Everytime the Internet is opened it goes to about:blank. I can reset the homepage, but it won't stick. Here's my current HJT Log. Thanks so much for this forum!



Logfile of HijackThis v1.98.2
Scan saved at 1:44:20 PM, on 10/1/2004
Platform: Windows XP SP1 (WinNT 5.01.2600)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v6.00 SP1 (6.00.2800.1106)

Running processes:
C:\WINNT\System32\smss.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\winlogon.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\services.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\lsass.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\svchost.exe
C:\WINNT\System32\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccSetMgr.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccEvtMgr.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\WINNT\System32\cusrvc.exe
C:\Program Files\Symantec AntiVirus\DefWatch.exe
C:\Program Files\Symantec AntiVirus\SavRoam.exe
C:\Program Files\Symantec AntiVirus\Rtvscan.exe
C:\WINNT\Explorer.EXE
C:\WINNT\System32\hkcmd.exe
C:\Program Files\Gateway Utilities\GWInkMonitor.exe
C:\WINNT\System32\NWTRAY.EXE
C:\WINNT\System32\mshta.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccApp.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\SYMANT~1\VPTray.exe
C:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe
C:\Program Files\Hewlett-Packard\Digital Imaging\bin\hpotdd01.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\AWS\WEATHE~1\Weather.exe
C:\WINNT\Q331958.log:mzmwv
C:\WINNT\d3xr.exe
C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe
C:\Program Files\HiJackThis\HijackThis.exe

R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Bar = res://C:\WINNT\appsy.dll/sp.html#37049
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page = res://C:\WINNT\appsy.dll/sp.html#37049
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL = about:blank
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Search_URL = res://C:\WINNT\appsy.dll/sp.html#37049
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Bar = res://C:\WINNT\appsy.dll/sp.html#37049
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page = res://C:\WINNT\appsy.dll/sp.html#37049
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Search,SearchAssistant = res://C:\WINNT\appsy.dll/sp.html#37049
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Search,SearchAssistant = res://C:\WINNT\appsy.dll/sp.html#37049
R3 - Default URLSearchHook is missing
O2 - BHO: AcroIEHlprObj Class - {06849E9F-C8D7-4D59-B87D-784B7D6BE0B3} - C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 6.0\Reader\ActiveX\AcroIEHelper.dll
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {BD596101-B7D7-6CB1-29DD-E6A9B513F534} - C:\WINNT\system32\ntwj.dll
O3 - Toolbar: &Radio - {8E718888-423F-11D2-876E-00A0C9082467} - C:\WINNT\System32\msdxm.ocx
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [IgfxTray] C:\WINNT\System32\igfxtray.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [HotKeysCmds] C:\WINNT\System32\hkcmd.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Gateway Ink Monitor] "C:\Program Files\Gateway Utilities\GWInkMonitor.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NWTRAY] NWTRAY.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ccHelp] ccHelp.hta
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ccApp] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccApp.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [vptray] C:\PROGRA~1\SYMANT~1\VPTray.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [QuickTime Task] "C:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe" -atboottime
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [HPDJ Taskbar Utility] C:\WINNT\System32\spool\drivers\w32x86\3\hpztsb09.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [DeviceDiscovery] C:\Program Files\Hewlett-Packard\Digital Imaging\bin\hpotdd01.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [STOPzilla] "C:\Program Files\STOPzilla!\Stopzilla.exe" /autorun
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [MSConfig] C:\WINNT\PCHealth\HelpCtr\Binaries\MSConfig.exe /auto
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [d3xr.exe] C:\WINNT\d3xr.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\RunOnce: [mzmwv] C:\WINNT\Q331958.log:mzmwv
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [Weather] C:\PROGRA~1\AWS\WEATHE~1\Weather.exe 1
O4 - Global Startup: Microsoft Office.lnk = C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office\OSA9.EXE
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - (no file)
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Sun Java Console - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - (no file)
O9 - Extra button: WeatherBug - {AF6CABAB-61F9-4f12-A198-B7D41EF1CB52} - C:\PROGRA~1\AWS\WEATHE~1\Weather.exe (HKCU)
O16 - DPF: {10000000-1000-0000-1000-000000000000} - file://C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\jcwkjpbs.exe
O16 - DPF: {2B96D5CC-C5B5-49A5-A69D-CC0A30F9028C} (MiniBugTransporterX Class) - http://wdownload.weatherbug.com/minibug/tr...Transporter.cab?
O16 - DPF: {77E32299-629F-43C6-AB77-6A1E6D7663F6} - http://www.3dgroove.com/download/GrooveAX.cab
O16 - DPF: {94837F90-A2CA-4A8A-9DA0-B5438EC563EA} - http://install.wildtangent.com/cda/islandr...uncherSetup.cab
O16 - DPF: {AB29A544-D6B4-4E36-A1F8-D3E34FC7B00A} - http://install.wildtangent.com/bgn/partner...are/install.cab
O16 - DPF: {CA034DCC-A580-4333-B52F-15F98C42E04C} (Downloader Class) - http://www.stopzilla.com/_download/Auto_Installer/dwnldr.cab

1. Download AboutBuster ver. 3.0 here:
http://www.malwarebytes.biz/AboutBuster.zip

Unzip it to your desktop but don't run it yet we'll do that later on down in this list in SAFE MODE.

