rdgUS2405 remnants, need help...

[BigPapa]

Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.1
Scan saved at 2:03:26 PM, on 2/26/2006
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\Ati2evxx.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccEvtMgr.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\Ati2evxx.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccApp.exe
C:\Program Files\Norton AntiVirus\navapsvc.exe
C:\Program Files\Norton AntiVirus\AdvTools\NPROTECT.EXE
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\Security Center\SymWSC.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\Mozilla Firefox\firefox.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~2\Office\OUTLOOK.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\TEMP\win3E.tmp.exe <---these little bastards are
C:\WINDOWS\TEMP\win32.tmp.exe ^
C:\WINDOWS\TEMP\win3E.tmp.exe ^
C:\WINDOWS\TEMP\win32.tmp.exe ^
C:\WINDOWS\TEMP\win3E.tmp.exe <---are kicking my ****!!!
C:\HJT\HijackThis.exe

R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Local Page = \blank.htm
O2 - BHO: AcroIEHlprObj Class - {06849E9F-C8D7-4D59-B87D-784B7D6BE0B3} - C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 7.0\ActiveX\AcroIEHelper.dll
O2 - BHO: SSVHelper Class - {761497BB-D6F0-462C-B6EB-D4DAF1D92D43} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.5.0_06\bin\ssv.dll
O2 - BHO: CNavExtBho Class - {BDF3E430-B101-42AD-A544-FADC6B084872} - C:\Program Files\Norton AntiVirus\NavShExt.dll
O3 - Toolbar: Norton AntiVirus - {42CDD1BF-3FFB-4238-8AD1-7859DF00B1D6} - C:\Program Files\Norton AntiVirus\NavShExt.dll
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: [Symantec NetDriver Monitor] C:\PROGRA~1\SYMNET~1\SNDMon.exe /Consumer
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [MSConfig] C:\WINDOWS\PCHealth\HelpCtr\Binaries\MSConfig.exe /auto
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.5.0_06\bin\ssv.dll
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Sun Java Console - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.5.0_06\bin\ssv.dll
O9 - Extra button: UltimateBet - {94148DB5-B42D-4915-95DA-2CBB4F7095BF} - C:\Program Files\UltimateBet\UltimateBet.exe
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: UltimateBet - {94148DB5-B42D-4915-95DA-2CBB4F7095BF} - C:\Program Files\UltimateBet\UltimateBet.exe
O17 - HKLM\System\CCS\Services\Tcpip\..\{748881EC-D6C7-4237-90F8-44CA9BFB8C39}: NameServer = 68.109.202.25,68.1.18.25
O20 - Winlogon Notify: wincqt32 - C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\wincqt32.dll
O23 - Service: Ati HotKey Poller - ATI Technologies Inc. - C:\WINDOWS\system32\Ati2evxx.exe
O23 - Service: ATI Smart - Unknown owner - C:\WINDOWS\system32\ati2sgag.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: InstallDriver Table Manager (IDriverT) - Macrovision Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\InstallShield\Driver\1050\Intel 32\IDriverT.exe
O23 - Service: Norton AntiVirus Auto Protect Service (navapsvc) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Norton AntiVirus\navapsvc.exe
O23 - Service: Norton Unerase Protection (NProtectService) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Norton AntiVirus\AdvTools\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


Hey yall...

My Problem started with a stupid keygen.exe for a stupid $20 program (insert random insults now).

Here's what I have been fighting over the last few days...

It seems this keygen installed some sort of dialer that takes advantage of IE's ActiveX. When it first started out, I was receiving these popups of an illegal instruction handled by NTVDM (the file it was trying to execute was h91746.exe) over the 16-bit System Prompt. I continued to click close on everyone that popped up and began looking for answers. After clicking close enough times, I began getting a popup from Norton about installing "rdgUS2405.exe" and its possibility of being bad (big red warning box). In my research on this EXE I found no references to it specifically, but did find references to other rdg**####.exe (** seems to be a country code, because ive seen US and FR references, but thats only a guess) files that people were fighting. Considering this thing manifests itself with random names, it makes it much harder to pinpoint.

I traced h91746.exe to my windows/temp directory and found over 3000 files there, mostly < 1 byte... So I go to clear them all out, and did so with the exception of a few files that I could not even remove in safe mode command prompt. I also cleaned out histories, cookies, temp internet files, windows/downloadedwhatever files... Nothing will stop this beast.

