This is my husband's laptop...it was running at a snails pace....I removed almost 500 items after scanning with Adaware & Spybot, many of which were registry entries. Just would like to know if I missed anything! Thanks for looking!

Logfile of HijackThis v1.98.2
Scan saved at 3:36:18 PM, on 12/6/2004
Platform: Windows 2000 SP1 (WinNT 5.00.2195)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v5.00 (5.00.2920.0000)

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\spoolsv.exe
C:\WINNT\System32\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\VS7Debug\mdm.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\regsvc.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\MSTask.exe
C:\WINNT\System32\WBEM\WinMgmt.exe
C:\WINNT\Explorer.exe
C:\WINNT\loadqm.exe
C:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe
C:\WINNT\System32\ctfmon.exe
C:\Program Files\WinZip\WZQKPICK.EXE
C:\Program Files\Linksys\Wireless-G Notebook Adapter\OdHost.exe
C:\Program Files\Linksys\Wireless-G Notebook Adapter\WPC54Cfg.exe
C:\hijackthis\HijackThis.exe

R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Search,CustomizeSearch =
R3 - URLSearchHook: (no name) - {965A592F-8EFA-4250-8630-7960230792F1} - (no file)
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {243B17DE-77C7-46BF-B94B-0B5F309A0E64} - C:\Program Files\Microsoft Money\System\mnyside.dll
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {53707962-6F74-2D53-2644-206D7942484F} - C:\Program Files\Spybot - Search & Destroy\SDHelper.dll
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {FDD3B846-8D59-4ffb-8758-209B6AD74ACC} - (no file)
O3 - Toolbar: (no name) - {BA52B914-B692-46c4-B683-905236F6F655} - (no file)
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Synchronization Manager] mobsync.exe /logon
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [LoadQM] loadqm.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Jawa32] C:\WINNT\jawa32.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [QuickTime Task] "C:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe" -atboottime
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [ctfmon.exe] ctfmon.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [MoneyAgent] "C:\Program Files\Microsoft Money\System\mnyexpr.exe"
O4 - Global Startup: Microsoft Office.lnk = C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office10\OSA.EXE
O4 - Global Startup: WinZip Quick Pick.lnk = C:\Program Files\WinZip\WZQKPICK.EXE
O4 - Global Startup: Wireless-G Notebook Adapter Utility.lnk = C:\Program Files\Linksys\Wireless-G Notebook Adapter\Startup.exe
O8 - Extra context menu item: E&xport to Microsoft Excel - res://C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~2\Office10\EXCEL.EXE/3000
O9 - Extra button: MoneySide - {E023F504-0C5A-4750-A1E7-A9046DEA8A21} - C:\Program Files\Microsoft Money\System\mnyside.dll
O16 - DPF: {3C648A72-C49A-48EF-9F90-68EF13293F97} (Cacher Class) - http://www.priv.sar_fl.xmlsweb.com/XMLSearch/XMLCache.CAB
O16 - DPF: {41F17733-B041-4099-A042-B518BB6A408C} - http://a1540.g.akamai.net/7/1540/52/200411...meInstaller.exe
O16 - DPF: {4ED9DDF0-7479-4BBE-9335-5A1EDB1D8A21} - http://bin.mcafee.com/molbin/shared/mcinsc...84/mcinsctl.cab
O16 - DPF: {7EB15626-CB8E-4174-8A72-C055B12B4310} (CQD2Loader Object) - http://smartdownloader.com/installer.dll
O16 - DPF: {BCC0FF27-31D9-4614-A68E-C18E1ADA4389} - http://bin.mcafee.com/molbin/shared/mcgdmg...,21/mcgdmgr.cab

First:
Your Windows and Internet Explorer are out of date and a security disaster waitng to happen. Update to Windows 2000 SP4, and IE 6.0 SP2.


Second:
YOu have no Anti-Virus product. If you are on the web, this is mandatory. AVG and Avast both offer free programs with frequent updates. You can Googleto find the web sites. Also, You should consider installing a firewall. Zone Alarm has an excellent free firewall. FInally consider an anti trojan and spyware protection. A2 (A squared) is a good free ANti-trojan program that provides on demand scanning. I will reocmmend spyware protection later on.


Third:
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.

Reboot in Safe Mode* and run HiJackThis. <-- IMPORTANT

Check the following items in HijackThis.
R3 - URLSearchHook: (no name) - {965A592F-8EFA-4250-8630-7960230792F1} - (no file)

O2 - BHO: (no name) - {FDD3B846-8D59-4ffb-8758-209B6AD74ACC} - (no file)

O3 - Toolbar: (no name) - {BA52B914-B692-46c4-B683-905236F6F655} - (no file)

O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Jawa32] C:\WINNT\jawa32.exe

O16 - DPF: {7EB15626-CB8E-4174-8A72-C055B12B4310} (CQD2Loader Object) - http://smartdownloader.com/installer.dll


Close all windows except HijackThis and click Fix checked.

