My home computer has become infected with spyware. The intenet explorer home page keeps changing to www.vroomsearch.com and porn web sites keep opening up.

No matter what I have done to clean it up, as soon as I do a re-boot, if not sooner, this probelm keeps recurring.

Here is what I have done so far:

- In IE, I have reset my Web Settings and, for Temporary Internet Files, I have delete cookies and files, and cleared the history.

- I have run Norton Antivirus and no new viruses are found.

- I have run CWShredder which discovered 3 files (atdmt.com, doubleclick.net, tribalfusion.com), in Internet Explorer Cache, which I have deleted.

- I have run Ad-Aware SE which found 3 critical and 15 negligible objects, which I have quarantined.

- I have run Spybot S&D, which found 7 problems: Aornum-1 entry, Alexa Related-1entry, DSO Exploit-5 entries. I have fixed these problems

- I have run Hijackthis, resulting in the following log:

Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.1
Scan saved at 2:14:18 PM, on 4/16/2005
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\LEXBCES.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\LEXPPS.EXE
C:\Program Files\NavNT\defwatch.exe
c:\sdwork\issimsvc.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\AT&TNE~1\NetCfgSv.EXE
C:\Program Files\NavNT\rtvscan.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\nvsvc32.exe
C:\Program Files\Analog Devices\SoundMAX\SMAgent.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\ZoneLabs\vsmon.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\MsgSys.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\System32\PROMon.exe
C:\Program Files\Analog Devices\SoundMAX\Smtray.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\dla\tfswctrl.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\SKDAEMON.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\System32\NMSSvc.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\ICO.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\System32\Pelmiced.exe
C:\Program Files\Microsoft Works\WksSb.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\Works Shared\WkUFind.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\LXSUPMON.EXE
C:\Program Files\NavNT\vptray.exe
C:\sdwork\w32main2.exe
C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
C:\Program Files\Zone Labs\Integrity Client\iclient.exe
D:\lotus\organize\easyclip.exe
D:\lotus\smartctr\SMARTCTR.EXE
D:\lotus\smartctr\SUITEST.EXE
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\Works Shared\wkcalrem.exe
C:\Program Files\interMute\SpySubtract\SpySub.exe
C:\Documents and Settings\John Smith\My Documents\Software\Hijack This Anti-Spyware\HijackThis.exe

