Every time I try to open my internet explorer link, it jumps to some fake windows search page and this spyware popup appears, even if I reset my homepage and click on home it jumps right to this page.
Also at startup I get this error box that there is a problem with the apiwv.exe file. I think the two are related but dont konw how to fix the problem. I tried updating the windows service pack and it got all the way to the end and the same apiwv.exe error box appeared and it froze the update.
Does anyone know what could be causing these errors or how to fix them?

My internet explorer has been hijacked, here is my log:

Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.0
Scan saved at 8:46:03 AM, on 1/5/2005
Platform: Windows XP SP1 (WinNT 5.01.2600)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v6.00 SP2 (6.00.2800.1106)

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\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\System32\alg.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\cisvc.exe
c:\PROGRA~1\mcafee.com\vso\mcvsrte.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\nvsvc32.exe
C:\WINDOWS\wanmpsvc.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\MsPMSPSv.exe
C:\WINDOWS\atlkg.exe
c:\PROGRA~1\mcafee.com\vso\mcshield.exe
C:\WINDOWS\surfmonkey\SMProxy.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\rundll32.exe
C:\Program Files\Apoint\Apoint.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\pctspk.exe
C:\Program Files\Dell\QuickSet\QuickSet.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\DSentry.exe
C:\Program Files\MUSICMATCH\MUSICMATCH Jukebox\mm_tray.exe
C:\Program Files\Apoint\Apntex.exe
C:\Program Files\McAfee.com\Agent\mcagent.exe
C:\Program Files\Roxio\Easy CD Creator 5\DirectCD\DirectCD.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\mcafee.com\vso\mcvsshld.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Dell\EUSW\Support.exe
C:\Program Files\DIGStream\digstream.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Real\Update_OB\realsched.exe
C:\Program Files\Dell\Support\Alert\bin\NotifyAlert.exe
C:\Program Files\Winamp\winampa.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\STOMPS~1\SPYWAR~1\PPMemCheck.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\STOMPS~1\SPYWAR~1\PPControl.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\STOMPS~1\SPYWAR~1\CookiePatrol.exe
C:\Program Files\Logitech\Video\LogiTray.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\addni.exe
C:\Program Files\Java\j2re1.4.2_05\bin\jusched.exe
C:\Program Files\MSN Messenger\MsnMsgr.Exe
C:\Program Files\Microsoft Money\System\mnyexpr.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\ydtf.exe
C:\Program Files\NetZero\exec.exe
C:\Program Files\EarthLink TotalAccess\TaskPanl.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\LVComS.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\wbem\wmiapsrv.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\Netscape\Netscape\Netscp.exe
C:\Program Files\Dell\Support\Alert\bin\AlertView.exe
C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\cidaemon.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\cidaemon.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\wuauclt.exe
C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe
C:\Documents and Settings\Mitch\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files\Content.IE5\UAA8UMBA\hijackthis[1].exe

