I have run spybot. aol's spyware protection,mcafee virus and called tech support for aol.no one seems to be able to help. I realized I had a problem when i installed a firewall from aol. A message kept popping up asking to allow a program called "d?xplore.exe" access to the internet. It said that it was located in my windows folder. I realized that this was a worm that someone had told me about. I am unable to find the program and have no idea how to remove it. Your help would be appreciated. thanks

Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.1
Scan saved at 2:46:46 PM, on 4/27/2005
Platform: Windows 2000 SP4 (WinNT 5.00.2195)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v6.00 SP1 (6.00.2800.1106)

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\spoolsv.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\AOL\ACS\AOLAcsd.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
c:\PROGRA~1\mcafee.com\vso\mcvsrte.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\MCAFEE.COM\PERSON~1\MPFSERVICE.exe
C:\Program Files\Kodak\Kodak EasyShare software\bin\ptssvc.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\MSTask.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\stisvc.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\WBEM\WinMgmt.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
c:\PROGRA~1\mcafee.com\vso\mcshield.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.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:\Program Files\Real\RealPlayer\RealPlay.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\atiptaxx.exe
C:\Program Files\ShopSafe\ShopSafe.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\COMMON~1\AOL\AOLSPY~1\AOLSP Scheduler.exe
C:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe
C:\Program Files\iTunes\iTunesHelper.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\SECUREANTIVIRUS.EXE
C:\PROGRA~1\PURENE~1\PORTMA~1\PortAOL.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\MCAFEE.COM\PERSON~1\MPFTRAY.EXE
C:\Documents and Settings\administrator\Application Data\dcot.exe
C:\Program Files\iPod\bin\iPodService.exe
C:\Program Files\AOL Computer Check-Up\ACCAgnt.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
C:\Program Files\Kodak\Kodak EasyShare software\bin\EasyShare.exe
C:\Program Files\Kodak\KODAK Software Updater\7288971\Program\Kodak Software Updater.exe
C:\ScanPanel\ScnPanel.exe
C:\Program Files\America Online 9.0\aoltray.exe
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\d?xplore.exe
C:\hijack this\HijackThis.exe
C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\IEXPLORE.EXE
C:\Documents and Settings\administrator\Desktop\New Folder\hijackthis.exe

