Hi,
I have a USB drive that I use to take files (homework, projects, etc.) back and forth between my home computer and computers at school (college). What do I need to do to make sure I don't bring home viruses, rootkits, etc.?
Thanks.

Hello bamer and Welcome to Geeks to Go!

Sorry for the delay, been quite busy this week.

To answer your question, well, first we need to make sure your system is clean.
Why not post a HijackThis log so we can see if there are any on your system.

To do so,

Click here to download HJTInstall.exe

• Save HJTInstall.exe to your desktop.
• Doubleclick on the HJTInstall.exe icon on your desktop.
• By default it will install to C:\Program Files\Trend Micro\HijackThis .
• Click on Install
• It will create a HijackThis icon on the desktop.
• Once installed, it will launch Hijackthis.
• Click on the Do a system scan and save a logfile button. It will scan and the log should open in notepad.
• Click on "Edit > Select All" then click on "Edit > Copy" to copy the entire contents of the log.
• Come back here to this thread and Paste the log in your next reply.
• DO NOT have Hijackthis fix anything yet. Most of what it finds will be harmless or even required.

Next,

For your USB dirve, you can use Flash Drive Disinfector.

1 - Flash Drive Disinfector
Download Flash_Disinfector.exe by sUBs from >here< and save it to your desktop.
• Double-click Flash_Disinfector.exe to run it and follow any prompts that may appear.
• The utility may ask you to insert your flash drive and/or other removable drives including your mobile phone. Please do so and allow the utility to clean up those drives as well.
• Wait until it has finished scanning and then exit the program.
• Reboot your computer when done.
Note: Flash_Disinfector will create a hidden folder named autorun.inf in each partition and every USB drive plugged in when you ran it. Don't delete this folder...it will help protect your drives from future infection.

Log required.
- HijackThis log

Thanks for the reply, koko_crunch.

Here's the HijackThis info:



Logfile of Trend Micro HijackThis v2.0.2
Scan saved at 11:43:42 AM, on 9/27/2008
Platform: Windows XP SP3 (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\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\Intel\Wireless\Bin\EvtEng.exe
C:\Program Files\Intel\Wireless\Bin\S24EvMon.exe
C:\Program Files\Intel\Wireless\Bin\WLKeeper.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\Intel\Wireless\Bin\ZcfgSvc.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\Intel\Wireless\Bin\1XConfig.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\AVG\AVG8a\avgwdsvc.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\VS7DEBUG\MDM.EXE
C:\Program Files\Dell\NICCONFIGSVC\NICCONFIGSVC.exe
C:\Program Files\Intel\Wireless\Bin\RegSrvc.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\AVG\AVG8a\avgrsx.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\Program Files\Common Files\InstallShield\UpdateService\issch.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\AVG\AVG8a\avgtray.exe
C:\Program Files\Apoint\Apoint.exe
C:\Program Files\TrueCrypt\TrueCrypt.exe
C:\Program Files\Apoint\Apntex.exe
C:\Program Files\Digital Line Detect\DLG.exe
C:\Program Files\Apoint\HidFind.exe
C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office OneNote\Office12\ONENOTEM.EXE
E:\My Documents\ProgramsRunFromHere\Rainlendar-0.22.1\Rainlendar.exe
C:\Program Files\Mozilla Firefox\firefox.exe
E:\01utils\HiJackThis\HijackThis.exe

