[kdfrawg]

I've never had one of these before, but I certainly have one now. I have the Alfacleaner Trojan infection on a Windows XP Pro system. In doing a search, I am not the only one. I initially tried to delete the guilty files and could not. I then ran Adaware SE Plus and Norton Antivirus, which did not fix the problem. It is my understanding that I am to post a log from the program Hijackthis in this message, which I will do below. If there is something else needed from me, please ask. Thanks in advance for trying to help!

Michael

Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.1
Scan saved at 7:11:39 AM, on 3/2/2006
Platform: Windows XP SP2 (WinNT 5.01.2600)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v6.00 SP2 (6.00.2900.2180)

Running processes:
C:\WINNT\System32\smss.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\winlogon.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\services.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\lsass.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\svchost.exe
C:\WINNT\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\brsvc01a.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\brss01a.exe
C:\WINNT\Explorer.EXE
C:\Program Files\Adobe\Photoshop Elements 4.0\PhotoshopElementsFileAgent.exe
C:\Program Files\AlfaCleaner\ACServer.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccEvtMgr.exe
C:\Program Files\Executive Software\Diskeeper\DkService.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\EPSON\EBAPI\SAgent2.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\inetsrv\inetinfo.exe
C:\Program Files\Norton SystemWorks\Norton Utilities\NPROTECT.EXE
C:\WINNT\system32\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\Linksys Wireless-G PCI Wireless Network Monitor\WLService.exe
C:\Program Files\Linksys Wireless-G PCI Wireless Network Monitor\WMP54Gv4.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\VS7DEBUG\MDM.EXE
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\Security Center\SymWSC.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\SymTray.exe
C:\Program Files\Microsoft Hardware\Keyboard\speedkey.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccApp.exe
C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\80\Tools\Binn\sqlmangr.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\wuauclt.exe
C:\WINNT\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\taskmgr.exe
C:\Program Files\Hijackthis\HijackThis.exe

