[snurg]

Hi, for about a year now I have had some problems on one of my PCs with a stupid virus search engine called CoolWebSearch always turning up whenever I run a search through Ad-aware. It seems to infect MS Explorer particularly by defaulting the home & search functions to its own home search page every time I use Explorer. BTW this is on a celeron runnning WIN98.

Now I use Firefox as a browser and it doesn't seem to affect it - or I am yet to notice it does. However everytime I still boot up this PC it reinfects - even though the previous session I run Ad-aware, it finds it listed as about 20 infected entries, & removes it. However I still find it on the PC a few days later when I run Ad-aware again (I have made a habit of using this great program).

PLEASE HELP

I have tried AVG, Spybot, A2 & all the other virus scanners on the recommended list of fixes, so following is my "Hijack this" log.

I also have a small questions about McAfee Virus Scanner. I noticed I have a expired registered copy of MCAFEE VIRUS SCAN running dormant & I have no idea how to rid it of the system permanently. The program expired about 3 years ago but still lurks around occasionally asking if I want to install & pay for an update. How do I get rid of it?



Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.1
Scan saved at 11:31:07 PM, on 10/11/05
Platform: Windows 98 SE (Win9x 4.10.2222A)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v6.00 SP1 (6.00.2800.1106)

Running processes:
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\KERNEL32.DLL
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\MSGSRV32.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\SPOOL32.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\MPREXE.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\CPQDIAG\CPQDFWAG.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\SYGATE\SPF\SMC.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\mmtask.tsk
C:\WINDOWS\EXPLORER.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\COMPAQ\EASY ACCESS BUTTON SUPPORT\CPQEADM.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\TASKMON.EXE
C:\MOUSE\SYSTEM\EM_EXEC.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\MCAFEE\MCAFEE VIRUSSCAN\ALOGSERV.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\STIMON.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\AHEAD\INCD\INCD.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\REAL\REALPLAYER\REALPLAY.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\SAMSUNG\SMARTHRU\PORTCTRL.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\QTTASK.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\COMPAQ\EASY ACCESS BUTTON SUPPORT\BTTNSERV.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\SPYBOT - SEARCH & DESTROY\TEATIMER.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\DDHELP.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\ADOBE\ACROBAT 4.0\DISTILLR\ACROTRAY.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\COMPAQ\ON-SCREEN DISPLAY\OSD.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\MOZILLA FIREFOX\FIREFOX.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\RNAAPP.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\TAPISRV.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\RUNDLL32.EXE
C:\MY DOCUMENTS\PC DIAGNOSTICS\HIJACK MALWEAR FINDER\HIJACKTHIS.EXE

