[isolationary]

So my computer has been lagging a lot lately and I'm worried that it might be Malware. Whenever I run Ad Aware, Ewido and Spybot they always find something and "Delete" them, but then when I run them again after a reload they find the same [bleep] things. It's got me really worried.

Panda Activescan didn't find anything and CWShredder didn't find anything either.

Nothing looks unusual but here is my Hijack this Log

Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.1
Scan saved at 8:13:17 PM, on 10/7/2005
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\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\LEXBCES.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\LEXPPS.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\Program Files\Dell\Media Experience\PCMService.exe
C:\Program Files\Symantec_Client_Security\Symantec AntiVirus\DefWatch.exe
C:\Program Files\ewido\security suite\ewidoctrl.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\SYMANT~1\SYMANT~1\vptray.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\SYMANT~1\SYMANT~2\IAMAPP.EXE
C:\Program Files\ewido\security suite\ewidoguard.exe
C:\Program Files\Dell Support\DSAgnt.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
C:\Program Files\Symantec_Client_Security\Symantec Client Firewall\NISUM.EXE
C:\Program Files\Symantec_Client_Security\Symantec AntiVirus\Rtvscan.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\nvsvc32.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\Symantec_Client_Security\Symantec Client Firewall\SymPxSvc.exe
C:\Program Files\Symantec_Client_Security\Symantec Client Firewall\NISSERV.EXE
C:\Program Files\Symantec_Client_Security\Symantec Client Firewall\ATRACK.EXE
C:\Program Files\AIM\aim.exe
C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Messenger\YPager.exe
C:\Program Files\Mozilla Firefox\firefox.exe
C:\Program Files\Spybot - Search & Destroy\SpybotSD.exe
C:\Documents and Settings\Amy\Desktop\HijackThis.exe

O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [PCMService] "C:\Program Files\Dell\Media Experience\PCMService.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [QuickTime Task] "C:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe" -atboottime
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [vptray] C:\PROGRA~1\SYMANT~1\SYMANT~1\vptray.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [iamapp] C:\PROGRA~1\SYMANT~1\SYMANT~2\IAMAPP.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [IMEKRMIG6.1] C:\WINDOWS\ime\imkr6_1\IMEKRMIG.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NvCplDaemon] RUNDLL32.EXE C:\WINDOWS\system32\NvCpl.dll,NvStartup
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [TkBellExe] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Real\Update_OB\realsched.exe" -osboot
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [BCMSMMSG] BCMSMMSG.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [DellSupport] "C:\Program Files\Dell Support\DSAgnt.exe" /startup
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [AIM] C:\Program Files\AIM\aim.exe -cnetwait.odl
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [ctfmon.exe] C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [MsnMsgr] "C:\Program Files\MSN Messenger\MsnMsgr.Exe" /background
O9 - Extra button: AIM - {AC9E2541-2814-11d5-BC6D-00B0D0A1DE45} - C:\Program Files\AIM\aim.exe
O16 - DPF: {17492023-C23A-453E-A040-C7C580BBF700} (Windows Genuine Advantage Validation Tool) - http://go.microsoft....k/?linkid=39204
O16 - DPF: {6414512B-B978-451D-A0D8-FCFDF33E833C} (WUWebControl Class) - http://update.micros...b?1121483244531
O16 - DPF: {9A9307A0-7DA4-4DAF-B042-5009F29E09E1} (ActiveScan Installer Class) - http://acs.pandasoft...free/asinst.cab
O16 - DPF: {9E17A5F9-2B9C-4C66-A592-199A4BA1FBC8} (AIM UPF Control) - http://pictures04.ai...AIM.9.5.1.8.cab
O23 - Service: DefWatch - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Symantec_Client_Security\Symantec AntiVirus\DefWatch.exe
O23 - Service: ewido security suite control - ewido networks - C:\Program Files\ewido\security suite\ewidoctrl.exe
O23 - Service: ewido security suite guard - ewido networks - C:\Program Files\ewido\security suite\ewidoguard.exe
O23 - Service: LexBce Server (LexBceS) - Lexmark International, Inc. - C:\WINDOWS\system32\LEXBCES.EXE
O23 - Service: Symantec Client Firewall Service (NISSERV) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Symantec_Client_Security\Symantec Client Firewall\NISSERV.EXE
O23 - Service: Symantec Client Firewall Accounts Manager (NISUM) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Symantec_Client_Security\Symantec Client Firewall\NISUM.EXE
O23 - Service: Symantec AntiVirus Client (Norton AntiVirus Server) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Symantec_Client_Security\Symantec AntiVirus\Rtvscan.exe
O23 - Service: NVIDIA Display Driver Service (NVSvc) - NVIDIA Corporation - C:\WINDOWS\system32\nvsvc32.exe
O23 - Service: Symantec Client Firewall Proxy Service (SymPxSvc) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Symantec_Client_Security\Symantec Client Firewall\SymPxSvc.exe


