Hi There,

I ran AVG 7 & the following files were found & deleted: eDOWST3.exe & optimize.exe. I also ran Ad-aware & several critical registry entries were detected & deleted. I was wondering if there is anything else I should do. Attached is my HiJackThis Log file. Thanks for your help.

Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.1
Scan saved at 12:38:09 PM, on 9/5/05
Platform: Windows 98 SE (Win9x 4.10.2222A)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v6.00 SP1 (6.00.2800.1106)

Running processes:
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\KERNEL32.DLL
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\MSGSRV32.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\MPREXE.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\mmtask.tsk
C:\WINDOWS\EXPLORER.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\TASKMON.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\SYSTRAY.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\LOADQM.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\QTTASK.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\CREATIVE\SHARED FILES\CAMTRAY.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\STIMON.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\GRISOFT\AVG FREE\AVGCC.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\GRISOFT\AVG FREE\AVGEMC.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\GRISOFT\AVG FREE\AVGAMSVR.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\MSN APPS\UPDATER\01.03.0000.1005\EN-CA\MSNAPPAU.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\9J5K7ULC.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\PROSITEFINDER\PROSITEFINDER.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\RunDLL.exe
C:\PROGRAM FILES\MSN MESSENGER\MSNMSGR.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\WINZIP\WZQKPICK.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\DDHELP.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\WMIEXE.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\PROSITEFINDER\PROSITEFINDER.EXE
C:\HIJACKTHIS\HIJACKTHIS\HIJACKTHIS.EXE

R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://sympatico.msn.ca/
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Search,SearchAssistant =
F1 - win.ini: run=hpfsched
O2 - BHO: AcroIEHlprObj Class - {06849E9F-C8D7-4D59-B87D-784B7D6BE0B3} - C:\PROGRAM FILES\ADOBE\ACROBAT 5.0\READER\ACTIVEX\ACROIEHELPER.OCX
O2 - BHO: MSNToolBandBHO - {BDBD1DAD-C946-4A17-ADC1-64B5B4FF55D0} - C:\PROGRAM FILES\MSN APPS\MSN TOOLBAR\01.02.3000.1001\EN-US\MSNTB.DLL
O2 - BHO: ST - {9394EDE7-C8B5-483E-8773-474BF36AF6E4} - C:\PROGRAM FILES\MSN APPS\ST\01.03.0000.1005\EN-XU\STMAIN.DLL
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {534D6580-1E02-11DA-BCD2-00B0D0440D54} - C:\PROGRAM FILES\PROSITEFINDER\PROSITEFINDER.dll
O3 - Toolbar: &Radio - {8E718888-423F-11D2-876E-00A0C9082467} - C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\MSDXM.OCX
O3 - Toolbar: MSN - {BDAD1DAD-C946-4A17-ADC1-64B5B4FF55D0} - C:\PROGRAM FILES\MSN APPS\MSN TOOLBAR\01.02.3000.1001\EN-US\MSNTB.DLL
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ScanRegistry] C:\WINDOWS\scanregw.exe /autorun
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [TaskMonitor] C:\WINDOWS\taskmon.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SystemTray] SysTray.Exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [LoadPowerProfile] Rundll32.exe powrprof.dll,LoadCurrentPwrScheme
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [LoadQM] loadqm.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [QuickTime Task] "C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\QTTASK.EXE" -atboottime
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Creative WebCam Tray] C:\Program Files\Creative\Shared Files\CAMTRAY.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [StillImageMonitor] C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\STIMON.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AVG7_CC] C:\PROGRA~1\GRISOFT\AVGFRE~1\AVGCC.EXE /STARTUP
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AVG7_EMC] C:\PROGRA~1\GRISOFT\AVGFRE~1\AVGEMC.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AVG7_AMSVR] C:\PROGRA~1\GRISOFT\AVGFRE~1\AVGAMSVR.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [msnappau] "c:\program files\MSN Apps\Updater\01.03.0000.1005\en-ca\msnappau.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [9j5k7ulc] C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\9j5k7ulc.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [PROSITEFINDER] C:\PROGRAM FILES\PROSITEFINDER\PROSITEFINDER.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\RunServices: [LoadPowerProfile] Rundll32.exe powrprof.dll,LoadCurrentPwrScheme
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [Taskbar Display Controls] RunDLL deskcp16.dll,QUICKRES_RUNDLLENTRY
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [MsnMsgr] "C:\Program Files\MSN Messenger\MsnMsgr.Exe" /background
O4 - Startup: WinZip Quick Pick.lnk = C:\Program Files\WinZip\WZQKPICK.EXE
O4 - Startup: Microsoft Office.lnk = C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office\OSA9.EXE
O12 - Plugin for .spop: C:\PROGRA~1\INTERN~1\Plugins\NPDocBox.dll
O16 - DPF: {8E0D4DE5-3180-4024-A327-4DFAD1796A8D} (MessengerStatsClient Class) - http://messenger.zone.msn.com/binary/Messe...StatsClient.cab
O16 - DPF: {00B71CFB-6864-4346-A978-C0A14556272C} (Checkers Class) - http://messenger.zone.msn.com/binary/msgrchkr.cab
O16 - DPF: {62475759-9E84-458E-A1AB-5D2C442ADFDE} - http://a1540.g.akamai.net/7/1540/52/200305...meInstaller.exe
O16 - DPF: {2917297F-F02B-4B9D-81DF-494B6333150B} (Minesweeper Flags Class) - http://messenger.zone.msn.com/binary/MineS...er.cab30149.cab
O16 - DPF: {B8BE5E93-A60C-4D26-A2DC-220313175592} (ZoneIntro Class) - http://messenger.zone.msn.com/binary/ZIntro.cab32846.cab
O16 - DPF: {14B87622-7E19-4EA8-93B3-97215F77A6BC} (MessengerStatsClient Class) - http://messenger.zone.msn.com/binary/Messe...nt.cab31267.cab
O16 - DPF: {DA758BB1-5F89-4465-975F-8D7179A4BCF3} (WheelofFortune Object) - http://messenger.zone.msn.com/binary/WoF.cab31267.cab
O16 - DPF: {E6187999-9FEC-46A1-A20F-F4CA977D5643} (ZoneChess Object) - http://messenger.zone.msn.com/binary/Chess.cab31267.cab
O16 - DPF: {15AD6789-CDB4-47E1-A9DA-992EE8E6BAD6} - http://static.windupdates.com/cab/MediaAcc...bridge-c356.cab