R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL = http://www.dell4me.com/myway
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 Connection Wizard,ShellNext = http://www.dell4me.com/myway
O2 - BHO: DriveLetterAccess - {5CA3D70E-1895-11CF-8E15-001234567890} - C:\WINDOWS\system32\dla\tfswshx.dll
O2 - BHO: SSVHelper Class - {761497BB-D6F0-462C-B6EB-D4DAF1D92D43} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.6.0_07\bin\ssv.dll
O3 - Toolbar: (no name) - {BA52B914-B692-46c4-B683-905236F6F655} - (no file)
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ISUSScheduler] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\InstallShield\UpdateService\issch.exe" -start
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AVG8_TRAY] C:\PROGRA~1\AVG\AVG8a\avgtray.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Apoint] C:\Program Files\Apoint\Apoint.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [QuickTime Task] "C:\Program Files\QuickTime\QTTask.exe" -atboottime
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [TrueCrypt] "C:\Program Files\TrueCrypt\TrueCrypt.exe" /q preferences
O4 - Startup: LaunchRainlendarOnStartup.bat.lnk = E:\My Documents\BatFiles\LaunchRainlendarOnStartup.bat
O4 - Startup: OneNote 2007 Screen Clipper and Launcher.lnk = C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office OneNote\Office12\ONENOTEM.EXE
O4 - User Startup: LaunchRainlendarOnStartup.bat.lnk = E:\My Documents\BatFiles\LaunchRainlendarOnStartup.bat
O4 - User Startup: OneNote 2007 Screen Clipper and Launcher.lnk = C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office OneNote\Office12\ONENOTEM.EXE
O4 - Global Startup: AutorunsDisabled
O4 - Global Startup: Digital Line Detect.lnk = ?
O8 - Extra context menu item: E&xport to Microsoft Excel - res://C:\PROGRA~1\MI1933~1\OFFICE11\EXCEL.EXE/3000
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.6.0_07\bin\ssv.dll
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Sun Java Console - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.6.0_07\bin\ssv.dll
O9 - Extra button: Send to OneNote - {2670000A-7350-4f3c-8081-5663EE0C6C49} - C:\PROGRA~1\MI87E2~1\Office12\ONBttnIE.dll
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: S&end to OneNote - {2670000A-7350-4f3c-8081-5663EE0C6C49} - C:\PROGRA~1\MI87E2~1\Office12\ONBttnIE.dll
O9 - Extra button: Research - {92780B25-18CC-41C8-B9BE-3C9C571A8263} - C:\PROGRA~1\MI1933~1\OFFICE11\REFIEBAR.DLL
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {CD67F990-D8E9-11d2-98FE-00C0F0318AFE} - (no file)
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
O16 - DPF: {4ED9DDF0-7479-4BBE-9335-5A1EDB1D8A21} -
O16 - DPF: {6414512B-B978-451D-A0D8-FCFDF33E833C} (WUWebControl Class) - http://www.update.microsoft.com/microsoftu...b?1200891490177
O16 - DPF: {6E32070A-766D-4EE6-879C-DC1FA91D2FC3} (MUWebControl Class) - http://update.microsoft.com/microsoftupdat...b?1173247986937
O16 - DPF: {8AD9C840-044E-11D1-B3E9-00805F499D93} (Java Runtime Environment 1.6.0) - http://dl8-cdn-01.sun.com/s/ESD44/JSCDL/jd...ows-i586-jc.cab
O16 - DPF: {D27CDB6E-AE6D-11CF-96B8-444553540000} (Shockwave Flash Object) - http://fpdownload2.macromedia.com/get/shoc...ash/swflash.cab
O17 - HKLM\System\CCS\Services\Tcpip\..\{6F4C4DD8-8672-4764-BE42-BE602DD6E6A6}: NameServer = 208.67.222.222,208.67.220.220
O20 - AppInit_DLLs: avgrsstx.dll
O23 - Service: AVG Free8 WatchDog (avg8wd) - AVG Technologies CZ, s.r.o. - C:\PROGRA~1\AVG\AVG8a\avgwdsvc.exe
O23 - Service: EvtEng - Intel Corporation - C:\Program Files\Intel\Wireless\Bin\EvtEng.exe
O23 - Service: GhostStartService - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Symantec\Norton Ghost 2003\GhostStartService.exe
O23 - Service: Google Updater Service (gusvc) - Google - C:\Program Files\Google\Common\Google Updater\GoogleUpdaterService.exe
O23 - Service: NICCONFIGSVC - Dell Inc. - C:\Program Files\Dell\NICCONFIGSVC\NICCONFIGSVC.exe
O23 - Service: Pml Driver HPZ12 - HP - C:\WINDOWS\system32\HPZipm12.exe
O23 - Service: RegSrvc - Intel Corporation - C:\Program Files\Intel\Wireless\Bin\RegSrvc.exe
O23 - Service: Spectrum24 Event Monitor (S24EventMonitor) - Intel Corporation - C:\Program Files\Intel\Wireless\Bin\S24EvMon.exe
O23 - Service: Sandboxie Service (SbieSvc) - tzuk - C:\Program Files\Sandboxie\SbieSvc.exe
O23 - Service: WLANKEEPER - Intel® Corporation - C:\Program Files\Intel\Wireless\Bin\WLKeeper.exe

--
End of file - 6806 bytes


Thanks!

