Abebot

[KBaxter]

Unfortunately, like many other people on this site, it seems I too have fallen foul to the annoying abebot spyware/virus, and have tried windows defender, spybot search & destroy & MacAfee to remove it but to no avail! I've been browsing various threads and it seems any help is based on an individual basis. Would anyone be willing and patient enough to help a newbie get rid of this nasty from my computer ? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[kritius]

Download and Run Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware
Please download Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware to your desktop.

• Double-click mbam-setup.exe and follow the prompts to install the program.
• At the end, be sure a checkmark is placed next to:
  • Update Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware
  • Launch Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware
• Then click Finish.
• If an update is found, it will download and install the latest version.
• Once the program has loaded, select Perform full scan, then click Scan.
• When the scan is complete, click OK, then Show Results to view the results.
• Be sure that everything is checked, and click Remove Selected.
• When completed, a log will open in Notepad. please attach the log into your next reply.
• If you accidently close it, the log file is saved here and will be named like this: C:\Documents and Settings\<your username>\Application Data\Malwarebytes\Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware\Logs\mbam-log-date (time).txt

Download and Run ComboFix

• Download this file to your desktop from either of the two below listed places :
  
  HERE or HERE
  
• Then double click combofix.exe & follow the prompts.
• When finished, it shall produce a log for you. Attach that log in your next reply

WARNING: Do not mouseclick combofix's window whilst it's running. That may cause it to stall

The first thing that I need you to do for me is to download and install HijackThis for me,

Highjackthis Instructions

• Make sure you have the LATEST version of HJT (currently v2.0.2) it can be downloaded from HERE
• Run the HijackThis Installer and it will automatically place HJT in its own folder, usually C:\Program Files\Trend Micro\HijackThis. Please don't change the directory as it is necessary to create backups.
• After installing, the program launches automatically, select Scan now and save a log
• After the scan is complete attach it into your reply.

Do not attempt to fix any item yet.
Do not add anything to the ignore list.
Don't use the AnalyseThis button, its findings are dangerous if misinterpreted.

Hijackthis will give me an idea as to what nasty things there are lurking about in your system and will help the both of us get rid of them.

If you have any problems or questions then please post back.

 

[KBaxter]

Hi kritius, thanks for taking the time to give me a hand. I'm working through the above list and downloads which seem to be taking some time to complete - I'll attach the results when they're all done. I'm off to work in a couple of hours so I may need to leave before the scans are completed, in which case could I post the results tomorrow evening when I get back or would I need to rerun the scans again? Thanks again for all your help.

 

[KBaxter]

mbam-log file

OK, here is the mbam-log file. I'll post the other logs when completed

 

[KBaxter]

I've tried running the ComboFix application, but all that happens after choosing the run button is that a small ComboFix window appears for a few seconds, followed by a larger blue box which again appears for a few seconds. Is this correct? No log seems to have been produced?

 

[KBaxter]

hijackthis log-file

Here's the hijackthis log file. I still haven't had any luck with the ComboFix log? Any thoughts.

 

[kritius]

: Download and Run DSS

Download Deckard's System Scanner (DSS) to your Desktop. You must be logged onto an account with administrator privileges.

• Close all applications and windows.
• Double-click on dss.exe to run it, and follow the prompts.
• When the scan is complete, two text files will open - main.txt <- this one will be maximized and extra.txt<- this one will be minimized.
• Attach the main.txt and the extra.txt in your reply.

 

[KBaxter]

DSS logs

Hi kritius, here are the two DSS logs.

 

[kritius]

Looking over now, hang tight.

 

[KBaxter]

Hi kritius, I'm sure you've got your hands full with this spyware as it seems to be everywhere - just wondering whether you've had a chance to look over my logs

 

[kritius]

Update your Java Runtime Environment

• First try going to Start -> Control Panel -> double click Java
• Select the Update TAb at the top
• Click the Check for Updates button at the bottom
• If it finds the newer version (Java 6 Update 5) Follow the on screen instructions
• After it installs the newest version Go back to Control Panel -> Add/remove programs
• Uninstall any older versions of Java

If for some reason you couldn't update through the above instructions.

• Click the following link
  Java Runtime Environment 6 Update 5
• The 4th option down is the one you want (click Download)
• Check the box to agree to terms of service
• Check the box for your operating system and click 'Download selected'at the bottom
• After the install Go to Start-> Control Panel-> add/remove programs (Programs and features), and uninstall any old versions
• Navigate to C:\programfiles\Java -> delete any subfolders except the jre1.6.0_05 folder

Please download the OTMoveIt2 by OldTimer.

• Save it to your desktop.
• Please double-click OTMoveIt2.exe to run it. (Note: If you are running on Vista, right-click on the file and choose Run As Administrator).
• Copy the lines in the codebox below to the clipboard by highlighting ALL of them and pressing CTRL + C (or, after highlighting, right-click and choose Copy):
  
  

  C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\hgvixadw
  HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\software\microsoft\windows\currentversion\policies\explorer\Run\\GMuM7n0qIG

• Return to OTMoveIt2, right click in the "Paste Standard List of Files/Folders to Move" window (under the light blue bar) and choose Paste.
  
