othersearch.com, possible infection? Options

[jrg]

Hi. Even if I configure internet option to access to another internet site at opening of internet explorer, I always end up with ''othersearch.com'' as the start page. I have run ad-aware and spybots and I have norton anti-virus 2004. Here is the results of the log file of highjackthis. I already tried to run in safe mode and delete the line with ''othersearch'' but it still comming back. Thank you for your help.

Logfile of HijackThis v1.98.2
Scan saved at 21:56:22, on 2004-10-24
Platform: Windows XP (WinNT 5.01.2600)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v6.00 (6.00.2600.0000)

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\Sygate\SPF\smc.exe
C:\Program Files\Fichiers communs\Symantec Shared\ccSetMgr.exe
C:\Program Files\Fichiers communs\Symantec Shared\ccEvtMgr.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\LEXBCES.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\system32\LEXPPS.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\Program Files\Norton SystemWorks\Password Manager\AcctMgr.exe
C:\Program Files\Fichiers communs\Symantec Shared\ccApp.exe
C:\Program Files\MSN Messenger\MsnMsgr.Exe
C:\Documents and Settings\Jean-René Galarneau\Bureau\document JR\games\games\winzip\WZQKPICK.EXE
C:\Program Files\Norton SystemWorks\Norton Antivirus\navapsvc.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\NORTON~1\NORTON~2\NPROTECT.EXE
C:\PROGRA~1\NORTON~1\NORTON~2\SPEEDD~1\NOPDB.EXE
C:\Program Files\Norton SystemWorks\Norton Antivirus\SAVScan.exe
C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe
C:\Program Files\Highjackthis\HijackThis.exe

R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://www.othersearch.com
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://www.othersearch.com
R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Toolbar,LinksFolderName = Liens
F3 - REG:win.ini: run=
O2 - BHO: AcroIEHlprObj Class - {06849E9F-C8D7-4D59-B87D-784B7D6BE0B3} - C:\Documents and Settings\Jean-René Galarneau\Bureau\document JR\games\games\adobe acrobat\Reader\ActiveX\AcroIEHelper.dll
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {53707962-6F74-2D53-2644-206D7942484F} - C:\Program Files\Spybot - Search & Destroy\SDHelper.dll
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {82315A18-6CFB-44a7-BDFD-90E36537C252} - (no file)
O2 - BHO: Tubby - {9EAC0102-5E61-2312-BC2D-444C4C4F5552} - C:\WINDOWS\System32\DLL.dll
O2 - BHO: NAV Helper - {BDF3E430-B101-42AD-A544-FADC6B084872} - C:\Program Files\Norton SystemWorks\Norton Antivirus\NavShExt.dll
O2 - BHO: Cls - {CF021F40-3E14-23A5-CBA2-716D74632608} - C:\WINDOWS\System32\mtc2608.dll
O3 - Toolbar: &Radio - {8E718888-423F-11D2-876E-00A0C9082467} - C:\WINDOWS\System32\msdxm.ocx
O3 - Toolbar: Norton AntiVirus - {42CDD1BF-3FFB-4238-8AD1-7859DF00B1D6} - C:\Program Files\Norton SystemWorks\Norton Antivirus\NavShExt.dll
O3 - Toolbar: Search toolbar - {9EAC0102-5E61-2312-BC2D-444C4C4F5552} - C:\WINDOWS\System32\DLL.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SSC_UserPrompt] C:\Program Files\Fichiers communs\Symantec Shared\Security Center\UsrPrmpt.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SmcService] C:\PROGRA~1\Sygate\SPF\smc.exe -startgui
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AcctMgr] C:\Program Files\Norton SystemWorks\Password Manager\AcctMgr.exe /startup
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ccApp] "C:\Program Files\Fichiers communs\Symantec Shared\ccApp.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [MSConfig] C:\WINDOWS\PCHealth\HelpCtr\Binaries\MSConfig.exe /auto
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [MsnMsgr] "C:\Program Files\MSN Messenger\MsnMsgr.Exe" /background
O4 - Global Startup: WinZip Quick Pick.lnk = ?
O8 - Extra context menu item: E&xporter vers Microsoft Excel - res://C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~2\Office10\EXCEL.EXE/3000
O16 - DPF: {6414512B-B978-451D-A0D8-FCFDF33E833C} (WUWebControl Class) - http://v5.windowsupdate.microsoft.com/v5co...b?1098655962420

[LoPhatPhuud]

Before we begin, please be sure that HiJackThis is in its own folder. This will allow us to use backups to restore entries if necessary. Please do not put HiJackThis in a temporary folder, or on the Desktop. I suggest using 'c:\program files\hijackthis\' or C:\HiJackThis\, but any name you choose is fine.

