[plenusvita]

Hey Guys,

Been looking at your posts on the forum, and I have done all that I can upto now, to remove malware, spyware and transponder.blog something. The files are still on my computer.

I have done a clean up. Scanned with Trojan Horse software, spyware scan, ad-aware, spybot and spydoctor (all off your site). I have also done a HiJack This and as requested here is my log file, if anyone can help please.

Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.1
Scan saved at 19:43:45, on 22/08/2005
Platform: Windows XP SP2 (WinNT 5.01.2600)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v6.00 SP2 (6.00.2900.2180)

Running processes:
C:\WINDOWS\System32\smss.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\csrss.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\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccProxy.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccSetMgr.exe
C:\Program Files\Norton Internet Security\ISSVC.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\SNDSrvc.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\SPBBC\SPBBCSvc.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccEvtMgr.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\AOL\ACS\AOLAcsd.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgamsvr.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgupsvc.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\inetsrv\inetinfo.exe
C:\Program Files\Norton Internet Security\Norton AntiVirus\navapsvc.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\CCPD-LC\symlcsvc.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\fxssvc.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\alg.exe
C:\Program Files\VoyagerTest\fts.exe
C:\Program Files\BT Voyager 105 ADSL Modem\dslstat.exe
C:\Program Files\BT Voyager 105 ADSL Modem\dslagent.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\AOL\ACS\AOLDial.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\COMMON~1\AOL\AOLSPY~1\AOLSP Scheduler.exe
C:\WINDOWS\SM1BG.EXE
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Real\Update_OB\realsched.exe
C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.5.0_01\bin\jusched.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccApp.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgcc.exe
C:\Documents and Settings\Gordon\Desktop\Kev's Stuff\iTunesHelper.exe
C:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\mfkchh.exe
C:\Program Files\iPod\bin\iPodService.exe
C:\Program Files\AOL 9.0\aoltray.exe
C:\Program Files\AOL 9.0\waol.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\wbem\wmiprvse.exe
C:\Program Files\AOL 9.0\shellmon.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\AOL\aoltpspd.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\COMMON~1\AOL\AOLSPY~1\asp.exe
C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\SPYWAR~1\swdoctor.exe
C:\DOCUME~1\Gordon\LOCALS~1\Temp\JJJ\aurareco.exe
C:\WINDOWS\explorer.exe
C:\Documents and Settings\Gordon\Desktop\SPYWARE SOFTWARE\HIJACKTHIS\HijackThis.exe
C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe

