cp1041.nls removal help

[sUBs]

Please show me a fresh ComboFix log. We probably need to use ComboFix against comext.dll

As for McAfee & Adaware, please create a fresh System Restore point before installing. If anything goes wrong, that can be used to recover the suituation.

[herring]

I will hold off on any installs of my own until we are sure the light at the end of the tunnel isn't a train.

Here is ComboFix.log from tonight:

"123" - 2007-05-06 20:58:32 Service Pack 2
ComboFix 07-05.05.4.V - Running from: "C:\Documents and Settings\123\Desktop\"


((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Files Created from 2007-04-06 to 2007-05-06 ))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))


2007-05-06 07:44 <DIR> d-------- C:\WINDOWS\LastGood
2007-05-06 07:42 21,895 --------- C:\WINDOWS\system32\comext.dll
2007-05-06 01:34 <DIR> d-------- C:\WINDOWS\BDOSCAN8
2007-05-05 13:22 <DIR> d-------- C:\DOCUME~1\123\APPLIC~1\Talkback
2007-05-05 13:21 0 --a------ C:\WINDOWS\nsreg.dat
2007-05-04 12:13 60 --a------ C:\fix.bat
2007-05-04 11:56 <DIR> d-------- C:\Deckard
2007-05-04 11:18 49,152 --a------ C:\WINDOWS\nircmd.exe
2007-05-03 14:32 <DIR> d-------- C:\DOCUME~1\ALLUSE~1\APPLIC~1\McAfee
2007-05-02 22:48 18,200 --a------ C:\WINDOWS\system32\wups2.dll
2007-05-02 22:48 <DIR> d-------- C:\WINDOWS\system32\SoftwareDistribution
2007-04-27 22:31 <DIR> d-------- C:\Program Files\Lavasoft
2007-04-27 22:31 <DIR> d-------- C:\DOCUME~1\123\APPLIC~1\Lavasoft
2007-04-27 22:29 <DIR> d-------- C:\Program Files\Common Files\Wise Installation Wizard


(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Find3M Report )))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))


2007-05-07 01:47:40 -------- d-----w C:\Program Files\ltmoh
2007-05-05 20:22:23 -------- d-----w C:\DOCUME~1\123\APPLIC~1.\Talkback
2007-04-28 05:31:17 -------- d-----w C:\DOCUME~1\123\APPLIC~1.\Lavasoft
2007-03-23 16:17:14 -------- d-----w C:\Program Files\Messenger


(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Reg Loading Points ))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))


*Note* empty entries & legit default entries are not shown

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Browser Helper Objects]
"{aa971e4f-e1bf-491e-9d4d-a933c161e48f}"="C:\WINDOWS\system32\comext.dll"

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\software\microsoft\windows\currentversion\run]
"LtMoh"="C:\\Program Files\\ltmoh\\Ltmoh.exe"
"NvCplDaemon"="RUNDLL32.EXE NvQTwk,NvCplDaemon initialize"

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\software\microsoft\windows\currentversion\run]
"MSMSGS"="\"C:\\Program Files\\Messenger\\msmsgs.exe\" /background"

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\ShellServiceObjectDelayLoad]
"{e57ce738-33e8-4c51-8354-bb4de9d215d1}"="C:\WINDOWS\system32\upnpui.dll"


HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\software\microsoft\windows nt\currentversion\winlogon\notify\comext

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\system\currentcontrolset\control\lsa
Authentication Packages msv1_0\0\0
Security Packages kerberos\0msv1_0\0schannel\0wdigest\0\0
Notification Packages scecli\0\0


[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\software\microsoft\shared tools\msconfig\startupreg]

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\software\microsoft\shared tools\msconfig\startupreg\nwiz]
"key"="SOFTWARE\\Microsoft\\Windows\\CurrentVersion\\Run"
"item"="nwiz"
"hkey"="HKLM"
"command"="nwiz.exe /installquiet"
"inimapping"="0"

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\software\microsoft\shared tools\msconfig\startupreg\SynTPEnh]
"key"="SOFTWARE\\Microsoft\\Windows\\CurrentVersion\\Run"
"item"="SynTPEnh"
"hkey"="HKLM"
"command"="C:\\Program Files\\Synaptics\\SynTP\\SynTPEnh.exe"
"inimapping"="0"

