[lilmissnaughty]

1. First download and run Ad-aware: Click Here to download
Click the "aawsepersonal.exe" icon and install. Be sure the full system scan, and update tick boxes are checked. When finished scanning, mark everything for removal and get rid of it. (Right-click the window and choose Select All from the drop down menu and click Next).

I got a bit trigger-happy when I read these instructions, did everything on there, but I'm sure that the files it identified from "mywebsearch", the providers of "smilie central" were labelled as posing no threat.

I let it quarantine everything and now of course my smilie central toolbar has gone from IE and Outlook Express, and I can't even re-download it because it must get blocked straight away

How do I get around this?

(oh, and hello from a newbie - great site! )

[Advertisements]

do you think we can see a hijackthis log? alot of the times these toolbars dish out an enormous amount of spyware that you cannot see

[Hemal]

do you think we can see a hijackthis log? alot of the times these toolbars dish out an enormous amount of spyware that you cannot see

[lilmissnaughty]

do you think we can see a hijackthis log?  alot of the times these toolbars dish out an enormous amount of spyware that you cannot see

*goes back to read more instructions in this forum regarding "hijack this"*

yep

[lilmissnaughty]

OK - here's the hijack this log:

(I may be wrong though, but isn't the reason that I CAN'T get my smilie central browser bar anymore, not even if I download it again, due to the fact that all the spyware contained in it has been isolated by AdAware? )



Logfile of HijackThis v1.98.2
Scan saved at 16:59:25, on 31/10/2004
Platform: Windows XP (WinNT 5.01.2600)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v6.00 (6.00.2600.0000)

Running processes:
C:\WINDOWS\System32\smss.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\winlogon.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\services.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\lsass.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVG6\avgserv.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\ZONELABS\vsmon.exe
C:\WINDOWS\wanmpsvc.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\wuauclt.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\System32\spool\drivers\w32x86\3\hpztsb05.exe
C:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Sonic\Update Manager\sgtray.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\dla\tfswctrl.exe
C:\Program Files\Philips ToUcam Camera\VProperty.exe
C:\Program Files\Java\j2re1.4.2_04\bin\jusched.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVG6\avgcc32.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Real\Update_OB\realsched.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\Security Center\UsrPrmpt.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\rundll32.exe
C:\Program Files\Thomson\SpeedTouch USB\Dragdiag.exe
C:\Program Files\Zone Labs\ZoneAlarm\zlclient.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\MYWEBS~1\bar\2.bin\mwsoemon.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\ctfmon.exe
C:\Program Files\NoAds\NoAds.exe
C:\Program Files\Philips ToUcam Camera\GameCam SE\Program\RFTray.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\ICQ\ICQ.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\wuauclt.exe
C:\Downloads\Virus checkers etc\HijackThis.exe