R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://www.google.co.uk/
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://www.google.co.uk/
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Search,CustomizeSearch =
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Window Title = Microsoft Internet Explorer provided by Orange Internet
R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Toolbar,LinksFolderName =
R3 - Default URLSearchHook is missing
F2 - REG:system.ini: Shell=Explorer.exe C:\WINDOWS\Nail.exe
O2 - BHO: AcroIEHlprObj Class - {06849E9F-C8D7-4D59-B87D-784B7D6BE0B3} - C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 6.0\Reader\ActiveX\AcroIEHelper.dll
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {53707962-6F74-2D53-2644-206D7942484F} - C:\PROGRA~1\SPYBOT~1\SDHelper.dll
O2 - BHO: PCTools Site Guard - {5C8B2A36-3DB1-42A4-A3CB-D426709BBFEB} - C:\PROGRA~1\SPYWAR~1\tools\iesdsg.dll
O2 - BHO: Norton Internet Security - {9ECB9560-04F9-4bbc-943D-298DDF1699E1} - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\AdBlocking\NISShExt.dll
O2 - BHO: Google Toolbar Helper - {AA58ED58-01DD-4d91-8333-CF10577473F7} - c:\program files\google\googletoolbar1.dll
O2 - BHO: PCTools Browser Monitor - {B56A7D7D-6927-48C8-A975-17DF180C71AC} - C:\PROGRA~1\SPYWAR~1\tools\iesdpb.dll
O2 - BHO: NAV Helper - {BDF3E430-B101-42AD-A544-FADC6B084872} - C:\Program Files\Norton Internet Security\Norton AntiVirus\NavShExt.dll
O2 - BHO: BrowserHelper Class - {EBCDDA60-2A68-11D3-8A43-0060083CFB9C} - C:\WINDOWS\System32\nzdd.dll
O3 - Toolbar: AOL Toolbar - {4982D40A-C53B-4615-B15B-B5B5E98D167C} - C:\Program Files\AOL Toolbar\toolbar.dll
O3 - Toolbar: &Google - {2318C2B1-4965-11d4-9B18-009027A5CD4F} - c:\program files\google\googletoolbar1.dll
O3 - Toolbar: Norton Internet Security - {0B53EAC3-8D69-4b9e-9B19-A37C9A5676A7} - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\AdBlocking\NISShExt.dll
O3 - Toolbar: Norton AntiVirus - {42CDD1BF-3FFB-4238-8AD1-7859DF00B1D6} - C:\Program Files\Norton Internet Security\Norton AntiVirus\NavShExt.dll
O3 - Toolbar: ExactSeek Toolbar - {EC52BEDA-CCF3-45E1-AFFD-03618DB9F10A} - C:\Program Files\ExactSeekToolbar\eseek.dll (file missing)
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NeroCheck] C:\WINDOWS\system32\NeroCheck.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [%FP%Friendly fts.exe] "C:\Program Files\VoyagerTest\fts.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [DSLSTATEXE] C:\Program Files\BT Voyager 105 ADSL Modem\dslstat.exe icon
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [DSLAGENTEXE] C:\Program Files\BT Voyager 105 ADSL Modem\dslagent.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AOLDialer] C:\Program Files\Common Files\AOL\ACS\AOLDial.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AOL Spyware Protection] "C:\PROGRA~1\COMMON~1\AOL\AOLSPY~1\AOLSP Scheduler.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SM1BG] C:\WINDOWS\SM1BG.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [TkBellExe] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Real\Update_OB\realsched.exe" -osboot
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [EdBacE3B] C:\WINDOWS\dsirgn.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [wpgfepeb] C:\WINDOWS\wpgfepeb.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [-
] C:\WINDOWS\dsirgn.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ro.exe] C:\documents and settings\gordon\local settings\temp\ro.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SunJavaUpdateSched] C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.5.0_01\bin\jusched.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ccApp] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccApp.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Symantec NetDriver Monitor] C:\PROGRA~1\SYMNET~1\SNDMon.exe /Consumer
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AVG7_CC] C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgcc.exe /STARTUP
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [iTunesHelper] "C:\Documents and Settings\Gordon\Desktop\Kev's Stuff\iTunesHelper.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [QuickTime Task] "C:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe" -atboottime
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [yitmjl] C:\WINDOWS\system32\mfkchh.exe r
O4 - Global Startup: Adobe Gamma Loader.lnk = C:\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe\Calibration\Adobe Gamma Loader.exe
O4 - Global Startup: AOL 9.0 Tray Icon.lnk = C:\Program Files\AOL 9.0\aoltray.exe
O8 - Extra context menu item: &AOL Toolbar search - res://C:\Program Files\AOL Toolbar\toolbar.dll/SEARCH.HTML
O8 - Extra context menu item: &Google Search - res://c:\program files\google\GoogleToolbar1.dll/cmsearch.html