R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer,SearchURL = http://www.vroomsearch.com/
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Bar = http://www.vroomsearch.com/
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page = http://www.vroomsearch.com/
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Search,SearchAssistant = http://www.vroomsearch.com/
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Search,SearchAssistant = http://www.vroomsearch.com/
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings,ProxyOverride = ;localhost;<local>
O2 - BHO: AcroIEHlprObj Class - {06849E9F-C8D7-4D59-B87D-784B7D6BE0B3} - C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 5.0\Reader\ActiveX\AcroIEHelper.ocx
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {53707962-6F74-2D53-2644-206D7942484F} - C:\PROGRA~1\SPYBOT~1\SDHelper.dll
O2 - BHO: ohb - {F0C08B30-BA30-4FEB-924B-2E250CF0697D} - C:\WINDOWS\System32\siq.dll
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {FDD3B846-8D59-4ffb-8758-209B6AD74ACC} - C:\Program Files\Microsoft Money\System\mnyviewer.dll
O3 - Toolbar: &Radio - {8E718888-423F-11D2-876E-00A0C9082467} - C:\WINDOWS\System32\msdxm.ocx
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NvCplDaemon] RUNDLL32.EXE C:\WINDOWS\System32\NvCpl.dll,NvStartup
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [nwiz] nwiz.exe /install
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [PROMon.exe] PROMon.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Smapp] C:\Program Files\Analog Devices\SoundMAX\Smtray.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Tgcmd] "C:\Program Files\Support.com\bin\tgcmd.exe /server"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [StorageGuard] "C:\Program Files\VERITAS Software\Update Manager\sgtray.exe" /r
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [dla] C:\WINDOWS\system32\dla\tfswctrl.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [BluetoothAuthenticationAgent] rundll32.exe irprops.cpl,,BluetoothAuthenticationAgent
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Hot Key Kbd Daemon] SKDAEMON.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Mouse Suite 98 Daemon] ICO.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [WorksFUD] C:\Program Files\Microsoft Works\wkfud.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Microsoft Works Portfolio] C:\Program Files\Microsoft Works\WksSb.exe /AllUsers
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Microsoft Works Update Detection] C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\Works Shared\WkUFind.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [MoneyStartUp10.0] "C:\Program Files\Microsoft Money\System\Activation.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [LXSUPMON] C:\WINDOWS\System32\LXSUPMON.EXE RUN
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ISSI EZUpdate Service] "c:\sdwork\issimsvc.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [vptray] C:\Program Files\NavNT\vptray.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [w32msgr] C:\sdwork\w32main2.exe /log c:\sdwork\msgr.txt ospdb.pok.ibm.com
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [MSMSGS] "C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe" /background
O4 - Global Startup: GapSDR.lnk = C:\Documents and Settings\Jane Smith\My Documents\Mom's Notes\Snow Day\GapSDR.exe
O4 - Global Startup: Integrity Client.lnk = C:\Program Files\Zone Labs\Integrity Client\iclient.exe
O4 - Global Startup: Lotus Organizer EasyClip.lnk = ?
O4 - Global Startup: Lotus QuickStart.lnk = ?
O4 - Global Startup: Lotus SmartCenter.lnk = D:\lotus\smartctr\SMARTCTR.EXE
O4 - Global Startup: Lotus SuiteStart.lnk = D:\lotus\smartctr\SUITEST.EXE
O4 - Global Startup: Microsoft Office.lnk = C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office10\OSA.EXE
O4 - Global Startup: Microsoft Works Calendar Reminders.lnk = ?
O4 - Global Startup: SpySubtract.lnk = C:\Program Files\interMute\SpySubtract\SpySub.exe
O9 - Extra button: MoneySide - {E023F504-0C5A-4750-A1E7-A9046DEA8A21} - C:\Program Files\Microsoft Money\System\mnyviewer.dll
O9 - Extra button: Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Program Files\Messenger\MSMSGS.EXE
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Program Files\Messenger\MSMSGS.EXE
O10 - Unknown file in Winsock LSP: c:\program files\aventail\connect\asnsp.dll
O10 - Unknown file in Winsock LSP: c:\program files\aventail\connect\aslsp.dll
O10 - Unknown file in Winsock LSP: c:\program files\aventail\connect\aslsp.dll
O10 - Unknown file in Winsock LSP: c:\program files\aventail\connect\aslsp.dll
O12 - Plugin for .spop: C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\Plugins\NPDocBox.dll
O16 - DPF: {35F49483-7BB9-46A0-90EB-9278FE8771F7} (Project1.AddChild) - http://www.rogershelp.com/help/content/tro...ld/addchild.cab
O16 - DPF: {DAB941D8-BC94-4819-AB4D-5598C65FA3FE} (iiittt Class) - http://tb.searchitquick.com/v30/siq.cab
O20 - Winlogon Notify: NavLogon - C:\WINDOWS\System32\NavLogon.dll
O23 - Service: DefWatch - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\NavNT\defwatch.exe
O23 - Service: ISSI EZUpdate (ISSIMon) - IBM Global Services - c:\sdwork\issimsvc.exe
O23 - Service: LexBce Server (LexBceS) - Lexmark International, Inc. - C:\WINDOWS\system32\LEXBCES.EXE
O23 - Service: Network Configuration Service (NetCfgSvr) - AT&T - C:\PROGRA~1\AT&TNE~1\NetCfgSv.EXE
O23 - Service: Intel® NMS (NMSSvc) - Intel Corporation - C:\WINDOWS\System32\NMSSvc.exe
O23 - Service: Norton AntiVirus Client (Norton AntiVirus Server) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\NavNT\rtvscan.exe
O23 - Service: NVIDIA Driver Helper Service (NVSvc) - NVIDIA Corporation - C:\WINDOWS\System32\nvsvc32.exe
O23 - Service: PLSRemote Service (PLSRemoteSvc) - Unknown owner - C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\PLSRemote.exe
O23 - Service: SoundMAX Agent Service (SoundMAX Agent Service (default)) - Analog Devices, Inc. - C:\Program Files\Analog Devices\SoundMAX\SMAgent.exe
O23 - Service: TrueVector Internet Monitor (vsmon) - Zone Labs Inc. - C:\WINDOWS\system32\ZoneLabs\vsmon.exe


I think that the entries in Hijackthis which I need to fix are:

R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer,SearchURL = http://www.vroomsearch.com/
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Bar = http://www.vroomsearch.com/
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page = http://www.vroomsearch.com/
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Search,SearchAssistant = http://www.vroomsearch.com/
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Search,SearchAssistant = http://www.vroomsearch.com/
O2 - BHO: ohb - {F0C08B30-BA30-4FEB-924B-2E250CF0697D} - C:\WINDOWS\System32\siq.dll
O16 - DPF: {DAB941D8-BC94-4819-AB4D-5598C65FA3FE} (iiittt Class) - http://tb.searchitquick.com/v30/siq.cab


Is this list correct and are there any others that I need to fix ?

