about:blank removal

**tmk** · 15-12-2004

Hello!

I am having a difficult time finding a way to remove the about:blank from my homepage. I have run spybot and ad-aware, but it still keeps coming back. I've also run my anti-virus program. I can't get rid of it!

Please help!!!

**tmk** · 15-12-2004

**owen** · 15-12-2004

Could you please post a Hijack This log. Click the link in my signature to learn how.

**tmk** · 16-12-2004

Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.0
Scan saved at 9:41:23 PM, on 12/15/2004
Platform: Windows 2000 SP4 (WinNT 5.00.2195)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v6.00 SP1 (6.00.2800.1106)

Running processes:
C:\WINNT\System32\smss.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\winlogon.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\services.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\lsass.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\svchost.exe
C:\WINNT\System32\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccEvtMgr.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\WINNT\System32\cisvc.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Command Software\dvpapi.exe
C:\Program Files\Norton SystemWorks\Norton AntiVirus\navapsvc.exe
C:\Program Files\Norton SystemWorks\Norton Utilities\NPROTECT.EXE
C:\WINNT\system32\regsvc.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\MSTask.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\NORTON~1\SPEEDD~1\nopdb.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\stisvc.exe
C:\WINNT\System32\WBEM\WinMgmt.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\mspmspsv.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\svchost.exe
C:\WINNT\Explorer.EXE
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\SymTray.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\S3tray.exe
C:\WINNT\dslaunch.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\spool\drivers\w32x86\3\hpztsb04. exe
C:\Program Files\Ahead\InCD\InCD.exe
C:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\twink64.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccApp.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\??chost.exe
C:\Documents and Settings\RTK.RTK-RTG85M46AOK\Application Data\pint.exe
C:\Program Files\D-Link AirPlus\AirPlus.exe
C:\Program Files\InterVideo\Common\Bin\WinCinemaMgr.exe
C:\Program Files\Nikon\NkView6\NkvMon.exe
C:\pilot\HOTSYNC.EXE
C:\WINNT\system32\windos.exe
C:\Program Files\Symantec\LiveUpdate\ALUNOTIFY.EXE
C:\WINNT\System32\cidaemon.exe
C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe
C:\Program Files\Outlook Express\msimn.exe
C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe
C:\Documents and Settings\RTK.RTK-RTG85M46AOK\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files\Content.IE5\EXJ8DWJ6\hijackthis[1].exe

