Another with CoolWebSearch (Resolved)

kgd102 · #1 (**permalink**) 05-09-2004, 03:15 AM

I got hijacked by coolwebsearch and I also have the search extender, home search assitant, and shopping wizrd that can't be removed from my pc. I have used the latest version of ad-aware, spybot S&D, and spysweeper with no luck...as soon as everything appears claens it comes right back. Below is my hijack this log I just ran. Some help getting rid of this would be greatly appreciated.

Logfile of HijackThis v1.98.2
Scan saved at 10:36:25 PM, on 9/4/2004
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\csrss.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:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\Ati2evxx.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SOUNDMAN.EXE
C:\Program Files\ATI Technologies\ATI Control Panel\atiptaxx.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\mcafee.com\vso\mcvsshld.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\McAfee\SPAMKI~1\MskAgent.exe
c:\progra~1\mcafee.com\vso\mcvsescn.exe
c:\program files\mcafee.com\agent\mcagent.exe
C:\Program Files\McAfee.com\MPS\mscifapp.exe
C:\Program Files\McAfee\McAfee AntiSpyware\MssCli.exe
C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
C:\Documents and Settings\Keith Dignan\Application Data\nwuc.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\ulsinqzp.exe
c:\progra~1\mcafee.com\vso\mcvsftsn.exe
C:\Program Files\McAfee\McAfee AntiSpyware\Msssrv.exe
c:\PROGRA~1\mcafee.com\vso\mcvsrte.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\McAfee\SPAMKI~1\MSKSrvr.exe
c:\PROGRA~1\mcafee.com\vso\mcshield.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\alg.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\javajw.exe
C:\WINDOWS\OEWABLog.txt:faeya
C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe
C:\HJT\HijackThis.exe

R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://www.espn.com
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL = about:blank
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Bar = res://C:\WINDOWS\system32\vzwfm.dll/sp.html#29126
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://www.espn.com
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Search,SearchAssistant = res://C:\WINDOWS\system32\vzwfm.dll/sp.html#29126
R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Local Page =
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Local Page =
R3 - Default URLSearchHook is missing
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {8B9B410F-0A67-22CE-3941-CB77C211A4A9} - C:\WINDOWS\javabp32.dll
O3 - Toolbar: McAfee VirusScan - {BA52B914-B692-46c4-B683-905236F6F655} - c:\progra~1\mcafee.com\vso\mcvsshl.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SoundMan] SOUNDMAN.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ATIPTA] C:\Program Files\ATI Technologies\ATI Control Panel\atiptaxx.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [VSOCheckTask] "c:\PROGRA~1\mcafee.com\vso\mcmnhdlr.exe" /checktask
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [VirusScan Online] "c:\PROGRA~1\mcafee.com\vso\mcvsshld.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [MCAgentExe] c:\PROGRA~1\mcafee.com\agent\mcagent.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [MCUpdateExe] C:\PROGRA~1\mcafee.com\agent\mcupdate.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [MSKAGENTEXE] C:\PROGRA~1\McAfee\SPAMKI~1\MskAgent.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [MSKDetectorExe] C:\PROGRA~1\McAfee\SPAMKI~1\MSKDetct.exe /startup
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [_AntiSpyware] C:\Program Files\McAfee\McAfee AntiSpyware\MssCli.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [javajw.exe] C:\WINDOWS\system32\javajw.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [MSMSGS] "C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe" /background
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [Sasa] C:\Documents and Settings\Keith Dignan\Application Data\nwuc.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [Qxprr] C:\WINDOWS\System32\ulsinqzp.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [SpySweeper] "C:\Program Files\Webroot\Spy Sweeper\SpySweeper.exe" /0
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
O15 - Trusted Zone: *.05p.com
O15 - Trusted Zone: *.mt-download.com
O15 - Trusted Zone: *.my-internet.info
O15 - Trusted Zone: *.scoobidoo.com
O15 - Trusted Zone: *.searchmiracle.com
O16 - DPF: {0713E8D2-850A-101B-AFC0-4210102A8DA7} (Microsoft ProgressBar Control, version 5.0 (SP2)) - http://download.mcafee.com/molbin/Sh...2/ComCtl32.cab
O16 - DPF: {4ED9DDF0-7479-4BBE-9335-5A1EDB1D8A21} (McAfee.com Operating System Class) - http://bin.mcafee.com/molbin/shared/...4/mcinsctl.cab
O16 - DPF: {BCC0FF27-31D9-4614-A68E-C18E1ADA4389} (DwnldGroupMgr Class) - http://bin.mcafee.com/molbin/shared/...21/mcgdmgr.cab

owen · #2 (**permalink**) 05-09-2004, 09:01 AM

1. Download AboutBuster http://www.downloads.subratam.org/AboutBuster.zip

Unzip it to your desktop but don't run it yet.