R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Bar = res://c:\windows\TEMP\sp.dll/sp.html
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page = about:blank
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,SearchURL = http://www.clickyestoenter.net/ie/
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL = http://
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Bar = res://c:\windows\TEMP\sp.dll/sp.html
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page = about:blank
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Search,SearchAssistant = about:blank
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Search,(Default) = 69.61.38.52
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Search,SearchAssistant = about:blank
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\SearchURL,(Default) = http://search.presar...&query=%s&i=enu
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,HomeOldSP = about:blank
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,HomeOldSP = about:blank
R3 - Default URLSearchHook is missing
O2 - BHO: AcroIEHlprObj Class - {06849E9F-C8D7-4D59-B87D-784B7D6BE0B3} - C:\PROGRAM FILES\ADOBE\ACROBAT 6.0\READER\ACTIVEX\ACROIEHELPER.DLL
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {B581A321-F69D-11D8-8F63-44457802FD8B} - C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\NFDAOA.DLL
O2 - BHO: DNS Resolve Support Dll - {4920E150-5D27-4B95-B60B-D68B78928441} - C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\DNSCORE.DLL
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {53707962-6F74-2D53-2644-206D7942484F} - C:\PROGRA~1\SPYBOT~1\SDHELPER.DLL
O3 - Toolbar: &Radio - {8E718888-423F-11D2-876E-00A0C9082467} - C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\MSDXM.OCX
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [CPQEASYACC] C:\Program Files\Compaq\Easy Access Button Support\cpqeadm.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [EACLEAN] C:\Program Files\Compaq\Easy Access Button Support\eaclean.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [TaskMonitor] c:\windows\taskmon.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [EM_EXEC] c:\mouse\system\em_exec.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Aureal A3D Interactive Audio Init] A3dInit.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Alogserv] C:\Program Files\McAfee\McAfee VirusScan\alogserv.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Synchronization Manager] mobsync.exe /logon
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [StillImageMonitor] C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\STIMON.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [InCD] C:\Program Files\ahead\InCD\InCD.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [RealTray] C:\Program Files\Real\RealPlayer\RealPlay.exe SYSTEMBOOTHIDEPLAYER
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [GW Port Controller] C:\Program Files\Samsung\SmarThru\PORTCTRL.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [QuickTime Task] "C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\QTTASK.EXE" -atboottime
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SmcService] C:\PROGRA~1\SYGATE\SPF\SMC.EXE -startgui
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [PC Booster] C:\PROGRAM FILES\PC BOOSTER\PCBOOSTER.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\RunServices: [LoadPowerProfile] Rundll32.exe powrprof.dll,LoadCurrentPwrScheme
O4 - HKLM\..\RunServices: [CPQDFWAG] C:\WINDOWS\cpqdiag\CpqDfwAg.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\RunServices: [Desktop] rundll32.exe msconfd,Restore ControlPanel
O4 - HKLM\..\RunServices: [SmcService] C:\PROGRAM FILES\SYGATE\SPF\SMC.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\RunServices: [McAfeeVirusScanService] C:\Program Files\McAfee\McAfee VirusScan\AVSYNMGR.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\RunServices: [McAfeeWebScanX] C:\PROGRAM FILES\NETWORK ASSOCIATES\MCAFEE VIRUSSCAN\WebScanX.Exe /RUNSERVICES
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [SpybotSD TeaTimer] C:\Program Files\Spybot - Search & Destroy\TeaTimer.exe
O4 - Startup: Microsoft Office.lnk = C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office\OSA9.EXE
O4 - Startup: Acrobat Assistant.lnk = C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 4.0\Distillr\AcroTray.exe
O9 - Extra button: Real.com - {CD67F990-D8E9-11d2-98FE-00C0F0318AFE} - C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\Shdocvw.dll
O9 - Extra button: Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Program Files\Messenger\MSMSGS.EXE (file missing)
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: MSN Messenger Service - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Program Files\Messenger\MSMSGS.EXE (file missing)
O12 - Plugin for .spop: C:\PROGRA~1\INTERN~1\Plugins\NPDocBox.dll
O14 - IERESET.INF: START_PAGE_URL=http://www.australiaonline.net.au
O16 - DPF: {f760cb9e-c60f-4a89-890e-fae8b849493e} -
O16 - DPF: {CA034DCC-A580-4333-B52F-15F98C42E04C} (Downloader Class) - http://www.stopzilla...ller/dwnldr.cab
O18 - Filter: text/html - {BAB0AF86-49E9-11DA-8F63-9D85315670AD} - C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\NFDAOA.DLL
O18 - Filter: text/plain - {BAB0AF86-49E9-11DA-8F63-9D85315670AD} - C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\NFDAOA.DLL
O21 - SSODL: System - {A1BDB140-EDFA-11D8-8F62-444553540000} - C:\WINDOWS\system32\system32.dll


Thanks in advance!

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Hi there and welcome snurg,

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.

This will likely be a few step process in removing the malware that has infected your system. I encourage you to stick with it and follow my directions as closely as possible so as to avoid complicating the problem further.

You have a nasty CoolWebSearch infection. First we will need to download a few tools that will help us in the removal of your problem.

