You are not running HijackThis (HJT) from a desired location. You really need to setup a dedicated folder for HJT items – to avoid horrible clutter and/or potential lost backup issues.
It's best that the HijackThis tool
NOT be located in its current location (particularly on your Desktop or in a TEMP folder). This way you can more easily undo any changes if something goes wrong.
- Create a new folder in your C: Drive.
- Name the FOLDER HijackThis (or HJT) such as C:\Program Files\HijackThis or C:\HJT and move the HijackThis.exe file into it.
- Run HJT from there (and revise your shortcut accordingly).
Read over the following directions. Ask if anything appears unclear to you.
Clean out TEMPORARY FILES procedures:
To clean your temp folder, recycle bin, etc..please download this free tool:
CCleaner http://www.ccleaner.com/downloadbuilds.asp
Install Options: - Don't install any Toolbars, or other programs, should it ask you!
- Just uncheck the option of installing the Yahoo toolbar.
It will put a shortcut on your Desktop.
Do not run CCleaner until requested later.
We will be restarting into Safe Mode later on in the fix and you might not be able to access the Internet. Accordingly, it is probably a good idea to print out the following directions or copy them to a text file on your desktop using NOTEPAD. Read these instructions carefully and feel free to ask if you're unsure about anything.
SELECT HijackThis FIX ITEMS: Scan with HijackThis and place a check next to these items:
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [smssLevel3] C:\Program Files\Windows Media Player\Skins\WindowsMediaSkin\Data\Level3\smss.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [csrssLevel3] C:\Windows\System\Level3\csrss.exe
O16 - DPF: {03F998B2-0E00-11D3-A498-00104B6EB52E} (MetaStreamCtl Class) - https://components.viewpoint.com/MTS...0%3A%3A454x107
Make sure that all browser windows and internet links are closed, even this one!
CLICK ’FIX CHECKED’ with HijackThis.
HIDDEN FILES: To make sure you can see all hidden files, please follow the directions
here
SAFEMODE: Boot into safe mode by tapping the F8 key at restart and choosing 'safe mode' menu option (explained
here if needed).
Delete TEMPORARY FILES: Now, use CCleaner to hunt down the most common temporary file locations and the temporary file clutter contained therein (and of possible malware hiding places):
Run
CCleaner .
FIRST-TIME USE:
Select the
‘Options’ BUTTON option (top LEFT),
‘Advanced’ BUTTON, and then UNCHECK the
‘Only delete files in Windows Temp Folders older than 48 hours’.
Select the
‘Cleaner’ BUTTON option (top LEFT), if not already selected. Use the
’Windows’ TAB up front by default.
- Uncheck ‘Cookies’ option (advisable)
- Optionally, Uncheck ‘Recently Typed URLs’ option (potentially still useful)
- Click the ‘Analyse’ button.
- Thereafter, click ‘Run Cleaner’ after you have reviewed what it proposes to clean.
***** Clean out the
Recycle Bin for items removed below,
ONLY once you have regained the full functional use of your PC.
Navigate to these files or folders using Windows Explorer (OR Start -> Search) and delete (if present):
DELETE FILES:
C:\Program Files\Windows Media Player\Skins\WindowsMediaSkin\Data\Level3\smss.exe
C:\Windows\System\Level3\csrss.exe
POST A REVISED HIJACKTHIS LOG for review:
Reboot and post a new HijackThis log with any feedback as appropriate - how things are now behaving: any new or remaining apparent issues.