I also think that I need to delete C:\Windows\System32\siq.dll
Is this correct and is there anything else that I should delete ?

Is there anything else that I should do to clean my system ?

Thanks very much !

First:
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.

Check the following items in HiJackThis:
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer,SearchURL = http://www.vroomsearch.com/
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Bar = http://www.vroomsearch.com/
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page = http://www.vroomsearch.com/
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Search,SearchAssistant = http://www.vroomsearch.com/
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Search,SearchAssistant = http://www.vroomsearch.com/

O2 - BHO: ohb - {F0C08B30-BA30-4FEB-924B-2E250CF0697D} - C:\WINDOWS\System32\siq.dll

O16 - DPF: {DAB941D8-BC94-4819-AB4D-5598C65FA3FE} (iiittt Class) - http://tb.searchitquick.com/v30/siq.cab

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


Second:
DO NOT DO THIS STEP IF YOU HAVE NOT ALREADY. THESE FILES ARE VALID!!


Download WinSockFix from here:http://www.softpedia.com/get/Tweak/Network-Tweak/WinSockFix.shtml

Download LSPfix here: »www.cexx.org/lspfix.htm

Launch the Launch LSPFix, and click the "I know what I'm doing" checkbox.
Check all instances of asnsp.dll & aslsp.dll (and nothing else) , and move them to the "Remove" pane.
Then click Finish

Reboot

Check your internet connection and verify that it is working. In rare instances LSPFix may break your connection. If this happens, run WinSockFix to repair it.


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

Thanks for getting back to me so quickly but let me confirm.

I do have Hijackthis in its own folder (i.e. C:\Documents and Settings\John Smith\My Documents\Software\Hijack\) where I see the executable and the log.

You have asked me to use Hijackthis to fix the entries, that I suspected, in the first step. But should I not also delete the file C:\Windows\System32\siq.dll ?

However, I don't understand your second step (Second:
DO NOT DO THIS STEP IF YOU HAVE NOT ALREADY. THESE FILES ARE VALID!!)
as I have not yet done anything as I am awaiting your reply. Should I not do anything in this second step and only re-run Hijackthis after using it to fix the entries in the first step ?

Thanks again.

HiJackThis will delete the file associated with an O2 (BHO) entry making manual deletion unnecessary. The only time you have to manually remove an O2 file is if is also used in another section, (eg: O18 which often happens with CWS exploits).

I was not sure if you have already seen the second step or not so I did not remove it entirely. The O10 entries in your log are valid and there is no need to download or run LSPfix.

OK, I have used Hijack this to fix only the entries suggested.

I have re-run Hijacjthis scanner and here is the log.

Am I clean now or is there something else I should still do ?

Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.1
Scan saved at 7:36:08 PM, on 4/16/2005
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\LEXBCES.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\LEXPPS.EXE
C:\Program Files\NavNT\defwatch.exe
c:\sdwork\issimsvc.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\AT&TNE~1\NetCfgSv.EXE
C:\Program Files\NavNT\rtvscan.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\nvsvc32.exe
C:\Program Files\Analog Devices\SoundMAX\SMAgent.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\ZoneLabs\vsmon.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\MsgSys.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\System32\PROMon.exe
C:\Program Files\Analog Devices\SoundMAX\Smtray.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\dla\tfswctrl.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\SKDAEMON.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\System32\NMSSvc.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\ICO.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\System32\Pelmiced.exe
C:\Program Files\Microsoft Works\WksSb.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\Works Shared\WkUFind.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\LXSUPMON.EXE
C:\Program Files\NavNT\vptray.exe
C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
C:\Program Files\Zone Labs\Integrity Client\iclient.exe
D:\lotus\organize\easyclip.exe
D:\lotus\smartctr\SMARTCTR.EXE
D:\lotus\smartctr\SUITEST.EXE
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\Works Shared\wkcalrem.exe
C:\Program Files\interMute\SpySubtract\SpySub.exe
C:\Documents and Settings\John Smith\My Documents\Software\Hijack This Anti-Spyware\HijackThis.exe