R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Search_URL = http://thesearchs.com/search.html
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Bar = file://C:\DOCUME~1\RTK~1.RTK\LOCALS~1\Temp\sp.html
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page = file://C:\DOCUME~1\RTK~1.RTK\LOCALS~1\Temp\sp.html
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,SearchURL = http://thesearchs.com
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Search_URL = http://thesearchs.com/search.html
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Bar = file://C:\DOCUME~1\RTK~1.RTK\LOCALS~1\Temp\sp.html
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page = file://C:\DOCUME~1\RTK~1.RTK\LOCALS~1\Temp\sp.html
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,SearchURL = http://thesearchs.com
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Search,SearchAssistant = file://C:\DOCUME~1\RTK~1.RTK\LOCALS~1\Temp\sp.html
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Search,SearchAssistant = file://C:\DOCUME~1\RTK~1.RTK\LOCALS~1\Temp\sp.html
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\SearchURL,(Default) = http://red.clientapps.yahoo.com/cust.../www.yahoo.com
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\SearchURL,SearchURL = http://69.50.184.51/find4u/sp.htm
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,HomeOldSP = about:blank
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,HomeOldSP = about:blank
O2 - BHO: Yahoo! Companion BHO - {02478D38-C3F9-4efb-9B51-7695ECA05670} - C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Companion\Installs\cpn\ycomp5_5_5_0.d ll
O2 - BHO: Pop-Up Blocker BHO - {3C060EA2-E6A9-4E49-A530-D4657B8C449A} - C:\Program Files\Zero Knowledge\Freedom\pkR.dll
O2 - BHO: Form Filler BHO - {56071E0D-C61B-11D3-B41C-00E02927A304} - C:\Program Files\Zero Knowledge\Freedom\FreeBHOR.dll
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {91AFAFFE-466A-61E5-3A0B-6BB32CE10EE5} - C:\WINNT\system32\ggwcfvo.dll
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {9EC8780A-EAF2-474F-A44D-F8039C3C8120} - C:\WINNT\system32\nao.dll
O2 - BHO: NAV Helper - {BDF3E430-B101-42AD-A544-FADC6B084872} - C:\Program Files\Norton SystemWorks\Norton AntiVirus\NavShExt.dll
O3 - Toolbar: Yahoo! Toolbar - {EF99BD32-C1FB-11D2-892F-0090271D4F88} - C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Companion\Installs\cpn\ycomp5_5_5_0.d ll
O3 - Toolbar: &Radio - {8E718888-423F-11D2-876E-00A0C9082467} - C:\WINNT\system32\msdxm.ocx
O3 - Toolbar: Norton AntiVirus - {42CDD1BF-3FFB-4238-8AD1-7859DF00B1D6} - C:\Program Files\Norton SystemWorks\Norton AntiVirus\NavShExt.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Synchronization Manager] mobsync.exe /logon
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [S3TRAY] S3tray.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [YAMAHA DS-XG Launcher] C:\WINNT\dslaunch.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [HPDJ Taskbar Utility] C:\WINNT\system32\spool\drivers\w32x86\3\hpztsb04. exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Hpppta] C:\Program Files\Hewlett-Packard\HP PrecisionScan\PrecisionScan\hpppta.exe /ICON
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [InCD] C:\Program Files\Ahead\InCD\InCD.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NeroCheck] C:\WINNT\system32\\NeroCheck.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Freedom] C:\Program Files\Zero Knowledge\Freedom\Freedom.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [QuickTime Task] "C:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe" -atboottime
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ControlPanel] C:\WINNT\system32\twink64.exe internat.dll,LoadKeyboardProfile
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: [SymTray - Norton SystemWorks] C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\Symtray.exe SetReg
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ALUAlert] C:\Program Files\Symantec\LiveUpdate\ALUNOTIFY.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\RunOnce: [SymTray - Norton SystemWorks] C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\Symtrdr.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [McAfee.InstantUpdate.Monitor] "C:\Program Files\McAfee\McAfee Shared Components\Instant Updater\RuLaunch.exe" /startmonitor