Download about:buster by RubbeRDuckY Here.
Download CWShredder Here.
Download SpSeHjfix Here.
Download and install CleanUp! Here

Save all of these files somewhere you will remember like to the Desktop.

Unzip SpSeHjfix to its own folder (ie c:\SpSeHjfix)

Run the CleanUp! installer. You dont need to do anything with it right now.

Update About:Buster

• Unzip the contents of AboutBuster.zip and an AboutBuster directory will be created.
• Navigate to the AboutBuster directory and double-click on AboutBuster.exe.
• Click "OK" at the prompt with instructions.
• Click "Update" and then "Check For Update" to begin the update process.
• If any updates exist please download them by clicking "Download Update" then click the X to close that window.
• Now close About:Buster

Update CWShredder

• Open CWShredder and click I AGREE
• Click Check For Update
• Close CWShredder

Boot into Safe Mode:
Restart your computer and as soon as it starts booting up again continuously tap F8. A menu should come up where you will be given the option to enter Safe Mode.

Please run about:buster by RubbeRDuckY:

• Click Start and then OK to allow AboutBuster to scan for Alternate Data Streams.
• Click Yes to allow it to shutdown explorer.exe.
• It will begin to check your computer for malicious files. If it asks if you would like to do a second pass, allow it to do so.
• When it has finished, click Save Log. Make sure you save it as I may need a copy of it later.
• Reboot your computer into safe mode again

Run about:buster again following the same instructions as above, this time without the restart at the end

Now run CWShredder. Click I Agree, then Fix and then Next, let it fix everything it asks about.

Now run SpSeHjfix. A log will be saved in the same folder that you put the exe into. Please post the results of that log in your next reply.

Open Cleanup! by double-clicking the icon on your desktop (or from the Start > All Programs menu).
Set the program up as follows:
Click "Options..."
Move the arrow down to "Custom CleanUp!"
Put a check next to the following (Make sure nothing else is checked!):

• Empty Recycle Bins
• Delete Cookies
• Delete Prefetch files
• Cleanup! All Users

Click OK
Press the CleanUp! button to start the program.

It may ask you to reboot at the end, click NO.

Please run an on-line virus scan at ActiveScan
or BitDefender. (Please post the results of the scan(s) in your next reply)

After all that, please post back with how things went as well as the logs requested and a new HiJackThis log.

[don77]

Hi there and welcome snurg,

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.

This will likely be a few step process in removing the malware that has infected your system. I encourage you to stick with it and follow my directions as closely as possible so as to avoid complicating the problem further.

You have a nasty CoolWebSearch infection. First we will need to download a few tools that will help us in the removal of your problem.

Download about:buster by RubbeRDuckY Here.
Download CWShredder Here.
Download SpSeHjfix Here.
Download and install CleanUp! Here

Save all of these files somewhere you will remember like to the Desktop.

Unzip SpSeHjfix to its own folder (ie c:\SpSeHjfix)

Run the CleanUp! installer. You dont need to do anything with it right now.

Update About:Buster

• Unzip the contents of AboutBuster.zip and an AboutBuster directory will be created.
• Navigate to the AboutBuster directory and double-click on AboutBuster.exe.
• Click "OK" at the prompt with instructions.
• Click "Update" and then "Check For Update" to begin the update process.
• If any updates exist please download them by clicking "Download Update" then click the X to close that window.
• Now close About:Buster

Update CWShredder

• Open CWShredder and click I AGREE
• Click Check For Update
• Close CWShredder

Boot into Safe Mode:
Restart your computer and as soon as it starts booting up again continuously tap F8. A menu should come up where you will be given the option to enter Safe Mode.

Please run about:buster by RubbeRDuckY:

• Click Start and then OK to allow AboutBuster to scan for Alternate Data Streams.
• Click Yes to allow it to shutdown explorer.exe.
• It will begin to check your computer for malicious files. If it asks if you would like to do a second pass, allow it to do so.
• When it has finished, click Save Log. Make sure you save it as I may need a copy of it later.
• Reboot your computer into safe mode again

Run about:buster again following the same instructions as above, this time without the restart at the end

Now run CWShredder. Click I Agree, then Fix and then Next, let it fix everything it asks about.

