Got something, don't know what it is.

4Nmissile

I've been getting lots of popups. Only one at a time though, not a lot that popup all at once. The popups only come up when I am cruising the internet too, not when I'm just messing around on my laptop. I ran a Spybot scan, a Spider scan, and an AVG Anti Spyware scan.
I ran HijackThis and here is the log. Not sure if there is something in here or not though.

Logfile of Trend Micro HijackThis v2.0.2
Scan saved at 1:58:12 AM, on 8/18/2008
Platform: Windows XP SP2 (WinNT 5.01.2600)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v7.00 (7.00.6000.16705)
Boot mode: Normal

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:\WINDOWS\system32\Ati2evxx.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccSvcHst.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\AppCore\AppSvc32.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\inf\svchosd.exe
C:\Program Files\Synaptics\SynTP\SynTPEnh.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccApp.exe
C:\WINDOWS\RTHDCPL.EXE
C:\Program Files\Acer\Bio-Protection fingerprint solution\PdtWzd.exe
C:\Program Files\CyberLink\PowerDVD\PDVDServ.exe
C:\Program Files\ATI Technologies\ATI.ACE\Core-Static\MOM.EXE
C:\Acer\Empowering Technology\ePresentation\ePresentation.exe
C:\Acer\Empowering Technology\ePower\ePower_DMC.exe
C:\Program Files\Symantec\LiveUpdate\ALUSchedulerSvc.exe
C:\DOCUME~1\Brian\LOCALS~1\Temp\RtkBtMnt.exe
C:\Acer\Empowering Technology\eDataSecurity\eDSloader.exe
C:\Program Files\Grisoft\AVG Anti-Spyware 7.5\guard.exe
C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\IEXPLORE.EXE
C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVG7\avgamsvr.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\LAUNCH~1\LManager.exe
C:\Program Files\Grisoft\AVG Anti-Spyware 7.5\avgas.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVG7\avgcc.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVG7\avgupsvc.exe
C:\Program Files\Microsoft Small Business\Business Contact Manager\BcmSqlStartupSvc.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\LightScribe\LSSrvc.exe
C:\Program Files\ATI Technologies\ATI.ACE\Core-Static\ccc.exe
C:\Program Files\O2Micro Oz128 Driver\o2flash.exe
C:\Program Files\CyberLink\Shared Files\RichVideo.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\Acer\Empowering Technology\eLock\Service\eLockServ.exe
C:\Program Files\Acer\Bio-Protection fingerprint solution\FPLaunch.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\CCPD-LC\symlcsvc.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\wscntfy.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\wbem\unsecapp.exe
C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe
D:\C drive files\C drive programs\Trend Micro\HijackThis\Brian.exe