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [SpyKiller] C:\Program Files\SpyKiller\spykiller.exe /startup
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [Yahoo! Pager] C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Messenger\ypager.exe -quiet
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [Wkmyory] C:\WINNT\system32\??chost.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [Uhcl] C:\Documents and Settings\RTK.RTK-RTG85M46AOK\Application Data\pint.exe
O4 - Startup: HotSync Manager 2.0.lnk = C:\pilot\HOTSYNC.EXE
O4 - Global Startup: Corel Family & Friends Reminders.LNK = C:\Program Files\Corel\Print House Magic 4 Premium\cffrem.exe
O4 - Global Startup: D-Link AirPlus.lnk = C:\Program Files\D-Link AirPlus\AirPlus.exe
O4 - Global Startup: InterVideo WinCinema Manager.lnk = C:\Program Files\InterVideo\Common\Bin\WinCinemaMgr.exe
O4 - Global Startup: Microsoft Office.lnk = C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office\OSA9.EXE
O4 - Global Startup: NkvMon.exe.lnk = C:\Program Files\Nikon\NkView6\NkvMon.exe
O8 - Extra context menu item: &Yahoo! Search - file:///C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Common/ycsrch.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/ycdict.htm
O12 - Plugin for .pdf: C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\PLUGINS\nppdf32.dll
O15 - Trusted Zone: *.blazefind.com
O15 - Trusted Zone: *.clickspring.net
O15 - Trusted Zone: *.crazywinnings.com
O15 - Trusted Zone: *.flingstone.com
O15 - Trusted Zone: *.my-internet.info
O15 - Trusted Zone: *.searchmiracle.com
O15 - Trusted Zone: *.slotchbar.com
O15 - Trusted Zone: *.topconverting.com
O15 - Trusted Zone: *.windupdates.com
O15 - Trusted Zone: *.ysbweb.com
O15 - Trusted Zone: *.blazefind.com (HKLM)
O15 - Trusted Zone: *.clickspring.net (HKLM)
O15 - Trusted Zone: *.crazywinnings.com (HKLM)
O15 - Trusted Zone: *.flingstone.com (HKLM)
O15 - Trusted Zone: *.my-internet.info (HKLM)
O15 - Trusted Zone: *.searchmiracle.com (HKLM)
O15 - Trusted Zone: *.slotchbar.com (HKLM)
O15 - Trusted Zone: *.topconverting.com (HKLM)
O15 - Trusted Zone: *.windupdates.com (HKLM)
O15 - Trusted Zone: *.ysbweb.com (HKLM)
O15 - Trusted IP range: 67.19.185.246
O15 - Trusted IP range: 67.19.185.246 (HKLM)
O16 - DPF: {2BC66F54-93A8-11D3-BEB6-00105AA9B6AE} (Symantec AntiVirus scanner) - http://security.symantec.com/sscv6/S...in/AvSniff.cab
O16 - DPF: {30528230-99F7-4BB4-88D8-FA1D4F56A2AB} (YInstStarter Class) - http://us.dl1.yimg.com/download.yaho...st20040510.cab
O16 - DPF: {644E432F-49D3-41A1-8DD5-E099162EEEC5} (Symantec RuFSI Utility Class) - http://security.symantec.com/sscv6/S.../bin/cabsa.cab
O16 - DPF: {77E32299-629F-43C6-AB77-6A1E6D7663F6} (Groove Control) - http://www.nick.com/common/groove/gx/GrooveAX27.cab
O16 - DPF: {9EB320CE-BE1D-4304-A081-4B4665414BEF} (MediaTicketsInstaller Control) - http://www.mt-download.com/MediaTick...cab?refid=3548
O16 - DPF: {B9191F79-5613-4C76-AA2A-398534BB8999} (YAddBook Class) - http://us.dl1.yimg.com/download.yaho...tocomplete.cab
O16 - DPF: {FA3662C3-B8E8-11D6-A667-0010B556D978} (IWinAmpActiveX Class) - http://cdn.digitalcity.com/_media/dalaillama/ampx.cab
O18 - Filter: text/html - {DDD79B97-DA6A-460E-8B56-E503E5FAB0E7} - C:\WINNT\system32\nao.dll
O18 - Filter: text/plain - {DDD79B97-DA6A-460E-8B56-E503E5FAB0E7} - C:\WINNT\system32\nao.dll
O23 - Service: Symantec Event Manager - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccEvtMgr.exe
O23 - Service: Symantec Password Validation Service - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccPwdSvc.exe
O23 - Service: Logical Disk Manager Administrative Service - VERITAS Software Corp. - C:\WINNT\System32\dmadmin.exe
O23 - Service: DvpApi - Command Software Systems, Inc. - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Command Software\dvpapi.exe
O23 - Service: Norton AntiVirus Auto Protect Service - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Norton SystemWorks\Norton AntiVirus\navapsvc.exe
O23 - Service: Norton Unerase Protection - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Norton SystemWorks\Norton Utilities\NPROTECT.EXE
O23 - Service: ScriptBlocking Service - Symantec Corporation - C:\PROGRA~1\COMMON~1\SYMANT~1\SCRIPT~1\SBServ.exe
O23 - Service: Speed Disk service - Symantec Corporation - C:\PROGRA~1\NORTON~1\SPEEDD~1\nopdb.exe