O2 - BHO: MyWebSearch Search Assistant BHO - {00A6FAF1-072E-44cf-8957-5838F569A31D} - C:\Program Files\MyWebSearch\SrchAstt\2.bin\MWSSRCAS.DLL
O2 - BHO: mwsBar BHO - {07B18EA1-A523-4961-B6BB-170DE4475CCA} - C:\Program Files\MyWebSearch\bar\2.bin\MWSBAR.DLL
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {53707962-6F74-2D53-2644-206D7942484F} - C:\PROGRA~1\SPYBOT~1\SDHelper.dll
O2 - BHO: DriveLetterAccess - {5CA3D70E-1895-11CF-8E15-001234567890} - C:\WINDOWS\system32\dla\tfswshx.dll
O2 - BHO: Google Toolbar Helper - {AA58ED58-01DD-4d91-8333-CF10577473F7} - c:\program files\google\googletoolbar1.dll
O3 - Toolbar: &Radio - {8E718888-423F-11D2-876E-00A0C9082467} - C:\WINDOWS\System32\msdxm.ocx
O3 - Toolbar: &Google - {2318C2B1-4965-11d4-9B18-009027A5CD4F} - c:\program files\google\googletoolbar1.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [HPDJ Taskbar Utility] C:\WINDOWS\System32\spool\drivers\w32x86\3\hpztsb05.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [RemHelp] remhelp.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [QuickTime Task] "C:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe" -atboottime
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [UpdateManager] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Sonic\Update Manager\sgtray.exe" /r
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [dla] C:\WINDOWS\system32\dla\tfswctrl.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Mirabilis ICQ] C:\PROGRA~1\ICQ\ICQNet.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ToUcamVProperty] C:\Program Files\Philips ToUcam Camera\VProperty.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SunJavaUpdateSched] C:\Program Files\Java\j2re1.4.2_04\bin\jusched.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [cvmon.exe] msmscfg.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Microsoft Update] wuamgrd.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AVG_CC] C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVG6\avgcc32.exe /STARTUP
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [TkBellExe] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Real\Update_OB\realsched.exe" -osboot
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SSC_UserPrompt] C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\Security Center\UsrPrmpt.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [WildTangent CDA] RUNDLL32.exe "C:\Program Files\WildTangent\Apps\CDA\cdaEngine0400.dll",cdaEngineMain
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NeroCheck] C:\WINDOWS\system32\NeroCheck.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [GSICONEXE] GSICON.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [DSLAGENTEXE] DSLAGENT.EXE USB
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [GsiFinal] rundll32 gspndll.dll,postInstall final
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SpeedTouch USB Diagnostics] "C:\Program Files\Thomson\SpeedTouch USB\Dragdiag.exe" /icon
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Zone Labs Client] "C:\Program Files\Zone Labs\ZoneAlarm\zlclient.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [MyWebSearch Email Plugin] C:\PROGRA~1\MYWEBS~1\bar\2.bin\mwsoemon.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\RunServices: [cvmon.exe] msmscfg.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\RunServices: [Microsoft Update] wuamgrd.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [ctfmon.exe] C:\WINDOWS\System32\ctfmon.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [NoAds] "C:\Program Files\NoAds\NoAds.exe"
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [MyWebSearch Email Plugin] C:\PROGRA~1\MYWEBS~1\bar\2.bin\mwsoemon.exe
O4 - Startup: MyWebSearch Email Plugin.lnk = C:\Program Files\MyWebSearch\bar\2.bin\MWSOEMON.EXE
O4 - Global Startup: Microsoft Office.lnk = C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office10\OSA.EXE
O4 - Global Startup: Reality Fusion GameCam SE.lnk = ?
O4 - Global Startup: MyWebSearch Email Plugin.lnk = C:\Program Files\MyWebSearch\bar\2.bin\MWSOEMON.EXE
O8 - Extra context menu item: &Google Search - res://c:\program files\google\GoogleToolbar2.dll/cmsearch.html
O8 - Extra context menu item: &Search - http://bar.mywebsear...?p=ZNxuk15648US
O8 - Extra context menu item: Backward Links - res://c:\program files\google\GoogleToolbar2.dll/cmbacklinks.html
O8 - Extra context menu item: Cached Snapshot of Page - res://c:\program files\google\GoogleToolbar2.dll/cmcache.html
O8 - Extra context menu item: E&xport to Microsoft Excel - res://C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~2\Office10\EXCEL.EXE/3000
O8 - Extra context menu item: Similar Pages - res://c:\program files\google\GoogleToolbar2.dll/cmsimilar.html
O8 - Extra context menu item: Translate into English - res://c:\program files\google\GoogleToolbar2.dll/cmtrans.html
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - (no file)
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Sun Java Console - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - (no file)
O9 - Extra button: Messenger - {4528BBE0-4E08-11D5-AD55-00010333D0AD} - C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Messenger\yhexbmes0521.dll
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Yahoo! Messenger - {4528BBE0-4E08-11D5-AD55-00010333D0AD} - C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Messenger\yhexbmes0521.dll
O9 - Extra button: ICQ Pro - {6224f700-cba3-4071-b251-47cb894244cd} - C:\PROGRA~1\ICQ\ICQ.exe
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: ICQ - {6224f700-cba3-4071-b251-47cb894244cd} - C:\PROGRA~1\ICQ\ICQ.exe
O9 - Extra button: AIM - {AC9E2541-2814-11d5-BC6D-00B0D0A1DE45} - C:\PROGRA~1\AIM95\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 (file missing)
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Windows Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Program Files\Messenger\MSMSGS.EXE (file missing)
O12 - Plugin for .pdf: C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\PLUGINS\nppdf32.dll
O16 - DPF: {1D4DB7D2-6EC9-47A3-BD87-1E41684E07BB} - http://ak.imgfarm.co...etup1.0.0.8.cab
O16 - DPF: {74D05D43-3236-11D4-BDCD-00C04F9A3B61} (HouseCall Control) - http://a840.g.akamai...all/xscan53.cab

