[jbs63]

Using Win XP Pro with 4 user accounts. Mananged to remove one infection in Dec 05 with tools from this forum, but cannot this time. Ad-Aware identified the virus - I selected not to remove with it since this had not worked previously. Turned off the Restore feature, then consulted the forum logs.

HiJackThis couldn't "fix" the O2 and O20 items (random name on my PC is "fcyvt.dll). Tried VundoFix 4.2.0.74 - it deleted the inverse named files (tvycf.dll, .ini, etc.) but said it could not delete the main file. Tried VirtumundoBeGone 1.5.0.0 - it could not find a problem. Tried Safe mode reboots and then used these utilities. Tried KillBox to no avail. Tried CleanUp! after the utilities without success. There must be some files/folders I'm missing. Seems like some process is running that won't allow file to be deleted. Cannot delete it on startup, even in Safe DOS mode.


Here is latest HJT log:

Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.1
Scan saved at 2:24:37 PM, on 5/18/2006
Platform: Windows XP SP1 (WinNT 5.01.2600)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v6.00 SP1 (6.00.2800.1106)

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:\Program Files\Common Files\EPSON\EBAPI\eEBSVC.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\PROGRA~1\COMMON~1\AOL\ACS\acsd.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\EPSON\EBAPI\SAgent2.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\KodakCCS.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\wanmpsvc.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\fxssvc.exe
C:\Program Files\Synaptics\SynTP\SynTPLpr.exe
C:\Program Files\Synaptics\SynTP\SynTPEnh.exe
C:\Program Files\ATI Technologies\ATI Control Panel\atiptaxx.exe
C:\Program Files\Dell\QuickSet\quickset.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\DSentry.exe
C:\Program Files\Alcatel\SpeedTouch USB\Dragdiag.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\spool\DRIVERS\W32X86\3\E_S10IC2.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\System32\ICO.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\System32\FSRremoS.EXE
C:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\ctfmon.exe
C:\Program Files\Dell Support\DSAgnt.exe
C:\Program Files\GhostSurf\GhostSurf.exe
C:\hijackthis\HijackThis.exe