R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings,ProxyOverride = ;localhost;<local>
O2 - BHO: AcroIEHlprObj Class - {06849E9F-C8D7-4D59-B87D-784B7D6BE0B3} - C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 5.0\Reader\ActiveX\AcroIEHelper.ocx
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {53707962-6F74-2D53-2644-206D7942484F} - C:\PROGRA~1\SPYBOT~1\SDHelper.dll
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {FDD3B846-8D59-4ffb-8758-209B6AD74ACC} - C:\Program Files\Microsoft Money\System\mnyviewer.dll
O3 - Toolbar: &Radio - {8E718888-423F-11D2-876E-00A0C9082467} - C:\WINDOWS\System32\msdxm.ocx
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NvCplDaemon] RUNDLL32.EXE C:\WINDOWS\System32\NvCpl.dll,NvStartup
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [nwiz] nwiz.exe /install
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [PROMon.exe] PROMon.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Smapp] C:\Program Files\Analog Devices\SoundMAX\Smtray.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Tgcmd] "C:\Program Files\Support.com\bin\tgcmd.exe /server"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [StorageGuard] "C:\Program Files\VERITAS Software\Update Manager\sgtray.exe" /r
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [dla] C:\WINDOWS\system32\dla\tfswctrl.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [BluetoothAuthenticationAgent] rundll32.exe irprops.cpl,,BluetoothAuthenticationAgent
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Hot Key Kbd Daemon] SKDAEMON.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Mouse Suite 98 Daemon] ICO.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [WorksFUD] C:\Program Files\Microsoft Works\wkfud.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Microsoft Works Portfolio] C:\Program Files\Microsoft Works\WksSb.exe /AllUsers
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Microsoft Works Update Detection] C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\Works Shared\WkUFind.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [MoneyStartUp10.0] "C:\Program Files\Microsoft Money\System\Activation.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [LXSUPMON] C:\WINDOWS\System32\LXSUPMON.EXE RUN
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ISSI EZUpdate Service] "c:\sdwork\issimsvc.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [vptray] C:\Program Files\NavNT\vptray.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [w32msgr] C:\sdwork\w32main2.exe /log c:\sdwork\msgr.txt ospdb.pok.ibm.com
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [MSMSGS] "C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe" /background
O4 - Global Startup: GapSDR.lnk = C:\Documents and Settings\Jane Smith\My Documents\Mom's Notes\Snow Day\GapSDR.exe
O4 - Global Startup: Integrity Client.lnk = C:\Program Files\Zone Labs\Integrity Client\iclient.exe
O4 - Global Startup: Lotus Organizer EasyClip.lnk = ?
O4 - Global Startup: Lotus QuickStart.lnk = ?
O4 - Global Startup: Lotus SmartCenter.lnk = D:\lotus\smartctr\SMARTCTR.EXE
O4 - Global Startup: Lotus SuiteStart.lnk = D:\lotus\smartctr\SUITEST.EXE
O4 - Global Startup: Microsoft Office.lnk = C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office10\OSA.EXE
O4 - Global Startup: Microsoft Works Calendar Reminders.lnk = ?
O4 - Global Startup: SpySubtract.lnk = C:\Program Files\interMute\SpySubtract\SpySub.exe
O9 - Extra button: MoneySide - {E023F504-0C5A-4750-A1E7-A9046DEA8A21} - C:\Program Files\Microsoft Money\System\mnyviewer.dll
O9 - Extra button: Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Program Files\Messenger\MSMSGS.EXE
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Program Files\Messenger\MSMSGS.EXE
O10 - Unknown file in Winsock LSP: c:\program files\aventail\connect\asnsp.dll
O10 - Unknown file in Winsock LSP: c:\program files\aventail\connect\aslsp.dll
O10 - Unknown file in Winsock LSP: c:\program files\aventail\connect\aslsp.dll
O10 - Unknown file in Winsock LSP: c:\program files\aventail\connect\aslsp.dll
O12 - Plugin for .spop: C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\Plugins\NPDocBox.dll
O16 - DPF: {35F49483-7BB9-46A0-90EB-9278FE8771F7} (Project1.AddChild) - http://www.rogershelp.com/help/content/tro...ld/addchild.cab
O20 - Winlogon Notify: NavLogon - C:\WINDOWS\System32\NavLogon.dll
O23 - Service: DefWatch - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\NavNT\defwatch.exe
O23 - Service: ISSI EZUpdate (ISSIMon) - IBM Global Services - c:\sdwork\issimsvc.exe
O23 - Service: LexBce Server (LexBceS) - Lexmark International, Inc. - C:\WINDOWS\system32\LEXBCES.EXE
O23 - Service: Network Configuration Service (NetCfgSvr) - AT&T - C:\PROGRA~1\AT&TNE~1\NetCfgSv.EXE
O23 - Service: Intel® NMS (NMSSvc) - Intel Corporation - C:\WINDOWS\System32\NMSSvc.exe
O23 - Service: Norton AntiVirus Client (Norton AntiVirus Server) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\NavNT\rtvscan.exe
O23 - Service: NVIDIA Driver Helper Service (NVSvc) - NVIDIA Corporation - C:\WINDOWS\System32\nvsvc32.exe
O23 - Service: PLSRemote Service (PLSRemoteSvc) - Unknown owner - C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\PLSRemote.exe
O23 - Service: SoundMAX Agent Service (SoundMAX Agent Service (default)) - Analog Devices, Inc. - C:\Program Files\Analog Devices\SoundMAX\SMAgent.exe
O23 - Service: TrueVector Internet Monitor (vsmon) - Zone Labs Inc. - C:\WINDOWS\system32\ZoneLabs\vsmon.exe


