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Windows XP Anti-Malware and Internet Pop-Ups
Hi,
Could someone please help me. I have noticed that my computer loads very slowly for a while now, but today I saw some new troubling developments. In short, Anti-Malware, AntiVirus XP, and VirusRemover 2008 periodically suggest that they scan and clean my computer. When I try to close them, they often (but not always) open new browser windows at a very high speed, so I race to close them with the little x's. While browsing the Internet, I also now get many pop-ups from various websites, which did not happen before. (I have google toolbar, which usually exhibits extreme pop-up blocking; I believe it is still functioning).
Just in case it will be helpful to finding a cure for the promblem, I have included an account of what happens after I turn on the computer and log on (very sorry if there are irrelevant details; I tried to be as thorough as possible):
I am not connected to the Internet until #5. All times are approximate times given after login.
1. 1 min following login, the Microsoft Security Center (on my task bar) appears and is red with a white x in the middle (I believe it used to be orange and blue). It shows a balloon. The balloon reads: "Your computer might be at risk. Automatic Updates is turned of. Click this balloon to fix this problem."
I clicked the x to remove the balloon from view.
2. 2 1/2 min: Virus Scan Enterprise (McCaffee 2003) shows up but does not report anything.
3. 4 min: IBM Access Connections balloon shows up near task bar as usual. It reports that my status is disconnected from my university network.
4. >5 min: the hourglass dissappears, and the computer is ready to use.
5. Open up Microsoft Word (a test), without any problems.
6. 7 min: Connect to wireless.
All following times given after connection to Internet.
7. Open browser. Homepage is ok: google.com.
8. Go to yahoomail.com. It is ok.
9. 1 1/2 min: Log into email. Immediately get a popup: http://yellowbook.yellowcom.addresses .com. It is a security equipment dealer in Cambridge, MA (where I study now).
10. I close the yellowbook window and go to a folder in my yahoomail account, without any problems. I read one email without any problems.
11. 4 min: I get to this website without any problems at first. After ~1/2 minute on the main page, I get pop up browser for a Demo account. http://forex.com... I close the window with the x.
12. 8 min: I navigate through a thread without any problems, but when I try to go back, I get a new pop-up: spicy or sweet - spicyorsweet.com.
13. 11 min: I try to check another mail in yahomail.com. A new browser window pops up. It is Anti-malware. I close the window with the x.
14. 18 min: I do a google search for Microsoft security center. Immediately, I get a message in the same browser window (a grey rectangle with a blue banner that reads Microsoft Internet Explorer...) I tried to keep it up long enough to copy the long warning, but other browsers popped up, so I tried to quickly close all of them with x's (never 'cancel'). Here is what I managed to jot down:
--- MIE rectangle: "Virus Remover2008 may find files... "
--- A smaller internet explorer window pops up in the right-hand corner; it is VirusRemover2008. I close it immediately, without being able to make it large to see what the page contains. I immediately close the previous MIE rectangle as well.
--- Another MIE rectangle comes up saying that VirusRemover2008 noticed my computer is running slower than usual, probably because it is infected by adware, spyware, etc.
--- Another browser window opens before I am able to close the above rectangle; it is again VirusRemover2008, and it scans my computer (without my consent). I close the window as soon as I see it.
--- Another warning screen pops up, saying VirusRemover2008 will begin scanning files now. I x out of it immediately.
That is the end, and my computer is quiet for the whole 20 minutes it took to type this message.
If you would like any more details or some clarifications, please let me know.
Sorry again for the length of this post.
Thank you in advance for your help!!
P.S. When I did file --> New Window, just now, a gambling browser popped up. Following that, I got a University.com pop-up.
-- update
After ~2 min after posting, I went to gmail.com (the email I use primarily). Then things became really sour. In a very short timespan, antivirusXP suggested that I scan and clean my computer. Then I got many pop ups. Internet Explorer ended up Not Responding, so I closed all windows and am typing this on a computer on the university network.
Could someone please help me. I have noticed that my computer loads very slowly for a while now, but today I saw some new troubling developments. In short, Anti-Malware, AntiVirus XP, and VirusRemover 2008 periodically suggest that they scan and clean my computer. When I try to close them, they often (but not always) open new browser windows at a very high speed, so I race to close them with the little x's. While browsing the Internet, I also now get many pop-ups from various websites, which did not happen before. (I have google toolbar, which usually exhibits extreme pop-up blocking; I believe it is still functioning).
