There are times when I look at websites on Internet Explorer and a pop up comes up, it is the website of -- Look for another playground -- Palazzo. After I exit the pop up I notice a new icon on my desktop, and 5 new links in my favorites in Internet Explorer. I also have a problem with something called "Windows File Protection" it says that my computer is infected with spywares and that I should go to the site by pressing ok. I am thinking that the -- Look for another playground -- spyware has something to do with the Windows File Protection. I want to get rid of both of these problems can someone help me?

Here is my Hijack Log.

Logfile of HijackThis v1.97.7
Scan saved at 8:08:25 PM, on 8/1/2004
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\Ati2evxx.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\TGTSoft\StyleXP\StyleXPService.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccEvtMgr.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\GEARSEC.EXE
D:\Program Files\Norton SystemWorks\Norton AntiVirus\navapsvc.exe
D:\Program Files\Norton SystemWorks\Norton Utilities\NPROTECT.EXE
D:\PROGRA~1\NORTON~1\SPEEDD~1\nopdb.exe
C:\Program Files\PowerQuest\V2i Protector 2.0\Agent\PQV2iSvc.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\Ati2evxx.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\Program Files\ASUS\Probe\AsusProb.exe
D:\Program Files\D-Tools\daemon.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\sstray.exe
C:\Program Files\ATI Technologies\ATI Control Panel\atiptaxx.exe
C:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe
D:\Program Files\Winamp\winampa.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Real\Update_OB\realsched.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccApp.exe
C:\Program Files\Java\j2re1.4.2_04\bin\jusched.exe
D:\Program Files\Lavasoft\Ad-aware 6\Ad-watch.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\ctfmon.exe
D:\program files\steam\steam.exe
D:\Program Files\SysShield Tools\Internet Eraser\cseraser.exe
D:\Downloads\HijackThis.exe

R3 - Default URLSearchHook is missing
F0 - syst>m.ini: Shell=
F0 - R >ystem.ini: Shel>=
F0 - R >ystem.ini: UserInit=
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {53707962-6F74-2D53-2644-206D7942484F} - D:\PROGRA~1\SPYBOT~1\SDHelper.dll
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {98DBBF16-CA43-4c33-BE80-99E6694468A4} - C:\WINDOWS\System32\msmk.dll
O2 - BHO: SysShield IE Popup Blocker - {9A23B8A4-C6C9-4A68-8FA6-5F905DC8FF80} - D:\Program Files\SysShield Tools\Internet Eraser\pkext.dll
O3 - Toolbar: &Radio - {8E718888-423F-11D2-876E-00A0C9082467} - C:\WINDOWS\System32\msdxm.ocx
O3 - Toolbar: (no name) - {00A917A4-B984-41B9-BAA4-A6A8679018AB} - (no file)
O3 - Toolbar: Norton AntiVirus - {42CDD1BF-3FFB-4238-8AD1-7859DF00B1D6} - D:\Program Files\Norton SystemWorks\Norton AntiVirus\NavShExt.dll
O3 - Toolbar: AbsoluteShield - {EE9DD090-902D-4623-9360-FB7D8666202B} - D:\Program Files\SysShield Tools\Internet Eraser\AbsoluteBar.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ASUS Probe] C:\Program Files\ASUS\Probe\AsusProb.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [DAEMON Tools-1033] "D:\Program Files\D-Tools\daemon.exe" -lang 1033
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [nForce Tray Options] sstray.exe /r
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ATIPTA] C:\Program Files\ATI Technologies\ATI Control Panel\atiptaxx.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [imjpmig] E:\IME\IMJP\imjpmig.exe /RemAdvDef /AIMEREG /Migration /SetPreload
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [PHIME2002ASync] C:\WINDOWS\System32\IME\TINTLGNT\TINTSETP.EXE /SYNC
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [MSPY2002] C:\WINDOWS\System32\IME\PINTLGNT\ImScInst.exe /SYNC
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [QuickTime Task] "C:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe" -atboottime
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [PHIME2002A] C:\WINDOWS\System32\IME\TINTLGNT\TINTSETP.EXE /IMEName
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [IMJPMIG8.1] "C:\WINDOWS\IME\imjp8_1\IMJPMIG.EXE" /Spoil /RemAdvDef /Migration32
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [WinampAgent] D:\Program Files\Winamp\winampa.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [TkBellExe] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Real\Update_OB\realsched.exe" -osboot
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NeroCheck] C:\WINDOWS\system32\NeroCheck.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ccApp] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccApp.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ccRegVfy] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccRegVfy.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SunJavaUpdateSched] C:\Program Files\Java\j2re1.4.2_04\bin\jusched.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Ad-watch] "D:\Program Files\Lavasoft\Ad-aware 6\Ad-watch.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [mevtmsgn] C:\WINDOWS\System32\mevtmsgn.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [ctfmon.exe] C:\WINDOWS\System32\ctfmon.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [STYLEXP] C:\Program Files\TGTSoft\StyleXP\StyleXP.exe -Hide
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [Steam] "d:\program files\steam\steam.exe" -silent
O4 - Startup: AbsoluteShield Internet Eraser.lnk = D:\Program Files\SysShield Tools\Internet Eraser\cseraser.exe
O4 - Startup: PowerReg Scheduler.exe
O4 - Global Startup: Microsoft Office.lnk = D:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office10\OSA.EXE
O6 - HKCU\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Control Panel present
O8 - Extra context menu item: E&xport to Microsoft Excel - res://D:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~1\Office10\EXCEL.EXE/3000
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Sun Java Console (HKLM)
O9 - Extra button: AIM (HKLM)
O16 - DPF: Toki Toki Boom - http://download.games.yahoo.com/games/clients/y/vtn_x.cab
O16 - DPF: Yahoo! Blackjack - http://download.games.yahoo.com/games/clients/y/jt0_x.cab
O16 - DPF: Yahoo! Graffiti - http://download.games.yahoo.com/games/clients/y/grt5_x.cab
O16 - DPF: Yahoo! Literati - http://download.games.yahoo.com/games/clients/y/tt2_x.cab
O16 - DPF: Yahoo! Word Racer - http://download.games.yahoo.com/games/clients/y/wt0_x.cab
O16 - DPF: {27527D31-447B-11D5-A46E-0001023B4289} (CoGSManager Class) - http://gamingzone.ubisoft.com/dev/packages/GSManager.cab
O16 - DPF: {9F1C11AA-197B-4942-BA54-47A8489BB47F} (Update Class) - http://v4.windowsupdate.microsoft.com/CAB/...8044.8969328704
O16 - DPF: {D27CDB6E-AE6D-11CF-96B8-444553540000} (Shockwave Flash Object) - http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwa...ash/swflash.cab

