My IE is essentially crippled. I've run Spybot, Ad-Aware, and Norton AV. I've downloaded and ran CWShredder. I've downloaded and installed SpyGuard, however am not capable of retrieving updated files. Windows Professional edition continues to try and automatically go through a setup routine spontaneously.

Logfile of HijackThis v1.97.7
Scan saved at 9:59:08 AM, on 6/27/2004
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:\PROGRA~1\COMMON~1\AOL\ACS\ACSD.EXE
C:\PROGRA~1\SYMANT~1\SYMANT~1\DefWatch.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\SYMANT~1\SYMANT~1\Rtvscan.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\nvsvc32.exe
C:\WINDOWS\wanmpsvc.exe
C:\WINDOWS\sysur32.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\PROGRA~1\SYMANT~1\SYMANT~1\vptray.exe
C:\Program Files\Java\j2re1.4.2_03\bin\jusched.exe
C:\Program Files\DIGStream\digstream.exe
C:\Program Files\Lavasoft\Ad-aware 6\Ad-watch.exe
C:\WINDOWS\winim32.exe
C:\Program Files\Palm\HOTSYNC.EXE
C:\Program Files\SpywareGuard\sgmain.exe
C:\Program Files\SpywareGuard\sgbhp.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\msiexec.exe
C:\Program Files\America Online 9.0a\waol.exe
C:\Program Files\America Online 9.0a\shellmon.exe
C:\Program Files\America Online 9.0a\aolwbspd.exe
C:\Computer Anti-Virus\HJT\HJT.exe

R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Bar = file://C:\DOCUME~1\APC\LOCALS~1\Temp\sp.html
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page = res://C:\WINDOWS\hrmni.dll/sp.html#96676
R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = res://hrmni.dll/index.html#96676
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = res://hrmni.dll/index.html#96676
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Bar = file://C:\DOCUME~1\APC\LOCALS~1\Temp\sp.html
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page = res://C:\WINDOWS\hrmni.dll/sp.html#96676
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL = res://hrmni.dll/index.html#96676
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Search_URL = res://C:\WINDOWS\hrmni.dll/sp.html#96676
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\SearchURL,(Default) = about:blank
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Local Page = C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\blank.htm
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,HomeOldSP = about:blank
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {06849E9F-C8D7-4D59-B87D-784B7D6BE0B3} - C:\PROGRAM FILES\ADOBE\ACROBAT 6.0\READER\ACTIVEX\ACROIEHELPER.DLL
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {B005930A-8BCD-92A5-C8EC-32FC64789B27} - C:\WINDOWS\system32\wingc32.dll
O3 - Toolbar: &Radio - {8E718888-423F-11D2-876E-00A0C9082467} - C:\WINDOWS\System32\msdxm.ocx
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SystemTray] SysTray.Exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NvCplDaemon] RUNDLL32.EXE C:\WINDOWS\System32\NvCpl.dll,NvStartup
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [nwiz] nwiz.exe /install
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [vptray] C:\PROGRA~1\SYMANT~1\SYMANT~1\vptray.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [QuickTime Task] "C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\qttask.exe" -atboottime
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SunJavaUpdateSched] C:\Program Files\Java\j2re1.4.2_03\bin\jusched.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [DIGStream] C:\Program Files\DIGStream\digstream.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Ad-watch] C:\Program Files\Lavasoft\Ad-aware 6\Ad-watch.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [winim32.exe] C:\WINDOWS\winim32.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [ctfmon.exe] C:\WINDOWS\System32\ctfmon.exe
O4 - Startup: HotSync Manager.lnk = C:\Program Files\Palm\HOTSYNC.EXE
O4 - Startup: SpywareGuard.lnk = C:\Program Files\SpywareGuard\sgmain.exe
O4 - Global Startup: America Online Tray Icon.lnk = C:\Program Files\America Online 9.0a\aoltray.exe
O8 - Extra context menu item: Convert for CLIÉ - C:\Program Files\Sony\Image Converter\menu.htm
O8 - Extra context menu item: E&xport to Microsoft Excel - res://C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~1\OFFICE11\EXCEL.EXE/3000
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Sun Java Console (HKLM)
O9 - Extra button: Research (HKLM)
O9 - Extra button: AIM (HKLM)
O9 - Extra button: Messenger (HKLM)
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Messenger (HKLM)
O12 - Plugin for .pdf: C:\PROGRA~1\INTERN~1\PLUGINS\nppdf32.dll
O16 - DPF: {D27CDB6E-AE6D-11CF-96B8-444553540000} (Shockwave Flash Object) - http://active.macromedia.com/flash2/cabs/swflash.cab
O17 - HKLM\System\CCS\Services\Tcpip\..\{8BA88973-990E-4C9D-B254-DA2E2F4069C5}: NameServer = 205.188.146.146

I do not doubt your are almost crippled. You have two of the worst CoolWebSearch infections. One will have to remain the until we get hte first taken care of.