Thanks again for your help.

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:
Make sure that you have all the Critical Updates recommended for your operating system and Internet Explorer. This includes SP1 and SP2 if you use Windows XP. The first defense against infection is a properly patched Operating System.
a. Windows Update: http://v5.windowsupdate.microsoft.com/en/default.asp

2. Adjust your security settings for ActiveX:
Select Internet Options from the Control Panels, or from Internet Explorer (Tools -> Internet Options)
Press 'default level', then OK
Now press "Custom Level."

In the ActiveX controls and plug-ins section set these options:
'Download singed ActiveX controls' - Prompt
'Download unsigned ActiveX controls' - Disable
'Initialize and script ActiveX controls not maked as safe'- Disable
All other options accept the default

3. Download and install the following free programs
a. SpywareBlaster: http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/spywareblaster.html
b. IE/Spyad: https://netfiles.uiuc.edu/ehowes/www/resource.htm
c. BHODemon: http://www.definitivesolutions.com/bhodemon.htm

4. Install Spyware Detection and Removal Programs:
You may also want to consider installing one of the following:
a. Microsoft AntiSpyware: http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/s...re/default.mspx
NOTE: MS AntiSpyware only runs on Windows 2000, XP, and 2003.
b. Spybot S&D: http://security.kolla.de/index.php?lang=en&page=download
c. AdAware: http://www.lavasoft.de/

Use these programs to regularly scan your system for and remove many forms of spyware/malware. I recommend and use Micosoft AntiSpyware.

If you use, or plan on using, additional spyware/malware detection and/or removal programs, please check Items 8 and 9.

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. Clean Temporary Files and Folders
Download and install the disk cleanup utility called Cleanup! from here:
http://cleanup.stevengould.org/
http://www.hijackthislogs.com/dl/CleanUp312.exe

Cleanup! will get rid of any malware which may be hiding in your temp folders (a common hiding place). You may also regain a massive amount of disk space.
Here is a tutorial which describes its usage:
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/tutorial93.html

Run the disk cleanup utility called Cleanup! that you have already downloaded and installed
Check the custom settings to your liking under options, but be sure to delete temporary files and temporary internet files for all user profiles. Also, cleanout the prefetch folder and the recycle bin.
Then reboot into normal mode to let it clean out the remaining files.


8. 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

9. 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://www.spywarewarrior.com/asw-test-guide.htm

10. Alternate Browser
Consider using an alternate browser as your default. I recommend and use Firefox as my primary browser. It is still necessary to keep Internet Explorer current and protected in order to use Windows Update.


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."

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Thanks very much for all of your help.

I am no longer having any apparent problems with this particular spyware but do have a couple more questions.

- when I search my registry, I still see numerous (about 10) references to C:\Windows\System32\siq.dll and, although this dll no longer exists on my system, I am wondering whether or not I should be concerned and if there is anything that I should do about this ?

- even after completing all of your suggestions and, although I don't appear to be having any problems now, when I run Spybot S&D, it still says that there are 5 problems. Even though I fix them, if I run Spybot S&D immediately again, it still says that I have 5 problems. Shouls I be concerned about this and, if so, is there anythign that I should do about it ?

Thanks again.

The siq.dll references can be rmeoved from your registry using regedit. Find them by search first, then deleted them.

THe Spybot issue may be simple if they are the DSO exploits. If you are using version 1.3 there is a bug in it that returns those values when they are actually valid. A new version 1.4rc is available. Download, install and run it.