As always I appreciate your help.

[Advertisements]

Hi isolationary and welcome to the Geeks to Go Forums.

My name is Trevuren and I will be helping you with your log.

1. Please DELETE your current HJT program from its present location.

2. Download and run the following HijackThis autoinstall program from Here . Please choose the default location of C:\Program Files\ as the destination. HJT needs to be in its own folder so that the program itself isn't deleted by accident. Having the backups could be VITAL to restoring your system if something went wrong in the FIX process!

• Run HijackThis
  
• Click SCAN and SAVE LOG. (a notepad window will open with the log in it when you click Save Log) (Ctrl-A to'select all', Ctrl-C to 'copy')
  
• POST the log into this thread using 'Add Reply' (Ctrl-V to 'paste')

DO NOT MAKE ANY CHANGES OR CLICK "FIX CHECKED" UNTIL WE CHECK THE LOG, AS MOST OF THE FILES ARE LEGIT AND VITAL TO THE FUNCTION OF YOUR COMPUTER


Regards,

Trevuren

[Trevuren]

Hi isolationary and welcome to the Geeks to Go Forums.

My name is Trevuren and I will be helping you with your log.

1. Please DELETE your current HJT program from its present location.

2. Download and run the following HijackThis autoinstall program from Here . Please choose the default location of C:\Program Files\ as the destination. HJT needs to be in its own folder so that the program itself isn't deleted by accident. Having the backups could be VITAL to restoring your system if something went wrong in the FIX process!

• Run HijackThis
  
• Click SCAN and SAVE LOG. (a notepad window will open with the log in it when you click Save Log) (Ctrl-A to'select all', Ctrl-C to 'copy')
  
• POST the log into this thread using 'Add Reply' (Ctrl-V to 'paste')

DO NOT MAKE ANY CHANGES OR CLICK "FIX CHECKED" UNTIL WE CHECK THE LOG, AS MOST OF THE FILES ARE LEGIT AND VITAL TO THE FUNCTION OF YOUR COMPUTER


Regards,

Trevuren

[isolationary]

Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.1
Scan saved at 10:38:38 PM, on 10/7/2005
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\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\LEXBCES.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\LEXPPS.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\Program Files\Dell\Media Experience\PCMService.exe
C:\Program Files\Symantec_Client_Security\Symantec AntiVirus\DefWatch.exe
C:\Program Files\ewido\security suite\ewidoctrl.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\SYMANT~1\SYMANT~1\vptray.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\SYMANT~1\SYMANT~2\IAMAPP.EXE
C:\Program Files\ewido\security suite\ewidoguard.exe
C:\Program Files\Dell Support\DSAgnt.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
C:\Program Files\Symantec_Client_Security\Symantec Client Firewall\NISUM.EXE
C:\Program Files\Symantec_Client_Security\Symantec AntiVirus\Rtvscan.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\nvsvc32.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\Symantec_Client_Security\Symantec Client Firewall\SymPxSvc.exe
C:\Program Files\Symantec_Client_Security\Symantec Client Firewall\NISSERV.EXE
C:\Program Files\Symantec_Client_Security\Symantec Client Firewall\ATRACK.EXE
C:\Program Files\AIM\aim.exe
C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Messenger\YPager.exe
C:\Program Files\MSN Messenger\msnmsgr.exe
C:\Program Files\DC++\DCPlusPlus.exe
C:\Program Files\Winamp\winamp.exe
C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe
C:\Program Files\Hijackthis\HijackThis.exe