O8 - Extra context menu item: Backward Links - res://c:\program files\google\GoogleToolbar1.dll/cmbacklinks.html
O8 - Extra context menu item: Cached Snapshot of Page - res://c:\program files\google\GoogleToolbar1.dll/cmcache.html
O8 - Extra context menu item: E&xport to Microsoft Excel - res://C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~3\OFFICE11\EXCEL.EXE/3000
O8 - Extra context menu item: Resize &Window - C:\ie5tools\resize_window.html
O8 - Extra context menu item: Similar Pages - res://c:\program files\google\GoogleToolbar1.dll/cmsimilar.html
O8 - Extra context menu item: Translate into English - res://c:\program files\google\GoogleToolbar1.dll/cmtrans.html
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.5.0_01\bin\npjpi150_01.dll
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Sun Java Console - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.5.0_01\bin\npjpi150_01.dll
O9 - Extra button: Spyware Doctor - {2D663D1A-8670-49D9-A1A5-4C56B4E14E84} - C:\PROGRA~1\SPYWAR~1\tools\iesdpb.dll
O9 - Extra button: Run WinHTTrack - {36ECAF82-3300-8F84-092E-AFF36D6C7040} - C:\Program Files\WinHTTrack\WinHTTrackIEBar.dll
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Launch WinHTTrack - {36ECAF82-3300-8F84-092E-AFF36D6C7040} - C:\Program Files\WinHTTrack\WinHTTrackIEBar.dll
O9 - Extra button: AOL Toolbar - {4982D40A-C53B-4615-B15B-B5B5E98D167C} - C:\Program Files\AOL Toolbar\toolbar.dll
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: AOL Toolbar - {4982D40A-C53B-4615-B15B-B5B5E98D167C} - C:\Program Files\AOL Toolbar\toolbar.dll
O9 - Extra button: EmpirePoker - {77E68763-4284-41d6-B7E7-B6E1F053A9E7} - C:\Program Files\EmpirePoker\EmpirePoker.exe (file missing)
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: EmpirePoker - {77E68763-4284-41d6-B7E7-B6E1F053A9E7} - C:\Program Files\EmpirePoker\EmpirePoker.exe (file missing)
O9 - Extra button: Research - {92780B25-18CC-41C8-B9BE-3C9C571A8263} - C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~3\OFFICE11\REFIEBAR.DLL
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: {4A3CF76B-EC7A-405D-A67D-8DC6B52AB35B} (QDiagAOLCCUpdateObj Class) - http://aolcc.aolsvc....kup/qdiagcc.cab
O17 - HKLM\System\CCS\Services\Tcpip\..\{F5A48073-655A-4C40-AA86-3D97739E0333}: NameServer = 205.188.146.145
O23 - Service: AOL Connectivity Service (AOL ACS) - America Online, Inc. - C:\Program Files\Common Files\AOL\ACS\AOLAcsd.exe
O23 - Service: AOL Spyware Protection Service (AOLService) - Unknown owner - C:\PROGRA~1\COMMON~1\AOL\AOLSPY~1\\aolserv.exe
O23 - Service: AVG7 Alert Manager Server (Avg7Alrt) - GRISOFT, s.r.o. - C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgamsvr.exe
O23 - Service: AVG7 Update Service (Avg7UpdSvc) - GRISOFT, s.r.o. - C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgupsvc.exe
O23 - Service: Symantec Event Manager (ccEvtMgr) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccEvtMgr.exe
O23 - Service: Symantec Network Proxy (ccProxy) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccProxy.exe
O23 - Service: Symantec Password Validation (ccPwdSvc) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccPwdSvc.exe
O23 - Service: Symantec Settings Manager (ccSetMgr) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccSetMgr.exe
O23 - Service: iPod Service (iPodService) - Apple Computer, Inc. - C:\Program Files\iPod\bin\iPodService.exe
O23 - Service: ISSvc (ISSVC) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Norton Internet Security\ISSVC.exe
O23 - Service: Macromedia Licensing Service - Unknown owner - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Macromedia Shared\Service\Macromedia Licensing.exe
O23 - Service: Norton AntiVirus Auto-Protect Service (navapsvc) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Norton Internet Security\Norton AntiVirus\navapsvc.exe
O23 - Service: Intel® NMS (NMSSvc) - Intel Corporation - C:\WINDOWS\System32\NMSSvc.exe
O23 - Service: SAVScan - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Norton Internet Security\Norton AntiVirus\SAVScan.exe
O23 - Service: ScriptBlocking Service (SBService) - Symantec Corporation - C:\PROGRA~1\COMMON~1\SYMANT~1\SCRIPT~1\SBServ.exe
O23 - Service: Symantec Network Drivers Service (SNDSrvc) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\SNDSrvc.exe
O23 - Service: Symantec SPBBCSvc (SPBBCSvc) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\SPBBC\SPBBCSvc.exe
O23 - Service: System Startup Service (SvcProc) - Unknown owner - C:\WINDOWS\svcproc.exe
O23 - Service: Symantec Core LC - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\CCPD-LC\symlcsvc.exe
O23 - Service: SymWMI Service (SymWSC) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\Security Center\SymWSC.exe