[mpfeif101]

Smiley Central (funwebproducts) is classified as spyware by SpywareBlaster
In the END USER LICENSE AGREEMENT it states that THE APPLICATIONS INCLUDES POPSWATTER™, MYMAILSTAMP™, SMILEYCENTRAL™, POPULARSCREENSAVERS™, CURSORMANIA™ AND MY MAIL SIGNATURE™ SOFTWARE PROGRAMS, EACH OF WHICH IS COVERED BY THIS AGEEMENT
I myself do not like programs that contain all this rubbish.

Maybe can you try searching for a safer alternative?

[lilmissnaughty]

Smiley Central (funwebproducts) is classified as spyware by SpywareBlaster
In the END USER LICENSE AGREEMENT it states that THE APPLICATIONS INCLUDES POPSWATTER™, MYMAILSTAMP™, SMILEYCENTRAL™, POPULARSCREENSAVERS™, CURSORMANIA™ AND MY MAIL SIGNATURE™ SOFTWARE PROGRAMS, EACH OF WHICH IS COVERED BY THIS AGEEMENT
I myself do not like programs that contain all this rubbish.

Maybe can you try searching for a safer alternative?

but it's precisely those applications I wanted it for (well, actually the smilies - and the fact that they integrated into your hotmail/outlook express etc, and the mail signature, because you could make it "clickable" so it could take the reader to a website of your choice)

But I may well have to do without or find alternatives

[Yarnouth]

because you could make it "clickable" so it could take the reader to a website of your choice

You can do this anyway with your mail now. When you send a message look at the top and choose 'tools' and select the rich text editor as on.

Check this path and look in the folder i've highlighted:
C:\Program Files\MyWebSearch
In here will be a .dat file that is saving all your personal information and sending it out to the parties involved.

Go to add/remove programs and uninstall Mywebsearch.

Please go offline, close all browsers and any open Windows, making sure that only HijackThis is open. Scan and when it finishes, put an X in the boxes, only next to these following items, then click fix checked.

O2 - BHO: MyWebSearch Search Assistant BHO - {00A6FAF1-072E-44cf-8957-5838F569A31D} - C:\Program Files\MyWebSearch\SrchAstt\2.bin\MWSSRCAS.DLL
O2 - BHO: mwsBar BHO - {07B18EA1-A523-4961-B6BB-170DE4475CCA} - C:\Program Files\MyWebSearch\bar\2.bin\MWSBAR.DLL
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [WildTangent CDA] RUNDLL32.exe "C:\Program Files\WildTangent\Apps\CDA\cdaEngine0400.dll",cdaEngineMain
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [MyWebSearch Email Plugin] C:\PROGRA~1\MYWEBS~1\bar\2.bin\mwsoemon.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [MyWebSearch Email Plugin] C:\PROGRA~1\MYWEBS~1\bar\2.bin\mwsoemon.exe
O4 - Startup: MyWebSearch Email Plugin.lnk = C:\Program Files\MyWebSearch\bar\2.bin\MWSOEMON.EXE
O4 - Global Startup: MyWebSearch Email Plugin.lnk = C:\Program Files\MyWebSearch\bar\2.bin\MWSOEMON.EXE
O8 - Extra context menu item: &Search - http://bar.mywebsear...?p=ZNxuk15648US
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - (no file)
O16 - DPF: {1D4DB7D2-6EC9-47A3-BD87-1E41684E07BB} - http://ak.imgfarm.co...etup1.0.0.8.cab


