[Ixion]

No more surfing for [*cough cough*] for m... erm, no more surfing unsafe websites, I mean.

Ran through the required page instructions, with a few "blips". I'm not sure if they're important or not, so I'll mention them and hope it doesn't give eyestrain:

-CW Shredder Removed: CWS.Look2Me
-upon restart, encountered an error and had to close. Reopened, reran the scanner.
-found nothing else on the second scan.
-every time I restart, CW Shredder encounters an error and closes. Related to "CWS.Look2Me" (CW Shredder Look2Me?)

Spybot: 67 Problems fixed, 12 could not be fixed. Recommended a restart.
-Fixed the last one after Restart, said no more found

-Ewido found Infected 52 objects, Cleaned 52 Infections

Pop-up Ewido Message:

"Infected Object found!

File: mssearchnet.exe
Path: C:\WINDOWS\system32
Infection: TrojanDownloader.Agent.uz

Perform Action: Clean"

-did this an uncounted number of time (more than 52, thought it was possible that it was the 52 "cleaned" files that needed to be done one at a time), would not go away.

-unable to end the mssearchnet.exe in the Task Manager "Infected Object found!", kept on coming back.
-ended the ewidoctrl.exe and tried ewidoguard.exe (Access Denied)
-finally had to restart the computer using ctrl-alt-del

-mssearchnet.exe found on the computer in Windows/system32 folder only when computer is in "Normal" mode. It isn't there in Safe Mode.
-unable to deleted "mssearchnet.exe". No error, just won't delete.

Panda Active Scan: Nothing found

TrojanHunter Scan: Nothing found

-Already have Windows XP SP 2

So, since I'm posting here, you can be sure that there's still problems. Namely, the home page is still hijacked, and I can't go to that page at all. (I change the home page (www.red.com currently), I can't browse to the page, but now the old home page (www.google.ca) is coming up just fine)


So without further adieu, the HijackThis log:

Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.1
Scan saved at 12:18:08 AM, on 28/10/2005
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\spoolsv.exe
C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Antivirus\ISafe.exe
C:\WINDOWS\eHome\ehRecvr.exe
C:\WINDOWS\eHome\ehSched.exe
C:\Program Files\ewido\security suite\ewidoctrl.exe
C:\Program Files\ewido\security suite\ewidoguard.exe
C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Antivirus\VetMsg.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\dllhost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\alg.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\ehome\ehtray.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\igfxtray.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\hkcmd.exe
C:\WINDOWS\SOUNDMAN.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\ALCWZRD.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\eHome\ehmsas.exe
C:\Program Files\Mozilla Firefox\firefox.exe
C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\IEXPLORE.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\system32\NOTEPAD.EXE
C:\Documents and Settings\Scott Miall\Desktop\HijackThis.exe

R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://www.google.ca/
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL = http:\\www.mdg.ca
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Connection Wizard,ShellNext = http://www.mdg.ca/
N3 - Netscape 7: user_pref("browser.search.defaultengine", "engine://C%3A%5CProgram%20Files%5CNetscape%5CNetscape%5Csearchplugins%5CSBWeb_01.src"); (C:\Documents and Settings\Scott Miall\Application Data\Mozilla\Profiles\default\jc3q5pzm.slt\prefs.js)
O2 - BHO: HomepageBHO - {3bf1f86f-b1a8-489b-8d8b-43781d51411f} - C:\WINDOWS\system32\hp638C.tmp
O3 - Toolbar: Yahoo! Toolbar - {EF99BD32-C1FB-11D2-892F-0090271D4F88} - C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Companion\Installs\cpn\yt.dll (file missing)
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ehTray] C:\WINDOWS\ehome\ehtray.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [IgfxTray] C:\WINDOWS\system32\igfxtray.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [HotKeysCmds] C:\WINDOWS\system32\hkcmd.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [High Definition Audio Property Page Shortcut] HDAudPropShortcut.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SoundMan] SOUNDMAN.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AlcWzrd] ALCWZRD.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Alcmtr] ALCMTR.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [THGuard] "C:\Program Files\TrojanHunter 4.2\THGuard.exe"
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.5.0_04\bin\npjpi150_04.dll
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Sun Java Console - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.5.0_04\bin\npjpi150_04.dll
O9 - Extra button: AIM - {AC9E2541-2814-11d5-BC6D-00B0D0A1DE45} - C:\Program Files\AIM\aim.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
O14 - IERESET.INF: START_PAGE_URL=http:\\www.mdg.ca
O16 - DPF: {04E214E5-63AF-4236-83C6-A7ADCBF9BD02} (HouseCall Control) - http://housecall60.t...all/xscan60.cab
O16 - DPF: {6E32070A-766D-4EE6-879C-DC1FA91D2FC3} (MUWebControl Class) - http://update.micros...b?1125218190343
O16 - DPF: {7B297BFD-85E4-4092-B2AF-16A91B2EA103} (WScanCtl Class) - http://www3.ca.com/s...nfo/webscan.cab
O16 - DPF: {9A9307A0-7DA4-4DAF-B042-5009F29E09E1} (ActiveScan Installer Class) - http://acs.pandasoft...free/asinst.cab
O20 - Winlogon Notify: igfxcui - C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\igfxsrvc.dll
O20 - Winlogon Notify: st3i - C:\WINDOWS\q216187.dll (file missing)
O23 - Service: CAISafe - Computer Associates International, Inc. - C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Antivirus\ISafe.exe
O23 - Service: CWShredder Service - InterMute, Inc. - C:\Documents and Settings\Scott Miall\Desktop\cwshredder.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: VET Message Service (VETMSGNT) - Computer Associates International, Inc. - C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Antivirus\VetMsg.exe
O23 - Service: YPCService - Yahoo! Inc. - C:\WINDOWS\system32\YPCSER~1.EXE