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\software\microsoft\shared tools\msconfig\startupreg\SynTPLpr]
"key"="SOFTWARE\\Microsoft\\Windows\\CurrentVersion\\Run"
"item"="SynTPLpr"
"hkey"="HKLM"
"command"="C:\\Program Files\\Synaptics\\SynTP\\SynTPLpr.exe"
"inimapping"="0"

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\software\microsoft\shared tools\msconfig\startupreg\TFNF5]
"key"="SOFTWARE\\Microsoft\\Windows\\CurrentVersion\\Run"
"item"="TFNF5"
"hkey"="HKLM"
"command"="TFNF5.exe"
"inimapping"="0"

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\software\microsoft\shared tools\msconfig\startupreg\TosHKCW.exe]
"key"="SOFTWARE\\Microsoft\\Windows\\CurrentVersion\\Run"
"item"="TosHKCW"
"hkey"="HKLM"
"command"="\"C:\\Program Files\\TOSHIBA\\Wireless Hotkey\\TosHKCW.exe\""
"inimapping"="0"

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\software\microsoft\shared tools\msconfig\startupreg\TouchED]
"key"="SOFTWARE\\Microsoft\\Windows\\CurrentVersion\\Run"
"item"="TouchED"
"hkey"="HKLM"
"command"="C:\\Program Files\\TOSHIBA\\TouchED\\TouchED.Exe"
"inimapping"="0"

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Svchost]
HTTPFilter HTTPFilter\0\0
LocalService Alerter\0WebClient\0LmHosts\0RemoteRegistry\0upnphost\0SSDPSRV\0\0
NetworkService DnsCache\0\0
DcomLaunch DcomLaunch\0TermService\0\0
rpcss RpcSs\0\0
imgsvc StiSvc\0\0
termsvcs TermService\0\0


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

catchme 0.3.660 W2K/XP/Vista - userland rootkit detector by Gmer, http://www.gmer.net
Rootkit scan 2007-05-06 20:59:12
Windows 5.1.2600 Service Pack 2 NTFS

scanning hidden processes ...

scanning hidden services ...

scanning hidden autostart entries ...

scanning hidden files ...

scan completed successfully
hidden processes: 0
hidden services: 0
hidden files: 0


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

Completion time: 2007-05-06 20:59:13
C:\ComboFix-quarantined-files.txt ... 2007-05-06 20:59
C:\ComboFix2.txt ... 2007-05-05 09:48
C:\ComboFix3.txt ... 2007-05-04 21:38

[sUBs]

Please run ComboFix from Start > Run using this command:

"C:\Documents and Settings\123\Desktop\ComboFix.exe" /v comext

[herring]

Well. I got a little bored and impatient and I created a restore point and updated Windows. It downloaded 76 updates, mostly security, including IE 7. Hope that doesn't mess things up.

This morning I ran Combofix with the above switches. It said it found Look2Me. Here is the log:

"123" - 2007-05-07 8:41:23 Service Pack 2
ComboFix 07-05.05.4.V - Running from: "C:\Documents and Settings\123\Desktop\"
Command switches used :: "/v comext"


((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Look2Me's Log ))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))


Granting SeDebugPrivilege to Administrators ... successful



((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Files Created from 2007-04-07 to 2007-05-07 ))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))