Please take the following steps:

First, please enable viewing of hidden/system files per the instructions here: http://www.xtra.co.nz/help/0,,4155-1916458,00.html

IMPORTANT Be sure all browser and explorer windows are closed.

Using the Task Manager end the task on the following processes:
C:\WINDOWS\sysur32.exe
C:\WINDOWS\winim32.exe

Next, go to Start->Run and type "Services.msc" (without quotes) then hit OK.
Scroll down and find the service called "Network Security Service".
When you find it, double-click on it.
In the next window that opens, click the Stop button, then change the Startup Type to Disabled.
Now hit Apply and then OK and close any open windows.


Run HijackThis and place a check mark next to the following items:
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Bar = file://C:\DOCUME~1\APC\LOCALS~1\Temp\sp.html
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page = res://C:\WINDOWS\hrmni.dll/sp.html#96676
R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = res://hrmni.dll/index.html#96676
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = res://hrmni.dll/index.html#96676
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Bar = file://C:\DOCUME~1\APC\LOCALS~1\Temp\sp.html
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page = res://C:\WINDOWS\hrmni.dll/sp.html#96676
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL = res://hrmni.dll/index.html#96676
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Search_URL = res://C:\WINDOWS\hrmni.dll/sp.html#96676
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\SearchURL,(Default) = about:blank
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Local Page = C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\blank.htm
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,HomeOldSP = about:blank

O2 - BHO: (no name) - {B005930A-8BCD-92A5-C8EC-32FC64789B27} - C:\WINDOWS\system32\wingc32.dll

O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [winim32.exe] C:\WINDOWS\winim32.exe

Press 'Fix Checked'.

Exit HiJackThis.

Reboot into Safe Mode* and delete the following files: <insert R* entry dll's>
(also deleted any *.dat files with the same name as one of these *.exe files)
C:\WINDOWS\sysur32.exe
C:\WINDOWS\winim32.exe
C:\WINDOWS\hrmni.dll
C:\WINDOWS\system32\wingc32.dll


While still in Safe Mode* finish the cleanup process, please run through the rest of these steps:

Go to Start --> Run and type Regedit then click Ok.
Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services
and highlight Services in the left pane. In the right pane, look for any of these entries:

__NS_Service
__NS_Service_2
__NS_Service_3

If any are listed, right-click that entry in the right pane and choose Delete.

Now navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Enum\Root
and highlight Root in the Left Pane. In the right pane, look for these entries:

LEGACY___NS_Service
LEGACY___NS_Service_2
LEGACY___NS_Service_3

If you find it, right-click it in the right-pane and choose delete.

If you have trouble deleting a key. Then click once on the key name (LEGACY__NS_SERVICE_ or another name that starts with LEGACY__NS_SERVICE) to highlight it. Then click on the Permission menu option under Security or Edit. Then Uncheck "Allow inheritable permissions" and press copy. Then click on everyone and put a checkmark in "full control". Then press apply and ok and attempt to delete the key again.

Exit regedit, boot in Normal Mode.

To remove the remainder of the files this exploit deposits, run this Online AntiVirus scan, removing all it finds:

Trend Micro (PC-cillin) - Free on-line Scan
http://housecall.antivirus.com


=== Check ActiveX Settings ===
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'; and finally, set 'Initialize and Script ActiveX controls not marked as safe" to 'Disable'.


=== Replace Deleted Files ===
It is also possible that the infection may have deleted up to three files from your system. If these files are present, to be safe I suggest you overwrite them with a new copy.

Go here: http://www.spywareinfo.com/~merijn/winfiles.html#control 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\.

Download the Hoster from here: http://members.aol.com/toadbee/hoster.zip
Press 'Restore Original Hosts' and press 'OK'
Exit Program.

If you have Spybot S&D installed you may also need to replace one file.
Go here: http://www.spywareinfo.com/~merijn/winfiles.html#sdhelper and download SDHelper.dll. Copy the file to the folder containing you 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!! If they have been changed, reset your active x security settings in IE as recommended.


Download the latest version of Adaware (get the free edition)
http://www.lavasoft.de/software/adaware/
(choose download from the left hand menu)

Go to: Select Full Install and choose the download location of your choice (1.7mb)
Choose Download from http://fileforum.betanews.com/detail.php3?fid=965718306 <--(I found FileForum easiest)

Be sure to UPDATE BEFORE SCANNING FIRST!! That is a very important step and I have included easy directions.

After download and installing first, please update the program. Just open Adaware and click on *Check for Updates Now* and then *Connect*. It will find a new reference-file. Click *ok* and let it download and install the updates by clicking on *Finish* .This will return you to the main screen. You should now see Reference File # :01R325 22.06.2004 or higher listed.

