Stubborn Alexa did something to my registry

[estara]

I had some problems with my computer some time ago but then I got it fixed. However, some weeks ago someone at home installed the Alexa toolbar without my knowledge and I'm quite pissed about it!

I deleted it right away but it has done something to my registry. I checked with Ad-aware and it found something in the registry. I fixed it but then almost immediately, Spybot prompted something regarding the registry and the only option I had was "Allow change".

I don't know what's the problem. Maybe Alexa hasn't really been deleted? Or something was changed in my registry and it wouldn't go back? Here's my Hijackthis log. I don't know if it's useful to detect my problem but here goes. Thanks.

Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.1
Scan saved at 4:24:45 PM, on 4/21/2006
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\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.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:\Program Files\WIDCOMM\Bluetooth Software\bin\btwdins.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\pctspk.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\VTTimer.exe
C:\WINDOWS\SOUNDMAN.EXE
C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgcc.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\rundll32.exe
C:\Program Files\Spybot - Search & Destroy\TeaTimer.exe
C:\Program Files\MSN Messenger\MsnMsgr.Exe
C:\Program Files\WIDCOMM\Bluetooth Software\BTTray.exe
C:\Program Files\SpywareGuard\sgmain.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\Yahoo!\MESSEN~1\ymsgr_tray.exe
C:\Program Files\SpywareGuard\sgbhp.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\wuauclt.exe
C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\IEXPLORE.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\DOCUME~1\ADMINI~1\LOCALS~1\Temp\Temporary Directory 3 for hijackthis.zip\HijackThis.exe

R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://mail.yahoo.com/
O2 - BHO: Yahoo! Toolbar Helper - {02478D38-C3F9-4EFB-9B51-7695ECA05670} - C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Companion\Installs\cpn\yt.dll
O2 - BHO: AcroIEHlprObj Class - {06849E9F-C8D7-4D59-B87D-784B7D6BE0B3} - C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 7.0\ActiveX\AcroIEHelper.dll
O2 - BHO: SpywareGuard Download Protection - {4A368E80-174F-4872-96B5-0B27DDD11DB2} - C:\Program Files\SpywareGuard\dlprotect.dll
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {53707962-6F74-2D53-2644-206D7942484F} - C:\PROGRA~1\SPYBOT~1\SDHelper.dll
O2 - BHO: Yahoo! IE Services Button - {5BAB4B5B-68BC-4B02-94D6-2FC0DE4A7897} - C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Common\yiesrvc.dll
O3 - Toolbar: Yahoo! Toolbar - {EF99BD32-C1FB-11D2-892F-0090271D4F88} - C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Companion\Installs\cpn\yt.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [RaidTool] C:\Program Files\VIA\RAID\raid_tool.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [VTTimer] VTTimer.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SoundMan] SOUNDMAN.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AVG7_CC] C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgcc.exe /STARTUP
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NeroFilterCheck] C:\WINDOWS\system32\NeroCheck.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [BluetoothAuthenticationAgent] rundll32.exe bthprops.cpl,,BluetoothAuthenticationAgent
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [SpybotSD TeaTimer] C:\Program Files\Spybot - Search & Destroy\TeaTimer.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [Yahoo! Pager] "C:\PROGRA~1\Yahoo!\MESSEN~1\YAHOOM~1.EXE" -quiet
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [MsnMsgr] "C:\Program Files\MSN Messenger\MsnMsgr.Exe" /background
O4 - Startup: SpywareGuard.lnk = C:\Program Files\SpywareGuard\sgmain.exe
O4 - Global Startup: Adobe Gamma Loader.lnk = C:\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe\Calibration\Adobe Gamma Loader.exe
O4 - Global Startup: Adobe Reader Speed Launch.lnk = C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 7.0\Reader\reader_sl.exe
O4 - Global Startup: BTTray.lnk = ?
O8 - Extra context menu item: &Yahoo! Search - file:///C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Common/ycsrch.htm
O8 - Extra context menu item: E&xport to Microsoft Excel - res://C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~1\OFFICE11\EXCEL.EXE/3000
O8 - Extra context menu item: Send To &Bluetooth - C:\Program Files\WIDCOMM\Bluetooth Software\btsendto_ie_ctx.htm
O8 - Extra context menu item: Yahoo! &Dictionary - file:///C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Common/ycdict.htm
O8 - Extra context menu item: Yahoo! &Maps - file:///C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Common/ycmap.htm
O8 - Extra context menu item: Yahoo! &SMS - file:///C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Common/ycsms.htm
O9 - Extra button: Yahoo! Services - {5BAB4B5B-68BC-4B02-94D6-2FC0DE4A7897} - C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Common\yiesrvc.dll
O9 - Extra button: Research - {92780B25-18CC-41C8-B9BE-3C9C571A8263} - C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~1\OFFICE11\REFIEBAR.DLL
O9 - Extra button: @btrez.dll,-4015 - {CCA281CA-C863-46ef-9331-5C8D4460577F} - C:\Program Files\WIDCOMM\Bluetooth Software\btsendto_ie.htm
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: @btrez.dll,-4017 - {CCA281CA-C863-46ef-9331-5C8D4460577F} - C:\Program Files\WIDCOMM\Bluetooth Software\btsendto_ie.htm
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
O16 - DPF: {30528230-99f7-4bb4-88d8-fa1d4f56a2ab} (YInstStarter Class) - C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Common\yinsthelper.dll
O16 - DPF: {4D991907-376B-4930-9090-8876B7E54087} (Application Class) - http://software.musicnow.com/musicno...4/MusicNow.cab
O17 - HKLM\System\CCS\Services\Tcpip\..\{46E188B8-6DFD-4A12-8683-5894B206B7FF}: NameServer = 202.188.0.133 202.188.1.5
O18 - Protocol: livecall - {828030A1-22C1-4009-854F-8E305202313F} - "C:\PROGRA~1\MSNMES~1\msgrapp.dll" (file missing)
O18 - Protocol: msnim - {828030A1-22C1-4009-854F-8E305202313F} - "C:\PROGRA~1\MSNMES~1\msgrapp.dll" (file missing)
O18 - Protocol: widimg - {EE7C2AFF-5742-44FF-BD0E-E521B0D3C3BA} - C:\WINDOWS\system32\btxppanel.dll
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: Bluetooth Service (btwdins) - Broadcom Corporation - C:\Program Files\WIDCOMM\Bluetooth Software\bin\btwdins.exe
O23 - Service: PCTEL Speaker Phone (Pctspk) - PCtel, Inc. - C:\WINDOWS\system32\pctspk.exe