R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page = http://my.search/sp.php
R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://www.theinfidels.org/
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Search,SearchAssistant = http://my.search/sp.php
O2 - BHO: AcroIEHlprObj Class - {06849E9F-C8D7-4D59-B87D-784B7D6BE0B3} - C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 7.0\ActiveX\AcroIEHelper.dll
O2 - BHO: NAV Helper - {BDF3E430-B101-42AD-A544-FADC6B084872} - C:\Program Files\Norton SystemWorks\Norton AntiVirus\NavShExt.dll
O2 - BHO: Guard-IE - {D2F719F3-106A-402B-9996-3A5B12ACA564} - C:\Program Files\Failsafe\GuardIE\PnIE.dll
O3 - Toolbar: Norton AntiVirus - {42CDD1BF-3FFB-4238-8AD1-7859DF00B1D6} - C:\Program Files\Norton SystemWorks\Norton AntiVirus\NavShExt.dll
O3 - Toolbar: Guard-IE - {37C8204D-97C3-4127-BB28-1BFF3FA2F7DA} - C:\Program Files\Failsafe\GuardIE\PnIE.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Microsoft IntelliType Pro] "C:\Program Files\Microsoft Hardware\Keyboard\speedkey.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ccApp] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccApp.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ccRegVfy] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccRegVfy.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [QOELOADER] "C:\Program Files\Qurb\QSP-2.1.213.0\QOELoader.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SymTray - Norton SystemWorks] C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\Symtray.exe SetReg
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Synchronization Manager] mobsync.exe /logon
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [iamapp] C:\Program Files\Norton Personal Firewall\IAMAPP.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AlfaCleaner] C:\Program Files\AlfaCleaner\AlfaCleaner.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AdwareAlert] C:\Program Files\AdwareAlert\AdwareAlert.Exe -boot
O4 - HKLM\..\RunOnce: [SymTray - Norton SystemWorks] C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\Symtrdr.exe
O4 - Global Startup: Service Manager.lnk = C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\80\Tools\Binn\sqlmangr.exe
O4 - Global Startup: EPSON Status Monitor 3 Environment Check.lnk = C:\WINNT\system32\spool\drivers\w32x86\3\E_SRCV03.EXE
O8 - Extra context menu item: &ieSpell Options - res://C:\Program Files\ieSpell\iespell.dll/SPELLOPTION.HTM
O8 - Extra context menu item: Check &Spelling - res://C:\Program Files\ieSpell\iespell.dll/SPELLCHECK.HTM
O8 - Extra context menu item: E&xport to Microsoft Excel - res://C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~3\OFFICE11\EXCEL.EXE/3000
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\WINNT\System32\msjava.dll
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Sun Java Console - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\WINNT\System32\msjava.dll
O9 - Extra button: ieSpell - {0E17D5B7-9F5D-4fee-9DF6-CA6EE38B68A8} - C:\Program Files\ieSpell\iespell.dll
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: ieSpell - {0E17D5B7-9F5D-4fee-9DF6-CA6EE38B68A8} - C:\Program Files\ieSpell\iespell.dll
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {1606D6F9-9D3B-4aea-A025-ED5B2FD488E7} - C:\Program Files\ieSpell\iespell.dll
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: ieSpell Options - {1606D6F9-9D3B-4aea-A025-ED5B2FD488E7} - C:\Program Files\ieSpell\iespell.dll
O9 - Extra button: ATI TV - {44226DFF-747E-4edc-B30C-78752E50CD0C} - C:\Program Files\ATI Multimedia\TV\EXPLBAR.DLL (file missing)
O9 - Extra button: Research - {92780B25-18CC-41C8-B9BE-3C9C571A8263} - C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~3\OFFICE11\REFIEBAR.DLL
O9 - Extra button: @C:\Program Files\Failsafe\GuardIE\PnIE.dll,-100 - {BDD75188-2FC0-4099-909F-AA8D432BE037} - C:\Program Files\Failsafe\GuardIE\PnIE.dll
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: @C:\Program Files\Failsafe\GuardIE\PnIE.dll,-100 - {BDD75188-2FC0-4099-909F-AA8D432BE037} - C:\Program Files\Failsafe\GuardIE\PnIE.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
O12 - Plugin for .pdf: C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\PLUGINS\nppdf32.dll
O16 - DPF: ConferenceRoom Java Client - http://chat.privatef...000/java/cr.cab
O16 - DPF: symsupportutil - https://www-secure.s...supportutil.CAB
O16 - DPF: {0246ECA8-996F-11D1-BE2F-00A0C9037DFE} (TDServer Control) - http://www.bitstream...er/tdserver.cab
O16 - DPF: {05D44720-58E3-49E6-BDF6-D00330E511D3} (StagingUI Object) - http://zone.msn.com/...UI.cab40641.cab
O16 - DPF: {0A5FD7C5-A45C-49FC-ADB5-9952547D5715} (Creative Software AutoUpdate) - http://www.creative....015/CTSUEng.cab
O16 - DPF: {0E5F0222-96B9-11D3-8997-00104BD12D94} (PCPitstop Utility) - http://www.pcpitstop...p/PCPitStop.CAB
O16 - DPF: {11260943-421B-11D0-8EAC-0000C07D88CF} (iPIX ActiveX Control) - http://www.ipix.com/download/ipixx.cab
O16 - DPF: {31E68DE2-5548-4B23-88F0-C51E6A0F695E} (Microsoft PID Sniffer) - https://support.micr...ActiveX/odc.cab
O16 - DPF: {3BB54395-5982-4788-8AF4-B5388FFDD0D8} (ZoneBuddy Class) - http://zone.msn.com/...dy.cab32846.cab
O16 - DPF: {41F17733-B041-4099-A042-B518BB6A408C} - http://a1540.g.akama...meInstaller.exe
O16 - DPF: {4ED9DDF0-7479-4BBE-9335-5A1EDB1D8A21} (McAfee.com Operating System Class) - http://bin.mcafee.co...72/mcinsctl.cab
O16 - DPF: {4F1E5B1A-2A80-42CA-8532-2D05CB959537} (MSN Photo Upload Tool) - http://spaces.msn.co...ad/MsnPUpld.cab
O16 - DPF: {54B52E52-8000-4413-BD67-FC7FE24B59F2} (EARTPatchX Class) - http://simcity.ea.co...date/EARTPX.cab
O16 - DPF: {5736C456-EA94-4AAC-BB08-917ABDD035B3} (ZonePAChat Object) - http://zone.msn.com/...at.cab32846.cab
O16 - DPF: {6414512B-B978-451D-A0D8-FCFDF33E833C} (WUWebControl Class) - http://update.micros...b?1137261544386
O16 - DPF: {6E32070A-766D-4EE6-879C-DC1FA91D2FC3} (MUWebControl Class) - http://update.micros...b?1123788340190
O16 - DPF: {712362BF-E411-4F43-99D2-EB15F80AF1DB} (MsneDiag Class) - http://beta.entimg.m...snediag2729.cab
O16 - DPF: {928626A3-6B98-11CF-90B4-00AA00A4011F} (SurroundVideoCtrl Object) - http://autos.msn.com...id/MSSurVid.cab
O16 - DPF: {9A9307A0-7DA4-4DAF-B042-5009F29E09E1} (ActiveScan Installer Class) - http://www.pandasoft...free/asinst.cab
O16 - DPF: {B8BE5E93-A60C-4D26-A2DC-220313175592} (ZoneIntro Class) - http://zone.msn.com/...ro.cab34246.cab
O16 - DPF: {C36661D7-3590-45B1-80B5-520839E94DAD} (MaxisSimCity4PatcherX Control) - http://simcity.ea.co...ty4PatcherX.cab
O16 - DPF: {CAC181B0-4D70-402D-B571-C596A47D0CE0} (CBankshotZoneCtrl Class) - http://zone.msn.com/...ol.cab36107.cab
O16 - DPF: {DA2AA6CF-5C7A-4B71-BC3B-C771BB369937} (StadiumProxy Class) - http://zone.msn.com/...xy.cab41227.cab
O16 - DPF: {DED22F57-FEE2-11D0-953B-00C04FD9152D} (CarPoint Auto-Pricer Control) - http://autos.msn.com.../autopricer.cab
O16 - DPF: {DF780F87-FF2B-4DF8-92D0-73DB16A1543A} (PopCapLoader Object) - http://zone.msn.com/...aploader_v6.cab
O16 - DPF: {E77C0D62-882A-456F-AD8F-7C6C9569B8C7} (ActiveDataObj Class) - https://www-secure.s.../ActiveData.cab
O16 - DPF: {ED28050F-D713-43BA-A376-DCC5C35407D5} (MsnMusicAx Class) - http://entimg.msn.co...snmusax3209.cab
O16 - DPF: {F6ACF75C-C32C-447B-9BEF-46B766368D29} (Creative Software AutoUpdate Support Package) - http://www.creative....15014/CTPID.cab
O23 - Service: Adobe Active File Monitor V4 (AdobeActiveFileMonitor4.0) - Unknown owner - C:\Program Files\Adobe\Photoshop Elements 4.0\PhotoshopElementsFileAgent.exe
O23 - Service: AlfaCleanerService - AlfaCleaner.com - C:\Program Files\AlfaCleaner\ACServer.exe
O23 - Service: ATI Smart - Unknown owner - C:\WINNT\system32\ati2sgag.exe
O23 - Service: BrSplService (Brother XP spl Service) - brother Industries Ltd - C:\WINNT\system32\brsvc01a.exe
O23 - Service: Symantec Event Manager (ccEvtMgr) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccEvtMgr.exe
O23 - Service: Symantec Password Validation Service (ccPwdSvc) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccPwdSvc.exe
O23 - Service: Creative Service for CDROM Access - Creative Technology Ltd - C:\WINNT\system32\CTsvcCDA.EXE
O23 - Service: Diskeeper - Executive Software International, Inc. - C:\Program Files\Executive Software\Diskeeper\DkService.exe
O23 - Service: EPSON Printer Status Agent2 (EPSONStatusAgent2) - SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION - C:\Program Files\Common Files\EPSON\EBAPI\SAgent2.exe
O23 - Service: Norton AntiVirus Auto Protect Service (navapsvc) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Norton SystemWorks\Norton AntiVirus\navapsvc.exe
O23 - Service: Norton Unerase Protection (NProtectService) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Norton SystemWorks\Norton Utilities\NPROTECT.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: SymWMI Service (SymWSC) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\Security Center\SymWSC.exe
O23 - Service: WMP54Gv4SVC - Unknown owner - C:\Program Files\Linksys Wireless-G PCI Wireless Network Monitor\WLService.exe" "WMP54Gv4.exe (file missing)

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Hello Michael and welcome back 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, but continue with the fix.

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. Let’s see what we can do with the first sweep.

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
Ewido Security Suite
CWShredder
cwsserviceemove.reg file

Go to Start>Run and type Services.msc then hit OK
Scroll down and find this service:

AlfaCleanerService

When you find it, double-click on it. In the next window that opens, click the Stop button, then click on Properties and under the General Tab, change the Startup Type to Disabled. Now hit Apply and then OK.

Run HiJackThis. Click on None of the above, just start the program. Now, click on the Config button (bottom right), then click on Misc Tools, then click on Delete an NT Service a window will pop up. Enter this item into that field (copy and paste):

AlfaCleanerService

Click OK.

