Need Assistance on spyware issue.

[Badfishy_69]

I have rescently made a mistake ands installed something I knew probably was a mistake. Now, here I am.
This is the warning I get from AVG anti-spyware.

C:\System Volume Information\_restore{8AD504FD-9091-4B0F-8961-8E4961D712B7}\RP141\A0030468.exe -> Downloader.Zlob.bor : No action taken.



Heres my Hijackthis Log
Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.1
Scan saved at 8:39:38 AM, on 2/24/2007
Platform: Windows XP SP2 (WinNT 5.01.2600)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v7.00 (7.00.6000.16414)

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:\Program Files\Windows Defender\MsMpEng.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\LEXBCES.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\LEXPPS.EXE
D:\Program Files\Grisoft\AVG Anti-Spyware 7.5\guard.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgamsvr.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgupsvc.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgemc.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\nvsvc32.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\wdfmgr.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\alg.exe
C:\Program Files\Windows Defender\MSASCui.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgcc.exe
D:\Program Files\Grisoft\AVG Anti-Spyware 7.5\avgas.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\devldr32.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\explorer.exe

D:\Program Files\Spyware Doctor\swdoctor.exe
C:\Documents and Settings\Obidia\Desktop\HijackThis.exe

R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://google.com/
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=69157
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Search_URL = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=54896
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=54896
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=69157
O2 - BHO: Adobe PDF Reader Link Helper - {06849E9F-C8D7-4D59-B87D-784B7D6BE0B3} - D:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 7.0\ActiveX\AcroIEHelper.dll
O2 - BHO: PCTools Site Guard - {5C8B2A36-3DB1-42A4-A3CB-D426709BBFEB} - D:\PROGRA~1\SPYWAR~1\tools\iesdsg.dll
O2 - BHO: SSVHelper Class - {761497BB-D6F0-462C-B6EB-D4DAF1D92D43} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.5.0_09\bin\ssv.dll
O2 - BHO: PCTools Browser Monitor - {B56A7D7D-6927-48C8-A975-17DF180C71AC} - D:\PROGRA~1\SPYWAR~1\tools\iesdpb.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Windows Defender] "C:\Program Files\Windows Defender\MSASCui.exe" -hide
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NvCplDaemon] RUNDLL32.EXE C:\WINDOWS\system32\NvCpl.dll,NvStartup
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NvMediaCenter] RUNDLL32.EXE C:\WINDOWS\system32\NvMcTray.dll,NvTaskbarInit
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AVG7_CC] C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgcc.exe /STARTUP
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [!AVG Anti-Spyware] "D:\Program Files\Grisoft\AVG Anti-Spyware 7.5\avgas.exe" /minimized
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [Spyware Doctor] "D:\Program Files\Spyware Doctor\swdoctor.exe" /Q
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [msnmsgr] "C:\Program Files\MSN Messenger\msnmsgr.exe" /background
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [ctfmon.exe] C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
O9 - Extra button: Spyware Doctor - {2D663D1A-8670-49D9-A1A5-4C56B4E14E84} - D:\PROGRA~1\SPYWAR~1\tools\iesdpb.dll
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {e2e2dd38-d088-4134-82b7-f2ba38496583} - %windir%\Network Diagnostic\xpnetdiag.exe (file missing)
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: @xpsp3res.dll,-20001 - {e2e2dd38-d088-4134-82b7-f2ba38496583} - %windir%\Network Diagnostic\xpnetdiag.exe (file missing)
O11 - Options group: [INTERNATIONAL] International*
O16 - DPF: {17492023-C23A-453E-A040-C7C580BBF700} (Windows Genuine Advantage Validation Tool) - http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=39204
O16 - DPF: {4F1E5B1A-2A80-42CA-8532-2D05CB959537} (MSN Photo Upload Tool) - http://by111fd.bay111.hotmail.msn.co...s/MsnPUpld.cab
O16 - DPF: {6414512B-B978-451D-A0D8-FCFDF33E833C} (WUWebControl Class) - http://update.microsoft.com/windowsu...?1163066524015
O16 - DPF: {6E32070A-766D-4EE6-879C-DC1FA91D2FC3} (MUWebControl Class) - http://update.microsoft.com/microsof...?1163089555296
O18 - Protocol: livecall - {828030A1-22C1-4009-854F-8E305202313F} - C:\PROGRA~1\MSNMES~1\MSGRAP~1.DLL
O18 - Protocol: msnim - {828030A1-22C1-4009-854F-8E305202313F} - C:\PROGRA~1\MSNMES~1\MSGRAP~1.DLL
O21 - SSODL: eitheror - {2016a466-91a2-43c6-97d8-2fd380f065ef} - C:\WINDOWS\system32\higehsg.dll (file missing)O23 - Service: AVG Anti-Spyware Guard - Anti-Malware Development a.s. - D:\Program Files\Grisoft\AVG Anti-Spyware 7.5\guard.exe
O23 - Service: AVG7 Alert Manager Server (Avg7Alrt) - GRISOFT, s.r.o. - C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgamsvr.exe
O23 - Service: AVG7 Update Service (Avg7UpdSvc) - GRISOFT, s.r.o. - C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgupsvc.exe
O23 - Service: AVG E-mail Scanner (AVGEMS) - GRISOFT, s.r.o. - C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgemc.exe
O23 - Service: Symantec Lic NetConnect service (CLTNetCnService) - Unknown owner - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccSvcHst.exe" /h ccCommon (file missing)
O23 - Service: LexBce Server (LexBceS) - Lexmark International, Inc. - C:\WINDOWS\system32\LEXBCES.EXE
O23 - Service: NVIDIA Display Driver Service (NVSvc) - NVIDIA Corporation - C:\WINDOWS\system32\nvsvc32.exe

