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Gladiator Security Forum > Malware Help Forum > HELP! Think you are Infected?
sunnyday
Hello,
Hope you can help, please!
I was going to use my burner with Roxio 5 Platinum Edition, but I decided to uninstall and reinstall because it seemed like it wasn't working quite right a few previous times before.
I uninstalled, and when I reinstalled, a message came up that the drive needed support, so I clikced "ok." My computer then asked for a restart. I did the restart, and it looked fine (various start ups flashed by - Asus, Nvidia, Windows XP Professional, and then the screen stayed blank (black). I tried rebooting a few more times, but the screen remained black after the first few items flashed on the screen.
I went to the internet and searched for the error (C:\WINDOWS\System32\NvCpl.dll) that had shown up after I had tried to install Roxio, and found that it could be a problem. I ran Hyjack This and deleted the NvCpl.dll file, but the computer display was not restored. I have tried changing the Settings on Display - they won't move. Currently, they are set at:
Screen Resolution: 800 x600
Color Quality: Lowest (4bit)
I also get a message that says the following when I try to go into Settings on the Display:
"The currently selected graphics display driver cannot be used. It was written for a previous version of Windows, and is no longer compatible with this version of Windows.
The system has been started using the default VGA driver.
Please contact your hardware manufacturer to get an upgraded driver, or select one of the Microsoft provided drivers."

My computer has a NVidia GeForce2 MX 400 card. This card was installed with the operating system - Microsoft Windows XP Professional.


Then I tried restarting using 'Safemode." My desktop did appear. Then I tried restarting in 'Normal' mode, but the display is still as if it is in 'Safemode."

I ran TrendMicro, last night, and found 3 uncleanable Trojans, which I deleted. I was going to send you the names of the Trojans, but unfortunately, I the paper has gone missing that they were written upon. I ran TrendMicro, again tonight, and the system is clean.

I have included the latest report from Hyjack This:
Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.1
Scan saved at 10:05:18 PM, on 5/2/2005
Platform: Windows XP SP1 (WinNT 5.01.2600)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v6.00 SP1 (6.00.2600.0000)

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\spoolsv.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\GEARSEC.EXE
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\VS7Debug\mdm.exe
C:\Program Files\Eset\nod32krn.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\Program Files\Common Files\ACD Systems\EN\DevDetect.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Logitech\QCDriver3\LVCOMS.EXE
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Real\Update_OB\realsched.exe
C:\Program Files\Eset\nod32kui.exe
C:\Program Files\HP\hpcoretech\hpcmpmgr.exe
C:\Program Files\HP\HP Software Update\HPWuSchd2.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\spool\drivers\w32x86\3\hpztsb09.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\hphmon05.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\ctfmon.exe
C:\Program Files\MSN Messenger\msnmsgr.exe
C:\Program Files\HP\Digital Imaging\bin\hpqtra08.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\HPZipm12.exe
C:\Program Files\Webshots\WebshotsTray.exe
C:\Program Files\SpywareGuard\sgmain.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\INCRED~1\bin\IMApp.exe
C:\Program Files\SpywareGuard\sgbhp.exe
C:\Program Files\HP\Digital Imaging\bin\hpqgalry.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\wuauclt.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\INCRED~1\bin\ImNotfy.exe
C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe
C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\OFFICE11\WINWORD.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\msagent\AgentSvr.exe
C:\1\hijackthis2\HijackThis.exe