[Vikesrock8411]

I reccommend you Subscribe to this thread so you are notified of any replies via email. To do this click Thread Tools, then click Subscribe to this Thread. Make sure it is set to Instant Notification, then click Subscribe.

There isn't much showing in your log, so we'll try a general cleaning and see what turns up.

Please print out or copy this page to Notepad in order to assist you when carrying out the following instructions.

While TeaTimer is an excellent tool for the prevention of spyware, it can sometimes prevent HijackThis from fixing certain things.
Please disable TeaTimer for now until you are clean. TeaTimer can be re-activated once your HijackThis log is clean.

• Open Spybot Search & Destroy.
• In the Mode menu click "Advanced mode" if not already selected.
• Choose "Yes" at the Warning prompt.
• Expand the "Tools" menu.
• Click "Resident".
• Uncheck the "Resident "TeaTimer" (Protection of overall system settings) active." box.
• In the File menu click "Exit" to exit Spybot Search & Destroy.

Downloads(make sure to save these in a permanent location)
Cleanup! (Alternate Link)- Install it. You will use this later.
*NOTE* Cleanup deletes EVERYTHING out of temporary folders and does not make backups.
Ewido Security Suite

• Install Ewido Security Suite
• When installing, under "Additional Options" uncheck..
  • Install background guard
  • Install scan via context menu
• Double-click the icon on Desktop to launch Ewido

You will need to update Ewido to the latest definition files.

• On the left hand side of the main screen click update.
• Then click on Start Update.

The update will start and a progress bar will show the updates being installed.
If you are having problems with the updater, you can use this link to manually update Ewido
When you have finished updating, EXIT Ewido.

Open Ad-Aware and check for updates, then close Ad-Aware.

Next, please reboot your computer in SafeMode by doing the following:

• Restart your computer
• After hearing your computer beep once during startup, but before the Windows icon appears, press F8.
• Instead of Windows loading as normal, a menu should appear
• Select the first option, to run Windows in Safe Mode.

Tools
Open Cleanup! by double-clicking the icon on your desktop (or from Start > All Programs). Set the program up as follows:

Click Options
Move the slider button down to Custom CleanUp!

Check the following:

• Empty Recycle Bins
• Delete Cookies
• Delete Prefetch files
• Cleanup! All Users

Uncheck the following :

• Scan local drives for temporary files

Click OK, Press the CleanUp! button to start the program. If prompted to reboot, click No

Open Ad-Aware, run a scan, and fix everything it finds.

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

** This scan may take over an hour, after choosing the action for the first item you do not need to stay at the PC.

Reboot your system in Normal Mode.

Online Scans
Perform an online scan with Internet Explorer with Panda ActiveScan
** click on "Free use ActiveScan" located on the top right hand corner

1. Click Scan your PC & a 'pop up' window shall appear. *ensure that your pop up blocker doesn't block it
2. Click Scan Now
3. Enter your e-mail address & click Scan Now ...begins downloading 8 MB Panda's ActiveX controls

Begin the scan by selecting My Computer

• If it finds any malware, it will offer you a report.
• Click on see report. Then click Save report

Post the contents of the report in your next reply

*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

In your next post please include:

• Panda Activescan Log
• Ewido Log
• A new Hijackthis! Log

[estara]

Hi below is the logs. Thanks.

From Panda Activescan:-

Incident Status Location

Potentially unwanted tool:Application/Restart Not disinfected C:\WINDOWS\system32\Tools\Restart.exe


From Ewido:-

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

+ Created on: 5:50:02 PM, 4/24/2006
+ Report-Checksum: 29403DB6

+ Scan result:

No infected objects found.


::Report End


From Hijackthis:-

Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.1
Scan saved at 6:23:01 PM, on 4/24/2006
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\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgamsvr.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\VTTimer.exe
C:\WINDOWS\SOUNDMAN.EXE
C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgcc.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\rundll32.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgupsvc.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgemc.exe
C:\Program Files\MSN Messenger\MsnMsgr.Exe
C:\Program Files\WIDCOMM\Bluetooth Software\bin\btwdins.exe
C:\Program Files\ewido anti-malware\ewidoctrl.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\pctspk.exe
C:\Program Files\WIDCOMM\Bluetooth Software\BTTray.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\Yahoo!\MESSEN~1\ymsgr_tray.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\NOTEPAD.EXE
C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\IEXPLORE.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\system32\wuauclt.exe
C:\Program Files\hijackthis\HijackThis.exe