I knew I had gotten this, but thought I had it dealt with, but obviously its still here. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

The main problem is that I cant find the Host file, even with "Show hidden files" turned on.

Thanks for any help.
the line 021 was the original offending file some dll. hopefulle this helps. Thanks again

[Ried]

Hello Badfishy_69 and welcome to TSF,

Please copy this page to Notepad and save to your desktop for reference as you will not have any browsers open while you are carrying out these instructions.

It is IMPORTANT that you don't miss a step & perform everything in the correct order/sequence.

***************************************************

Please download SmitfraudFix (by S!Ri) to your Desktop. Do not run it yet.

----------------------------------------------------

Disable Windows Defender as it will interfere with the fix below:

• Open Windows Defender.
• Click on Tools, Options.
• Scroll down and uncheck Turn on real-time protection (recommended).
• After you uncheck this, click on the Save button and close Windows Defender.

--------------------------------------------------------------------

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) Use the up arrow key to highlight Safe Mode and press Enter.
5) Login with your usual account. Make sure to close any open browsers.

----------------------------------------------------

Double-click on SmitfraudFix.exe to start the tool.
Select option #2 - Clean by typing 2 and press Enter.
Wait for the tool to complete and disk cleanup to finish.
You will be prompted : " Registry cleaning - Do you want to clean the registry?" answer Yes by typing Y and hit Enter.
The tool will also check if wininet.dll is infected. If a clean version is found, you will be prompted to replace wininet.dll. Answer Yes to the question " Replace infected file?" by typing Y and hit Enter.

A reboot may be needed to finish the cleaning process, if you computer does not restart automatically please do it yourself manually. Reboot into Normal Windows.

The tool will create a log named rapport.txt in the root of your drive, eg: Local Disk C: (C:rapport.txt) or partition where your operating system is installed. Please post that log along with all others requested in your next reply.

----------------------------------------------------

Next go to Control Panel click Display>Desktop>Customize Desktop>Web> Now, Uncheck Everything and delete if present:
· "Security Info"
· "Warning Message"
· "Security Desktop"
· "Warning Homepage"
· "Desktop Uninstall"

Also make sure the 'Lock desktop items' box is unticked. Click OK, and then Click Apply, then OK.

----------------------------------------------------

Empty the Recycle Bin by right-clicking the Recycle Bin icon on your Desktop, and then clicking Empty Recycle Bin.

----------------------------------------------------

Close ALL open Windows / Programs / Folders. Run AVG Anti-Spyware with it's updated definitions: IMPORTANT: Do not open any other windows or programs while AVG Anti-Spyware is scanning, it may interfere with the scanning proccess:
Run AVG Anti-Spyware with it's updated definitions:(...it's important that all windows must be closed)

• Click Scanner
• Click on the Scan tab
• Click Complete System Scan to begin scanning.
  Once the scan is complete do the following:
• If you have any infections you will prompted, **Please ensure it is set to Quarantine then select "Apply all actions"
• Once finished, click the Save report button, then click Save Report As and save it to your desktop. (make sure to remember where you saved that file, this is important).

----------------------------------------------------

Reboot into Normal Mode.

