Hi, my mother's laptop has been infected with Home Search, and it is proving to be a pain remove. I have run AdAware and Spybot, which have both removed a number of items, but the problem persists.

Additionally, the computer is having immense trouble booting up, constantly having failures of the program "sdksn.exe", which I note is one of the O4, RunOnce entries from HijackThis. The two seem to be related, as they kicked off at a similar time.

Here is a HiJack this log, I have AboutBuster installed, but have yet to run it. Any advice on what to check off?


Karl.

Logfile of HijackThis v1.98.2
Scan saved at 15:01:18, on 16/08/2004
Platform: Windows XP SP1 (WinNT 5.01.2600)
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\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccEvtMgr.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\EPSON\EBAPI\SAgent2.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\VS7DEBUG\MDM.EXE
C:\Program Files\Norton AntiVirus\navapsvc.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\ievu32.exe
C:\Program Files\Analog Devices\SoundMAX\SMAgent.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\System32\hkcmd.exe
C:\Program Files\Apoint\Apoint.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\rundll32.exe
C:\Program Files\Sony\HotKey Utility\HKserv.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\ezSP_Px.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\ICO.EXE
C:\Program Files\Sony\Wireless Switch Setting Utility\Switcher.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccApp.exe
C:\Program Files\Sony\HotKey Utility\HKWnd.exe
C:\Program Files\Messenger Plus! 3\MsgPlus.exe
C:\WINDOWS\crld32.exe
C:\Program Files\Apoint\Apntex.exe
C:\Program Files\PowerPanel\Program\PcfMgr.exe
C:\Program Files\SONY\BlueSpace\BlueSpaceNE.exe
C:\Install Programs\hijackthis.exe
C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe

R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Bar = res://C:\WINDOWS\hdznq.dll/sp.html#96676
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page = res://C:\WINDOWS\hdznq.dll/sp.html#96676
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL = about:blank
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Search_URL = res://C:\WINDOWS\hdznq.dll/sp.html#96676
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Bar = res://C:\WINDOWS\hdznq.dll/sp.html#96676
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page = res://C:\WINDOWS\hdznq.dll/sp.html#96676
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Search,SearchAssistant = res://C:\WINDOWS\hdznq.dll/sp.html#96676
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Search,SearchAssistant = res://C:\WINDOWS\hdznq.dll/sp.html#96676
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Connection Wizard,ShellNext = http://www.club-vaio.sony-europe.com/
R3 - Default URLSearchHook is missing
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {610207BA-E8D7-9260-B756-291184C1BFB4} - C:\WINDOWS\iepq32.dll
O2 - BHO: Google Toolbar Helper - {AA58ED58-01DD-4d91-8333-CF10577473F7} - c:\program files\google\googletoolbar1.dll
O2 - BHO: NAV Helper - {BDF3E430-B101-42AD-A544-FADC6B084872} - C:\Program Files\Norton AntiVirus\NavShExt.dll
O3 - Toolbar: &Radio - {8E718888-423F-11D2-876E-00A0C9082467} - C:\WINDOWS\System32\msdxm.ocx
O3 - Toolbar: Norton AntiVirus - {42CDD1BF-3FFB-4238-8AD1-7859DF00B1D6} - C:\Program Files\Norton AntiVirus\NavShExt.dll
O3 - Toolbar: &Google - {2318C2B1-4965-11d4-9B18-009027A5CD4F} - c:\program files\google\googletoolbar1.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [IgfxTray] C:\WINDOWS\System32\igfxtray.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [HotKeysCmds] C:\WINDOWS\System32\hkcmd.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Apoint] C:\Program Files\Apoint\Apoint.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [BluetoothAuthenticationAgent] rundll32.exe irprops.cpl,,BluetoothAuthenticationAgent
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [HKSERV.EXE] C:\Program Files\Sony\HotKey Utility\HKserv.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ezShieldProtector for Px] C:\WINDOWS\System32\ezSP_Px.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Mouse Suite 98 Daemon] ICO.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Switcher.exe] C:\Program Files\Sony\Wireless Switch Setting Utility\Switcher.exe
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: [NeroFilterCheck] C:\WINDOWS\system32\NeroCheck.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [CloneCDTray] "C:\Program Files\SlySoft\CloneCD\CloneCDTray.exe" /s
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [MessengerPlus3] "C:\Program Files\Messenger Plus! 3\MsgPlus.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [crld32.exe] C:\WINDOWS\crld32.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\RunOnce: [sdksn.exe] C:\WINDOWS\system32\sdksn.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\RunOnce: [addzh.exe] C:\WINDOWS\addzh.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\RunOnce: [atlcs.exe] C:\WINDOWS\atlcs.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\RunOnce: [systc.exe] C:\WINDOWS\systc.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\RunOnce: [sysqg.exe] C:\WINDOWS\sysqg.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [MessengerPlus3] "C:\Program Files\Messenger Plus! 3\MsgPlus.exe" /WinStart
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [msnmsgr] "C:\Program Files\MSN Messenger\msnmsgr.exe" /background
O4 - Startup: BlueSpace NE.lnk = C:\Program Files\SONY\BlueSpace\BlueSpaceNE.exe
O4 - Global Startup: EPSON Status Monitor 3 Environment Check 2.lnk = C:\WINDOWS\system32\spool\drivers\w32x86\3\E_SRCV0 2.EXE
O4 - Global Startup: PowerPanel.lnk = ?
O8 - Extra context menu item: &Google Search - res://C:\Program Files\Google\GoogleToolbar1.dll/cmsearch.html
O8 - Extra context menu item: Backward Links - res://C:\Program Files\Google\GoogleToolbar1.dll/cmbacklinks.html
O8 - Extra context menu item: Cached Snapshot of Page - res://C:\Program Files\Google\GoogleToolbar1.dll/cmcache.html
O8 - Extra context menu item: E&xport to Microsoft Excel - res://C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~2\OFFICE11\EXCEL.EXE/3000
O8 - Extra context menu item: Similar Pages - res://C:\Program Files\Google\GoogleToolbar1.dll/cmsimilar.html
O8 - Extra context menu item: Translate into English - res://C:\Program Files\Google\GoogleToolbar1.dll/cmtrans.html
O9 - Extra button: Research - {92780B25-18CC-41C8-B9BE-3C9C571A8263} - C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~2\OFFICE11\REFIEBAR.DLL
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
O14 - IERESET.INF: START_PAGE_URL=http://www.club-vaio.sony-europe.com/
O15 - Trusted Zone: *.sony-europe.com
O15 - Trusted Zone: *.sonystyle-europe.com
O15 - Trusted Zone: *.vaio-link.com
O16 - DPF: {1C78AB3F-A857-482E-80C0-3A1E5238A565} - file://C:\install.cab