R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://mail.yahoo.com/
O2 - BHO: Yahoo! Toolbar Helper - {02478D38-C3F9-4EFB-9B51-7695ECA05670} - C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Companion\Installs\cpn\yt.dll
O2 - BHO: AcroIEHlprObj Class - {06849E9F-C8D7-4D59-B87D-784B7D6BE0B3} - C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 7.0\ActiveX\AcroIEHelper.dll
O2 - BHO: SpywareGuard Download Protection - {4A368E80-174F-4872-96B5-0B27DDD11DB2} - C:\Program Files\SpywareGuard\dlprotect.dll
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {53707962-6F74-2D53-2644-206D7942484F} - C:\PROGRA~1\SPYBOT~1\SDHelper.dll
O2 - BHO: Yahoo! IE Services Button - {5BAB4B5B-68BC-4B02-94D6-2FC0DE4A7897} - C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Common\yiesrvc.dll
O3 - Toolbar: Yahoo! Toolbar - {EF99BD32-C1FB-11D2-892F-0090271D4F88} - C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Companion\Installs\cpn\yt.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [RaidTool] C:\Program Files\VIA\RAID\raid_tool.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [VTTimer] VTTimer.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SoundMan] SOUNDMAN.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AVG7_CC] C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgcc.exe /STARTUP
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NeroFilterCheck] C:\WINDOWS\system32\NeroCheck.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [BluetoothAuthenticationAgent] rundll32.exe bthprops.cpl,,BluetoothAuthenticationAgent
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [Yahoo! Pager] "C:\PROGRA~1\Yahoo!\MESSEN~1\YAHOOM~1.EXE" -quiet
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [MsnMsgr] "C:\Program Files\MSN Messenger\MsnMsgr.Exe" /background
O4 - Startup: SpywareGuard.lnk = C:\Program Files\SpywareGuard\sgmain.exe
O4 - Global Startup: Adobe Gamma Loader.lnk = C:\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe\Calibration\Adobe Gamma Loader.exe
O4 - Global Startup: Adobe Reader Speed Launch.lnk = C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 7.0\Reader\reader_sl.exe
O4 - Global Startup: BTTray.lnk = ?
O8 - Extra context menu item: &Yahoo! Search - file:///C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Common/ycsrch.htm
O8 - Extra context menu item: E&xport to Microsoft Excel - res://C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~1\OFFICE11\EXCEL.EXE/3000
O8 - Extra context menu item: Send To &Bluetooth - C:\Program Files\WIDCOMM\Bluetooth Software\btsendto_ie_ctx.htm
O8 - Extra context menu item: Yahoo! &Dictionary - file:///C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Common/ycdict.htm
O8 - Extra context menu item: Yahoo! &Maps - file:///C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Common/ycmap.htm
O8 - Extra context menu item: Yahoo! &SMS - file:///C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Common/ycsms.htm
O9 - Extra button: Yahoo! Services - {5BAB4B5B-68BC-4B02-94D6-2FC0DE4A7897} - C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Common\yiesrvc.dll
O9 - Extra button: Research - {92780B25-18CC-41C8-B9BE-3C9C571A8263} - C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~1\OFFICE11\REFIEBAR.DLL
O9 - Extra button: @btrez.dll,-4015 - {CCA281CA-C863-46ef-9331-5C8D4460577F} - C:\Program Files\WIDCOMM\Bluetooth Software\btsendto_ie.htm
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: @btrez.dll,-4017 - {CCA281CA-C863-46ef-9331-5C8D4460577F} - C:\Program Files\WIDCOMM\Bluetooth Software\btsendto_ie.htm
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
O16 - DPF: {30528230-99f7-4bb4-88d8-fa1d4f56a2ab} (YInstStarter Class) - C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Common\yinsthelper.dll
O16 - DPF: {4D991907-376B-4930-9090-8876B7E54087} (Application Class) - http://software.musicnow.com/musicno...4/MusicNow.cab
O16 - DPF: {9A9307A0-7DA4-4DAF-B042-5009F29E09E1} (ActiveScan Installer Class) - http://acs.pandasoftware.com/actives...ree/asinst.cab
O17 - HKLM\System\CCS\Services\Tcpip\..\{46E188B8-6DFD-4A12-8683-5894B206B7FF}: NameServer = 202.188.0.133 202.188.1.5
O18 - Protocol: livecall - {828030A1-22C1-4009-854F-8E305202313F} - "C:\PROGRA~1\MSNMES~1\msgrapp.dll" (file missing)
O18 - Protocol: msnim - {828030A1-22C1-4009-854F-8E305202313F} - "C:\PROGRA~1\MSNMES~1\msgrapp.dll" (file missing)
O18 - Protocol: widimg - {EE7C2AFF-5742-44FF-BD0E-E521B0D3C3BA} - C:\WINDOWS\system32\btxppanel.dll
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: Bluetooth Service (btwdins) - Broadcom Corporation - C:\Program Files\WIDCOMM\Bluetooth Software\bin\btwdins.exe
O23 - Service: ewido security suite control - ewido networks - C:\Program Files\ewido anti-malware\ewidoctrl.exe
O23 - Service: PCTEL Speaker Phone (Pctspk) - PCtel, Inc. - C:\WINDOWS\system32\pctspk.exe

[Vikesrock8411]

Your log appears to be clean. If you still have any problems let me know and we will work on diagnosing those through other means. If not, there are just a few more things to go through to finish this off and help prevent future infections. Please post one more time even if you have no problems so we can mark this thread as resolved.

Setting a new Restore Point
Go to Start >> Run - type control sysdm.cpl,,4 & press Enter.

• Tick the checkbox - Turn off System Restore on all drives
• Click Apply
• Turn it back 'On' by unticking the same checkbox & click OK

Windows Update
Make sure to get the latest updates for Windows and Internet Explorer at Microsoft Update Site.

