Services\Tcpip\Parameters: Domain = careerserv00.sdsu.edu
O23 - Service: Logical Disk Manager Administrative Service - VERITAS Software Corp. - C:\WINNT\System32\dmadmin.exe
O23 - Service: McAfee Framework Service - Network Associates, Inc. - C:\Program Files\Network Associates\Common Framework\FrameworkService.exe
O23 - Service: Network Associates McShield - Network Associates, Inc. - C:\Program Files\Network Associates\VirusScan\Mcshield.exe
O23 - Service: Network Associates Task Manager - Network Associates, Inc. - C:\Program Files\Network Associates\VirusScan\VsTskMgr.exe

Buckeye_Sam

Show hidden files
http://www.short-media.com/forum/showpost.php?p=172588&postcount=3



Place a checkmark next to these entries, close all browsers and windows, and have HijackThis fix them by clicking Fix Checked:

O2 - BHO: IE Agent - {00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000002230} - C:\Program Files\CSBB\CSBB.DLL
O2 - BHO: LocalNRDObj Class - {00320615-B6C2-40A6-8F99-F1C52D674FAD} - C:\WINNT\localNRD.dll
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {016235BE-59D4-4CEB-ADD5-E2378282A1D9} - C:\Program Files\CxtPls\cxtpls.dll
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {017C20C1-F86F-11D8-9B25-000ACD002AE3} - C:\WINNT\Helper101.dll
O2 - BHO: SDWin32 Class - {141B7477-9746-4E5F-9405-01F7F3824994} - C:\WINNT\system32\ymzkr.dll
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {A2054D3F-ABF0-8572-8218-8E1D861745CE} - C:\WINNT\system32\sjcizdhk.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [xpawynaxoezh] C:\WINNT\system32\cehwegd.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [winupdtl] C:\WINNT\system32\winupdtl.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [vcmpin] C:\windows\bundles\adl_mteststub.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [x72i36e] forndmgr.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [gwtsRWKqV] filedump.exe


Reboot your computer into Safe Mode



Then delete these files or directories (Do not be concerned if they do not exist):

C:\WINNT\system32\filedump.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\forndmgr.exe
C:\windows\bundles\adl_mteststub.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\winupdtl.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\cehwegd.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\sjcizdhk.dll
C:\WINNT\system32\ymzkr.dll
C:\WINNT\Helper101.dll
C:\Program Files\CxtPls
C:\WINNT\localNRD.dll
C:\Program Files\CSBB



Reboot and post a new hijackthis log.

yiftach

Much obliged, Buckeye!

Here's the regenerated HJT log, and please see the note below.

Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.0
Scan saved at 8:42:43 AM, on 1/25/2005
Platform: Windows 2000 SP4 (WinNT 5.00.2195)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v6.00 SP1 (6.00.2800.1106)

Running processes:
C:\WINNT\System32\smss.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\winlogon.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\services.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\lsass.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\svchost.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\WINNT\System32\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\Network Associates\Common Framework\FrameworkService.exe
C:\Program Files\Network Associates\VirusScan\Mcshield.exe
C:\Program Files\Network Associates\VirusScan\VsTskMgr.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\regsvc.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\MSTask.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\stisvc.exe
C:\WINNT\System32\WBEM\WinMgmt.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\svchost.exe
C:\WINNT\Explorer.EXE
C:\WINNT\system32\igfxtray.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\hkcmd.exe
C:\Program Files\Network Associates\VirusScan\SHSTAT.EXE
C:\Program Files\Network Associates\Common Framework\UpdaterUI.exe
C:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe
C:\Program Files\WinZip\WZQKPICK.EXE
C:\Documents and Settings\Administrator.CAREERSERV00\Desktop\security\HijackThis.exe