I removed the entry for sdksn, hopefully that might smooth the login process. Any ideas on the rest?

Is that install.cab entry relevent to spyware?



Karl.

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 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Bar = res://C:\WINDOWS\hdznq.dll/sp.html#96676
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page = res://C:\WINDOWS\hdznq.dll/sp.html#96676
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL = about:blank
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Search_URL = res://C:\WINDOWS\hdznq.dll/sp.html#96676
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Bar = res://C:\WINDOWS\hdznq.dll/sp.html#96676
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page = res://C:\WINDOWS\hdznq.dll/sp.html#96676
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Search,SearchAssistant = res://C:\WINDOWS\hdznq.dll/sp.html#96676
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Search,SearchAssistant = res://C:\WINDOWS\hdznq.dll/sp.html#96676
R3 - Default URLSearchHook is missing
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {610207BA-E8D7-9260-B756-291184C1BFB4} - C:\WINDOWS\iepq32.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [crld32.exe] C:\WINDOWS\crld32.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\RunOnce: [sdksn.exe] C:\WINDOWS\system32\sdksn.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\RunOnce: [addzh.exe] C:\WINDOWS\addzh.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\RunOnce: [atlcs.exe] C:\WINDOWS\atlcs.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\RunOnce: [systc.exe] C:\WINDOWS\systc.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\RunOnce: [sysqg.exe] C:\WINDOWS\sysqg.exe
O16 - DPF: {1C78AB3F-A857-482E-80C0-3A1E5238A565} - file://C:\install.cab

Then delete the following files and folders:
C:\WINDOWS\crld32.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\sdksn.exe
C:\WINDOWS\addzh.exe
C:\WINDOWS\atlcs.exe
C:\WINDOWS\systc.exe
C:\WINDOWS\sysqg.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.

Right, sorry about the delay, as I said it's my mother's machine infected, and I don't get access to it all the time.

I conducted the steps given, and it appears to have gone.

Below are the AboutBuster logs from SafeMode, and a current HiJackThis log.

Many thanks for the help. It is greatly appreciated.