O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [PCMService] "C:\Program Files\Dell\Media Experience\PCMService.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [QuickTime Task] "C:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe" -atboottime
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [vptray] C:\PROGRA~1\SYMANT~1\SYMANT~1\vptray.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [iamapp] C:\PROGRA~1\SYMANT~1\SYMANT~2\IAMAPP.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [IMEKRMIG6.1] C:\WINDOWS\ime\imkr6_1\IMEKRMIG.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NvCplDaemon] RUNDLL32.EXE C:\WINDOWS\system32\NvCpl.dll,NvStartup
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [TkBellExe] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Real\Update_OB\realsched.exe" -osboot
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [BCMSMMSG] BCMSMMSG.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [DellSupport] "C:\Program Files\Dell Support\DSAgnt.exe" /startup
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [AIM] C:\Program Files\AIM\aim.exe -cnetwait.odl
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [ctfmon.exe] C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [MsnMsgr] "C:\Program Files\MSN Messenger\MsnMsgr.Exe" /background
O9 - Extra button: AIM - {AC9E2541-2814-11d5-BC6D-00B0D0A1DE45} - C:\Program Files\AIM\aim.exe
O16 - DPF: {17492023-C23A-453E-A040-C7C580BBF700} (Windows Genuine Advantage Validation Tool) - http://go.microsoft....k/?linkid=39204
O16 - DPF: {6414512B-B978-451D-A0D8-FCFDF33E833C} (WUWebControl Class) - http://update.micros...b?1121483244531
O16 - DPF: {9A9307A0-7DA4-4DAF-B042-5009F29E09E1} (ActiveScan Installer Class) - http://acs.pandasoft...free/asinst.cab
O16 - DPF: {9E17A5F9-2B9C-4C66-A592-199A4BA1FBC8} (AIM UPF Control) - http://pictures04.ai...AIM.9.5.1.8.cab
O23 - Service: DefWatch - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Symantec_Client_Security\Symantec AntiVirus\DefWatch.exe
O23 - Service: ewido security suite control - ewido networks - C:\Program Files\ewido\security suite\ewidoctrl.exe
O23 - Service: ewido security suite guard - ewido networks - C:\Program Files\ewido\security suite\ewidoguard.exe
O23 - Service: LexBce Server (LexBceS) - Lexmark International, Inc. - C:\WINDOWS\system32\LEXBCES.EXE
O23 - Service: Symantec Client Firewall Service (NISSERV) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Symantec_Client_Security\Symantec Client Firewall\NISSERV.EXE
O23 - Service: Symantec Client Firewall Accounts Manager (NISUM) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Symantec_Client_Security\Symantec Client Firewall\NISUM.EXE
O23 - Service: Symantec AntiVirus Client (Norton AntiVirus Server) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Symantec_Client_Security\Symantec AntiVirus\Rtvscan.exe
O23 - Service: NVIDIA Display Driver Service (NVSvc) - NVIDIA Corporation - C:\WINDOWS\system32\nvsvc32.exe
O23 - Service: Symantec Client Firewall Proxy Service (SymPxSvc) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Symantec_Client_Security\Symantec Client Firewall\SymPxSvc.exe



Okay I did as you asked, it's in program files

[Trevuren]

My initial analysis of your log came out negative.

Download a trial version of SpySweeper

• Install the application
• Update its definitions
• Run the program
• Let it remove everything it wants
• Finally, when it has finished its work, REBOOT your system.

Please post what SpySweeper removed and if you still have that malware popping up.

Thanks,

Trevuren

[isolationary]