2. Download Ad-aware from here. Open the Ad-aware program and near the bottom click the Check For Updates link. This will open the update manager. Follow the prompts to update your Ad-aware Reference File. Close Ad-aware for now, we will use it later.

3. You may want to print out these instructions for further reference when completing the following steps.

4. Make sure your PC is configured to show hidden files

Open Windows Explorer & Go to Tools > Folder Options. Click on the View tab and make sure that "Show hidden files and folders" is checked. Also uncheck "Hide protected operating system files" and untick "hide extensions for known file types" . Now click "Apply to all folders"
Click "Apply" then "OK"

5. Next, go to Start->Run and type "Services.msc" (without quotes) then hit Ok

Scroll down and find the service called "Network Security Service". When you find it, double-click on it. In the next window that opens, click the Stop button, then click on properties and under the General Tab, change the Startup Type to Disabled. Now hit Apply and then Ok and close any open windows.

6. Then reboot your PC into Safe Mode. If you don't know how to do this, see here for further instructions.

7. Restart Hijack This and put a checkmark next to the following entries:

R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL = about:blank
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Bar = res://C:\WINDOWS\system32\vzwfm.dll/sp.html#29126
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Search,SearchAssistant = res://C:\WINDOWS\system32\vzwfm.dll/sp.html#29126
R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Local Page =
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Local Page =
R3 - Default URLSearchHook is missing
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {8B9B410F-0A67-22CE-3941-CB77C211A4A9} - C:\WINDOWS\javabp32.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [javajw.exe] C:\WINDOWS\system32\javajw.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [Sasa] C:\Documents and Settings\Keith Dignan\Application Data\nwuc.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [Qxprr] C:\WINDOWS\System32\ulsinqzp.exe
O15 - Trusted Zone: *.05p.com
O15 - Trusted Zone: *.mt-download.com
O15 - Trusted Zone: *.my-internet.info
O15 - Trusted Zone: *.scoobidoo.com
O15 - Trusted Zone: *.searchmiracle.com

Click Fix Checked

Then delete the following files and folders:
C:\WINDOWS\system32\javajw.exe
C:\Documents and Settings\Keith Dignan\Application Data\nwuc.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\ulsinqzp.exe

8. Double click AboutBuster.exe that you downloaded earlier. Click OK, click Start, then click OK. This will scan your computer for the bad files and delete them. Save the report (copy and paste into notepad or wordpad and save as a .txt file) and post a copy back here when you are done with all the steps.

9. Scan with Adaware and let it remove any bad files found.

10. Clean out temporary and TIF files. Go to Start > Run and type in the box: cleanmgr. Let it scan your system for files to remove. Make sure that Temporary Files, Temporary Internet Files and Recycle Bin

11. Reboot to normal mode

12. Finally, pay a visit to Housecall. Scan for and remove any infected files found on your system.

Post a fresh HijackThis log and the AboutBuster report back here please.

kgd102 · #3 (**permalink**) 05-09-2004, 08:19 PM

I went through all of the steps as you directed but aboutbuster did not work I tried it. I got the following message when I tried to run it "Run-time error '393': components 'mscomctl.ocx' or one of its dependencies not correctly registered: a file is missing or invalid".

Even before that some ofthe files with hijack this while in safe mode were not there such as:
04 - HKCU\..\Run:[Sasa] C:\Documents and Settings\Keith Dignan\Application Data\nwuc.exe
04 - HKCU\..\Run:[Qxprr] C:\Windows\System32\ulsinqzp.exe
or any of the 015 - Trusted Zone files

I was able to delete javajw.exe and ulsinqzp.exe but not nwuc.exe

I still went through all of the other steps and below is my latest hijack this log file. So far everything seems to be working OK. I hope it's not temporary.