I have closed the HiJack software down since posting this - SORRY. If someone could please be kind enough to help me with these muppets who spam and put adware and other stuff on peoples computers, I would be really grateful.

My email address is [email protected] and I hope to hear form someone soon. I am completely new to forums and this sort of thing so please be gentle with me.

Many thanks,

Kev.

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Hello plenusvita,

Welcome to GeekstoGo my name is Snickets and I will be helping you today!!!

I am currently looking over your log and will be back shortly with a fix for this issue.

Thank you,

Snickets

[Snickets]

Hello plenusvita,

Welcome to GeekstoGo my name is Snickets and I will be helping you today!!!

I am currently looking over your log and will be back shortly with a fix for this issue.

Thank you,

Snickets

[Snickets]

Hello plenusvita,

Please read this post completely, it may make it easier for you if you copy and paste this post to a new text document or print it for reference later.

Please download ewido security suite it is a free version of the program.

• Install ewido security suite
• When installing, under "Additional Options" uncheck..
  • Install background guard
  • Install scan via context menu
• Launch ewido, there should be an icon on your desktop, double-click it.
• The program will now open to the main screen.
• When you run ewido for the first time, you will get a warning "Database could not be found!". Click OK. We will fix this in a moment.
  
• You will need to update ewido to the latest definition files.
  • On the left hand side of the main screen click update.
  • Then click on Start Update.
• The update will start and a progress bar will show the updates being installed.
  (the status bar at the bottom will display ("Update successful")
• Exit ewido. DO NOT scan yet.

If you are having problems with the updater, you can use this link to manually update ewido.
ewido manual updates

Download CleanUp
Install the program, dont run it yet, we will later.

Please download this file: Nailfix Utility
Save it to your desktop.
DO NOT run it yet.

Download dsrfix.zip
Save it to your desktop.

• Unzip dsrfix.zip and extract it to your desktop.
• This will create a new folder on your desktop named dsrfix.
• Do Not open that folder yet.

Please download APT and unzip the contents to a new folder on your desktop.

• Open the folder you just created and click on apt.exe and search in the window for mfkchh.exe.
• Open your C:\Windows\system32 folder and search for mfkchh.exe.
  Don't delete it yet, just leave the system32 folder open so you can see the bad file.
• In APT again, Select mfkchh.exe and Click Kill3
  
• Then immediately delete mfkchh.exe from your system32 folder.

Close APT.

Next, please reboot your computer in SafeMode by doing the following:

• Restart your computer
• After hearing your computer beep once during startup, but before the Windows icon appears, start tapping press F8 key.
• Instead of Windows loading as normal, a menu should appear
• Select the first option, to run Windows in Safe Mode.

Once in Safe Mode, please double-click on nailfix.exe.
Click "Next" in the setup, then make sure "Run Nailfix" is checked and click "Finish".
Your desktop and icons will disappear and reappear, and a window should open and close very quickly --- this is normal.

Now open ewido and do a scan of your system.

• Click on scanner
• Click on Complete System Scan and the scan will begin.
• You will be prompted to clean the first infection.
• Select "Perform action on all infections", then proceed.
• Once the scan has completed, there will be a button located on the bottom of the screen named Save report
• Click Save report.
• Save the report .txt file to your desktop or a location where you can find it easily.