Check the following items in HiJackThis:
R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://www.othersearch.com
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://www.othersearch.com

O2 - BHO: (no name) - {82315A18-6CFB-44a7-BDFD-90E36537C252} - (no file)
O2 - BHO: Tubby - {9EAC0102-5E61-2312-BC2D-444C4C4F5552} - C:\WINDOWS\System32\DLL.dll
O2 - BHO: Cls - {CF021F40-3E14-23A5-CBA2-716D74632608} - C:\WINDOWS\System32\mtc2608.dll

O3 - Toolbar: Search toolbar - {9EAC0102-5E61-2312-BC2D-444C4C4F5552} - C:\WINDOWS\System32\DLL.dll

Close all open windows except HiJackThis and press 'Fix Checked'.

Reboot.
Run HiJackThis again and post a new log in this thread.

[jrg]

It appear to have work, now I dont get the ''othersearch'' window when I open internet explorer. Here is the new log. Thank you.

Logfile of HijackThis v1.98.2
Scan saved at 18:18:27, on 2004-10-25
Platform: Windows XP (WinNT 5.01.2600)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v6.00 (6.00.2600.0000)

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\Sygate\SPF\smc.exe
C:\Program Files\Fichiers communs\Symantec Shared\ccSetMgr.exe
C:\Program Files\Fichiers communs\Symantec Shared\ccEvtMgr.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\LEXBCES.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\LEXPPS.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\Program Files\Norton SystemWorks\Password Manager\AcctMgr.exe
C:\Program Files\Fichiers communs\Symantec Shared\ccApp.exe
C:\Program Files\MSN Messenger\MsnMsgr.Exe
C:\Documents and Settings\Jean-René Galarneau\Bureau\document JR\games\games\winzip\WZQKPICK.EXE
C:\Program Files\Norton SystemWorks\Norton Antivirus\navapsvc.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\NORTON~1\NORTON~2\NPROTECT.EXE
C:\PROGRA~1\NORTON~1\NORTON~2\SPEEDD~1\NOPDB.EXE
C:\Program Files\Norton SystemWorks\Norton Antivirus\SAVScan.exe
C:\Program Files\Highjackthis\HijackThis.exe

R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://www.hotmail.com/
R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Toolbar,LinksFolderName = Liens
F3 - REG:win.ini: run=
O2 - BHO: AcroIEHlprObj Class - {06849E9F-C8D7-4D59-B87D-784B7D6BE0B3} - C:\Documents and Settings\Jean-René Galarneau\Bureau\document JR\games\games\adobe acrobat\Reader\ActiveX\AcroIEHelper.dll
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {53707962-6F74-2D53-2644-206D7942484F} - C:\Program Files\Spybot - Search & Destroy\SDHelper.dll
O2 - BHO: NAV Helper - {BDF3E430-B101-42AD-A544-FADC6B084872} - C:\Program Files\Norton SystemWorks\Norton Antivirus\NavShExt.dll
O3 - Toolbar: &Radio - {8E718888-423F-11D2-876E-00A0C9082467} - C:\WINDOWS\System32\msdxm.ocx
O3 - Toolbar: Norton AntiVirus - {42CDD1BF-3FFB-4238-8AD1-7859DF00B1D6} - C:\Program Files\Norton SystemWorks\Norton Antivirus\NavShExt.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SSC_UserPrompt] C:\Program Files\Fichiers communs\Symantec Shared\Security Center\UsrPrmpt.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SmcService] C:\PROGRA~1\Sygate\SPF\smc.exe -startgui
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AcctMgr] C:\Program Files\Norton SystemWorks\Password Manager\AcctMgr.exe /startup
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ccApp] "C:\Program Files\Fichiers communs\Symantec Shared\ccApp.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [MSConfig] C:\WINDOWS\PCHealth\HelpCtr\Binaries\MSConfig.exe /auto
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [MsnMsgr] "C:\Program Files\MSN Messenger\MsnMsgr.Exe" /background
O4 - Global Startup: WinZip Quick Pick.lnk = ?
O8 - Extra context menu item: E&xporter vers Microsoft Excel - res://C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~2\Office10\EXCEL.EXE/3000
O16 - DPF: {6414512B-B978-451D-A0D8-FCFDF33E833C} (WUWebControl Class) - http://v5.windowsupdate.microsoft.com/v5co...b?1098655962420

[LoPhatPhuud]

At last, your system is clean and free of spyware! Want to keep it that way?

Here are some simple steps you can take to reduce the chance of infection in the future.

1. Visit Windows Update: <-- YOU NEED TO DO THIS!!
Make sure that you have all the Critical Updates recommended for your operating system and IE. The first defense against infection is a properly patched OS.
a. Windows Update: http://v5.windowsupdate.microsoft.com/en/default.asp

2. Adjust your security settings for ActiveX:]
Go to Internet Options/Security/Internet, press 'default level', then OK. Now press "Custom Level."
In the ActiveX section:
Set the first option, 'Download signed controls', to 'Prompt.
Set the second option, 'Download unsigned controls', to 'Disable'.
Finally, set 'Initialize and Script ActiveX controls not marked as safe to 'Disable'.