Prevention
A good virus scanner is a necessity in today's computer environment. Many virus scanners include active components that protect you from infection without even running a scan. Some good free antivirus programs include:
AVG Free
Avast! Home Edition (Antivirus & Firewall)
AntiVir

A firewall is the first line of defense standing between the internet and your computer. Some good free firewalls are:
Zone Alarm
Outpost
Tiny Personal Firewall
Sunbelt Kerio Personal Firewall

Adaware SE and Spybot SD are a pair of anti-spyware scanners that should be run every week or two. Although there is some overlap there are many pieces of malware that is caught by one of these and not the other, therefore it is recommended you use both to compliment each other. Spybot also contains two other useful pieces. The first is "Immunize", this helps protect your computer against known exploits. The second is "TeaTimer", with this feature enabled you will receive notifications of all changes to the registry such as programs adding themselves to start-up and you default search page being changed.

Spyware Blaster is a powerful tool that prevents "drive-by" downloads and other unwanted installations. It also uses no system resources, run it once and you're all set. Spyware Guard Is a realtime protection engine to guard your computer from spyware. This program does for spyware what an antivirus program does for viruses.

IE-Spyad is a program that only needs to be run once to protect you from many malicious sites. It adds domains of known adware companies into the Restricted List of Internet Explorer, preventing them from performing malicious actions on your PC.

The MVPS HOSTS file is a file you can download and use to replace your regular hosts file. It prevents many sites from performing malicious actions by blocking the sites from ever being accessed.

Together these programs form a powerful barrier between the Internet and your computer. However, all the programs stand alone and feel free to eliminate any you are not comfortable with. Any protection you add to your PC is better than no protection at all.

Alternative Programs
Here are some alternatives that are either less suceptible than others to malware or don't contain malware where similar programs do.

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)

Desktop Weather - Free taskbar weather program that is free, malware free, and resource light.

Firefox - This is an increasingly popular 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.

[estara]

Thanks. However I think my problem is something in the registry. I used Ad-Aware to scan again today and it identified 6 registry keys from Alexa. Each time I delete them, they'll come back the next time I restart my computer. Everything seems to be fine except that I get kinda paranoid when I see Alexa in the registry keys.

[Vikesrock8411]

Let's see what Ad-Aware is finding.

Make sure to customize the settings in Ad-aware as described on this page for better scan results.

Run Ad-Aware, when the scan is complete, click Show Logfile and copy and paste the logfile here for review.

[estara]

Ok here it is.



Ad-Aware SE Build 1.06r1
Logfile Created on:Wednesday, April 26, 2006 3:31:34 PM
Created with Ad-Aware SE Personal, free for private use.
Using definitions file:SE1R104 21.04.2006
»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»

References detected during the scan:
»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»
Alexa(TAC index:5):6 total references
MRU List(TAC index:0):14 total references
»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»

Definition File:
=========================
Definitions File Loaded:
Reference Number : SE1R104 21.04.2006
Internal build : 123
File location : C:\Program Files\Lavasoft\Ad-Aware SE Personal\defs.ref
File size : 618561 Bytes
Total size : 2031217 Bytes
Signature data size : 1993928 Bytes
Reference data size : 36777 Bytes
Signatures total : 56111
CSI Fingerprints total : 2346
CSI data size : 75346 Bytes
Target categories : 15
Target families : 877


Memory + processor status:
==========================
Number of processors : 1
Processor architecture : Intel Pentium IV
Memory available:17 %
Total physical memory:227824 kb
Available physical memory:37252 kb
Total page file size:556476 kb
Available on page file:377572 kb
Total virtual memory:2097024 kb
Available virtual memory:2035600 kb
OS:Microsoft Windows XP Professional Service Pack 2 (Build 2600)

Ad-Aware SE Settings
===========================
Set : Search for negligible risk entries
Set : Safe mode (always request confirmation)
Set : Scan active processes
Set : Scan registry
Set : Deep-scan registry
Set : Scan my IE Favorites for banned URLs
Set : Scan within archives
Set : Scan my Hosts file

Extended Ad-Aware SE Settings
===========================
Set : Unload recognized processes & modules during scan
Set : Scan registry for all users instead of current user only
Set : Always try to unload modules before deletion
Set : During removal, unload Explorer and IE if necessary
Set : Let Windows remove files in use at next reboot
Set : Delete quarantined objects after restoring
Set : Include basic Ad-Aware settings in log file
Set : Include additional Ad-Aware settings in log file
Set : Include reference summary in log file
Set : Include alternate data stream details in log file
Set : Play sound at scan completion if scan locates critical objects


4-26-2006 3:31:34 PM - Scan started. (Custom mode)

Listing running processes
»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»

#:1 [smss.exe]
FilePath : \SystemRoot\System32\
ProcessID : 648
ThreadCreationTime : 4-26-2006 7:28:49 AM
BasePriority : Normal


#:2 [csrss.exe]
FilePath : \??\C:\WINDOWS\system32\
ProcessID : 712
ThreadCreationTime : 4-26-2006 7:28:50 AM
BasePriority : Normal


#:3 [winlogon.exe]
FilePath : \??\C:\WINDOWS\system32\
ProcessID : 736
ThreadCreationTime : 4-26-2006 7:28:51 AM
BasePriority : High


#:4 [services.exe]
FilePath : C:\WINDOWS\system32\
ProcessID : 788
ThreadCreationTime : 4-26-2006 7:28:51 AM
BasePriority : Normal
FileVersion : 5.1.2600.2180 (xpsp_sp2_rtm.040803-2158)
ProductVersion : 5.1.2600.2180
ProductName : Microsoft® Windows® Operating System
CompanyName : Microsoft Corporation
FileDescription : Services and Controller app
InternalName : services.exe
LegalCopyright : © Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.
OriginalFilename : services.exe