Now scan with HJT and place a checkmark next to each of the following items:
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Search,CustomizeSearch =
R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Toolbar,LinksFolderName =
R3 - Default URLSearchHook is missing
F2 - REG:system.ini: Shell=Explorer.exe C:\WINDOWS\Nail.exe
O3 - Toolbar: ExactSeek Toolbar - {EC52BEDA-CCF3-45E1-AFFD-03618DB9F10A} - C:\Program Files\ExactSeekToolbar\eseek.dll (file missing)
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [EdBacE3B] C:\WINDOWS\dsirgn.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [wpgfepeb] C:\WINDOWS\wpgfepeb.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [-] C:\WINDOWS\dsirgn.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ro.exe] C:\documents and settings\gordon\local settings\temp\ro.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [yitmjl] C:\WINDOWS\system32\mfkchh.exe r
O9 - Extra button: EmpirePoker - {77E68763-4284-41d6-B7E7-B6E1F053A9E7} - C:\Program Files\EmpirePoker\EmpirePoker.exe (file missing)
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: EmpirePoker - {77E68763-4284-41d6-B7E7-B6E1F053A9E7} - C:\Program Files\EmpirePoker\EmpirePoker.exe (file missing)
O23 - Service: System Startup Service (SvcProc) - Unknown owner - C:\WINDOWS\svcproc.exe

Close all open windows except for HJT, then click the Fix Checked button. Close HJT.

Now open the folder dsrfix on your desktop.

• Double-Click on dsrfix.bat
• A window will pop up briefly then close, this is normal.

Enable show hidden files and folders:

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

Now run the CleanUp program:

*IMPORTANT NOTE*
CleanUp deletes EVERYTHING out of your temp/temporary folders, it does not make backups.
If you have any documents or programs that are saved in any Temporary Folders, please make a backup of these before running CleanUp

Running CleanUp

• Start CleanUp by double-clicking the icon on your desktop (or from the Start > All Programs menu).
• When CleanUp starts go to the Options button (right side of CleanUp screen)
• Move the arrow down to "Custom CleanUp!"
• Now place a checkmark next to the following (Make sure nothing else is checked!):
  • Delete Cookies
    This is optional, if you leave the box checked it will remove all of your cookies, at this point removing cookies is a good idea
  • Empty Recycle Bins
  • Delete Prefetch files
  • Cleanup! All Users
• Click OK
• Then click on the CleanUp button. This will take a short while, let it do its thing.
• When asked to reboot system select No
• Close CleanUp

Please remove these entries from Add/Remove Programs in the Control Panel(if present).
ExactSeekToolbar
Empire Poker
Please note any other programs that you dont recognize in that list in your next response

Please delete these files and folders using Windows Explorer(if present):
files=blue
folders=red

C:\WINDOWS\Nail.exe
C:\WINDOWS\dsirgn.exe
C:\WINDOWS\wpgfepeb.exe
C:\WINDOWS\dsirgn.exe
C:\documents and settings\gordon\local settings\temp\ro.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\mfkchh.exe
C:\Program Files\EmpirePoker\EmpirePoker.exe\
C:\Program Files\ExactSeekToolbar\


Finally, restart your computer back into Normal Mode and please post a new HJT log, as well as the ewido report log from the Ewido scan by using Add Reply.


Thank you,

Snickets

[plenusvita]

Hi Snickets,

Many thanks for your reply to this problem, much appreciated.

We have decided to fromat the computer, as we have so much un-needed software, files and programs on it and it is running so slow and not much memory or drive space left on it.

If we format (my mate is very good at this) will this get rid of the viruses and adware?

I thank you for your time and if you could let me know if formatting will destroy the adware please, when you have a minute to spare.

Appreciate your time and help in this matter and look forward to hearing back from you soon.

Kind regards,

Kev (plenusvita)

[Snickets]

Hello plenusvita,

I don't suggest reformating unless it is a last resort. You are not that infected and I will be able to get you cleaned up without the reformat.

