I have the same problem that I have seen on another thread: task manager and regedit quickly disappearing. Both are OK in Safe mode. I have checked for Nullbot.exe, Netstatt.exe, and have tried the scripts from kellys-korner-xp. I also have run Spybot Search and Rescue, Lavasoft, and Norton. I am getting tied of trying to solve this everynight with no luck. Can you help? Thanks in advance, Mark

Here is the Highjack this log file:

Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.0
Scan saved at 1044 PM, on 2/2/2005
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\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccEvtMgr.exe
C:\Program Files\Norton AntiVirus\navapsvc.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\nvsvc32.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\xl.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccApp.exe
C:\Program Files\Picasa\PicasaMediaDetector.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\Dantz\RETROS~1\ComboButton.exe
C:\WINDOWS\MXOaldr.exe
C:\documents and settings\tricia\local settings\temp\1v2j.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\MSGINAV.EXE
C:\documents and settings\tricia\local settings\temp\nPYqZvQ.exe
C:\documents and settings\tricia\local settings\temp\ZmP4HjY.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\Roboex32.exe
C:\Program Files\iTunes\iTunesHelper.exe
C:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe
C:\documents and settings\tricia\local settings\temp\fhZZp.exe
C:\documents and settings\tricia\local settings\temp\Ysu.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Xhrmy.exe
C:\windows\system32\yA8B9tvj3.exe
C:\windows\system32\Mrz.exe
C:\documents and settings\tricia\local settings\temp\1v2j.exe
C:\documents and settings\tricia\local settings\temp\nPYqZvQ.exe
C:\documents and settings\tricia\local settings\temp\ZmP4HjY.exe
C:\documents and settings\tricia\local settings\temp\fhZZp.exe
C:\windows\system32\yA8B9tvj3.exe
C:\documents and settings\tricia\local settings\temp\Ysu.exe
C:\documents and settings\tricia\local settings\temp\RE6.exe
C:\documents and settings\tricia\local settings\temp\l5BwVdp.exe
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\tbctray.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
C:\Program Files\Messenger\MSMSGS.EXE
C:\Documents and Settings\Tricia\Application Data\athb.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\w?auboot.exe
C:\Program Files\Sierra Imaging\Image Expert 2000\IXApplet.exe
C:\QUICKENW\QWDLLS.EXE
C:\Program Files\iPod\bin\iPodService.exe
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\Mrz.exe
C:\Program Files\Hijack this\HijackThis.exe

