I am a lot of trouble getting rid of TIBS and ABOUT:BLANK. I have used a lot of spyware removal programs including adware and the uninstaller on the tibs website, but it keeps coming back to haunt me. Can anyone help? This is the logfile from hijackthis:

Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.0
Scan saved at 15:26:11, on 15/02/2005
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:\Program Files\GTA\GNAT Box VPN Client\IreIKE.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\brsvc01a.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\brss01a.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVG6\avgserv.exe
C:\Program Files\GTA\GNAT Box VPN Client\IPSecMon.exe
C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\Mssql\Binn\MSSQL\Binn\sqlservr.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\slserv.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\System32\sistray.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\System32\ch_utility.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\khooker.exe
C:\WINDOWS\soundman.exe
C:\WINDOWS\mHotkey.exe
C:\Program Files\Synaptics\SynTP\SynTPLpr.exe
C:\Program Files\Synaptics\SynTP\SynTPEnh.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVG6\avgcc32.exe
C:\Program Files\iTunes\iTunesHelper.exe
C:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe
C:\Program Files\iPod\bin\iPodService.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Real\Update_OB\realsched.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\ooag.exe
C:\WINDOWS\msmsgr2.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\ctfmon.exe
C:\Program Files\Microsoft Money\System\reminder.exe
C:\Program Files\GTA\GNAT Box VPN Client\SafeCfg.exe
C:\Program Files\NETGEAR\NETGEAR MA521 Adapter\wlancfg5.exe
C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\80\Tools\Binn\sqlmangr.exe
C:\Program Files\WinZip\WZQKPICK.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\System32\wuauclt.exe
C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe
C:\Documents and Settings\aeverley.bamber.STALBANSVEBRA\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files\Content.IE5\QNE7S96V\CWShredder[1].exe
C:\PROGRA~1\WINZIP\winzip32.exe
C:\Hijackthis\HijackThis.exe