After the cleaning I will give you tips on how to prevent it in the future.

If you are bent on reformating than there are steps after the reformat that you can take to keep clean and updates to windows that will help this as well.

Let me know what route you want to take.

Thank you,

Snickets

[plenusvita]

Hi Snickets,

Many thanks for the quick reply and offer of further assistance.

I will be doing the format as like I said I have lots of files, programs and other stuff on the computer which need to be removed. Plus in the add / remove hardware in control panel - they don't seem to uninstall properly.

I appreciate the fact I am not that infected - you have set my mind at ease on this, as I thought I was.

Can you please let me know which programs to download and run to keep me clean after I do the format. Also any other tips using windows to stop my computer being attacked and infected again. Appreciate your help and thanks for your time.

Kind regards,

Kev (plenusvita)

[Snickets]

Hello plenusvita,

Here is what I suggest to all users to keep them from getting infected once again. Or if it does happen to the user this will maintain alot of the effect of spreading.

Here are some tips, to reduce the potential for spyware infection in the future, I strongly recommend installing the following applications:

Detect and Remove Programs:

• How to use Ad-Aware to remove Spyware <= If you suspect that you have spyware installed on your computer, here are instructions on how to download, install and then use Ad-Aware.
• How to use Spybot to remove Spyware <= If you suspect that you have spyware installed on your computer, here are instructions on how to download, install and then use Spybot. Similar to Ad-Aware, I strongly recommend both to catch most spyware.

Prevention Programs:

• Spywareblaster <= SpywareBlaster will prevent spyware from being installed.
• Spywareguard <= SpywareGuard offers realtime protection from spyware installation attempts.
• IE/Spyad <= IE/Spyad places over 4000 websites and domains in the IE Restricted list which will severely impair attempts to infect your system. It basically prevents any downloads (Cookies etc) from the sites listed, although you will still be able to connect to the sites.
• MVPS Hosts file <= The MVPS Hosts file replaces your current HOSTS file with one containing well know ad sites etc. Basically, this prevents your coputer from connecting to those sites by redirecting them to 127.0.0.1 which is your local computer
• Google Toolbar <= Get the free google toolbar to help stop pop up windows.

Other necessary Programs:

• AntiVirus Program<= An AntiVirus program is a must! Whether it is a free version like AVG or Anti-Vir, or a shareware version like Norton or Kapersky, this is a must have.
• Firewall<= A firewall is definatley a must have. Two good free versions are Sygate and ZoneLabs.
• More Secure Browser<= Internet Explorer is not the most secure and best browser. There are safer and better alternatives available. I recommend Firefox, however Opera and SlimBrowsers are good as well.

And also see TonyKlein's good advice
So how did I get infected in the first place? and Spyware Aid's spyware article: Spyware, Adware, Malware: What it is, how it got on my computer, how to get rid of it, and how to prevent it.

Thank you,

Snickets

[plenusvita]

Hey Snickets,

Many thanks for your quick reply, much appreciated my friend.
Again thank you for the information and the latest reply, I already have some of those programs and I do use Firefox now (thanks).
I ran the information you sent me and deleted the files you recommended (although a couple were not there anyway). Seemed to work a treat mate, no pop ups or unwanted programs trying to access the internet.
I am still going to be doing a format as I have so much bad stuff on here and nearly used all my 60Gb hard drive, with useless stuff.
I wanted to run your advice so I can get an idea about what to do next time (fingers crossed there will not be a next time).

Finally, really, really appreciate you taking the time and effort to help me and people like me. Novices like me, really are glad people like you are available to help and in such a quick way (and easy to understand also). Great site and thanks once again.

Good luck with everything and I will put your site in my bookmarks for future visits as there is lots of interesting stuff in your forums.

Take care,

Kev (plenusvita)

[Snickets]

Hello Plenusvita,

Your welcome for the help and I am glad that you enjoy the site, we work hard to make it easily understandable all the way down to the occasional computer user.

Take it easy,

Snickets

[Snickets]

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