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.)
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {534D6580-1E02-11DA-BCD2-00B0D0440D54} - C:\PROGRAM FILES\PROSITEFINDER\PROSITEFINDER.dll

O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [9j5k7ulc] C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\9j5k7ulc.exe

O16 - DPF: {15AD6789-CDB4-47E1-A9DA-992EE8E6BAD6} - http://static.windupdates.com/cab/MediaAcc...bridge-c356.cab

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:\PROGRAM FILES\PROSITEFINDER\ <--delete entire folder
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\9j5k7ulc.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.

I think things are looking better. Here is the latest log file. Thanks for your help.

Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.1
Scan saved at 8:14:37 PM, on 9/5/05
Platform: Windows 98 SE (Win9x 4.10.2222A)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v6.00 SP1 (6.00.2800.1106)

Running processes:
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\KERNEL32.DLL
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\MSGSRV32.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\MPREXE.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\mmtask.tsk
C:\WINDOWS\EXPLORER.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\TASKMON.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\SYSTRAY.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\LOADQM.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\QTTASK.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\CREATIVE\SHARED FILES\CAMTRAY.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\STIMON.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\GRISOFT\AVG FREE\AVGCC.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\GRISOFT\AVG FREE\AVGEMC.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\GRISOFT\AVG FREE\AVGAMSVR.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\MSN APPS\UPDATER\01.03.0000.1005\EN-CA\MSNAPPAU.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\RunDLL.exe
C:\PROGRAM FILES\MSN MESSENGER\MSNMSGR.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\WINZIP\WZQKPICK.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\DDHELP.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\WMIEXE.EXE
C:\HIJACKTHIS\HIJACKTHIS\HIJACKTHIS.EXE