#:5 [lsass.exe]
FilePath : C:\WINDOWS\system32\
ProcessID : 800
ThreadCreationTime : 4-26-2006 7:28:51 AM
BasePriority : Normal
FileVersion : 5.1.2600.2180 (xpsp_sp2_rtm.040803-2158)
ProductVersion : 5.1.2600.2180
ProductName : Microsoft® Windows® Operating System
CompanyName : Microsoft Corporation
FileDescription : LSA Shell (Export Version)
InternalName : lsass.exe
LegalCopyright : © Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.
OriginalFilename : lsass.exe

#:6 [svchost.exe]
FilePath : C:\WINDOWS\system32\
ProcessID : 956
ThreadCreationTime : 4-26-2006 7:28:52 AM
BasePriority : Normal
FileVersion : 5.1.2600.2180 (xpsp_sp2_rtm.040803-2158)
ProductVersion : 5.1.2600.2180
ProductName : Microsoft® Windows® Operating System
CompanyName : Microsoft Corporation
FileDescription : Generic Host Process for Win32 Services
InternalName : svchost.exe
LegalCopyright : © Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.
OriginalFilename : svchost.exe

#:7 [svchost.exe]
FilePath : C:\WINDOWS\system32\
ProcessID : 1000
ThreadCreationTime : 4-26-2006 7:28:52 AM
BasePriority : Normal
FileVersion : 5.1.2600.2180 (xpsp_sp2_rtm.040803-2158)
ProductVersion : 5.1.2600.2180
ProductName : Microsoft® Windows® Operating System
CompanyName : Microsoft Corporation
FileDescription : Generic Host Process for Win32 Services
InternalName : svchost.exe
LegalCopyright : © Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.
OriginalFilename : svchost.exe

#:8 [svchost.exe]
FilePath : C:\WINDOWS\System32\
ProcessID : 1140
ThreadCreationTime : 4-26-2006 7:28:52 AM
BasePriority : Normal
FileVersion : 5.1.2600.2180 (xpsp_sp2_rtm.040803-2158)
ProductVersion : 5.1.2600.2180
ProductName : Microsoft® Windows® Operating System
CompanyName : Microsoft Corporation
FileDescription : Generic Host Process for Win32 Services
InternalName : svchost.exe
LegalCopyright : © Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.
OriginalFilename : svchost.exe

#:9 [svchost.exe]
FilePath : C:\WINDOWS\system32\
ProcessID : 1192
ThreadCreationTime : 4-26-2006 7:28:52 AM
BasePriority : Normal
FileVersion : 5.1.2600.2180 (xpsp_sp2_rtm.040803-2158)
ProductVersion : 5.1.2600.2180
ProductName : Microsoft® Windows® Operating System
CompanyName : Microsoft Corporation
FileDescription : Generic Host Process for Win32 Services
InternalName : svchost.exe
LegalCopyright : © Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.
OriginalFilename : svchost.exe

#:10 [svchost.exe]
FilePath : C:\WINDOWS\system32\
ProcessID : 1312
ThreadCreationTime : 4-26-2006 7:28:53 AM
BasePriority : Normal
FileVersion : 5.1.2600.2180 (xpsp_sp2_rtm.040803-2158)
ProductVersion : 5.1.2600.2180
ProductName : Microsoft® Windows® Operating System
CompanyName : Microsoft Corporation
FileDescription : Generic Host Process for Win32 Services
InternalName : svchost.exe
LegalCopyright : © Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.
OriginalFilename : svchost.exe

#:11 [explorer.exe]
FilePath : C:\WINDOWS\
ProcessID : 1588
ThreadCreationTime : 4-26-2006 7:28:55 AM
BasePriority : Normal
FileVersion : 6.00.2900.2180 (xpsp_sp2_rtm.040803-2158)
ProductVersion : 6.00.2900.2180
ProductName : Microsoft® Windows® Operating System
CompanyName : Microsoft Corporation
FileDescription : Windows Explorer
InternalName : explorer
LegalCopyright : © Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.
OriginalFilename : EXPLORER.EXE

#:12 [spoolsv.exe]
FilePath : C:\WINDOWS\system32\
ProcessID : 1820
ThreadCreationTime : 4-26-2006 7:28:56 AM
BasePriority : Normal
FileVersion : 5.1.2600.2180 (xpsp_sp2_rtm.040803-2158)
ProductVersion : 5.1.2600.2180
ProductName : Microsoft® Windows® Operating System
CompanyName : Microsoft Corporation
FileDescription : Spooler SubSystem App
InternalName : spoolsv.exe
LegalCopyright : © Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.
OriginalFilename : spoolsv.exe

#:13 [avgamsvr.exe]
FilePath : C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\
ProcessID : 188
ThreadCreationTime : 4-26-2006 7:29:03 AM
BasePriority : Normal
FileVersion : 7,1,0,365
ProductVersion : 7.1.0.365
ProductName : AVG Anti-Virus System
CompanyName : GRISOFT, s.r.o.
FileDescription : AVG Alert Manager
InternalName : avgamsvr
LegalCopyright : Copyright © 2005, GRISOFT, s.r.o.
OriginalFilename : avgamsvr.EXE

#:14 [avgupsvc.exe]
FilePath : C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\
ProcessID : 208
ThreadCreationTime : 4-26-2006 7:29:03 AM
BasePriority : Normal
FileVersion : 7,1,0,349
ProductVersion : 7.1.0.349
ProductName : AVG 7.0 Anti-Virus System
CompanyName : GRISOFT, s.r.o.
FileDescription : AVG Update Service
InternalName : avgupsvc
LegalCopyright : Copyright © 2005, GRISOFT, s.r.o.
OriginalFilename : avgupdsvc.EXE