Hello Evan

You have a CoolWebSearch hijacker and that needs a special (free) tool to remove it called CWShredder.
Download CWShredder here:

http://www.merijn.org/files/cwshredder.zip or
(the unzipped version) http://www.merijn.org/files/CWShredder.exe

Just download it, and click on it (You will need to have all browsers and any open windows closed). Hit the *Fix* button to run it. Let it fix what it finds. When done, press *next* and you will get the results, and then *exit*

Reboot your PC and scan once more with HijackThis and post a new log please.

I think it worked ! I havent seen -- Look for another playground -- Palazzo for about 5 hours.

Logfile of HijackThis v1.97.7
Scan saved at 8:13:41 PM, on 8/2/2004
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\Ati2evxx.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\TGTSoft\StyleXP\StyleXPService.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccEvtMgr.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\Ati2evxx.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\System32\GEARSEC.EXE
D:\Program Files\Norton SystemWorks\Norton AntiVirus\navapsvc.exe
C:\Program Files\ASUS\Probe\AsusProb.exe
D:\Program Files\D-Tools\daemon.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\sstray.exe
C:\Program Files\ATI Technologies\ATI Control Panel\atiptaxx.exe
C:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe
D:\Program Files\Winamp\winampa.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Real\Update_OB\realsched.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccApp.exe
C:\Program Files\Java\j2re1.4.2_04\bin\jusched.exe
D:\Program Files\Lavasoft\Ad-aware 6\Ad-watch.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\ctfmon.exe
D:\program files\steam\steam.exe
D:\Program Files\Norton SystemWorks\Norton Utilities\NPROTECT.EXE
D:\Program Files\SysShield Tools\Internet Eraser\cseraser.exe
D:\PROGRA~1\NORTON~1\SPEEDD~1\nopdb.exe
C:\Program Files\PowerQuest\V2i Protector 2.0\Agent\PQV2iSvc.exe
D:\Downloads\HijackThis.exe

