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Lingering Malware.Trace

maxfell

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maxfell

maxfell

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Last week, another computer on our network started behaving oddly. Google searches were redirecting to other sites, then "Spyware Guard 2008" (see http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/malware-re...are-guard-2008) seemed to spontaneously download and started claiming that the system was infected.

MBAM seemed to get rid of most of the malware (including Spyware Guard 2008), but Malware.Trace kept appearing even after it had supposedly been removed by MBAM. The computer had already had CA Internet Security Suite installed, and its Spyware scan kept showing "Kollah," even after supposed removals. We took the computer to our campus IT; they claimed they had cleaned it, but the same Malware.Trace and Kollah appeared after we got it back.

Then a couple of days ago, the Google redirects came back. We ran MBAM again, and it found Trojan.TDSS, Trojan.Agent, Trojan.FakeAlert, and Rootkit.Agent. It seemed to clean those off, but subsequent scans have again shown Malware.Trace (and Kollah, when searched with CA), even after multiple attempts at removal.

We followed the directions at http://www.malwarebytes.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=9573, and the most recent logs are pasted below. Thanks in advance for any help you can provide.

Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware 1.32

Database version: 1617

Windows 5.1.2600 Service Pack 3

1/15/2009 8:09:13 PM

mbam-log-2009-01-15 (20-09-13).txt

Scan type: Quick Scan

Objects scanned: 55620

Time elapsed: 37 minute(s), 49 second(s)

Memory Processes Infected: 0

Memory Modules Infected: 0

Registry Keys Infected: 0

Registry Values Infected: 1

Registry Data Items Infected: 0

Folders Infected: 0

Files Infected: 0

Memory Processes Infected:

(No malicious items detected)

Memory Modules Infected:

(No malicious items detected)

Registry Keys Infected:

(No malicious items detected)

Registry Values Infected:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Network\UID (Malware.Trace) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.

Registry Data Items Infected:

(No malicious items detected)

Folders Infected:

(No malicious items detected)

Files Infected:

(No malicious items detected)

************************************************

Logfile of Trend Micro HijackThis v2.0.2

Scan saved at 8:40:30 PM, on 1/15/2009

Platform: Windows XP SP3 (WinNT 5.01.2600)

MSIE: Internet Explorer v6.00 SP3 (6.00.2900.5512)

Boot mode: Normal

Running processes:

C:\WINDOWS\system32\csrss.exe

C:\WINDOWS\system32\winlogon.exe

C:\WINDOWS\system32\services.exe

C:\WINDOWS\system32\lsass.exe

C:\WINDOWS\System32\ibmpmsvc.exe

C:\WINDOWS\system32\Ati2evxx.exe

C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe

C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe

C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe

C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe

C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe

C:\Program Files\Lavasoft\Ad-Aware\aawservice.exe

C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe

C:\Program Files\CA\SharedComponents\HIPSEngine\UmxCfg.exe

C:\Program Files\CA\SharedComponents\HIPSEngine\UmxFwHlp.exe

C:\Program Files\CA\SharedComponents\HIPSEngine\UmxPol.exe

C:\Program Files\CA\SharedComponents\HIPSEngine\UmxAgent.exe

C:\Program Files\Common Files\Apple\Mobile Device Support\bin\AppleMobileDeviceService.exe

C:\Program Files\Symantec\LiveUpdate\ALUSchedulerSvc.exe

C:\Program Files\Bonjour\mDNSResponder.exe

C:\Program Files\CA\CA Internet Security Suite\CA Anti-Virus\ISafe.exe

C:\Program Files\IBM\IBM Rapid Restore Ultra\rrpcsb.exe

C:\Program Files\CA\SharedComponents\PPRT\bin\ITMRTSVC.exe

C:\WINDOWS\System32\QCONSVC.EXE

C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe

C:\Program Files\Common Files\Lenovo\tvt_reg_monitor_svc.exe

C:\WINDOWS\system32\TpKmpSVC.exe

C:\Program Files\Common Files\Lenovo\Scheduler\tvtsched.exe

C:\Program Files\CA\CA Internet Security Suite\CA Anti-Virus\VetMsg.exe

c:\program files\lenovo\system update\suservice.exe

C:\WINDOWS\System32\alg.exe

C:\WINDOWS\system32\Ati2evxx.exe

C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE

C:\Program Files\CA\CA Internet Security Suite\CA Personal Firewall\capfsem.exe

C:\WINDOWS\system32\TpShocks.exe

C:\PROGRA~1\ThinkPad\UTILIT~1\EzEjMnAp.Exe

C:\WINDOWS\system32\dla\tfswctrl.exe

C:\IBMTOOLS\UTILS\ibmprc.exe

C:\Program Files\ThinkPad\ConnectUtilities\QCWLICON.EXE

C:\WINDOWS\system32\RunDll32.exe

C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.6.0_07\bin\jusched.exe

C:\Program Files\CA\CA Internet Security Suite\cctray\cctray.exe

C:\Program Files\CA\CA Internet Security Suite\CA Personal Firewall\capfasem.exe

C:\Program Files\CA\CA Internet Security Suite\CA Anti-Spam\QSP-6.0.1.33\QOELoader.exe

