I need an exterminator!!!

Unknown
edited May 2005 in Spyware & Virus Removal
I have a problem. We won't go into how I got into this problem because I would be embarased. Here is my log file. Plz hlp me clr it out. Thnx

Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.1
Scan saved at 19:47:12, on 2005-05-23
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\winlogon.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\services.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\lsass.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgamsvr.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgupsvc.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\VS7DEBUG\MDM.EXE
C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\MSSQL$PINNACLESYS\Binn\sqlservr.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\Fast.exe
c:\program files\pinnacle\shared files\programs\mediaserver\pmshost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\system32\msole32.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\shnlog.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgcc.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgemc.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\taskswitch.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\fast.exe
C:\Program Files\Java\j2re1.4.2_03\bin\jusched.exe
C:\Program Files\ATI Technologies\ATI Control Panel\atiptaxx.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\InstallShield\UpdateService\issch.exe
C:\Program Files\ATI Technologies\HydraVision\HydraDM.exe
C:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\intmon.exe
C:\Program Files\MSN Messenger\MsnMsgr.Exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\spool\DRIVERS\W32X86\3\E_S4I2C1.EXE
C:\Program Files\Spybot - Search & Destroy\TeaTimer.exe
C:\Program Files\Pinnacle\InstantCDDVD\InstantWrite\iwctrl.exe
C:\Program Files\IDETOOL\IDETOOL.EXE
C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\80\Tools\Binn\sqlmangr.exe
C:\Program Files\Webshots\WebshotsTray.exe
C:\Program Files\e-Sword\e-Sword.exe
C:\Program Files\Mozilla Firefox\firefox.exe
C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\OFFICE11\OUTLOOK.EXE
C:\Program Files\FranklinCovey\PlanPlus for Microsoft Outlook\PowerNotes.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\InstallShield\UpdateService\agent.exe
C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\OFFICE11\WINWORD.EXE
C:\Anti Virus Software\HijackThis.exe