So I decided to study the directory and watched it grow again. It appears to be creating random named win**.tmp.exe files in my windows/temp directory. To further complicate things, when enough of these files are in place, it begins creating random named EXEs in that directory that are then executed. I can see these processes running in my task manager, though googling the name comes up with nothing.

So here's where I am now. I disabled my IE and checked the ActiveX controls so that I no longer get the h91746.exe popup. I also analyzed a prefetch file for rdgus2405 and was able to clean some stuff out that kept it from reoccuring. My changes to the was Active X is handled, although preventing the 16-bit dos subsystem error from popping up, has not eliminated the problem. I am still getting these win**.tmp.exe files that are executing, and after enough of them execute, I get a popup regarding my ActiveX settings 'preventing me from viewing the page correctly'. Simply clicking ok, makes the message go away.

I am troubled by the fact that this got by norton and spy bot. I have run ad-aware se and the vxd add-on, as suggested, with nothing showing up. I have run multiple scans with Norton, and made sure all quartined/backed up items were deleted. My definitions are up to date and my build is tight. I use Firefox and I work in the IT field for 2 of the biggest corps in world. This is totally embarrassing to be a tech and have these issues I can't resolve. Any help is appreciated...

But if I cant get rid of this nuisance, I'm throwing XP out the window for good this time!

PS - Though I imagine this log should suffice, I do have a screen capture with the specific activeX error popup as well as my task manager processes and a major chunk of the HJT log. Email me at bigpapaslim@cox.net to request it...

Slim

[sUBs]

Hello and Welcome. Please subscribe to this thread to get immediate notification of replies as soon as they are posted.

Please read this post completely before begining the fix. If there's anything that you do not understand, kindly ask your questions before proceeding. Please ensure that there aren't any any opened browsers when you are carrying out the procedures below. Save the following instructions in Notepad as this webpage would not be available when you're carrying out the fix.


* * * * * * ADDITIONAL DOWNLOADS * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


Download & install CleanUp.exe (not recommended for WinXP64)

Download and install Ewido Security Suite

• When installing, under "Additional Options",
  • uncheck - Install background guard
• Have Ewido update itself & then exit the program.

If you are having problems with the updater, you can use this link to manually update Ewido

'UNPLUG'/DISCONNECT your computer from the Internet when you have finished downloading.
It is IMPORTANT that you don't miss a step & perform everything in the correct order/sequence.


* * * * * * FIXING ENTRIES WITH HIJACKTHIS * * * * * * * * * *


Do a HijackThis scan & place a check next to these items and select "Fix checked":

R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Local Page = \blank.htm
O20 - Winlogon Notify: wincqt32 - C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\wincqt32.dll


* * * * * * RESTART WINDOWS IN SAFE MODE * * * * * * * * * *


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 option to run Windows in Safe Mode.


* * * * * * PURGING TEMP FOLDERS * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


Run Cleanup! using the following configuration:

1. Click Options...
2. Set the slider initially to Standard CleanUp!
3. Uncheck the following:

• Delete Newsgroup cache
• Delete Newsgroup Subscriptions
• Scan local drives for temporary files

4. Click OK
5. Press the CleanUp! button to start the program.
6. Do NOT reboot/logoff if prompted.

* CleanUp! will not create any backups!!


* * * * * * RUNNING ADDITIONAL SCANNERS * * * * * * * * * * *


Run Ewido with it's updated definitions:(...it's important that all windows must be closed)

• Click Scanner
• Click Complete System Scan to begin scanning.
• Click OK when prompted to clean files

With the first file it prompts to clean, select the option:

• "Perform action on all infections"
• .Choose clean and click OK.

Once finished, click the Save report button & save the report to your desktop

** Ewido scan would require at least an hour. I suggest that you go grab a cup of coffee & do something else while you wait for it to complete.


* * * * * * REBOOT TO NORMAL MODE * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


Establish an internet connection & perform an online scan with Internet Explorer at Kaspersky Online Scanner

Answer Yes, when prompted to install an ActiveX component.