#:15 [avgemc.exe]
FilePath : C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\
ProcessID : 216
ThreadCreationTime : 4-26-2006 7:29:04 AM
BasePriority : Normal
FileVersion : 7,1,0,371
ProductVersion : 7.1.0.371
ProductName : AVG Anti-Virus System
CompanyName : GRISOFT, s.r.o.
FileDescription : AVG E-Mail Scanner
InternalName : avgemc
LegalCopyright : Copyright © 2005, GRISOFT, s.r.o.
OriginalFilename : avgemc.exe

#:16 [svchost.exe]
FilePath : C:\WINDOWS\system32\
ProcessID : 172
ThreadCreationTime : 4-26-2006 7:29:04 AM
BasePriority : Normal
FileVersion : 5.1.2600.2180 (xpsp_sp2_rtm.040803-2158)
ProductVersion : 5.1.2600.2180
ProductName : Microsoft® Windows® Operating System
CompanyName : Microsoft Corporation
FileDescription : Generic Host Process for Win32 Services
InternalName : svchost.exe
LegalCopyright : © Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.
OriginalFilename : svchost.exe

#:17 [btwdins.exe]
FilePath : C:\Program Files\WIDCOMM\Bluetooth Software\bin\
ProcessID : 272
ThreadCreationTime : 4-26-2006 7:29:04 AM
BasePriority : Normal
FileVersion : 3.0.1.912
ProductVersion : 3.0.1.912
ProductName : Bluetooth Software 3.0.1.912
CompanyName : Broadcom Corporation
FileDescription : Bluetooth Support Server
InternalName : BTWDIns
LegalCopyright : Copyright 2000-2004 Broadcom Corporation
OriginalFilename : BTWDIns.EXE

#:18 [ewidoctrl.exe]
FilePath : C:\Program Files\ewido anti-malware\
ProcessID : 316
ThreadCreationTime : 4-26-2006 7:29:04 AM
BasePriority : Normal
FileVersion : 3, 0, 0, 1
ProductVersion : 3, 0, 0, 1
ProductName : ewido control
CompanyName : ewido networks
FileDescription : ewido control
InternalName : ewido control
LegalCopyright : Copyright © 2004
OriginalFilename : ewidoctrl.exe

#:19 [pctspk.exe]
FilePath : C:\WINDOWS\system32\
ProcessID : 432
ThreadCreationTime : 4-26-2006 7:29:04 AM
BasePriority : Normal
FileVersion : 4.00
ProductVersion : 4.00
ProductName : PCTSPK.EXE
CompanyName : PCtel, Inc.
FileDescription : PCTSPK.EXE
InternalName : PCTSPK.EXE
LegalCopyright : Copyright (C)PCtel,Inc. 1999-2000
OriginalFilename : PCTSPK.EXE

#:20 [wdfmgr.exe]
FilePath : C:\WINDOWS\system32\
ProcessID : 916
ThreadCreationTime : 4-26-2006 7:29:07 AM
BasePriority : Normal
FileVersion : 5.2.3790.1230 built by: DNSRV(bld4act)
ProductVersion : 5.2.3790.1230
ProductName : Microsoft® Windows® Operating System
CompanyName : Microsoft Corporation
FileDescription : Windows User Mode Driver Manager
InternalName : WdfMgr
LegalCopyright : © Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.
OriginalFilename : WdfMgr.exe

#:21 [alg.exe]
FilePath : C:\WINDOWS\System32\
ProcessID : 1424
ThreadCreationTime : 4-26-2006 7:29:09 AM
BasePriority : Normal
FileVersion : 5.1.2600.2180 (xpsp_sp2_rtm.040803-2158)
ProductVersion : 5.1.2600.2180
ProductName : Microsoft® Windows® Operating System
CompanyName : Microsoft Corporation
FileDescription : Application Layer Gateway Service
InternalName : ALG.exe
LegalCopyright : © Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.
OriginalFilename : ALG.exe

#:22 [vttimer.exe]
FilePath : C:\WINDOWS\system32\
ProcessID : 1740
ThreadCreationTime : 4-26-2006 7:29:10 AM
BasePriority : Normal
FileVersion : 1.04.04-0901
ProductVersion : 1.04.04-0901
ProductName : S3 Graphics, Inc. Utilities
CompanyName : S3 Graphics, Inc.
InternalName : S3Timer
LegalCopyright : Copyright (C) 2001-2004 S3 Graphics, Inc.
LegalTrademarks : S3 is a registered trademark of S3 Incorporated

#:23 [soundman.exe]
FilePath : C:\WINDOWS\
ProcessID : 1748
ThreadCreationTime : 4-26-2006 7:29:10 AM
BasePriority : Normal
FileVersion : 5.1.0.40
ProductVersion : 5.1.0.40
ProductName : Realtek Sound Manager
CompanyName : Realtek Semiconductor Corp.
FileDescription : Realtek Sound Manager
InternalName : ALSMTray
LegalCopyright : Copyright (c) 2001-2004 Realtek Semiconductor Corp.
OriginalFilename : ALSMTray.exe
Comments : Realtek AC97 Audio Sound Manager

#:24 [rundll32.exe]
FilePath : C:\WINDOWS\system32\
ProcessID : 1904
ThreadCreationTime : 4-26-2006 7:29:10 AM
BasePriority : Normal
FileVersion : 5.1.2600.2180 (xpsp_sp2_rtm.040803-2158)
ProductVersion : 5.1.2600.2180
ProductName : Microsoft® Windows® Operating System
CompanyName : Microsoft Corporation
FileDescription : Run a DLL as an App
InternalName : rundll
LegalCopyright : © Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.
OriginalFilename : RUNDLL.EXE

#:25 [msnmsgr.exe]
FilePath : C:\Program Files\MSN Messenger\
ProcessID : 1964
ThreadCreationTime : 4-26-2006 7:29:11 AM
BasePriority : Normal
FileVersion : 8.0.0566
ProductVersion : 8.0.0566
ProductName : Messenger
CompanyName : Microsoft Corporation
FileDescription : Messenger
InternalName : msnmsgr.exe
LegalCopyright : Copyright (c) Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.
OriginalFilename : msnmsgr.exe