R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL = http://www.dell4me.com/myway
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings,ProxyServer = 127.0.0.1:7212
O2 - BHO: RawExecAction Object - {18898424-E3AB-4BA9-8E8D-5434B1CECA75} - C:\WINDOWS\System32\fcyvt.dll
O2 - BHO: IEWatchObj Class - {9527D42F-D666-11D3-B8DD-00600838CD5F} - C:\WINDOWS\System32\IETie.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SynTPLpr] C:\Program Files\Synaptics\SynTP\SynTPLpr.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SynTPEnh] C:\Program Files\Synaptics\SynTP\SynTPEnh.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ATIPTA] C:\Program Files\ATI Technologies\ATI Control Panel\atiptaxx.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Dell QuickSet] C:\Program Files\Dell\QuickSet\quickset.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [DVDSentry] C:\WINDOWS\System32\DSentry.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SpeedTouch USB Diagnostics] "C:\Program Files\Alcatel\SpeedTouch USB\Dragdiag.exe" /icon
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [RCScheduleCheck] C:\Program Files\VCOM\Recovery Commander\RCSCHED.EXE -CHECK
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Fix-It AV] C:\PROGRA~1\VCOM\SYSTEM~1\MemCheck.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [EPSON Stylus CX5200] C:\WINDOWS\System32\spool\DRIVERS\W32X86\3\E_S10IC2.EXE /P19 "EPSON Stylus CX5200" /O6 "USB001" /M "Stylus CX5200"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Mouse Suite 98 Daemon] ICO.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [QuickTime Task] "C:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe" -atboottime
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [ctfmon.exe] C:\WINDOWS\System32\ctfmon.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [DellSupport] "C:\Program Files\Dell Support\DSAgnt.exe" /startup
O4 - Global Startup: GhostSurf.lnk = C:\Program Files\GhostSurf\GhostSurf.exe
O8 - Extra context menu item: Allow personal info to reach this site - file://C:\Program Files\GhostSurf\info.allow.html
O8 - Extra context menu item: Allow popups on this site - file://C:\Program Files\GhostSurf\popup.allow.html
O8 - Extra context menu item: Allow this advertisement - file://C:\Program Files\GhostSurf\menu.allowimg.html
O8 - Extra context menu item: Block personal info from this site - file://C:\Program Files\GhostSurf\info.block.html
O8 - Extra context menu item: Block popups on this site - file://C:\Program Files\GhostSurf\popup.block.html
O8 - Extra context menu item: Block this advertisement - file://C:\Program Files\GhostSurf\menu.blockimg.html
O9 - Extra button: SideStep - {3E230861-5C87-11D3-A1C6-00105A1B41B8} - C:\WINDOWS\Downloaded Program Files\SbCIe02a.dll (file missing)
O9 - Extra button: GhostSurf Privacy Center - {578FC4E3-151E-456c-AF8E-B63061EFE228} - C:\Program Files\GhostSurf\LaunchPCC.exe
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: GhostSurf Privacy Center - {578FC4E3-151E-456c-AF8E-B63061EFE228} - C:\Program Files\GhostSurf\LaunchPCC.exe
O9 - Extra button: Research - {92780B25-18CC-41C8-B9BE-3C9C571A8263} - C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~4\OFFICE11\REFIEBAR.DLL
O9 - Extra button: AIM - {AC9E2541-2814-11d5-BC6D-00B0D0A1DE45} - C:\Program Files\AIM\aim.exe
O9 - Extra button: Real.com - {CD67F990-D8E9-11d2-98FE-00C0F0318AFE} - C:\WINDOWS\System32\Shdocvw.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
O16 - DPF: {1F2F4C9E-6F09-47BC-970D-3C54734667FE} (LSSupCtl Class) - https://www-secure.s...rl/LSSupCtl.cab
O16 - DPF: {288C5F13-7E52-4ADA-A32E-F5BF9D125F99} (CR64Loader Object) - http://www.miniclip....pGameLoader.dll
O16 - DPF: {640B39C1-D713-464F-92C3-75BD972B95EE} - http://download.side...26617/sb02a.cab
O16 - DPF: {6414512B-B978-451D-A0D8-FCFDF33E833C} (WUWebControl Class) - http://v5.windowsupd...b?1096757340796
O16 - DPF: {CE28D5D2-60CF-4C7D-9FE8-0F47A3308078} (ActiveDataInfo Class) - https://www-secure.s...rl/SymAData.cab
O16 - DPF: {E13F1132-4CA0-4005-84D3-51406E27D269} (BTDownloadCtrl Control) - http://www.shockwave...ownloadCtrl.cab
O20 - Winlogon Notify: fcyvt - C:\WINDOWS\System32\fcyvt.dll
O23 - Service: AOL Connectivity Service (AOL ACS) - America Online, Inc. - C:\PROGRA~1\COMMON~1\AOL\ACS\acsd.exe
O23 - Service: EpsonBidirectionalService - Unknown owner - C:\Program Files\Common Files\EPSON\EBAPI\eEBSVC.exe
O23 - Service: EPSON Printer Status Agent2 (EPSONStatusAgent2) - SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION - C:\Program Files\Common Files\EPSON\EBAPI\SAgent2.exe
O23 - Service: iPod Service (iPodService) - Apple Computer, Inc. - C:\Program Files\iPod\bin\iPodService.exe
O23 - Service: Kodak Camera Connection Software (KodakCCS) - Eastman Kodak Company - C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\KodakCCS.exe


Help from a guru would be much appreciated.

[Advertisements]

Hi and welcome to GeeksToGo! My name is Sam and I will be helping you.

Please download VundoFix.exe to your desktop.

• Double-click VundoFix.exe to run it.
• Put a check next to Run VundoFix as a task.
• You will receive a message saying vundofix will close and re-open in a minute or less. Click OK
• When VundoFix re-opens, click the Scan for Vundo button.
• Once it's done scanning, click the Remove Vundo button.
• You will receive a prompt asking if you want to remove the files, click YES
• Once you click yes, your desktop will go blank as it starts removing Vundo.
• When completed, it will prompt that it will shutdown your computer, click OK.
• Turn your computer back on.
• Please post the contents of C:\vundofix.txt and a new HiJackThis log.