Logfile of HijackThis v1.98.2
Scan saved at 3:35:19 PM, on 9/5/2004
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:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\Ati2evxx.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SOUNDMAN.EXE
C:\Program Files\ATI Technologies\ATI Control Panel\atiptaxx.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\mcafee.com\vso\mcvsshld.exe
c:\progra~1\mcafee.com\vso\mcvsescn.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\mcafee.com\agent\mcagent.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\McAfee\SPAMKI~1\MskAgent.exe
C:\Program Files\McAfee\McAfee AntiSpyware\MssCli.exe
C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
C:\Documents and Settings\Keith Dignan\Application Data\nwuc.exe
c:\progra~1\mcafee.com\vso\mcvsftsn.exe
C:\Program Files\McAfee\McAfee AntiSpyware\Msssrv.exe
c:\PROGRA~1\mcafee.com\vso\mcvsrte.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\McAfee\SPAMKI~1\MSKSrvr.exe
c:\PROGRA~1\mcafee.com\vso\mcshield.exe
C:\HJT\HijackThis.exe

R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Bar = res://C:\WINDOWS\system32\saapw.dll/sp.html#29126
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page = res://C:\WINDOWS\system32\saapw.dll/sp.html#29126
R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://www.espn.com/
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Search,SearchAssistant = res://C:\WINDOWS\system32\saapw.dll/sp.html#29126
R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Local Page =
R3 - Default URLSearchHook is missing
O3 - Toolbar: McAfee VirusScan - {BA52B914-B692-46c4-B683-905236F6F655} - c:\progra~1\mcafee.com\vso\mcvsshl.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SoundMan] SOUNDMAN.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ATIPTA] C:\Program Files\ATI Technologies\ATI Control Panel\atiptaxx.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [VSOCheckTask] "c:\PROGRA~1\mcafee.com\vso\mcmnhdlr.exe" /checktask
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [VirusScan Online] "c:\PROGRA~1\mcafee.com\vso\mcvsshld.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [MCAgentExe] c:\PROGRA~1\mcafee.com\agent\mcagent.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [MCUpdateExe] C:\PROGRA~1\mcafee.com\agent\mcupdate.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [MSKAGENTEXE] C:\PROGRA~1\McAfee\SPAMKI~1\MskAgent.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [MSKDetectorExe] C:\PROGRA~1\McAfee\SPAMKI~1\MSKDetct.exe /startup
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [_AntiSpyware] C:\Program Files\McAfee\McAfee AntiSpyware\MssCli.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [MSMSGS] "C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe" /background
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [Sasa] C:\Documents and Settings\Keith Dignan\Application Data\nwuc.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [Qxprr] C:\WINDOWS\System32\ulsinqzp.exe
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
O15 - Trusted Zone: *.05p.com
O15 - Trusted Zone: *.mt-download.com
O15 - Trusted Zone: *.my-internet.info
O15 - Trusted Zone: *.scoobidoo.com
O15 - Trusted Zone: *.searchmiracle.com
O16 - DPF: {0713E8D2-850A-101B-AFC0-4210102A8DA7} (Microsoft ProgressBar Control, version 5.0 (SP2)) - http://download.mcafee.com/molbin/Sh...2/ComCtl32.cab
O16 - DPF: {4ED9DDF0-7479-4BBE-9335-5A1EDB1D8A21} (McAfee.com Operating System Class) - http://bin.mcafee.com/molbin/shared/...4/mcinsctl.cab
O16 - DPF: {74D05D43-3236-11D4-BDCD-00C04F9A3B61} (HouseCall Control) - http://a840.g.akamai.net/7/840/537/2...ll/xscan53.cab
O16 - DPF: {BCC0FF27-31D9-4614-A68E-C18E1ADA4389} (DwnldGroupMgr Class) - http://bin.mcafee.com/molbin/shared/...21/mcgdmgr.cab

Thanks for all your help so far.

owen · #4 (**permalink**) 05-09-2004, 08:26 PM

ActiveServices ...
- Please download GetService.zip
- Extract it to a new folder in the desktop. Double click on the Getservice.bat file to run it. This will create and open a text file named getservice.txt in the same folder. It will then open getservice.txt for you.
- getservice.txt will list all active Services. Copy and paste the contents of getservice.txt in your next reply here.