R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL = http://start.earthlink.net
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Search_URL = http://www.earthlink.net/partner/mor...on/search.html
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Bar = res://C:\WINDOWS\wnzij.dll/sp.html#96676
R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://www.yahoo.com/
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Bar = res://C:\WINDOWS\wnzij.dll/sp.html#96676
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\SearchURL,(Default) = http://my.netzero.net/s/search?r=minisearch
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Connection Wizard,ShellNext = http://www.dellnet.com/
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Int ernet Settings,ProxyOverride = http://localhost
R3 - Default URLSearchHook is missing
F2 - REG:system.ini: UserInit=C:\Windows\System32\wsaupdater.exe,
N3 - Netscape 7: user_pref("browser.startup.homepage", "http://my.yahoo.com/"); (C:\Documents and Settings\Mitch\Application Data\Mozilla\Profiles\default\x0sy3kxz.slt\prefs.j s)
N3 - Netscape 7: user_pref("browser.search.defaultengine", "engine://C%3A%5CProgram%20Files%5CNetscape%5CNetscape%5Csea rchplugins%5CSBWeb_01.src"); (C:\Documents and Settings\Mitch\Application Data\Mozilla\Profiles\default\x0sy3kxz.slt\prefs.j s)
O2 - BHO: AcroIEHlprObj Class - {06849E9F-C8D7-4D59-B87D-784B7D6BE0B3} - C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 6.0\Reader\ActiveX\AcroIEHelper.dll
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {F2FAA6D4-BBEE-5987-18DD-2FCF87AEA166} - C:\WINDOWS\system32\javabt32.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Apoint] C:\Program Files\Apoint\Apoint.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NvCplDaemon] RUNDLL32.EXE C:\WINDOWS\System32\NvCpl.dll,NvStartup
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [nwiz] nwiz.exe /installquiet
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [PCTVOICE] pctspk.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Dell QuickSet] C:\Program Files\Dell\QuickSet\QuickSet.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [DVDSentry] C:\WINDOWS\System32\DSentry.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [MMTray] C:\Program Files\MUSICMATCH\MUSICMATCH Jukebox\mm_tray.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [MCAgentExe] C:\Program Files\McAfee.com\Agent\mcagent.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [MCUpdateExe] C:\PROGRA~1\McAfee.com\Agent\McUpdate.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AdaptecDirectCD] "C:\Program Files\Roxio\Easy CD Creator 5\DirectCD\DirectCD.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [VirusScan Online] c:\PROGRA~1\mcafee.com\vso\mcvsshld.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [DwlClient] C:\Program Files\Common Files\Dell\EUSW\Support.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [DIGStream] C:\Program Files\DIGStream\digstream.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [TkBellExe] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Real\Update_OB\realsched.exe" -osboot
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [WinampAgent] C:\Program Files\Winamp\winampa.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [PPMemCheck] C:\PROGRA~1\STOMPS~1\SPYWAR~1\PPMemCheck.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Spyware X-terminator Control Center] C:\PROGRA~1\STOMPS~1\SPYWAR~1\PPControl.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [CookiePatrol] C:\PROGRA~1\STOMPS~1\SPYWAR~1\CookiePatrol.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [REGSHAVE] C:\Program Files\REGSHAVE\REGSHAVE.EXE /AUTORUN
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [LogitechVideoRepair] C:\Program Files\Logitech\Video\ISStart.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [LogitechVideoTray] C:\Program Files\Logitech\Video\LogiTray.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [addni.exe] C:\WINDOWS\system32\addni.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Windows SA] C:\Program Files\WindowsSA\omniscient.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SunJavaUpdateSched] C:\Program Files\Java\j2re1.4.2_05\bin\jusched.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ELNKProxy] C:\WINDOWS\surfmonkey\smproxy.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\RunOnce: [apiwv.exe] C:\WINDOWS\system32\apiwv.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [MsnMsgr] "C:\Program Files\MSN Messenger\MsnMsgr.Exe" /background
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [MoneyAgent] "C:\Program Files\Microsoft Money\System\mnyexpr.exe"
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [Hmbweu] C:\WINDOWS\System32\ydtf.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [Mozilla Quick Launch] "C:\Program Files\Netscape\Netscape\Netscp.exe" -turbo
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [NetZero_uoltray] C:\Program Files\NetZero\exec.exe regrun
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [spc_w] "C:\Program Files\NZSearch\hcm.exe" -w
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [E6TaskPanel] "C:\Program Files\EarthLink TotalAccess\TaskPanl.exe" -winstart
O4 - Global Startup: America Online 8.0 Tray Icon.lnk = C:\Program Files\America Online 8.0\aoltray.exe
O4 - Global Startup: Microsoft Office.lnk = C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office\OSA9.EXE
O6 - HKCU\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Control Panel present
O8 - Extra context menu item: Display All Images with Full Quality - res://C:\Program Files\NetZero\qsacc\appres.dll/228
O8 - Extra context menu item: Display Image with Full Quality - res://C:\Program Files\NetZero\qsacc\appres.dll/227
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: AIM - {AC9E2541-2814-11d5-BC6D-00B0D0A1DE45} - C:\Program Files\AIM\aim.exe
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {CD67F990-D8E9-11d2-98FE-00C0F0318AFE} - (no file)
O9 - Extra button: Bodog Poker - {F47C1DB5-ED21-4dc1-853E-D1495792D4C5} - C:\Program Files\Bodog Poker\GameClient.exe
O9 - Extra button: @C:\Program Files\Messenger\Msgslang.dll,-61144 - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: @C:\Program Files\Messenger\Msgslang.dll,-61144 - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
O12 - Plugin for .mid: C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\PLUGINS\npqtplugin2.dll
O12 - Plugin for .mov: C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\PLUGINS\npqtplugin.dll
O12 - Plugin for .mpg: C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\PLUGINS\npqtplugin3.dll
O12 - Plugin for .TIF: C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\PLUGINS\npqtplugin5.dll
O16 - DPF: {10000000-1000-0000-1000-000000000000} - file://C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\sphlnmiq.exe
O16 - DPF: {15AD4789-CDB4-47E1-A9DA-992EE8E6BAD6} - http://public.windupdates.com/get_fi...22384e480b9c0d
O16 - DPF: {2BC66F54-93A8-11D3-BEB6-00105AA9B6AE} (Symantec AntiVirus scanner) - http://security.symantec.com/sscv6/S...in/AvSniff.cab
O16 - DPF: {2ED9BC2B-4DF1-472E-9B5E-55477D2C97F5} (Microsoft Data Collection Control) - https://support.microsoft.com/OAS/ActiveX/odc.cab
O16 - DPF: {644E432F-49D3-41A1-8DD5-E099162EEEC5} (Symantec RuFSI Utility Class) - http://security.symantec.com/sscv6/S.../bin/cabsa.cab
O16 - DPF: {9184D21C-9835-42C5-A883-EA8BE7FC048D} (Downloader Class) - http://www.shop.intuit.com/commerce/...les/ie/IDA.cab
O16 - DPF: {E855A2D4-987E-4F3B-A51C-64D10A7E2479} (EPSImageControl Class) - http://tools.ebayimg.com/eps/activex...trol_v1-32.cab
O23 - Service: McAfee.com McShield - Unknown - c:\PROGRA~1\mcafee.com\vso\mcshield.exe
O23 - Service: McAfee.com VirusScan Online Realtime Engine - Mcafee.com Corporation - c:\PROGRA~1\mcafee.com\vso\mcvsrte.exe
O23 - Service: NVIDIA Driver Helper Service - NVIDIA Corporation - C:\WINDOWS\System32\nvsvc32.exe
O23 - Service: WAN Miniport (ATW) Service - America Online, Inc. - C:\WINDOWS\wanmpsvc.exe
O23 - Service: Workstation NetLogon Service - Unknown - C:\WINDOWS\atlkg.exe
O23 - Service: Network Security Service - Unknown - C:\WINDOWS\system32\apiwv.exe