2. Print out these instructions so you have them handy as some of the steps need to be done in safe mode and you may not be able to go online. We need IE to remain closed throughout the process.

3. Make sure your PC is configured to show hidden files

Open Windows Explorer & Go to Tools > Folder Options. Click on the View tab and make sure that "Show hidden files and folders" is checked. Also uncheck "Hide protected operating system files" and untick "hide extensions for known file types" . Now click "Apply to all folders"
Click "Apply" then "OK"

4. Next, go to Start->Run and type "Services.msc" (without quotes) then hit Ok

Scroll down and find the service called 'Network Security Service' or 'Remote Procedure Call (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 click on properties and under the General Tab, change the Startup Type to Disabled. Now hit Apply and then Ok and close any open windows.

5. Reboot to Safe Mode
How to start the computer in Safe mode
http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT/tsgen...001052409420406

6. Scan with Hijack This (current version is 198.2) and put checks next to all the following, then click "Fix Checked".
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Bar = res://C:\WINNT\appsy.dll/sp.html#37049
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page = res://C:\WINNT\appsy.dll/sp.html#37049
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL = about:blank
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Search_URL = res://C:\WINNT\appsy.dll/sp.html#37049
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Bar = res://C:\WINNT\appsy.dll/sp.html#37049
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page = res://C:\WINNT\appsy.dll/sp.html#37049
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Search,SearchAssistant = res://C:\WINNT\appsy.dll/sp.html#37049
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Search,SearchAssistant = res://C:\WINNT\appsy.dll/sp.html#37049
R3 - Default URLSearchHook is missing


O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [d3xr.exe] C:\WINNT\d3xr.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\RunOnce: [mzmwv] C:\WINNT\Q331958.log:mzmwv

O16 - DPF: {10000000-1000-0000-1000-000000000000} - file://C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\jcwkjpbs.exe
O16 - DPF: {2B96D5CC-C5B5-49A5-A69D-CC0A30F9028C} (MiniBugTransporterX Class) - http://wdownload.weatherbug.com/minibug/tr...Transporter.cab?
O16 - DPF: {77E32299-629F-43C6-AB77-6A1E6D7663F6} - http://www.3dgroove.com/download/GrooveAX.cab
O16 - DPF: {94837F90-A2CA-4A8A-9DA0-B5438EC563EA} - http://install.wildtangent.com/cda/islandr...uncherSetup.cab
O16 - DPF: {AB29A544-D6B4-4E36-A1F8-D3E34FC7B00A} - http://install.wildtangent.com/bgn/partner...are/install.cab

Delete the following files/folders:
C:\WINNT\Q331958.log:mzmwv
C:\WINNT\d3xr.exe
C:\WINNT\appsy.dll
C:\WINNT\system32\ntwj.dll

7. Double click on the AboutBuster tool I had you download earlier. Follow the instruction prompts to use the program and let do two scans (it will ask). When finished, press the *Save log* button. I will want a copy of that log after all steps are completed here.

8. Scan with Adaware and let it remove any bad files found.

9. Clean out temporary and TIF files. Go to Start > Run and type in the box: cleanmgr. Let it scan your system for files to remove. Make sure these 3 are checked and then press *ok* to remove:
Temporary Files
Temporary Internet Files
Recycle Bin

10. Reboot to normal mode, scan again with Hijack This and post a new log here.

11. NOTE:Two possibly three or four files may have been deleted from your computer by the hijacker and may need to be replaced.

Control.exe
Shell.dll
SDHelper.dll (if you are using Spybot Search & Destroy)
Hosts file (no extension)

If control.exe, shell.dll or SDHelper is missing
Go here: http://spywareinfo.com/~merijn/winfiles.html and download the needed file.

For a missing Hosts file:
Download Hoster from here: http://members.aol.com/toadbee/hoster.zip
Press 'Restore Original Hosts' and press 'OK'
Exit Program.
Note: if you were using a custom Hosts file you will need to replace any of those entries yourself

If you have Spybot S&D installed and SDHelper.dll is missing, replace it here:
http://www.spywareinfo.com/~merijn/winfiles.html#sdhelper and download SDHelper.dll. Copy the file to the folder containing your Spybot S&D program (normally C:\Program Files\Spybot - Search & Destroy)

12. 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.
Quote:

ActiveX controls and plug-ins
* Download signed ActiveX controls (Prompt)
* Download unsigned ActiveX controls (Disable)
* Initialize and script ActiveX controls not marked as safe (Disable)
* Run ActiveX controls and plug-ins (Enabled) (This actually refers to Java and Flash, not ActiveX)
* Script ActiveX controls marked safe for scripting (Prompt)



13. Finally, do an online scan at the following site. Let it remove any infected files found.
Trend Micro (PC-cillin) - Free on-line Scan
http://housecall.antivirus.com

Finally, when you are all done, please post the new HJT log and the AboutBuster log here for review

Seems to be running much better. Here are my new HiJack This and AboutBuster logs. Thanks!