It should pull up information about the service, when it asks if you want to reboot now click YES

Now please install CWShredder, and run it. Click Check For Update, then Fix and then OK followed by Next, let it fix everything it asks about

Install Ewido Security Suite.

• Install Ewido security suite
• When installing, under "Additional Options" uncheck..
  • Install background guard
  • Install scan via context menu
  • 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")

If you are having problems with the updater, you can use this link to manually update Ewido.
Ewido manual updates
Do NOT run a scan yet.

Next, please reboot your computer in Safe Mode by doing the following:
1) Restart your computer
2) After hearing your computer beep once during startup, but before the Windows icon appears, press F8.
3) Instead of Windows loading as normal, a menu should appear
4) Select the first option, to run Windows in Safe Mode.

For additional help in booting into Safe Mode, see the following site:

Safe Mode

Launch Ewido, there should be an icon on your desktop, double-click it.

• The programme 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.

Once the updates are installed do the following:

• 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 and include it in your reply.

Now close Ewido security suite.

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

R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page = http://my.search/sp.php
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Search,SearchAssistant = http://my.search/sp.php
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AlfaCleaner] C:\Program Files\AlfaCleaner\AlfaCleaner.exe
O16 - DPF: {DF780F87-FF2B-4DF8-92D0-73DB16A1543A} (PopCapLoader Object) - http://zone.msn.com/...aploader_v6.cab
O23 - Service: AlfaCleanerService - AlfaCleaner.com - C:\Program Files\AlfaCleaner\ACServer.exe

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

Unzip cwsserviceemove.reg file to your desktop. While in safe mode, double click on it and grant it permission to add the registry items.

Please set your system to show all files; please see here if you're unsure how to do this.

Please delete this folder (if present) using Windows Explorer:

C:\Program Files\AlfaCleaner\

Close Windows Explorer

Please install Killbox by Option^Explicit.

• Please double-click Killbox.exe to run it.
• Select Delete on Reboot
• then Click on the All Files button.
• Please copy the file paths below to the clipboard by highlighting ALL of them and pressing CTRL + C (or, after highlighting, right-click and choose copy):

C:\Program Files\AlfaCleaner\ACServer.exe
C:\Program Files\AlfaCleaner\AlfaCleaner.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 OK at any PendingFileRenameOperations prompt (and please let me know if you receive this message!).

If your computer does not restart automatically, please restart it manually.

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 Killbox, click here to download and run missingfilesetup.exe. Then try Killbox again.

Now we must hide the files we revealed earlier by reversing the process, this is an important safeguard to stop important system files being deleted by accident.

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, and under the heading of Utilities uncheck Ewido Security Suite log, 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 Michael and welcome back 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, but continue with the fix.

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. Let’s see what we can do with the first sweep.

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
Ewido Security Suite
CWShredder
cwsserviceemove.reg file

Go to Start>Run and type Services.msc then hit OK
Scroll down and find this service:

AlfaCleanerService

When you find it, double-click on it. In the next window that opens, click the Stop button, then click on Properties and under the General Tab, change the Startup Type to Disabled. Now hit Apply and then OK.

Run HiJackThis. Click on None of the above, just start the program. Now, click on the Config button (bottom right), then click on Misc Tools, then click on Delete an NT Service a window will pop up. Enter this item into that field (copy and paste):

AlfaCleanerService

Click OK.

It should pull up information about the service, when it asks if you want to reboot now click YES

Now please install CWShredder, and run it. Click Check For Update, then Fix and then OK followed by Next, let it fix everything it asks about

Install Ewido Security Suite.

• Install Ewido security suite
• When installing, under "Additional Options" uncheck..
  • Install background guard
  • Install scan via context menu
  • 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")

If you are having problems with the updater, you can use this link to manually update Ewido.
Ewido manual updates
Do NOT run a scan yet.

Next, please reboot your computer in Safe Mode by doing the following:
1) Restart your computer
2) After hearing your computer beep once during startup, but before the Windows icon appears, press F8.
3) Instead of Windows loading as normal, a menu should appear
4) Select the first option, to run Windows in Safe Mode.

For additional help in booting into Safe Mode, see the following site:

Safe Mode

Launch Ewido, there should be an icon on your desktop, double-click it.

• The programme 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.

Once the updates are installed do the following:

• 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 and include it in your reply.

Now close Ewido security suite.

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

R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page = http://my.search/sp.php
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Search,SearchAssistant = http://my.search/sp.php
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AlfaCleaner] C:\Program Files\AlfaCleaner\AlfaCleaner.exe
O16 - DPF: {DF780F87-FF2B-4DF8-92D0-73DB16A1543A} (PopCapLoader Object) - http://zone.msn.com/...aploader_v6.cab
O23 - Service: AlfaCleanerService - AlfaCleaner.com - C:\Program Files\AlfaCleaner\ACServer.exe

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

Unzip cwsserviceemove.reg file to your desktop. While in safe mode, double click on it and grant it permission to add the registry items.

Please set your system to show all files; please see here if you're unsure how to do this.

Please delete this folder (if present) using Windows Explorer:

C:\Program Files\AlfaCleaner\

Close Windows Explorer

Please install Killbox by Option^Explicit.

• Please double-click Killbox.exe to run it.
• Select Delete on Reboot
• then Click on the All Files button.
• Please copy the file paths below to the clipboard by highlighting ALL of them and pressing CTRL + C (or, after highlighting, right-click and choose copy):

C:\Program Files\AlfaCleaner\ACServer.exe
C:\Program Files\AlfaCleaner\AlfaCleaner.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 OK at any PendingFileRenameOperations prompt (and please let me know if you receive this message!).

If your computer does not restart automatically, please restart it manually.

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 Killbox, click here to download and run missingfilesetup.exe. Then try Killbox again.

Now we must hide the files we revealed earlier by reversing the process, this is an important safeguard to stop important system files being deleted by accident.

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, and under the heading of Utilities uncheck Ewido Security Suite log, 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.

[kdfrawg]

Phil -

First, thanks for your help! Second, I'm sorry that this is taking so long on my end. I have a LOT of files on my system and the Ewido scan is still running; 229,140 files and counting, almost 50 minutes. As soon as it finishes, I will continue down the list of instructions.

I just didn't want you to think that I was ignoring you. I definitely am not. I'll get back to you with the material you requested as soon as I finish your instructions.

Thanks!

Michael

[Crustyoldbloke]

I think the record for the number of INFECTED files found by Ewido is 22,000. Many people experience their first Ewido scan of over 2 hours.