R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL = about:blank
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Search_URL = http://www.startsearches.net/search.php?qq=%1
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Bar = http://www.startsearches.net/bar.html
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page = http://www.startsearches.net/search.php?qq=%1
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Search,SearchAssistant = http://www.startsearches.net/search.php?qq=%1
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Search,CustomizeSearch = http://www.startsearches.net/search.php?qq=%1
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\SearchURL,(Default) = http://www.startsearches.net/search.php?qq=%1
R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Local Page = http://www.startsearches.net/
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {FFFFFFFF-FFFF-FFFF-FFFF-FFFFFFFFFFFA} - C:\WINDOWS\system32\hp8DAE.tmp
O3 - Toolbar: &Google - {2318C2B1-4965-11d4-9B18-009027A5CD4F} - c:\program files\google\googletoolbar1.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AVG7_CC] C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgcc.exe /STARTUP
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AVG7_EMC] C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgemc.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [CoolSwitch] C:\WINDOWS\system32\taskswitch.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [FastUser] C:\WINDOWS\system32\fast.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SunJavaUpdateSched] C:\Program Files\Java\j2re1.4.2_03\bin\jusched.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [EPSON Stylus C64 Series] C:\WINDOWS\System32\spool\DRIVERS\W32X86\3\E_S4I2C1.EXE /P23 "EPSON Stylus C64 Series" /O6 "USB001" /M "Stylus C64"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ATIPTA] C:\Program Files\ATI Technologies\ATI Control Panel\atiptaxx.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ISUSPM Startup] C:\PROGRA~1\COMMON~1\INSTAL~1\UPDATE~1\ISUSPM.exe -startup
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ISUSScheduler] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\InstallShield\UpdateService\issch.exe" -start
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [PinnacleDriverCheck] C:\WINDOWS\system32\PSDrvCheck.exe -CheckReg
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [HydraVisionDesktopManager] C:\Program Files\ATI Technologies\HydraVision\HydraDM.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [QuickTime Task] "C:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe" -atboottime
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [MSN Messenger] C:\WINDOWS\system32\msmsgs.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Security iGuard] C:\Program Files\Security iGuard\Security iGuard.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [MsnMsgr] "C:\Program Files\MSN Messenger\MsnMsgr.Exe" /background
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [ctfmon.exe] C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [EPSON Stylus C64 Series] C:\WINDOWS\System32\spool\DRIVERS\W32X86\3\E_S4I2C1.EXE /P23 "EPSON Stylus C64 Series" /M "Stylus C64" /EF "HKCU"
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [SpybotSD TeaTimer] C:\Program Files\Spybot - Search & Destroy\TeaTimer.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [IW_Drop_Icon] C:\Program Files\Pinnacle\InstantCDDVD\InstantWrite\iwctrl.exe /DropDisc
O4 - Startup: Webshots.lnk = C:\Program Files\Webshots\WebshotsTray.exe
O4 - Global Startup: Adobe Gamma Loader.lnk = C:\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe\Calibration\Adobe Gamma Loader.exe
O4 - Global Startup: Adobe Reader Speed Launch.lnk = C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 7.0\Reader\reader_sl.exe
O4 - Global Startup: IDETool.lnk = C:\Program Files\IDETOOL\IDETOOL.EXE
O4 - Global Startup: Service Manager.lnk = C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\80\Tools\Binn\sqlmangr.exe
O8 - Extra context menu item: &Download all by WellGet - C:\Program Files\WellGet\nxall.htm
O8 - Extra context menu item: &Google Search - res://C:\Program Files\Google\GoogleToolbar1.dll/cmsearch.html
O8 - Extra context menu item: &Translate English Word - res://C:\Program Files\Google\GoogleToolbar1.dll/cmwordtrans.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: Download by &WellGet - C:\Program Files\WellGet\nxcatch.htm
O8 - Extra context menu item: E&xport to Microsoft Excel - res://C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~2\OFFICE11\EXCEL.EXE/3000
O8 - Extra context menu item: Open Client to monitor &1 - C:\WINDOWS\web\AOpenClient.htm
O8 - Extra context menu item: Open Client to monitor &2 - C:\WINDOWS\web\AOpenClient.htm
O8 - Extra context menu item: Similar Pages - res://C:\Program Files\Google\GoogleToolbar1.dll/cmsimilar.html
O8 - Extra context menu item: Translate Page into English - res://C:\Program Files\Google\GoogleToolbar1.dll/cmtrans.html
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\Program Files\Java\j2re1.4.2_03\bin\npjpi142_03.dll
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Sun Java Console - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\Program Files\Java\j2re1.4.2_03\bin\npjpi142_03.dll
O9 - Extra button: WellGet - {35980F6E-A258-4E50-953D-813BB8556899} - C:\Program Files\WellGet\WellGet.exe
O9 - Extra button: Research - {92780B25-18CC-41C8-B9BE-3C9C571A8263} - C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~2\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
O17 - HKLM\System\CCS\Services\Tcpip\..\{47CC984C-2051-4D54-86AF-18DE32A9EDB3}: NameServer = 209.244.0.3 209.244.0.4
O17 - HKLM\System\CS1\Services\Tcpip\..\{47CC984C-2051-4D54-86AF-18DE32A9EDB3}: NameServer = 209.244.0.3 209.244.0.4
O23 - Service: Ati HotKey Poller - Unknown owner - C:\WINDOWS\system32\Ati2evxx.exe
O23 - Service: ATI Smart - Unknown owner - C:\WINDOWS\system32\ati2sgag.exe
O23 - Service: AVG7 Alert Manager Server (Avg7Alrt) - GRISOFT, s.r.o. - C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgamsvr.exe
O23 - Service: AVG7 Update Service (Avg7UpdSvc) - GRISOFT, s.r.o. - C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgupsvc.exe
O23 - Service: Pinnacle Systems Media Service (PinnacleSys.MediaServer) - Pinnacle Systems - c:\program files\pinnacle\shared files\programs\mediaserver\pmshost.exe

_________________________________________________________________

At this point I have a very small clue and thought I would consult a professional to educate me. Thanx.

Comments

  • Buckeye_SamBuckeye_Sam Columbus, Ohio
    edited May 2005
    Please disable Spybot's Teatimer function before you proceed with this fix.
    http://russelltexas.com/malware/teatimer.htm


    Print out these instructions and then close all windows including Internet Explorer.

    Then I want you to fix some of those entries. Please do the following:

    Go to Start > Control Panel > Add or Remove Programs and remove the following programs, if found:

    Security IGuard
    Virtual Maid
    Search Maid

    Exit Add/Remove Programs.


    Make sure that you can VIEW ALL HIDDEN FILES.