R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Bar = http://us.rd.yahoo.com/customize/ycomp/defaults/sb/*http://www.yahoo.com/search/ie.html
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page = http://us.rd.yahoo.com/customize/ycomp/defaults/sp/*http://www.yahoo.com
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=69157
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Search_URL = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=54896
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=54896
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=69157
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\SearchURL,(Default) = http://us.rd.yahoo.com/customize/ycomp/defaults/su/*http://www.yahoo.com
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Connection Wizard,ShellNext = http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com/
R3 - URLSearchHook: Yahoo! Toolbar - {EF99BD32-C1FB-11D2-892F-0090271D4F88} - C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Companion\Installs\cpn\yt.dll
O2 - BHO: Yahoo! Toolbar Helper - {02478D38-C3F9-4EFB-9B51-7695ECA05670} - C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Companion\Installs\cpn\yt.dll
O2 - BHO: AcroIEHlprObj Class - {06849E9F-C8D7-4D59-B87D-784B7D6BE0B3} - C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 7.0\ActiveX\AcroIEHelper.dll
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {1E8A6170-7264-4D0F-BEAE-D42A53123C75} - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\coShared\Browser\1.0\NppBho.dll
O3 - Toolbar: Show Norton Toolbar - {90222687-F593-4738-B738-FBEE9C7B26DF} - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\coShared\Browser\1.0\UIBHO.dll
O3 - Toolbar: Yahoo! Toolbar - {EF99BD32-C1FB-11D2-892F-0090271D4F88} - C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Companion\Installs\cpn\yt.dll
O3 - Toolbar: Acer eDataSecurity Management - {5CBE3B7C-1E47-477e-A7DD-396DB0476E29} - C:\WINDOWS\system32\eDStoolbar.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Preload] C:\Windows\RUNXMLPL.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SynTPEnh] C:\Program Files\Synaptics\SynTP\SynTPEnh.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AzMixerSel] C:\Program Files\Realtek\InstallShield\AzMixerSel.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ccApp] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccApp.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [IS CfgWiz] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\OPC\{31011D49-D90C-4da0-878B-78D28AD507AF}\cfgwiz.exe" /GUID {BC8D3EAF-F864-4d4b-AB4D-B3D0C32E2840} /MODE CfgWiz /CMDLINE "REBOOT"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [osCheck] "C:\Program Files\Norton Internet Security\osCheck.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [IMJPMIG8.1] "C:\WINDOWS\IME\imjp8_1\IMJPMIG.EXE" /Spoil /RemAdvDef /Migration32
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [MSPY2002] C:\WINDOWS\system32\IME\PINTLGNT\ImScInst.exe /SYNC
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [PHIME2002ASync] C:\WINDOWS\system32\IME\TINTLGNT\TINTSETP.EXE /SYNC
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [PHIME2002A] C:\WINDOWS\system32\IME\TINTLGNT\TINTSETP.EXE /IMEName
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [RTHDCPL] RTHDCPL.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Alcmtr] ALCMTR.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [StartCCC] C:\Program Files\ATI Technologies\ATI.ACE\Core-Static\CLIStart.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ZPdtWzdVitaKey MC3000] "C:\Program Files\Acer\Bio-Protection fingerprint solution\PdtWzd.exe" show
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [RemoteControl] "C:\Program Files\CyberLink\PowerDVD\PDVDServ.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [LanguageShortcut] "C:\Program Files\CyberLink\PowerDVD\Language\Language.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [WarReg_PopUp] C:\Acer\WR_PopUp\WarReg_PopUp.exe /normal-run1
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Acer ePresentation HPD] C:\Acer\Empowering Technology\ePresentation\ePresentation.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ePower_DMC] C:\Acer\Empowering Technology\ePower\ePower_DMC.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Boot] C:\Acer\Empowering Technology\ePower\Boot.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [eLockMonitor] C:\Acer\Empowering Technology\eLock\Monitor\LaunchMonitor.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [eDataSecurity Loader] C:\Acer\Empowering Technology\eDataSecurity\eDSloader.exe 0
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [eRecoveryService] C:\Acer\Empowering Technology\eRecovery\eRAgent.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [LManager] C:\PROGRA~1\LAUNCH~1\LManager.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [!AVG Anti-Spyware] "C:\Program Files\Grisoft\AVG Anti-Spyware 7.5\avgas.exe" /minimized
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AVG7_CC] C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVG7\avgcc.exe /STARTUP
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [ctfmon.exe] C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [A00F21FF6E.exe] C:\DOCUME~1\Brian\LOCALS~1\Temp\_A00F21FF6E.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Policies\Explorer\Run: [minitnyus] C:\WINDOWS\system32\inf\svchosd.exe C:\WINDOWS\wftadfi16_080816a.dll tanlt88
O4 - HKUS\S-1-5-19\..\Run: [AVG7_Run] C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVG7\avgw.exe /RUNONCE (User 'LOCAL SERVICE')
O4 - HKUS\S-1-5-20\..\Run: [AVG7_Run] C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVG7\avgw.exe /RUNONCE (User 'NETWORK SERVICE')
O4 - HKUS\S-1-5-18\..\Run: [DWQueuedReporting] "C:\PROGRA~1\COMMON~1\MICROS~1\DW\dwtrig20.exe" -t (User 'SYSTEM')
O4 - HKUS\.DEFAULT\..\Run: [DWQueuedReporting] "C:\PROGRA~1\COMMON~1\MICROS~1\DW\dwtrig20.exe" -t (User 'Default user')
O4 - Global Startup: Acer Empowering Technology.lnk = ?
O4 - Global Startup: Adobe Reader Speed Launch.lnk = C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 7.0\Reader\reader_sl.exe
O8 - Extra context menu item: E&xport to Microsoft Excel - res://C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~2\Office12\EXCEL.EXE/3000
O9 - Extra button: Quick-Launching Area - {10954C80-4F0F-11d3-B17C-00C0DFE39736} - C:\Program Files\Acer\Bio-Protection fingerprint solution\PwdBank.exe
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Quick-Launching Area - {10954C80-4F0F-11d3-B17C-00C0DFE39736} - C:\Program Files\Acer\Bio-Protection fingerprint solution\PwdBank.exe
O9 - Extra button: Research - {92780B25-18CC-41C8-B9BE-3C9C571A8263} - C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~2\Office12\REFIEBAR.DLL
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {e2e2dd38-d088-4134-82b7-f2ba38496583} - C:\WINDOWS\Network Diagnostic\xpnetdiag.exe
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: @xpsp3res.dll,-20001 - {e2e2dd38-d088-4134-82b7-f2ba38496583} - C:\WINDOWS\Network Diagnostic\xpnetdiag.exe
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
O20 - Winlogon Notify: AWinNotifyVitaKey MC3000 - C:\Program Files\Acer\Bio-Protection fingerprint solution\WinNotify.dll
O20 - Winlogon Notify: __c0015422 - C:\WINDOWS\system32\__c0015422.dat
O23 - Service: Ati HotKey Poller - ATI Technologies Inc. - C:\WINDOWS\system32\Ati2evxx.exe
O23 - Service: Automatic LiveUpdate Scheduler - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Symantec\LiveUpdate\ALUSchedulerSvc.exe
O23 - Service: AVG Anti-Spyware Guard - GRISOFT s.r.o. - C:\Program Files\Grisoft\AVG Anti-Spyware 7.5\guard.exe
O23 - Service: AVG7 Alert Manager Server (Avg7Alrt) - GRISOFT, s.r.o. - C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVG7\avgamsvr.exe
O23 - Service: AVG7 Update Service (Avg7UpdSvc) - GRISOFT, s.r.o. - C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVG7\avgupsvc.exe
O23 - Service: Symantec Event Manager (ccEvtMgr) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccSvcHst.exe
O23 - Service: Symantec Settings Manager (ccSetMgr) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccSvcHst.exe
O23 - Service: Symantec Lic NetConnect service (CLTNetCnService) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccSvcHst.exe
O23 - Service: COM Host (comHost) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\VAScanner\comHost.exe
O23 - Service: eLock Service (eLockService) - - C:\Acer\Empowering Technology\eLock\Service\eLockServ.exe
O23 - Service: InstallDriver Table Manager (IDriverT) - Macrovision Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\InstallShield\Driver\1150\Intel 32\IDriverT.exe
O23 - Service: Symantec IS Password Validation (ISPwdSvc) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Norton Internet Security\isPwdSvc.exe
O23 - Service: LightScribeService Direct Disc Labeling Service (LightScribeService) - Hewlett-Packard Company - C:\Program Files\Common Files\LightScribe\LSSrvc.exe
O23 - Service: LiveUpdate - Symantec Corporation - C:\PROGRA~1\Symantec\LIVEUP~1\LUCOMS~1.EXE
O23 - Service: O2Micro Flash Memory Card Service (o2flash) - O2Micro International - C:\Program Files\O2Micro Oz128 Driver\o2flash.exe
O23 - Service: Cyberlink RichVideo Service(CRVS) (RichVideo) - Unknown owner - C:\Program Files\CyberLink\Shared Files\RichVideo.exe
O23 - Service: Symantec Core LC - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\CCPD-LC\symlcsvc.exe
O23 - Service: Symantec AppCore Service (SymAppCore) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\AppCore\AppSvc32.exe