********
1:12 PM: |··· Start of Session, Saturday, October 08, 2005 ···|
1:12 PM: Spy Sweeper started
1:12 PM: Sweep initiated using definitions version 551
1:12 PM: Starting Memory Sweep
1:17 PM: Memory Sweep Complete, Elapsed Time: 00:04:48
1:17 PM: Starting Registry Sweep
1:17 PM: Found Adware: winad
1:17 PM: HKLM\software\microsoft\windows\currentversion\moduleusage\c:/windows/downloaded program files/mediaaccx.dll\ (2 subtraces) (ID = 147191)
1:17 PM: Registry Sweep Complete, Elapsed Time:00:00:17
1:17 PM: Starting Cookie Sweep
1:17 PM: Found Spy Cookie: addynamix cookie
1:17 PM: [email protected][1].txt (ID = 2062)
1:17 PM: Found Spy Cookie: atwola cookie
1:17 PM: [email protected][1].txt (ID = 2256)
1:17 PM: amy@atwola[1].txt (ID = 2255)
1:17 PM: Found Spy Cookie: nextag cookie
1:17 PM: amy@nextag[2].txt (ID = 5014)
1:17 PM: Found Spy Cookie: adserver cookie
1:17 PM: [email protected][1].txt (ID = 2142)
1:17 PM: Cookie Sweep Complete, Elapsed Time: 00:00:00
1:17 PM: Starting File Sweep
1:21 PM: File Sweep Complete, Elapsed Time: 00:03:43
1:21 PM: Full Sweep has completed. Elapsed time 00:08:56
1:21 PM: Traces Found: 8
1:26 PM: Removal process initiated
1:26 PM: Quarantining All Traces: winad
1:26 PM: Quarantining All Traces: addynamix cookie
1:26 PM: Quarantining All Traces: atwola cookie
1:26 PM: Quarantining All Traces: nextag cookie
1:26 PM: Quarantining All Traces: adserver cookie
1:26 PM: Removal process completed. Elapsed time 00:00:01
1:27 PM: Deletion from quarantine initiated
1:27 PM: Processing: atwola cookie
1:27 PM: Processing: adserver cookie
1:27 PM: Processing: nextag cookie
1:27 PM: Processing: winad
1:27 PM: Processing: addynamix cookie
1:27 PM: Deletion from quarantine completed. Elapsed time 00:00:00
********
1:12 PM: |··· Start of Session, Saturday, October 08, 2005 ···|
1:12 PM: Spy Sweeper started
1:12 PM: |··· End of Session, Saturday, October 08, 2005 ···|


That's my log and I don't seem to be having memory lag anymore. Yay!

[Trevuren]

Please post a final HJT log for review before final cleanup


Thanks,

Trevuren

[isolationary]

Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.1
Scan saved at 2:21:23 PM, on 10/8/2005
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:\WINDOWS\system32\LEXBCES.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\LEXPPS.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\Program Files\Dell\Media Experience\PCMService.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\SYMANT~1\SYMANT~1\vptray.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\SYMANT~1\SYMANT~2\IAMAPP.EXE
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Real\Update_OB\realsched.exe
C:\WINDOWS\BCMSMMSG.exe
C:\Program Files\Symantec_Client_Security\Symantec AntiVirus\DefWatch.exe
C:\Program Files\Webroot\Spy Sweeper\SpySweeper.exe
C:\Program Files\ewido\security suite\ewidoctrl.exe
C:\Program Files\ewido\security suite\ewidoguard.exe
C:\Program Files\Dell Support\DSAgnt.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
C:\Program Files\MSN Messenger\MsnMsgr.Exe
C:\Program Files\Symantec_Client_Security\Symantec Client Firewall\NISUM.EXE
C:\Program Files\Symantec_Client_Security\Symantec AntiVirus\Rtvscan.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\nvsvc32.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\Webroot\Spy Sweeper\WRSSSDK.exe
C:\Program Files\Symantec_Client_Security\Symantec Client Firewall\SymPxSvc.exe
C:\Program Files\Symantec_Client_Security\Symantec Client Firewall\NISSERV.EXE
C:\Program Files\AIM\aim.exe
C:\Program Files\Symantec_Client_Security\Symantec Client Firewall\ATRACK.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\System32\alg.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\mmc.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\DfrgNtfs.exe
C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe
C:\Program Files\Hijackthis\HijackThis.exe