2007-05-07 07:52 262,144 --a------ C:\DOCUME~1\ALLUSE~1\ntuser.dat
2007-05-07 07:52 <DIR> d-------- C:\WINDOWS\network diagnostic
2007-05-07 02:08 <DIR> d-------- C:\DOCUME~1\ALLUSE~1\APPLIC~1\Windows Genuine Advantage
2007-05-07 01:58 22,752 --a------ C:\WINDOWS\system32\spupdsvc.exe
2007-05-07 01:58 <DIR> d--h----- C:\WINDOWS\$hf_mig$
2007-05-07 01:58 <DIR> d-------- C:\WINDOWS\system32\PreInstall
2007-05-06 01:34 <DIR> d-------- C:\WINDOWS\BDOSCAN8
2007-05-05 13:22 <DIR> d-------- C:\DOCUME~1\123\APPLIC~1\Talkback
2007-05-05 13:21 0 --a------ C:\WINDOWS\nsreg.dat
2007-05-04 12:13 60 --a------ C:\fix.bat
2007-05-04 11:56 <DIR> d-------- C:\Deckard
2007-05-04 11:18 49,152 --a------ C:\WINDOWS\nircmd.exe
2007-05-03 14:32 <DIR> d-------- C:\DOCUME~1\ALLUSE~1\APPLIC~1\McAfee
2007-05-02 22:48 18,200 --a------ C:\WINDOWS\system32\wups2.dll
2007-05-02 22:48 <DIR> d-------- C:\WINDOWS\system32\SoftwareDistribution
2007-04-27 22:31 <DIR> d-------- C:\Program Files\Lavasoft
2007-04-27 22:31 <DIR> d-------- C:\DOCUME~1\123\APPLIC~1\Lavasoft
2007-04-27 22:29 <DIR> d-------- C:\Program Files\Common Files\Wise Installation Wizard


(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Find3M Report )))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))


2007-05-07 14:56:14 -------- d-----w C:\Program Files\Messenger
2007-05-07 01:47:40 -------- d-----w C:\Program Files\ltmoh
2007-05-05 20:22:23 -------- d-----w C:\DOCUME~1\123\APPLIC~1.\Talkback
2007-04-28 05:31:17 -------- d-----w C:\DOCUME~1\123\APPLIC~1.\Lavasoft
2007-03-17 13:43:01 292,864 ----a-w C:\WINDOWS\system32\winsrv.dll
2007-03-08 15:36:28 577,536 ----a-w C:\WINDOWS\system32\user32.dll
2007-03-08 15:36:28 40,960 ----a-w C:\WINDOWS\system32\mf3216.dll
2007-03-08 15:36:28 281,600 ----a-w C:\WINDOWS\system32\gdi32.dll
2007-03-08 13:47:48 1,843,584 ----a-w C:\WINDOWS\system32\win32k.sys


(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Reg Loading Points ))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))


*Note* empty entries & legit default entries are not shown

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Browser Helper Objects]
"{aa971e4f-e1bf-491e-9d4d-a933c161e48f}"="C:\WINDOWS\system32\comext.dll" [x]

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\software\microsoft\windows\currentversion\run]
"LtMoh"="C:\\Program Files\\ltmoh\\Ltmoh.exe"
"NvCplDaemon"="RUNDLL32.EXE NvQTwk,NvCplDaemon initialize"

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\software\microsoft\windows\currentversion\run]
"MSMSGS"="\"C:\\Program Files\\Messenger\\msmsgs.exe\" /background"

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\ShellServiceObjectDelayLoad]
"{e57ce738-33e8-4c51-8354-bb4de9d215d1}"="C:\WINDOWS\system32\upnpui.dll"


HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\system\currentcontrolset\control\lsa
Authentication Packages msv1_0\0\0
Security Packages kerberos\0msv1_0\0schannel\0wdigest\0\0
Notification Packages scecli\0\0


[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\software\microsoft\shared tools\msconfig\startupreg]

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\software\microsoft\shared tools\msconfig\startupreg\nwiz]
"key"="SOFTWARE\\Microsoft\\Windows\\CurrentVersion\\Run"
"item"="nwiz"
"hkey"="HKLM"
"command"="nwiz.exe /installquiet"
"inimapping"="0"

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\software\microsoft\shared tools\msconfig\startupreg\SynTPEnh]
"key"="SOFTWARE\\Microsoft\\Windows\\CurrentVersion\\Run"
"item"="SynTPEnh"
"hkey"="HKLM"
"command"="C:\\Program Files\\Synaptics\\SynTP\\SynTPEnh.exe"
"inimapping"="0"

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\software\microsoft\shared tools\msconfig\startupreg\SynTPLpr]
"key"="SOFTWARE\\Microsoft\\Windows\\CurrentVersion\\Run"
"item"="SynTPLpr"
"hkey"="HKLM"
"command"="C:\\Program Files\\Synaptics\\SynTP\\SynTPLpr.exe"
"inimapping"="0"