R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL = about:blank
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL = about:blank
R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Local Page = about:blank
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Local Page = about:blank
O2 - BHO: AcroIEHlprObj Class - {06849E9F-C8D7-4D59-B87D-784B7D6BE0B3} - C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 7.0\ActiveX\AcroIEHelper.dll
O2 - BHO: PCTools Site Guard - {5C8B2A36-3DB1-42A4-A3CB-D426709BBFEB} - C:\PROGRA~1\SPYWAR~1\tools\iesdsg.dll (file missing)
O3 - Toolbar: &Radio - {8E718888-423F-11D2-876E-00A0C9082467} - C:\WINDOWS\System32\msdxm.ocx
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SiS Tray] C:\WINDOWS\System32\sistray.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Chrontel TV] C:\WINDOWS\System32\ch_utility.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SiS KHooker] C:\WINDOWS\System32\khooker.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SoundMan] soundman.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [CHotkey] mHotkey.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SynTPLpr] C:\Program Files\Synaptics\SynTP\SynTPLpr.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SynTPEnh] C:\Program Files\Synaptics\SynTP\SynTPEnh.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AVG_CC] C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVG6\avgcc32.exe /STARTUP
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: [TkBellExe] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Real\Update_OB\realsched.exe" -osboot
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Windows Service] C:\WINDOWS\System32\ooag.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [_Cat4] C:\WINDOWS\msmsgr2.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [ctfmon.exe] C:\WINDOWS\System32\ctfmon.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [Reminder] C:\Program Files\Microsoft Money\System\reminder.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [MsnMsgr] "C:\Program Files\MSN Messenger\MsnMsgr.Exe" /background
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [Windows Service] C:\WINDOWS\System32\ooag.exe
O4 - Global Startup: Adobe Reader Speed Launch.lnk = C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 7.0\Reader\reader_sl.exe
O4 - Global Startup: GNAT Box VPN Client.lnk = C:\Program Files\GTA\GNAT Box VPN Client\SafeCfg.exe
O4 - Global Startup: MA521 Configuration Utility.lnk = C:\Program Files\NETGEAR\NETGEAR MA521 Adapter\wlancfg5.exe
O4 - Global Startup: Microsoft Office.lnk = C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office\OSA9.EXE
O4 - Global Startup: Service Manager.lnk = C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\80\Tools\Binn\sqlmangr.exe
O4 - Global Startup: WinZip Quick Pick.lnk = C:\Program Files\WinZip\WZQKPICK.EXE
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: 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
O12 - Plugin for .spop: C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\Plugins\NPDocBox.dll
O15 - Trusted IP range: 213.159.117.202
O15 - Trusted IP range: 213.159.117.202 (HKLM)
O16 - DPF: {4F5E4276-C120-11D6-A1FD-00508B9D48EA} (dldisplay Class) - http://www.gamehouse.com/ghdlctl.cab
O16 - DPF: {56336BCB-3D8A-11D6-A00B-0050DA18DE71} (RdxIE Class) - http://software-dl.real.com/23e69482...p/RdxIE601.cab
O16 - DPF: {9059F30F-4EB1-4BD2-9FDC-36F43A218F4A} (Microsoft RDP Client Control (redist)) - http://www.krollontrack.com/edv/msrdp.cab
O16 - DPF: {C3DFA998-A486-11D4-AA25-00C04F72DAEB} (MSN Photo Upload Tool) - http://sc.groups.msn.com/controls/PhotoUC/MsnPUpld.cab
O16 - DPF: {DB893839-10F0-4AF9-92FA-B23528F530AF} - http://deposito.hostance.net/dialer/1015176.exe
O17 - HKLM\System\CCS\Services\Tcpip\Parameters: Domain = stalbans.vebra.com
O17 - HKLM\Software\..\Telephony: DomainName = stalbans.vebra.com
O17 - HKLM\System\CS1\Services\Tcpip\Parameters: Domain = stalbans.vebra.com
O23 - Service: AVG6 Service - GRISOFT(c) SOFTWARE s.r.o - C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVG6\avgserv.exe
O23 - Service: BrSplService - brother Industries Ltd - C:\WINDOWS\System32\brsvc01a.exe
O23 - Service: iPod Service - Apple Computer, Inc. - C:\Program Files\iPod\bin\iPodService.exe
O23 - Service: SafeNet Monitor Service - SafeNet - C:\Program Files\GTA\GNAT Box VPN Client\IPSecMon.exe
O23 - Service: SafeNet IKE Service - SafeNet - C:\Program Files\GTA\GNAT Box VPN Client\IreIKE.exe
O23 - Service: SmartLinkService - Unknown - slserv.exe (file missing)
O23 - Service: Sony SPTI Service - Sony Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Sony Shared\AVLib\SPTISRV.exe

Have a read of the Attention AVG Users post at the top of this forum. Your version is out of date.

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

R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL = about:blank
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL = about:blank
R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Local Page = about:blank
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Local Page = about:blank
O2 - BHO: PCTools Site Guard - {5C8B2A36-3DB1-42A4-A3CB-D426709BBFEB} - C:\PROGRA~1\SPYWAR~1\tools\iesdsg.dll (file missing)
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Windows Service] C:\WINDOWS\System32\ooag.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [_Cat4] C:\WINDOWS\msmsgr2.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [Windows Service] C:\WINDOWS\System32\ooag.exe
O15 - Trusted IP range: 213.159.117.202
O15 - Trusted IP range: 213.159.117.202 (HKLM)
O16 - DPF: {56336BCB-3D8A-11D6-A00B-0050DA18DE71} (RdxIE Class) - http://software-dl.real.com/23e6948...ip/RdxIE601.cab
O16 - DPF: {DB893839-10F0-4AF9-92FA-B23528F530AF} - http://deposito.hostance.net/dialer/1015176.exe
O23 - Service: SmartLinkService - Unknown - slserv.exe (file missing)

Click Fix Checked

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

Delete the following files and folders:
C:\WINDOWS\System32\ooag.exe
C:\WINDOWS\msmsgr2.exe

Reboot and post a fresh log

Thank you very much for helping in this. It is very much appreciated. Here is the new HJT log:

Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.0
Scan saved at 21:17:57, on 15/02/2005
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:\Program Files\GTA\GNAT Box VPN Client\IreIKE.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\brsvc01a.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\brss01a.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVG6\avgserv.exe
C:\Program Files\GTA\GNAT Box VPN Client\IPSecMon.exe
C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\Mssql\Binn\MSSQL\Binn\sqlservr.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\slserv.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\System32\ch_utility.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\khooker.exe
C:\WINDOWS\soundman.exe
C:\WINDOWS\mHotkey.exe
C:\Program Files\Synaptics\SynTP\SynTPLpr.exe
C:\Program Files\Synaptics\SynTP\SynTPEnh.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVG6\avgcc32.exe
C:\Program Files\iTunes\iTunesHelper.exe
C:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe
C:\Program Files\iPod\bin\iPodService.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Real\Update_OB\realsched.exe
C:\WINDOWS\msmsgr2.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\ctfmon.exe
C:\Program Files\Microsoft Money\System\reminder.exe
C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 7.0\Reader\reader_sl.exe
C:\Program Files\GTA\GNAT Box VPN Client\SafeCfg.exe
C:\Program Files\NETGEAR\NETGEAR MA521 Adapter\wlancfg5.exe
C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\80\Tools\Binn\sqlmangr.exe
C:\Program Files\WinZip\WZQKPICK.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\userinit.exe
C:\Hijackthis\HijackThis.exe

O2 - BHO: AcroIEHlprObj Class - {06849E9F-C8D7-4D59-B87D-784B7D6BE0B3} - C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 7.0\ActiveX\AcroIEHelper.dll
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {53707962-6F74-2D53-2644-206D7942484F} - C:\PROGRA~1\SPYBOT~1\SDHelper.dll
O3 - Toolbar: &Radio - {8E718888-423F-11D2-876E-00A0C9082467} - C:\WINDOWS\System32\msdxm.ocx
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Chrontel TV] C:\WINDOWS\System32\ch_utility.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SiS KHooker] C:\WINDOWS\System32\khooker.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SoundMan] soundman.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [CHotkey] mHotkey.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SynTPLpr] C:\Program Files\Synaptics\SynTP\SynTPLpr.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SynTPEnh] C:\Program Files\Synaptics\SynTP\SynTPEnh.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AVG_CC] C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVG6\avgcc32.exe /STARTUP
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: [TkBellExe] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Real\Update_OB\realsched.exe" -osboot
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Windows Service] C:\WINDOWS\System32\ooag.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [_Cat4] C:\WINDOWS\msmsgr2.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [ctfmon.exe] C:\WINDOWS\System32\ctfmon.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [Reminder] C:\Program Files\Microsoft Money\System\reminder.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [MsnMsgr] "C:\Program Files\MSN Messenger\MsnMsgr.Exe" /background
O4 - Global Startup: Adobe Reader Speed Launch.lnk = C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 7.0\Reader\reader_sl.exe
O4 - Global Startup: GNAT Box VPN Client.lnk = C:\Program Files\GTA\GNAT Box VPN Client\SafeCfg.exe
O4 - Global Startup: MA521 Configuration Utility.lnk = C:\Program Files\NETGEAR\NETGEAR MA521 Adapter\wlancfg5.exe
O4 - Global Startup: Microsoft Office.lnk = C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office\OSA9.EXE
O4 - Global Startup: Service Manager.lnk = C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\80\Tools\Binn\sqlmangr.exe
O4 - Global Startup: WinZip Quick Pick.lnk = C:\Program Files\WinZip\WZQKPICK.EXE
O12 - Plugin for .spop: C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\Plugins\NPDocBox.dll
O16 - DPF: {4F5E4276-C120-11D6-A1FD-00508B9D48EA} (dldisplay Class) - http://www.gamehouse.com/ghdlctl.cab
O16 - DPF: {56336BCB-3D8A-11D6-A00B-0050DA18DE71} (RdxIE Class) - http://software-dl.real.com/23e69482...p/RdxIE601.cab
O16 - DPF: {9059F30F-4EB1-4BD2-9FDC-36F43A218F4A} (Microsoft RDP Client Control (redist)) - http://www.krollontrack.com/edv/msrdp.cab
O16 - DPF: {C3DFA998-A486-11D4-AA25-00C04F72DAEB} (MSN Photo Upload Tool) - http://sc.groups.msn.com/controls/PhotoUC/MsnPUpld.cab
O16 - DPF: {DB893839-10F0-4AF9-92FA-B23528F530AF} - http://deposito.hostance.net/dialer/1015176.exe
O17 - HKLM\System\CCS\Services\Tcpip\Parameters: Domain = stalbans.vebra.com
O17 - HKLM\Software\..\Telephony: DomainName = stalbans.vebra.com
O17 - HKLM\System\CS1\Services\Tcpip\Parameters: Domain = stalbans.vebra.com
O23 - Service: AVG6 Service - GRISOFT(c) SOFTWARE s.r.o - C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVG6\avgserv.exe
O23 - Service: BrSplService - brother Industries Ltd - C:\WINDOWS\System32\brsvc01a.exe
O23 - Service: iPod Service - Apple Computer, Inc. - C:\Program Files\iPod\bin\iPodService.exe
O23 - Service: SafeNet Monitor Service - SafeNet - C:\Program Files\GTA\GNAT Box VPN Client\IPSecMon.exe
O23 - Service: SafeNet IKE Service - SafeNet - C:\Program Files\GTA\GNAT Box VPN Client\IreIKE.exe
O23 - Service: SmartLinkService - Unknown - slserv.exe (file missing)
O23 - Service: Sony SPTI Service - Sony Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Sony Shared\AVLib\SPTISRV.exe