Please reboot into safe mode - How do I boot into "Safe" mode?.
Be sure you're able to view hidden files, and remove the following files in bold (if found):
C:\Program Files\MyWebSearch
C:\Program Files\WildTangent

Reboot your PC.

Next you need to apply Windows Critical updates. Without critical updates, you're wide open to re-infection, and we're both just wasting our time.
Click here: http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com/

After all these thing, please post a new log back here.

[lilmissnaughty]

because you could make it "clickable" so it could take the reader to a website of your choice

You can do this anyway with your mail now. When you send a message look at the top and choose 'tools' and select the rich text editor as on.

but what about my smilies? *sob*

I don't know what I did, by the way, but after having run Adaware & LOST all the mywebsearch stuff, I have somehow managed to get it all back, even though my IE toolbars are now a different way around

Is it really nasty spyware that will cause me shedloads of problems if I don't remove it? Even with firewalls preventing unwanted communication etc? If so, then obviously I need to remove it & will follow the instructions below. Will have to do it when I'm not so tired & can concentrate on it properly though.

Thanks again for all your help

I'll let you know the outcome

Check this path and look in the folder i've highlighted:
C:\Program Files\MyWebSearch   
In here will be a .dat file that is saving all your personal information and sending it out to the parties involved.

Go to add/remove programs and uninstall Mywebsearch.

Please go offline, close all browsers and any open Windows, making sure that only HijackThis is open. Scan and when it finishes, put an X in the boxes, only next to these following items, then click fix checked.

O2 - BHO: MyWebSearch Search Assistant BHO - {00A6FAF1-072E-44cf-8957-5838F569A31D} - C:\Program Files\MyWebSearch\SrchAstt\2.bin\MWSSRCAS.DLL
O2 - BHO: mwsBar BHO - {07B18EA1-A523-4961-B6BB-170DE4475CCA} - C:\Program Files\MyWebSearch\bar\2.bin\MWSBAR.DLL
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [WildTangent CDA] RUNDLL32.exe "C:\Program Files\WildTangent\Apps\CDA\cdaEngine0400.dll",cdaEngineMain
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [MyWebSearch Email Plugin] C:\PROGRA~1\MYWEBS~1\bar\2.bin\mwsoemon.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [MyWebSearch Email Plugin] C:\PROGRA~1\MYWEBS~1\bar\2.bin\mwsoemon.exe
O4 - Startup: MyWebSearch Email Plugin.lnk = C:\Program Files\MyWebSearch\bar\2.bin\MWSOEMON.EXE
O4 - Global Startup: MyWebSearch Email Plugin.lnk = C:\Program Files\MyWebSearch\bar\2.bin\MWSOEMON.EXE
O8 - Extra context menu item: &Search - http://bar.mywebsear...?p=ZNxuk15648US
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - (no file)
O16 - DPF: {1D4DB7D2-6EC9-47A3-BD87-1E41684E07BB} - http://ak.imgfarm.co...etup1.0.0.8.cab


Please reboot into safe mode - How do I boot into "Safe" mode?.
Be sure you're able to view hidden files, and remove the following files in bold (if found):
C:\Program Files\MyWebSearch
C:\Program Files\WildTangent

Reboot your PC.

Next you need to apply Windows Critical updates. Without critical updates, you're wide open to re-infection, and we're both just wasting our time.
Click here: http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com/

After all these thing, please post a new log back here.