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\software\microsoft\shared tools\msconfig\startupreg\TFNF5]
"key"="SOFTWARE\\Microsoft\\Windows\\CurrentVersion\\Run"
"item"="TFNF5"
"hkey"="HKLM"
"command"="TFNF5.exe"
"inimapping"="0"

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\software\microsoft\shared tools\msconfig\startupreg\TosHKCW.exe]
"key"="SOFTWARE\\Microsoft\\Windows\\CurrentVersion\\Run"
"item"="TosHKCW"
"hkey"="HKLM"
"command"="\"C:\\Program Files\\TOSHIBA\\Wireless Hotkey\\TosHKCW.exe\""
"inimapping"="0"

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\software\microsoft\shared tools\msconfig\startupreg\TouchED]
"key"="SOFTWARE\\Microsoft\\Windows\\CurrentVersion\\Run"
"item"="TouchED"
"hkey"="HKLM"
"command"="C:\\Program Files\\TOSHIBA\\TouchED\\TouchED.Exe"
"inimapping"="0"

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Svchost]
HTTPFilter HTTPFilter\0\0
LocalService Alerter\0WebClient\0LmHosts\0RemoteRegistry\0upnphost\0SSDPSRV\0\0
NetworkService DnsCache\0\0
DcomLaunch DcomLaunch\0TermService\0\0
rpcss RpcSs\0\0
imgsvc StiSvc\0\0
termsvcs TermService\0\0


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

catchme 0.3.660 W2K/XP/Vista - userland rootkit detector by Gmer, http://www.gmer.net
Rootkit scan 2007-05-07 08:43:41
Windows 5.1.2600 Service Pack 2 NTFS

scanning hidden processes ...

scanning hidden services ...

scanning hidden autostart entries ...

scanning hidden files ...

scan completed successfully
hidden processes: 0
hidden services: 0
hidden files: 0


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

Completion time: 2007-05-07 8:43:49 - machine was rebooted
C:\ComboFix-quarantined-files.txt ... 2007-05-07 08:43
C:\ComboFix2.txt ... 2007-05-06 20:59
C:\ComboFix3.txt ... 2007-05-05 09:48

[sUBs]

comext.dll appears to be dealt with. Please verify if it's gone.

Then, have hijackthis fix the entry:

O2 - BHO: (no name) - {aa971e4f-e1bf-491e-9d4d-a933c161e48f} - C:\WINDOWS\system32\comext.dll


Let me know if the machine is still experiencing pop ups. It should have abated

[herring]

Everything ran smoothly. Comext was renamed. I will upload it using your previous link. I will do a little more testing before I declare victory. Here is the log from HijackThis:

Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.1
Scan saved at 10:47:57 AM, on 5/7/2007
Platform: Windows XP SP2 (WinNT 5.01.2600)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v7.00 (7.00.5730.0011)

Running processes:
C:\WINDOWS\System32\smss.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\winlogon.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\services.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\lsass.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\nvsvc32.exe
C:\Program Files\Compact Wireless-G USB Adapter Wireless Network Monitor\WLService.exe
C:\Program Files\Compact Wireless-G USB Adapter Wireless Network Monitor\WUSB54GC.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\HijackThis\HijackThis.exe

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
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {aa971e4f-e1bf-491e-9d4d-a933c161e48f} - C:\WINDOWS\system32\comext.dll (file missing)
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [LtMoh] C:\Program Files\ltmoh\Ltmoh.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NvCplDaemon] RUNDLL32.EXE NvQTwk,NvCplDaemon initialize
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [MSMSGS] "C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe" /background
O4 - Global Startup: Adobe Gamma Loader.lnk = ?
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {85d1f590-48f4-11d9-9669-0800200c9a66} - %windir%\bdoscandel.exe (file missing)
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Uninstall BitDefender Online Scanner v8 - {85d1f590-48f4-11d9-9669-0800200c9a66} - %windir%\bdoscandel.exe (file missing)
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)
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
O11 - Options group: [INTERNATIONAL] International*
O16 - DPF: {5D86DDB5-BDF9-441B-9E9E-D4730F4EE499} (BDSCANONLINE Control) - http://download.bitdefender.com/reso...an8/oscan8.cab
O16 - DPF: {6414512B-B978-451D-A0D8-FCFDF33E833C} (WUWebControl Class) - http://update.microsoft.com/windowsu...?1178171246394
O16 - DPF: {9D190AE6-C81E-4039-8061-978EBAD10073} (F-Secure Online Scanner 3.0) - http://support.f-secure.com/ols/fscax.cab
O20 - Winlogon Notify: WgaLogon - C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\WgaLogon.dll
O23 - Service: NVIDIA Driver Helper Service (NVSvc) - NVIDIA Corporation - C:\WINDOWS\system32\nvsvc32.exe
O23 - Service: WUSB54GCSVC - Unknown owner - C:\Program Files\Compact Wireless-G USB Adapter Wireless Network Monitor\WLService.exe" "WUSB54GC.exe (file missing)