R3 - Default URLSearchHook is missing
O3 - Toolbar: &Google - {2318C2B1-4965-11d4-9B18-009027A5CD4F} - c:\program files\google\googletoolbar2.dll
O3 - Toolbar: &Radio - {8E718888-423F-11D2-876E-00A0C9082467} - C:\WINDOWS\System32\msdxm.ocx
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Device Detector] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\ACD Systems\EN\DevDetect.exe" -autorun
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [LVCOMS] C:\Program Files\Common Files\Logitech\QCDriver3\LVCOMS.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [TkBellExe] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Real\Update_OB\realsched.exe" -osboot
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [nod32kui] "C:\Program Files\Eset\nod32kui.exe" /WAITSERVICE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [HP Component Manager] "C:\Program Files\HP\hpcoretech\hpcmpmgr.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [HP Software Update] "C:\Program Files\HP\HP Software Update\HPWuSchd2.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [HPDJ Taskbar Utility] C:\WINDOWS\System32\spool\drivers\w32x86\3\hpztsb09.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [HPHUPD05] C:\Program Files\HP\{D946675D-1D6C-4dc8-9E0D-B4B8EAA30EAA}\hphupd05.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [HPHmon05] C:\WINDOWS\System32\hphmon05.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [uaubrj69] C:\WINDOWS\System32\uaubrj69.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [ctfmon.exe] C:\WINDOWS\System32\ctfmon.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [IncrediMail] C:\Program Files\IncrediMail\bin\IncMail.exe /c
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [msnmsgr] "C:\Program Files\MSN Messenger\msnmsgr.exe" /background
O4 - Startup: Webshots.lnk = C:\Program Files\Webshots\WebshotsTray.exe
O4 - Startup: SpywareGuard.lnk = C:\Program Files\SpywareGuard\sgmain.exe
O4 - Startup: RollerCoaster Tycoon 3 Registration.lnk = C:\Documents and Settings\SONNIE\Local Settings\Temp\{A47779E2-1081-4DBA-B726-B6A7B29E0A96}\{907B4640-266B-4A21-92FB-CD1A86CD0F63}\ATR1.exe
O4 - Global Startup: Adobe Gamma Loader.lnk = C:\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe\Calibration\Adobe Gamma Loader.exe
O4 - Global Startup: HP Image Zone Fast Start.lnk = C:\Program Files\HP\Digital Imaging\bin\hpqthb08.exe
O4 - Global Startup: HP Digital Imaging Monitor.lnk = C:\Program Files\HP\Digital Imaging\bin\hpqtra08.exe
O8 - Extra context menu item: &Google Search - res://c:\program files\google\GoogleToolbar2.dll/cmsearch.html
O8 - Extra context menu item: Backward Links - res://c:\program files\google\GoogleToolbar2.dll/cmbacklinks.html
O8 - Extra context menu item: Cached Snapshot of Page - res://c:\program files\google\GoogleToolbar2.dll/cmcache.html
O8 - Extra context menu item: E&xport to Microsoft Excel - res://C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~3\OFFICE11\EXCEL.EXE/3000
O8 - Extra context menu item: Similar Pages - res://c:\program files\google\GoogleToolbar2.dll/cmsimilar.html
O8 - Extra context menu item: Translate into English - res://c:\program files\google\GoogleToolbar2.dll/cmtrans.html
O9 - Extra button: Research - {92780B25-18CC-41C8-B9BE-3C9C571A8263} - C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~3\OFFICE11\REFIEBAR.DLL
O16 - DPF: RaptisoftGameLoader - http://www.miniclip.com/hamsterball/raptisoftgameloader.cab
O16 - DPF: {00B71CFB-6864-4346-A978-C0A14556272C} (Checkers Class) - http://messenger.zone.msn.com/binary/msgrchkr.cab
O16 - DPF: {01CA75F1-054B-4A63-9221-C6926369EC52} (HS_live Control) - http://install.homestead.com/~site/Install...ive/HS_live.cab
O16 - DPF: {1239CC52-59EF-4DFA-8C61-90FFA846DF7E} (Musicnotes Viewer) - http://www.musicnotes.com/download/mnviewer.cab
O16 - DPF: {17D72920-7A15-11D4-921E-0080C8DA7A5E} (AimSp32 Class) - http://www.makeoversolutions.com/save/makeover.cab
O16 - DPF: {288C5F13-7E52-4ADA-A32E-F5BF9D125F98} (CR64Loader Object) - http://www.miniclip.com/bestfriends/miniclipGameLoader.dll
O16 - DPF: {2917297F-F02B-4B9D-81DF-494B6333150B} (Minesweeper Flags Class) - http://messenger.zone.msn.com/binary/MineSweeper.cab
O16 - DPF: {38578BF0-0ABB-11D3-9330-0080C6F796A1} (Create & Print ActiveX Plug-in) - http://di.imgag.com/imgag/cp/install/AxCtp.cab
O16 - DPF: {74D05D43-3236-11D4-BDCD-00C04F9A3B61} (HouseCall Control) - http://a840.g.akamai.net/7/840/537/2004061...all/xscan53.cab
O16 - DPF: {8E0D4DE5-3180-4024-A327-4DFAD1796A8D} (MessengerStatsClient Class) - http://messenger.zone.msn.com/binary/Messe...StatsClient.cab
O16 - DPF: {B38870E4-7ECB-40DA-8C6A-595F0A5519FF} (MsnMessengerSetupDownloadControl Class) - http://messenger.msn.com/download/MsnMesse...pDownloader.cab
O16 - DPF: {F00F4763-7355-4725-82F7-0DA94A256D46} (IncrediMail) - http://www5.incredimail.com/contents/setup...p1/imloader.cab
O16 - DPF: {F6BF0D00-0B2A-4A75-BF7B-F385591623AF} (Solitaire Showdown Class) - http://messenger.zone.msn.com/binary/SolitaireShowdown.cab
O23 - Service: GEARSecurity - GEAR Software - C:\WINDOWS\System32\GEARSEC.EXE
O23 - Service: iPod Service (iPodService) - Apple Computer, Inc. - C:\Program Files\iPod\bin\iPodService.exe
O23 - Service: NOD32 Kernel Service (NOD32krn) - Unknown owner - C:\Program Files\Eset\nod32krn.exe
O23 - Service: NVIDIA Display Driver Service (NVSvc) - NVIDIA Corporation - C:\WINDOWS\System32\nvsvc32.exe
O23 - Service: Pml Driver HPZ12 - HP - C:\WINDOWS\System32\HPZipm12.exe