From the moment you post your list, until you see a detailed fix written up, DO NOT reboot your system or log off. If you do, the service will have changed and the fix provided will not work

kgd102 · #5 (**permalink**) 06-09-2004, 12:44 AM

I ran that program as you directed and tried to post it here but it said there were too many characters so I uploaded the text fiel to my website. You can view it here: http://www.juggalo.com/help/getservice.txt
I really appreciate your help. I will keep my computer running until I hear back from you.

owen · #6 (**permalink**) 06-09-2004, 06:21 PM

Download AboutBuster. Unzip it to c:\aboutbuster but don't run it yet we'll do that later on down in this list in SAFE MODE.
Print out these instructions so you have them handy as some of the steps need to be done in safe mode and you may not be able to go online. We need IE to remain closed throughout the process. With that in mind, read through the instructions and download all necessary files ahead of time. Opening IE may cause the fix to fail
Make sure your PC is configured to show hidden files. Open Windows Explorer & Go to "Tools" => "Folder Options". Click on the "View" tab and make sure that "Show hidden files and folders" is checked. Also uncheck "Hide protected operating system files" and untick "hide extensions for known file types". Now click "Apply to all folders". Click "Apply" then "OK"
Reboot to Safe Mode => How do I boot into safe mode?
Press control-alt-delete to get into the task manager and end the follow processes if they exist:
- nwuc.exe
  ulsinqzp.exe
Run HijackThis and put checks next to all the following, then click "Fix Checked":
- R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Bar = res://C:\WINDOWS\system32\saapw.dll/sp.html#29126
  R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page = res://C:\WINDOWS\system32\saapw.dll/sp.html#29126
  R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Search,SearchAssistant = res://C:\WINDOWS\system32\saapw.dll/sp.html#29126
  R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Local Page =
  R3 - Default URLSearchHook is missing
  O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [Sasa] C:\Documents and Settings\Keith Dignan\Application Data\nwuc.exe
  O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [Qxprr] C:\WINDOWS\System32\ulsinqzp.exe
  O15 - Trusted Zone: *.05p.com
  O15 - Trusted Zone: *.mt-download.com
  O15 - Trusted Zone: *.my-internet.info
  O15 - Trusted Zone: *.scoobidoo.com
  O15 - Trusted Zone: *.searchmiracle.com
Delete the following files if present (If you get an error when deleting a file. Right click on the file and check to see if the read only attribute is checked. if it is uncheck it and try again.):
- C:\Documents and Settings\Keith Dignan\Application Data\nwuc.exe
  C:\WINDOWS\System32\ulsinqzp.exe
Browse to c:\aboutbusterand double click on aboutbuster.exe. When the tool is open press the OK button, then the Start button, then the OK button, and then finally the Yes button. It will start scanning your computer for files. If it asks if you would like to do a second pass, allow it to do so.When finished, press the "Save log" button. I will want a copy of that log after all steps are completed here.
Copy the contents of the Quote Box below (Listed after all steps) to Notepad. Name the file as fix.reg. Change the Save as Type to All Files. Save this file on the desktop
Then double-click on the fix.reg file, and when it prompts to merge say yes, and this will clear some registry entries left behind by the process.
Run Ad-Aware with the latest update.
1. Download the latest version of Ad-Aware (Ad-Aware SE Build 1.03) from here.
2. If you have a previous version of Ad-Aware installed, during the installation of the new version you will be prompted to uninstall or keep the older version - be sure to uninstall the previous version.
3. After installing Ad-aware, you will be prompted to update the program and run a full scan. De-select all boxes so that it does not run.
4. Manually run "Ad-Aware SE Personal" and from the main screen Click on "Check for Updates Now".
5. Once the definitions have been updated:
6. Reconfigure Ad-Aware for Full Scan as per the following instructions:
  - Launch the program, and click on the Gear at the top of the start screen.
  - Under General Settings the following boxes should all be checked off: (Checked will be indicated by a green circle with a check mark in it, Un-Checked is a red circle with an X in it. If it is greyed out, those features are only available in the retail version.)
    - "Automatically save logfile"
    - Automatically quarrantine objects prior to removal"
    - Safe Mode (always request confirmation)
    - Prompt to update outdated confirmation) - Change to 7 days.
  - Click the "Scanning" button (On the left side).
  - Under Drives & Folders, select "Scan within Archives"
  - Click "Click here to select Drives + folders" and select your installed hard drives.
  - Under Memory & Registry, select all options.
  - Click the "Advanced" button (On the left hand side).
  - Under "Shell Integration", select "Move deleted files to Recycle Bin".
  - Under "Log-file detail", select all options.
  - Click on the "Defaults" button on the left.
  - Type in the full url of what you want as your default homepage and searchpage e.g. http://www.google.com.
  - Click the "Tweak" button (Again, on the left hand side).
  - Expand "Scanning Engine" by clicking on the "+" (Plus) symbol) and select the following:
    - "Unload recognized processes during scanning."
    - "Obtain command line of scanned processes"
    - "Scan registry for all users instead of current user only"
  - Under "Cleaning Engine", select the following:
    - "Automatically try to unregister objects prior to deletion."
    - "During removal, unload explorer and IE if necessary"
    - "Let Windows remove files in use at next reboot."
    - "Delete quarrantined objects after restoring"
  - Click on "Safety Settings" and select "Write-protect system files after repair (Hosts file, etc)"
  - Click on "Proceed" to save these Preferences.
  - Click on the "Scan Now" button on the left.
  - Under "Select Scan Mode, be sure to select "Use Custom Scanning Options".
7. Close all programs except ad-aware.
8. Click on "Next" in the bottom right corner to start the scan.
9. Run the Ad-Aware scan and allow it to remove everything it finds and then REBOOT - Even if not prompted to.
10. After you log back in, Ad-Aware may run to finalize the scan and remove any locked files that it may of found. Allow it to finish.
Clean out temporary and temporary Internet files. Go to "Start" => "Run" and type in the box: "cleanmgr". Let it scan your system for files to remove. Make sure these 3 are checked and then press "ok" to remove:
- Temporary Files
- Temporary Internet Files
- Recycle Bin
Reboot to normal mode.
Additionally, Please check your ActiveX security settings. They may have been changed by this CWS variant to allow ALL ActiveX!! If they have been changed, reset your active x security settings in IE as recommended.In IE, click on "Tools" => "Internet Options" and under the "Security" tab, click on "Custom Level" and make sure that the following settings are correct:
- Download signed ActiveX controls (Prompt)
- Download unsigned ActiveX controls (Disable)
- Initialize and script ActiveX controls not marked as safe (Disable)
- Run ActiveX controls and plug-ins (Enabled) (This actually refers to Java and Flash, not ActiveX)
- Script ActiveX controls marked safe for scripting (Prompt)
Do an online scan at TrendMicro's site. Let it remove any infected files found.
Finally, when you are all done, please post the new HJT log and the AboutBuster log here for review.