#:26 [reader_sl.exe]
FilePath : C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 7.0\Reader\
ProcessID : 2060
ThreadCreationTime : 4-26-2006 7:29:20 AM
BasePriority : Normal
FileVersion : 7.0.0.0
ProductVersion : 7.0.0.0
ProductName : Adobe Acrobat
CompanyName : Adobe Systems Incorporated
FileDescription : Adobe Acrobat SpeedLauncher
LegalCopyright : Copyright Adobe Systems Incorporated 2004
OriginalFilename : AcroSpeedLaunch.exe

#:27 [bttray.exe]
FilePath : C:\Program Files\WIDCOMM\Bluetooth Software\
ProcessID : 2072
ThreadCreationTime : 4-26-2006 7:29:21 AM
BasePriority : Normal
FileVersion : 3.0.1.912
ProductVersion : 3.0.1.912
ProductName : Bluetooth Software 3.0.1.912
CompanyName : Broadcom Corporation
FileDescription : Bluetooth Tray Application
InternalName : BTTray
LegalCopyright : Copyright 2000-2004 Broadcom Corporation
OriginalFilename : BTTray.exe

#:28 [ymsgr_tray.exe]
FilePath : C:\PROGRA~1\Yahoo!\MESSEN~1\
ProcessID : 2244
ThreadCreationTime : 4-26-2006 7:29:27 AM
BasePriority : Normal


#:29 [wuauclt.exe]
FilePath : C:\WINDOWS\system32\
ProcessID : 2856
ThreadCreationTime : 4-26-2006 7:29:53 AM
BasePriority : Normal
FileVersion : 5.4.3790.2180 (xpsp_sp2_rtm.040803-2158)
ProductVersion : 5.4.3790.2180
ProductName : Microsoft® Windows® Operating System
CompanyName : Microsoft Corporation
FileDescription : Automatic Updates
InternalName : wuauclt.exe
LegalCopyright : © Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.
OriginalFilename : wuauclt.exe

#:30 [wuauclt.exe]
FilePath : C:\WINDOWS\system32\
ProcessID : 3168
ThreadCreationTime : 4-26-2006 7:30:09 AM
BasePriority : Normal
FileVersion : 5.4.3790.2180 (xpsp_sp2_rtm.040803-2158)
ProductVersion : 5.4.3790.2180
ProductName : Microsoft® Windows® Operating System
CompanyName : Microsoft Corporation
FileDescription : Automatic Updates
InternalName : wuauclt.exe
LegalCopyright : © Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.
OriginalFilename : wuauclt.exe

#:31 [ad-aware.exe]
FilePath : C:\Program Files\Lavasoft\Ad-Aware SE Personal\
ProcessID : 3564
ThreadCreationTime : 4-26-2006 7:30:35 AM
BasePriority : Normal
FileVersion : 6.2.0.236
ProductVersion : SE 106
ProductName : Lavasoft Ad-Aware SE
CompanyName : Lavasoft Sweden
FileDescription : Ad-Aware SE Core application
InternalName : Ad-Aware.exe
LegalCopyright : Copyright © Lavasoft AB Sweden
OriginalFilename : Ad-Aware.exe
Comments : All Rights Reserved

Memory scan result:
»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»
New critical objects: 0
Objects found so far: 0


Started registry scan
»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»

Alexa Object Recognized!
Type : Regkey
Data :
TAC Rating : 5
Category : Data Miner
Comment :
Rootkey : HKEY_USERS
Object : S-1-5-21-2000478354-616249376-682003330-500\software\microsoft\internet explorer\menuext\alexa web search

Alexa Object Recognized!
Type : Regkey
Data :
TAC Rating : 5
Category : Data Miner
Comment :
Rootkey : HKEY_USERS
Object : S-1-5-21-2000478354-616249376-682003330-500\software\microsoft\internet explorer\menuext\get alexa data

Alexa Object Recognized!
Type : Regkey
Data :
TAC Rating : 5
Category : Data Miner
Comment :
Rootkey : HKEY_USERS
Object : S-1-5-21-2000478354-616249376-682003330-500\software\microsoft\internet explorer\menuext\mail to a friend...

Alexa Object Recognized!
Type : Regkey
Data :
TAC Rating : 5
Category : Data Miner
Comment :
Rootkey : HKEY_USERS
Object : S-1-5-21-2000478354-616249376-682003330-500\software\microsoft\internet explorer\menuext\see related links

Alexa Object Recognized!
Type : Regkey
Data :
TAC Rating : 5
Category : Data Miner
Comment :
Rootkey : HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE
Object : software\microsoft\windows\currentversion\explorer\browser helper objects\{f1fabe79-25fc-46de-8c5a-2c6db9d64333}

Registry Scan result:
»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»
New critical objects: 5
Objects found so far: 5


Started deep registry scan
»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»

Deep registry scan result:
»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»
New critical objects: 0
Objects found so far: 5

MRU List Object Recognized!
Location: : C:\Documents and Settings\Administrator\recent
Description : list of recently opened documents


MRU List Object Recognized!
Location: : S-1-5-21-2000478354-616249376-682003330-500\software\adobe\photoshop\7.0\visiteddirs
Description : adobe photoshop 7 recent work folders


MRU List Object Recognized!
Location: : software\microsoft\direct3d\mostrecentapplication
Description : most recent application to use microsoft direct3d


MRU List Object Recognized!
Location: : software\microsoft\direct3d\mostrecentapplication
Description : most recent application to use microsoft direct X