Now run SpSeHjfix. A log will be saved in the same folder that you put the exe into. Please post the results of that log in your next reply.

Open Cleanup! by double-clicking the icon on your desktop (or from the Start > All Programs menu).
Set the program up as follows:
Click "Options..."
Move the arrow down to "Custom CleanUp!"
Put a check next to the following (Make sure nothing else is checked!):

• Empty Recycle Bins
• Delete Cookies
• Delete Prefetch files
• Cleanup! All Users

Click OK
Press the CleanUp! button to start the program.

It may ask you to reboot at the end, click NO.

Please run an on-line virus scan at ActiveScan
or BitDefender. (Please post the results of the scan(s) in your next reply)

After all that, please post back with how things went as well as the logs requested and a new HiJackThis log.

[snurg]

Don77,

I followed your directions exactly. nevertheless to use the two online scanners you suggested I needed to start up Explorer & well..... there it was as soon as the browser started - CoolWebSearch home page! Even after I reset the home page it did it again. Also neither of the scanners would scan giving excuses about my security settings - which I switched to Low in Options of Explorer, tried again & it still said it couldn't. I went to Microsoft for updates but they said that I had them all. It said I had an error with Active X - but this is the first time this has occurred.

Anyway I list the following logs for you to look at as requested. Only two small digresions from your list of directions:


Firstly you stated:

"Please run about:buster by RubbeRDuckY:

* Click Start and then OK to allow AboutBuster to scan for Alternate Data Streams.
* Click Yes to allow it to shutdown explorer.exe. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> THIS DID NOT HAPPEN DURING THE RUN OF THE PROGRAM?


* It will begin to check your computer for malicious files. If it asks if you would like to do a second pass, allow it to do so.
* When it has finished, click Save Log. Make sure you save it as I may need a copy of it later.
* Reboot your computer into safe mode again
and so on......


You ALSO advised - Move the arrow down to "Custom CleanUp!"
Put a check next to the following (Make sure nothing else is checked!):

* Empty Recycle Bins

* Delete Cookies

* Delete Prefetch files >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> WOULD NOT ALLOW ME TO USE THIS OPTION IN ANY WAY WHATSOEVER And so I tries a number of options.

* Cleanup! All Users


I'm no expert but the virus seems still resident in the system


First pass-

AboutBuster 5.1, reference file 33
Scan started on [11/11/05] at [3:05:41 AM]
------------------------------------------------
Streams(ADS) not scanned: System not NTFS
------------------------------------------------
No Files Found!
------------------------------------------------
Scan was COMPLETED SUCCESSFULLY at 3:07:16 AM

Second Pass-

AboutBuster 5.1, reference file 33
Scan started on [11/11/05] at [3:24:46 AM]
------------------------------------------------
Streams(ADS) not scanned: System not NTFS
------------------------------------------------
No Files Found!
------------------------------------------------
Scan was COMPLETED SUCCESSFULLY at 3:26:21 AM



(11/11/05 2:48:43 AM) SPSeHjFix started v1.1.2
(11/11/05 2:48:43 AM) OS: Win98SE A (4.10.2222)
(11/11/05 2:48:43 AM) Language: english
(11/11/05 2:48:43 AM) Win-Path: C:\WINDOWS
(11/11/05 2:48:43 AM) System-Path: C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM
(11/11/05 2:48:43 AM) Temp-Path: c:\windows\TEMP\