    Run Hijackthis again, click scan, and Put a checkmark next to each of these. Then click the Fix button:

    R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL = about:blank
    R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Search_URL = http://www.startsearches.net/search.php?qq=%1
    R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Bar = http://www.startsearches.net/bar.html
    R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page = http://www.startsearches.net/search.php?qq=%1
    R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Search,SearchAssistant = http://www.startsearches.net/search.php?qq=%1
    R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Search,CustomizeSearch = http://www.startsearches.net/search.php?qq=%1
    R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\SearchURL,(Default) = http://www.startsearches.net/search.php?qq=%1
    R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Local Page = http://www.startsearches.net/
    O2 - BHO: (no name) - {FFFFFFFF-FFFF-FFFF-FFFF-FFFFFFFFFFFA} - C:\WINDOWS\system32\hp8DAE.tmp
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Security iGuard] C:\Program Files\Security iGuard\Security iGuard.exe



    Reboot your computer into SAFE MODE

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

    C:\wp.exe
    C:\wp.bmp
    C:\Windows\sites.ini
    C:\Windows\popuper.exe
    C:\WINDOWS\System32\wldr.dll
    C:\Windows\System32\helper.exe
    C:\Windows\System32\intmon.exe
    C:\Windows\System32\intmonp.exe
    C:\Windows\System32\msmsgs.exe
    C:\Windows\System32\ole32vbs.exe
    C:\Windows\system32\msole32.exe
    C:\WINDOWS\system32\shnlog.exe
    C:\WINDOWS\system32\hp8DAE.tmp <- this filename may change, so be sure it is from the 02 line in your current hijackthis log.
    C:\Windows\System32\Log Files
    C:\Program Files\Search Maid
    C:\Program Files\Virtual Maid
    C:\Program Files\Security IGuard



    Reboot your computer to go back to normal mode and post a new hijackthis log. Do you have any problems with your desktop?
  • Joq7h
    edited May 2005
    Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.1
    Scan saved at 08:53:43, on 2005-05-26
    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\winlogon.exe
    C:\WINDOWS\system32\services.exe
    C:\WINDOWS\system32\lsass.exe
    C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
    C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
    C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
    C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgupsvc.exe
    C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
    C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\VS7DEBUG\MDM.EXE
    C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\MSSQL$PINNACLESYS\Binn\sqlservr.exe
    C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
    C:\WINDOWS\system32\Fast.exe
    C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgcc.exe
    C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgemc.exe
    C:\WINDOWS\system32\taskswitch.exe
    C:\WINDOWS\system32\fast.exe
    C:\Program Files\Java\j2re1.4.2_03\bin\jusched.exe
    C:\Program Files\ATI Technologies\ATI Control Panel\atiptaxx.exe
    C:\Program Files\Common Files\InstallShield\UpdateService\issch.exe
    C:\Program Files\ATI Technologies\HydraVision\HydraDM.exe
    C:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe
    C:\Program Files\MSN Messenger\MsnMsgr.Exe
    C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
    C:\WINDOWS\System32\spool\DRIVERS\W32X86\3\E_S4I2C1.EXE
    C:\Program Files\Spybot - Search & Destroy\TeaTimer.exe
    C:\Program Files\Pinnacle\InstantCDDVD\InstantWrite\iwctrl.exe
    C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 7.0\Reader\reader_sl.exe
    C:\Program Files\IDETOOL\IDETOOL.EXE
    C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\80\Tools\Binn\sqlmangr.exe
    c:\program files\pinnacle\shared files\programs\mediaserver\pmshost.exe
    C:\Program Files\Webshots\WebshotsTray.exe
    C:\Anti Virus Software\HijackThis.exe
    C:\WINDOWS\system32\wuauclt.exe
    C:\WINDOWS\system32\taskmgr.exe