[Buckeye_Sam]

Hi and welcome to GeeksToGo! My name is Sam and I will be helping you.

Please download VundoFix.exe to your desktop.

• Double-click VundoFix.exe to run it.
• Put a check next to Run VundoFix as a task.
• You will receive a message saying vundofix will close and re-open in a minute or less. Click OK
• When VundoFix re-opens, click the Scan for Vundo button.
• Once it's done scanning, click the Remove Vundo button.
• You will receive a prompt asking if you want to remove the files, click YES
• Once you click yes, your desktop will go blank as it starts removing Vundo.
• When completed, it will prompt that it will shutdown your computer, click OK.
• Turn your computer back on.
• Please post the contents of C:\vundofix.txt and a new HiJackThis log.

[jbs63]

Checking the 'Run VundoFix as a task' made the difference - the file I was unable to delete yesterday with VundoFix V4.2.74 has been deleted with this option checked (see latest log entry below):

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
VundoFix V4.2.74

VundoFix V4.2.74

Checking Java version...

Scan started at 1:33:32 PM 5/18/2006

Listing files found while scanning....

C:\WINDOWS\System32\fcyvt.dll
C:\WINDOWS\System32\tvycf.ini

Attempting to delete C:\WINDOWS\System32\fcyvt.dll
C:\WINDOWS\System32\fcyvt.dll Could not be deleted.

Attempting to delete C:\WINDOWS\System32\tvycf.ini
C:\WINDOWS\System32\tvycf.ini Has been deleted!

Performing Repairs to the registry.
Done!

VundoFix V4.2.74

Checking Java version...

Scan started at 1:39:20 PM 5/18/2006

Listing files found while scanning....

C:\WINDOWS\System32\fcyvt.dll
C:\WINDOWS\System32\tvycf.ini

Attempting to delete C:\WINDOWS\System32\fcyvt.dll
C:\WINDOWS\System32\fcyvt.dll Could not be deleted.

Attempting to delete C:\WINDOWS\System32\tvycf.ini
C:\WINDOWS\System32\tvycf.ini Has been deleted!

Performing Repairs to the registry.
Done!

VundoFix V4.2.74

Checking Java version...

Scan started at 1:45:09 PM 5/18/2006

Listing files found while scanning....

C:\WINDOWS\System32\fcyvt.dll
C:\WINDOWS\System32\tvycf.ini

Attempting to delete C:\WINDOWS\System32\fcyvt.dll
C:\WINDOWS\System32\fcyvt.dll Could not be deleted.

Attempting to delete C:\WINDOWS\System32\tvycf.ini
C:\WINDOWS\System32\tvycf.ini Has been deleted!

Performing Repairs to the registry.
Done!

VundoFix V4.2.74

Running as SYSTEM
from c:\windows\system32\VundoFix.exe

Checking Java version...

Scan started at 8:46:03 AM 5/19/2006

Listing files found while scanning....

C:\WINDOWS\System32\fcyvt.dll
C:\WINDOWS\System32\tvycf.ini

Attempting to delete C:\WINDOWS\System32\fcyvt.dll
C:\WINDOWS\System32\fcyvt.dll Has been deleted!

Attempting to delete C:\WINDOWS\System32\tvycf.ini
C:\WINDOWS\System32\tvycf.ini Has been deleted!

Performing Repairs to the registry.
Done!
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Here's the resulting HJT log, showing the O2 and O20 items removed:

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.1
Scan saved at 8:59:23 AM, on 5/19/2006
Platform: Windows XP SP1 (WinNT 5.01.2600)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v6.00 SP1 (6.00.2800.1106)