(11/11/05 3:36:13 AM) SPSeHjFix started v1.1.2
(11/11/05 3:36:13 AM) OS: Win98SE A (4.10.2222)
(11/11/05 3:36:13 AM) Language: english
(11/11/05 3:36:13 AM) Win-Path: C:\WINDOWS
(11/11/05 3:36:13 AM) System-Path: C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM
(11/11/05 3:36:13 AM) Temp-Path: C:\WINDOWS\TEMP\
(11/11/05 3:36:26 AM) Disinfection started
(11/11/05 3:36:26 AM) Bad-Dll(IEP): (not found)
(11/11/05 3:36:26 AM) Bad-Dll(IEP) in BHO: (not found)
(11/11/05 3:36:26 AM) UBF: 4 - UBB: 3 - UBR: 18
(11/11/05 3:36:26 AM) UBF: 4 - UBB: 3 - UBR: 18
(11/11/05 3:36:26 AM) Bad IE-pages:
deleted: HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main, Start Page: about:blank
deleted: HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Search, SearchAssistant:
deleted: HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main, Search Bar:
deleted: HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main, Search Page: about:blank
deleted: HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main, Start Page:
deleted: HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Search, SearchAssistant: about:blank
(11/11/05 3:36:26 AM) Stealth-String not found
(11/11/05 3:36:26 AM) Not infected->END


(11/11/05 3:36:59 AM) SPSeHjFix started v1.1.2
(11/11/05 3:36:59 AM) OS: Win98SE A (4.10.2222)
(11/11/05 3:36:59 AM) Language: english
(11/11/05 3:36:59 AM) Win-Path: C:\WINDOWS
(11/11/05 3:36:59 AM) System-Path: C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM
(11/11/05 3:36:59 AM) Temp-Path: C:\WINDOWS\TEMP\
(11/11/05 3:37:06 AM) Disinfection started
(11/11/05 3:37:06 AM) Bad-Dll(IEP): (not found)
(11/11/05 3:37:06 AM) Bad-Dll(IEP) in BHO: (not found)
(11/11/05 3:37:06 AM) UBF: 4 - UBB: 3 - UBR: 18
(11/11/05 3:37:06 AM) UBF: 4 - UBB: 3 - UBR: 18
(11/11/05 3:37:06 AM) Bad IE-pages: (none)
(11/11/05 3:37:06 AM) Stealth-String not found
(11/11/05 3:37:06 AM) Not infected->END


And finally a new HiJackThis log -






Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.1
Scan saved at 1:24:36 PM, on 11/11/05
Platform: Windows 98 SE (Win9x 4.10.2222A)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v6.00 SP1 (6.00.2800.1106)

Running processes:
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\KERNEL32.DLL
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\MSGSRV32.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\MPREXE.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\mmtask.tsk
C:\WINDOWS\CPQDIAG\CPQDFWAG.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\SYGATE\SPF\SMC.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\EXPLORER.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\COMPAQ\EASY ACCESS BUTTON SUPPORT\CPQEADM.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\TASKMON.EXE
C:\MOUSE\SYSTEM\EM_EXEC.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\MCAFEE\MCAFEE VIRUSSCAN\ALOGSERV.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\STIMON.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\AHEAD\INCD\INCD.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\REAL\REALPLAYER\REALPLAY.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\SAMSUNG\SMARTHRU\PORTCTRL.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\QTTASK.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\DDHELP.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\COMPAQ\EASY ACCESS BUTTON SUPPORT\BTTNSERV.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\SPOOL32.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\ADOBE\ACROBAT 4.0\DISTILLR\ACROTRAY.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\COMPAQ\ON-SCREEN DISPLAY\OSD.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\RNAAPP.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\TAPISRV.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\MOZILLA FIREFOX\FIREFOX.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\INTERNET EXPLORER\IEXPLORE.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\MDSDEV.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\NOTEPAD.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\NOTEPAD.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\NOTEPAD.EXE
C:\MY DOCUMENTS\PC DIAGNOSTICS\HIJACK MALWEAR FINDER\HIJACKTHIS.EXE