R3 - Default URLSearchHook is missing
F0 - syst>m.ini: Shell=
F0 - R >ystem.ini: Shel>=
F0 - R >ystem.ini: UserInit=
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {53707962-6F74-2D53-2644-206D7942484F} - D:\PROGRA~1\SPYBOT~1\SDHelper.dll
O2 - BHO: SysShield IE Popup Blocker - {9A23B8A4-C6C9-4A68-8FA6-5F905DC8FF80} - D:\Program Files\SysShield Tools\Internet Eraser\pkext.dll
O3 - Toolbar: &Radio - {8E718888-423F-11D2-876E-00A0C9082467} - C:\WINDOWS\System32\msdxm.ocx
O3 - Toolbar: (no name) - {00A917A4-B984-41B9-BAA4-A6A8679018AB} - (no file)
O3 - Toolbar: Norton AntiVirus - {42CDD1BF-3FFB-4238-8AD1-7859DF00B1D6} - D:\Program Files\Norton SystemWorks\Norton AntiVirus\NavShExt.dll
O3 - Toolbar: AbsoluteShield - {EE9DD090-902D-4623-9360-FB7D8666202B} - D:\Program Files\SysShield Tools\Internet Eraser\AbsoluteBar.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ASUS Probe] C:\Program Files\ASUS\Probe\AsusProb.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [DAEMON Tools-1033] "D:\Program Files\D-Tools\daemon.exe" -lang 1033
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [nForce Tray Options] sstray.exe /r
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ATIPTA] C:\Program Files\ATI Technologies\ATI Control Panel\atiptaxx.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [imjpmig] E:\IME\IMJP\imjpmig.exe /RemAdvDef /AIMEREG /Migration /SetPreload
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [PHIME2002ASync] C:\WINDOWS\System32\IME\TINTLGNT\TINTSETP.EXE /SYNC
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [MSPY2002] C:\WINDOWS\System32\IME\PINTLGNT\ImScInst.exe /SYNC
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [QuickTime Task] "C:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe" -atboottime
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [PHIME2002A] C:\WINDOWS\System32\IME\TINTLGNT\TINTSETP.EXE /IMEName
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [IMJPMIG8.1] "C:\WINDOWS\IME\imjp8_1\IMJPMIG.EXE" /Spoil /RemAdvDef /Migration32
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [WinampAgent] D:\Program Files\Winamp\winampa.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [TkBellExe] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Real\Update_OB\realsched.exe" -osboot
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NeroCheck] C:\WINDOWS\system32\NeroCheck.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ccApp] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccApp.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ccRegVfy] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccRegVfy.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SunJavaUpdateSched] C:\Program Files\Java\j2re1.4.2_04\bin\jusched.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Ad-watch] "D:\Program Files\Lavasoft\Ad-aware 6\Ad-watch.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [mevtmsgn] C:\WINDOWS\System32\mevtmsgn.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [ctfmon.exe] C:\WINDOWS\System32\ctfmon.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [STYLEXP] C:\Program Files\TGTSoft\StyleXP\StyleXP.exe -Hide
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [Steam] "d:\program files\steam\steam.exe" -silent
O4 - Startup: AbsoluteShield Internet Eraser.lnk = D:\Program Files\SysShield Tools\Internet Eraser\cseraser.exe
O4 - Startup: PowerReg Scheduler.exe
O4 - Global Startup: Microsoft Office.lnk = D:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office10\OSA.EXE
O6 - HKCU\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Control Panel present
O8 - Extra context menu item: E&xport to Microsoft Excel - res://D:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~1\Office10\EXCEL.EXE/3000
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Sun Java Console (HKLM)
O9 - Extra button: AIM (HKLM)
O16 - DPF: Toki Toki Boom - http://download.games.yahoo.com/games/clients/y/vtn_x.cab
O16 - DPF: Yahoo! Blackjack - http://download.games.yahoo.com/games/clients/y/jt0_x.cab
O16 - DPF: Yahoo! Graffiti - http://download.games.yahoo.com/games/clients/y/grt5_x.cab
O16 - DPF: Yahoo! Literati - http://download.games.yahoo.com/games/clients/y/tt2_x.cab
O16 - DPF: Yahoo! Word Racer - http://download.games.yahoo.com/games/clients/y/wt0_x.cab
O16 - DPF: {27527D31-447B-11D5-A46E-0001023B4289} (CoGSManager Class) - http://gamingzone.ubisoft.com/dev/packages/GSManager.cab
O16 - DPF: {9F1C11AA-197B-4942-BA54-47A8489BB47F} (Update Class) - http://v4.windowsupdate.microsoft.com/CAB/...8044.8969328704
O16 - DPF: {D27CDB6E-AE6D-11CF-96B8-444553540000} (Shockwave Flash Object) - http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwa...ash/swflash.cab

Thanks CalamityJane, your my hero ! Sign my mousepad !

This file is unknown and therefore possibly suspicious sitting in your startups (unless you KNOW what it is)

O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [mevtmsgn] C:\WINDOWS\System32\mevtmsgn.exe

Check the properties by using rightclick (do not leftclick) and looking under the info on the tabs at the top.

I would also doublecheck by getting it scanned here:

Jotti's malware scan 2.24
http://virusscan.jotti.dhs.org/

If that scan comes up with an Infected report, copy the whole thing and post it back here.