R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL = http://www.optonline.net
R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://www.optonline.net/
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Bar = about:blank
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Search,SearchAssistant = http://www.infospace.com/info.cablev.toolbar/dog/forms/search.htm
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Search,CustomizeSearch = about:blank
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Search,SearchAssistant = http://www.infospace.com/info.cablev.toolbar/dog/forms/search.htm
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\SearchURL,(Default) = http://red.clientapps.yahoo.com/customize/ycomp_wave/defaults/su/*http://www.yahoo.com
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page_bak = http://www.optonline.net/
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Local Page = C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\blank.htm
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Window Title = Microsoft Internet Explorer provided by America Online
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Int ernet Settings,ProxyOverride = localhost
R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Toolbar,LinksFolderName =
O2 - BHO: AcroIEHlprObj Class - {06849E9F-C8D7-4D59-B87D-784B7D6BE0B3} - C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 6.0\Reader\ActiveX\AcroIEHelper.dll
O2 - BHO: CCHelper Class - {0CF0B8EE-6596-11D5-A98E-0003470BB48E} - C:\PROGRAM FILES\PANICWARE\POP-UP STOPPER\CCHELPER.DLL
O2 - BHO: ShopSafe Browser Helper Object - {333F6B96-3992-4D58-A499-145A10FE48C3} - C:\WINDOWS\system32\BhoSSafe.dll
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {4AAF665F-CA64-52B4-8756-6D5509842B3F} - C:\WINDOWS\system32\vznkcgp.dll (file missing)
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {53707962-6F74-2D53-2644-206D7942484F} - C:\PROGRA~1\SPYBOT~1\SDHELPER.DLL
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {5C8B2A36-3DB1-42A4-A3CB-D426709BBFEB} - (no file)
O2 - BHO: CNavExtBho Class - {BDF3E430-B101-42AD-A544-FADC6B084872} - C:\Program Files\Norton AntiVirus\NavShExt.dll (file missing)
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {DDBF914E-208B-245D-DC6E-04C53B0C10E5} - C:\WINDOWS\system32\pttiwzq.dll (file missing)
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {E69D1D78-A6B2-FE30-9D2E-ADC8188B2AC2} - C:\WINDOWS\system32\taa.dll
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {F1055D4C-E185-BC0F-FE08-BFC9D8C66F94} - C:\WINDOWS\system32\amqpsp.dll (file missing)
O3 - Toolbar: Norton AntiVirus - {42CDD1BF-3FFB-4238-8AD1-7859DF00B1D6} - C:\Program Files\Norton AntiVirus\NavShExt.dll (file missing)
O3 - Toolbar: Pa&nicware Pop-Up Stopper - {7E82235C-F31E-46CB-AF9F-1ADD94C585FF} - C:\PROGRAM FILES\PANICWARE\POP-UP STOPPER\PSTOPPER.DLL
O3 - Toolbar: McAfee VirusScan - {BA52B914-B692-46c4-B683-905236F6F655} - c:\progra~1\mcafee.com\vso\mcvsshl.dll
O3 - Toolbar: &Radio - {8E718888-423F-11D2-876E-00A0C9082467} - C:\WINDOWS\System32\msdxm.ocx
O3 - Toolbar: Optimum Online Toolbar - {720B3C59-7EDE-44d1-AD9C-71106A7550AF} - C:\Program Files\OptimumOnline\insptbar.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SystemTray] SysTray.Exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Synchronization Manager] mobsync.exe /logon
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Cmaudio] RunDll32 cmicnfg.cpl,CMICtrlWnd
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: [RealTray] C:\Program Files\Real\RealPlayer\RealPlay.exe SYSTEMBOOTHIDEPLAYER
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AtiPTA] atiptaxx.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ShopSafe] C:\Program Files\ShopSafe\ShopSafe.exe /dontopenmycards
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AOLDialer] C:\Program Files\Common Files\AOL\ACS\AOLDial.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AOL Spyware Protection] "C:\PROGRA~1\COMMON~1\AOL\AOLSPY~1\AOLSP Scheduler.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Pure Networks Port Magic] "C:\PROGRA~1\PURENE~1\PORTMA~1\PortAOL.exe" -Run
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Optimum Online] C:\Program Files\Optimum Online\Netsurf.exe -tray
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [QuickTime Task] "C:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe" -atboottime
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [iTunesHelper] C:\Program Files\iTunes\iTunesHelper.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Winsecure Antivirus] SECUREANTIVIRUS.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [MPFExe] C:\PROGRA~1\MCAFEE.COM\PERSON~1\MPFTRAY.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AdwareAlert] C:\Program Files\AdwareAlert\AdwareAlert.Exe -boot
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [Torb] C:\Documents and Settings\administrator\Application Data\dcot.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [Ody] C:\WINDOWS\system32\d?xplore.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [AOLCC] "C:\Program Files\AOL Computer Check-Up\ACCAgnt.exe" /startup