--
End of file - 11090 bytes

gringo_pr

Hello 4Nmissile and Welcome to the forums!

My name is Gringo and I'll be glad to help you with your computer problems. HijackThis logs can take some time to research, so please be patient with me. I know that you need your computer working as quickly as possible, and I will work hard to help see that it happens.

Please do not run any other tool until instructed to do so!
Please reply to this thread, do not start another!
Please tell me about any problems that have occurred during the fix.
Please tell me of any other symptoms you may be having as these can help also.
Please try as much as possible not to run anything while executing a fix.

If you follow these instructions, everything should go smoothly.

:multiple Anti Virus programs:

It looks like you are operating your computer with multiple Anti Virus programs running in memory at once:

norton
AVG

Anti-virus programs take up an enormous amount of your computer's resources when they are actively scanning your computer. Having two anti-virus programs running at the same time can cause your computer to run very slow, become unstable and even, in rare cases, crash.

Please remove one of them.


uninstall list

Make an uninstall list using HijackThis To access the Uninstall Manager you would do the following:

1. Start HijackThis
2. Click on the Config button
3. Click on the Misc Tools button
4. Click on the Open Uninstall Manager button.
5. Click on the 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 here on your next reply.


:information and logs:

In your next post I need the following

1.new log from hijackthis after you have removed one of the antivirus 2.uninstall list from hijackthis

Gringo

4Nmissile

Thanks for taking a look at my log Gringo. I did remove my Norton. It was merely a trial version anyways. That and I like AVG better.

Since I've been getting popups the AVG scan has always found a trojan or two. Today the AVG scan showed "File - A0003381.dll, Result/Infection - Trojan horse SHeur.CCUO" and deleted it.

Here is the uninstall list from HijackThis:

2007 Microsoft Office system
Acer Bio-Protection fingerprint solution 3.0.1.1
Acer eDataSecurity Management
Acer eDataSecurity Management 2.0.4086
Acer eLock Management
Acer Empowering Technology
Acer ePower Management
Acer ePresentation Management
Acer eSettings Management
Acer GridVista
Acer ScreenSaver
Activation Assistant for the 2007 Microsoft Office suites
Adobe Flash Player 9 ActiveX
Adobe Reader 7.0
ATI - Software Uninstall Utility
ATI Catalyst Control Center
ATI Display Driver
AuthenTec Fingerprint Sensor Minimum Install
AVG 7.5
AVG Anti-Spyware 7.5
Business Contact Manager for Outlook 2007 SP1
Business Contact Manager for Outlook 2007 SP1
Catalyst Control Center - Branding
High Definition Audio Driver Package - KB888111
HijackThis 2.0.2
Hotfix for Microsoft .NET Framework 3.0 (KB932471)
Hotfix for Windows Media Format 11 SDK (KB929399)
Hotfix for Windows Media Player 11 (KB939683)
Hotfix for Windows XP (KB896256)
Hotfix for Windows XP (KB896344)
Hotfix for Windows XP (KB909667)
Hotfix for Windows XP (KB914440)
Hotfix for Windows XP (KB914642)
Hotfix for Windows XP (KB915865)
Hotfix for Windows XP (KB918005)
Hotfix for Windows XP (KB926239)
Hotfix for Windows XP (KB935448)
Hotfix for Windows XP (KB952287)
Launch Manager
Microsoft .NET Framework 1.1
Microsoft .NET Framework 1.1
Microsoft .NET Framework 1.1 Hotfix (KB928366)
Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0 Service Pack 1
Microsoft .NET Framework 3.0 Service Pack 1
Microsoft Base Smart Card Cryptographic Service Provider Package
Microsoft Compression Client Pack 1.0 for Windows XP
Microsoft Internationalized Domain Names Mitigation APIs
Microsoft National Language Support Downlevel APIs
Microsoft Office 2003 Web Components
Microsoft Office 2007 Primary Interop Assemblies
Microsoft Office Access MUI (English) 2007
Microsoft Office Access Setup Metadata MUI (English) 2007
Microsoft Office Excel MUI (English) 2007
Microsoft Office Outlook MUI (English) 2007
Microsoft Office PowerPoint MUI (English) 2007
Microsoft Office Professional Hybrid 2007
Microsoft Office Proof (English) 2007
Microsoft Office Proof (French) 2007
Microsoft Office Proof (Spanish) 2007
Microsoft Office Proofing (English) 2007
Microsoft Office Publisher MUI (English) 2007
Microsoft Office Shared MUI (English) 2007
Microsoft Office Shared Setup Metadata MUI (English) 2007
Microsoft Office Small Business Connectivity Components
Microsoft Office Visio MUI (English) 2007
Microsoft Office Visio Professional 2007
Microsoft Office Visio Professional 2007 Trial
Microsoft Office Word MUI (English) 2007
Microsoft SQL Server 2005
Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Express Edition (MSSMLBIZ)
Microsoft SQL Server Native Client
Microsoft SQL Server Setup Support Files (English)
Microsoft SQL Server VSS Writer
Microsoft User-Mode Driver Framework Feature Pack 1.0
MSXML 6.0 Parser (KB933579)
NTI Backup NOW! 4.7
NTI CD & DVD-Maker
NTI Shadow
O2Micro Flash Memory Card Reader Driver Installer(x86)
PowerDVD
Realtek High Definition Audio Driver
Security Update for 2007 Microsoft Office System (KB951596)
Security Update for CAPICOM (KB931906)
Security Update for CAPICOM (KB931906)
Security Update for Microsoft Office Excel 2007 (KB951546)
Security Update for Microsoft Office PowerPoint 2007 (KB951338)
Security Update for Microsoft Office Publisher 2007 (KB950114)
Security Update for Microsoft Office system 2007 (KB951808)
Security Update for Microsoft Office Visio 2007 (KB947590)
Security Update for Microsoft Office Word 2007 (KB950113)
Security Update for Windows Internet Explorer 7 (KB938127)
Security Update for Windows Internet Explorer 7 (KB942615)
Security Update for Windows Internet Explorer 7 (KB950759)
Security Update for Windows Internet Explorer 7 (KB953838)
Security Update for Windows Media Player (KB911564)
Security Update for Windows Media Player 11 (KB936782)
Security Update for Windows Media Player 6.4 (KB925398)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB893756)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB896358)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB896423)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB896428)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB899587)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB899591)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB900725)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB901017)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB901190)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB901214)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB902400)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB905414)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB905749)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB908519)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB911562)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB911927)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB913580)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB914388)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB914389)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB917953)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB918118)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB918439)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB919007)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB920213)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB920670)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB920683)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB920685)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB921503)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB922819)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB923191)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB923414)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB923980)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB924270)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB924496)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB924667)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB925902)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB926255)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB926436)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB927779)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB927802)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB928255)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB929123)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB930178)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB931261)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB931784)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB932168)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB933729)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB935839)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB935840)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB936021)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB937894)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB938127)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB938829)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB941202)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB941568)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB941569)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB942615)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB943460)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB944653)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB946648)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB950749)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB950760)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB950762)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB950974)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB951066)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB951376-v2)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB951698)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB951748)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB952954)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB953839)
Synaptics Pointing Device Driver
Update for Microsoft Office Outlook 2007 (KB952142)
Update for Office 2007 (KB934391)
Update for Office 2007 (KB934528)
Update for Office 2007 (KB946691)
Update for Office 2007 (KB946691)
Update for Office System 2007 Setup (KB929722)
Update for Outlook 2007 Junk Email Filter (kb955433)
Update for Windows XP (KB894391)
Update for Windows XP (KB898461)
Update for Windows XP (KB900485)
Update for Windows XP (KB904942)
Update for Windows XP (KB908531)
Update for Windows XP (KB910437)
Update for Windows XP (KB911280)
Update for Windows XP (KB912945)
Update for Windows XP (KB916595)
Update for Windows XP (KB920342)
Update for Windows XP (KB920872)
Update for Windows XP (KB922582)
Update for Windows XP (KB925720)
Update for Windows XP (KB925876)
Update for Windows XP (KB927891)
Update for Windows XP (KB929338)
Update for Windows XP (KB930916)
Update for Windows XP (KB932823-v3)
Update for Windows XP (KB938828)
Update for Windows XP (KB942763)
Update for Windows XP (KB942840)
Update for Windows XP (KB951072-v2)
Windows Driver Package - Advanced Micro Devices (AmdK8) Processor (05/27/2006 1.3.2.0)
Windows Imaging Component
Windows Installer 3.1 (KB893803)
Windows Internet Explorer 7
Windows Media Format 11 runtime
Windows Media Format 11 runtime
Windows Media Format SDK Hotfix - KB891122
Windows Media Player 11
Windows Media Player 11
Windows Presentation Foundation
Windows XP Hotfix - KB873339
Windows XP Hotfix - KB885835
Windows XP Hotfix - KB885836
Windows XP Hotfix - KB885855
Windows XP Hotfix - KB886185
Windows XP Hotfix - KB887472
Windows XP Hotfix - KB888302
Windows XP Hotfix - KB890859
Windows XP Hotfix - KB891781
Yahoo! Toolbar



Here is the log from HijackThis:

Logfile of Trend Micro HijackThis v2.0.2
Scan saved at 5:04:35 PM, on 8/19/2008
Platform: Windows XP SP2 (WinNT 5.01.2600)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v7.00 (7.00.6000.16705)
Boot mode: Normal