    O3 - Toolbar: &Google - {2318C2B1-4965-11d4-9B18-009027A5CD4F} - c:\program files\google\googletoolbar1.dll
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AVG7_CC] C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgcc.exe /STARTUP
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AVG7_EMC] C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgemc.exe
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [CoolSwitch] C:\WINDOWS\system32\taskswitch.exe
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [FastUser] C:\WINDOWS\system32\fast.exe
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SunJavaUpdateSched] C:\Program Files\Java\j2re1.4.2_03\bin\jusched.exe
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [EPSON Stylus C64 Series] C:\WINDOWS\System32\spool\DRIVERS\W32X86\3\E_S4I2C1.EXE /P23 "EPSON Stylus C64 Series" /O6 "USB001" /M "Stylus C64"
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ATIPTA] C:\Program Files\ATI Technologies\ATI Control Panel\atiptaxx.exe
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ISUSPM Startup] C:\PROGRA~1\COMMON~1\INSTAL~1\UPDATE~1\ISUSPM.exe -startup
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ISUSScheduler] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\InstallShield\UpdateService\issch.exe" -start
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [PinnacleDriverCheck] C:\WINDOWS\system32\PSDrvCheck.exe -CheckReg
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [HydraVisionDesktopManager] C:\Program Files\ATI Technologies\HydraVision\HydraDM.exe
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [QuickTime Task] "C:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe" -atboottime
    O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [MsnMsgr] "C:\Program Files\MSN Messenger\MsnMsgr.Exe" /background
    O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [ctfmon.exe] C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
    O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [EPSON Stylus C64 Series] C:\WINDOWS\System32\spool\DRIVERS\W32X86\3\E_S4I2C1.EXE /P23 "EPSON Stylus C64 Series" /M "Stylus C64" /EF "HKCU"
    O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [SpybotSD TeaTimer] C:\Program Files\Spybot - Search & Destroy\TeaTimer.exe
    O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [IW_Drop_Icon] C:\Program Files\Pinnacle\InstantCDDVD\InstantWrite\iwctrl.exe /DropDisc
    O4 - Startup: Webshots.lnk = C:\Program Files\Webshots\WebshotsTray.exe
    O4 - Global Startup: Adobe Gamma Loader.lnk = C:\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe\Calibration\Adobe Gamma Loader.exe
    O4 - Global Startup: Adobe Reader Speed Launch.lnk = C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 7.0\Reader\reader_sl.exe
    O4 - Global Startup: IDETool.lnk = C:\Program Files\IDETOOL\IDETOOL.EXE
    O4 - Global Startup: Service Manager.lnk = C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\80\Tools\Binn\sqlmangr.exe
    O8 - Extra context menu item: &Download all by WellGet - C:\Program Files\WellGet\nxall.htm
    O8 - Extra context menu item: &Google Search - res://C:\Program Files\Google\GoogleToolbar1.dll/cmsearch.html
    O8 - Extra context menu item: &Translate English Word - res://C:\Program Files\Google\GoogleToolbar1.dll/cmwordtrans.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: Download by &WellGet - C:\Program Files\WellGet\nxcatch.htm
    O8 - Extra context menu item: E&xport to Microsoft Excel - res://C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~2\OFFICE11\EXCEL.EXE/3000
    O8 - Extra context menu item: Open Client to monitor &1 - C:\WINDOWS\web\AOpenClient.htm
    O8 - Extra context menu item: Open Client to monitor &2 - C:\WINDOWS\web\AOpenClient.htm
    O8 - Extra context menu item: Similar Pages - res://C:\Program Files\Google\GoogleToolbar1.dll/cmsimilar.html
    O8 - Extra context menu item: Translate Page into English - res://C:\Program Files\Google\GoogleToolbar1.dll/cmtrans.html
    O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\Program Files\Java\j2re1.4.2_03\bin\npjpi142_03.dll
    O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Sun Java Console - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\Program Files\Java\j2re1.4.2_03\bin\npjpi142_03.dll
    O9 - Extra button: WellGet - {35980F6E-A258-4E50-953D-813BB8556899} - C:\Program Files\WellGet\WellGet.exe
    O9 - Extra button: Research - {92780B25-18CC-41C8-B9BE-3C9C571A8263} - C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~2\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
    O23 - Service: Ati HotKey Poller - Unknown owner - C:\WINDOWS\system32\Ati2evxx.exe
    O23 - Service: ATI Smart - Unknown owner - C:\WINDOWS\system32\ati2sgag.exe
    O23 - Service: AVG7 Alert Manager Server (Avg7Alrt) - GRISOFT, s.r.o. - C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgamsvr.exe
    O23 - Service: AVG7 Update Service (Avg7UpdSvc) - GRISOFT, s.r.o. - C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgupsvc.exe
    O23 - Service: Pinnacle Systems Media Service (PinnacleSys.MediaServer) - Pinnacle Systems - c:\program files\pinnacle\shared files\programs\mediaserver\pmshost.exe
  • Joq7h
    edited May 2005
    Thanx for the help!! I am now trojan free!!! I really appreciate it!!!
  • Buckeye_SamBuckeye_Sam Columbus, Ohio
    edited May 2005
    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.
This discussion has been closed.