• The program will then begin downloading the latest definition files.
• Once the files have been downloaded click on NEXT
• Locate the Scan Settings button & configure to:
  • Scan using the following Anti-Virus database:
    • Extended
  • Scan Options:
    • Scan Archives
    • Scan Mail Bases
• Click OK & have it scan My Computer
• Once the scan is complete, it will display if your system has been infected. It does not provide an option to clean/disinfect. We only require a report from it.
• Click the Save as Text button to save the file to your desktop so that you may post it in your next reply

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


* * * * * * CHECK LIST * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


In your next post, please include fresh logs from:

• HiJackThis log
• Online Scan
• Ewido

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

[BigPapa]

Thank you for your response, I will go through with the instructions tonight and post as soon as I have a followup. Cheers!

BP

[BigPapa]

I basically followed the directions to the point in which my ewido scan was complete. Once done, I deleted all the items in the quarantine section. After doing so, and rebooting the system normally, I did some checking prior to running the Kaspersky scanner. I surfed a little on safe sites, basically used the PC for about 30 minutes and then looked for traces of the virus in windows/temp and other places. Nothing. At this point, it appears the process would be complete.

But alas, following the directions to a T, I ran the Kaspersky Online Scanner. And while it confirmed indeed that the particular infection was gone, it reported a problem with my Mirc installation. Since I don't have time to chat on Mirc anymore, I uninstalled the package just to be safe. And then I scanned again, since my first scan was limited to the C: drive only. The second scan took much longer due to the amount of data, but it proved worthy, as it reminded me that I should have also deleted the Mirc installation bundle I had backed up as well ;)

All in all, success!

Anyway, I give to you my logs and most appreciative gratitude!

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

ewido anti-malware - Scan report
---------------------------------------------------------

+ Created on: 1:48:51 AM, 2/27/2006
+ Report-Checksum: 3FB27873

+ Scan result:

[252]

C:\WINDOWS\system32\wincqt32.dll
-> Hijacker.Small.kb : Cleaned with backup
C:\Documents and Settings\Big Papa Slim\Application Data\Мicrosoft.NET\smss.exe ->Downloader.PurityScan.bv : Cleaned with backup

<Editted for spams sake> REMOVED many many tracking cookies

C:\WINDOWS\system32\wincqt32.dll
-> Hijacker.Small.kb : Cleaned with backup


::Report End

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

ONLINE SCAN 1
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
KASPERSKY ON-LINE SCANNER REPORT
Monday, February 27, 2006 03:26:13
Operating System: Microsoft Windows XP Professional, Service Pack 2 (Build 2600)
Kaspersky On-line Scanner version: 5.0.67.0
Kaspersky Anti-Virus database last update: 27/02/2006
Kaspersky Anti-Virus database records: 178919
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Scan Settings:
Scan using the following antivirus database: extended
Scan Archives: true
Scan Mail Bases: true

Scan Target - Folders:
C:\

Scan Statistics:
Total number of scanned objects: 29892
Number of viruses found: 1
Number of infected objects: 1
Number of suspicious objects: 0
Duration of the scan process: 2162 sec

Infected Object Name - Virus Name
C:\Program Files\mIRC\mirc.exe Infected: not-a-virus:Client-IRC.Win32.mIRC.616

Scan process completed.

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

ONLINE SCAN 2
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
KASPERSKY ON-LINE SCANNER REPORT
Monday, February 27, 2006 04:41:22
Operating System: Microsoft Windows XP Professional, Service Pack 2 (Build 2600)
Kaspersky On-line Scanner version: 5.0.67.0
Kaspersky Anti-Virus database last update: 27/02/2006
Kaspersky Anti-Virus database records: 178932
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Scan Settings:
Scan using the following antivirus database: extended
Scan Archives: true
Scan Mail Bases: true

Scan Target - Folders:
C:\
G:\
I:\

Scan Statistics:
Total number of scanned objects: 43973
Number of viruses found: 1
Number of infected objects: 2
Number of suspicious objects: 0
Duration of the scan process: 3725 sec

Infected Object Name - Virus Name
I:\Software\Installed\mirc616.exe/data0001.bin Infected: not-a-virus:Client-IRC.Win32.mIRC.616
I:\Software\Installed\mirc616.exe Infected: not-a-virus:Client-IRC.Win32.mIRC.616

Scan process completed.