Just in case it will be helpful to finding a cure for the promblem, I have included an account of what happens after I turn on the computer and log on (very sorry if there are irrelevant details; I tried to be as thorough as possible):
I am not connected to the Internet until #5. All times are approximate times given after login.
1. 1 min following login, the Microsoft Security Center (on my task bar) appears and is red with a white x in the middle (I believe it used to be orange and blue). It shows a balloon. The balloon reads: "Your computer might be at risk. Automatic Updates is turned of. Click this balloon to fix this problem."
I clicked the x to remove the balloon from view.
2. 2 1/2 min: Virus Scan Enterprise (McCaffee 2003) shows up but does not report anything.
3. 4 min: IBM Access Connections balloon shows up near task bar as usual. It reports that my status is disconnected from my university network.
4. >5 min: the hourglass dissappears, and the computer is ready to use.
5. Open up Microsoft Word (a test), without any problems.
6. 7 min: Connect to wireless.
All following times given after connection to Internet.
7. Open browser. Homepage is ok: google.com.
8. Go to yahoomail.com. It is ok.
9. 1 1/2 min: Log into email. Immediately get a popup: http://yellowbook.yellowcom.addresses .com. It is a security equipment dealer in Cambridge, MA (where I study now).
10. I close the yellowbook window and go to a folder in my yahoomail account, without any problems. I read one email without any problems.
11. 4 min: I get to this website without any problems at first. After ~1/2 minute on the main page, I get pop up browser for a Demo account. http://forex.com... I close the window with the x.
12. 8 min: I navigate through a thread without any problems, but when I try to go back, I get a new pop-up: spicy or sweet - spicyorsweet.com.
13. 11 min: I try to check another mail in yahomail.com. A new browser window pops up. It is Anti-malware. I close the window with the x.
14. 18 min: I do a google search for Microsoft security center. Immediately, I get a message in the same browser window (a grey rectangle with a blue banner that reads Microsoft Internet Explorer...) I tried to keep it up long enough to copy the long warning, but other browsers popped up, so I tried to quickly close all of them with x's (never 'cancel'). Here is what I managed to jot down:
--- MIE rectangle: "Virus Remover2008 may find files... "
--- A smaller internet explorer window pops up in the right-hand corner; it is VirusRemover2008. I close it immediately, without being able to make it large to see what the page contains. I immediately close the previous MIE rectangle as well.
--- Another MIE rectangle comes up saying that VirusRemover2008 noticed my computer is running slower than usual, probably because it is infected by adware, spyware, etc.
--- Another browser window opens before I am able to close the above rectangle; it is again VirusRemover2008, and it scans my computer (without my consent). I close the window as soon as I see it.
--- Another warning screen pops up, saying VirusRemover2008 will begin scanning files now. I x out of it immediately.
That is the end, and my computer is quiet for the whole 20 minutes it took to type this message.
If you would like any more details or some clarifications, please let me know.
Sorry again for the length of this post.
Thank you in advance for your help!!
P.S. When I did file --> New Window, just now, a gambling browser popped up. Following that, I got a University.com pop-up.
-- update
After ~2 min after posting, I went to gmail.com (the email I use primarily). Then things became really sour. In a very short timespan, antivirusXP suggested that I scan and clean my computer. Then I got many pop ups. Internet Explorer ended up Not Responding, so I closed all windows and am typing this on a computer on the university network.
0
Comments
My name is Katana and I will be helping you to remove any infection(s) that you may have.
Please observe these rules while we work:
1. If you don't know, stop and ask! Don't keep going on.
2. Please reply to this thread. Do not start a new topic.
3. Please continue to respond until I give you the "All Clear"
(Just because you can't see a problem doesn't mean it isn't there)
If you can do those three things, everything should go smoothly
Please Note, your security programs may give warnings for some of the tools I will ask you to use.
Be assured, any links I give are safe
Click here to download HJTinstall.exe
Installed Programs
Please could you give me a list of the programs that are installed.
You will see a list with the programs installed in your computer.
Click on save list button and specify where you would like to save this file.
When you press Save button a notepad will open with the contents of that file.
Simply copy and paste the contents of that notepad into your next post.
Thank you for responding!
Here is the log you asked for:
My computer is extremely slow now, and it is difficult to get to this webpage. I could not save the file with installed programs as you asked, so I have copied and pasted each item by hand below.