C:\Program Files\iTunes\iTunesHelper.exe

C:\Program Files\Common Files\Lenovo\Scheduler\scheduler_proxy.exe

C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe

C:\Program Files\Skype\Phone\Skype.exe

C:\Program Files\IBM\Messages By IBM\ibmmessages.exe

C:\Program Files\CA\CA Internet Security Suite\ccprovsp.exe

C:\Program Files\Digital Line Detect\DLG.exe

C:\Program Files\CA\CA Internet Security Suite\CA Anti-Spyware\CAPPActiveProtection.exe

C:\Program Files\CA\CA Internet Security Suite\CA Anti-Spyware\PPCtlPriv.exe

C:\Program Files\iPod\bin\iPodService.exe

C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\OFFICE11\WINWORD.EXE

E:\HiJackThis.exe

C:\WINDOWS\System32\wbem\wmiprvse.exe

R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings,ProxyOverride = *.local

F2 - REG:system.ini: UserInit=C:\WINDOWS\system32\userinit.exe,C:\WINDOWS\system32\twex.exe,

O2 - BHO: Adobe PDF Reader Link Helper - {06849E9F-C8D7-4D59-B87D-784B7D6BE0B3} - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe\Acrobat\ActiveX\AcroIEHelper.dll

O2 - BHO: DriveLetterAccess - {5CA3D70E-1895-11CF-8E15-001234567890} - C:\WINDOWS\system32\dla\tfswshx.dll

O2 - BHO: SSVHelper Class - {761497BB-D6F0-462C-B6EB-D4DAF1D92D43} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.6.0_07\bin\ssv.dll

O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [s3TRAY2] S3Tray2.exe

O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [synTPLpr] C:\Program Files\Synaptics\SynTP\SynTPLpr.exe

O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [synTPEnh] C:\Program Files\Synaptics\SynTP\SynTPEnh.exe

O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [TPKMAPHELPER] C:\Program Files\ThinkPad\Utilities\TpKmapAp.exe -helper

O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [TpShocks] TpShocks.exe

O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [TPHOTKEY] C:\PROGRA~1\ThinkPad\PkgMgr\HOTKEY\TPHKMGR.exe

O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [TP4EX] tp4ex.exe

O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [EZEJMNAP] C:\PROGRA~1\ThinkPad\UTILIT~1\EzEjMnAp.Exe

O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ATIPTA] C:\Program Files\ATI Technologies\ATI Control Panel\atiptaxx.exe

O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [dla] C:\WINDOWS\system32\dla\tfswctrl.exe

O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [iBMPRC] C:\IBMTOOLS\UTILS\ibmprc.exe

O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [QCWLICON] C:\Program Files\ThinkPad\ConnectUtilities\QCWLICON.EXE

O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [bMMGAG] RunDll32 C:\PROGRA~1\ThinkPad\UTILIT~1\pwrmonit.dll,StartPwrMonitor

O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [bMMLREF] C:\Program Files\ThinkPad\Utilities\BMMLREF.EXE

O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [bMMMONWND] rundll32.exe C:\PROGRA~1\ThinkPad\UTILIT~1\BatInfEx.dll,BMMAutonomicMonitor

O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [TkBellExe] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Real\Update_OB\realsched.exe" -osboot

O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [sunJavaUpdateSched] "C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.6.0_07\bin\jusched.exe"

O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [cctray] "C:\Program Files\CA\CA Internet Security Suite\cctray\cctray.exe"

O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [CAVRID] "C:\Program Files\CA\CA Internet Security Suite\CA Anti-Virus\CAVRID.exe"

O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [cafw] C:\Program Files\CA\CA Internet Security Suite\CA Personal Firewall\cafw.exe -cl

O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [capfasem] C:\Program Files\CA\CA Internet Security Suite\CA Personal Firewall\capfasem.exe

O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [capfupgrade] C:\Program Files\CA\CA Internet Security Suite\CA Personal Firewall\capfupgrade.exe

O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [QOELOADER] "C:\Program Files\CA\CA Internet Security Suite\CA Anti-Spam\QSP-6.0.1.33\QOELoader.exe"

O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AppleSyncNotifier] C:\Program Files\Common Files\Apple\Mobile Device Support\bin\AppleSyncNotifier.exe

O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [QuickTime Task] "C:\Program Files\QuickTime\QTTask.exe" -atboottime

O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [iTunesHelper] "C:\Program Files\iTunes\iTunesHelper.exe"

O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Adobe Reader Speed Launcher] "C:\Program Files\Adobe\Reader 8.0\Reader\Reader_sl.exe"

O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [TVT Scheduler Proxy] C:\Program Files\Common Files\Lenovo\Scheduler\scheduler_proxy.exe

O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [MSMSGS] "C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe" /background

O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [skype] "C:\Program Files\Skype\Phone\Skype.exe" /nosplash /minimized

O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [ibmmessages] C:\Program Files\IBM\Messages By IBM\ibmmessages.exe

O4 - Global Startup: Digital Line Detect.lnk = ?