Next, go to Settings (the gear icon at the top) and then *Scanning* and checkmark these items so they will be green:
Scan within archives
Scan my IE Favorites for banned URLS
Scan my hosts file

Then click *proceed* to save settings.

Click on *Tweak* next. And checkmark to make this green also:
Automatically try to unregister objects prior to deletion

Click on *proceed*

Next, from the main screen, click on *Start* (lower righthand corner) and put a dot in the box next to *use Custom scanning options*, then click *Next* to start your scan.

Checkmark any items found after scanning to remove (this will actually put them in quarantine and can recover from backup if any should not be removed).

Reboot your PC after cleaning with Adaware and scan again. Repeat the process until no further items are found as bad.

Run HiJackThis and post a new log in this thread.

Prior to receiving your instructions and after posting the initial HJT file, I ran PandaActiveScan. I believe it must have removed the 'C:\WINDOWS\sysur32.exe', because it wasn't present. I was successful in everthing else. It took the Adadware 3 times to completely clean. Problems now include: 1) Prolonged pause at initial Windows screen on startup, and 2) Windows installer starts up trying to install Microsoft Office Professional everytime I open IE.

My homepage was also changed from google to MSN. Thanks for the help.

Logfile of HijackThis v1.97.7
Scan saved at 9:03:36 PM, on 6/27/2004
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:\PROGRA~1\COMMON~1\AOL\ACS\ACSD.EXE
C:\PROGRA~1\SYMANT~1\SYMANT~1\DefWatch.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\SYMANT~1\SYMANT~1\Rtvscan.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\nvsvc32.exe
C:\WINDOWS\wanmpsvc.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\PROGRA~1\SYMANT~1\SYMANT~1\vptray.exe
C:\Program Files\Java\j2re1.4.2_03\bin\jusched.exe
C:\Program Files\DIGStream\digstream.exe
C:\Program Files\Palm\HOTSYNC.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\System32\msiexec.exe
C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe
C:\Computer Anti-Virus\HJT\HJT.exe

O2 - BHO: (no name) - {06849E9F-C8D7-4D59-B87D-784B7D6BE0B3} - C:\PROGRAM FILES\ADOBE\ACROBAT 6.0\READER\ACTIVEX\ACROIEHELPER.DLL
O3 - Toolbar: &Radio - {8E718888-423F-11D2-876E-00A0C9082467} - C:\WINDOWS\System32\msdxm.ocx
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SystemTray] SysTray.Exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NvCplDaemon] RUNDLL32.EXE C:\WINDOWS\System32\NvCpl.dll,NvStartup
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [nwiz] nwiz.exe /install
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [vptray] C:\PROGRA~1\SYMANT~1\SYMANT~1\vptray.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [QuickTime Task] "C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\qttask.exe" -atboottime
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SunJavaUpdateSched] C:\Program Files\Java\j2re1.4.2_03\bin\jusched.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [DIGStream] C:\Program Files\DIGStream\digstream.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [ctfmon.exe] C:\WINDOWS\System32\ctfmon.exe
O4 - Startup: HotSync Manager.lnk = C:\Program Files\Palm\HOTSYNC.EXE
O4 - Global Startup: America Online Tray Icon.lnk = C:\Program Files\America Online 9.0a\aoltray.exe
O8 - Extra context menu item: Convert for CLIÉ - C:\Program Files\Sony\Image Converter\menu.htm
O8 - Extra context menu item: E&xport to Microsoft Excel - res://C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~1\OFFICE11\EXCEL.EXE/3000
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Sun Java Console (HKLM)
O9 - Extra button: Research (HKLM)
O9 - Extra button: AIM (HKLM)
O9 - Extra button: Messenger (HKLM)
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Messenger (HKLM)
O12 - Plugin for .pdf: C:\PROGRA~1\INTERN~1\PLUGINS\nppdf32.dll
O16 - DPF: {74D05D43-3236-11D4-BDCD-00C04F9A3B61} (HouseCall Control) - http://a840.g.akamai.net/7/840/537/2004061...all/xscan53.cab
O16 - DPF: {9A9307A0-7DA4-4DAF-B042-5009F29E09E1} (ActiveScan Installer Class) - http://www.pandasoftware.com/activescan/as5/asinst.cab
O16 - DPF: {D27CDB6E-AE6D-11CF-96B8-444553540000} (Shockwave Flash Object) - http://active.macromedia.com/flash2/cabs/swflash.cab

Check the following items in HiJackThis:

O8 - Extra context menu item: E&xport to Microsoft Excel - res://C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~1\OFFICE11\EXCEL.EXE/3000

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


That should fix the IE/Office Installer Issue.,

The rest of your log is clean!!