I appreciate any help you can provide.

Thank you,

Sunny
LoPhatPhuud
Your first mistake was deleting NvCpl.dll. That is part of the nVidia system and is probably the cause of your video problems. You will need to find the file, or re-install your video software again.

"NvCpl.dll - This is loaded as a startup item. This loads the Nvidia Control Panel which is where you can tweak a ton of settings and overclock your card. Without this your drivers will be rather messed up and may or may not work properly."


Then..

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.
(note: If any R* items do not appear in Safe Mode, re-run HiJackThis in Normal Mode and remove them after you finish removing these items.)
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [uaubrj69] C:\WINDOWS\System32\uaubrj69.exe

Close all windows except HijackThis and click Fix checked.

While still in Safe Mode*, delete the following: (you may need to show hidden files**)
(Files specified without a full path will be located in C:\Windows\ or C:\Windows\System32\)
C:\WINDOWS\System32\uaubrj69.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

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

I downloaded the NvCpl.dll file.
I also installed my NVidia disk. I was promted to see if I wanted to overwrite two files that were newer than the source, and I chose 'no."

I deleted the 04-HKLM .... in Hyjack This, and also deleted it from WINDOWS32 system.

Here is my latest Hyjack This scan:
Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.1
Scan saved at 1:05:21 AM, on 5/3/2005
Platform: Windows XP SP1 (WinNT 5.01.2600)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v6.00 SP1 (6.00.2600.0000)

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\spoolsv.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\GEARSEC.EXE
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\VS7Debug\mdm.exe
C:\Program Files\Eset\nod32krn.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\Program Files\Common Files\ACD Systems\EN\DevDetect.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Logitech\QCDriver3\LVCOMS.EXE
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Real\Update_OB\realsched.exe
C:\Program Files\Eset\nod32kui.exe
C:\Program Files\HP\hpcoretech\hpcmpmgr.exe
C:\Program Files\HP\HP Software Update\HPWuSchd2.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\spool\drivers\w32x86\3\hpztsb09.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\wuauclt.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\hphmon05.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\ctfmon.exe
C:\Program Files\MSN Messenger\msnmsgr.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\HPZipm12.exe
C:\Program Files\HP\Digital Imaging\bin\hpqtra08.exe
C:\Program Files\Webshots\WebshotsTray.exe
C:\Program Files\SpywareGuard\sgmain.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\INCRED~1\bin\IMApp.exe
C:\Program Files\HP\Digital Imaging\bin\hpqgalry.exe
C:\Program Files\SpywareGuard\sgbhp.exe
C:\1\hijackthis2\HijackThis.exe