• Click the red Moveit! button.
• Copy everything in the Results window (under the green bar) to the clipboard by highlighting ALL of them and pressing CTRL + C (or, after highlighting, right-click and choose copy), and paste it in your next reply.
• Close OTMoveIt2

Note: If a file or folder cannot be moved immediately you may be asked to reboot the machine to finish the move process. If you are asked to reboot the machine choose Yes. In this case, after the reboot, open Notepad (Start->All Programs->Accessories->Notepad), click File->Open, in the File Name box enter *.log and press the Enter key, navigate to the C:\_OTMoveIt\MovedFiles folder, and open the newest .log file present, and copy/paste the contents of that document back here in your next post.

I would like you to do an online scan so that we can what else may be in your system,
Run Kaspersky online scanner
With the exception of Internet Explorer, which must be used for this scan, keep ALL programs closed
Note: It is recommended to disable onboard antivirus program and antispyware programs while performing scans to speed up scan time and to make sure there are no conflicts.
Do not go surfing while your resident protection is disabled!
Once the scan is finished remember to re-enable resident antivirus protection along with whatever antispyware application you use.

Do an online scan with Kaspersky Online Scanner in Internet Explorer. You will be prompted to install and run an ActiveX component from Kaspersky, Click Yes.
Note for Internet Explorer 7 users: If at any time you have trouble with the accept button of the licence, click on the Zoom tool located at the right bottom of the IE window and set the zoom to 75%. Once the licence accepted, reset to 100%.

• The program will launch and then start to download the latest definition files.
• Once the scanner is installed and the definitions downloaded, click Next.
• Now click on Scan Settings
• In the scan settings make sure that the following are selected:
  o Scan using the following Anti-Virus database:
  o Extended (If available, otherwise use standard)
  o Scan Options:
  o Scan Archives
  o Scan Mail Bases
• Click OK
• Under select a target to scan, select My Computer
• The scan will take a while so be patient and let it run.
• Please do not use your computer while the scan is running. Once the scan is complete it will display if your system has been infected.
• Click the Save Report As... button (see red arrow below)
  
  
  
  
  
• In the Save as... prompt, select Desktop
• In the File name box, name the file
• In the Save as type prompt, select Text file (see below)
  
  
  
  
  
• Include the report in your next post.

Run HijackThis again and post a fresh log.

 

[KBaxter]

Hi kritius, it took a litle while to perform the scans but here they are.

 

[kritius]

I would highky advise that you get rid of this,
D:\Gifts\Internet\mIRC\mirc617.exe

Disable Teatimer
Please disable Teatimer as it may interfere with the fix.
First:

• Right click Spybot in the System Tray (looks like a calendar with a padlock symbol)
• Choose Exit Spybot S&D Resident

Second:

• Open Spybot S&D
• Click Mode, check Advanced Mode
• Go To Left Panel, Click Tools, then also in left panel, click Resident
• If your firewall raises a question, say OK
• Uncheck the box labeled Resident Tea-Timer and OK any prompts.
• Use File, Exit to terminate Spybot
• Reboot your machine for the changes to take effect.

Once your log is clean you can re-enable those settings in TeaTimer.

Fix entries using HiJackThis

• Launch HiJackThis
• Click the Do a system scan only button
• Put a check next to the entries listed below

O3 - Toolbar: (no name) - {BA52B914-B692-46c4-B683-905236F6F655} - (no file)

• IMPORTANT: Do NOT click fix until you exit all browser sessions including the one you are reading in right now
• Click the Fix checked button and close HiJackThis
• Reboot HijackThis if necessary

Rename HijackThis.exe to KBaxter.exe by doing the following;

• Navigate here using Windows Explorer (windows button + E) or My Computer -> Local Disk C: -> C:\Program Files\Trend Micro\HijackThis
• Right-click on the HijackThis.exe
• Choose from the pull-down menu; "Rename"
• And now Rename HijackThis.exe to KBaxter.exe
• When you've renamed HijackThis, open HijackThis again.
• Take a fresh HijackThis log (click Do a system scan and save a log file)
• Post the fresh HijackThis log here.

I want to see if there is anything else lurking around, other than that your logs are clean, can you let me know how the computer is running?

 

[KBaxter]

Hi kritius, here is the new hijackthis log. The good news is that I haven't seen any more Abebot/spyware pop-ups or notices. Thanks for your all your help!! My computer seems to be running quite slowly though - do you have any recommendations on how I could speed it up?

 

[KBaxter]

Hi kritius, is there anything else I need to do? Do you have any thoughts on improving the speed of my computer? Thanks again for all your help.

 

[kritius]

Sorry ive been away for a while, that log looks ok, if you want to post a fresh log.

How is the computer runnning?

 

[KBaxter]

Hope you had a nice break. Here's a fresh HijackThis log. My computer seems to be running ok - I haven't had any Abebot alets/pop-ups recently, but it seems to be running a little slowly? Any thoughts on helping me speed it up?

