Having some problems...

[marshax]

I am having the (seemingly common) problems where search engine links redirect and advertising tabs randomly open in my browser (firefox). Reading up on this, I have come to believe that it is a Malware issue and so I tried to follow the advice on this page:

http://forums.malwarebytes.org/index.php?showtopic=9573

However, every time I try to run the GMER Rootkit Scanner, it crashes my laptop, so I could not progress further than that step; it said to start a thread here explaining the situation.

I don't know whether any of this information is relevant, but I am running Avira Antivirus and Comodo Firewall (only installed after I began having problems - if there are better alternatives please advise, and I don't mind paying although free is preferable). I also had a (potentially unrelated) sound issue where the sound did not work (I fixed it via services.msc) but as it came up at the same time I thought I'd mention it.

Contents of DDS.txt are below:

DDS (Ver_10-03-17.01) - NTFSx86

Run by Auzzy at 22:57:46.44 on 31/05/2010

Internet Explorer: 7.0.6001.18000 BrowserJavaVersion: 1.6.0_20

Microsoft

Attach.zip

[Maniac]

Hello marshax! Welcome to MalwareBytes' Anti-Malware Forums!

My name is Borislav and I will be glad to help you solve your problems with malware. Before we begin, please note the following:

• The process of cleaning your system may take some time, so please be patient.
  
• Stay with the topic until I tell you that your system is clean. Missing symptoms does not mean that everything is okay.
  
• Instructions that I give are for your system only!
  
• If you don't know or can't understand something please ask.
  
• Do not install or uninstall any software or hardware, while work on.
  

Step 1

Please, uninstall the following applications:

1. Adobe Reader 8.1.3
   

You can read, how to this here:

• Windows XP
  
• Windows Vista
  
• Windows 7
  

Step 2

**Note: If you need more detailed information, please visit the web page of ComboFix in BleepingComputer. **

Please note that these fixes are not instantaneous. Most infections require more than one round to properly eradicate.

Stay with me until given the 'all clear' even if symptoms diminish. Lack of symptoms does not always mean the job is complete.

Kindly follow my instructions and please do no fixing on your own or running of scanners unless requested by me or another helper.

Please download ComboFix from

Here or Here to your Desktop.

**Note: In the event you already have Combofix, this is a new version that I need you to download. It is important that it is saved and renamed following this process directly to your desktop**

1. If you are using Firefox, make sure that your download settings are as follows:
   
   • Open Tools -> Options -> Main tab
     
   • Set to Always ask me where to Save the files.
     

[*]During the download, rename Combofix to Combo-Fix as follows:

[*]It is important you rename Combofix during the download, but not after.

[*]Please do not rename Combofix to other names, but only to the one indicated.

[*]Close any open browsers.

[*]Close/disable all anti virus and anti malware programs so they do not interfere with the running of ComboFix.

-----------------------------------------------------------

• Very Important! Temporarily disable your anti-virus, script blocking and any anti-malware real-time protection before performing a scan. They can interfere with ComboFix or remove some of its embedded files which may cause unpredictable results.
  
• Click on this link to see a list of programs that should be disabled. The list is not all inclusive. If yours is not listed and you don't know how to disable it, please ask.
  

  -----------------------------------------------------------

  
  

• Close any open browsers.
  
• WARNING: Combofix will disconnect your machine from the Internet as soon as it starts
  
• Please do not attempt to re-connect your machine back to the Internet until Combofix has completely finished.
  
• If there is no internet connection after running Combofix, then restart your computer to restore back your connection.
  

-----------------------------------------------------------

[*]Double click on combo-Fix.exe & follow the prompts.

[*]When finished, it will produce a report for you.

[*]Please post the C:\Combo-Fix.txt for further review.

**Note: Do not mouseclick combo-fix's window while it's running. That may cause it to stall**

[marshax]

Okay, here is the log produced:

ComboFix 10-06-01.01 - Auzzy 01/06/2010 22:53:21.1.2 - x86

Microsoft

[Maniac]

How are things now?

[marshax]

The problem seems to have gone away; is the problem gone, or is it only the symptom which has gone? Thanks for the help thus far.

[Maniac]

The problem should be gone.

Any other problem?

[marshax]

I haven't noticed any. Thanks for all the help, it's greatly appreciated.

[Maniac]

You're welcome!

Last steps:

Step 1

* Go to start > run and copy and paste next command in the field:

ComboFix /uninstall

Make sure there's a space between Combofix and /

Then hit enter.

This will uninstall Combofix, delete its related folders and files, reset your clock settings, hide file extensions, hide the system/hidden files and resets System Restore again.

Step 2

Please manually delete DDS and GMER.

Step 3

To enable CD Emulation programs using DeFogger please perform these steps:

1. Please download DeFogger to your desktop.
   
2. Once downloaded, double-click on the DeFogger icon to start the tool.
   
3. The application window will now appear. You should now click on the Enable button to enable your CD Emulation drivers
   
4. When it prompts you whether or not you want to continue, please click on the Yes button to continue
   
5. When the program has completed you will see a Finished! message. Click on the OK button to exit the program.
   
6. If CD Emulation programs are present and have been enabled, DeFogger will now ask you to reboot the machine. Please allow it to do so by clicking on the OK button.
   

Step 4

Please download and install the latest version of Adobe Reader from:

www.adobe.com

Step 5

Some malware preventions:

http://miekiemoes.blogspot.com/2008/02/how...nt-malware.html

Safe surfing!

[marshax]

Thank you for all the help.

[Maniac]

You're welcome!