**owen** · 16-12-2004

Hello,
Please download and install APM from here. Also download and install Ad-aware from here.

Once you have installed Ad-aware, run the program and in the bottom right hand corner click Check For Updates. Update Ad-aware following the prompts and then close the program, we will use it later.

Now disconnect from the internet, restart Hijack This and put a checkmark next to the following entries:

R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Search_URL = http://thesearchs.com/search.html
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Bar = file://C:\DOCUME~1\RTK~1.RTK\LOCALS~1\Temp\sp.html
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page = file://C:\DOCUME~1\RTK~1.RTK\LOCALS~1\Temp\sp.html
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,SearchURL = http://thesearchs.com
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Search_URL = http://thesearchs.com/search.html
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Bar = file://C:\DOCUME~1\RTK~1.RTK\LOCALS~1\Temp\sp.html
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page = file://C:\DOCUME~1\RTK~1.RTK\LOCALS~1\Temp\sp.html
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,SearchURL = http://thesearchs.com
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Search,SearchAssistant = file://C:\DOCUME~1\RTK~1.RTK\LOCALS~1\Temp\sp.html
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Search,SearchAssistant = file://C:\DOCUME~1\RTK~1.RTK\LOCALS~1\Temp\sp.html
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\SearchURL,(Default) = http://red.clientapps.yahoo.com/cus...//www.yahoo.com
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\SearchURL,SearchURL = http://69.50.184.51/find4u/sp.htm
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,HomeOldSP = about:blank
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,HomeOldSP = about:blank
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {91AFAFFE-466A-61E5-3A0B-6BB32CE10EE5} - C:\WINNT\system32\ggwcfvo.dll
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {9EC8780A-EAF2-474F-A44D-F8039C3C8120} - C:\WINNT\system32\nao.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ControlPanel] C:\WINNT\system32\twink64.exe internat.dll,LoadKeyboardProfile
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [Wkmyory] C:\WINNT\system32\??chost.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [Uhcl] C:\Documents and Settings\RTK.RTK-RTG85M46AOK\Application Data\pint.exe
O15 - Trusted Zone: *.blazefind.com
O15 - Trusted Zone: *.clickspring.net
O15 - Trusted Zone: *.crazywinnings.com
O15 - Trusted Zone: *.flingstone.com
O15 - Trusted Zone: *.my-internet.info
O15 - Trusted Zone: *.searchmiracle.com
O15 - Trusted Zone: *.slotchbar.com
O15 - Trusted Zone: *.topconverting.com
O15 - Trusted Zone: *.windupdates.com
O15 - Trusted Zone: *.ysbweb.com
O15 - Trusted Zone: *.blazefind.com (HKLM)
O15 - Trusted Zone: *.clickspring.net (HKLM)
O15 - Trusted Zone: *.crazywinnings.com (HKLM)
O15 - Trusted Zone: *.flingstone.com (HKLM)
O15 - Trusted Zone: *.my-internet.info (HKLM)
O15 - Trusted Zone: *.searchmiracle.com (HKLM)
O15 - Trusted Zone: *.slotchbar.com (HKLM)
O15 - Trusted Zone: *.topconverting.com (HKLM)
O15 - Trusted Zone: *.windupdates.com (HKLM)
O15 - Trusted Zone: *.ysbweb.com (HKLM)
O15 - Trusted IP range: 67.19.185.246
O15 - Trusted IP range: 67.19.185.246 (HKLM)
O16 - DPF: {9EB320CE-BE1D-4304-A081-4B4665414BEF} (MediaTicketsInstaller Control) - http://www.mt-download.com/MediaTic....cab?refid=3548
O18 - Filter: text/html - {DDD79B97-DA6A-460E-8B56-E503E5FAB0E7} - C:\WINNT\system32\nao.dll
O18 - Filter: text/plain - {DDD79B97-DA6A-460E-8B56-E503E5FAB0E7} - C:\WINNT\system32\nao.dll

Now click Fix Checked

After you have done that, start APM.

In the top Window select explorer.exe
After this, in the bottom Windows find nao.dll
Right click nao.dll and choose Unload.
Click OK

Now Start Ad-aware

We need to configure Ad-aware for a full scan.

Click on the Gear icon (second from the left) to access the preferences/settings window

1. In the General window make sure the following are selected:

Automatically save log-file
Automatically quarantine objects prior to removal
Safe Mode (always request confirmation)

2. Click on the Scanning button on the left and select :

Scan Within Archives
Scan Active Processes
Scan Registry
Deep Scan Registry
Scan my IE favorites for banned URL’s
Scan my Hosts file
Under Click here to select drives + folders, choose:
All of your hard drives

Click on the Advanced button on the left and select:

Include additional process information
Include additional file information
Include environment information

Click the Tweak button and select:

Under the Scanning Engine:
- Unload recognized processes & modules during scan
- Include additional Ad-aware settings in logfile
Under the Cleaning Engine:
- Let Windows remove files in use at next reboot

Click on Proceed to save the settings.

Click Start and on the next screen choose Activate in-depth Scan at the bottom of the page and then choose:

Use Custom Scanning Options

Click Next and Ad-aware will scan your hard drive(s) with the options you have selected.

Save the log file when it asks and then click Finish

When finished, mark everything for removal and get rid of it. (Right-click the window and choose Select All from the drop down menu and click Next).

Boot into Safe Mode and delete the following files and folders:

C:\Documents and Settings\RTK.RTK-RTG85M46AOK\Application Data\pint.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\twink64.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\internat.dll
C:\WINNT\system32\??chost.exe

Reboot your computer and post a fresh Hijack This log

**tmk** · 25-12-2004

Hi! Sorry it's taken me so long to respond. I haven't had internet access...
not sure what happened, but now it's up. Thank you for your responses and efforts; however, I already fixed the problem! I had a friend look at it and took care of everything. We'll see how it goes.

Thanks again, and happy holidays!

**owen** · 26-12-2004

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!

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