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://v4.windowsupdate.microsoft.com/en/default.asp

1. 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'; and finally, set 'Initialize and Script ActiveX controls not marked as safe" to 'Disable'.

2. 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: http://www.staff.uiuc.edu/~ehowes/resource.htm

1. 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/
b. Spybot S&D: http://security.kolla.de/index.php?lang=en&page=download


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


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

I still get a very prolonged pause on startup on the initial 'Windows' screen and the installer for the 'Microsoft Office Professional Edition' starts as soon as I start my IE or even open a new window.

Logfile of HijackThis v1.97.7
Scan saved at 10:33:11 PM, on 6/27/2004
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:\PROGRA~1\COMMON~1\AOL\ACS\ACSD.EXE
C:\PROGRA~1\SYMANT~1\SYMANT~1\DefWatch.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\SYMANT~1\SYMANT~1\Rtvscan.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\nvsvc32.exe
C:\WINDOWS\wanmpsvc.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\PROGRA~1\SYMANT~1\SYMANT~1\vptray.exe
C:\Program Files\Java\j2re1.4.2_03\bin\jusched.exe
C:\Program Files\DIGStream\digstream.exe
C:\Program Files\Palm\HOTSYNC.EXE
C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\msiexec.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\Source Engine\OSE.EXE
C:\Computer Anti-Virus\HJT\HJT.exe

O2 - BHO: (no name) - {06849E9F-C8D7-4D59-B87D-784B7D6BE0B3} - C:\PROGRAM FILES\ADOBE\ACROBAT 6.0\READER\ACTIVEX\ACROIEHELPER.DLL
O3 - Toolbar: &Radio - {8E718888-423F-11D2-876E-00A0C9082467} - C:\WINDOWS\System32\msdxm.ocx
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SystemTray] SysTray.Exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NvCplDaemon] RUNDLL32.EXE C:\WINDOWS\System32\NvCpl.dll,NvStartup
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [nwiz] nwiz.exe /install
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [vptray] C:\PROGRA~1\SYMANT~1\SYMANT~1\vptray.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [QuickTime Task] "C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\qttask.exe" -atboottime
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SunJavaUpdateSched] C:\Program Files\Java\j2re1.4.2_03\bin\jusched.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [DIGStream] C:\Program Files\DIGStream\digstream.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [ctfmon.exe] C:\WINDOWS\System32\ctfmon.exe
O4 - Startup: HotSync Manager.lnk = C:\Program Files\Palm\HOTSYNC.EXE
O4 - Global Startup: America Online Tray Icon.lnk = C:\Program Files\America Online 9.0a\aoltray.exe
O8 - Extra context menu item: Convert for CLIÉ - C:\Program Files\Sony\Image Converter\menu.htm
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Sun Java Console (HKLM)
O9 - Extra button: Research (HKLM)
O9 - Extra button: AIM (HKLM)
O9 - Extra button: Messenger (HKLM)
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Messenger (HKLM)
O12 - Plugin for .pdf: C:\PROGRA~1\INTERN~1\PLUGINS\nppdf32.dll
O16 - DPF: {74D05D43-3236-11D4-BDCD-00C04F9A3B61} (HouseCall Control) - http://a840.g.akamai.net/7/840/537/2004061...all/xscan53.cab
O16 - DPF: {9A9307A0-7DA4-4DAF-B042-5009F29E09E1} (ActiveScan Installer Class) - http://www.pandasoftware.com/activescan/as5/asinst.cab
O16 - DPF: {D27CDB6E-AE6D-11CF-96B8-444553540000} (Shockwave Flash Object) - http://active.macromedia.com/flash2/cabs/swflash.cab

THat one is beyond me, let me ask one of our other ADmins to take a look. He may have a suggestion.

I opened the browser a couple of more times and rebooted and the Windows installer has stopped trying to reinstall the Microsoft Office Professional Edition. However, there is this prolonged pause now on the opening screen with blue background and white 'windows'. I timed it and it is hung up for 2 min and 14 sec. I have another computer adjacent to it (it was not infected) and it spends only 2 seconds on this same screen.

hi apcagle :)

I had the same problem not to long ago with Word 2000 - and that is a bugger. I ended up reinstalling word when the WinInstaller prompted me for the CD...and the problem went anyway.

Sounds like the popping up stopped - but in may still be the windows installer causing the hanging at bootup. You might try to Disablethe Windows Installer Service, reboot and see if you computer still hangs. If it doesn't hang with the installer service disabled, then the hanging is probably still a problem with your office install.

Have a look here at Microsoft for a fix -
OFF2000: Windows Installer Appears Every Time a Program Is Started
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?...kb;en-us;265194

Thanks LoPhatPhuud and Toadbee. I'll work on the hangup. At least I have my computer back. Appreciate all the help.