[sUBs]

I will do a little more testing before I declare victory.

I shall await such news, with great expectations

[herring]

Everything still looks fine. :-) I have windows updated and McAfee installed and no problems in execution or browsing that I have detected.

Thanks so much. This forum (or at least you) are really awesome.

Testing has been a bit delayed due to problems with Earthlink/Verizon. Monday morning at 1:30ish my time my internet connection speed dropped from 700kbps to about 40kbps. This is the fourth time in about nine monthes after nine years of clean service. The last three times, after 3-4 days of nonsense they finally contact Verizon (my phone line guys), who "adjust my settings" and the speed pops back to 700kbps.

Its very frustrating. I'm not asking for any help, just venting. I know Verizon is goofing with the Earthlink customers. Over the same nine month period Verizon has been calling trying to get me to switch from Earthlink to Verizon. ...talk about catch 22. Unfortunately, I am in the boonies with few ISP options. Hopefully, I will get my speed back tomorrow.

Cheers, and thanks very much again.

[sUBs]

C:\QooBox\ is ComboFix's quarantine folder. You can safely delete it

C:\System Volume Information\ is where System Restore's cache is stored. Whatever is in there can't harm you unless you choose to perform a manual restore. Nevertheless, we shall be reseting/clearing the cache in a little while


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


Now that your system is clean, kindly follow these simple steps in order to keep your computer clean and secure:

1. CLEAR & RESET SYSTEM RESTORE'S CACHE - (System Volume Information folder)
   Go to Start → Run → type control sysdm.cpl,,4 & press Enter
   • Tick on the checkbox - Turn off System Restore on all drives
   • Click Apply
   Turn it back 'On' by unticking the same checkbox & click OK
   
   
   
2. DISABLE THE VIEWING OF SYSTEM FILES
   From Windows Explorer, go to Tools>Folder Options> View tab.
   • Untick - Show hidden files and folder
   • Tick - Hide file extensions for known types
   • Tick - Hide protected operating system files
   Click Yes to confirm & then click OK
   
   
   
3. SECURING INTERNET EXPLORER
   From within Internet Explorer click on the Tools menu and then click on Internet Options.
   • Select the Security tab
     • Click once on the Internet icon so it becomes highlighted.
     • Select Custom Level .
       • Change 'Download signed ActiveX controls' to Prompt
       • Change 'Download unsigned ActiveX controls' to Disable
       • Change 'Initialize and script ActiveX controls not marked as safe' to Disable
       • Change 'Installation of desktop items' to Prompt
       • Change 'Launching programs and files in an IFRAME' to Prompt
       • Change 'Navigate sub-frames across different domains' to Prompt
       • When all these changes have been made, click on the OK button.
     • If it prompts you as to whether or not you want to save the settings, press the Yes button.
   • Select OK to exit the Internet Properties page.
   
   
   
4. ANTIVIRUS SOFTWARE
   It is very important that you have anti-virus software running on your machine. This alone can save you a lot of trouble with malware in the future.
   
   See this link for a listing of some online & their stand-alone antivirus programs:
   
   Virus, Spyware, and Malware Protection and Removal Resources → http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/topict405.html
   
   It is imperative that you update your Antivirus software at least once a week (Even more if you wish). If you do not update your antivirus software then it will not be able to catch any of the new variants that may come out.
   