[kdfrawg]

Phil -

I'm not going to set any infected file records. It has found 29, which it did during the first half-hour or so. It has now inspected almost 350,000 objects and claims to be less than 60% done. Elapsed time so far: 256 minutes. It's probably good that I have one 250GB drive offline due to a failure and pending replacement. Again, thanks, and I'll be back to you when things quit running.

Michael

[kdfrawg]

Phil -

It suddenly started to move faster! The scan completed and I finished the rest of the list. I still have a cosmetic problem: I can't put my dog's picture back on my desktop! Right clicking no longer give me the options to deal with the desktop. Instead, it just brings up a properties box saying that it can't find the file that the malware displayed to advertise AlfaCleaner. Do you know how I can get the regular monitor properties box back? The one I mean is what you get when you right-click on the desktop background and select "Properties." There's a lot of things you can't do if that does not work.

That would appear to be the biggest leftover problem. I have not yet run CCleaner, but now that I am out of safe mode I will download and run it.

I have attached the Ewido scan report as an attachment. I am inserting the last HijakThis scan log at the bottom of this posting. Again, you have my gratitude. I don't know what us no-system types would do without you!

Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.1
Scan saved at 2:35:52 PM, on 3/2/2006
Platform: Windows XP SP2 (WinNT 5.01.2600)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v6.00 SP2 (6.00.2900.2180)

Running processes:
C:\WINNT\System32\smss.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\winlogon.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\services.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\lsass.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\svchost.exe
C:\WINNT\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\brsvc01a.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\brss01a.exe
C:\WINNT\Explorer.EXE
C:\Program Files\Adobe\Photoshop Elements 4.0\PhotoshopElementsFileAgent.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\SymTray.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccEvtMgr.exe
C:\Program Files\Executive Software\Diskeeper\DkService.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\EPSON\EBAPI\SAgent2.exe
C:\Program Files\ewido anti-malware\ewidoctrl.exe
C:\Program Files\Microsoft Hardware\Keyboard\speedkey.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccApp.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\inetsrv\inetinfo.exe
C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\80\Tools\Binn\sqlmangr.exe
C:\Program Files\Norton SystemWorks\Norton Utilities\NPROTECT.EXE
C:\WINNT\system32\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\Linksys Wireless-G PCI Wireless Network Monitor\WLService.exe
C:\Program Files\Linksys Wireless-G PCI Wireless Network Monitor\WMP54Gv4.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\Security Center\SymWSC.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\VS7DEBUG\MDM.EXE
C:\WINNT\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\wuauclt.exe
C:\Program Files\Hijackthis\HijackThis.exe