Logfile of HijackThis v1.98.2
Scan saved at 10:06:52 AM, on 10/4/2004
Platform: Windows XP SP1 (WinNT 5.01.2600)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v6.00 SP1 (6.00.2800.1106)

Running processes:
C:\WINNT\System32\smss.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\winlogon.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\services.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\lsass.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\svchost.exe
C:\WINNT\System32\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccSetMgr.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccEvtMgr.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\WINNT\System32\cusrvc.exe
C:\Program Files\Symantec AntiVirus\DefWatch.exe
C:\Program Files\Symantec AntiVirus\SavRoam.exe
C:\Program Files\Symantec AntiVirus\Rtvscan.exe
C:\WINNT\Explorer.EXE
C:\WINNT\System32\hkcmd.exe
C:\Program Files\Gateway Utilities\GWInkMonitor.exe
C:\WINNT\System32\NWTRAY.EXE
C:\WINNT\System32\mshta.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccApp.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\SYMANT~1\VPTray.exe
C:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe
C:\Program Files\Hewlett-Packard\Digital Imaging\bin\hpotdd01.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\AWS\WEATHE~1\Weather.exe
C:\Program Files\HiJackThis\HijackThis.exe

R3 - Default URLSearchHook is missing
O2 - BHO: AcroIEHlprObj Class - {06849E9F-C8D7-4D59-B87D-784B7D6BE0B3} - C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 6.0\Reader\ActiveX\AcroIEHelper.dll
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {BD596101-B7D7-6CB1-29DD-E6A9B513F534} - C:\WINNT\system32\ntwj.dll (file missing)
O3 - Toolbar: &Radio - {8E718888-423F-11D2-876E-00A0C9082467} - C:\WINNT\System32\msdxm.ocx
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [IgfxTray] C:\WINNT\System32\igfxtray.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [HotKeysCmds] C:\WINNT\System32\hkcmd.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Gateway Ink Monitor] "C:\Program Files\Gateway Utilities\GWInkMonitor.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NWTRAY] NWTRAY.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ccHelp] ccHelp.hta
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ccApp] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccApp.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [vptray] C:\PROGRA~1\SYMANT~1\VPTray.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [QuickTime Task] "C:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe" -atboottime
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [HPDJ Taskbar Utility] C:\WINNT\System32\spool\drivers\w32x86\3\hpztsb09.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [DeviceDiscovery] C:\Program Files\Hewlett-Packard\Digital Imaging\bin\hpotdd01.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [STOPzilla] "C:\Program Files\STOPzilla!\Stopzilla.exe" /autorun
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [MSConfig] C:\WINNT\PCHealth\HelpCtr\Binaries\MSConfig.exe /auto
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [Weather] C:\PROGRA~1\AWS\WEATHE~1\Weather.exe 1
O4 - Global Startup: Microsoft Office.lnk = C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office\OSA9.EXE
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - (no file)
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Sun Java Console - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - (no file)
O9 - Extra button: WeatherBug - {AF6CABAB-61F9-4f12-A198-B7D41EF1CB52} - C:\PROGRA~1\AWS\WEATHE~1\Weather.exe (HKCU)
O16 - DPF: {CA034DCC-A580-4333-B52F-15F98C42E04C} (Downloader Class) - http://www.stopzilla.com/_download/Auto_Installer/dwnldr.cab




Scanned at: 9:29:50 AM on: 10/4/2004


-- Scan 1 ---------------------------
About:Buster Version 3.0
Reference List : 15

No ADS found on system
Removed 2 Random Key Entries
Deleted 1 Service Keys Successfully!
Removed! : C:\WINNT\apikq32.exe
Removed! : C:\WINNT\hpqho.dat
Removed! : C:\WINNT\kjlro.dat
Removed! : C:\WINNT\sysnj.exe
Removed! : C:\WINNT\yhxks.dat
Removed! : C:\WINNT\zsszd.dat
Removed! : C:\WINNT\System32\cireb.dat
Removed! : C:\WINNT\System32\netak32.exe
Removed! : C:\WINNT\System32\sqsfl.dat
Attempted Clean Of Temp folder.
Removed Uninstall Key (HSA)
Removed Uninstall Key (SE)
Removed Uninstall Key (SW)
Pages Reset... Done!

-- Scan 2 ---------------------------
About:Buster Version 3.0
Reference List : 15

No ADS found on system
Removed 2 Random Key Entries
Attempted Clean Of Temp folder.
Pages Reset... Done!

Almost there, just two items to remove and its done!

Check the following items in HiJackThis:
R3 - Default URLSearchHook is missing

O2 - BHO: (no name) - {BD596101-B7D7-6CB1-29DD-E6A9B513F534} - C:\WINNT\system32\ntwj.dll (file missing)

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://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'; and 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.

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.