R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Bar = file://C:\WINDOWS\system32\SearchBar.htm
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL = http://www.comcast.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 Comcast
O2 - BHO: AcroIEHlprObj Class - {06849E9F-C8D7-4D59-B87D-784B7D6BE0B3} - C:\PROGRAM FILES\ADOBE\ACROBAT 5.0\READER\ACTIVEX\ACROIEHELPER.OCX
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {53707962-6F74-2D53-2644-206D7942484F} - C:\PROGRA~1\SPYBOT~1\SDHelper.dll
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {AD57691A-86A6-CE0F-D34A-861D8A181891} - C:\WINDOWS\system32\iiwxnkgb.dll
O2 - BHO: NAV Helper - {BDF3E430-B101-42AD-A544-FADC6B084872} - C:\Program Files\Norton AntiVirus\NavShExt.dll
O2 - BHO: Search Help - {E8EAEB34-F7B5-4C55-87FF-720FAF53D841} - C:\Documents and Settings\Tricia\Local Settings\Temp\6T.dll
O3 - Toolbar: Norton AntiVirus - {42CDD1BF-3FFB-4238-8AD1-7859DF00B1D6} - C:\Program Files\Norton AntiVirus\NavShExt.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SystemTray] SysTray.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: [NvCplDaemon] RUNDLL32.EXE C:\WINDOWS\System32\NvCpl.dll,NvStartup
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [nwiz] nwiz.exe /install
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [LifeScape Media Detector] C:\Program Files\Picasa\PicasaMediaDetector.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [MaxtorCombo] "C:\PROGRA~1\Dantz\RETROS~1\ComboButton.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [MXO Auto Loader] C:\WINDOWS\MXOaldr.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [1v2j] C:\documents and settings\tricia\local settings\temp\1v2j.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AOL Instant Messenger] MSGINAV.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [nPYqZvQ] C:\documents and settings\tricia\local settings\temp\nPYqZvQ.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ZmP4HjY] C:\documents and settings\tricia\local settings\temp\ZmP4HjY.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [0b377fa7f456] C:\WINDOWS\System32\Roboex32.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [iTunesHelper] C:\Program Files\iTunes\iTunesHelper.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [QuickTime Task] "C:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe" -atboottime
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [fhZZp] C:\documents and settings\tricia\local settings\temp\fhZZp.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [RE6] C:\documents and settings\tricia\local settings\temp\RE6.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [l5BwVdp] C:\documents and settings\tricia\local settings\temp\l5BwVdp.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Ysu] C:\documents and settings\tricia\local settings\temp\Ysu.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [xhrmy] C:\WINDOWS\Xhrmy.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [yA8B9tvj3] C:\windows\system32\yA8B9tvj3.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Mrz.exe] c:\windows\system32\Mrz.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Symantec NetDriver Monitor] C:\PROGRA~1\SYMNET~1\SNDMon.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [1v2j.exe] C:\documents and settings\tricia\local settings\temp\1v2j.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [nPYqZvQ.exe] C:\documents and settings\tricia\local settings\temp\nPYqZvQ.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ZmP4HjY.exe] C:\documents and settings\tricia\local settings\temp\ZmP4HjY.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [fhZZp.exe] C:\documents and settings\tricia\local settings\temp\fhZZp.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [yA8B9tvj3.exe] C:\windows\system32\yA8B9tvj3.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Ysu.exe] C:\documents and settings\tricia\local settings\temp\Ysu.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [RE6.exe] C:\documents and settings\tricia\local settings\temp\RE6.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [l5BwVdp.exe] C:\documents and settings\tricia\local settings\temp\l5BwVdp.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [TraySantaCruz] C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\tbctray.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [ctfmon.exe] C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [MSMSGS] "C:\Program Files\Messenger\MSMSGS.EXE" /background
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [Csia] C:\Documents and Settings\Tricia\Application Data\athb.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [Urgueqf] C:\WINDOWS\system32\w?auboot.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\RunOnce: [AOL Instant Messenger] MSGINAV.EXE
O4 - Global Startup: Microsoft Office.lnk = C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office10\OSA.EXE
O4 - Global Startup: Camio Viewer 3.2.lnk = C:\Program Files\Sierra Imaging\Image Expert 2000\IXApplet.exe
O4 - Global Startup: TrueSync Launcher.lnk = C:\Program Files\Starfish\TrueSync\tstool.exe
O4 - Global Startup: Quicken Startup.lnk = C:\QUICKENW\QWDLLS.EXE
O4 - Global Startup: Billminder.lnk = C:\QUICKENW\BILLMIND.EXE
O4 - Global Startup: Weekly Compass.lnk = C:\Program Files\Franklin Covey\Planner\Compass.exe
O4 - Global Startup: HotSync Manager.lnk = C:\Program Files\Franklin Covey\Planner\Palm\HotSync.exe
O4 - Global Startup: PowerReg SchedulerV2.exe
O8 - Extra context menu item: E&xport to Microsoft Excel - res://C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~1\OFFICE10\EXCEL.EXE/3000
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: (no name) - {120E090D-9136-4b78-8258-F0B44B4BD2AC} - C:\WINDOWS\System32\maxspeed.exe
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: MaxSpeed - {120E090D-9136-4b78-8258-F0B44B4BD2AC} - C:\WINDOWS\System32\maxspeed.exe
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {CD67F990-D8E9-11d2-98FE-00C0F0318AFE} - (no file)
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
O9 - Extra button: ComcastHSI - {19C1A7AA-59F3-49BE-B371-6C5387022546} - http://www.comcast.net (file missing) (HKCU)
O9 - Extra button: Help - {3847F310-26A7-4A84-AC4C-51F2DF340436} - http://www.comcast.net/memberservices/ (file missing) (HKCU)
O9 - Extra button: Dell Home - {DE9F7D9E-71AE-44E3-8DE5-D741FBFD7B86} - http://www.dellnet.com/ (file missing) (HKCU)
O9 - Extra button: Support - {FB707759-B40D-4E76-92AB-CFF212D29B2B} - http://www.comcastsupport.com (file missing) (HKCU)
O12 - Plugin for .spop: C:\PROGRA~1\INTERN~1\Plugins\NPDocBox.dll
O21 - SSODL: Microsoft DirectXb - {79FEACFF-FFCE-815E-A900-316290B5B738} - C:\WINDOWS\System32\Jkkagchd.dll (file missing)
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: iPod Service - Apple Computer, Inc. - C:\Program Files\iPod\bin\iPodService.exe
O23 - Service: Norton AntiVirus Auto Protect Service - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Norton AntiVirus\navapsvc.exe
O23 - Service: NVIDIA Display Driver Service - NVIDIA Corporation - C:\WINDOWS\System32\nvsvc32.exe
O23 - Service: ScriptBlocking Service - Symantec Corporation - C:\PROGRA~1\COMMON~1\SYMANT~1\SCRIPT~1\SBServ.exe
O23 - Service: Symantec Network Drivers Service - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\SNDSrvc.exe
O23 - Service: XtreamLok License Manager - Unknown - C:\WINDOWS\System32\xl.exe