Sure thing.

Nothing our of the ordinary.
Let's run some scans to be sure.

Please download Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware from Here or Here

Double Click mbam-setup.exe to install the application.

• Make sure a checkmark is placed next to Update Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware and Launch Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware, then click Finish.
• If an update is found, it will download and install the latest version.
• Once the program has loaded, select "Perform Quick Scan", then click Scan.
• The scan may take some time to finish,so please be patient.
• When the scan is complete, click OK, then Show Results to view the results.
• Make sure that everything is checked, and click Remove Selected.
• When disinfection is completed, a log will open in Notepad and you may be prompted to Restart.(See Extra Note)
• The log is automatically saved by MBAM and can be viewed by clicking the Logs tab in MBAM.
• Copy&Paste the entire report in your next reply.

Extra Note:
If MBAM encounters a file that is difficult to remove,you will be presented with 1 of 2 prompts,click OK to either and let MBAM proceed with the disinfection process,if asked to restart the computer,please do so immediatly.

Then,

Download and scan with SUPERAntiSpyware Free for Home Users

• Double-click SUPERAntiSpyware.exe and use the default settings for installation.
• An icon will be created on your desktop. Double-click that icon to launch the program.
• If asked to update the program definitions, click "Yes". If not, update the definitions before scanning by selecting "Check for Updates". (If you encounter any problems while downloading the updates, manually download and unzip them from here.)
• Under "Configuration and Preferences", click the Preferences button.
• Click the Scanning Control tab.
• Under Scanner Options make sure the following are checked (leave all others unchecked):
  • Close browsers before scanning.
  • Scan for tracking cookies.
  • Terminate memory threats before quarantining.
• Click the "Close" button to leave the control center screen.
• Back on the main screen, under "Scan for Harmful Software" click Scan your computer.
• On the left, make sure you check C:\Fixed Drive.
• On the right, under "Complete Scan", choose Perform Complete Scan.
• Click "Next" to start the scan. Please be patient while it scans your computer.
• After the scan is complete, a Scan Summary box will appear with potentially harmful items that were detected. Click "OK".
• Make sure everything has a checkmark next to it and click "Next".
• A notification will appear that "Quarantine and Removal is Complete". Click "OK" and then click the "Finish" button to return to the main menu.
• If asked if you want to reboot, click "Yes".
• To retrieve the removal information after reboot, launch SUPERAntispyware again.
  • Click Preferences, then click the Statistics/Logs tab.
  • Under Scanner Logs, double-click SUPERAntiSpyware Scan Log.
  • If there are several logs, click the current dated log and press View log. A text file will open in your default text editor.
  • Please copy and paste the Scan Log results in your next reply.
• Click Close to exit the program.

Logs required.
- MBAM log
- SuperAntispyware log

Here are the results. I believe it's all clear.

Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware 1.28
Database version: 1215
Windows 5.1.2600 Service Pack 3

9/27/2008 3:16:27 PM
mbam-log-2008-09-27 (15-16-27).txt

Scan type: Quick Scan
Objects scanned: 49925
Time elapsed: 4 minute(s), 56 second(s)

Memory Processes Infected: 0
Memory Modules Infected: 0
Registry Keys Infected: 0
Registry Values Infected: 0
Registry Data Items Infected: 0
Folders Infected: 0
Files Infected: 0

Memory Processes Infected:
(No malicious items detected)

Memory Modules Infected:
(No malicious items detected)

Registry Keys Infected:
(No malicious items detected)

Registry Values Infected:
(No malicious items detected)

Registry Data Items Infected:
(No malicious items detected)

Folders Infected:
(No malicious items detected)

Files Infected:
(No malicious items detected)



------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


SUPERAntiSpyware Scan Log
http://www.superantispyware.com

Generated 09/27/2008 at 03:50 PM

Application Version : 4.21.1004

Core Rules Database Version : 3581
Trace Rules Database Version: 1569

Scan type : Complete Scan
Total Scan Time : 00:25:41

Memory items scanned : 411
Memory threats detected : 0
Registry items scanned : 6188
Registry threats detected : 0
File items scanned : 18988
File threats detected : 0

Yup.