Quote box for Step #9

Quote:

REGEDIT4

[-HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\Curr entVersion\Uninstall\HSA]
[-HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\Curr entVersion\Uninstall\SE]
[-HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\Curr entVersion\Uninstall\SW]

kgd102 · #7 (**permalink**) 06-09-2004, 07:37 PM

Owen,

I ran everything again as you directed. aboutbuster still would not work. I got the same error as before, "Run-time error '393': components 'mscomctl.ocx' or one of its dependencies not correctly registered: a file is missing or invalid". I also wasn't successful in merging the fix.reg file. I got the following message when I tried; "The specified file is not a registry script. You can only import binary registry files from within the registry editor." I tried going into the registry edit and importing there but still no luck. Below is a the latest hijack this log file. Thanks so much for your help.

Logfile of HijackThis v1.98.2
Scan saved at 3:04:56 PM, on 9/6/2004
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:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\Ati2evxx.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SOUNDMAN.EXE
C:\Program Files\ATI Technologies\ATI Control Panel\atiptaxx.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\mcafee.com\vso\mcvsshld.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\mcafee.com\agent\mcagent.exe
c:\progra~1\mcafee.com\vso\mcvsescn.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\McAfee\SPAMKI~1\MskAgent.exe
C:\Program Files\McAfee\McAfee AntiSpyware\MssCli.exe
C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
c:\progra~1\mcafee.com\vso\mcvsftsn.exe
C:\Program Files\McAfee\McAfee AntiSpyware\Msssrv.exe
c:\PROGRA~1\mcafee.com\vso\mcvsrte.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\McAfee\SPAMKI~1\MSKSrvr.exe
c:\PROGRA~1\mcafee.com\vso\mcshield.exe
C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe
C:\HJT\HijackThis.exe