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:\WINDOWS\system32\Ati2evxx.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\system32\inf\svchosd.exe
C:\Program Files\Synaptics\SynTP\SynTPEnh.exe
C:\WINDOWS\RTHDCPL.EXE
C:\Program Files\Grisoft\AVG Anti-Spyware 7.5\guard.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVG7\avgamsvr.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVG7\avgupsvc.exe
C:\Program Files\Microsoft Small Business\Business Contact Manager\BcmSqlStartupSvc.exe
C:\Program Files\ATI Technologies\ATI.ACE\Core-Static\MOM.EXE
C:\Program Files\Acer\Bio-Protection fingerprint solution\PdtWzd.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\LightScribe\LSSrvc.exe
C:\Program Files\CyberLink\PowerDVD\PDVDServ.exe
C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\IEXPLORE.EXE
C:\Acer\Empowering Technology\ePresentation\ePresentation.exe
C:\Program Files\O2Micro Oz128 Driver\o2flash.exe
C:\Acer\Empowering Technology\ePower\ePower_DMC.exe
C:\Program Files\CyberLink\Shared Files\RichVideo.exe
C:\Acer\Empowering Technology\eDataSecurity\eDSloader.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\LAUNCH~1\LManager.exe
C:\Program Files\Grisoft\AVG Anti-Spyware 7.5\avgas.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVG7\avgcc.exe
C:\DOCUME~1\Brian\LOCALS~1\Temp\RtkBtMnt.exe
C:\Program Files\ATI Technologies\ATI.ACE\Core-Static\ccc.exe
C:\Program Files\Acer\Bio-Protection fingerprint solution\FPLaunch.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\Acer\Empowering Technology\eLock\Service\eLockServ.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\wbem\unsecapp.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\tmpacj0.exe
C:\DOCUME~1\Brian\LOCALS~1\Temp\dwbin.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\atsxyzd.sys
C:\WINDOWS\system32\AFinding.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\routing.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\Nobicyt.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\tdxdowkc.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\macidwe.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Microsoft.NET\Framework\v3.0\Windows Communication Foundation\infocard.exe
C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\NOTEPAD.EXE
D:\C drive files\C drive programs\Trend Micro\HijackThis\Brian.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\edbvfct.sys

