Hi,
Please tell me what to do next

Thank you,

Nathan.



Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.0
Scan saved at 4:22:31 PM, on 2/18/2005
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:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\Vet\isafe.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\nvsvc32.exe
C:\Program Files\TOSHIBA\TME3\Tmesbs32.exe
C:\Program Files\TOSHIBA\TME3\Tmesrv31.exe
C:\Vet\VetMsg.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\system32\ntgm.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\TPWRTRAY.EXE
C:\Program Files\TOSHIBA\TME3\TMESBS32.EXE
C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\wuauclt.exe
C:\Program Files\interMute\SpySubtract\SpySub.exe
C:\WINDOWS\ipku32.exe
C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe
C:\Documents and Settings\Administrator\Local Settings\Temp\Temporary Directory 1
for hijackthis.zip\HijackThis.exe

R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Bar =
res://C:\WINDOWS\system32\guwyl.dll/sp.html#12345
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page =
res://C:\WINDOWS\system32\guwyl.dll/sp.html#12345
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\system32\guwyl.dll/sp.html#12345
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Bar =
res://C:\WINDOWS\system32\guwyl.dll/sp.html#12345
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page =
res://C:\WINDOWS\system32\guwyl.dll/sp.html#12345
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Search,SearchAssistant =
res://C:\WINDOWS\system32\guwyl.dll/sp.html#12345
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Search,SearchAssistant =
res://C:\WINDOWS\system32\guwyl.dll/sp.html#12345
R3 - Default URLSearchHook is missing
O2 - BHO: AcroIEHlprObj Class - {06849E9F-C8D7-4D59-B87D-784B7D6BE0B3} -
C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 5.0\Reader\ActiveX\AcroIEHelper.ocx
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {38F6EAD3-A605-4E22-E382-1F90ADD04248} - C:\WINDOWS\msfa.dll
O3 - Toolbar: &Radio - {8E718888-423F-11D2-876E-00A0C9082467} -
C:\WINDOWS\System32\msdxm.ocx
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Tpwrtray] TPWRTRAY.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [TMESRV.EXE] C:\Program Files\TOSHIBA\TME3\TMESRV31.EXE /Logon
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [TMESBS.EXE] C:\Program Files\TOSHIBA\TME3\TMESBS32.EXE /Client
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ipku32.exe] C:\WINDOWS\ipku32.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\RunOnce: [ntgm.exe] C:\WINDOWS\system32\ntgm.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [MSMSGS] "C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe"
/background
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
O12 - Plugin for .spop: C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\Plugins\NPDocBox.dll
O16 - DPF: {6414512B-B978-451D-A0D8-FCFDF33E833C} (WUWebControl Class) -
http://v5.windowsupdate.microsoft.co...ient/wuweb_sit
e.cab?1108698452387
O16 - DPF: {74D05D43-3236-11D4-BDCD-00C04F9A3B61} (HouseCall Control) -
http://a840.g.akamai.net/7/840/537/2...m/housecall/xs
can53.cab
O16 - DPF: {9A9307A0-7DA4-4DAF-B042-5009F29E09E1} (ActiveScan Installer Class) -
http://www.pandasoftware.com/activescan/as5/asinst.cab
O23 - Service: CA ISafe - Computer Associates International, Inc. -
C:\Vet\isafe.exe
O23 - Service: NVIDIA Driver Helper Service - NVIDIA Corporation -
C:\WINDOWS\System32\nvsvc32.exe
O23 - Service: Tmesbs32 - TOSHIBA Corporation - C:\Program
Files\TOSHIBA\TME3\Tmesbs32.exe
O23 - Service: Tmesrv3 - TOSHIBA - C:\Program Files\TOSHIBA\TME3\Tmesrv31.exe
O23 - Service: VET Message Service - Computer Associates International, Inc. -
C:\Vet\VetMsg.exe

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.

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

ipku32.exe
ntgm.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\system32\guwyl.dll/sp.html#12345
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page =
res://C:\WINDOWS\system32\guwyl.dll/sp.html#12345
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\system32\guwyl.dll/sp.html#12345
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Bar =
res://C:\WINDOWS\system32\guwyl.dll/sp.html#12345
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page =
res://C:\WINDOWS\system32\guwyl.dll/sp.html#12345
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Search,SearchAssistant =
res://C:\WINDOWS\system32\guwyl.dll/sp.html#12345
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Search,SearchAssistant =
res://C:\WINDOWS\system32\guwyl.dll/sp.html#12345
R3 - Default URLSearchHook is missing
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {38F6EAD3-A605-4E22-E382-1F90ADD04248} - C:\WINDOWS\msfa.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ipku32.exe] C:\WINDOWS\ipku32.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\RunOnce: [ntgm.exe] C:\WINDOWS\system32\ntgm.exe

Delete the following files and folders:

C:\WINDOWS\msfa.dll
C:\WINDOWS\ipku32.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\ntgm.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.

Hi again,

Thanks very much for your advice.
One of my computer wizz friends fixed my computer for me, using a pretty similar method to what you suggested.
Thanks again!

Glad your problem is sorted. Ensure your PC is protected:


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!