R3 - Default URLSearchHook is missing
O3 - Toolbar: &Google - {2318C2B1-4965-11d4-9B18-009027A5CD4F} - c:\program files\google\googletoolbar2.dll
O3 - Toolbar: &Radio - {8E718888-423F-11D2-876E-00A0C9082467} - C:\WINDOWS\System32\msdxm.ocx
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Device Detector] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\ACD Systems\EN\DevDetect.exe" -autorun
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [LVCOMS] C:\Program Files\Common Files\Logitech\QCDriver3\LVCOMS.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [TkBellExe] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Real\Update_OB\realsched.exe" -osboot
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [nod32kui] "C:\Program Files\Eset\nod32kui.exe" /WAITSERVICE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [HP Component Manager] "C:\Program Files\HP\hpcoretech\hpcmpmgr.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [HP Software Update] "C:\Program Files\HP\HP Software Update\HPWuSchd2.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [HPDJ Taskbar Utility] C:\WINDOWS\System32\spool\drivers\w32x86\3\hpztsb09.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [HPHUPD05] C:\Program Files\HP\{D946675D-1D6C-4dc8-9E0D-B4B8EAA30EAA}\hphupd05.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [HPHmon05] C:\WINDOWS\System32\hphmon05.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NvCplDaemon] RUNDLL32.EXE NvQTwk,NvCplDaemon initialize
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [nwiz] nwiz.exe /install
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [ctfmon.exe] C:\WINDOWS\System32\ctfmon.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [IncrediMail] C:\Program Files\IncrediMail\bin\IncMail.exe /c
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [msnmsgr] "C:\Program Files\MSN Messenger\msnmsgr.exe" /background
O4 - Startup: Webshots.lnk = C:\Program Files\Webshots\WebshotsTray.exe
O4 - Startup: SpywareGuard.lnk = C:\Program Files\SpywareGuard\sgmain.exe
O4 - Startup: RollerCoaster Tycoon 3 Registration.lnk = C:\Documents and Settings\SONNIE\Local Settings\Temp\{A47779E2-1081-4DBA-B726-B6A7B29E0A96}\{907B4640-266B-4A21-92FB-CD1A86CD0F63}\ATR1.exe
O4 - Global Startup: Adobe Gamma Loader.lnk = C:\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe\Calibration\Adobe Gamma Loader.exe
O4 - Global Startup: HP Image Zone Fast Start.lnk = C:\Program Files\HP\Digital Imaging\bin\hpqthb08.exe
O4 - Global Startup: HP Digital Imaging Monitor.lnk = C:\Program Files\HP\Digital Imaging\bin\hpqtra08.exe
O8 - Extra context menu item: &Google Search - res://c:\program files\google\GoogleToolbar2.dll/cmsearch.html
O8 - Extra context menu item: Backward Links - res://c:\program files\google\GoogleToolbar2.dll/cmbacklinks.html
O8 - Extra context menu item: Cached Snapshot of Page - res://c:\program files\google\GoogleToolbar2.dll/cmcache.html
O8 - Extra context menu item: E&xport to Microsoft Excel - res://C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~3\OFFICE11\EXCEL.EXE/3000
O8 - Extra context menu item: Similar Pages - res://c:\program files\google\GoogleToolbar2.dll/cmsimilar.html
O8 - Extra context menu item: Translate into English - res://c:\program files\google\GoogleToolbar2.dll/cmtrans.html
O9 - Extra button: Research - {92780B25-18CC-41C8-B9BE-3C9C571A8263} - C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~3\OFFICE11\REFIEBAR.DLL
O16 - DPF: RaptisoftGameLoader - http://www.miniclip.com/hamsterball/raptisoftgameloader.cab
O16 - DPF: {00B71CFB-6864-4346-A978-C0A14556272C} (Checkers Class) - http://messenger.zone.msn.com/binary/msgrchkr.cab
O16 - DPF: {01CA75F1-054B-4A63-9221-C6926369EC52} (HS_live Control) - http://install.homestead.com/~site/Install...ive/HS_live.cab
O16 - DPF: {1239CC52-59EF-4DFA-8C61-90FFA846DF7E} (Musicnotes Viewer) - http://www.musicnotes.com/download/mnviewer.cab
O16 - DPF: {17D72920-7A15-11D4-921E-0080C8DA7A5E} (AimSp32 Class) - http://www.makeoversolutions.com/save/makeover.cab
O16 - DPF: {288C5F13-7E52-4ADA-A32E-F5BF9D125F98} (CR64Loader Object) - http://www.miniclip.com/bestfriends/miniclipGameLoader.dll
O16 - DPF: {2917297F-F02B-4B9D-81DF-494B6333150B} (Minesweeper Flags Class) - http://messenger.zone.msn.com/binary/MineSweeper.cab
O16 - DPF: {38578BF0-0ABB-11D3-9330-0080C6F796A1} (Create & Print ActiveX Plug-in) - http://di.imgag.com/imgag/cp/install/AxCtp.cab
O16 - DPF: {74D05D43-3236-11D4-BDCD-00C04F9A3B61} (HouseCall Control) - http://a840.g.akamai.net/7/840/537/2004061...all/xscan53.cab
O16 - DPF: {8E0D4DE5-3180-4024-A327-4DFAD1796A8D} (MessengerStatsClient Class) - http://messenger.zone.msn.com/binary/Messe...StatsClient.cab
O16 - DPF: {B38870E4-7ECB-40DA-8C6A-595F0A5519FF} (MsnMessengerSetupDownloadControl Class) - http://messenger.msn.com/download/MsnMesse...pDownloader.cab
O16 - DPF: {F00F4763-7355-4725-82F7-0DA94A256D46} (IncrediMail) - http://www5.incredimail.com/contents/setup...p1/imloader.cab
O16 - DPF: {F6BF0D00-0B2A-4A75-BF7B-F385591623AF} (Solitaire Showdown Class) - http://messenger.zone.msn.com/binary/SolitaireShowdown.cab
O23 - Service: GEARSecurity - GEAR Software - C:\WINDOWS\System32\GEARSEC.EXE
O23 - Service: iPod Service (iPodService) - Apple Computer, Inc. - C:\Program Files\iPod\bin\iPodService.exe
O23 - Service: NOD32 Kernel Service (NOD32krn) - Unknown owner - C:\Program Files\Eset\nod32krn.exe
O23 - Service: NVIDIA Driver Helper Service (NVSvc) - NVIDIA Corporation - C:\WINDOWS\System32\nvsvc32.exe
O23 - Service: Pml Driver HPZ12 - HP - C:\WINDOWS\System32\HPZipm12.exe