Thank you again!
Please can I point you to the forum rules
http://icrontic.com/forum/showpost.php?p=431627&postcount=2
Close all other windows and then start HiJack This
Click Do A System Scan Only
When it has finished scanning put a check next to the following lines IF still present - Close ALL open windows (especially Internet Explorer!)-
Now click Fix checked
Click yes to any prompts
Close HijackThis
Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware
Please download Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware to your desktop.
Thanks again!
After following your instructions for Malwarebytes' Antimalware, I got a screen that said certain items could not be removed and that I should restart my computer. I have attached a screen shot to this post.
Thanks!
If you haven't already, then reboot your machine.
Kaspersky Online Scanner .
Your Antivirus and/or Antispyware may give a warning during the scan. This is perfectly normal
NOTE:- This scan is best done from IE (Internet Explorer)
NOTE:- Vista users should start IE by Start(Vista Orb) >> Internet Explorer >> Right-Click Run As Admin
Go Here http://www.kaspersky.com/kos/eng/partner/default/kavwebscan.html
Read the Requirements and limitations before you click Accept.
Allow the ActiveX download if necessary and let the database download.
Once the database has downloaded, click My Computer in the left pane
Now go and put the kettle on !
When the scan has completed, click Save Report As...
Enter a name for the file in the Filename: text box and then click the down arrow to the right of Save as type: and select text file (*.txt)
Click Save - by default the file will be saved to your Desktop, but you can change this if you wish.
**Note**
To optimize scanning time and produce a more sensible report for review:
Note for Internet Explorer 7 users: If at any time you have trouble viewing the accept button of the license, click on the Zoom tool located at the bottom right of the IE window and set the zoom to 75%. Once the license is accepted, reset to 100%.
Logs/Information to Post in Reply
Please post the following logs/Information in your reply
Thank you very much for your help! My computer seems much happier now!
Here are the log files you asked for:
kaspersky:
Hijack This Scan:
Hijack This Miscellanious Tools:
Close all other windows and then start HiJack This
Click Do A System Scan Only
When it has finished scanning put a check next to the following lines IF still present - Close ALL open windows (especially Internet Explorer!)-
Now click Fix checked
Click yes to any prompts
Close HijackThis
Download and Run ComboFix (by sUBs)
Please visit this webpage for instructions for downloading and running ComboFix:
Bleeping Computer ComboFix Tutorial
Post the log from ComboFix when you've accomplished that, along with a new HijackThis log.
A word of warning: Neither I nor sUBs are responsible for any damage you may have caused your machine by running ComboFix on your own. This tool is not a toy and not for everyday use.
ComboFix SHOULD NOT be used unless requested by a forum helper
Thank you again! However, I am hesistant to run combofix as I have heard it is very involved and not for "amateurs." Do you think there is another way to solve my problem?
Also, I ran HJT, but I am not sure if I should delete anything. I have pasted the log:
O2-BHO: DriveLetterAccess - {5CA3D70E-1895-11CF-8E15-0012345678900} - C:\WINDOWS\system32\dla\tfswshx.dll looks somewhat similar to the file you suggested, but I was afraid to touch it...
Looking forward to your suggestions
There are other ways that we can check your machine, it's just that ComboFix is the most effective.
It's true that ComboFix is powerful, and should not be used unless you know what you are doing with it.
The thing is, I do know what I am doing :bigggrin:
However, if you don't wish to use it then we will try a different way.
Deckard's System Scanner (DSS)
Please download Deckard's System Scanner (DSS) to your Desktop.
Note: You must be logged onto an account with administrator privileges.
I decided to go the less-scary (for me) route - thanks for the option .
Here are the 2 logs from dss.exe:
main--
and extra
The last lines lead me to believe that my wireless lost signal (it is always quite volatile) during this scan. Should I try again?
OTMoveIt
Please download OTMoveIt2 by OldTimer and save it to your desktop
If a file or folder cannot be moved immediately you may be asked to reboot the machine to finish the move process. If you are asked to reboot the machine choose Yes.
Any problems now ?
While running OTMoveIt2, I got several OTMoveIt2 messages that said [filename] is not in correct image format... I think it worked out, though. Here are the results:
My computer loads after startup much faster now, and I don't get pop-ups when searching the Internet. It has been looking much better since I first posted here!
Thanks!!!
Note: You must be logged onto an account with administrator privileges.
