My computer has virus/malware and I need help

[simpleplanash]

Hi,
My computer has been running slow the past week or so. Then a pop up keeps coming up saying "Error - Ads need to be loaded from adcode, if you keep getting this error contact your account rep." It comes up in the form of a fake Yahoo! browser page it seems. Also with this virus/malware, it won't allow me to go to anti-virus/anti-malware sites or download anti-virus programs (i'm actually surprised it's letting me on this site!) But i downloaded AVG 8 Free and it came up with lots of infections so i deleted em all (i believe ishbar was one of those removed), but that seems to not help since pop up keeps coming up every half hour or so. I also have Ad-Aware and have removed alot of infections through that but it couldn't delete all detected. Also, in my Add/Remove Programs, there is a program called Browser System Enhancement Tools Targetedbanner, and i cannot remove it! Any help on how to completely remove this would be great! Thanks! =)

 

[xxdanielxx]

below is a link to what you can start off with then post the 3 logs for further help

https://www.techspot.com/community/...lware-removal-preliminary-instructions.58138/

 

[simpleplanash]

Hi,
I read the attachment you sent and i can't get past Steps 3 & 4. It keeps saying that the page cannot be opened for both links (the same message as i've been getting every time i try to go to an anti-virus site...) Any tips on what to do from here?? I can access my brother's computer and save what i need to on a USB stick if that will help...Thanks! =)

 

[simpleplanash]

Nevermind, i got it to download...I googled HijackThis and found a link to the download that wasn't really an anti-virus site per say, that was blocked. When i first went to download it, it didn't do anything so i clicked it again to download and it saved as HijackThis (2) and that allowed it to install. (Guess I fooled it with the 2 =P) Now I will continue further into the steps and see wat happens =)

 

[Blind Dragon]

You can navigate to C:\windows\system32\drivers\etc\hosts

When you open the hosts file look for blocked AV sites, they will look like this

127.0.0.1 www.free-av.com/

After you delete those entries you can get spybot and immunize with it, that will update your hosts file to block known bad sites.

Set your hosts file to read-only by right clicking it and going to properties -> click the box read-only

 

[simpleplanash]

Thanks for the input! But after I got MBAM to run, i'm able to visit the sites once blocked again....i'm doing very well with the steps, i still have to run Ad-Aware in safe mode then i believe i will be ready for the Hijack This log....i will do it tomorrow after work b/c there isn't enough time in the day! lol i will keep posted! Thanks again! =)

 

[simpleplanash]

OK, here's the 3 logs of HJT, Combofix and MBAM...Thanks for checking these out! =)

 

[simpleplanash]

Log check

Can someone please check my logs and tell me if i'm in the clear?? Thanks! =)

 

[xxdanielxx]

hey ok first you forgot to rename HiJackThis to Crusty.exe do this and past a

shortcut to your desktop then post a new log for hijackthis. Also it looks like you have

norton and AVG both installed if you do download norton removal to remove norton from the link below.

Reboot in safe mode by tapping the F8 key while your computer boots up and uninstall Viewpoint

Link for Norton Removal
http://service1.symantec.com/Support/tsgeninfo.nsf/docid/2005033108162039

 

[simpleplanash]

ok now this might sound silly, but how do u rename it to crusty.exe?? on that page with all the steps it wasn't very clear how to find and rename it.....Thanks for the help! =)

 

[xxdanielxx]

right click on it then select rename

 

[simpleplanash]

Sorry about taking awhile to reply, I was out of town yesterday. But there's the new hijack log and when I went to remove Viewpoint in safe mode, 2 programs removed of it but the Viewpoint Toolbar just froze up my computer when I tried to remove it...If you can let me know what to do next that'd be great!

 

[xxdanielxx]

Run Hijacthis and place a check next to the items below

R3 - URLSearchHook: (no name) - {EA756889-2338-43DB-8F07-D1CA6FB9C90D} - (no file)
R3 - URLSearchHook: (no name) - {87766247-311C-43B4-8499-3D5FEC94A183} - (no file)
O2 - BHO: Viewpoint Toolbar BHO - {A7327C09-B521-4EDB-8509-7D2660C9EC98} - C:\Program Files\Viewpoint\Viewpoint Toolbar\3.8.0\ViewBarBHO.dll (file missing)
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: PartyPoker.com - {B7FE5D70-9AA2-40F1-9C6B-12A255F085E1} - C:\Program Files\PartyGaming\PartyPoker\RunApp.exe (file missing)
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {CD67F990-D8E9-11d2-98FE-00C0F0318AFE} - (no file)
O9 - Extra button: WeatherBug - {AF6CABAB-61F9-4f12-A198-B7D41EF1CB52} - C:\Program Files\AWS\WeatherBug\Weather.exe (file missing) (HKCU)