----------------------------------------------------

Double-click on SmitfraudFix.exe to start the tool.
Select option #3 - Delete Trusted zone by typing 3 and press Enter
Answer Yes to the question "Restore Trusted Zone ?" by typing Y and hit Enter.

Note, if you use SpywareBlaster and/or IE-SPYAD, it will be necessary to re-install the protection both afford. For SpywareBlaster, run the program and re-protect all items. For IE-SPYAD, run the batch file and reinstall the protection.

----------------------------------------------------

Please run this online scan to search for any other files that may be lurking. It can take some time, so please be patient and allow it to run it's full course:

Perform an online scan with Internet Explorer with Panda ActiveScan[*] Click on located at the bottom of the page.[*] A "pop up" window will appear. * Please ensure that your pop up blocker doesn't block it *[*] Enter your e-mail address, country, and state & click "Free Online Scan" *The download of the 8 MB Panda's ActiveX control will take place*[/list]Begin the scan by selecting

• If it finds any malware, it will offer you a report.
• Please ignore any entry it finds and the offer to buy the program to remove the entry, as we will address this later.
• Click on then click

* You needn't remain online while it's doing the scan but you have to re-connect after it has finished to see the report.
* Turn off the real time scanner of any existing antivirus program while performing the online scan

----------------------------------------------------

Then post the following logs in your next reply...

c:\rapport.txt
AVG A/S log
Panda log
New HijackThis log

[Badfishy_69]

Ok, heres the new logs for everything after taking the steps you outlined.

HiJACKTHIS LOG
Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.1
Scan saved at 10:49:13 PM, on 2/24/2007
Platform: Windows XP SP2 (WinNT 5.01.2600)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v7.00 (7.00.6000.16414)

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:\Program Files\Windows Defender\MsMpEng.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\LEXBCES.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\LEXPPS.EXE
C:\Program Files\Windows Defender\MSASCui.exe
D:\Program Files\Grisoft\AVG Anti-Spyware 7.5\guard.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgamsvr.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\wdfmgr.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\alg.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\devldr32.exe
C:\Program Files\MSN Messenger\msnmsgr.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
D:\PROGRA~1\SPYWAR~1\swdoctor.exe
C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\IEXPLORE.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\system32\NOTEPAD.EXE
C:\Documents and Settings\Obidia\Desktop\HijackThis.exe