You can have HijackThis *fix* these items:

R3 - Default URLSearchHook is missing

O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [mevtmsgn] C:\WINDOWS\System32\mevtmsgn.exe
.....................
Additionally, follow the prevention steps below to make sure that you don't get the Casino Palazzo infection again (they are pretty aggressively taking over PCs by stealth modes - but you can protect yourself with a little effort)

Now that your PC is clean, make sure all programs are running properly and then you'll need to reset your restore point in Windows XP.......why?

One of the best features of Windows ME or XP is the System Restore option, however if a malware infects a computer with this operating system it can be backed up in the System Restore folder. Therefore, clearing the restore points is necessary after malware removal.

To reset your restore points, please note that you will need to log into your computer with an account which has full administrator access. You will know if the account has administrator access because you will be able to see the System Restore tab. If the tab is missing, you are logged in under a limited account.

(winXP)

1. Turn off System Restore.
On the Desktop, right-click My Computer.
Click Properties.
Click the System Restore tab.
Check Turn off System Restore.
Click Apply, and then click OK.

2. Reboot.

3. Turn ON System Restore.
On the Desktop, right-click My Computer.
Click Properties.
Click the System Restore tab.
UN-Check *Turn off System Restore*.
Click Apply, and then click OK.

How to Turn On and Turn Off System Restore in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?...kb;en-us;310405

Next, we highly recommend you get some extra protection to prevent future infections. Here are some things you can do and some free programs to help :).

How to Stop Hijackers & Spyware Infections, And other malware too!
http://forum.gladiator-antivirus.com/index...?showtopic=9857

I also highly recommend to get the free tool, Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer (MBSA) from Microsoft to analyze your PC security for prevention purposes.

MBSA Version 1.2 will scan for common system misconfigurations on Windows 2000, Windows XP, and Windows Server 2003 systems. This program will identify the system security weaknesses in your browser and operating system and provides easy instructions to correct them. This includes any missing critical Windows security updates, system vulnerabilities and your IE Browser security settings. Get the download here:
Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/...s/mbsahome.mspx

You might also consider an alternative browser and use IE only when needed for sites that require ActiveX and are trusted (like Windows update). I use Firefox 0.9.1 for 99% of my everyday surfing (using it right now in fact). It's free and very easy to setup, understand and use without many of the vulnerabilities that IE has. Or feel free to search around for info on other alternative browsers.

Firefox
http://www.mozilla.org/products/firefox/

There was no infected items in the scan, here are the results:

AntiVir No viruses found (2.25 seconds taken)
BitDefender No viruses found (9.64 seconds taken)
ClamAV No viruses found (9.02 seconds taken)
F-Prot Antivirus No viruses found (3.81 seconds taken)
F-Secure Anti-Virus No viruses found (4.98 seconds taken)
Kaspersky Anti-Virus No viruses found (3.82 seconds taken)
McAfee VirusScan No viruses found (3.40 seconds taken)
Norman Virus Control No viruses found (1.53 seconds taken)

And I have disabled the two items in HiJackThis. I also disabled System Restore, and now I will go download those security protection softwares you recommended to me.

Thank you for your help, CalamityJane.

You're quite welcome Evan. :)

After disabling System Restore, did you reboot and then re-enable it again? That will send a fresh clean restore point for you should you need it.

I had exactly the same problem, ie erroneous random Windows File Protection Pop-up saying I had been infected with Spyware, -- Look for another playground -- shortcut getting pasted on my desktop, & getting taken to -- Look for another playground -- website randomly when using IE. I used the trial version of www.neuber.com/taskmanager, and detected the following erroneous programs : taskmgn.exe, winnet.dll, mfplay.dll which I have quarantined, & now appear to be clean. I run Sygate Firewall & Norton Antivirus Real Time. I ran Norton Antivirus scan, Adaware, Spy-bot & Spyremover, but none of these detected the problem. Doing a Google search on taskmgn.exe, I found other postings on ComputerCops.biz and annoyances.org on this same problem. All postings look fairly new, so I wonder if this is a new kind of Hijack / Infection that these programs and Microsoft haven't caught up with yet ?

Hi Trevor,

This is a new breed of malware that many software programs are having trouble detecting and dealing with. Make sure you have your Windows Operating System up to date with all the latest critical security updates for your OS and for IE.

If you are having a problem still, please follow our guidelines for posting and show us a HijackThis log in a new topic of your own.

http://forum.gladiator-antivirus.com/index...showtopic=10517

You've already done step one and two. So just, step 3 if you need help :)

Casino Palazzo is really ugly and uses several different exploits to install - not all are identified.