While still in Safe Mode*, delete the following: (you may need to show hidden files**)
C:\WINNT\jawa32.exe

*How to Boot into Safe mode: http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT/tsgen...001052409420406
**Show Hidden and System files and folders
http://www.xtra.co.nz/help/0,,4155-1916458,00.html

Also, uncheck the boxes for hiding known file extensions and hiding protected operating system files. We want to see it all. When we finish here, it would be a good idea to rehide the protected operating system files but leave the rest to be shown.

Reboot in normal mode.

HiJackThis version 198.2 is now available.
If you do not already have it installed, download it from here:
http://www.computercops.biz/downloads-file-328.html
http://tomcoyote.org/hjt/

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

OK, has taken all morning to do the updates (Windows SP4 and IE 6.0 SP) and install the items suggested (AVG Anti Virus and A2). I do have a question about installing a software firewall. My Linksys router has one and it says on their website that I shouldn't (and don't need to) install a software firewall, as it will cause conflicts with the hardware firewall. This info given, I have not taken steps to add a software firewall.

Thank you for your help!

Here is my updated HijackThis log:

Logfile of HijackThis v1.98.2
Scan saved at 12:33:09 PM, on 12/7/2004
Platform: Windows 2000 SP4 (WinNT 5.00.2195)
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\spoolsv.exe
C:\WINNT\System32\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\VS7Debug\mdm.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\regsvc.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\MSTask.exe
C:\WINNT\System32\WBEM\WinMgmt.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\svchost.exe
C:\WINNT\Explorer.EXE
C:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe
C:\WINNT\system32\ctfmon.exe
C:\Program Files\WinZip\WZQKPICK.EXE
C:\Program Files\Linksys\Wireless-G Notebook Adapter\OdHost.exe
C:\Program Files\Linksys\Wireless-G Notebook Adapter\WPC54Cfg.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgamsvr.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgupsvc.exe
C:\Program Files\Grisoft\AVG Free\avgcc.exe
C:\hijackthis\HijackThis.exe

O2 - BHO: (no name) - {243B17DE-77C7-46BF-B94B-0B5F309A0E64} - C:\Program Files\Microsoft Money\System\mnyside.dll
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {53707962-6F74-2D53-2644-206D7942484F} - C:\Program Files\Spybot - Search & Destroy\SDHelper.dll
O3 - Toolbar: &Radio - {8E718888-423F-11D2-876E-00A0C9082467} - C:\WINNT\system32\msdxm.ocx
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Synchronization Manager] mobsync.exe /logon
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [LoadQM] loadqm.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [QuickTime Task] "C:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe" -atboottime
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AVG7_CC] C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgcc.exe /STARTUP
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [ctfmon.exe] ctfmon.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [MoneyAgent] "C:\Program Files\Microsoft Money\System\mnyexpr.exe"
O4 - Global Startup: Microsoft Office.lnk = C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office10\OSA.EXE
O4 - Global Startup: WinZip Quick Pick.lnk = C:\Program Files\WinZip\WZQKPICK.EXE
O4 - Global Startup: Wireless-G Notebook Adapter Utility.lnk = C:\Program Files\Linksys\Wireless-G Notebook Adapter\Startup.exe
O8 - Extra context menu item: E&xport to Microsoft Excel - res://C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~2\Office10\EXCEL.EXE/3000
O9 - Extra button: Related - {c95fe080-8f5d-11d2-a20b-00aa003c157a} - C:\WINNT\web\related.htm
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Show &Related Links - {c95fe080-8f5d-11d2-a20b-00aa003c157a} - C:\WINNT\web\related.htm
O9 - Extra button: MoneySide - {E023F504-0C5A-4750-A1E7-A9046DEA8A21} - C:\Program Files\Microsoft Money\System\mnyside.dll
O16 - DPF: {3C648A72-C49A-48EF-9F90-68EF13293F97} (Cacher Class) - http://www.priv.sar_fl.xmlsweb.com/XMLSearch/XMLCache.CAB
O16 - DPF: {41F17733-B041-4099-A042-B518BB6A408C} - http://a1540.g.akamai.net/7/1540/52/200411...meInstaller.exe

Your log is clean.

It is your choice to run a software firewall or not. Personally, unless you have a dedicated hardware firewall, I would always run a software one. Note that the linksys firewall does not provide outbound protection! I use a Linksys WRT54GS and run Kerio. Linksys' statement re conflict is bunk. But again, the choice is yours.


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.