O2 - BHO: Adobe PDF Reader Link Helper - {06849E9F-C8D7-4D59-B87D-784B7D6BE0B3} - D:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 7.0\ActiveX\AcroIEHelper.dll
O2 - BHO: PCTools Site Guard - {5C8B2A36-3DB1-42A4-A3CB-D426709BBFEB} - D:\PROGRA~1\SPYWAR~1\tools\iesdsg.dll
O2 - BHO: SSVHelper Class - {761497BB-D6F0-462C-B6EB-D4DAF1D92D43} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.5.0_09\bin\ssv.dll
O2 - BHO: PCTools Browser Monitor - {B56A7D7D-6927-48C8-A975-17DF180C71AC} - D:\PROGRA~1\SPYWAR~1\tools\iesdpb.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Windows Defender] "C:\Program Files\Windows Defender\MSASCui.exe" -hide
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NvCplDaemon] RUNDLL32.EXE C:\WINDOWS\system32\NvCpl.dll,NvStartup
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NvMediaCenter] RUNDLL32.EXE C:\WINDOWS\system32\NvMcTray.dll,NvTaskbarInit
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AVG7_CC] C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgcc.exe /STARTUP
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [!AVG Anti-Spyware] "D:\Program Files\Grisoft\AVG Anti-Spyware 7.5\avgas.exe" /minimized
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [msnmsgr] "C:\Program Files\MSN Messenger\msnmsgr.exe" /background
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [ctfmon.exe] C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
O9 - Extra button: Spyware Doctor - {2D663D1A-8670-49D9-A1A5-4C56B4E14E84} - D:\PROGRA~1\SPYWAR~1\tools\iesdpb.dll
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {e2e2dd38-d088-4134-82b7-f2ba38496583} - %windir%\Network Diagnostic\xpnetdiag.exe (file missing)
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: @xpsp3res.dll,-20001 - {e2e2dd38-d088-4134-82b7-f2ba38496583} - %windir%\Network Diagnostic\xpnetdiag.exe (file missing)
O11 - Options group: [INTERNATIONAL] International*
O16 - DPF: {17492023-C23A-453E-A040-C7C580BBF700} (Windows Genuine Advantage Validation Tool) - http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=39204
O16 - DPF: {4F1E5B1A-2A80-42CA-8532-2D05CB959537} (MSN Photo Upload Tool) - http://by111fd.bay111.hotmail.msn.co...s/MsnPUpld.cab
O16 - DPF: {6414512B-B978-451D-A0D8-FCFDF33E833C} (WUWebControl Class) - http://update.microsoft.com/windowsu...?1163066524015
O16 - DPF: {6E32070A-766D-4EE6-879C-DC1FA91D2FC3} (MUWebControl Class) - http://update.microsoft.com/microsof...?1163089555296
O16 - DPF: {9A9307A0-7DA4-4DAF-B042-5009F29E09E1} (ActiveScan Installer Class) - http://acs.pandasoftware.com/actives...ree/asinst.cab
O18 - Protocol: livecall - {828030A1-22C1-4009-854F-8E305202313F} - C:\PROGRA~1\MSNMES~1\MSGRAP~1.DLL
O18 - Protocol: msnim - {828030A1-22C1-4009-854F-8E305202313F} - C:\PROGRA~1\MSNMES~1\MSGRAP~1.DLL
O23 - Service: AVG Anti-Spyware Guard - Anti-Malware Development a.s. - D:\Program Files\Grisoft\AVG Anti-Spyware 7.5\guard.exe
O23 - Service: AVG7 Alert Manager Server (Avg7Alrt) - GRISOFT, s.r.o. - C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgamsvr.exe
O23 - Service: AVG7 Update Service (Avg7UpdSvc) - GRISOFT, s.r.o. - C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgupsvc.exe
O23 - Service: AVG E-mail Scanner (AVGEMS) - GRISOFT, s.r.o. - C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgemc.exe
O23 - Service: Symantec Lic NetConnect service (CLTNetCnService) - Unknown owner - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccSvcHst.exe" /h ccCommon (file missing)
O23 - Service: LexBce Server (LexBceS) - Lexmark International, Inc. - C:\WINDOWS\system32\LEXBCES.EXE
O23 - Service: NVIDIA Display Driver Service (NVSvc) - NVIDIA Corporation - C:\WINDOWS\system32\nvsvc32.exe






ACTIVESCAN LOG

Incident Status Location

Adware:adware/dopewars Not disinfected Windows Registry
Spyware:Cookie/Atwola Not disinfected C:\Documents and Settings\Obidia\Application Data\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\dyvnglwu.default\cookies-12.txt[.atwola.com/]
Spyware:Cookie/Target Not disinfected C:\Documents and Settings\Obidia\Application Data\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\dyvnglwu.default\cookies-38.txt[.target.com/]
Spyware:Cookie/Peel Not disinfected C:\Documents and Settings\Obidia\Application Data\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\dyvnglwu.default\cookies-39.txt[.peel.com/]
Spyware:Cookie/Peel Not disinfected C:\Documents and Settings\Obidia\Application Data\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\dyvnglwu.default\cookies-44.txt[.peel.com/]
Spyware:Cookie/Target Not disinfected C:\Documents and Settings\Obidia\Application Data\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\dyvnglwu.default\cookies-56.txt[.target.com/]
Spyware:Cookie/Target Not disinfected C:\Documents and Settings\Obidia\Application Data\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\dyvnglwu.default\cookies-57.txt[.target.com/]
Spyware:Cookie/Apmebf Not disinfected C:\Documents and Settings\Obidia\Application Data\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\dyvnglwu.default\cookies-60.txt[.apmebf.com/]
Spyware:Cookie/Target Not disinfected C:\Documents and Settings\Obidia\Application Data\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\dyvnglwu.default\cookies-66.txt[.target.com/]
Spyware:Cookie/Target Not disinfected C:\Documents and Settings\Obidia\Application Data\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\dyvnglwu.default\cookies-67.txt[.target.com/]
Spyware:Cookie/Target Not disinfected C:\Documents and Settings\Obidia\Application Data\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\dyvnglwu.default\cookies-70.txt[.target.com/]
Spyware:Cookie/Target Not disinfected C:\Documents and Settings\Obidia\Application Data\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\dyvnglwu.default\cookies-71.txt[.target.com/]
Spyware:Cookie/Target Not disinfected C:\Documents and Settings\Obidia\Application Data\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\dyvnglwu.default\cookies-73.txt[.target.com/]
Potentially unwanted tool:Application/Processor Not disinfected C:\Documents and Settings\Obidia\Desktop\SmitfraudFix\Process.exe


SMITFRAUDFIX LOG

SmitFraudFix v2.144

Scan done at 18:57:58.04, Sat 02/24/2007
Run from C:\Documents and Settings\Obidia\Desktop\SmitfraudFix
OS: Microsoft Windows XP [Version 5.1.2600] - Windows_NT
The filesystem type is NTFS
Fix run in safe mode

»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»» SharedTaskScheduler Before SmitFraudFix
!!!Attention, following keys are not inevitably infected!!!