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:\Program Files\Common Files\EPSON\EBAPI\eEBSVC.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\COMMON~1\AOL\ACS\acsd.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\EPSON\EBAPI\SAgent2.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\KodakCCS.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\VCOM\SYSTEM~1\MXTask.exe
C:\WINDOWS\wanmpsvc.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\fxssvc.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\PROGRA~1\VCOM\SYSTEM~1\mxtask.exe
C:\Program Files\Synaptics\SynTP\SynTPLpr.exe
C:\Program Files\Synaptics\SynTP\SynTPEnh.exe
C:\Program Files\ATI Technologies\ATI Control Panel\atiptaxx.exe
C:\Program Files\Dell\QuickSet\quickset.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\DSentry.exe
C:\Program Files\Alcatel\SpeedTouch USB\Dragdiag.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\spool\DRIVERS\W32X86\3\E_S10IC2.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\System32\ICO.EXE
C:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\ctfmon.exe
C:\Program Files\Dell Support\DSAgnt.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\FSRremoS.EXE
C:\Program Files\GhostSurf\GhostSurf.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\Pelmiced.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\MOZILL~1\FIREFOX.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\System32\wuauclt.exe
C:\Program Files\VCOM\PowerDesk\PDExplo.exe
C:\hijackthis\HijackThis.exe

R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL = http://www.dell4me.com/myway
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings,ProxyServer = 127.0.0.1:7212
O2 - BHO: IEWatchObj Class - {9527D42F-D666-11D3-B8DD-00600838CD5F} - C:\WINDOWS\System32\IETie.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SynTPLpr] C:\Program Files\Synaptics\SynTP\SynTPLpr.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SynTPEnh] C:\Program Files\Synaptics\SynTP\SynTPEnh.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ATIPTA] C:\Program Files\ATI Technologies\ATI Control Panel\atiptaxx.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Dell QuickSet] C:\Program Files\Dell\QuickSet\quickset.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [DVDSentry] C:\WINDOWS\System32\DSentry.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SpeedTouch USB Diagnostics] "C:\Program Files\Alcatel\SpeedTouch USB\Dragdiag.exe" /icon
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [RCScheduleCheck] C:\Program Files\VCOM\Recovery Commander\RCSCHED.EXE -CHECK
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Fix-It AV] C:\PROGRA~1\VCOM\SYSTEM~1\MemCheck.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [EPSON Stylus CX5200] C:\WINDOWS\System32\spool\DRIVERS\W32X86\3\E_S10IC2.EXE /P19 "EPSON Stylus CX5200" /O6 "USB001" /M "Stylus CX5200"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Mouse Suite 98 Daemon] ICO.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [QuickTime Task] "C:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe" -atboottime
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [ctfmon.exe] C:\WINDOWS\System32\ctfmon.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [DellSupport] "C:\Program Files\Dell Support\DSAgnt.exe" /startup
O4 - Global Startup: GhostSurf.lnk = C:\Program Files\GhostSurf\GhostSurf.exe
O8 - Extra context menu item: Allow personal info to reach this site - file://C:\Program Files\GhostSurf\info.allow.html
O8 - Extra context menu item: Allow popups on this site - file://C:\Program Files\GhostSurf\popup.allow.html
O8 - Extra context menu item: Allow this advertisement - file://C:\Program Files\GhostSurf\menu.allowimg.html
O8 - Extra context menu item: Block personal info from this site - file://C:\Program Files\GhostSurf\info.block.html
O8 - Extra context menu item: Block popups on this site - file://C:\Program Files\GhostSurf\popup.block.html
O8 - Extra context menu item: Block this advertisement - file://C:\Program Files\GhostSurf\menu.blockimg.html
O9 - Extra button: SideStep - {3E230861-5C87-11D3-A1C6-00105A1B41B8} - C:\WINDOWS\Downloaded Program Files\SbCIe02a.dll (file missing)
O9 - Extra button: GhostSurf Privacy Center - {578FC4E3-151E-456c-AF8E-B63061EFE228} - C:\Program Files\GhostSurf\LaunchPCC.exe
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: GhostSurf Privacy Center - {578FC4E3-151E-456c-AF8E-B63061EFE228} - C:\Program Files\GhostSurf\LaunchPCC.exe
O9 - Extra button: Research - {92780B25-18CC-41C8-B9BE-3C9C571A8263} - C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~4\OFFICE11\REFIEBAR.DLL
O9 - Extra button: AIM - {AC9E2541-2814-11d5-BC6D-00B0D0A1DE45} - C:\Program Files\AIM\aim.exe
O9 - Extra button: Real.com - {CD67F990-D8E9-11d2-98FE-00C0F0318AFE} - C:\WINDOWS\System32\Shdocvw.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
O16 - DPF: {1F2F4C9E-6F09-47BC-970D-3C54734667FE} (LSSupCtl Class) - https://www-secure.s...rl/LSSupCtl.cab
O16 - DPF: {288C5F13-7E52-4ADA-A32E-F5BF9D125F99} (CR64Loader Object) - http://www.miniclip....pGameLoader.dll
O16 - DPF: {640B39C1-D713-464F-92C3-75BD972B95EE} - http://download.side...26617/sb02a.cab
O16 - DPF: {6414512B-B978-451D-A0D8-FCFDF33E833C} (WUWebControl Class) - http://v5.windowsupd...b?1096757340796
O16 - DPF: {CE28D5D2-60CF-4C7D-9FE8-0F47A3308078} (ActiveDataInfo Class) - https://www-secure.s...rl/SymAData.cab
O16 - DPF: {E13F1132-4CA0-4005-84D3-51406E27D269} (BTDownloadCtrl Control) - http://www.shockwave...ownloadCtrl.cab
O17 - HKLM\System\CCS\Services\Tcpip\..\{13F999B8-8439-4E04-AB56-262B007EDE88}: NameServer = 205.152.37.23 205.152.132.23
O23 - Service: AOL Connectivity Service (AOL ACS) - America Online, Inc. - C:\PROGRA~1\COMMON~1\AOL\ACS\acsd.exe
O23 - Service: EpsonBidirectionalService - Unknown owner - C:\Program Files\Common Files\EPSON\EBAPI\eEBSVC.exe
O23 - Service: EPSON Printer Status Agent2 (EPSONStatusAgent2) - SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION - C:\Program Files\Common Files\EPSON\EBAPI\SAgent2.exe
O23 - Service: iPod Service (iPodService) - Apple Computer, Inc. - C:\Program Files\iPod\bin\iPodService.exe
O23 - Service: Kodak Camera Connection Software (KodakCCS) - Eastman Kodak Company - C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\KodakCCS.exe
O23 - Service: Sony SPTI Service (SPTISRV) - Sony Corporation - C:\PROGRA~1\COMMON~1\SONYSH~1\AVLib\Sptisrv.exe
O23 - Service: SystemSuite Task Manager - V Communications, Inc. - C:\PROGRA~1\VCOM\SYSTEM~1\MXTask.exe
O23 - Service: WAN Miniport (ATW) Service (WANMiniportService) - America Online, Inc. - C:\WINDOWS\wanmpsvc.exe
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I assume some cleanup is needed? Future preventive measures?