3. Download and install the following free programs
a. SpywareBlaster: http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/spywareblaster.html
b. SpywareGuard: http://www.wilderssecurity.net/spywareguard.html
c. IE/Spyad: https://netfiles.uiuc.edu/ehowes/www/resource.htm
d. Bugoff: http://tools.zerosrealm.com/bugoff.zip

4. Install Spyware Detection and Removal Programs:
You may also want to consider installing either or both of AdAware (free version) and Spybot S&D (freeware). Use these programs to regularly scan your system for and remove many forms of spyware/malware.
a. AdAware: http://www.lavasoft.de/]http://www.lavasoft.de/
b. Spybot S&D: http://security.kolla.de/index.php?lang=en&page=download

Before adding any other Spyware Detection and Removal programs always check the Rogue Anti-Spyware List for programs known to be misleading, mistaken, or just outright "Foistware". You will find the list here: http://www.spywarewarrior.com/rogue_anti-spyware,htm

5. Install 'Spoofstick"
Spoofstick is a simple browser extension that helps users detect spoofed (fake) websites. This extension is free and installs in Internet Explorer and Mozilla Firefox.
a. http://www.corestreet.com/spoofstick

6. Reset System Restore
If you are using Windows ME or Windows XP, please reset your System Restore. See Windows help for information.

At last, your system is clean and free of spyware! Want to keep it that way?

Here are some simple steps you can take to reduce the chance of infection in the future.

1. Visit Windows Update: <-- YOU NEED TO DO THIS!!
Make sure that you have all the Critical Updates recommended for your operating system and IE. The first defense against infection is a properly patched OS.
a. Windows Update: http://v5.windowsupdate.microsoft.com/en/default.asp

2. Adjust your security settings for ActiveX:]
Go to Internet Options/Security/Internet, press 'default level', then OK. Now press "Custom Level."
In the ActiveX section:
Set the first option, 'Download signed controls', to 'Prompt.
Set the second option, 'Download unsigned controls', to 'Disable'.
Finally, set 'Initialize and Script ActiveX controls not marked as safe to 'Disable'.

3. Download and install the following free programs
a. SpywareBlaster: http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/spywareblaster.html
b. SpywareGuard: http://www.wilderssecurity.net/spywareguard.html
c. IE/Spyad: https://netfiles.uiuc.edu/ehowes/www/resource.htm
d. Bugoff: http://tools.zerosrealm.com/bugoff.zip

4. Install Spyware Detection and Removal Programs:
You may also want to consider installing either or both of AdAware (free version) and Spybot S&D (freeware). Use these programs to regularly scan your system for and remove many forms of spyware/malware.
a. AdAware: http://www.lavasoft.de/]http://www.lavasoft.de/
b. Spybot S&D: http://security.kolla.de/index.php?lang=en&page=download

Before adding any other Spyware Detection and Removal programs always check the Rogue Anti-Spyware List for programs known to be misleading, mistaken, or just outright "Foistware". You will find the list here: http://www.spywarewarrior.com/rogue_anti-spyware,htm

5. Install 'Spoofstick"
Spoofstick is a simple browser extension that helps users detect spoofed (fake) websites. This extension is free and installs in Internet Explorer and Mozilla Firefox.
a. http://www.corestreet.com/spoofstick

6. Reset System Restore
If you are using Windows ME or Windows XP, please reset your System Restore. See Windows help for information.

7. Rogue/Suspect Anti-Spyware
Before using or purchasing any Spyware/Malware protection/removal program, always check the Rogue/Suspect Spyware List. It will save you a lot of grief, as well as money if you are thinking of purchasing. Here is the link: http://www/spywarewarrior.com/rogue_anti-spyware.htm

8. Anti-Spyware Programs Compared
Want to know just how effective your anti-spyware program is? Wonder how well any of the "rogue" programs listed above work? Check this link for an independent comparison of several anti-spyware programs: http://spywarewarrior.com/asw-test-guide.htm

For more information about Spyware, the tools available, and other informative material, including information on how you may have been infected in the first place, please check out this link: http://forum.gladiator-antivirus.com/index...?showtopic=9857

"It is your responsibility to read and adhere to the End User Licensing Agreement (EULA) of all software and services mentioned."

Good luck, and thanks for coming to our forums for help with your security and malware issues.

For more information about Spyware, the tools available, and other informative material, including information on how you may have been infected in the first place, please check out this link: http://forum.gladiator-antivirus.com/index...?showtopic=9857

"It is your responsibility to read and adhere to the End User Licensing Agreement (EULA) of all software and services mentioned."

Good luck, and thanks for coming to our forums for help with your security and malware issues.