Google Hijack?

[trwxxa]

I am having a problem when searching with Google in Internet Explorer. When I click on a link, the website displayed is an ad, search engine or worse.

I had Vundo a couple of months ago and thought I removed it with the Symantec tool. I ran version 1.5 today and it says the PC is clean. I also ran Trend Micro Pc-Cillin. The problem does not occur with Firefox, but my wife prefers IE.

Here is my HJT log. Thanks for your help.

Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.1
Scan saved at 7:56:12 PM, on 12/3/2005
Platform: Windows XP SP2 (WinNT 5.01.2600)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v6.00 SP2 (6.00.2900.2180)

Running processes:
C:\WINDOWS\System32\smss.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\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\Explorer.EXE
C:\Program Files\Cisco Systems\VPN Client\cvpnd.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\VS7DEBUG\MDM.EXE
C:\PROGRA~1\TRENDM~1\INTERN~1\PcCtlCom.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\TRENDM~1\INTERN~1\Tmntsrv.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\TRENDM~1\INTERN~1\tmproxy.exe
C:\windows\system\hpsysdrv.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\TRENDM~1\INTERN~1\TmPfw.exe
C:\HP\KBD\KBD.EXE
C:\Program Files\iTunes\iTunesHelper.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\VTTimer.exe
C:\WINDOWS\AGRSMMSG.exe
C:\Program Files\Microsoft Hardware\Mouse\point32.exe
C:\Program Files\Trend Micro\Internet Security 2005\pccguide.exe
C:\WINDOWS\ALCXMNTR.EXE
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Real\Update_OB\realsched.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\spool\DRIVERS\W32X86\3\E_S4I2M1.EXE
C:\Program Files\Microsoft AntiSpyware\gcasServ.exe
C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.5.0_05\bin\jusched.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
C:\Program Files\Compaq Connections\6750491\Program\Compaq Connections.exe
C:\Program Files\WinZip\WZQKPICK.EXE
C:\Program Files\iPod\bin\iPodService.exe
C:\Program Files\Microsoft AntiSpyware\gcasDtServ.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\Webshots\webshots.scr
C:\WINDOWS\system32\wuauclt.exe
C:\HJT\HijackThis.exe

