Hello, I've been having trouble with my computer and I am pretty sure that it is caused by some sort of malaware or spyware. a page named res:\\vekzj.dll\index.html#96676 is constantly forcing itself as my start page. It changes values in the registry; it slows down the internet and is continuously showing pop up windows

I have already tried to remove it with the search and destroy bot as well as with adware remover and with a program called Xoftspy. Additionally I used the MacAfee stinger and the shredder. I currently have installed the spywarebalster, spywareguard and the Visnetic firewall.

Here's my Hijackthis log

Logfile of HijackThis v1.98.0
Scan saved at 07:14:01 p.m., on 28/07/2004
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\Explorer.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\Archivos de programa\McAfee\McAfee VirusScan\Avsynmgr.exe
C:\Archivos de programa\Deerfield.com\VisNetic Firewall\DFW.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\nvsvc32.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\syswm32.exe
C:\Archivos de programa\McAfee\McAfee VirusScan\VsStat.exe
C:\Archivos de programa\McAfee\McAfee VirusScan\Vshwin32.exe
C:\Archivos de programa\McAfee\McAfee VirusScan\Avconsol.exe
C:\Archivos de programa\McAfee\McAfee VirusScan\Webscanx.exe
C:\Archivos de programa\Archivos comunes\Network Associates\McShield\Mcshield.exe
C:\Archivos de programa\McAfee\McAfee VirusScan\alogserv.exe
C:\WINDOWS\mfcsr.exe
C:\Archivos de programa\McAfee\McAfee Shared Components\Instant Updater\RuLaunch.exe
C:\Archivos de programa\Spybot - Search & Destroy\TeaTimer.exe
C:\Archivos de programa\SpywareGuard\sgmain.exe
C:\Archivos de programa\SpywareGuard\sgbhp.exe
C:\Archivos de programa\Internet Explorer\IEXPLORE.EXE
C:\Documents and Settings\Alejandro\Mis documentos\Work\Alejandro\TASM\Prog\Proteccion\HijackThis.exe

R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page = about:blank
R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = about: blank
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL = about: blank
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Search_URL = about: blank
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page = about: blank
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = about: blank
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Search,SearchAssistant = about:blank
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Search,CustomizeSearch = about:blank
R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Local Page = about:blank
R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Toolbar,LinksFolderName = Vínculos
R3 - Default URLSearchHook is missing
O2 - BHO: AcroIEHlprObj Class - {06849E9F-C8D7-4D59-B87D-784B7D6BE0B3} - C:\Archivos de programa\Adobe\Acrobat 5.0\Acrobat\ActiveX\AcroIEHelper.ocx
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {1C2ED5E2-6A65-CC6A-B77B-7397AB504B36} - C:\WINDOWS\system32\netbz32.dll
O3 - Toolbar: &Radio - {8E718888-423F-11D2-876E-00A0C9082467} - C:\WINDOWS\System32\msdxm.ocx
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Alogserv] C:\Archivos de programa\McAfee\McAfee VirusScan\alogserv.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NvCplDaemon] RUNDLL32.EXE C:\WINDOWS\System32\NvCpl.dll,NvStartup
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AidemHotKey] C:\ARCHIV~1\MULTIM~1\KEYAPP.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SoundMan] SOUNDMAN.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [MOD] C:\Archivos de programa\Microangelo\muamgr.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [WebCam Go Plus Sti Service Application] Wcgopsvc
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SafeGuard Popup Updater (required)] regsvr32 /s C:\WINDOWS\System32\pdfupd.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [mfcsr.exe] C:\WINDOWS\mfcsr.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\RunOnce: [syswm32.exe] C:\WINDOWS\system32\syswm32.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\RunServicesOnce: [washindex] C:\Program Files\Washer\washidx.exe "Alejandro"
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [McAfee.InstantUpdate.Monitor] "C:\Archivos de programa\McAfee\McAfee Shared Components\Instant Updater\RuLaunch.exe" /startmonitor
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [SpybotSD TeaTimer] C:\Archivos de programa\Spybot - Search & Destroy\TeaTimer.exe
O4 - Startup: SpywareGuard.lnk = C:\Archivos de programa\SpywareGuard\sgmain.exe
O4 - Global Startup: ipvb32.lnk = C:\Documents and Settings\Alejandro\Mis documentos\Work\Alejandro\TASM\Prog\CUART\ipvb32.exe
O6 - HKCU\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Control Panel present
O8 - Extra context menu item: &Download with &DAP - C:\ARCHIV~1\DAP\dapextie.htm
O8 - Extra context menu item: Download &all with DAP - C:\ARCHIV~1\DAP\dapextie2.htm
O8 - Extra context menu item: E&xportar a Microsoft Excel - res://C:\ARCHIV~1\MICROS~2\Office10\EXCEL.EXE/3000
O9 - Extra button: Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Archivos de programa\Messenger\MSMSGS.EXE
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Archivos de programa\Messenger\MSMSGS.EXE
O12 - Plugin for .spop: C:\Archivos de programa\Internet Explorer\Plugins\NPDocBox.dll
O18 - Protocol: icoo - {4A8DADD4-5A25-4D41-8599-CB7458766220} - C:\WINDOWS\msopt.dll