R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://sympatico.msn.ca/
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Search,SearchAssistant =
F1 - win.ini: run=hpfsched
O2 - BHO: AcroIEHlprObj Class - {06849E9F-C8D7-4D59-B87D-784B7D6BE0B3} - C:\PROGRAM FILES\ADOBE\ACROBAT 5.0\READER\ACTIVEX\ACROIEHELPER.OCX
O2 - BHO: MSNToolBandBHO - {BDBD1DAD-C946-4A17-ADC1-64B5B4FF55D0} - C:\PROGRAM FILES\MSN APPS\MSN TOOLBAR\01.02.3000.1001\EN-US\MSNTB.DLL
O2 - BHO: ST - {9394EDE7-C8B5-483E-8773-474BF36AF6E4} - C:\PROGRAM FILES\MSN APPS\ST\01.03.0000.1005\EN-XU\STMAIN.DLL
O3 - Toolbar: &Radio - {8E718888-423F-11D2-876E-00A0C9082467} - C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\MSDXM.OCX
O3 - Toolbar: MSN - {BDAD1DAD-C946-4A17-ADC1-64B5B4FF55D0} - C:\PROGRAM FILES\MSN APPS\MSN TOOLBAR\01.02.3000.1001\EN-US\MSNTB.DLL
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ScanRegistry] C:\WINDOWS\scanregw.exe /autorun
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [TaskMonitor] C:\WINDOWS\taskmon.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SystemTray] SysTray.Exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [LoadPowerProfile] Rundll32.exe powrprof.dll,LoadCurrentPwrScheme
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [LoadQM] loadqm.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [QuickTime Task] "C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\QTTASK.EXE" -atboottime
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Creative WebCam Tray] C:\Program Files\Creative\Shared Files\CAMTRAY.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [StillImageMonitor] C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\STIMON.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AVG7_CC] C:\PROGRA~1\GRISOFT\AVGFRE~1\AVGCC.EXE /STARTUP
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AVG7_EMC] C:\PROGRA~1\GRISOFT\AVGFRE~1\AVGEMC.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AVG7_AMSVR] C:\PROGRA~1\GRISOFT\AVGFRE~1\AVGAMSVR.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [msnappau] "c:\program files\MSN Apps\Updater\01.03.0000.1005\en-ca\msnappau.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\RunServices: [LoadPowerProfile] Rundll32.exe powrprof.dll,LoadCurrentPwrScheme
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [Taskbar Display Controls] RunDLL deskcp16.dll,QUICKRES_RUNDLLENTRY
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [MsnMsgr] "C:\Program Files\MSN Messenger\MsnMsgr.Exe" /background
O4 - Startup: WinZip Quick Pick.lnk = C:\Program Files\WinZip\WZQKPICK.EXE
O4 - Startup: Microsoft Office.lnk = C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office\OSA9.EXE
O12 - Plugin for .spop: C:\PROGRA~1\INTERN~1\Plugins\NPDocBox.dll
O16 - DPF: {8E0D4DE5-3180-4024-A327-4DFAD1796A8D} (MessengerStatsClient Class) - http://messenger.zone.msn.com/binary/Messe...StatsClient.cab
O16 - DPF: {00B71CFB-6864-4346-A978-C0A14556272C} (Checkers Class) - http://messenger.zone.msn.com/binary/msgrchkr.cab
O16 - DPF: {62475759-9E84-458E-A1AB-5D2C442ADFDE} - http://a1540.g.akamai.net/7/1540/52/200305...meInstaller.exe
O16 - DPF: {2917297F-F02B-4B9D-81DF-494B6333150B} (Minesweeper Flags Class) - http://messenger.zone.msn.com/binary/MineS...er.cab30149.cab
O16 - DPF: {B8BE5E93-A60C-4D26-A2DC-220313175592} (ZoneIntro Class) - http://messenger.zone.msn.com/binary/ZIntro.cab32846.cab
O16 - DPF: {14B87622-7E19-4EA8-93B3-97215F77A6BC} (MessengerStatsClient Class) - http://messenger.zone.msn.com/binary/Messe...nt.cab31267.cab
O16 - DPF: {DA758BB1-5F89-4465-975F-8D7179A4BCF3} (WheelofFortune Object) - http://messenger.zone.msn.com/binary/WoF.cab31267.cab
O16 - DPF: {E6187999-9FEC-46A1-A20F-F4CA977D5643} (ZoneChess Object) - http://messenger.zone.msn.com/binary/Chess.cab31267.cab

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://windowsupdate.microsoft.com/

If you have Word, Excel, Outlook or other Office programs installed. Consider using Microsoft Update instead of Windows Update. See the FAQ page here for more information: http://update.microsoft.com/microsoftupdat...t.aspx?ln=en-us

Also, download and install Microsoft Baseline Analyzer.(Note that MBSA is only for Win 2000 SP3 or later and Office XP or later) When run, it will check system for security exposures, including missing updates. I suggest running it weekly. You can obtain more information here: http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/...s/mbsahome.mspx


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 signed ActiveX controls' - Prompt
'Download unsigned ActiveX controls' - Disable
'Initialize and script ActiveX controls not maked as safe'- Disable
All other options accept the default

For Windows XP2 SP2 users, check this link for additional steps you can take to secure Internet Explorer: http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/...xp/iesecxp.mspx
Also,for Sp2 SP2 and IE users, in IE, Tools -> Manage Add-ons will give you a list of all BHO's, Extensions, and ActiveX modules installed on your computer. You can update, enable or disable them.
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 (or more) 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 Personal: http://www.lavasoft.de/
d. CounterSpy: http://www.sunbelt-software.com/ (not free but well worth the $19.95)

Use these programs to regularly scan your system for and remove many forms of spyware/malware. I recommend a combination of Microsoft Spyware and TeaTimer from Spybot S&D.

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.

Thanks so much for all your help!!!