R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Bar = http://us.rd.yahoo.com/customize/ycomp/defaults/sb/*http://www.yahoo.com/search/ie.html
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page = http://us.rd.yahoo.com/customize/ycomp/defaults/sp/*http://www.yahoo.com
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=69157
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Search_URL = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=54896
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=54896
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=69157
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\SearchURL,(Default) = http://us.rd.yahoo.com/customize/ycomp/defaults/su/*http://www.yahoo.com
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Connection Wizard,ShellNext = http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com/
R3 - URLSearchHook: Yahoo! Toolbar - {EF99BD32-C1FB-11D2-892F-0090271D4F88} - C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Companion\Installs\cpn\yt.dll
O2 - BHO: Yahoo! Toolbar Helper - {02478D38-C3F9-4EFB-9B51-7695ECA05670} - C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Companion\Installs\cpn\yt.dll
O2 - BHO: AcroIEHlprObj Class - {06849E9F-C8D7-4D59-B87D-784B7D6BE0B3} - C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 7.0\ActiveX\AcroIEHelper.dll
O3 - Toolbar: Yahoo! Toolbar - {EF99BD32-C1FB-11D2-892F-0090271D4F88} - C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Companion\Installs\cpn\yt.dll
O3 - Toolbar: Acer eDataSecurity Management - {5CBE3B7C-1E47-477e-A7DD-396DB0476E29} - C:\WINDOWS\system32\eDStoolbar.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Preload] C:\Windows\RUNXMLPL.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SynTPEnh] C:\Program Files\Synaptics\SynTP\SynTPEnh.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AzMixerSel] C:\Program Files\Realtek\InstallShield\AzMixerSel.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [IMJPMIG8.1] "C:\WINDOWS\IME\imjp8_1\IMJPMIG.EXE" /Spoil /RemAdvDef /Migration32
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [MSPY2002] C:\WINDOWS\system32\IME\PINTLGNT\ImScInst.exe /SYNC
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [PHIME2002ASync] C:\WINDOWS\system32\IME\TINTLGNT\TINTSETP.EXE /SYNC
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [PHIME2002A] C:\WINDOWS\system32\IME\TINTLGNT\TINTSETP.EXE /IMEName
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [RTHDCPL] RTHDCPL.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Alcmtr] ALCMTR.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [StartCCC] C:\Program Files\ATI Technologies\ATI.ACE\Core-Static\CLIStart.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ZPdtWzdVitaKey MC3000] "C:\Program Files\Acer\Bio-Protection fingerprint solution\PdtWzd.exe" show
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [RemoteControl] "C:\Program Files\CyberLink\PowerDVD\PDVDServ.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [LanguageShortcut] "C:\Program Files\CyberLink\PowerDVD\Language\Language.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [WarReg_PopUp] C:\Acer\WR_PopUp\WarReg_PopUp.exe /idle
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Acer ePresentation HPD] C:\Acer\Empowering Technology\ePresentation\ePresentation.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ePower_DMC] C:\Acer\Empowering Technology\ePower\ePower_DMC.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Boot] C:\Acer\Empowering Technology\ePower\Boot.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [eLockMonitor] C:\Acer\Empowering Technology\eLock\Monitor\LaunchMonitor.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [eDataSecurity Loader] C:\Acer\Empowering Technology\eDataSecurity\eDSloader.exe 0
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [eRecoveryService] C:\Acer\Empowering Technology\eRecovery\eRAgent.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [LManager] C:\PROGRA~1\LAUNCH~1\LManager.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [!AVG Anti-Spyware] "C:\Program Files\Grisoft\AVG Anti-Spyware 7.5\avgas.exe" /minimized
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AVG7_CC] C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVG7\avgcc.exe /STARTUP
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [ctfmon.exe] C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [A00F21FF6E.exe] C:\DOCUME~1\Brian\LOCALS~1\Temp\_A00F21FF6E.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Policies\Explorer\Run: [minitnyus] C:\WINDOWS\system32\inf\svchosd.exe C:\WINDOWS\wftadfi16_080816a.dll tanlt88
O4 - HKUS\S-1-5-19\..\Run: [AVG7_Run] C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVG7\avgw.exe /RUNONCE (User 'LOCAL SERVICE')
O4 - HKUS\S-1-5-20\..\Run: [AVG7_Run] C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVG7\avgw.exe /RUNONCE (User 'NETWORK SERVICE')
O4 - HKUS\S-1-5-18\..\Run: [DWQueuedReporting] "C:\PROGRA~1\COMMON~1\MICROS~1\DW\dwtrig20.exe" -t (User 'SYSTEM')
O4 - HKUS\.DEFAULT\..\Run: [DWQueuedReporting] "C:\PROGRA~1\COMMON~1\MICROS~1\DW\dwtrig20.exe" -t (User 'Default user')
O4 - Global Startup: Acer Empowering Technology.lnk = ?
O4 - Global Startup: Adobe Reader Speed Launch.lnk = C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 7.0\Reader\reader_sl.exe
O8 - Extra context menu item: E&xport to Microsoft Excel - res://C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~2\Office12\EXCEL.EXE/3000
O9 - Extra button: Quick-Launching Area - {10954C80-4F0F-11d3-B17C-00C0DFE39736} - C:\Program Files\Acer\Bio-Protection fingerprint solution\PwdBank.exe
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Quick-Launching Area - {10954C80-4F0F-11d3-B17C-00C0DFE39736} - C:\Program Files\Acer\Bio-Protection fingerprint solution\PwdBank.exe
O9 - Extra button: Research - {92780B25-18CC-41C8-B9BE-3C9C571A8263} - C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~2\Office12\REFIEBAR.DLL
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {e2e2dd38-d088-4134-82b7-f2ba38496583} - C:\WINDOWS\Network Diagnostic\xpnetdiag.exe
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: @xpsp3res.dll,-20001 - {e2e2dd38-d088-4134-82b7-f2ba38496583} - C:\WINDOWS\Network Diagnostic\xpnetdiag.exe
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
O20 - Winlogon Notify: AWinNotifyVitaKey MC3000 - C:\Program Files\Acer\Bio-Protection fingerprint solution\WinNotify.dll
O20 - Winlogon Notify: __c0015422 - C:\WINDOWS\system32\__c0015422.dat (file missing)
O23 - Service: afinding Service (afinding) - Unknown owner - C:\WINDOWS\system32\AFinding.exe
O23 - Service: Ati HotKey Poller - ATI Technologies Inc. - C:\WINDOWS\system32\Ati2evxx.exe
O23 - Service: AVG Anti-Spyware Guard - GRISOFT s.r.o. - C:\Program Files\Grisoft\AVG Anti-Spyware 7.5\guard.exe
O23 - Service: AVG7 Alert Manager Server (Avg7Alrt) - GRISOFT, s.r.o. - C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVG7\avgamsvr.exe
O23 - Service: AVG7 Update Service (Avg7UpdSvc) - GRISOFT, s.r.o. - C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVG7\avgupsvc.exe
O23 - Service: Symantec Lic NetConnect service (CLTNetCnService) - Unknown owner - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccSvcHst.exe (file missing)
O23 - Service: eLock Service (eLockService) - - C:\Acer\Empowering Technology\eLock\Service\eLockServ.exe
O23 - Service: InstallDriver Table Manager (IDriverT) - Macrovision Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\InstallShield\Driver\1150\Intel 32\IDriverT.exe
O23 - Service: LightScribeService Direct Disc Labeling Service (LightScribeService) - Hewlett-Packard Company - C:\Program Files\Common Files\LightScribe\LSSrvc.exe
O23 - Service: macidwe Service (macidwe) - Unknown owner - C:\WINDOWS\system32\macidwe.exe
O23 - Service: nobicyt Service (nobicyt) - Unknown owner - C:\WINDOWS\system32\Nobicyt.exe
O23 - Service: O2Micro Flash Memory Card Service (o2flash) - O2Micro International - C:\Program Files\O2Micro Oz128 Driver\o2flash.exe
O23 - Service: perfs Service (perfs) - Unknown owner - C:\WINDOWS\system32\perfs.exe
O23 - Service: Cyberlink RichVideo Service(CRVS) (RichVideo) - Unknown owner - C:\Program Files\CyberLink\Shared Files\RichVideo.exe
O23 - Service: routing Service (routing) - Unknown owner - C:\WINDOWS\system32\routing.exe
O23 - Service: sobicyt Service (sobicyt) - Unknown owner - C:\WINDOWS\system32\sobicyt.exe
O23 - Service: tdxdowkc Service (tdxdowkc) - Unknown owner - C:\WINDOWS\system32\tdxdowkc.exe
O23 - Service: wserving Service (wserving) - Unknown owner - C:\WINDOWS\system32\WServing.exe

--
End of file - 10221 bytes

gringo_pr

Hello 4Nmissile

I hate to give you bad news but one or more of the identified infections is a backdoor trojan.