R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL = http://ie.redirect.hp.com/svs/rdr?TY...rio&pf=desktop
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Search_URL = http://ie.redirect.hp.com/svs/rdr?TY...rio&pf=desktop
R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://www.ar-group.com/
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Bar = http://ie.redirect.hp.com/svs/rdr?TY...rio&pf=desktop
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://ie.redirect.hp.com/svs/rdr?TY...rio&pf=desktop
O2 - BHO: AcroIEHlprObj Class - {06849E9F-C8D7-4D59-B87D-784B7D6BE0B3} - C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 5.0\Reader\ActiveX\AcroIEHelper.ocx
O2 - BHO: Bho - {13CC7F5E-00BA-4056-B355-49FF99D0655A} - C:\WINDOWS\system32\snyqunpy.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [hpsysdrv] c:\windows\system\hpsysdrv.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [KBD] C:\HP\KBD\KBD.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [iTunesHelper] C:\Program Files\iTunes\iTunesHelper.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Recguard] C:\WINDOWS\SMINST\RECGUARD.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [VTTimer] VTTimer.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AGRSMMSG] AGRSMMSG.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [PS2] C:\WINDOWS\system32\ps2.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [EPSON Stylus Photo RX600] C:\WINDOWS\System32\spool\DRIVERS\W32X86\3\E_S4I2M1.EXE /P24 "EPSON Stylus Photo RX600" /O6 "USB001" /M "Stylus Photo RX600"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [POINTER] point32.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [pccguide.exe] "C:\Program Files\Trend Micro\Internet Security 2005\pccguide.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AlcxMonitor] ALCXMNTR.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [TkBellExe] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Real\Update_OB\realsched.exe" -osboot
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [EPSON Stylus Photo RX600 (Copy 1)] C:\WINDOWS\System32\spool\DRIVERS\W32X86\3\E_S4I2M1.EXE /P33 "EPSON Stylus Photo RX600 (Copy 1)" /O6 "USB002" /M "Stylus Photo RX600"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [gcasServ] "C:\Program Files\Microsoft AntiSpyware\gcasServ.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SunJavaUpdateSched] C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.5.0_05\bin\jusched.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [ctfmon.exe] C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
O4 - Startup: Konfabulator.lnk = C:\Program Files\Pixoria\Konfabulator\Konfabulator.exe
O4 - Startup: Webshots.lnk = C:\Program Files\Webshots\Launcher.exe
O4 - Global Startup: Cisco Systems VPN Client.lnk = C:\Program Files\Cisco Systems\VPN Client\vpngui.exe
O4 - Global Startup: Compaq Connections.lnk = C:\Program Files\Compaq Connections\6750491\Program\Compaq Connections.exe
O4 - Global Startup: WinZip Quick Pick.lnk = C:\Program Files\WinZip\WZQKPICK.EXE
O8 - Extra context menu item: E&xport to Microsoft Excel - res://C:\PROGRA~1\MI1933~1\OFFICE11\EXCEL.EXE/3000
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.5.0_05\bin\npjpi150_05.dll
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Sun Java Console - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.5.0_05\bin\npjpi150_05.dll
O9 - Extra button: Research - {92780B25-18CC-41C8-B9BE-3C9C571A8263} - C:\PROGRA~1\MI1933~1\OFFICE11\REFIEBAR.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 .spop: C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\Plugins\NPDocBox.dll
O16 - DPF: {11260943-421B-11D0-8EAC-0000C07D88CF} (iPIX ActiveX Control) - http://www.ipix.com/viewers/ipixx.cab
O16 - DPF: {17492023-C23A-453E-A040-C7C580BBF700} (Windows Genuine Advantage Validation Tool) - http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=39204
O16 - DPF: {6E32070A-766D-4EE6-879C-DC1FA91D2FC3} (MUWebControl Class) - http://update.microsoft.com/microsof...?1129168157125
O16 - DPF: {9059F30F-4EB1-4BD2-9FDC-36F43A218F4A} (Microsoft RDP Client Control (redist)) - http://www.alief.isd.tenet.edu/tech/tsweb/msrdp.cab
O16 - DPF: {917623D1-D8E5-11D2-BE8B-00104B06BDE3} (CamImage Class) - http://floridakeysmedia.tv/axiscam/C...CamControl.ocx
O16 - DPF: {9FC5238F-12C4-454F-B1B5-74599A21DE47} (Webshots Photo Uploader) - http://community.webshots.com/html/WSPhotoUploader.CAB
O23 - Service: Cisco Systems, Inc. VPN Service (CVPND) - Cisco Systems, Inc. - C:\Program Files\Cisco Systems\VPN Client\cvpnd.exe
O23 - Service: iPod Service (iPodService) - Apple Computer, Inc. - C:\Program Files\iPod\bin\iPodService.exe
O23 - Service: Trend Micro Central Control Component (PcCtlCom) - Trend Micro Incorporated. - C:\PROGRA~1\TRENDM~1\INTERN~1\PcCtlCom.exe
O23 - Service: Trend Micro Real-time Service (Tmntsrv) - Trend Micro Incorporated. - C:\PROGRA~1\TRENDM~1\INTERN~1\Tmntsrv.exe
O23 - Service: Trend Micro Personal Firewall (TmPfw) - Trend Micro Inc. - C:\PROGRA~1\TRENDM~1\INTERN~1\TmPfw.exe
O23 - Service: Trend Micro Proxy Service (tmproxy) - Trend Micro Inc. - C:\PROGRA~1\TRENDM~1\INTERN~1\tmproxy.exe

[POADB]

Hi and Welcome to TSF!

Please subscribe to this thread to be notified of fixes as soon as they are posted by our Team. To do this, please click the "Thread Tools" button located in the original thread line and selecting "Subscribe to this Thread".

Save the next instructions in notepad, because you also have to work in safe mode without networking support, so this page wouldn't be available then. You should not have any browsers on.