(NOTE: Only one file will be created this time)
Here are the results from dss scan:
Let's see if I can help you keep it that way
First lets tidy up
Open OTMoveIt Click Cleanup,
it will now connect to the internet and get a list of files to delete.
When a box pops up click YES.
Delete any logs we have produced and empty your recycle bin
Set correct settings for files that should be hidden in Windows XP
Reset System Restore.
Now you should disable System restore to purge any infected files and then re-enable it,
On the Desktop, right-click My Computer.
Click Properties.
Click the System Restore tab.
Check Turn off System Restore.
Click Apply, and then click OK.
Restart your computer
Turn ON System Restore
On the Desktop, right-click My Computer.
Click Properties.
Click the System Restore tab.
Un-Check Turn off System Restore.
Click Apply, and then click OK.
The following is some info to help you stay safe and clean.
( Vista users must ensure that any programs are Vista compatible BEFORE installing )
You may already have some of the following programs, but I include the full list for the benefit of all the other people who will be reading this thread in the future.
Online Scanners
I would recommend a scan at one or more of the following sites at least once a month.
http://www.pandasecurity.com/activescan
http://www.kaspersky.com/kos/eng/partner/71706/kavwebscan.html
!!! Make sure that all your programs are updated !!!
Secunia Software Inspector does all the work for you, .... see HERE for details
AntiSpyware
AntiSpyware is
not the same thing as Antivirus.Different AntiSpyware programs detect different things, so in this case it is recommended that you have more than one.
You should only have one running all the time, the other/s should be used "on demand" on a regular basis.
Most of the programs in this list have a free (for Home Users ) and paid versions,
it is worth paying for one and having "realtime" protection, unless you intend to do a manual scan often.
[*]Spybot - Search & Destroy <<< A must have program
[*] MalwareBytes Anti-malware <<< A New and effective program
[*]a-squared Free <<< A good "realtime" or "on demand" scanner
[*]superantispyware <<< A good "realtime" or "on demand" scanner
Prevention
These programs don't detect malware, they help stop it getting on your machine in the first place. Each does a different job, so you can have more than one- Winpatrol
- An excellent startup manager and then some !!
- Notifies you if programs are added to startup
- Allows delayed startup
- A must have addition
- SpywareBlaster 4.0
- SpywareBlaster sets killbits in the registry to prevent known malicious activex controls from installing themselves on your computer.
- SpywareGuard 2.2
- SpywareGuard provides real-time protection against spyware.
- Not required if you have other "realtime" antispyware or Winpatrol
- ZonedOut
- Formerly known as IE-SPYAD, adds a long list of sites and domains associated with known advertisers and marketers to the Restricted sites zone of Internet Explorer.
- MVPS HOSTS
- This little program packs a powerful punch as it blocks ads, banners, 3rd party Cookies, 3rd party page counters, web bugs, and many hijackers.
- For information on how to download and install, please read this tutorial by WinHelp2002.
- Not required if you are using other host file protections
Internet Browsers
Microsoft has worked hard to make IE.7 a more secure browser, unfortunately whilst it is still the leading browser of choice it will always be under attack from the bad guys. Using a different web browser can help stop malware getting on your machine.
If you are still using IE6 then either update, or get one of the following.
Cleaning Temporary Internet Files and Tracking Cookies
Temporary Internet Files are mainly the files that are downloaded when you open a web page. Unfortunately, if the site you visit is of a dubious nature or has been hacked, they can also be an entry point for malware. It is a good idea to empty the Temporary Internet Files folder on a regular basis. Tracking Cookies are files that websites use to monitor which sites you visit and how often. A lot of Antispyware scanners pick up these tracking cookies and flag them as unwanted. CAUTION :- If you delete all your cookies you will lose any autologin information for sites that you visit, and will need your passwords Both of these can be cleaned manually, but a quicker option is to use a program- ATF Cleaner
- Free and very simple to use
- CCleaner
- Free and very flexible, you can chose which cookies to keep
Also PLEASE read this article.....So How Did I Get Infected In The First Place
The last and most important thing I can tell you is UPDATE.
If you don't update your security programs (Antivirus, Antispyware even Windows) then you are at risk.
Malware changes on a day to day basis. You should update every week at the very least.
If you follow this advice then (with a bit of luck) you will never have to hear from me again
If you could post back one more time to let me know everything is OK, then I can have this thread archived.
Happy surfing K'
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