Backdoor Trojans are the most dangerous and most widespread type of Trojan. Backdoor Trojans provide the author or "master" of the Trojan with remote "administration" of victim machines. Unlike legitimate remote administration utilities, they install, launch and run invisibly, without the consent or knowledge of the user. Once installed, backdoor Trojans can be instructed to send, receive, execute and delete files, harvest confidential data from the computer, log activity on the computer and more.

I would counsel you to disconnect this PC from the Internet immediately. If you do any banking or other financial transactions on the PC or if it should contain any other sensitive information, please get to a known clean computer and change all passwords where applicable, and it would be wise to contact those same financial institutions to apprise them of your situation.
In addition to the backdoor Trojan that has been identified, your computer is afflicted with multiple other infections. Although we can make an attempt to clean this machine, we cannot guarantee that it will be secure afterwards. Your best and safest course of action is a reformat and reinstallation of the Windows operating system.

If you do decide to attempt cleaning rather than a reformat, do understand that although we may be able to remove all known visible malware, we cannot guarantee that unknown and unseen malware will have been removed, nor will your system be restored to its pre-infection state. We cannot remedy unknown changes the malware may likely have made in order to allow itself access, nor can we repair the damages it may possibly have caused to vital system files.

Please note that even if we should be successful in removing these infections from your system, it is quite possible that the changes made to the system by the malware may impact negatively on your computer during the removal process. In short, your system may never regain its former stability or its full functionality without a reformat.

Please read these for more information:

How Do I Handle Possible Identify Theft, Internet Fraud and CC Fraud?

When Should I Format, How Should I Reinstall

Should you have any questions, please feel free to ask.
Please let us know what you have decided to do in your next post.

Gringo

4Nmissile

Reformatting sounds like very good advice Gringo.

Today the AVG scan showed - "dwbin.exe, Trojan horse Downloader.Generic7.AGVR"

Also, the computer keeps making the noise like I'm opening up a window or a program (the clicking noise) when I am not opening up anything. It has been doing it a lot the last two days. Although, the last two days I have only gotten on to check icrontic. This time while I was letting AVG scan on start up I started hearing audio when I did not click on anything. I don't run anything when AVG is scanning. The audio was some guy speaking german or something, but there was no window that popped up to indicate something was going on. There was just audio out of no-where.

I am going to buy an external hard-drive tomorrow to move all of my programs and whatnot. Then I will do a reformat.

I guess the only thing I need to know is, what should I do to ensure that I don't get something like this again? I have AVG and many other programs that help remove bad files (like Spybot, Spider, AVG Anti-Spyware, etc.). Is there anything else I should get or use to help keep my computer from catching trojans of this caliber?

gringo_pr

Hello 4Nmissile

I am going to buy an external hard-drive tomorrow to move all of my programs and whatnot. Then I will do a reformat.

make sure you scan all files before you pass them over
if you dont have alot maybe a jump drive would be cheaper or burn them to cd's

I guess the only thing I need to know is, what should I do to ensure that I don't get something like this again? I have AVG and many other programs that help remove bad files (like Spybot, Spider, AVG Anti-Spyware, etc.). Is there anything else I should get or use to help keep my computer from catching trojans of this caliber?

please read this great article by miekiemoes How to prevent Malware:
and
this great article by Tony Klein So How Did I Get Infected In First Place

I'll respect your decision to do a clean install.

Please make sure that you know what to do before beginning the operation.

Here are a few links that probably help.

https://www.synapsenow.com/synapse/data/7117/documents/Acer%20eRecovery%20Management.pdf
you should print this out

Then there are a couple of things you should do immediately before and after installing Windows

:before you install:

• Download an Anti Virus 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. Here are some Anti Virus products which are free for personal use and most used:
  AVG Anti-Virus
  AntiVir
  Avast
  BitDefender

• Download a Firewall - I cannot stress how important it is that you use a Firewall on your computer. Without a firewall your computer is susceptible to being hacked and taken over. If you use the Windows Firewall you might think that's sufficient but it only controls inbound traffic not outbound. Simply using a Firewall in its default configuration can lower your risk greatly. Here are some firewalls which are free for personal use and most used:
  Comodo
  Kerio
  ZoneAlarm

• Download Internet Explorer 7- if you plan on useing IE7 then download it now to have ready after you install
  • you need to install this before your antivirus
    • you can download it here

• download those programs onto a CD, DVD, USB stick, etc., using another computer... not the one you are going to reformat!

:After you reinstall windows: but before you go on the internet

• Install programs
  • install the programs that you downloaded in this order
    • IE7<---if you are going to use
    • antivirus
    • firewall
    • now you can go on the internet

• Update your Anti Virus Software - It is imperative that you update your Antivirus software at least once a day or if you go online less than that set it up to do it when you go online(you can set this up automatically). 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.