Close all browser windows, restart Hijack This and put a checkmark next to the following entries:

R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Bar = file://C:\WINDOWS\system32\SearchBar.htm
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Local Page = C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\blank.htm
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {AD57691A-86A6-CE0F-D34A-861D8A181891} - C:\WINDOWS\system32\iiwxnkgb.dll
O2 - BHO: Search Help - {E8EAEB34-F7B5-4C55-87FF-720FAF53D841} - C:\Documents and Settings\Tricia\Local Settings\Temp\6T.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [MXO Auto Loader] C:\WINDOWS\MXOaldr.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [1v2j] C:\documents and settings\tricia\local settings\temp\1v2j.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AOL Instant Messenger] MSGINAV.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [nPYqZvQ] C:\documents and settings\tricia\local settings\temp\nPYqZvQ.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ZmP4HjY] C:\documents and settings\tricia\local settings\temp\ZmP4HjY.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [0b377fa7f456] C:\WINDOWS\System32\Roboex32.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [fhZZp] C:\documents and settings\tricia\local settings\temp\fhZZp.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [RE6] C:\documents and settings\tricia\local settings\temp\RE6.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [l5BwVdp] C:\documents and settings\tricia\local settings\temp\l5BwVdp.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Ysu] C:\documents and settings\tricia\local settings\temp\Ysu.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [xhrmy] C:\WINDOWS\Xhrmy.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [yA8B9tvj3] C:\windows\system32\yA8B9tvj3.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Mrz.exe] c:\windows\system32\Mrz.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [1v2j.exe] C:\documents and settings\tricia\local settings\temp\1v2j.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [nPYqZvQ.exe] C:\documents and settings\tricia\local settings\temp\nPYqZvQ.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ZmP4HjY.exe] C:\documents and settings\tricia\local settings\temp\ZmP4HjY.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [fhZZp.exe] C:\documents and settings\tricia\local settings\temp\fhZZp.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [yA8B9tvj3.exe] C:\windows\system32\yA8B9tvj3.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Ysu.exe] C:\documents and settings\tricia\local settings\temp\Ysu.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [RE6.exe] C:\documents and settings\tricia\local settings\temp\RE6.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [l5BwVdp.exe] C:\documents and settings\tricia\local settings\temp\l5BwVdp.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [TraySantaCruz] C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\tbctray.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [Csia] C:\Documents and Settings\Tricia\Application Data\athb.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [Urgueqf] C:\WINDOWS\system32\w?auboot.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\RunOnce: [AOL Instant Messenger] MSGINAV.EXE
O21 - SSODL: Microsoft DirectXb - {79FEACFF-FFCE-815E-A900-316290B5B738} - C:\WINDOWS\System32\Jkkagchd.dll (file missing)

Click Fix Checked

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

Go to C:\documents and settings\tricia\local settings\temp and once in the folder click Edit> Select All. Then hit the delete key to get rid of the entire contents of the folder. Leave the folder itself intact though.