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

O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Windows Service] C:\WINDOWS\System32\ooag.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [_Cat4] C:\WINDOWS\msmsgr2.exe
O16 - DPF: {56336BCB-3D8A-11D6-A00B-0050DA18DE71} (RdxIE Class) - http://software-dl.real.com/23e6948...ip/RdxIE601.cab
O16 - DPF: {DB893839-10F0-4AF9-92FA-B23528F530AF} - http://deposito.hostance.net/dialer/1015176.exe
O23 - Service: SmartLinkService - Unknown - slserv.exe (file missing)

Click Fix Checked

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

Delete the following files and folders:
C:\WINDOWS\System32\ooag.exe
C:\WINDOWS\msmsgr2.exe

Reboot

Get to http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com and get upgraded to Service Pack 2. After you've installed SP2, check back again and install the latest Critical Updates.

Post a fresh log.

Thanks again for your help on this. As yet no visible reoccurrence of anything which is great news. I followed your instructions with the exception of deleting C:\WINDOWS\System32\ooag.exe. This was not visible even after checking/unchecking all relevant boxes so that I could see all files. Anyway - here is the latest log. What do you think?


Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.0
Scan saved at 00:37:00, on 16/02/2005
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:\Program Files\GTA\GNAT Box VPN Client\IreIKE.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\brsvc01a.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\brss01a.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVG6\avgserv.exe
C:\Program Files\GTA\GNAT Box VPN Client\IPSecMon.exe
C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\Mssql\Binn\MSSQL\Binn\sqlservr.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\System32\ch_utility.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\khooker.exe
C:\WINDOWS\soundman.exe
C:\WINDOWS\mHotkey.exe
C:\Program Files\Synaptics\SynTP\SynTPLpr.exe
C:\Program Files\Synaptics\SynTP\SynTPEnh.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVG6\avgcc32.exe
C:\Program Files\iTunes\iTunesHelper.exe
C:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Real\Update_OB\realsched.exe
C:\Program Files\iPod\bin\iPodService.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\ctfmon.exe
C:\Program Files\Microsoft Money\System\reminder.exe
C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 7.0\Reader\reader_sl.exe
C:\Program Files\GTA\GNAT Box VPN Client\SafeCfg.exe
C:\Program Files\NETGEAR\NETGEAR MA521 Adapter\wlancfg5.exe
C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\80\Tools\Binn\sqlmangr.exe
C:\Program Files\WinZip\WZQKPICK.EXE
C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\wuauclt.exe
C:\Hijackthis\HijackThis.exe