THANKS!!!

=== Remove CWS sp.html/#nnnnn exploit XP/2K ===
This is a new variant of CWS which requires special treatment to remove.

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:
syswm32.exe
mfcsr.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". It may also be called "Remote Procedure Vall (RPC) Helper" or "Workstation NetLogon 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 Page = about:blank
R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = about: blank
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL = about: blank
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Search_URL = about: blank
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page = about: blank
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = about: blank
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Search,SearchAssistant = about:blank
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Search,CustomizeSearch = about:blank
R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Local Page = about:blank
R3 - Default URLSearchHook is missing

O2 - BHO: (no name) - {1C2ED5E2-6A65-CC6A-B77B-7397AB504B36} - C:\WINDOWS\system32\netbz32.dll

O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [mfcsr.exe] C:\WINDOWS\mfcsr.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\RunOnce: [syswm32.exe] C:\WINDOWS\system32\syswm32.exe

O18 - Protocol: icoo - {4A8DADD4-5A25-4D41-8599-CB7458766220} - C:\WINDOWS\msopt.dll
Press 'Fix Checked'.

Exit HiJackThis.

Reboot into Safe Mode* and delete the following files:
(also deleted any *.dat files with the same name as one of these *.exe files)
C:\WINDOWS\system32\syswm32.exe
C:\WINDOWS\mfcsr.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\netbz32.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.

HiJackThis version 198.0 is now available.
If you do already have it installed, download it from here:
http://209.133.47.12/~merijn/files/HijackThis.exe
http://downloads.net-integration.net/HijackThis.exe
http://www.computercops.biz/downloads-file-328.html

Run HiJackThis and post a new log in this thread.



* How to Boot into Safe Mode:
http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT/tsgen...001052409420406

Thank you!!!! So far it has worked perfectly!!!
Here's my Hijackthis log:

Logfile of HijackThis v1.98.0
Scan saved at 12:03:23 a.m., on 29/07/2004
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\Explorer.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\Archivos de programa\McAfee\McAfee VirusScan\alogserv.exe
C:\Archivos de programa\McAfee\McAfee Shared Components\Instant Updater\RuLaunch.exe
C:\Archivos de programa\Spybot - Search & Destroy\TeaTimer.exe
C:\Archivos de programa\SpywareGuard\sgmain.exe
C:\Archivos de programa\SpywareGuard\sgbhp.exe
C:\Archivos de programa\McAfee\McAfee VirusScan\Avsynmgr.exe
C:\Archivos de programa\Deerfield.com\VisNetic Firewall\DFW.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\nvsvc32.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\Archivos de programa\McAfee\McAfee VirusScan\VsStat.exe
C:\Archivos de programa\McAfee\McAfee VirusScan\Vshwin32.exe
C:\Archivos de programa\McAfee\McAfee VirusScan\Avconsol.exe
C:\Archivos de programa\McAfee\McAfee VirusScan\Webscanx.exe
C:\Archivos de programa\Archivos comunes\Network Associates\McShield\Mcshield.exe
C:\Archivos de programa\Internet Explorer\IEXPLORE.EXE
C:\Documents and Settings\Alejandro\Mis documentos\Work\Alejandro\TASM\Prog\Proteccion\HijackThis.exe