R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Bar = res://c:\windows\TEMP\sp.dll/sp.html
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page = about:blank
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,SearchURL = http://www.clickyestoenter.net/ie/
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL = http://www
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Bar = res://c:\windows\TEMP\sp.dll/sp.html
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page = about:blank
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Search,SearchAssistant = about:blank
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Search,SearchAssistant = about:blank
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\SearchURL,(Default) = http://search.presar...&query=%s&i=enu
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,HomeOldSP = about:blank
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,HomeOldSP = about:blank
R3 - Default URLSearchHook is missing
O2 - BHO: AcroIEHlprObj Class - {06849E9F-C8D7-4D59-B87D-784B7D6BE0B3} - C:\PROGRAM FILES\ADOBE\ACROBAT 6.0\READER\ACTIVEX\ACROIEHELPER.DLL
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {B581A321-F69D-11D8-8F63-44457802FD8B} - C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\NFDAOA.DLL
O2 - BHO: DNS Resolve Support Dll - {4920E150-5D27-4B95-B60B-D68B78928441} - C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\DNSCORE.DLL
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {53707962-6F74-2D53-2644-206D7942484F} - C:\PROGRA~1\SPYBOT~1\SDHELPER.DLL
O3 - Toolbar: &Radio - {8E718888-423F-11D2-876E-00A0C9082467} - C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\MSDXM.OCX
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [CPQEASYACC] C:\Program Files\Compaq\Easy Access Button Support\cpqeadm.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [EACLEAN] C:\Program Files\Compaq\Easy Access Button Support\eaclean.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [TaskMonitor] c:\windows\taskmon.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [EM_EXEC] c:\mouse\system\em_exec.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Aureal A3D Interactive Audio Init] A3dInit.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Alogserv] C:\Program Files\McAfee\McAfee VirusScan\alogserv.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Synchronization Manager] mobsync.exe /logon
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [StillImageMonitor] C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\STIMON.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [InCD] C:\Program Files\ahead\InCD\InCD.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [RealTray] C:\Program Files\Real\RealPlayer\RealPlay.exe SYSTEMBOOTHIDEPLAYER
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [GW Port Controller] C:\Program Files\Samsung\SmarThru\PORTCTRL.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SmcService] C:\PROGRA~1\SYGATE\SPF\SMC.EXE -startgui
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [PC Booster] C:\PROGRAM FILES\PC BOOSTER\PCBOOSTER.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [QuickTime Task] "C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\QTTASK.EXE" -atboottime
O4 - HKLM\..\RunServices: [LoadPowerProfile] Rundll32.exe powrprof.dll,LoadCurrentPwrScheme
O4 - HKLM\..\RunServices: [CPQDFWAG] C:\WINDOWS\cpqdiag\CpqDfwAg.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\RunServices: [SmcService] C:\PROGRAM FILES\SYGATE\SPF\SMC.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\RunServices: [McAfeeVirusScanService] C:\Program Files\McAfee\McAfee VirusScan\AVSYNMGR.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\RunServices: [McAfeeWebScanX] C:\PROGRAM FILES\NETWORK ASSOCIATES\MCAFEE VIRUSSCAN\WebScanX.Exe /RUNSERVICES
O4 - HKLM\..\RunServices: [Desktop] rundll32.exe msconfd,Restore ControlPanel
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [SpybotSD TeaTimer] C:\Program Files\Spybot - Search & Destroy\TeaTimer.exe
O4 - Startup: Microsoft Office.lnk = C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office\OSA9.EXE
O4 - Startup: Acrobat Assistant.lnk = C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 4.0\Distillr\AcroTray.exe
O9 - Extra button: Real.com - {CD67F990-D8E9-11d2-98FE-00C0F0318AFE} - C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\Shdocvw.dll
O9 - Extra button: Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Program Files\Messenger\MSMSGS.EXE (file missing)
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: MSN Messenger Service - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Program Files\Messenger\MSMSGS.EXE (file missing)
O12 - Plugin for .spop: C:\PROGRA~1\INTERN~1\Plugins\NPDocBox.dll
O14 - IERESET.INF: START_PAGE_URL=http://www
O16 - DPF: {f760cb9e-c60f-4a89-890e-fae8b849493e} -
O16 - DPF: {CA034DCC-A580-4333-B52F-15F98C42E04C} (Downloader Class) - http://www.stopzilla...ller/dwnldr.cab
O18 - Filter: text/html - {861DB0C0-52B2-11DA-8F63-4445C95D887D} - C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\NFDAOA.DLL
O18 - Filter: text/plain - {861DB0C0-52B2-11DA-8F63-4445C95D887D} - C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\NFDAOA.DLL