I tried following the instructions on other threads, but nothing worked. So... help a guy who knows just enough to be dangerous, but not enough to be smart?

[Advertisements]

Hello Scott and welcome to Geeks to Go

As an introduction, please note that I am not Superhuman, I do not know everything, but what I do know has taken me years to learn. I am happy to pass on this information to you, but please bear in mind that I am also fallible.

Please note that you should have Administrator rights to perform the fixes. Also note that multiple identity PC’s (family PC’s) present a different problem; please tell me if your PC has more than one individual’s setting.

Before we get underway, you may wish to print these instructions for easy reference during the fix, although please be aware that many of the required URLs are hyperlinks in the red names shown on your screen. Part of the fix may require you to be in Safe Mode, which will not allow you to access the internet, or my instructions!

You have a mixture of malware. I’ll clear what I can see and what you’ve already said you wish to achieve. Let’s see what we can do with the first sweep.

I note that you are running HijackThis from Desktop; please create a new folder for it (for example C:\Program Files\Hijackthis\Hijackthis.exe) and move the programme into it. It is very important you do this before anything else since backup files can be deleted if they are not within their own folder!

Firstly could you please disable Ewido Guard from running during the fix, it may just hinder our attempts to change anything. Open Ewido and deselect the Guard option.

To start please download the following programmes, we will run them later. Please save them to a place that you will remember, I suggest the Desktop:

Killbox by Option^Explicit
CCleaner

Please re-open HiJackThis and scan. Check the boxes next to all the entries listed below.

R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL = http:\\www.mdg.ca
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Connection Wizard,ShellNext = http://www.mdg.ca/
O2 - BHO: HomepageBHO - {3bf1f86f-b1a8-489b-8d8b-43781d51411f} - C:\WINDOWS\system32\hp638C.tmp
O3 - Toolbar: Yahoo! Toolbar - {EF99BD32-C1FB-11D2-892F-0090271D4F88} - C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Companion\Installs\cpn\yt.dll (file missing)
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Alcmtr] ALCMTR.EXE
O14 - IERESET.INF: START_PAGE_URL=http:\\www.mdg.ca
O20 - Winlogon Notify: st3i - C:\WINDOWS\q216187.dll (file missing)

Now close all windows other than HiJackThis, then click Fix Checked.

Please install Killbox by Option^Explicit.

• Extract the programme to your desktop and double-click on its folder, then double-click on Killbox.exe to start the programme.
• In the Killbox programme, select the Delete on Reboot option.
• Copy the file names below to the clipboard by highlighting them and pressing Control-C:

C:\WINDOWS\system32\hp638C.tmp
C:\WINDOWS\ALCMTR.EXE

• Return to Killbox, go to the File menu, and choose "Paste from Clipboard".
  
• Click the red-and-white "Delete File" button. Click "Yes" at the Delete on Reboot prompt. Click "Yes" at the reboot now prompt.

If you receive a message such as: "Component 'MsComCtl.ocx' or one of its dependencies not correctly registered: a file is missing or invalid." when trying to run TheKillbox, click download and run missingfilesetup.exe. Then try TheKillbox again.

There is almost certainly bound to be some junk (leftover bits and pieces) on your system that is doing nothing but taking up space. I would recommend that you run CCleaner. Install it, update it, check the default setting in the left-hand pane, ensure you uncheck old prefetch data found under the system tab, then click Analyze> Run Cleaner. You may be fairly surprised by how much it finds. Also click Issues then Scan for issues – fix selected issues

Post back a fresh HijackThis log (from normal mode) and I will take another look.