If there's anything that you don't understand, ask your question(s) before proceeding with the fixes. You should not have any open browsers when you are carrying out the procedures below.

It is also important you don't miss a step and perform everything in the right order!!. .

Before attacking an adware/spyware problem with hijackthis make sure you have already run the following tools. Download and update the databases on each program before running.

• Ad-Aware® SE Personal Edition
  *Note* For Ad-AwareSE also install the VX2 Addon Cleaner To run this tool once Adaware is updated click on Add-ons in the lefthand column. Select VX2 Cleaner V2.0 and click Run Tool. Click "OK" , then, if something is found, click "Clean" as in the directions given. Click "Close", and exit Ad-Aware.
• Spybot Search & Destroy
• CWShredder

Also make sure you are using the the latest version (1.99.1) of HijackThis and it's installed in it's own folder on the root drive. (C:\HJT)

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Enable the viewing of Hidden files

1. From Windows Explorer, go to Tools>Folder Options>View tab.
2. Enable the option for `Show hidden files and folder´
3. Disable the option for `Hide file extensions for known types´
4. Disable the option for `Hide protected operating system files´
5. Click Yes to confirm & then click OK

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Run a scan with HiJackThis & select(tick) the following & click [Fix checked] :

O2 - BHO: Bho - {13CC7F5E-00BA-4056-B355-49FF99D0655A} - C:\WINDOWS\system32\snyqunpy.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AlcxMonitor] ALCXMNTR.EXE

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Locate and delete the following file(s), if present:

• C:\WINDOWS\system32\snyqunpy.dll

Search and delete via Start > Search:

ALCXMNTR.EXE

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REBOOT TO NORMAL MODE

Perform an online scan in Internet Explorer with Panda ActiveScan (Found in the top right corner in RED)

1. Click on the Scan your PC button & a 'pop up' window shall appear. * ensure that your pop up blocker doesn't block it
2. Click On 'Scan Now'
3. Enter your e-mail address & click 'Scan Now' ...begins downloading Panda's ActiveX controls.- 8MB
4. Begin the scan by selecting My Computer
   * 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.
5. If it finds any malware, it will offer you a report. Click on see report
6. Then click Save report
7. Post the contents of the report in your next reply

* Turn off the real time scanner of any existing antivirus program while performing the online scan

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In your next post, please include fresh logs from:

1. HiJackThis
2. Online scan

Please provide details of any problems you encountered whilst performing the above steps & update us on how the computer behaves now

[trwxxa]

All steps run with no issues

Here is the Active scan report
Incident Status Location

Virus:Trj/Agent.AJK Not disinfected C:\WINDOWS\system32\vtsts.dll


Here is the HJT log
Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.1
Scan saved at 9:25:05 AM, on 12/4/2005
Platform: Windows XP SP2 (WinNT 5.01.2600)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v6.00 SP2 (6.00.2900.2180)

Running processes:
C:\WINDOWS\System32\smss.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\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\Explorer.EXE
C:\windows\system\hpsysdrv.exe
C:\HP\KBD\KBD.EXE
C:\Program Files\iTunes\iTunesHelper.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\VTTimer.exe
C:\WINDOWS\AGRSMMSG.exe
C:\Program Files\Microsoft Hardware\Mouse\point32.exe
C:\Program Files\Trend Micro\Internet Security 2005\pccguide.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Real\Update_OB\realsched.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\spool\DRIVERS\W32X86\3\E_S4I2M1.EXE
C:\Program Files\Microsoft AntiSpyware\gcasServ.exe
C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.5.0_05\bin\jusched.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
C:\Program Files\Compaq Connections\6750491\Program\Compaq Connections.exe
C:\Program Files\WinZip\WZQKPICK.EXE
C:\Program Files\Microsoft AntiSpyware\gcasDtServ.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\Webshots\webshots.scr
C:\Program Files\Cisco Systems\VPN Client\cvpnd.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\VS7DEBUG\MDM.EXE
C:\PROGRA~1\TRENDM~1\INTERN~1\PcCtlCom.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\TRENDM~1\INTERN~1\Tmntsrv.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\TRENDM~1\INTERN~1\tmproxy.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\TRENDM~1\INTERN~1\TmPfw.exe
C:\Program Files\iPod\bin\iPodService.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\NOTEPAD.EXE
C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\IEXPLORE.EXE
C:\Program Files\Mozilla Firefox\firefox.exe
C:\HJT\HijackThis.exe