R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://www.theinfidels.org/
O2 - BHO: AcroIEHlprObj Class - {06849E9F-C8D7-4D59-B87D-784B7D6BE0B3} - C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 7.0\ActiveX\AcroIEHelper.dll
O2 - BHO: NAV Helper - {BDF3E430-B101-42AD-A544-FADC6B084872} - C:\Program Files\Norton SystemWorks\Norton AntiVirus\NavShExt.dll
O2 - BHO: Guard-IE - {D2F719F3-106A-402B-9996-3A5B12ACA564} - C:\Program Files\Failsafe\GuardIE\PnIE.dll
O3 - Toolbar: Norton AntiVirus - {42CDD1BF-3FFB-4238-8AD1-7859DF00B1D6} - C:\Program Files\Norton SystemWorks\Norton AntiVirus\NavShExt.dll
O3 - Toolbar: Guard-IE - {37C8204D-97C3-4127-BB28-1BFF3FA2F7DA} - C:\Program Files\Failsafe\GuardIE\PnIE.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Microsoft IntelliType Pro] "C:\Program Files\Microsoft Hardware\Keyboard\speedkey.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ccApp] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccApp.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ccRegVfy] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccRegVfy.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [QOELOADER] "C:\Program Files\Qurb\QSP-2.1.213.0\QOELoader.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SymTray - Norton SystemWorks] C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\Symtray.exe SetReg
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Synchronization Manager] mobsync.exe /logon
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [iamapp] C:\Program Files\Norton Personal Firewall\IAMAPP.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AdwareAlert] C:\Program Files\AdwareAlert\AdwareAlert.Exe -boot
O4 - HKLM\..\RunOnce: [SymTray - Norton SystemWorks] C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\Symtrdr.exe
O4 - Global Startup: Service Manager.lnk = C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\80\Tools\Binn\sqlmangr.exe
O4 - Global Startup: EPSON Status Monitor 3 Environment Check.lnk = C:\WINNT\system32\spool\drivers\w32x86\3\E_SRCV03.EXE
O8 - Extra context menu item: &ieSpell Options - res://C:\Program Files\ieSpell\iespell.dll/SPELLOPTION.HTM
O8 - Extra context menu item: Check &Spelling - res://C:\Program Files\ieSpell\iespell.dll/SPELLCHECK.HTM
O8 - Extra context menu item: E&xport to Microsoft Excel - res://C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~3\OFFICE11\EXCEL.EXE/3000
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\WINNT\System32\msjava.dll
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Sun Java Console - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\WINNT\System32\msjava.dll
O9 - Extra button: ieSpell - {0E17D5B7-9F5D-4fee-9DF6-CA6EE38B68A8} - C:\Program Files\ieSpell\iespell.dll
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: ieSpell - {0E17D5B7-9F5D-4fee-9DF6-CA6EE38B68A8} - C:\Program Files\ieSpell\iespell.dll
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {1606D6F9-9D3B-4aea-A025-ED5B2FD488E7} - C:\Program Files\ieSpell\iespell.dll
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: ieSpell Options - {1606D6F9-9D3B-4aea-A025-ED5B2FD488E7} - C:\Program Files\ieSpell\iespell.dll
O9 - Extra button: ATI TV - {44226DFF-747E-4edc-B30C-78752E50CD0C} - C:\Program Files\ATI Multimedia\TV\EXPLBAR.DLL (file missing)
O9 - Extra button: Research - {92780B25-18CC-41C8-B9BE-3C9C571A8263} - C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~3\OFFICE11\REFIEBAR.DLL
O9 - Extra button: @C:\Program Files\Failsafe\GuardIE\PnIE.dll,-100 - {BDD75188-2FC0-4099-909F-AA8D432BE037} - C:\Program Files\Failsafe\GuardIE\PnIE.dll
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: @C:\Program Files\Failsafe\GuardIE\PnIE.dll,-100 - {BDD75188-2FC0-4099-909F-AA8D432BE037} - C:\Program Files\Failsafe\GuardIE\PnIE.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
O12 - Plugin for .pdf: C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\PLUGINS\nppdf32.dll
O16 - DPF: ConferenceRoom Java Client - http://chat.privatef...000/java/cr.cab
O16 - DPF: {0246ECA8-996F-11D1-BE2F-00A0C9037DFE} (TDServer Control) - http://www.bitstream...er/tdserver.cab
O16 - DPF: {05D44720-58E3-49E6-BDF6-D00330E511D3} (StagingUI Object) - http://zone.msn.com/...UI.cab40641.cab
O16 - DPF: {0A5FD7C5-A45C-49FC-ADB5-9952547D5715} (Creative Software AutoUpdate) - http://www.creative....015/CTSUEng.cab
O16 - DPF: {0E5F0222-96B9-11D3-8997-00104BD12D94} (PCPitstop Utility) - http://www.pcpitstop...p/PCPitStop.CAB
O16 - DPF: {11260943-421B-11D0-8EAC-0000C07D88CF} (iPIX ActiveX Control) - http://www.ipix.com/download/ipixx.cab
O16 - DPF: {31E68DE2-5548-4B23-88F0-C51E6A0F695E} (Microsoft PID Sniffer) - https://support.micr...ActiveX/odc.cab
O16 - DPF: {3BB54395-5982-4788-8AF4-B5388FFDD0D8} (ZoneBuddy Class) - http://zone.msn.com/...dy.cab32846.cab
O16 - DPF: {41F17733-B041-4099-A042-B518BB6A408C} - http://a1540.g.akama...meInstaller.exe
O16 - DPF: {4ED9DDF0-7479-4BBE-9335-5A1EDB1D8A21} (McAfee.com Operating System Class) - http://bin.mcafee.co...72/mcinsctl.cab
O16 - DPF: {4F1E5B1A-2A80-42CA-8532-2D05CB959537} (MSN Photo Upload Tool) - http://spaces.msn.co...ad/MsnPUpld.cab
O16 - DPF: {54B52E52-8000-4413-BD67-FC7FE24B59F2} (EARTPatchX Class) - http://simcity.ea.co...date/EARTPX.cab
O16 - DPF: {5736C456-EA94-4AAC-BB08-917ABDD035B3} (ZonePAChat Object) - http://zone.msn.com/...at.cab32846.cab
O16 - DPF: {6414512B-B978-451D-A0D8-FCFDF33E833C} (WUWebControl Class) - http://update.micros...b?1137261544386
O16 - DPF: {6E32070A-766D-4EE6-879C-DC1FA91D2FC3} (MUWebControl Class) - http://update.micros...b?1123788340190
O16 - DPF: {712362BF-E411-4F43-99D2-EB15F80AF1DB} (MsneDiag Class) - http://beta.entimg.m...snediag2729.cab
O16 - DPF: {928626A3-6B98-11CF-90B4-00AA00A4011F} (SurroundVideoCtrl Object) - http://autos.msn.com...id/MSSurVid.cab
O16 - DPF: {9A9307A0-7DA4-4DAF-B042-5009F29E09E1} (ActiveScan Installer Class) - http://www.pandasoft...free/asinst.cab
O16 - DPF: {B8BE5E93-A60C-4D26-A2DC-220313175592} (ZoneIntro Class) - http://zone.msn.com/...ro.cab34246.cab
O16 - DPF: {C36661D7-3590-45B1-80B5-520839E94DAD} (MaxisSimCity4PatcherX Control) - http://simcity.ea.co...ty4PatcherX.cab
O16 - DPF: {CAC181B0-4D70-402D-B571-C596A47D0CE0} (CBankshotZoneCtrl Class) - http://zone.msn.com/...ol.cab36107.cab
O16 - DPF: {DA2AA6CF-5C7A-4B71-BC3B-C771BB369937} (StadiumProxy Class) - http://zone.msn.com/...xy.cab41227.cab
O16 - DPF: {DED22F57-FEE2-11D0-953B-00C04FD9152D} (CarPoint Auto-Pricer Control) - http://autos.msn.com.../autopricer.cab
O16 - DPF: {E77C0D62-882A-456F-AD8F-7C6C9569B8C7} (ActiveDataObj Class) - https://www-secure.s.../ActiveData.cab
O16 - DPF: {ED28050F-D713-43BA-A376-DCC5C35407D5} (MsnMusicAx Class) - http://entimg.msn.co...snmusax3209.cab
O16 - DPF: {F6ACF75C-C32C-447B-9BEF-46B766368D29} (Creative Software AutoUpdate Support Package) - http://www.creative....15014/CTPID.cab
O23 - Service: Adobe Active File Monitor V4 (AdobeActiveFileMonitor4.0) - Unknown owner - C:\Program Files\Adobe\Photoshop Elements 4.0\PhotoshopElementsFileAgent.exe
O23 - Service: ATI Smart - Unknown owner - C:\WINNT\system32\ati2sgag.exe
O23 - Service: BrSplService (Brother XP spl Service) - brother Industries Ltd - C:\WINNT\system32\brsvc01a.exe
O23 - Service: Symantec Event Manager (ccEvtMgr) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccEvtMgr.exe
O23 - Service: Symantec Password Validation Service (ccPwdSvc) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccPwdSvc.exe
O23 - Service: Creative Service for CDROM Access - Creative Technology Ltd - C:\WINNT\system32\CTsvcCDA.EXE
O23 - Service: Diskeeper - Executive Software International, Inc. - C:\Program Files\Executive Software\Diskeeper\DkService.exe
O23 - Service: EPSON Printer Status Agent2 (EPSONStatusAgent2) - SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION - C:\Program Files\Common Files\EPSON\EBAPI\SAgent2.exe
O23 - Service: ewido security suite control - ewido networks - C:\Program Files\ewido anti-malware\ewidoctrl.exe
O23 - Service: Norton AntiVirus Auto Protect Service (navapsvc) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Norton SystemWorks\Norton AntiVirus\navapsvc.exe
O23 - Service: Norton Unerase Protection (NProtectService) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Norton SystemWorks\Norton Utilities\NPROTECT.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: SymWMI Service (SymWSC) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\Security Center\SymWSC.exe
O23 - Service: WMP54Gv4SVC - Unknown owner - C:\Program Files\Linksys Wireless-G PCI Wireless Network Monitor\WLService.exe" "WMP54Gv4.exe (file missing)

Attached Files

•  Scan_report_20060302.txt.txt   8.53KB   127 downloads

[Crustyoldbloke]

Hello again Michael

Ccleaner will get rid of a load of rubbish but it will not touch any system files, so the information I have is now complete. Ewido showed a Vundo infection which is invisible in your HJT log. Let's move on.

Download FixSF.reg to your desktop by right clicking on the following link and then selecting Save Link As or Save File as, depending on your browser.