O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [PCMService] "C:\Program Files\Dell\Media Experience\PCMService.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [QuickTime Task] "C:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe" -atboottime
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [vptray] C:\PROGRA~1\SYMANT~1\SYMANT~1\vptray.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [iamapp] C:\PROGRA~1\SYMANT~1\SYMANT~2\IAMAPP.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [IMEKRMIG6.1] C:\WINDOWS\ime\imkr6_1\IMEKRMIG.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NvCplDaemon] RUNDLL32.EXE C:\WINDOWS\system32\NvCpl.dll,NvStartup
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [TkBellExe] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Real\Update_OB\realsched.exe" -osboot
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [BCMSMMSG] BCMSMMSG.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SpySweeper] "C:\Program Files\Webroot\Spy Sweeper\SpySweeper.exe" /startintray
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [DellSupport] "C:\Program Files\Dell Support\DSAgnt.exe" /startup
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [AIM] C:\Program Files\AIM\aim.exe -cnetwait.odl
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [ctfmon.exe] C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [MsnMsgr] "C:\Program Files\MSN Messenger\MsnMsgr.Exe" /background
O9 - Extra button: AIM - {AC9E2541-2814-11d5-BC6D-00B0D0A1DE45} - C:\Program Files\AIM\aim.exe
O16 - DPF: {17492023-C23A-453E-A040-C7C580BBF700} (Windows Genuine Advantage Validation Tool) - http://go.microsoft....k/?linkid=39204
O16 - DPF: {6414512B-B978-451D-A0D8-FCFDF33E833C} (WUWebControl Class) - http://update.micros...b?1121483244531
O16 - DPF: {9A9307A0-7DA4-4DAF-B042-5009F29E09E1} (ActiveScan Installer Class) - http://acs.pandasoft...free/asinst.cab
O16 - DPF: {9E17A5F9-2B9C-4C66-A592-199A4BA1FBC8} (AIM UPF Control) - http://pictures04.ai...AIM.9.5.1.8.cab
O23 - Service: DefWatch - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Symantec_Client_Security\Symantec AntiVirus\DefWatch.exe
O23 - Service: ewido security suite control - ewido networks - C:\Program Files\ewido\security suite\ewidoctrl.exe
O23 - Service: ewido security suite guard - ewido networks - C:\Program Files\ewido\security suite\ewidoguard.exe
O23 - Service: LexBce Server (LexBceS) - Lexmark International, Inc. - C:\WINDOWS\system32\LEXBCES.EXE
O23 - Service: Symantec Client Firewall Service (NISSERV) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Symantec_Client_Security\Symantec Client Firewall\NISSERV.EXE
O23 - Service: Symantec Client Firewall Accounts Manager (NISUM) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Symantec_Client_Security\Symantec Client Firewall\NISUM.EXE
O23 - Service: Symantec AntiVirus Client (Norton AntiVirus Server) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Symantec_Client_Security\Symantec AntiVirus\Rtvscan.exe
O23 - Service: NVIDIA Display Driver Service (NVSvc) - NVIDIA Corporation - C:\WINDOWS\system32\nvsvc32.exe
O23 - Service: Webroot Spy Sweeper Engine (svcWRSSSDK) - Webroot Software, Inc. - C:\Program Files\Webroot\Spy Sweeper\WRSSSDK.exe
O23 - Service: Symantec Client Firewall Proxy Service (SymPxSvc) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Symantec_Client_Security\Symantec Client Firewall\SymPxSvc.exe

[Trevuren]

Congratulations, your log shows that your SYSTEM IS CLEAN

There are a few things you must do once you are completely clean:

1. Re-hide your System Files and Folders to prevent any future accidents.

Reconfigure Windows XP to hide hidden files:

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

2. Reset and Re-enable your System Restore to remove bad files from the backup that Windows makes as no program is able to clean those files:

TO DISABLE SYSTEM RESTORE

• Right-click "My Computer", and then left click "Properties".
• Left click on "System Restore Tab"
• Check box beside "Turn Off System Restore"
• Left click on "Apply"

TO ENABLE SYSTEM RESTORE

• Remove check mark from "Turn Off System Restore"
• Click on "Apply"

Here are some tips to reduce the potential for spyware infection in the future:

Make sure you keep your Windows OS current by visiting Windows update
regularly to download and install any critical updates and service packs. With out these you are leaving the backdoor open.

I strongly recommend installing the following applications:

• Spywareblaster <= SpywareBlaster will prevent spyware from being installed.
• Spywareguard <= SpywareGuard offers realtime protection from spyware installation attempts.
• 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.

To protect yourself further:

• 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.

And also see TonyKlein's good advice
So how did I get infected in the first place? (My Favorite)

Regards,

Trevuren

[Trevuren]

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.