[Buckeye_Sam]

Your log looks pretty good, although I would go ahead and fix these lines with Hijackthis.

R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL = http://www.dell4me.com/myway
O16 - DPF: {640B39C1-D713-464F-92C3-75BD972B95EE} - http://download.side...26617/sb02a.cab


Aside from that, your log is clean!

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

• 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
  
  
• 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.
• 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
  
  
• 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.
  
  
• 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
  
  
• 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.
  
  
• 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
  
  
• 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
  
  
• 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
  
  
• 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.

[jbs63]

Thank you, Sam, for this advice and for the key to solving the problem (check-off that 'Task' box in Vundofix).

I'll remove the R1 (dell) and also O17 (my ISP's annoying website default), but would removing the O16 (sidestep is a travel search sidebar) item prevent my using that useful road warrior's software tool?

Also, I'm considering making Mozilla's Firefox my default browser (been using as a secondary for 6 months now). Are there other preventive-measure settings recommended for it?

[Buckeye_Sam]

Here's some info on Sidestep.
http://vil.nai.com/v...nt/v_130927.htm

But no, fixing the 016 line shouldn't affect it's use if I understand that program correctly.


Just using the default settings on Firefox should be sufficient. Although it is important to always be sure that you are using the most current version. You should be using version 1.5.0.3
If you're not, click Help -> Check for updates.

[jbs63]

Thank you again, Sam.

I re-enabled system restore, updated our AV software (to Norton IS 2005) after solving the Virtumundo problem, and am continuing some cleanup from its additional findings. We haven't had any pop-ups yesterday or today.

[Buckeye_Sam]

Sounds good!
I'm glad I could help out!