Scanned at: 15:23:21 on: 20/08/2004
-- Scan 1 ---------------------------
About:Buster Version 3.0
Reference List : 15


Removed Data Streams:
C:\WINDOWS\ijulsr.dat:tiqhs
C:\WINDOWS\ipzfyf.dat:lbbmm
C:\WINDOWS\KB810243.log:ebtag
C:\WINDOWS\n_wlcdsi.dat:vrkwa
C:\WINDOWS\ODBC.INIsdbu
C:\WINDOWS\orun32.ini:gtnhx
C:\WINDOWS\Q323255.log:ruzzt
C:\WINDOWS\SchedLgU.Txt:cmkmp
C:\WINDOWS\setupact.log:vnvzr
C:\WINDOWS\setuplog.txt:nnoem
C:\WINDOWS\Soap Bubbles.bmp:gggko


Removed 2 Random Key Entries
Deleted 1 Service Keys Successfully!
Removed! : C:\WINDOWS\aahgd.dll
Removed! : C:\WINDOWS\appbg32.exe
Removed! : C:\WINDOWS\appwz.exe
Removed! : C:\WINDOWS\aslsp.dat
Removed! : C:\WINDOWS\ciocky.dat
Removed! : C:\WINDOWS\hdznq.dll
Removed! : C:\WINDOWS\ijulsr.dat
Removed! : C:\WINDOWS\llxwvp.dat
Removed! : C:\WINDOWS\lxbomo.dat
Removed! : C:\WINDOWS\mfczc.exe
Removed! : C:\WINDOWS\netcx32.exe
Removed! : C:\WINDOWS\n_ciocky.dat
Removed! : C:\WINDOWS\n_fwrukl.dat
Removed! : C:\WINDOWS\n_kjetyt.dat
Removed! : C:\WINDOWS\n_kunagb.dat
Removed! : C:\WINDOWS\n_obwmys.dat
Error Removing! : C:\WINDOWS\n_qglwln.dat
Removed! : C:\WINDOWS\ovnxm.dat
Removed! : C:\WINDOWS\rbdype.dat
Removed! : C:\WINDOWS\sdkgh.exe
Removed! : C:\WINDOWS\systc.exe
Removed! : C:\WINDOWS\vetdp.dat
Removed! : C:\WINDOWS\vetdpa.dat
Removed! : C:\WINDOWS\vksks.dat
Removed! : C:\WINDOWS\xhlzk.dat
Removed! : C:\WINDOWS\xujzjl.dat
Removed! : C:\WINDOWS\System32\javauf.exe
Removed! : C:\WINDOWS\System32\jfzhr.dat
Removed! : C:\WINDOWS\System32\mslb32.exe
Removed! : C:\WINDOWS\System32\ntbc.exe
Removed! : C:\WINDOWS\System32\ntzn32.exe
Removed! : C:\WINDOWS\System32\sdkjk32.exe
Removed! : C:\WINDOWS\System32\stdxr.dat
Removed! : C:\WINDOWS\System32\vzpwj.dat
Removed! : C:\WINDOWS\System32\wuuss.dat
Attempted Clean Of Temp folder.
Removed Uninstall Key (HSA)
Removed Uninstall Key (SE)
Removed Uninstall Key (SW)
Pages Reset... Done!

-- Scan 2 ---------------------------
About:Buster Version 3.0
Reference List : 15


Removed Data Streams:
C:\WINDOWS\ijulsr.dat:tiqhs
C:\WINDOWS\ipzfyf.dat:lbbmm
C:\WINDOWS\KB810243.log:ebtag
C:\WINDOWS\n_wlcdsi.dat:vrkwa
C:\WINDOWS\ODBC.INIsdbu
C:\WINDOWS\orun32.ini:gtnhx
C:\WINDOWS\Q323255.log:ruzzt
C:\WINDOWS\SchedLgU.Txt:cmkmp
C:\WINDOWS\setupact.log:vnvzr
C:\WINDOWS\setuplog.txt:nnoem
C:\WINDOWS\Soap Bubbles.bmp:gggko


Removed 2 Random Key Entries
Removed! : C:\WINDOWS\n_qglwln.dat
Attempted Clean Of Temp folder.
Pages Reset... Done!



Logfile of HijackThis v1.98.2
Scan saved at 1607, on 20/08/2004
Platform: Windows XP SP1 (WinNT 5.01.2600)
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\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccEvtMgr.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\EPSON\EBAPI\SAgent2.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\VS7DEBUG\MDM.EXE
C:\Program Files\Norton AntiVirus\navapsvc.exe
C:\Program Files\Analog Devices\SoundMAX\SMAgent.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\System32\hkcmd.exe
C:\Program Files\Apoint\Apoint.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\rundll32.exe
C:\Program Files\Sony\HotKey Utility\HKserv.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\ezSP_Px.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\ICO.EXE
C:\Program Files\Sony\Wireless Switch Setting Utility\Switcher.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccApp.exe
C:\Program Files\Apoint\Apntex.exe
C:\Program Files\Sony\HotKey Utility\HKWnd.exe
C:\Program Files\Messenger Plus! 3\MsgPlus.exe
C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
C:\Program Files\PowerPanel\Program\PcfMgr.exe
C:\Program Files\SONY\BlueSpace\BlueSpaceNE.exe
C:\Documents and Settings\Karl\Desktop\hijackthis.exe

