Hi. I have been receiving an obscene number of ads lately, and my computer seems to be running much slower as a result. Please help if you can. Here is my Hijack This Log.
Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.1
Scan saved at 225 PM, on 2/19/2005
Platform: Windows XP SP1 (WinNT 5.01.2600)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v6.00 SP1 (6.00.2800.1106)
Delete the following files and folders. Search for files without a specific location:
C:\WINNT\System32\mtkbjc.exe E6F1873B.DLL D0CE0C16B1
C:\WINNT\System32\wsxsvc
C:\WINNT\System32\mycomput.exe extofmt.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\updater mad.dll
Owen, thanks for the help. I apologize for the multiple posts. I encountered one problem while eliminating an item from the HiJack This Log. "O20-AppInit_DLLs.mad.dll" could not be deleted. I received an "ERROR #5" and an email address for a merijn@spywareinfo.com. I attempted to delete the file C:\ProgramFiles\CommonFiles\updatermad.dll while in safe mode, but the file could not be found. Would that be related to the Error#5? Here is the fresh log.
Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.1
Scan saved at 7:36:29 PM, on 2/24/2005
Platform: Windows XP SP1 (WinNT 5.01.2600)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v6.00 SP1 (6.00.2800.1106)
Please download the attached file hiving_154.zip . Save it to a convenient location like your Desktop.
Unzip hiving_154.zip
Then disconnect from the internet. Beforehand I suggest you print this page and the article located here, you will need this information.
Now double click the hiving.bat file that you unzipped from hiving_154.zip
After you have run the file, then Reboot and boot into Safe Mode
Locate the file mad.dll and take ownership of this file. The article that you printed out from the Microsoft website gives you instructions on how to do this.
Then rename the file from mad.dll to badfile.dll then to mad.txt. Then delete the file.
Restart Hijack This and put a checkmark next to this entry if it still exists:
Owen, I'm sorry that it took so long for me to respond. I have been busy the last few weeks. Here is my fresh log. How does it look?
Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.1
Scan saved at 2:25:43 PM, on 3/21/2005
Platform: Windows XP SP1 (WinNT 5.01.2600)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v6.00 SP1 (6.00.2800.1106)
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.
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!
Newbie
25 PM, on 2/19/2005