Seems the virus is a nasty bugger. Please advise

[don77]

* Delete Prefetch files >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> WOULD NOT ALLOW ME TO USE THIS OPTION IN ANY WAY WHATSOEVER And so I tries a number of options.

Sorry should have edited that, Thats for XP users,
Yes its still showing,
Probably a good idea to print out these instructions as you will be performing them in safe mode

Make sure you can view all Hidden Files/Folders

Please reboot to safe mode
Once in safe mode

Please restart HJT put a check next to the following, close all open windows and click “Fix Checked”
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Bar = res://c:\windows\TEMP\sp.dll/sp.html
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page = about:blank
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,SearchURL = http://www.clickyestoenter.net/ie/
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL = http://www
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Bar = res://c:\windows\TEMP\sp.dll/sp.html
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page = about:blank
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Search,SearchAssistant = about:blank
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Search,SearchAssistant = about:blank
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,HomeOldSP = about:blank
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,HomeOldSP = about:blank
R3 - Default URLSearchHook is missing
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {B581A321-F69D-11D8-8F63-44457802FD8B} - C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\NFDAOA.DLL
O16 - DPF: {f760cb9e-c60f-4a89-890e-fae8b849493e} -
O18 - Filter: text/html - {861DB0C0-52B2-11DA-8F63-4445C95D887D} - C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\NFDAOA.DLL
O18 - Filter: text/plain - {861DB0C0-52B2-11DA-8F63-4445C95D887D} - C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\NFDAOA.DLL

Close out HJT

Next
Search for and delete the file highlighted in BOLD

C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\NFDAOA.DLL



Next
Open up CWShredder and run it again be sure and click on the "fix" button, let it run and fix what it finds,
Close out CWShredder

Next
Restart your computer, Post back a fresh HJT log please

[snurg]

Don77

I think the last effort did the job. I have been using my compaq pc (not my primary pc) on & off for a bit since your last post & as far as I am aware coolwebsearch is yet to appear. No infection seems apparent. Nevertheless I enclose a HiJackTHis log for you to confirm its absence. Thankyou for your assistance.

One extra question - Can I use the same process as used to remove coolwebsearch to also remove the McAfee programs still present in my pc system? McAfee do not provide any uninstall wizard options in their own program (not for my pc anyhoo). Now & then it hijacks my browser to see if I want to update McAfee scanner - which I don't ever intend to.





Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.1
Scan saved at 8:31:40 PM, on 17/11/05
Platform: Windows 98 SE (Win9x 4.10.2222A)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v6.00 SP1 (6.00.2800.1106)

Running processes:
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\KERNEL32.DLL
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\MSGSRV32.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\MPREXE.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\mmtask.tsk
C:\WINDOWS\CPQDIAG\CPQDFWAG.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\SYGATE\SPF\SMC.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\EXPLORER.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\COMPAQ\EASY ACCESS BUTTON SUPPORT\CPQEADM.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\TASKMON.EXE
C:\MOUSE\SYSTEM\EM_EXEC.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\MCAFEE\MCAFEE VIRUSSCAN\ALOGSERV.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\STIMON.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\DDHELP.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\AHEAD\INCD\INCD.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\REAL\REALPLAYER\REALPLAY.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\SAMSUNG\SMARTHRU\PORTCTRL.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\ADOBE\ACROBAT 4.0\DISTILLR\ACROTRAY.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\SPOOL32.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\COMPAQ\EASY ACCESS BUTTON SUPPORT\BTTNSERV.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\COMPAQ\ON-SCREEN DISPLAY\OSD.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\RNAAPP.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\TAPISRV.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\MOZILLA FIREFOX\FIREFOX.EXE
C:\MY DOCUMENTS\PC DIAGNOSTICS\HIJACK MALWEAR FINDER\HIJACKTHIS.EXE