MRU List Object Recognized!
Location: : software\microsoft\directdraw\mostrecentapplication
Description : most recent application to use microsoft directdraw


MRU List Object Recognized!
Location: : S-1-5-21-2000478354-616249376-682003330-500\software\microsoft\internet explorer\typedurls
Description : list of recently entered addresses in microsoft internet explorer


MRU List Object Recognized!
Location: : S-1-5-21-2000478354-616249376-682003330-500\software\microsoft\mediaplayer\player\settings
Description : last open directory used in jasc paint shop pro


MRU List Object Recognized!
Location: : S-1-5-21-2000478354-616249376-682003330-500\software\microsoft\mediaplayer\preferences
Description : last playlist index loaded in microsoft windows media player


MRU List Object Recognized!
Location: : S-1-5-21-2000478354-616249376-682003330-500\software\microsoft\mediaplayer\preferences
Description : last playlist loaded in microsoft windows media player


MRU List Object Recognized!
Location: : S-1-5-21-2000478354-616249376-682003330-500\software\microsoft\windows\currentversion\explorer\comdlg32\lastvisitedmru
Description : list of recent programs opened


MRU List Object Recognized!
Location: : S-1-5-21-2000478354-616249376-682003330-500\software\microsoft\windows\currentversion\explorer\comdlg32\opensavemru
Description : list of recently saved files, stored according to file extension


MRU List Object Recognized!
Location: : S-1-5-21-2000478354-616249376-682003330-500\software\microsoft\windows\currentversion\explorer\recentdocs
Description : list of recent documents opened


MRU List Object Recognized!
Location: : S-1-5-21-2000478354-616249376-682003330-500\software\microsoft\windows\currentversion\explorer\runmru
Description : mru list for items opened in start | run


MRU List Object Recognized!
Location: : S-1-5-21-2000478354-616249376-682003330-500\software\microsoft\windows media\wmsdk\general
Description : windows media sdk



Started Tracking Cookie scan
»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»


Tracking cookie scan result:
»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»
New critical objects: 0
Objects found so far: 19



Deep scanning and examining files (C:)
»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»

Disk Scan Result for C:\
»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»
New critical objects: 0
Objects found so far: 19


Scanning Hosts file......
Hosts file location:"C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\etc\hosts".
»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»

Hosts file scan result:
»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»
1 entries scanned.
New critical objects:0
Objects found so far: 19




Performing conditional scans...
»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»

Alexa Object Recognized!
Type : Regkey
Data :
TAC Rating : 5
Category : Data Miner
Comment :
Rootkey : HKEY_CURRENT_USER
Object : software\microsoft\internet explorer\menuext\write a review...

Conditional scan result:
»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»
New critical objects: 1
Objects found so far: 20

3:37:18 PM Scan Complete

Summary Of This Scan
»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»
Total scanning time:00:05:44.312
Objects scanned:115181
Objects identified:6
Objects ignored:0
New critical objects:6

[Vikesrock8411]

Deos this PC have more than one account on it? Those entries should have definitely shown up in HJT. If it does pleas post a HJT log from the other account.

[estara]

No everyone here uses this PC on one account. We don't even care what account it is actually. By default we're logged in on 'administrator' and we just use it as it is.

[Vikesrock8411]

Please make sure you have the following programs disabled, if installed before running this fix:
While TeaTimer is an excellent tool for the prevention of spyware, it can sometimes prevent HijackThis from fixing certain things.
Please disable TeaTimer for now until you are clean. TeaTimer can be re-activated once your HijackThis log is clean.

• Open Spybot Search & Destroy.
• In the Mode menu click "Advanced mode" if not already selected.
• Choose "Yes" at the Warning prompt.
• Expand the "Tools" menu.
• Click "Resident".
• Uncheck the "Resident "TeaTimer" (Protection of overall system settings) active." box.
• In the File menu click "Exit" to exit Spybot Search & Destroy.

Double-click the red SG in your system tray to Open Spywareguard

• Click Option on the left
• Uncheck the following
  • Enable Real-Time Scanning
  • Enable Download Protection
  • Enable Browser HiJack Protection
• Click Save Settings
• We will re-enable it when we're done.

We need to disable Microsoft Antispyware to get you cleaned up:

• Open Microsoft AntiSpyware.
• Click on Tools, Settings.
• In the left pane, click on Real-time Protection.
• Under Startup Options uncheck: Enable the Microsoft AntiSpyware Security Agents on startup (recommended).
• Under Real-time spyware threat protection uncheck: Enable real-time spyware threat protection (recommended).
• After you uncheck these, click on the Save button and close Microsoft AntiSpyware.
• Right click on the Microsoft AntiSpyware icon on the taskbar and select Shutdown Microsoft AntiSpyware.
• We will re-enable it once we're done.

I have attached a file to this post alexa.zip. Please download it to your desktop and unzip it. Double click on alexa.reg and click yes when asked to merge it into your registry.

Reboot your PC and run Ad-Aware again, no need to post the log just let me know if it finds the same entries or not.

[estara]

Where is Microsoft Antispyware???

[Vikesrock8411]

Sorry about that, I should have bolded the if installed part. Those are three apps that could potentially interfere with this fix so even tho I didn't see Microsoft Antispyware in your log I decided to list it. If you don't know where to find it, you don't have it installed.

[estara]

Hi, Ad-Aware found 1 Alexa registry key now instead of 6. Is that good news?

[Vikesrock8411]

Alright post the Ad-Aware log and let's see which entry is still hanging around.

[estara]

I just did a scan today. It's gone!! So does that mean it's Alexa-free now?

[Vikesrock8411]

Sounds like Ad-Aware was able to get rid of the final entry on it's own. Your PC is now clean, see Post #4 for final instructions.

[estara]

Thanks, my problem is resolved now!