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [ctfmon.exe] ctfmon.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [Spyware Doctor] "C:\Program Files\Spyware Doctor\swdoctor.exe" /Q
O4 - HKCU\..\RunOnce: [Winsecure Antivirus] SECUREANTIVIRUS.EXE
O4 - Global Startup: Microsoft Office.lnk = C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office\OSA9.EXE
O4 - Global Startup: EPSON Background Monitor.lnk = C:\Program Files\EPSON\ESM2\STMS.exe
O4 - Global Startup: Kodak EasyShare software.lnk = C:\Program Files\Kodak\Kodak EasyShare software\bin\EasyShare.exe
O4 - Global Startup: Kodak software updater.lnk = C:\Program Files\Kodak\KODAK Software Updater\7288971\Program\Kodak Software Updater.exe
O4 - Global Startup: ScanPanel.lnk = C:\ScanPanel\ScnPanel.exe
O4 - Global Startup: America Online 9.0 Tray Icon.lnk = C:\Program Files\America Online 9.0\aoltray.exe
O4 - Global Startup: Adobe Gamma Loader.lnk = C:\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe\Calibration\Adobe Gamma Loader.exe
O8 - Extra context menu item: &AOL Toolbar search - res://C:\Program Files\AOL Toolbar\toolbar.dll/SEARCH.HTML
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: Optimum Online Cursor Search - C:\WINDOWS\All Users\Application Data\Infospace\OptimumOnline\contextsearch.htm
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\WINDOWS\system32\msjava.dll
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Sun Java Console - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\WINDOWS\system32\msjava.dll
O9 - Extra button: Research - {92780B25-18CC-41C8-B9BE-3C9C571A8263} - C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~1\OFFICE11\REFIEBAR.DLL
O9 - Extra button: Related - {c95fe080-8f5d-11d2-a20b-00aa003c157a} - C:\WINDOWS\web\related.htm
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Show &Related Links - {c95fe080-8f5d-11d2-a20b-00aa003c157a} - C:\WINDOWS\web\related.htm
O9 - Extra button: Real.com - {CD67F990-D8E9-11d2-98FE-00C0F0318AFE} - C:\WINDOWS\system32\Shdocvw.dll
O9 - Extra button: Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\PROGRA~1\MESSEN~1\MSMSGS.EXE (file missing)
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: MSN Messenger Service - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\PROGRA~1\MESSEN~1\MSMSGS.EXE (file missing)
O10 - Broken Internet access because of LSP provider 'connwsp.dll' missing
O12 - Plugin for .mpeg: C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\PLUGINS\npqtplugin4.dll
O12 - Plugin for .pdf: C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\PLUGINS\nppdf32.dll
O16 - DPF: {11260943-421B-11D0-8EAC-0000C07D88CF} (iPIX ActiveX Control) - http://www.ipix.com/viewers/ipixx.cab
O16 - DPF: {4A3CF76B-EC7A-405D-A67D-8DC6B52AB35B} (QDiagAOLCCUpdateObj Class) - http://aolcc.aol.com/computercheckup/qdiagcc.cab
O16 - DPF: {4ED9DDF0-7479-4BBE-9335-5A1EDB1D8A21} (McAfee.com Operating System Class) - http://download.av.aol.com/molbin/shared/mcinsctl/en-us/4,0,0,77/mcinsctl.cab
O16 - DPF: {50F65670-1729-11D2-A51F-0020AFE5D502} (ForumChat) - http://objects.compuserve.com/chat/RTCChat.cab
O16 - DPF: {56336BCB-3D8A-11D6-A00B-0050DA18DE71} (RdxIE Class) - http://207.188.7.150/20a358a65eb8bb767218/netzip/RdxIE601.cab
O16 - DPF: {62475759-9E84-458E-A1AB-5D2C442ADFDE} - http://a1540.g.akamai.net/7/1540/52/20031216/qtinstall.info.apple.com/mickey/us/win/QuickTimeInstaller.exe
O16 - DPF: {74D05D43-3236-11D4-BDCD-00C04F9A3B61} (HouseCall Control) - http://a840.g.akamai.net/7/840/537/2004061001/housecall.trendmicro.com/housecall/xscan53.cab
O16 - DPF: {BCC0FF27-31D9-4614-A68E-C18E1ADA4389} (DwnldGroupMgr Class) - http://download.av.aol.com/molbin/shared/mcgdmgr/en-us/1,0,0,18/mcgdmgr.cab
O16 - DPF: {C8A88E8D-9D33-4F01-80EC-E558545C0A9E} (Detector Class) - http://www.optimumonline.com/downloads/xdetector.cab
O16 - DPF: {CAFEEFAC-0014-0001-0002-ABCDEFFEDCBA} (Java Runtime Environment 1.4.1_02) -
O16 - DPF: {CE28D5D2-60CF-4C7D-9FE8-0F47A3308078} (ActiveDataInfo Class) - http://www.symantec.com/techsupp/activedata/SymAData.dll
O23 - Service: AOL Connectivity Service (AOL ACS) - America Online - C:\Program Files\Common Files\AOL\ACS\AOLAcsd.exe
O23 - Service: AOL Spyware Protection Service (AOLService) - Unknown owner - C:\PROGRA~1\COMMON~1\AOL\AOLSPY~1\\aolserv.exe
O23 - Service: Ati HotKey Poller - Unknown owner - C:\WINDOWS\system32\Ati2evxx.exe
O23 - Service: Logical Disk Manager Administrative Service (dmadmin) - VERITAS Software Corp. - C:\WINDOWS\System32\dmadmin.exe
O23 - Service: iPod Service (iPodService) - Apple Computer, Inc. - C:\Program Files\iPod\bin\iPodService.exe
O23 - Service: McAfee.com McShield (McShield) - Unknown owner - c:\PROGRA~1\mcafee.com\vso\mcshield.exe
O23 - Service: McAfee SecurityCenter Update Manager (mcupdmgr.exe) - Networks Associates Technology, Inc - C:\PROGRA~1\McAfee.com\Agent\mcupdmgr.exe
O23 - Service: McAfee.com VirusScan Online Realtime Engine (MCVSRte) - Networks Associates Technology, Inc - c:\PROGRA~1\mcafee.com\vso\mcvsrte.exe
O23 - Service: McAfee Personal Firewall Service (MpfService) - McAfee Corporation - C:\PROGRA~1\MCAFEE.COM\PERSON~1\MPFSERVICE.exe
O23 - Service: ptssvc - KODAK - C:\Program Files\Kodak\Kodak EasyShare software\bin\ptssvc.exe