Congratulations, your log is clean!
We have a couple of last steps to perform and then you're all set.

First,

Download OTCleanit then save it to your Desktop.

• Double-click on OTCleanIt.exe to run
• Click on the CleanUp! button
• Click Yes to begin the Cleanup process and remove these components, including this application.
• You may be asked to reboot the machine to finish the Cleanup process. If you are asked to reboot the machine choose Yes.

Next, let's reset your hidden/system files and folders. System files are hidden for a reason and we don't want to have them openly available and susceptible to accidental deletion.

* Click Start.
* Open My Computer.
* Select the Tools menu and click Folder Options.
* Select the View tab.
* Under the Hidden files and folders heading UNSELECT Show hidden files and folders.
* CHECK the Hide protected operating system files (recommended) option.
* Click Yes to confirm.
* Click OK.

Then, let's clean your restore points and set a new one:

Reset and Re-enable your System Restore to remove infected files that have been backed up by Windows. The files in System Restore are protected to prevent any programs from changing those files. This is the only way to clean these files: (You will lose all previous restore points which are likely to be infected)

1. Turn off System Restore.

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.


2. 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.

System Restore will now be active again.

Now that you are clean, to help protect your computer in the future I recommend that you get the following free programs:

• SpywareBlaster to help prevent spyware from installing in the first place.
• IESpy-Ad to block access to malicious websites so you cannot be redirected to them from an infected site or email.

If you don't have one yet, you should install a good firewall. Here are 3 free ones available for personal use:

• Sygate Personal Firewall
• Kerio Personal Firewall
• ZoneAlarm

It is critical to have both a firewall and anti virus to protect your system and to keep them updated.

And to keep your system clean run these free malware scanners

• AdAware SE Personal
• Spybot Search & Destroy

weekly, and be aware of what emails you open and websites you visit.

To keep your operating system up to date visit

• Microsoft Windows Update

monthly.

To learn more about how to protect yourself while on the internet read this article by Tony Klien: So how did I get infected in the first place?

Goodluck!

Thanks for your help, but I have a question. What does otcleanit remove/do exactly? I didn't see any way to get any info from the program itself and I couldn't find much info on the internet at all. Do you have a link to the vendor/creator's website?
Thanks again.

Basically what it does is that it removes tools that is used during the Malware clean up. The creator is OldTimer who is very well known tool developer in our circle. The reason you can't find any info about it is because info about tools are posted in restricted areas, usually access only to helpers.

OK, very interesting. Out of curiosity, which tools does it delete because it didn't remove either one of the ones you had me install? Is there any list of tools that are available with short explanations of them? I ask because I found references to an otmoveit and an otviewit when I was googling otcleanit.

Also, thanks very much for your help! I think I'm running well now. Will these tools keep my PC safe from bringing home any malware on my USB flash drive from school?

This post has been edited by bamer: Sep 28 2008, 10:38 AM

I don't have that info available. It only removes tools not softwares/programs installed on your system.
The programs I asked you to install may be removed through Add/Remove programs in Control Panel.

To remove installed programs on your system.

Click on Start >> Control Panel >> Add/Remove Programs.
A window will open containing the list of installed softwares on your computer.
Select the program you wish to remove then click remove then follow the prompts.

These two you can remove if you wish.

MalwareBytes Anti-Malware
SuperAntispyware

Otmoveit and Otviewit are other tools created by Oldtimer.
They are tools specifically developed for helpers to make malware removal easier for us and the end-user.



Nothing is fool-proof. They can minimize the chances of infection.
For me, it's all a matter of practice really.

1. Use flash drive disinfector on flash drives.
2. Scan flash drives with Anti-virus software before opening any file stored on it.
3. As an added precaution I installed Autorun Eater to protect against USB drives that might find my way on my pc without flash drive disinfector installed on it.

Here's a tutorial if you'd like.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKoZbBYUC_4

This post has been edited by koko_crunch: Sep 28 2008, 10:56 AM

Thanks very much for your help!

Anytime.

Since this issue appears to be resolved ... this Topic has been closed. Glad we could help.

If you're the topic starter, and need this topic reopened, please contact a staff member with the address of the thread.

Everyone else please begin a New Topic.