R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Connection Wizard,ShellNext = http://www.club-vaio.sony-europe.com/
O2 - BHO: Google Toolbar Helper - {AA58ED58-01DD-4d91-8333-CF10577473F7} - c:\program files\google\googletoolbar1.dll
O2 - BHO: NAV Helper - {BDF3E430-B101-42AD-A544-FADC6B084872} - C:\Program Files\Norton AntiVirus\NavShExt.dll
O3 - Toolbar: &Radio - {8E718888-423F-11D2-876E-00A0C9082467} - C:\WINDOWS\System32\msdxm.ocx
O3 - Toolbar: Norton AntiVirus - {42CDD1BF-3FFB-4238-8AD1-7859DF00B1D6} - C:\Program Files\Norton AntiVirus\NavShExt.dll
O3 - Toolbar: &Google - {2318C2B1-4965-11d4-9B18-009027A5CD4F} - c:\program files\google\googletoolbar1.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [IgfxTray] C:\WINDOWS\System32\igfxtray.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [HotKeysCmds] C:\WINDOWS\System32\hkcmd.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Apoint] C:\Program Files\Apoint\Apoint.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [BluetoothAuthenticationAgent] rundll32.exe irprops.cpl,,BluetoothAuthenticationAgent
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [HKSERV.EXE] C:\Program Files\Sony\HotKey Utility\HKserv.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ezShieldProtector for Px] C:\WINDOWS\System32\ezSP_Px.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Mouse Suite 98 Daemon] ICO.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Switcher.exe] C:\Program Files\Sony\Wireless Switch Setting Utility\Switcher.exe
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: [NeroFilterCheck] C:\WINDOWS\system32\NeroCheck.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [CloneCDTray] "C:\Program Files\SlySoft\CloneCD\CloneCDTray.exe" /s
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [MessengerPlus3] "C:\Program Files\Messenger Plus! 3\MsgPlus.exe"
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [MessengerPlus2] "C:\Program Files\Messenger Plus! 2\MsgPlus.exe" /WinStart
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [msnmsgr] "C:\Program Files\MSN Messenger\msnmsgr.exe" /background
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [MSMSGS] "C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe" /background
O4 - Startup: BlueSpace NE.lnk = C:\Program Files\SONY\BlueSpace\BlueSpaceNE.exe
O4 - Global Startup: EPSON Status Monitor 3 Environment Check 2.lnk = C:\WINDOWS\system32\spool\drivers\w32x86\3\E_SRCV0 2.EXE
O4 - Global Startup: PowerPanel.lnk = ?
O8 - Extra context menu item: E&xport to Microsoft Excel - res://C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~2\OFFICE11\EXCEL.EXE/3000
O9 - Extra button: Research - {92780B25-18CC-41C8-B9BE-3C9C571A8263} - C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~2\OFFICE11\REFIEBAR.DLL
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
O14 - IERESET.INF: START_PAGE_URL=http://www.club-vaio.sony-europe.com/
O15 - Trusted Zone: *.sony-europe.com
O15 - Trusted Zone: *.sonystyle-europe.com
O15 - Trusted Zone: *.vaio-link.com
O16 - DPF: {74D05D43-3236-11D4-BDCD-00C04F9A3B61} (HouseCall Control) - http://a840.g.akamai.net/7/840/537/2...ll/xscan53.cab

Thats looking better, how are things running?

One thing I can't understand is why both versions of Messenger Plus are in startup? Looks like two versions are installed. Uninstall Messenger Plus 2 because you don't need both.

O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [MessengerPlus3] "C:\Program Files\Messenger Plus! 3\MsgPlus.exe"
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [MessengerPlus2] "C:\Program Files\Messenger Plus! 2\MsgPlus.exe" /WinStart

Originally Posted by owen

Thats looking better, how are things running?

Reasonably well, I haven't fully tested it to make sure it's completely clean. But it hopefully should be. I'm sure I'll here a moan from someone if it's still mucked up. Is the Home Search hijack usually obtained from malicious pop-up installations, or does it get on via another route?

Originally Posted by owen

One thing I can't understand is why both versions of Messenger Plus are in startup? Looks like two versions are installed. Uninstall Messenger Plus 2 because you don't need both.

O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [MessengerPlus3] "C:\Program Files\Messenger Plus! 3\MsgPlus.exe"
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [MessengerPlus2] "C:\Program Files\Messenger Plus! 2\MsgPlus.exe" /WinStart

LOL, good point, very odd that the install for 3 didn't remove 2, or at least complain. It works fine, so must be able to coexist, weird. I'll remove 2 asap, thanks for that.




Karl.

It might have removed the previous version but just left the startup registry entry.

Have a read of this info to prevent it returning:

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!