FixSF.reg Download Link

Confirm that the file FixSF.reg now resides on your desktop as we will need it later.

Go to your desktop and double click on the FixSF.reg file that you downloaded earlier. When it asks if you would like to merge the information, press the Yes button and then the OK button.

Download smitRem.exe ©noahdfear, and save the file to your desktop.
Double click on the file to extract it to it's own folder on the desktop.

Next, please reboot your computer in SafeMode by doing the following:[list=1]
[*]Restart your computer
[*]After hearing your computer beep once during startup, but before the Windows icon appears, press F8.
[*]Instead of Windows loading as normal, a menu should appear
[*]Select the first option, to run Windows in Safe Mode.

Open the smitRem folder, then double click the RunThis.bat file to start the tool. Follow the prompts on screen.
Wait for the tool to complete and disk cleanup to finish.

The tool will create a log named smitfiles.txt in the root of your drive, eg; Local Disk C: or partition where your operating system is installed. Please post that log in your next reply.

[kdfrawg]

Phil -

I have followed your instructions and will paste in the smitfiles.txt information below. The only other anomoly that I have noticed is that it is taking a LONG time for XP to load and display the desktop after I log in. This is while it is displaying the "loading personal settings" message. It used to be almost instant. Hmmmmm.

Again, many thanks, and here is the contents of smitfiles.txt:


smitRem © log file
version 2.8

by noahdfear


Microsoft Windows XP [Version 5.1.2600]
The current date is: Thu 03/02/2006
The current time is: 15:18:11.96

Running from
C:\Documents and Settings\kdfrawg\Desktop\smitRem

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Pre-run SharedTask Export

(GetSTS.exe) SharedTaskScheduler exporter by Lawrence Abrams (Grinler)
Copyright© 2006 BleepingComputer.com

Registry Pseudo-Format Mode (Not a valid reg file):

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\SharedTaskScheduler]
"{438755C2-A8BA-11D1-B96B-00A0C90312E1}"="Browseui preloader"
"{8C7461EF-2B13-11d2-BE35-3078302C2030}"="Component Categories cache daemon"

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\CLSID\{438755C2-A8BA-11D1-B96B-00A0C90312E1}\InProcServer32]
@="%SystemRoot%\system32\browseui.dll"


[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\CLSID\{8C7461EF-2B13-11d2-BE35-3078302C2030}\InProcServer32]
@="%SystemRoot%\system32\browseui.dll"


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

checking for ShudderLTD key

ShudderLTD key not present!

checking for PSGuard.com key


PSGuard.com key not present!


checking for WinHound.com key


WinHound.com key not present!

spyaxe uninstaller NOT present
Winhound uninstaller NOT present
SpywareStrike uninstaller NOT present

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Existing Pre-run Files


~~~ Program Files ~~~



~~~ Shortcuts ~~~



~~~ Favorites ~~~



~~~ system32 folder ~~~



~~~ Icons in System32 ~~~



~~~ Windows directory ~~~



~~~ Drive root ~~~


~~~ Miscellaneous Files/folders ~~~




~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Command Line Process Viewer/Killer/Suspender for Windows NT/2000/XP V2.03
Copyright© 2002-2003 [email protected]
Killing PID 776 'explorer.exe'
Killing PID 776 'explorer.exe'

Starting registry repairs

Registry repairs complete

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

SharedTask Export after registry fix

(GetSTS.exe) SharedTaskScheduler exporter by Lawrence Abrams (Grinler)
Copyright© 2006 BleepingComputer.com

Registry Pseudo-Format Mode (Not a valid reg file):

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\SharedTaskScheduler]
"{438755C2-A8BA-11D1-B96B-00A0C90312E1}"="Browseui preloader"
"{8C7461EF-2B13-11d2-BE35-3078302C2030}"="Component Categories cache daemon"

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\CLSID\{438755C2-A8BA-11D1-B96B-00A0C90312E1}\InProcServer32]
@="%SystemRoot%\system32\browseui.dll"


[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\CLSID\{8C7461EF-2B13-11d2-BE35-3078302C2030}\InProcServer32]
@="%SystemRoot%\system32\browseui.dll"


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Deleting files

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Remaining Post-run Files


~~~ Program Files ~~~