R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://career.sdsu.edu/
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Search,SearchAssistant =
O2 - BHO: AcroIEHlprObj Class - {06849E9F-C8D7-4D59-B87D-784B7D6BE0B3} - C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 6.0\Reader\ActiveX\AcroIEHelper.dll
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {53707962-6F74-2D53-2644-206D7942484F} - C:\PROGRA~1\SPYBOT~1\SDHelper.dll
O2 - BHO: Google Toolbar Helper - {AA58ED58-01DD-4d91-8333-CF10577473F7} - c:\program files\google\googletoolbar1.dll
O3 - Toolbar: &Radio - {8E718888-423F-11D2-876E-00A0C9082467} - C:\WINNT\System32\msdxm.ocx
O3 - Toolbar: &Google - {2318C2B1-4965-11d4-9B18-009027A5CD4F} - c:\program files\google\googletoolbar1.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Synchronization Manager] mobsync.exe /logon
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [IgfxTray] C:\WINNT\system32\igfxtray.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [HotKeysCmds] C:\WINNT\system32\hkcmd.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ShStatEXE] "C:\Program Files\Network Associates\VirusScan\SHSTAT.EXE" /STANDALONE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [McAfeeUpdaterUI] "C:\Program Files\Network Associates\Common Framework\UpdaterUI.exe" /StartedFromRunKey
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [QuickTime Task] "C:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe" -atboottime
O4 - Global Startup: Microsoft Office.lnk = C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office\OSA9.EXE
O4 - Global Startup: WinZip Quick Pick.lnk = C:\Program Files\WinZip\WZQKPICK.EXE
O8 - Extra context menu item: &Google Search - res://c:\program files\google\GoogleToolbar1.dll/cmsearch.html
O8 - Extra context menu item: Backward Links - res://c:\program files\google\GoogleToolbar1.dll/cmbacklinks.html
O8 - Extra context menu item: Cached Snapshot of Page - res://c:\program files\google\GoogleToolbar1.dll/cmcache.html
O8 - Extra context menu item: Similar Pages - res://c:\program files\google\GoogleToolbar1.dll/cmsimilar.html
O8 - Extra context menu item: Translate into English - res://c:\program files\google\GoogleToolbar1.dll/cmtrans.html
O17 - HKLM\System\CCS\Services\Tcpip\Parameters: Domain = careerserv00.sdsu.edu
O17 - HKLM\System\CCS\Services\Tcpip\..\{522CA1D9-6B9F-4F54-9A64-09503AC28392}: NameServer = 130.191.200.1,130.191.1.1
O17 - HKLM\System\CS1\Services\Tcpip\Parameters: Domain = careerserv00.sdsu.edu
O17 - HKLM\System\CS2\Services\Tcpip\Parameters: Domain = careerserv00.sdsu.edu
O23 - Service: Logical Disk Manager Administrative Service - VERITAS Software Corp. - C:\WINNT\System32\dmadmin.exe
O23 - Service: McAfee Framework Service - Network Associates, Inc. - C:\Program Files\Network Associates\Common Framework\FrameworkService.exe
O23 - Service: Network Associates McShield - Network Associates, Inc. - C:\Program Files\Network Associates\VirusScan\Mcshield.exe
O23 - Service: Network Associates Task Manager - Network Associates, Inc. - C:\Program Files\Network Associates\VirusScan\VsTskMgr.exe


The following program files are in the c:\windows\bundles folder (I got rid of all the 0 kb files, some with obviously malicious names involving "casino" and "helper"):

Beryllium
bs5-goodyr1
gogotoolsSILAWO8pi
HelperInstaller
pounder
winversion
wrapperouter

Can I get rid of those as well?

Many thanks, again.

Buckeye_Sam

Yes, you can get rid of those files. Most are related to malware, and none are legitimate system files.

Your log is clean!

Now that you are clean, please follow these simple steps in order to keep your computer clean and secure:

1. 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
   
   or
   
   Windows XP System Restore Guide
   
   Renable system restore with instructions from tutorial above
   
   
2. Make your Internet Explorer more secure - This can be done by following these simple instructions:
   1. From within Internet Explorer click on the Tools menu and then click on Options.
   2. Click once on the Security tab
   3. Click once on the Internet icon so it becomes highlighted.
   4. Click once on the Custom Level button.
      1. Change the Download signed ActiveX controls to Prompt
         
      2. Change the Download unsigned ActiveX controls to Disable
         
      3. Change the Initialize and script ActiveX controls not marked as safe to Disable
         
      4. Change the Installation of desktop items to Prompt
         
      5. Change the Launching programs and files in an IFRAME to Prompt
         
      6. Change the Navigate sub-frames across different domains to Prompt
         
      7. When all these settings have been made, click on the OK button.
         
      8. If it prompts you as to whether or not you want to save the settings, press the Yes button.
   5. Next press the Apply button and then the OK to exit the Internet Properties page.
   
   
3. 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
   
   
4. 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.
   
   
5. 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
   
   
6. 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.
   
   
7. 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
   
   
8. 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
   
   
9. 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
   
   
10. 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.