My screen resolution is still very poor.

Hope I've done things correctly.

Thank you,

Sunny
LoPhatPhuud
Your log is clean.

What problems are you having with your monitor?

Have you/can you adjust it with the Display Control Panel?
sunnyday
Hi,

I have tried changing the Settings on Display - they won't move. Currently, they are set at:
Screen Resolution: 800 x600
Color Quality: Lowest (4bit)
I also get a message that says the following when I try to go into Settings on the Display:
"The currently selected graphics display driver cannot be used. It was written for a previous version of Windows, and is no longer compatible with this version of Windows.
The system has been started using the default VGA driver.
Please contact your hardware manufacturer to get an upgraded driver, or select one of the Microsoft provided drivers."
I could not read my disk options for my NiVidia CD rom while in normal mode, but I could read it in safe mode when I installed the drivers, last night.

Thanks,

Sunny
LoPhatPhuud
You will need to install the most recent version of nVidia drivers. You can download them from the nVidia website.

http://www.nvidia.com/content/drivers/drivers.asp

Make the necessary selections, download and install the updated drives.
sunnyday
Hi,

Think I'm almost there. I can read my screen, now, however, I need to set the resolution to 1280 x 960 in order to see the 'start' button in the lower left corner.
I believe I used to have it set to 1280 x 800, which seemed to make the icons a little less stretched.
Do you have any suggestions for how I might make it a little larger and still be able to see the 'start' button and 'file' option when I have various windows open?
All of my problems seemed to occur with the uninstall and reinstall of the Roxio 5 Premium Edtion. Someone suggested that I buy Roxio 7, which will convert mp3 files into wav files (not all of our equipment will play mp3's), and I can burn my video onto dvd's. Are you able to say whether or not this is a good program to get?

Thank you ever so much for all of your help!! thumbsup.gif

Sunny
LoPhatPhuud
Resolution of 1280x800 is non standard and may not be selectable. For me, its a matter of personal preference, on my 19" Trinitron I used 1024x768 and found that was an acceptable compromise.

On this 21" LCD i run at the 1600x1200 native resolution with no problems.


I used to support Roxio, but once it was sold I went to Nero instead. You do not need to install the entire package if you only need a few portions. It will handle MP3 without difficulty. This computer came with a Sony DL DVD burner (8x) and a 52x CD burner. I have since replaced the CD burner with an LG DL DVD burner (16x) and have had no trouble at all from Nero.
sunnyday
Thank you, thank you, thank you! Everything is back to normal - inlcuding the resolution. I really appreciate your time and expertise! :dancer:

Sincerely,

Sunny
LoPhatPhuud
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."

Good luck, and thanks for coming to our forums for help with your security and malware issues.
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