SrchSTS.exe by S!Ri
Search SharedTaskScheduler's .dll

»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»» Killing process


»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»» hosts


127.0.0.1 localhost

»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»» Generic Renos Fix

GenericRenosFix by S!Ri


»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»» Deleting infected files


»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»» Deleting Temp Files


»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»» Winlogon.System
!!!Attention, following keys are not inevitably infected!!!

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon]
"System"=""


»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»» Registry Cleaning

Registry Cleaning done.

»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»» SharedTaskScheduler After SmitFraudFix
!!!Attention, following keys are not inevitably infected!!!

SrchSTS.exe by S!Ri
Search SharedTaskScheduler's .dll


»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»» End




AVG A/S

NO LOG, NO PROBLEMS FOUND.


Let me know where to go from here if I need more done please. AND THINK YOU FOR YOUR HELP.

[Ried]

Hiya,

These logs are clean. Just clear those undesirable cookies from FireFox. You can simply scan with AVG A-S to clean those.

Create a new System Restore point
Click Start >> Run - type SYSDM.CPL & press Enter
* Select the System Restore Tab
* Tick on the checkbox - "Turn off System Restore on all drives"
Click Apply
* Then untick the same checkbox & click OK
This will prevent any reinfection from previous restore points.


To help protect your computer in the future I recommend that you get the following free programs if you do not already have them:

McAfee Site Advisor--free version. The folks there check out websites and based on their findings, rate it as Safe, Unknown, Caution, or Bad.

SpywareBlaster 3.5.1 to help prevent spyware from installing in the first place. Install & update SpywareBlaster with the latest definitions. After you have updated, click the button - enable protection for all unprotected items.

Spyware Guard to catch and block spyware before it can execute.

IE-SPYAD.EXE to block access to malicious websites so you cannot be redirected to them from an infected site or email. IE/Spyad places more than 4000 dubious websites and domains in the IE Restricted list. This severely impairs attempts to infect your system. It basically prevents any downloads (Cookies etc) from the sites listed, although you will still be able to connect to the sites. This is a self-extracting .ZIP file, save it to your desktop. Once downloaded, double-click on it to extract the files inside (default dir is C:\IE-SPYAD)

• Now navigate to C:\ie-spyad. Double click to open it.
• From within the folder, double-click install.bat
• Select Option #2 - Install the new IE-SPYAD list, by typing 2
• Then return to the main menu.
• Select option #4 - Add the old porn sites domain, by typing 4

Update all these programs regularly. Without regular updates you will not be protected when new malicious programs are released.

In light of your recent issue, I'm sure you'd like to avoid any future infections. Please take a look at these well written articles:

PC Safety and Security--What Do I Need?

HOW DID I GET INFECTED IN THE FIRST PLACE? by Tony Klein
THE ANTI-SPYWARE TUTORIAL
MAKING INTERNET EXPLORER SAFER
Understanding and Using Firewalls

**Be very wary with any security software that is advertised in popups or in other ways. They are not only usually of no use, but often have malware in them.

-----------------------------------------------------

Follow the list above and the potential for infection will reduce dramatically.

[Badfishy_69]

Thanks for all the help. And just FYI, I got this spyware off of myspace. Someone asked to be added to my friends. I clicked on the pic to the profile to see who it was, and it poped up a message saying to view the profile I would have to download a "MSVeiwerInstaller". I downloaded the file, I even scanned it with AVG, no issues found. I opened it and instanly AVG, SPyware doctor, and Windows Defender all went off, and as I suspected it was too late. BEWARE OF MYSPACE!!

[Ried]

Thanks for the info.

Many times people aren't sure about what they did to allow an infection in--this will certainly help any who read it.

It's a common 'procedure' at MySpace for people to request to be added to your list of friends so this is pretty sneaky. If you don't know who that person is, and if you are directed to install or download an additional program just to view someone--it's not a good thing.