[Crustyoldbloke]

Hello Scott and welcome to Geeks to Go

As an introduction, please note that I am not Superhuman, I do not know everything, but what I do know has taken me years to learn. I am happy to pass on this information to you, but please bear in mind that I am also fallible.

Please note that you should have Administrator rights to perform the fixes. Also note that multiple identity PC’s (family PC’s) present a different problem; please tell me if your PC has more than one individual’s setting.

Before we get underway, you may wish to print these instructions for easy reference during the fix, although please be aware that many of the required URLs are hyperlinks in the red names shown on your screen. Part of the fix may require you to be in Safe Mode, which will not allow you to access the internet, or my instructions!

You have a mixture of malware. I’ll clear what I can see and what you’ve already said you wish to achieve. Let’s see what we can do with the first sweep.

I note that you are running HijackThis from Desktop; please create a new folder for it (for example C:\Program Files\Hijackthis\Hijackthis.exe) and move the programme into it. It is very important you do this before anything else since backup files can be deleted if they are not within their own folder!

Firstly could you please disable Ewido Guard from running during the fix, it may just hinder our attempts to change anything. Open Ewido and deselect the Guard option.

To start please download the following programmes, we will run them later. Please save them to a place that you will remember, I suggest the Desktop:

Killbox by Option^Explicit
CCleaner

Please re-open HiJackThis and scan. Check the boxes next to all the entries listed below.

R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL = http:\\www.mdg.ca
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Connection Wizard,ShellNext = http://www.mdg.ca/
O2 - BHO: HomepageBHO - {3bf1f86f-b1a8-489b-8d8b-43781d51411f} - C:\WINDOWS\system32\hp638C.tmp
O3 - Toolbar: Yahoo! Toolbar - {EF99BD32-C1FB-11D2-892F-0090271D4F88} - C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Companion\Installs\cpn\yt.dll (file missing)
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Alcmtr] ALCMTR.EXE
O14 - IERESET.INF: START_PAGE_URL=http:\\www.mdg.ca
O20 - Winlogon Notify: st3i - C:\WINDOWS\q216187.dll (file missing)

Now close all windows other than HiJackThis, then click Fix Checked.

Please install Killbox by Option^Explicit.

• Extract the programme to your desktop and double-click on its folder, then double-click on Killbox.exe to start the programme.
• In the Killbox programme, select the Delete on Reboot option.
• Copy the file names below to the clipboard by highlighting them and pressing Control-C:

C:\WINDOWS\system32\hp638C.tmp
C:\WINDOWS\ALCMTR.EXE

• Return to Killbox, go to the File menu, and choose "Paste from Clipboard".
  
• Click the red-and-white "Delete File" button. Click "Yes" at the Delete on Reboot prompt. Click "Yes" at the reboot now prompt.

If you receive a message such as: "Component 'MsComCtl.ocx' or one of its dependencies not correctly registered: a file is missing or invalid." when trying to run TheKillbox, click download and run missingfilesetup.exe. Then try TheKillbox again.

There is almost certainly bound to be some junk (leftover bits and pieces) on your system that is doing nothing but taking up space. I would recommend that you run CCleaner. Install it, update it, check the default setting in the left-hand pane, ensure you uncheck old prefetch data found under the system tab, then click Analyze> Run Cleaner. You may be fairly surprised by how much it finds. Also click Issues then Scan for issues – fix selected issues

Post back a fresh HijackThis log (from normal mode) and I will take another look.

[Ixion]

Hello Scott and welcome to Geeks to Go

As an introduction, please note that I am not Superhuman, I do not know everything, but what I do know has taken me years to learn. I am happy to pass on this information to you, but please bear in mind that I am also fallible.

If you can help me fix this problem, I'm more than willing to overlook these pesky little details, and allow myself to fully believe that you're Superhuman.

Please note that you should have Administrator rights to perform the fixes. Also note that multiple identity PC’s (family PC’s) present a different problem; please tell me if your PC has more than one individual’s setting.

There are two separate Identities; both are supposed to have Adminstrator rights, and when I restart in Safe Mode, both are identified as having such rights.

(snip the rest)

Everything else listed has been done now, with no errors coming up.

Post back a fresh HijackThis log (from normal mode) and I will take another look.

I think the problem is fixed now - the homepage is coming up properly, everything that was a problem before seems to be fixed now, but I'm posting this just in case, and, well, to tell you that I think you've fixed my problem.


Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.1
Scan saved at 12:43:43 PM, on 28/10/2005
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\spoolsv.exe
C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Antivirus\ISafe.exe
C:\WINDOWS\eHome\ehRecvr.exe
C:\WINDOWS\eHome\ehSched.exe
C:\Program Files\ewido\security suite\ewidoctrl.exe
C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Antivirus\VetMsg.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\dllhost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\alg.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\ehome\ehtray.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\igfxtray.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\hkcmd.exe
C:\WINDOWS\SOUNDMAN.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\eHome\ehmsas.exe
C:\WINDOWS\ALCWZRD.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\system32\NOTEPAD.EXE
C:\Program Files\Hijackthis\HijackThis.exe

R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://www.red.com/
N3 - Netscape 7: user_pref("browser.search.defaultengine", "engine://C%3A%5CProgram%20Files%5CNetscape%5CNetscape%5Csearchplugins%5CSBWeb_01.src"); (C:\Documents and Settings\Scott Miall\Application Data\Mozilla\Profiles\default\jc3q5pzm.slt\prefs.js)
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ehTray] C:\WINDOWS\ehome\ehtray.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [IgfxTray] C:\WINDOWS\system32\igfxtray.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [HotKeysCmds] C:\WINDOWS\system32\hkcmd.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [High Definition Audio Property Page Shortcut] HDAudPropShortcut.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SoundMan] SOUNDMAN.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AlcWzrd] ALCWZRD.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [THGuard] "C:\Program Files\TrojanHunter 4.2\THGuard.exe"
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.5.0_04\bin\npjpi150_04.dll
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Sun Java Console - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.5.0_04\bin\npjpi150_04.dll
O9 - Extra button: AIM - {AC9E2541-2814-11d5-BC6D-00B0D0A1DE45} - C:\Program Files\AIM\aim.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: {04E214E5-63AF-4236-83C6-A7ADCBF9BD02} (HouseCall Control) - http://housecall60.t...all/xscan60.cab
O16 - DPF: {6E32070A-766D-4EE6-879C-DC1FA91D2FC3} (MUWebControl Class) - http://update.micros...b?1125218190343
O16 - DPF: {7B297BFD-85E4-4092-B2AF-16A91B2EA103} (WScanCtl Class) - http://www3.ca.com/s...nfo/webscan.cab
O16 - DPF: {9A9307A0-7DA4-4DAF-B042-5009F29E09E1} (ActiveScan Installer Class) - http://acs.pandasoft...free/asinst.cab
O20 - Winlogon Notify: igfxcui - C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\igfxsrvc.dll
O23 - Service: CAISafe - Computer Associates International, Inc. - C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Antivirus\ISafe.exe
O23 - Service: CWShredder Service - InterMute, Inc. - C:\Documents and Settings\Scott Miall\Desktop\cwshredder.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: VET Message Service (VETMSGNT) - Computer Associates International, Inc. - C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Antivirus\VetMsg.exe
O23 - Service: YPCService - Yahoo! Inc. - C:\WINDOWS\system32\YPCSER~1.EXE

[Crustyoldbloke]

Congratulations! your new log is clean. Just a little bit more to do to prevent further infection.

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

To reset your restore points, please note that you will need to log into your computer with an account which has full administrator access. You will know if the account has administrator access because you will be able to see the System Restore tab. If the tab is missing, you are logged in under a limited account.

(Windows XP)
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. Reboot.

3. 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.
I recommend going to the following link and update as recommended by Microsoft. This adds more security and extra features including a pop-up blocker for Internet Explorer. Microsoft Update

Now that everything is fixed, I suggest that you consider getting these programmes to help keep the computer clean:

SPYWARE BLASTER - Blocks bad ActiveX items from installing on your computer.
AD-AWARE PERSONAL – A fine free malware detector and removal programme
SPYBOT S&D – Excellent free spyware detector and removal programme
GOOGLE TOOLBAR - Blocks many unwanted pop-ups in Internet Explorer.
FIREFOX - Safer alternative to the Internet Explorer web browser.
AVG ANTIVIRUS FREE EDITION - Free antivirus programme if you currently are not using one.
ZONEALARM - Free firewall programme if you currently are not using one (Windows XP has a built-in firewall).

Remember to update these frequently.

Please note that whilst there is nothing wrong in having more than one antispyware programmes for “on demand” scanning, having two or more antivirus systems is not recommended as they may well interfere with each other.

You may also want to read "How did I get infected in the first place" to learn how to better secure your computer.

Be sure to keep your Windows, antispyware and antivirus updated.

Happy safe surfing Scott!

[Crustyoldbloke]

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.