Make your Internet Explorer more secure - This can be done by following these simple instructions:

• From within Internet Explorer click on the Tools menu and then click on Options.
• Click once on the Security tab
• Click once on the Internet icon so it becomes highlighted.
• Click once on the Custom Level button.
• Change the Download signed ActiveX controls to Prompt
• Change the Download unsigned ActiveX controls to Disable
• Change the Initialize and script ActiveX controls not marked as safe to Disable
• Change the Installation of desktop items to Prompt
• Change the Launching programs and files in an IFRAME to Prompt
• Change the Navigate sub-frames across different domains to Prompt
• When all these settings have been made, click on the OK button.
• If it prompts you as to whether or not you want to save the settings, press the Yes button.

Next press the Apply button and then the OK to exit the Internet Properties page.

Turn On Automatic Updates

Turn On Automatic Updates
1. Click Start, click Run, type sysdm.cpl, and then press ENTER.
2. Click the Automatic Updates tab, and then click to select one of the following options. We recommend that you select the Automatic (recommended) Automatically download recommended updates for my computer and install them

If you click this setting, click to select the day and time for scheduled updates to occur. You can schedule Automatic Updates for any time of day. Remember, your computer must be on at the scheduled time for updates to be installed. After you set this option, Windows recognizes when you are online and uses your Internet connection to find updates on the Windows Update Web site or on the Microsoft Update Web site that apply to your computer. Updates are downloaded automatically in the background, and you are not notified or interrupted during this process. An icon appears in the notification area of your taskbar when the updates are being downloaded. You can point to the icon to view the download status. To pause or to resume the download, right-click the icon, and then click Pause or Resume. When the download is completed, another message appears in the notification area so that you can review the updates that are scheduled for installation. If you choose not to install at that time, Windows starts the installation on your set schedule.

or 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.

antispyware programs

I would recommend the download and installation of some or all of the following antispyware programs (all free), and the updating of them regularly :

• WinPatrol As a robust security monitor, WinPatrol will alert you to hijackings, malware attacks and critical changes made to your computer without your permission. WinPatrol takes snapshot of your critical system resources and alerts you to any changes that may occur without your knowledge.
  
• AVG Anti-Spyware This is a program that scans for and removes known spyware from your machine.
  
• Ad-Aware SE - This is a program that scans for and removes known spyware from your machine.
  
• Spybot Search & Destroy - Spybot is a tool like Ad-Aware SE whereas it seeks out and removes known spyware from your machine. These two tools (Ad-Aware & spybot) are perfect complements to each other as one will most always find something the other missed.
  
• Spyware Blaster - By altering your registry, this program stops harmful sites from installing things like ActiveX Controls on your machines.
  
• IE_Spyad - Works by placing known "bad" sites into your Internet Explorer "Restricted Zones" prohibiting them from doing potentially problematic things to your computer.
  

Consider a custom hosts file

Consider a custom hosts file such as MVPS HOSTS. This custom hosts file effectively blocks a wide range of unwanted 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
Note: Be sure to follow the instructions to disable the DNS Client service before installing a custom hosts file.

Use an alternative Internet Browser

Many of the exploits are directed to users of Internet Explorer. Try using a different browser instead.

Maxthon Browser
Firefox
Opera
K-Meleon

I'd be grateful if you could reply to this post so that I know you have read it and, if you've no other questions, let me know things went .

Gringo

4Nmissile

Thanks Gringo. I have already refromatted this computer and it is running a lot smoother. I tried installing my older AVG 7.5, but it kept asking for a license number (which I never had since it was the free version from the website). I checked this post to see what you had written and have downloaded AVG 8.0, ZoneAlarm, and the IE7. I have not installed them just yet as you say to install them in a specific order. I wanted to know why I should install IE7 before I should install any of the other programs? I also already have AVG Anti-Spyware, Spybot, and Ad Aware.

Thanks for all your help on this matter.

gringo_pr

hello 4nmissle

most of the real time protection in antiviruses and spyware programs may interfere with the installation of IE7 and and with a program as important as IE7 it is best to do it without any antivus or antispyware programs and since you have the opertunity to do it before you install those programs that is the best time to do it.

It is just to make sure you have no problems ith it.

Gringo

4Nmissile

That does make sense. I guess the last question would be, which do you recommend? IE6 or IE7? I do really like IE6 and would be just fine using it, but if there are more advantages to using IE7 then perhaps it would be better. Please let me know anything and I will get to installing all of these programs.

Thanks for all the help Gringo.

gringo_pr

Hello 4Nmissle

I like IE7 for its tabbed interface it takes a little to get used to and it has some extra security features that can help


gringo

4Nmissile

OK. Thanks for all your help Gringo. If I do decide to continue to use IE6 and install all of those programs, but then want to upgrade to IE7 can I just uninstall those other programs before installing IE7? Then proceeding to re-install those other programs. I really should have asked this question the last time and saved a post, but I did not think of it.

gringo_pr

you don't have to uninstall just make sure all antivirus and spyware programs are disabled


gringo

4Nmissile

Gotcha. Thanks Gringo.

gringo_pr

let me know if you need any more help


gringo

gringo_pr

Glad we could be of assistance! The help you received here was free.

As this topic looks to be resolved This topic is now closed. If you wish it reopened, please send a Private Message to Trogan with a link to your thread.

If you are not the user who started this thread, you must start your own Thread instead
_______________________________

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