Use Malwarebytes to remove SearchAndDestroyT it is a ROGUE antispyware app

More info http://www.castlecops.com/s17174-SearchAndDestroy_exe.html

O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [SearchAndDestroyT] C:\Program Files\Search And Destroy\SearchAndDestroy.exe

 

[simpleplanash]

OK, i ran HJT and placed a check next to and fixed all the items in red....i downloaded the RogueRemover and it didn't find anything lol Should i delete: O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [SearchAndDestroyT] C:\Program Files\Search And Destroy\SearchAndDestroy.exe also on HJT?? Any tips on what to do next would be appreciated, thanks!

 

[xxdanielxx]

OK, i ran HJT and placed a check next to and fixed all the items in red....i downloaded the RogueRemover and it didn't find anything lol Should i delete: O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [SearchAndDestroyT] C:\Program Files\Search And Destroy\SearchAndDestroy.exe also on HJT?? Any tips on what to do next would be appreciated, thanks!

Sorry I have been working late update SUPERAntiSpyware and run a fully system scan in safe mode it should fine it and make sure to remove it from the quarantine. Then post a fresh hijackthis log as well as the SUPERAntiSpyware log thanks.

 

[simpleplanash]

OK, here's the 2 logs from SuperAntiSpyware and HJT...let me know what to do next, thanks! =)

 

[Blind Dragon]

You may want to copy this top section and paste into notepad, then save it to your desktop to have while in safe mode

Please re-open HiJackThis and scan. Check the boxes next to all the entries listed below.

R3 - URLSearchHook: (no name) - {EA756889-2338-43DB-8F07-D1CA6FB9C90D} - (no file)
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [SearchAndDestroyT] C:\Program Files\Search And Destroy\SearchAndDestroy.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [MalwareRemovalBot] C:\Program Files\MalwareRemovalBot\MalwareRemovalBot.exe -boot

Now close all windows other than HiJackThis, then click Fix Checked. Close HiJackThis. Reboot into safe mode.

Restart your computer and as soon as it starts booting up again continuously tap F8. A menu should come up where you will be given the option to enter Safe Mode.

Please go to Start > Control Panel > Add/Remove Programs and remove the following (if present):

Search And Destroy
MalwareRemovalBot

Please note any other programs that you don't recognize in that list in your next response.

Using Windows Explorer (to get there right-click your Start button and go to "Explore"), please delete these folders (if present):

C:\Program Files\Search And Destroy
C:\Program Files\MalwareRemovalBot

After that, Reboot, and post a new HijackThis log here in a reply

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Download and Run ATF Cleaner
Download ATF Cleaner by Atribune to your desktop.

Double-click ATF Cleaner.exe to open it.

Under Main choose:
Windows Temp
Current User Temp
All Users Temp
Cookies
Temporary Internet Files
Prefetch
Java Cache
*The other boxes are optional*
Then click the Empty Selected button.

Firefox or Opera:
Click Firefox or Opera at the top and choose: Select All
Click the Empty Selected button.
NOTE: If you would like to keep your saved passwords, please click NO at the prompt.

Click Exit on the Main menu to close the program.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Run Kaspersky Online AV Scanner

Order to use it you have to use Internet Explorer.
Go to Kaspersky and click the Accept button at the end of the page.

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 license accepted, reset to 100%.

• Read the Requirements and limitations before you click Accept.
• Allow the ActiveX download if necessary.
• Once the database has downloaded, click Next.
• Click on "My Computer"
• When the scan has completed, click Save Report As...
• Enter a name for the file in the Filename: text box and then click the down arrow to the right of Save as type: and select text file (*.txt)
• Click Save - by default the file will be saved to your Desktop, but you can change this if you wish.

Attach the report into your next reply


Attach Here:
1) Hijackthis log after reboot
2) Kaspersky log

 

[simpleplanash]

Ok, will do, thank u!! =)

 

[simpleplanash]

Alright, here's the 2 logs from HJT and Kaspersky...The only program in Add/Remove Programs i don't recognize is KnightOnline....keep me posted what to do next! thanks! =)

 

[xxdanielxx]

your logs look clean but lets wait for Blind Dragon to double check.