   
   
5. FIREWALL
   Without a firewall your computer is succeptible to being hacked and taken over. Simply using a Firewall in its default configuration can lower your risk greatly. A tutorial on Firewalls and a listing of some available ones can be found here → http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/tutorial60.html
   
   
   
6. Microsoft Windows Update → http://www.windowsupdate.com
   Visit regularly. This will ensure your computer always has the latest security updates. If there are new updates to install, install them immediately, reboot your computer, and revisit the site until there are no more critical updates.
   
   
   
7. SPYBOT - SEARCH & DESTROY
   Download and install Spybot - Search & Destroy with its TeaTimer option. This will provide realtime spyware & hijacker protection on your computer alongside your virus protection. You should also scan your computer with the program on a regular basis just as you would an antivirus software. A tutorial on installing & using this product can be found here → http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/tutorial43.html
   
   
8. AD-AWARE
   Download and install Ad-Aware. You should use this program to scan your computer on a regular basis just as you would an antivirus software in conjunction with Spybot. A tutorial on installing & using this product can be found here → http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/tutorial48.html
   
   
   
9. SPYWAREBLASTER
   SpywareBlaster prevents the installation of malicious ActiveX, adware, browser hijackers, dialers, and other potentially unwanted software. Blocks spyware/tracking cookies & restricts the actions of potentially unwanted sites.
   
   Unlike other programs, SpywareBlaster does not have to remain running in the background. A tutorial on installing & using this product can be found here → http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/tutorial49.html
   
   
   
10. IE-SPYAD
    IE/Spyad places more than 4000 dubious websites and domains in the IE Restricted list. This severely impair attempts to infect your system. It basically prevents any downloads (Cookies etc) from the sites listed, although you will still be able to connect to the sites. A tutorial on installing this product can be found here http://www.spywarewarrior.com/uiuc/resource.htm

Update all these programs regularly. Make sure you update all the programs I have listed regularly. Without regular updates you WILL NOT be protected when new malicious programs are released.

Follow this list and your potential for being infected again will reduce dramatically. Here are some additional utilities that will further enhance your safety.

• http://www.trillian.cc → Trillian or http://www.miranda-im.com → Miranda-IM - These are Malware free Instant Messenger programs which allow you to connect to multiple IM services in one program! (AOL, Yahoo, ICQ, IRC, MSN)
  
  
• http://www.mozilla.org/products/firefox/ - Firefox - Use this alternate browser. Whilst Internet Explorer is not a bad browser, almost every exploit crafted is targeted to take advantage of an IE weakness.
  
  
• http://java.com/en/index.jsp - Sun's Java - It's much more secure than Microsoft's Java Virtual Machine.
  
  
• http://toolbar.google.com/ - Google Toolbar - Get the free google toolbar to help stop pop up windows.
  
  
• http://cleanup.stevengould.org/ - CleanUP! - Cleans temporary files from IE and Windows, empties the recycle bin and more. Great tool to help speed up your computer and knock out those nasties that like to reside in the temp folders.
  
  
• http://www.aumha.org/downloads/erunt-setup.exe - ERUNT - A useful freeware utility for users of Windows 2000/XP. It's made up of two parts - ERUNT & NTREGOPT.
  
  ERUNT will create daily complete backups of your computer's Registry. Whilst System Restore does the same thing, a corrupt registry file may prevent Windows from booting & this effectively renders disables System Restore. With ERUNT, you're able to restore the damaged Registry.
  
  NTREGOPT works by recreating each registry hive "from scratch", thus removing any slack space that may be left from previously modified or deleted keys. In other words, it compacts the Registry to a small size which allows Windows to load & perform faster.
  
  
• http://www.winpatrol.com/ -Winpatrol - Download and install the free version of Winpatrol.
  A tutorial for this product is located here: http://www.winpatrol.com/features.html

To find out more information about how you got infected in the first place and some great guidelines to follow to prevent future infections you can read this article by Tony Klein - http://computercops.biz/postlite7736-.html

After doing all these, your system will be optimised against future threats.

It's okay to delete the Hijack This folder in a couple weeks if everything is working okay.
Have a safe & happy computing day.

Please respond to this thread one more time so we can mark this thread as resolved.

[herring]

yup, all done. Thanks again.