O2 - BHO: AcroIEHlprObj Class - {06849E9F-C8D7-4D59-B87D-784B7D6BE0B3} - C:\PROGRAM FILES\ADOBE\ACROBAT 6.0\READER\ACTIVEX\ACROIEHELPER.DLL
O2 - BHO: DNS Resolve Support Dll - {4920E150-5D27-4B95-B60B-D68B78928441} - C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\DNSCORE.DLL
O3 - Toolbar: &Radio - {8E718888-423F-11D2-876E-00A0C9082467} - C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\MSDXM.OCX
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [CPQEASYACC] C:\Program Files\Compaq\Easy Access Button Support\cpqeadm.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [EACLEAN] C:\Program Files\Compaq\Easy Access Button Support\eaclean.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [TaskMonitor] c:\windows\taskmon.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [EM_EXEC] c:\mouse\system\em_exec.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Aureal A3D Interactive Audio Init] A3dInit.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Alogserv] C:\Program Files\McAfee\McAfee VirusScan\alogserv.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Synchronization Manager] mobsync.exe /logon
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [StillImageMonitor] C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\STIMON.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [InCD] C:\Program Files\ahead\InCD\InCD.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [RealTray] C:\Program Files\Real\RealPlayer\RealPlay.exe SYSTEMBOOTHIDEPLAYER
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [GW Port Controller] C:\Program Files\Samsung\SmarThru\PORTCTRL.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SmcService] C:\PROGRA~1\SYGATE\SPF\SMC.EXE -startgui
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [PC Booster] C:\PROGRAM FILES\PC BOOSTER\PCBOOSTER.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\RunServices: [LoadPowerProfile] Rundll32.exe powrprof.dll,LoadCurrentPwrScheme
O4 - HKLM\..\RunServices: [CPQDFWAG] C:\WINDOWS\cpqdiag\CpqDfwAg.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\RunServices: [SmcService] C:\PROGRAM FILES\SYGATE\SPF\SMC.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\RunServices: [McAfeeVirusScanService] C:\Program Files\McAfee\McAfee VirusScan\AVSYNMGR.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\RunServices: [McAfeeWebScanX] C:\PROGRAM FILES\NETWORK ASSOCIATES\MCAFEE VIRUSSCAN\WebScanX.Exe /RUNSERVICES
O4 - Startup: Microsoft Office.lnk = C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office\OSA9.EXE
O4 - Startup: Acrobat Assistant.lnk = C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 4.0\Distillr\AcroTray.exe
O9 - Extra button: Real.com - {CD67F990-D8E9-11d2-98FE-00C0F0318AFE} - C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\Shdocvw.dll
O9 - Extra button: Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Program Files\Messenger\MSMSGS.EXE (file missing)
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: MSN Messenger Service - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Program Files\Messenger\MSMSGS.EXE (file missing)
O12 - Plugin for .spop: C:\PROGRA~1\INTERN~1\Plugins\NPDocBox.dll
O14 - IERESET.INF: START_PAGE_URL=http://www.aus.net.au
O16 - DPF: {CA034DCC-A580-4333-B52F-15F98C42E04C} (Downloader Class) - http://www.stopzilla...ller/dwnldr.cab


cheers


the snurg

[don77]

That got rid of the coolweb infection,

Did you try uninstalling McAfee from your Add/Remove ?
This would be the best way to do it, Also keep in mind once you completely remove you need to get a anti virus program for this computer
You can find a free Anti Virus program Here

[don77]

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.