Run HJT again and place a tick in the boxes to repair of fix the following lines:

C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\d?xplore.exe

and:

O2 - BHO: (no name) - {4AAF665F-CA64-52B4-8756-6D5509842B3F} - C:\WINDOWS\system32\vznkcgp.dll (file missing)
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {5C8B2A36-3DB1-42A4-A3CB-D426709BBFEB} - (no file)
O2 - BHO: CNavExtBho Class - {BDF3E430-B101-42AD-A544-FADC6B084872} - C:\Program Files\Norton AntiVirus\NavShExt.dll (file missing)
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {DDBF914E-208B-245D-DC6E-04C53B0C10E5} - C:\WINDOWS\system32\pttiwzq.dll (file missing)
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [Ody] C:\WINDOWS\system32\d?xplore.exe
O10 - Broken Internet access because of LSP provider 'connwsp.dll' missing



That's a rather big log file. You potentially have a few other issues in there, which may be related:
1. Have you knowingly set your IE home page to Optonline.net? Sounds like an ads site.
2. Have you knowingly installed a toolbar known as Optimum Online? Sounds like this is related to item 1. Is it your ISP (Internet Service Provider)?
3. Have you knowingly installed an anti-virus package called Winsecure Antivirus?
4. Have you knowingly installed something called ShopSafe? Looks like this stores your credit card details for online shopping.

These 4 things all appear in your log. There's a couple of other entries that look suspicious but I'd have to research them to know for sure.

Please delete those entries listed and answer the questions, and then post us a fresh log file. Thanks.

By the way, the file that you wanted to delete is in your C:\Windows\System32 directory, not in C:\Windows.

In fact, that's weird: Windows 2000 normally gets installed into a C:\Winnt directory, not C:\Windows. Have you got a couple of hundred files and a couple of dozen directories under C:\Windows or just a few?