R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL = http://ie.redirect.hp.com/svs/rdr?TY...rio&pf=desktop
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Search_URL = http://ie.redirect.hp.com/svs/rdr?TY...rio&pf=desktop
R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://www.ar-group.com/
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Bar = http://ie.redirect.hp.com/svs/rdr?TY...rio&pf=desktop
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://ie.redirect.hp.com/svs/rdr?TY...rio&pf=desktop
O2 - BHO: AcroIEHlprObj Class - {06849E9F-C8D7-4D59-B87D-784B7D6BE0B3} - C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 5.0\Reader\ActiveX\AcroIEHelper.ocx
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [hpsysdrv] c:\windows\system\hpsysdrv.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [KBD] C:\HP\KBD\KBD.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [iTunesHelper] C:\Program Files\iTunes\iTunesHelper.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Recguard] C:\WINDOWS\SMINST\RECGUARD.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [VTTimer] VTTimer.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AGRSMMSG] AGRSMMSG.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [PS2] C:\WINDOWS\system32\ps2.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [EPSON Stylus Photo RX600] C:\WINDOWS\System32\spool\DRIVERS\W32X86\3\E_S4I2M1.EXE /P24 "EPSON Stylus Photo RX600" /O6 "USB001" /M "Stylus Photo RX600"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [POINTER] point32.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [pccguide.exe] "C:\Program Files\Trend Micro\Internet Security 2005\pccguide.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [TkBellExe] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Real\Update_OB\realsched.exe" -osboot
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [EPSON Stylus Photo RX600 (Copy 1)] C:\WINDOWS\System32\spool\DRIVERS\W32X86\3\E_S4I2M1.EXE /P33 "EPSON Stylus Photo RX600 (Copy 1)" /O6 "USB002" /M "Stylus Photo RX600"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [gcasServ] "C:\Program Files\Microsoft AntiSpyware\gcasServ.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SunJavaUpdateSched] C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.5.0_05\bin\jusched.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [ctfmon.exe] C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
O4 - Startup: Konfabulator.lnk = C:\Program Files\Pixoria\Konfabulator\Konfabulator.exe
O4 - Startup: Webshots.lnk = C:\Program Files\Webshots\Launcher.exe
O4 - Global Startup: Cisco Systems VPN Client.lnk = C:\Program Files\Cisco Systems\VPN Client\vpngui.exe
O4 - Global Startup: Compaq Connections.lnk = C:\Program Files\Compaq Connections\6750491\Program\Compaq Connections.exe
O4 - Global Startup: WinZip Quick Pick.lnk = C:\Program Files\WinZip\WZQKPICK.EXE
O8 - Extra context menu item: E&xport to Microsoft Excel - res://C:\PROGRA~1\MI1933~1\OFFICE11\EXCEL.EXE/3000
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.5.0_05\bin\npjpi150_05.dll
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Sun Java Console - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.5.0_05\bin\npjpi150_05.dll
O9 - Extra button: Research - {92780B25-18CC-41C8-B9BE-3C9C571A8263} - C:\PROGRA~1\MI1933~1\OFFICE11\REFIEBAR.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 .spop: C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\Plugins\NPDocBox.dll
O16 - DPF: {11260943-421B-11D0-8EAC-0000C07D88CF} (iPIX ActiveX Control) - http://www.ipix.com/viewers/ipixx.cab
O16 - DPF: {17492023-C23A-453E-A040-C7C580BBF700} (Windows Genuine Advantage Validation Tool) - http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=39204
O16 - DPF: {6E32070A-766D-4EE6-879C-DC1FA91D2FC3} (MUWebControl Class) - http://update.microsoft.com/microsof...?1129168157125
O16 - DPF: {9059F30F-4EB1-4BD2-9FDC-36F43A218F4A} (Microsoft RDP Client Control (redist)) - http://www.alief.isd.tenet.edu/tech/tsweb/msrdp.cab
O16 - DPF: {917623D1-D8E5-11D2-BE8B-00104B06BDE3} (CamImage Class) - http://floridakeysmedia.tv/axiscam/C...CamControl.ocx
O16 - DPF: {9A9307A0-7DA4-4DAF-B042-5009F29E09E1} (ActiveScan Installer Class) - http://acs.pandasoftware.com/actives...ree/asinst.cab
O16 - DPF: {9FC5238F-12C4-454F-B1B5-74599A21DE47} (Webshots Photo Uploader) - http://community.webshots.com/html/WSPhotoUploader.CAB
O23 - Service: Cisco Systems, Inc. VPN Service (CVPND) - Cisco Systems, Inc. - C:\Program Files\Cisco Systems\VPN Client\cvpnd.exe
O23 - Service: iPod Service (iPodService) - Apple Computer, Inc. - C:\Program Files\iPod\bin\iPodService.exe
O23 - Service: Trend Micro Central Control Component (PcCtlCom) - Trend Micro Incorporated. - C:\PROGRA~1\TRENDM~1\INTERN~1\PcCtlCom.exe
O23 - Service: Trend Micro Real-time Service (Tmntsrv) - Trend Micro Incorporated. - C:\PROGRA~1\TRENDM~1\INTERN~1\Tmntsrv.exe
O23 - Service: Trend Micro Personal Firewall (TmPfw) - Trend Micro Inc. - C:\PROGRA~1\TRENDM~1\INTERN~1\TmPfw.exe
O23 - Service: Trend Micro Proxy Service (tmproxy) - Trend Micro Inc. - C:\PROGRA~1\TRENDM~1\INTERN~1\tmproxy.exe