Delete the following files and folders:
C:\WINDOWS\system32\SearchBar.htm
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\blank.htm
C:\WINDOWS\MXOaldr.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\MSGINAV.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\System32\Roboex32.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Xhrmy.exe
C:\windows\system32\yA8B9tvj3.exe
c:\windows\system32\Mrz.exe

Reboot and post a fresh log

Wow. Thank you very much! That cleared things up. Task manager and regedit both come up now. My computer boots much faster too. What were all those executables running? How did Norton miss them along with SpyBot and Lavasoft? MRZ came back and I used Hijack this to delete again. Second time did the trick.

I did not find these two when in Safe mode:
C:\WINDOWS\system32\SearchBar.htm
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\blank.htm

Anyway, everything seems fine now. Many thanks.
Mark

Here is the log from the Hijack.

Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.0
Scan saved at 10:02:43 PM, on 2/3/2005
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\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccEvtMgr.exe
C:\Program Files\Norton AntiVirus\navapsvc.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\nvsvc32.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\xl.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccApp.exe
C:\Program Files\Picasa\PicasaMediaDetector.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\Dantz\RETROS~1\ComboButton.exe
C:\Program Files\iTunes\iTunesHelper.exe
C:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
C:\Program Files\Messenger\MSMSGS.EXE
C:\Program Files\iPod\bin\iPodService.exe
C:\Program Files\Sierra Imaging\Image Expert 2000\IXApplet.exe
C:\QUICKENW\QWDLLS.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\system32\wuauclt.exe
C:\Program Files\Hijack this\HijackThis.exe

O2 - BHO: AcroIEHlprObj Class - {06849E9F-C8D7-4D59-B87D-784B7D6BE0B3} - C:\PROGRAM FILES\ADOBE\ACROBAT 5.0\READER\ACTIVEX\ACROIEHELPER.OCX
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {53707962-6F74-2D53-2644-206D7942484F} - C:\PROGRA~1\SPYBOT~1\SDHelper.dll
O2 - BHO: NAV Helper - {BDF3E430-B101-42AD-A544-FADC6B084872} - C:\Program Files\Norton AntiVirus\NavShExt.dll
O3 - Toolbar: Norton AntiVirus - {42CDD1BF-3FFB-4238-8AD1-7859DF00B1D6} - C:\Program Files\Norton AntiVirus\NavShExt.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SystemTray] SysTray.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: [NvCplDaemon] RUNDLL32.EXE C:\WINDOWS\System32\NvCpl.dll,NvStartup
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [nwiz] nwiz.exe /install
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [LifeScape Media Detector] C:\Program Files\Picasa\PicasaMediaDetector.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [MaxtorCombo] "C:\PROGRA~1\Dantz\RETROS~1\ComboButton.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [iTunesHelper] C:\Program Files\iTunes\iTunesHelper.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [QuickTime Task] "C:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe" -atboottime
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Symantec NetDriver Monitor] C:\PROGRA~1\SYMNET~1\SNDMon.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [ctfmon.exe] C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [MSMSGS] "C:\Program Files\Messenger\MSMSGS.EXE" /background
O4 - Global Startup: Microsoft Office.lnk = C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office10\OSA.EXE
O4 - Global Startup: Camio Viewer 3.2.lnk = C:\Program Files\Sierra Imaging\Image Expert 2000\IXApplet.exe
O4 - Global Startup: Quicken Startup.lnk = C:\QUICKENW\QWDLLS.EXE
O4 - Global Startup: Billminder.lnk = C:\QUICKENW\BILLMIND.EXE
O4 - Global Startup: PowerReg SchedulerV2.exe
O8 - Extra context menu item: E&xport to Microsoft Excel - res://C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~1\OFFICE10\EXCEL.EXE/3000
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: (no name) - {120E090D-9136-4b78-8258-F0B44B4BD2AC} - C:\WINDOWS\System32\maxspeed.exe
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: MaxSpeed - {120E090D-9136-4b78-8258-F0B44B4BD2AC} - C:\WINDOWS\System32\maxspeed.exe
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {CD67F990-D8E9-11d2-98FE-00C0F0318AFE} - (no file)
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
O9 - Extra button: ComcastHSI - {19C1A7AA-59F3-49BE-B371-6C5387022546} - http://www.comcast.net (file missing) (HKCU)
O9 - Extra button: Help - {3847F310-26A7-4A84-AC4C-51F2DF340436} - http://www.comcast.net/memberservices/ (file missing) (HKCU)
O9 - Extra button: Dell Home - {DE9F7D9E-71AE-44E3-8DE5-D741FBFD7B86} - http://www.dellnet.com/ (file missing) (HKCU)
O9 - Extra button: Support - {FB707759-B40D-4E76-92AB-CFF212D29B2B} - http://www.comcastsupport.com (file missing) (HKCU)
O12 - Plugin for .spop: C:\PROGRA~1\INTERN~1\Plugins\NPDocBox.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: iPod Service - Apple Computer, Inc. - C:\Program Files\iPod\bin\iPodService.exe
O23 - Service: Norton AntiVirus Auto Protect Service - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Norton AntiVirus\navapsvc.exe
O23 - Service: NVIDIA Display Driver Service - NVIDIA Corporation - C:\WINDOWS\System32\nvsvc32.exe
O23 - Service: ScriptBlocking Service - Symantec Corporation - C:\PROGRA~1\COMMON~1\SYMANT~1\SCRIPT~1\SBServ.exe
O23 - Service: Symantec Network Drivers Service - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\SNDSrvc.exe
O23 - Service: XtreamLok License Manager - Unknown - C:\WINDOWS\System32\xl.exe