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

POST RESOLUTION HJT LOG
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.1
Scan saved at 4:44:20 AM, on 2/27/2006
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\Ati2evxx.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccEvtMgr.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\Ati2evxx.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccApp.exe
C:\Program Files\Norton AntiVirus\navapsvc.exe
C:\Program Files\Norton AntiVirus\AdvTools\NPROTECT.EXE
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\Security Center\SymWSC.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\NOTEPAD.EXE
C:\HJT\HijackThis.exe

O2 - BHO: AcroIEHlprObj Class - {06849E9F-C8D7-4D59-B87D-784B7D6BE0B3} - C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 7.0\ActiveX\AcroIEHelper.dll
O2 - BHO: SSVHelper Class - {761497BB-D6F0-462C-B6EB-D4DAF1D92D43} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.5.0_06\bin\ssv.dll
O2 - BHO: CNavExtBho Class - {BDF3E430-B101-42AD-A544-FADC6B084872} - C:\Program Files\Norton AntiVirus\NavShExt.dll
O3 - Toolbar: Norton AntiVirus - {42CDD1BF-3FFB-4238-8AD1-7859DF00B1D6} - C:\Program Files\Norton AntiVirus\NavShExt.dll
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: [Symantec NetDriver Monitor] C:\PROGRA~1\SYMNET~1\SNDMon.exe /Consumer
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.5.0_06\bin\ssv.dll
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Sun Java Console - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.5.0_06\bin\ssv.dll
O9 - Extra button: UltimateBet - {94148DB5-B42D-4915-95DA-2CBB4F7095BF} - C:\Program Files\UltimateBet\UltimateBet.exe
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: UltimateBet - {94148DB5-B42D-4915-95DA-2CBB4F7095BF} - C:\Program Files\UltimateBet\UltimateBet.exe
O16 - DPF: {0EB0E74A-2A76-4AB3-A7FB-9BD8C29F7F75} (CKAVWebScan Object) - http://www.kaspersky.com/downloads/k...an_unicode.cab
O17 - HKLM\System\CCS\Services\Tcpip\..\{748881EC-D6C7-4237-90F8-44CA9BFB8C39}: NameServer = 68.109.202.25,68.1.18.25
O20 - Winlogon Notify: wincqt32 - wincqt32.dll (file missing)
O23 - Service: Ati HotKey Poller - ATI Technologies Inc. - C:\WINDOWS\system32\Ati2evxx.exe
O23 - Service: ATI Smart - Unknown owner - C:\WINDOWS\system32\ati2sgag.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: ewido security suite control - ewido networks - C:\Program Files\ewido anti-malware\ewidoctrl.exe
O23 - Service: InstallDriver Table Manager (IDriverT) - Macrovision Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\InstallShield\Driver\1050\Intel 32\IDriverT.exe
O23 - Service: Norton AntiVirus Auto Protect Service (navapsvc) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Norton AntiVirus\navapsvc.exe
O23 - Service: Norton Unerase Protection (NProtectService) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Norton AntiVirus\AdvTools\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

I will certainly making a donation in the near future!

[sUBs]

O20 - Winlogon Notify: wincqt32 - wincqt32.dll (file missing)

Just this entry to fix with HijackThis & you're good to go
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
   
   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.
   
   
   
6. Microsoft Windows Update
   Visit windowsupdate.com 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
   
   
   
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
   
   
   
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
   
   
   
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
    
    
    
11. MVPS HOST FILE
    The MVPS Hosts file replaces your current HOSTS file with one that will restrict known ad sites form serving you unsolicited advertisements. Basically, this prevents your coputer from connecting to those sites by redirecting them to 127.0.0.1 which is the IP of your local computer. It can be downloaded here - MVPS Hosts file

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.

• Trillian or 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)
  
  
• 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.
  
  
• Sun's Java - It's much more secure than Microsoft's Java Virtual Machine.
  
  
• Google Toolbar - Get the free google toolbar to help stop pop up windows.
  
  
• 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.
  
  
• 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.
  
  
• Winpatrol - Download and install the free version of Winpatrol.
  A tutorial for this product is located here:
  Using Winpatrol to protect your computer from malicious software

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

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.

[BigPapa]

Missed the mention of the missing file, fixed now.

Everything else checked out. Most of the suggestions you had were already in place in one form or another. I do like the CleanUp! utility and the MVPS was an excellent suggestion I had not considered.

I disable IE personally and use firefox, so thats been done once again.

Baby's runnin like a dual 1900+ should :P

Consider the issue resolved. And thanks again.

BP

"Even IT Pros get caught with their ports down sometimes"