 

[kritius]

Do you have McAfee and AVG installed?

 

[KBaxter]

Yes, I have both of them installed

 

[kritius]

unistall one and you should see the system speed up, two antiviruses does not equal twice the protection.

If you do decide to keep AVG then you should get a third party firewall, these are free ones,

• Comodo
• Kerio
• Online Armor
• Zonealarm

 

[KBaxter]

Thanks kritius. Can I just check something with you on this point - I have MaAfee Personal Firewall Plus and AVG 7.5. Am I correct in saying one is Firewall software only and the other anti-virus? I don't think I have two anti-virus programmes? I also have Spybot Search and Destroy and Ad-Aware SE Personal. My brother put all of these on my computer and I'm not sure if I need them all - but I don't won't to reduce my overall protection? Any recommendations on the number of programs I should have?

Also, should I remove all the programs I've downloaded in this thread i.e. Malewarebytes, ComboFix, HijackThis etc.

Thanks for taking the time to help me.

 

[kritius]

Its just the McAfee firewall and not the rest of the Security suite? In that case it should be ok.

This is my all clean speech it will get rid of some of the programs and create a new clean restore point then we'll look at the spped issues.

• Double-click OTMoveIt2.exe.
• Click the CleanUp! button.
• Select Yes when the "Begin cleanup Process?" prompt appears.
• If you are prompted to Reboot during the cleanup, select Yes.
• The tool will delete itself once it finishes, if not delete it by yourself.

Note: If you receive a warning from your firewall or other security programs regarding OTMoveIt2 attempting to contact the internet, please allow it to do so.

• Disable and Enable System Restore. - If you are using Windows XP or Vista then you should disable and re-enable system restore to make sure there are no infected files found in a restore point.
  
  You can find instructions on how to enable and re-enable system restore here:
  
  Windows XP System Restore Guide
  
  or
  
  Windows Vista System Restore Guide

Re-enable system restore with instructions from tutorial above

• Make your Internet Explorer more secure - This can be done by following these simple instructions:
• From within Internet Explorer click on the Tools menu and then click on Options.
• Click once on the Security tab
• Click once on the Internet icon so it becomes highlighted.
• Click once on the Custom Level button.
• Change the Download signed ActiveX controls to Prompt
• Change the Download unsigned ActiveX controls to Disable
• Change the Initialize and script ActiveX controls not marked as safe to Disable
• Change the Installation of desktop items to Prompt
• Change the Launching programs and files in an IFRAME to Prompt
• Change the Navigate sub-frames across different domains to Prompt
• When all these settings have been made, click on the OK button
• If it prompts you as to whether or not you want to save the settings, press the Yes button.
• Next press the Apply button and then the OK to exit the Internet Properties page.

• Update your AntiVirus Software - It is imperitive that you update your Antivirus software at least once a week (Even more if you wish). If you do not update your antivirus software then it will not be able to catch any of the new variants that may come out.
  
  
• Visit Microsoft's Windows Update Site Frequently - It is important that you visit http://www.windowsupdate.com regularly. This will ensure your computer has always the latest security updates available installed on your computer. If there are new updates to install, install them immediately, reboot your computer, and revisit the site until there are no more critical updates.
  
• Install SpywareBlaster - SpywareBlaster will added a large list of programs and sites into your Internet Explorer settings that will protect you from running and downloading known malicious programs.
  
  A tutorial on installing & using this product can be found here:
  
  Using SpywareBlaster to protect your computer from Spyware and Malware
  
  
• Update all these programs regularly - Make sure you update all the programs I have listed regularly. Without regular updates you WILL NOT be protected when new malicious programs are released.

Follow this list and your potential for being infected again will reduce dramatically.

Here are some additional utilities that will enhance your safety

• MVPS Hosts file <= The MVPS Hosts file replaces your current HOSTS file with one containing well know ad sites etc. Basically, this prevents your computer from connecting to those sites by redirecting them to 127.0.0.1 which is your local computer
• Comodo BOCLEAN <= Stop identity thieves from getting personal information. Instantly detects well over 1,000,000 unique, variant and repack malware in total. And it's free.
• Winpatrol <= Download and install the free version of Winpatrol. a tutorial for this product is located here:
  Using Winpatrol to protect your computer from malicious software

Stand Up and Be Counted ---> Malware Complaints <--- where you can make difference!

The site offers people who have been (or are) victims of malware the opportunity to document their story and, in that way, launch a complaint against the malware and the makers of the malware.

Also, please read this great article by Tony Klein So How Did I Get Infected In First Place

 

[KBaxter]

Ok thanks, I'll get cracking on your list and let you know once they're completed... probably tomorrow if that's alright - gotta get off to work shortly.

Untill tomorrow - thanks again for all your time and help

 

[kritius]

No problem, just let me know.

 

[KBaxter]

Hi kritius, sorry I haven't posted a reply for a few days - work has just got on top of me! OK, I've worked hrough your list and have downloaded all the other programs you recommended. I'm ready to start looking at the speed issues whenever you get a chance. Thanks again for all your help and patience.