Thanks for any help you could provide in correcting the problem..

Hello,
Please could you download and unzip About:Buster from AboutBuster. Leave it for now, we'll use it later. 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.

Then boot into Safe Mode and ensure that you are showing Hidden Files and Folders beforehand.

Go to Start> Run and type services.msc.

Locate both Workstation NetLogon Service and Network Security Service. Double click it and click the Stop button in the Properties window. Select Disabled from the drop down menu next to Startup Type. Click Ok and exit Services.

Press Ctrl+Alt+Del to get into Task Manager. Once in Task Manager, end the following processes (if they exist):

atlkg.exe
apiwv.exe

Restart Hijack This and put a checkmark next to these entries and click Fix Checked:

R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Bar = res://C:\WINDOWS\wnzij.dll/sp.html#96676
R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://www.yahoo.com/
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Bar = res://C:\WINDOWS\wnzij.dll/sp.html#96676
R3 - Default URLSearchHook is missing
F2 - REG:system.ini: UserInit=C:\Windows\System32\wsaupdater.exe,
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {F2FAA6D4-BBEE-5987-18DD-2FCF87AEA166} - C:\WINDOWS\system32\javabt32.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [addni.exe] C:\WINDOWS\system32\addni.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Windows SA] C:\Program Files\WindowsSA\omniscient.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\RunOnce: [apiwv.exe] C:\WINDOWS\system32\apiwv.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [Hmbweu] C:\WINDOWS\System32\ydtf.exe
O6 - HKCU\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Control Panel present
O16 - DPF: {10000000-1000-0000-1000-000000000000} - file://C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\sphlnmiq.exe
O16 - DPF: {15AD4789-CDB4-47E1-A9DA-992EE8E6BAD6} - http://public.windupdates.com/get_f...022384e480b9c0d
O23 - Service: Workstation NetLogon Service - Unknown - C:\WINDOWS\atlkg.exe
O23 - Service: Network Security Service - Unknown - C:\WINDOWS\system32\apiwv.exe

Delete the following files and folders:

C:\Windows\System32\wsaupdater.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\javabt32.dll
C:\WINDOWS\system32\addni.exe
C:\Program Files\WindowsSA
C:\WINDOWS\system32\apiwv.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\ydtf.exe
C:\WINDOWS\atlkg.exe
C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\sphlnmiq.exe

Now run the file aboutbuster.exe that we downloaded earlier. When the tool is open press the Ok button, then the Start button, then the Ok button, and then finally the Yes button. 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 this quote box to Notepad:

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]

Click File> Save As. Click the drop down arrow next to Save as type: and select all files. In the filename box type fix.reg. Save it to a convenient location. Once saved, double click it and confirm that you want it to merge with the registry.

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).

Then go to Start> Run and type cleanmgr.

Put a checkmark next to:
Temporary Files
Temporary Internet Files
Recycle Bin

Click Ok

Reboot into Normal Mode.

Note: Two, possibly three files may have been deleted from your computer by the hijacker and may need to be replaced:

Control.exe. If control.exe is missing go to merijn and download the version of control.exe for your operating system. If you are running Windows 2000, copy it to c:\winnt\system32\. For Windows XP, copy it to c:\windows\system32\.

hosts (with no extension). Download the Hoster. Press "Restore Original Hosts" and press "OK". Exit Program. Note: if you were using a custom Hosts file you will need to replace any of those entries yourself

SDHelper.dll (if you are using Spybot Search & Destroy). If you have Spybot S&D installed and SDHelper.dll is missing, replace it with this one. Copy the file to the folder containing your Spybot S&D program (normally C:\Program Files\Spybot - Search & Destroy)

Additionally, Please check your ActiveX security settings. They may have been changed by this CWS variant to allow all ActiveX. In IE, click Tools> Internet Options and then click 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)

Pay a visit to http://housecall.trendmicro.com and let it scan for and remove any viruses, worms or trojans you may have.

Then post a fresh Hijack This log and your About:Buster log here.