R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Toolbar,LinksFolderName = Vínculos
R3 - Default URLSearchHook is missing
O2 - BHO: AcroIEHlprObj Class - {06849E9F-C8D7-4D59-B87D-784B7D6BE0B3} - C:\Archivos de programa\Adobe\Acrobat 5.0\Acrobat\ActiveX\AcroIEHelper.ocx
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {1C2ED5E2-6A65-CC6A-B77B-7397AB504B36} - (no file)
O3 - Toolbar: &Radio - {8E718888-423F-11D2-876E-00A0C9082467} - C:\WINDOWS\System32\msdxm.ocx
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Alogserv] C:\Archivos de programa\McAfee\McAfee VirusScan\alogserv.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NvCplDaemon] RUNDLL32.EXE C:\WINDOWS\System32\NvCpl.dll,NvStartup
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AidemHotKey] C:\ARCHIV~1\MULTIM~1\KEYAPP.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SoundMan] SOUNDMAN.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [MOD] C:\Archivos de programa\Microangelo\muamgr.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [WebCam Go Plus Sti Service Application] Wcgopsvc
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SafeGuard Popup Updater (required)] regsvr32 /s C:\WINDOWS\System32\pdfupd.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Kazaa Download Accelerator Updater] regsvr32 /s C:\WINDOWS\System32\kdpupd.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\RunOnce: [washindex] C:\Program Files\Washer\washidx.exe "Alejandro"
O4 - HKLM\..\RunServicesOnce: [washindex] C:\Program Files\Washer\washidx.exe "Alejandro"
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [McAfee.InstantUpdate.Monitor] "C:\Archivos de programa\McAfee\McAfee Shared Components\Instant Updater\RuLaunch.exe" /startmonitor
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [SpybotSD TeaTimer] C:\Archivos de programa\Spybot - Search & Destroy\TeaTimer.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\RunOnce: [washindex] C:\Program Files\Washer\washidx.exe "Alejandro"
O4 - Startup: SpywareGuard.lnk = C:\Archivos de programa\SpywareGuard\sgmain.exe
O4 - Global Startup: ipvb32.lnk = C:\Documents and Settings\Alejandro\Mis documentos\Work\Alejandro\TASM\Prog\CUART\ipvb32.exe
O6 - HKCU\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Control Panel present
O8 - Extra context menu item: &Download with &DAP - C:\ARCHIV~1\DAP\dapextie.htm
O8 - Extra context menu item: Download &all with DAP - C:\ARCHIV~1\DAP\dapextie2.htm
O8 - Extra context menu item: E&xportar a Microsoft Excel - res://C:\ARCHIV~1\MICROS~2\Office10\EXCEL.EXE/3000
O9 - Extra button: Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Archivos de programa\Messenger\MSMSGS.EXE
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Archivos de programa\Messenger\MSMSGS.EXE
O12 - Plugin for .spop: C:\Archivos de programa\Internet Explorer\Plugins\NPDocBox.dll
O16 - DPF: {74D05D43-3236-11D4-BDCD-00C04F9A3B61} (HouseCall Control) - http://a840.g.akamai.net/7/840/537/2004061...all/xscan53.cab

THANKS AGAIN!!!!

Minor cleanup left and you are done!!


Check the following items in HiJackThis:
R3 - Default URLSearchHook is missing
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {1C2ED5E2-6A65-CC6A-B77B-7397AB504B36} - (no file)


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


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://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: https://netfiles.uiuc.edu/ehowes/www/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.