Thanks for your continued assistance

[trwxxa]

I failed to mention that iscanned the vtsts.dll file with Trend Micro Pc-cillin, ad-aware, cwsshredder and Microsoft Anti-spyware and neither of them picked this up as an infected file.

Thanks Again.

[POADB]

Please delete:

C:\WINDOWS\system32\vtsts.dll

How is your system now?

[trwxxa]

File deleted with no issues. Everything is working fine now. Thanks for your assistance. This is a very good resource.

[POADB]

Your log is clean. Well done
Do you have any more problems with your computer? If not, you should be set to go.

However, there still remains a few bits of housekeeping ...

Reset hidden/system files and folders

• Click Start.
• Open My Computer.
• Select the Tools menu and click Folder Options.
• Select the View tab.
• Deselect the Show hidden files and folders option.
• Select the Hide file extensions for known types option.
• Select the Hide protected operating system files option.
• Click Yes to confirm.
• Click OK.

Clear Java Cache

1. Click Start >Settings>Control Panel
2. Click the Java Plugin Icon
3. Click the Cache tab
4. Click the Clear button and click OK to confirm

Note: Please repeat this procedure for each "Java Plugin" button in your Control Panel

Follow the instructions outlined here to clear Sun Java's cache.


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

Enable Windows Auto Update

• Go to Start>Run - type wuaucpl.cpl
• tick on the checkbox - "Keep my computer up to date"
• Under settings, choose "Automatically download the updates, and install them on the schedule that I specify".
• Click on "OK".

Now that you are clean, to help protect your computer in the future I recommend that you get the following free programs:

• SpywareBlaster to help prevent spyware from installing in the first place.
• SpywareGuard to catch and block spyware before it can execute.
• IESpy-Ad to block access to malicious websites so you cannot be redirected to them from an infected site or email.

If you do not have a firewall, here are 3 free ones available for personal use:

• Sygate Personal Firewall
• Kerio Personal Firewall
• ZoneAlarm

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

• HOW DID I GET INFECTED IN THE FIRST PLACE?
• THE ANTI-SPYWARE TUTORIAL
• MAKING INTERNET EXPLORER SAFER

Have a safe & happy computing day.

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

[trwxxa]

Thanks again.

Cheers

-trwxxa