~~~ Shortcuts ~~~



~~~ Favorites ~~~



~~~ system32 folder ~~~



~~~ Icons in System32 ~~~



~~~ Windows directory ~~~



~~~ Drive root ~~~


~~~ Miscellaneous Files/folders ~~~


~~~ Wininet.dll ~~~

CLEAN!

[kdfrawg]

Phil -

[ This is the second of two postings of mine since you last posted. ]

I hope I just didn't do the wrong thing. I finally remembered that Control Panel --> Display was where those settings were. I just went there. No desktop background was set. At that point, the desktop (my resolution is 1280 x 1024) was mainly blue, with a white rectangle in the upper left hand corner. That white rectangle was about the right size to be 640 x 480.

I then selected the jpg that I use for a background. The background changed, but not to the photo. Instead, it turned all white. I hope I didn't mess up and that this information helps. I would guess that you are probably getting some well-deserved sleep. I hope your dreams were good.

Michael

[kdfrawg]

Phil -

[ This is the THIRD of three postings of mine since you last posted. I just can't leave well enough alone]

I kept on researching the problem with the desktop. Finally, under the:

Control Panel
-- Display
---- Desktop
------ Customize Desktop
-------- Web

There was a file in the Web Pages list. I deleted it, then OKed out of display. The desktop appeared as it used to. The problem with the slow boot time went away. I still have a registry entry for "hpwarn.html" but it doesn't seem to be hurtuing anything.

Michael

[Crustyoldbloke]

Hello again Michael

I see you discovered the active desktop setting - excellent.

You may delete the hpwarn.html if you wish.

Could I see a fresh HJT log from normal mode please.

[kdfrawg]

Good morning, Phil!

I hope you had a pleasant evening and morning. It looks like you're getting me fixed right up. I appreciate it immensely. The new HijackThis log follows:

Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.1
Scan saved at 7:23:55 AM, on 3/3/2006
Platform: Windows XP SP2 (WinNT 5.01.2600)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v6.00 SP2 (6.00.2900.2180)

Running processes:
C:\WINNT\System32\smss.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\winlogon.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\services.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\lsass.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\svchost.exe
C:\WINNT\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\brsvc01a.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\brss01a.exe
C:\Program Files\Adobe\Photoshop Elements 4.0\PhotoshopElementsFileAgent.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccEvtMgr.exe
C:\Program Files\Executive Software\Diskeeper\DkService.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\EPSON\EBAPI\SAgent2.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\inetsrv\inetinfo.exe
C:\Program Files\Norton SystemWorks\Norton Utilities\NPROTECT.EXE
C:\WINNT\system32\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\Linksys Wireless-G PCI Wireless Network Monitor\WLService.exe
C:\Program Files\Linksys Wireless-G PCI Wireless Network Monitor\WMP54Gv4.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\Security Center\SymWSC.exe
C:\WINNT\Explorer.EXE
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\SymTray.exe
C:\Program Files\Microsoft Hardware\Keyboard\speedkey.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccApp.exe
C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\80\Tools\Binn\sqlmangr.exe
C:\WINNT\System32\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\OFFICE11\OUTLOOK.EXE
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\VS7DEBUG\MDM.EXE
C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\OFFICE11\EXCEL.EXE
C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\OFFICE11\WINWORD.EXE
C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\IEXPLORE.EXE
C:\Program Files\Hijackthis\HijackThis.exe

R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://www.theinfidels.org/
O2 - BHO: AcroIEHlprObj Class - {06849E9F-C8D7-4D59-B87D-784B7D6BE0B3} - C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 7.0\ActiveX\AcroIEHelper.dll
O2 - BHO: CNavExtBho Class - {BDF3E430-B101-42AD-A544-FADC6B084872} - C:\Program Files\Norton SystemWorks\Norton AntiVirus\NavShExt.dll
O2 - BHO: PnIEBrowserHelperObj Class - {D2F719F3-106A-402B-9996-3A5B12ACA564} - C:\Program Files\Failsafe\GuardIE\PnIE.dll
O3 - Toolbar: Norton AntiVirus - {42CDD1BF-3FFB-4238-8AD1-7859DF00B1D6} - C:\Program Files\Norton SystemWorks\Norton AntiVirus\NavShExt.dll
O3 - Toolbar: Guard-IE - {37C8204D-97C3-4127-BB28-1BFF3FA2F7DA} - C:\Program Files\Failsafe\GuardIE\PnIE.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Microsoft IntelliType Pro] "C:\Program Files\Microsoft Hardware\Keyboard\speedkey.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ccApp] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccApp.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ccRegVfy] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccRegVfy.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [QOELOADER] "C:\Program Files\Qurb\QSP-2.1.213.0\QOELoader.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SymTray - Norton SystemWorks] C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\Symtray.exe SetReg
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [iamapp] C:\Program Files\Norton Personal Firewall\IAMAPP.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\RunOnce: [SymTray - Norton SystemWorks] C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\Symtrdr.exe
O4 - Global Startup: Service Manager.lnk = C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\80\Tools\Binn\sqlmangr.exe
O4 - Global Startup: EPSON Status Monitor 3 Environment Check.lnk = C:\WINNT\system32\spool\drivers\w32x86\3\E_SRCV03.EXE
O8 - Extra context menu item: &ieSpell Options - res://C:\Program Files\ieSpell\iespell.dll/SPELLOPTION.HTM
O8 - Extra context menu item: Check &Spelling - res://C:\Program Files\ieSpell\iespell.dll/SPELLCHECK.HTM
O8 - Extra context menu item: E&xport to Microsoft Excel - res://C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~3\OFFICE11\EXCEL.EXE/3000
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\WINNT\System32\msjava.dll
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Sun Java Console - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\WINNT\System32\msjava.dll
O9 - Extra button: ieSpell - {0E17D5B7-9F5D-4fee-9DF6-CA6EE38B68A8} - C:\Program Files\ieSpell\iespell.dll
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: ieSpell - {0E17D5B7-9F5D-4fee-9DF6-CA6EE38B68A8} - C:\Program Files\ieSpell\iespell.dll
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {1606D6F9-9D3B-4aea-A025-ED5B2FD488E7} - C:\Program Files\ieSpell\iespell.dll
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: ieSpell Options - {1606D6F9-9D3B-4aea-A025-ED5B2FD488E7} - C:\Program Files\ieSpell\iespell.dll
O9 - Extra button: ATI TV - {44226DFF-747E-4edc-B30C-78752E50CD0C} - C:\Program Files\ATI Multimedia\TV\EXPLBAR.DLL (file missing)
O9 - Extra button: Research - {92780B25-18CC-41C8-B9BE-3C9C571A8263} - C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~3\OFFICE11\REFIEBAR.DLL
O9 - Extra button: @C:\Program Files\Failsafe\GuardIE\PnIE.dll,-100 - {BDD75188-2FC0-4099-909F-AA8D432BE037} - C:\Program Files\Failsafe\GuardIE\PnIE.dll
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: @C:\Program Files\Failsafe\GuardIE\PnIE.dll,-100 - {BDD75188-2FC0-4099-909F-AA8D432BE037} - C:\Program Files\Failsafe\GuardIE\PnIE.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