O2 - BHO: AcroIEHlprObj Class - {06849E9F-C8D7-4D59-B87D-784B7D6BE0B3} - C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 7.0\ActiveX\AcroIEHelper.dll
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {53707962-6F74-2D53-2644-206D7942484F} - C:\PROGRA~1\SPYBOT~1\SDHelper.dll
O3 - Toolbar: &Radio - {8E718888-423F-11D2-876E-00A0C9082467} - C:\WINDOWS\System32\msdxm.ocx
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Chrontel TV] C:\WINDOWS\System32\ch_utility.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SiS KHooker] C:\WINDOWS\System32\khooker.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SoundMan] soundman.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [CHotkey] mHotkey.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SynTPLpr] C:\Program Files\Synaptics\SynTP\SynTPLpr.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SynTPEnh] C:\Program Files\Synaptics\SynTP\SynTPEnh.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AVG_CC] C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVG6\avgcc32.exe /STARTUP
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: [TkBellExe] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Real\Update_OB\realsched.exe" -osboot
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [ctfmon.exe] C:\WINDOWS\System32\ctfmon.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [Reminder] C:\Program Files\Microsoft Money\System\reminder.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [MsnMsgr] "C:\Program Files\MSN Messenger\MsnMsgr.Exe" /background
O4 - Global Startup: Adobe Reader Speed Launch.lnk = C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 7.0\Reader\reader_sl.exe
O4 - Global Startup: GNAT Box VPN Client.lnk = C:\Program Files\GTA\GNAT Box VPN Client\SafeCfg.exe
O4 - Global Startup: MA521 Configuration Utility.lnk = C:\Program Files\NETGEAR\NETGEAR MA521 Adapter\wlancfg5.exe
O4 - Global Startup: Microsoft Office.lnk = C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office\OSA9.EXE
O4 - Global Startup: Service Manager.lnk = C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\80\Tools\Binn\sqlmangr.exe
O4 - Global Startup: WinZip Quick Pick.lnk = C:\Program Files\WinZip\WZQKPICK.EXE
O12 - Plugin for .spop: C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\Plugins\NPDocBox.dll
O16 - DPF: {4F5E4276-C120-11D6-A1FD-00508B9D48EA} (dldisplay Class) - http://www.gamehouse.com/ghdlctl.cab
O16 - DPF: {9059F30F-4EB1-4BD2-9FDC-36F43A218F4A} (Microsoft RDP Client Control (redist)) - http://www.krollontrack.com/edv/msrdp.cab
O16 - DPF: {C3DFA998-A486-11D4-AA25-00C04F72DAEB} (MSN Photo Upload Tool) - http://sc.groups.msn.com/controls/PhotoUC/MsnPUpld.cab
O17 - HKLM\System\CCS\Services\Tcpip\Parameters: Domain = stalbans.vebra.com
O17 - HKLM\Software\..\Telephony: DomainName = stalbans.vebra.com
O17 - HKLM\System\CS1\Services\Tcpip\Parameters: Domain = stalbans.vebra.com
O23 - Service: AVG6 Service - GRISOFT(c) SOFTWARE s.r.o - C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVG6\avgserv.exe
O23 - Service: BrSplService - brother Industries Ltd - C:\WINDOWS\System32\brsvc01a.exe
O23 - Service: iPod Service - Apple Computer, Inc. - C:\Program Files\iPod\bin\iPodService.exe
O23 - Service: SafeNet Monitor Service - SafeNet - C:\Program Files\GTA\GNAT Box VPN Client\IPSecMon.exe
O23 - Service: SafeNet IKE Service - SafeNet - C:\Program Files\GTA\GNAT Box VPN Client\IreIKE.exe
O23 - Service: Sony SPTI Service - Sony Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Sony Shared\AVLib\SPTISRV.exe

Thats a clean log, how are things running?

Absolutely fantastic. Thanks you very much for all your help - I really appreciate it.

Make sure you download the latest version of AVG from http://free.grisoft.com because the version you have no longer receives updates.


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!