R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://www.espn.com/
O3 - Toolbar: McAfee VirusScan - {BA52B914-B692-46c4-B683-905236F6F655} - c:\progra~1\mcafee.com\vso\mcvsshl.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SoundMan] SOUNDMAN.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ATIPTA] C:\Program Files\ATI Technologies\ATI Control Panel\atiptaxx.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [VSOCheckTask] "c:\PROGRA~1\mcafee.com\vso\mcmnhdlr.exe" /checktask
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [VirusScan Online] "c:\PROGRA~1\mcafee.com\vso\mcvsshld.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [MCAgentExe] c:\PROGRA~1\mcafee.com\agent\mcagent.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [MCUpdateExe] C:\PROGRA~1\mcafee.com\agent\mcupdate.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [MSKAGENTEXE] C:\PROGRA~1\McAfee\SPAMKI~1\MskAgent.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [MSKDetectorExe] C:\PROGRA~1\McAfee\SPAMKI~1\MSKDetct.exe /startup
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [_AntiSpyware] C:\Program Files\McAfee\McAfee AntiSpyware\MssCli.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [MSMSGS] "C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe" /background
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: {0713E8D2-850A-101B-AFC0-4210102A8DA7} (Microsoft ProgressBar Control, version 5.0 (SP2)) - http://download.mcafee.com/molbin/Sh...2/ComCtl32.cab
O16 - DPF: {4ED9DDF0-7479-4BBE-9335-5A1EDB1D8A21} (McAfee.com Operating System Class) - http://bin.mcafee.com/molbin/shared/...4/mcinsctl.cab
O16 - DPF: {74D05D43-3236-11D4-BDCD-00C04F9A3B61} (HouseCall Control) - http://a840.g.akamai.net/7/840/537/2...ll/xscan53.cab
O16 - DPF: {BCC0FF27-31D9-4614-A68E-C18E1ADA4389} (DwnldGroupMgr Class) - http://bin.mcafee.com/molbin/shared/...21/mcgdmgr.cab

owen · #8 (**permalink**) 06-09-2004, 08:12 PM

That log looks clean, how are things running?

kgd102 · #9 (**permalink**) 06-09-2004, 08:17 PM

I thought it looked clean as compared to the other logs but I wanted to see what you had to say first. Everything appears to be running good. Thanks so much for your help. I never thought I'd be able to get rid of that cws but thanks to you I did

. Thanks again.

owen · #10 (**permalink**) 06-09-2004, 09:29 PM

Brilliant

. You are very welcome. Have a read of these measures you can read to prevent it returning. This thread will be marked as Resolved and Locked shortly:

Preventing it returning

After your problem has been resolved on the forum, it is an absoulute MUST to do the following steps to prevent the problem returning. Click on the link to get access to the software or webpage that I'm referring to.

1. Visit Windows Update
Pay a visit to Windows Update and scan for and download ALL Critical Updates and Service Packs. New updates are usually released monthly so check back to Windows Update every month.

2. Download Antivirus Software-
If you haven't already got Antivirus software, you should download and install AVG Antivirus. It is freeware and is updated nearly every 2 days (sometimes more frequently if there are a lot of new viruses) and in my opinion, is better than some Antivirus software such as Norton. Antivirus software will prevent viruses infecting your system and it is important that you update it every two days or every week at the most.

3. Download a Firewall-
If you haven't already got a firewall, it is Very important that you download one. Firewalls will prevent unauthorised access to your computer and stop data leaking out of your computer. You may think that it won't happen to you, but Hackers don't care who you are, what you do, where you live or what you had for tea last Sunday on your holiday in the Lake District, they want your data. Firewalls will keep these sneaks out and one of the best is Sygate Personal Firewall, which happens to be freeware.

4. Spyware Scanners-
It is important that as well as having real time spyware protection, you have a spyware scanning application. If you have not already been told to download one earlier in this thread, it is a good idea to download Spybot Search And Destroy and Ad-aware. They are both spyware scanners and will search for a remove spyware. It is recommended that you have both, because one will pick up entries that the other misses. It is even a good idea to download these if you have other programs such as ASE, Spysweeper, Pest Patrol, etc, because one spyware scanner will not pick up everything. Please remember to update your spyware scanners weekly/fortnightly.

5. Prevent Spyware slipping through Internet Explorer-
Quite a lot of spyware slips through Internet Explorer if your settings are not tight enough. Spyware Blaster will help you prevent spyware slipping through and installing tracking cookies. Simply run it via Start> Programs> Spyware Blaster and click Enable All Protection and it will protect you. It doesn't even have to be open! Remember to update weekly/fortnightly.

6. Constant Spyware Protection-
It is important to have constant spyware protection. Spyware Guard works like an antivirus program but detects Spyware instead. It will constantly protect your system. Check for updates monthly.

All Of these steps are very important and it is HIGHLY recommended that you download all of the programs mentioned for your own safety. Remember to Update everything (including Windows using Windows Update)! It is also a good idea to perform weekly/fortnightly scans with Spybot S&D, Ad-aware and your antivirus software.

And last of all, please remember, that common sense is your greatest tool. Without it, spyware and other related Malware would rule!