O12 - Plugin for .pdf: C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\PLUGINS\nppdf32.dll
O16 - DPF: ConferenceRoom Java Client - http://chat.privatef...000/java/cr.cab
O16 - DPF: {0246ECA8-996F-11D1-BE2F-00A0C9037DFE} (TDServer Control) - http://www.bitstream...er/tdserver.cab
O16 - DPF: {05D44720-58E3-49E6-BDF6-D00330E511D3} (StagingUI Object) - http://zone.msn.com/...UI.cab40641.cab
O16 - DPF: {0A5FD7C5-A45C-49FC-ADB5-9952547D5715} (Creative Software AutoUpdate) - http://www.creative....015/CTSUEng.cab
O16 - DPF: {0E5F0222-96B9-11D3-8997-00104BD12D94} (PCPitstop Utility) - http://www.pcpitstop...p/PCPitStop.CAB
O16 - DPF: {11260943-421B-11D0-8EAC-0000C07D88CF} (iPIX ActiveX Control) - http://www.ipix.com/download/ipixx.cab
O16 - DPF: {31E68DE2-5548-4B23-88F0-C51E6A0F695E} (Microsoft PID Sniffer) - https://support.micr...ActiveX/odc.cab
O16 - DPF: {3BB54395-5982-4788-8AF4-B5388FFDD0D8} (ZoneBuddy Class) - http://zone.msn.com/...dy.cab32846.cab
O16 - DPF: {41F17733-B041-4099-A042-B518BB6A408C} - http://a1540.g.akama...meInstaller.exe
O16 - DPF: {4ED9DDF0-7479-4BBE-9335-5A1EDB1D8A21} (McAfee.com Operating System Class) - http://bin.mcafee.co...72/mcinsctl.cab
O16 - DPF: {4F1E5B1A-2A80-42CA-8532-2D05CB959537} (MSN Photo Upload Tool) - http://spaces.msn.co...ad/MsnPUpld.cab
O16 - DPF: {54B52E52-8000-4413-BD67-FC7FE24B59F2} (EARTPatchX Class) - http://simcity.ea.co...date/EARTPX.cab
O16 - DPF: {5736C456-EA94-4AAC-BB08-917ABDD035B3} (ZonePAChat Object) - http://zone.msn.com/...at.cab32846.cab
O16 - DPF: {6414512B-B978-451D-A0D8-FCFDF33E833C} (WUWebControl Class) - http://update.micros...b?1137261544386
O16 - DPF: {6E32070A-766D-4EE6-879C-DC1FA91D2FC3} (MUWebControl Class) - http://update.micros...b?1123788340190
O16 - DPF: {712362BF-E411-4F43-99D2-EB15F80AF1DB} (MsneDiag Class) - http://beta.entimg.m...snediag2729.cab
O16 - DPF: {928626A3-6B98-11CF-90B4-00AA00A4011F} (SurroundVideoCtrl Object) - http://autos.msn.com...id/MSSurVid.cab
O16 - DPF: {9A9307A0-7DA4-4DAF-B042-5009F29E09E1} (ActiveScan Installer Class) - http://www.pandasoft...free/asinst.cab
O16 - DPF: {B8BE5E93-A60C-4D26-A2DC-220313175592} (ZoneIntro Class) - http://zone.msn.com/...ro.cab34246.cab
O16 - DPF: {C36661D7-3590-45B1-80B5-520839E94DAD} (MaxisSimCity4PatcherX Control) - http://simcity.ea.co...ty4PatcherX.cab
O16 - DPF: {CAC181B0-4D70-402D-B571-C596A47D0CE0} (CBankshotZoneCtrl Class) - http://zone.msn.com/...ol.cab36107.cab
O16 - DPF: {DA2AA6CF-5C7A-4B71-BC3B-C771BB369937} (StadiumProxy Class) - http://zone.msn.com/...xy.cab41227.cab
O16 - DPF: {DED22F57-FEE2-11D0-953B-00C04FD9152D} (CarPoint Auto-Pricer Control) - http://autos.msn.com.../autopricer.cab
O16 - DPF: {E77C0D62-882A-456F-AD8F-7C6C9569B8C7} (ActiveDataObj Class) - https://www-secure.s.../ActiveData.cab
O16 - DPF: {ED28050F-D713-43BA-A376-DCC5C35407D5} (MsnMusicAx Class) - http://entimg.msn.co...snmusax3209.cab
O16 - DPF: {F6ACF75C-C32C-447B-9BEF-46B766368D29} (Creative Software AutoUpdate Support Package) - http://www.creative....15014/CTPID.cab
O23 - Service: Adobe Active File Monitor V4 (AdobeActiveFileMonitor4.0) - Unknown owner - C:\Program Files\Adobe\Photoshop Elements 4.0\PhotoshopElementsFileAgent.exe
O23 - Service: ATI Smart - Unknown owner - C:\WINNT\system32\ati2sgag.exe
O23 - Service: BrSplService (Brother XP spl Service) - brother Industries Ltd - C:\WINNT\system32\brsvc01a.exe
O23 - Service: Symantec Event Manager (ccEvtMgr) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccEvtMgr.exe
O23 - Service: Symantec Password Validation Service (ccPwdSvc) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccPwdSvc.exe
O23 - Service: Creative Service for CDROM Access - Creative Technology Ltd - C:\WINNT\system32\CTsvcCDA.EXE
O23 - Service: Diskeeper - Executive Software International, Inc. - C:\Program Files\Executive Software\Diskeeper\DkService.exe
O23 - Service: EPSON Printer Status Agent2 (EPSONStatusAgent2) - SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION - C:\Program Files\Common Files\EPSON\EBAPI\SAgent2.exe
O23 - Service: ewido security suite control - ewido networks - C:\Program Files\ewido anti-malware\ewidoctrl.exe
O23 - Service: Norton AntiVirus Auto Protect Service (navapsvc) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Norton SystemWorks\Norton AntiVirus\navapsvc.exe
O23 - Service: Norton Unerase Protection (NProtectService) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Norton SystemWorks\Norton Utilities\NPROTECT.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: SymWMI Service (SymWSC) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\Security Center\SymWSC.exe
O23 - Service: WMP54Gv4SVC - Unknown owner - C:\Program Files\Linksys Wireless-G PCI Wireless Network Monitor\WLService.exe" "WMP54Gv4.exe (file missing)

[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.
MICROSOFT ANTISPYWARE - With daily updates and scans, this programme offers good security against malware.
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 cause conflicts and slowness.

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.

It just remains for me to wish you happy safe surfing Michael.

[kdfrawg]

Phil -

I have done the System Restore procedure. I already use the Microsoft Update feature. I've wondered if that pop-up blocker is a good one. I rely on a program called Guard-IE, which has a number of excellent functions but is no longer supported or updated, although I never see a pop-up. I have also always avoided downloading tool bars. Now that you have mentioned the Microsoft and Google tool bar blockers, I wonder if those two products could replace Guard-IE, which is getting long in the tooth.

I use the paid-up version of AdAware (SE) and have always been happy with it. You're correct, it is a fine piece of work. I will look closely at Microsoft Antispyware, Spybot S & D, and Spyware Blaster to see if I should add them to my workstation. I am still using Norton Anti-Virus, even though they are a pain to deal with. My wife works for Kansas University, and I have been considering switching to Sophos, which is free to faculty and staff. As for a firewall, I am on cable and am behind a Cisco Linksys hardware router/firewall. I am not currently using a software firewall.

I truly appreciate your recommendations. It is very difficult to get that kind of information from someone who is as knowledgeable as you are. I will carefully consider each one. Now if I could just find something to replace my Qurb spam filter. I love the whitelist feature, because I always get mail from people it knows about. But that leaves me with 400-500 spams a day (I'm Webmaster on several Web sites so those addressed get a lot of junk) to look through. Often I don't and will occasionally miss an email that I should have gotten from a new correspondent. Plus, Qurb has been purchased and is no longer available or supported. But I digress.

Please accept my sincere thanks for all of your help. You have been a pleasure to work with. I truly appreciate your knowledge and wonderful attitude. I also wanted to say that I have empathy for you and your Meniere’s Disease. I have been blessed with Multiple Sclerosis. Sometimes you can't help but feel like your body in in active revolt against you. All we can do is take it one step at a time, at least when that next step is possible.

Thanks again!

Michael

[Crustyoldbloke]

You are very welcome Michael.

I will leave this thread open for a few days in case of misfortune.

BTW, the USA have a Menieres get together in KC each summer. Good luck with the MS.