Thats a clean log now.

Originally Posted by serveandvolley

What were all those executables running? How did Norton miss them along with SpyBot and Lavasoft?

I couldn't possibly tell you what all those running files were or do, all I know is that they are randomly named malware and shouldn't have been there. Spybot, Ad-aware and Norton can only pick up programs their makers have identified and put into their definition files. If they don't have the definitions, they won't detect them.


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. Clean Up and Speed Up-
It is important that after you have had a spyware/virus infection that you clean up your PC (this includes cleaning out usage tracks, temporary files, emptying the recycle bin, etc). It is so important because during the installation and uninstallation of spyware (and most programs), many temporary or useless files are left behind. If you accidently run one of these files, you could end up with the problem returning. See the link above for lots of information on clearing out your PC and improving your PCs performance and general speed.

3. Consider an alternative browser or tighten IE settings-
Internet Explorer is installed on most systems and used by the majority of people, so of course its going to be a prime target for malware and hackers. To make the matters worse, Internet Explorer is very vulnerable to hijacks and the automatic installation of programs. This is how a lot of spyware enters your PC in the first place. So unless you secure Internet Explorer, you are seriously at risk. There is risk with any Internet browser, but even when IE is secured, there are still risks. IE can still be exploited as long as installed on your system, you don't necessarily have to use it, so this shows the importance of securing it. Here are five steps to take to Secure IE:

• Install Sun Java instead of using MS Java VM. Get from www.java.com. Sun Java is much more secure.
• Scroll up and read about Windows Updates (number 1). This is essential to patch newly discovered flaws in Internet Explorer.
• Scroll down and read about Spyware Blaster (number 7. This is important so that nasty sites can't exploit your machine.
• Take a look at the article here. Scroll down to the "If you have to use MSIE" section and have a read of the information about the recommended security settings in IE. A program is also mentioned called IESPYADS, its is worth downloading and installing this.

If you wish to use an alternative browser that is perhaps more secure than IE, consider Mozilla Firefox, Mozilla, Opera or Netscape.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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!

Thanks again. I have gone through all the steps to clean up, speed up, downloaded & installed: CCleaner, Firefox, Sygate Personal Firewall, and Spyware Guard. I already had all Windows updates, Norton, Spybot, and Lavasoft. Removing many of the start-up tasks that I did not need really helped. The PC is running in top shape.

Question: Microsoft Messenger keeps coming back even though I deleted the O4 listing using Hijack This and disabled from the Set Program Access Defaults. How can I stop it from starting automatically?

Go to Start> Run and type: "C:\Program Files\Messenger\MSMSGS.EXE"

Hit enter.

When Windows Messenger shows, click Tools> Options and then click the Preferences tab. Remove the checkmark from "Run Windows Messenger when Windows starts". Click Ok and then exit Windows Messenger.

Thanks for the help with Windows Messenger. I should have found that one myself. Anyway, it is set to not boot up now.