 

[Blind Dragon]

They are clean except for the old restore point shows something so you want to set a new clean restore point and delete all old restore points by running cleanmgr - one of us will post instructions after your reply

Also - did you install this yourself? Sometimes infections come with it

C:\Program Files\mIRC\mirc.exe

 

[xxdanielxx]

KnightOnLine.exe is the client program for Knights OnLine multi player online game. It is located in the folder of "%ProgramFiles%\KnightOnline". If you dont use it remove it.

Also delete folder KnightOnline in side of progam files

 

[simpleplanash]

Ok sounds good! but as far as "C:\Program Files\mIRC\mirc.exe", i'm not sure what that is or if i installed it lol so i guess i don't need it if it comes with infections lol and ok, my brother had this computer before me so wasn't sure about the KnightsOnline, i'll be deleting that lol thanks for helping me out with this computer and getting it clean, i really appreciate it! how to set a new restore point would be great! =)

 

[Blind Dragon]

First go to add/remove programs and uninstall mIRC -> then navigate to and delete C:\program files\mIRC <-This folder

-----------------------------------------------------

Uninstall Combofix
* Click START then RUN
* Now type Combofix /u in the runbox
* Make sure there's a space between Combofix and /u
* Then hit Enter.

* The above procedure will:
* Delete the following:
* ComboFix and its associated files and folders.
* Reset the clock settings.
* Hide file extensions, if required.
* Hide System/Hidden files, if required.
* Set a new, clean Restore Point.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

OTCleanit! by Oldtimer

• Download OTCleanIt
• Click the CleanUp! button.
  • It will go thorugh the list and remove all of the tools it finds and then delete itself (requiring a reboot).

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Now that you are clean, please follow these simple steps in order to keep your computer clean and secure:

1. Set correct settings for files
   • Click Start > My Computer > Tools menu (at top of page) > Folder Options > View tab.
   • Under "Hidden files and folders" if necessary select Do not show hidden files and folders.
   • If unchecked please check Hide protected operating system files (Recommended)
   • If necessary check "Display content of system folders"
   • If necessary Uncheck Hide file extensions for known file types.
   • Click OK
   
   clear system restore points
   • 
     This is a good time to clear your existing system restore points and establish a new clean restore point:
     • Go to Start > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools > System Restore
     • Select Create a restore point, and Ok it.
     • Next, go to Start > Run and type in cleanmgr
     • Select the More options tab
     • Choose the option to clean up system restore and OK it.
     This will remove all restore points except the new one you just created.
   
   
2. Make your Internet Explorer more secure - This can be done by following these simple instructions:
   1. From within Internet Explorer click on the Tools menu and then click on Options.
   2. Click once on the Security tab
   3. Click once on the Internet icon so it becomes highlighted.
   4. 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.
   5. Next press the Apply button and then the OK to exit the Internet Properties page.
3. Use an AntiVirus Software - It is very important that your computer has an anti-virus software running on your machine. This alone can save you a lot of trouble with malware in the future.
   
   See this link for a listing of some online & their stand-alone antivirus programs:
   
   Virus, Spyware, and Malware Protection and Removal Resources
   
   
4. 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.
   
   
5. Use a Firewall - I can not stress how important it is that you use a Firewall on your computer. Without a firewall your computer is succeptible to being hacked and taken over. I am very serious about this and see it happen almost every day with my clients. Simply using a Firewall in its default configuration can lower your risk greatly.
   
   For a tutorial on Firewalls and a listing of some available ones see the link below:
   
   Understanding and Using Firewalls
   
   
6. 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.This is done in Vista through control panel -> windows updates.
   
   
7. 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

• IE/Spyad <= IE/Spyad places over 4000 websites and domains in the IE Restricted list which will severely impair attempts to infect your system. It basically prevents any downloads (Cookies etc) from the sites listed, although you will still be able to connect to the sites.
• MVPS Hosts file <= The MVPS Hosts file replaces your current HOSTS file with one containing well know ad sites etc. Basically, this prevents your coputer from connecting to those sites by redirecting them to 127.0.0.1 which is your local computer
• Google Toolbar <= Get the free google toolbar to help stop pop up windows.
• 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