O8 - Extra context menu item: E&xport to Microsoft Excel - res://C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~2\OFFICE11\EXCEL.EXE/3000

O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.6.0_07\bin\ssv.dll

O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Sun Java Console - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.6.0_07\bin\ssv.dll

O9 - Extra button: Research - {92780B25-18CC-41C8-B9BE-3C9C571A8263} - C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~2\OFFICE11\REFIEBAR.DLL

O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {e2e2dd38-d088-4134-82b7-f2ba38496583} - C:\WINDOWS\Network Diagnostic\xpnetdiag.exe

O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: @xpsp3res.dll,-20001 - {e2e2dd38-d088-4134-82b7-f2ba38496583} - C:\WINDOWS\Network Diagnostic\xpnetdiag.exe

O9 - Extra button: Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe

O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Windows Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe

O11 - Options group: [JAVA_IBM] Java (IBM)

O18 - Protocol: skype4com - {FFC8B962-9B40-4DFF-9458-1830C7DD7F5D} - C:\PROGRA~1\COMMON~1\Skype\SKYPE4~1.DLL

O23 - Service: Lavasoft Ad-Aware Service (aawservice) - Lavasoft - C:\Program Files\Lavasoft\Ad-Aware\aawservice.exe

O23 - Service: Apple Mobile Device - Apple Inc. - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Apple\Mobile Device Support\bin\AppleMobileDeviceService.exe

O23 - Service: Ati HotKey Poller - Unknown owner - C:\WINDOWS\system32\Ati2evxx.exe

O23 - Service: Automatic LiveUpdate Scheduler - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Symantec\LiveUpdate\ALUSchedulerSvc.exe

O23 - Service: Bonjour Service - Apple Inc. - C:\Program Files\Bonjour\mDNSResponder.exe

O23 - Service: CaCCProvSP - CA, Inc. - C:\Program Files\CA\CA Internet Security Suite\ccprovsp.exe

O23 - Service: CAISafe - Computer Associates International, Inc. - C:\Program Files\CA\CA Internet Security Suite\CA Anti-Virus\ISafe.exe

O23 - Service: Google Updater Service (gusvc) - Google - C:\Program Files\Google\Common\Google Updater\GoogleUpdaterService.exe

O23 - Service: IBM Rapid Restore Ultra Service - Unknown owner - C:\Program Files\IBM\IBM Rapid Restore Ultra\rrpcsb.exe

O23 - Service: IBM PM Service (IBMPMSVC) - Unknown owner - C:\WINDOWS\System32\ibmpmsvc.exe

O23 - Service: iPod Service - Apple Inc. - C:\Program Files\iPod\bin\iPodService.exe

O23 - Service: CA Pest Patrol Realtime Protection Service (ITMRTSVC) - CA, Inc. - C:\Program Files\CA\SharedComponents\PPRT\bin\ITMRTSVC.exe

O23 - Service: LiveUpdate - Symantec Corporation - C:\PROGRA~1\Symantec\LIVEUP~1\LUCOMS~1.EXE

O23 - Service: PPCtlPriv - CA, Inc. - C:\Program Files\CA\CA Internet Security Suite\CA Anti-Spyware\PPCtlPriv.exe

O23 - Service: IBM PSA Access Driver Control (PsaSrv) - Unknown owner - C:\WINDOWS\system32\PsaSrv.exe (file missing)

O23 - Service: QCONSVC - IBM Corp. - C:\WINDOWS\System32\QCONSVC.EXE

O23 - Service: System Update (SUService) - Lenovo Group Limited - c:\program files\lenovo\system update\suservice.exe

O23 - Service: SymWMI Service (SymWSC) - Symantec Corporation - c:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\Security Center\SymWSC.exe

O23 - Service: ThinkVantage Registry Monitor Service - Lenovo Group Limited - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Lenovo\tvt_reg_monitor_svc.exe

O23 - Service: IBM KCU Service (TpKmpSVC) - Unknown owner - C:\WINDOWS\system32\TpKmpSVC.exe

O23 - Service: TVT Scheduler - Lenovo Group Limited - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Lenovo\Scheduler\tvtsched.exe

O23 - Service: HIPS Event Manager (UmxAgent) - CA - C:\Program Files\CA\SharedComponents\HIPSEngine\UmxAgent.exe

O23 - Service: HIPS Configuration Interpreter (UmxCfg) - CA - C:\Program Files\CA\SharedComponents\HIPSEngine\UmxCfg.exe

O23 - Service: HIPS Firewall Helper (UmxFwHlp) - CA - C:\Program Files\CA\SharedComponents\HIPSEngine\UmxFwHlp.exe

O23 - Service: HIPS Policy Manager (UmxPol) - CA - C:\Program Files\CA\SharedComponents\HIPSEngine\UmxPol.exe

O23 - Service: VET Message Service (VETMSGNT) - CA, Inc. - C:\Program Files\CA\CA Internet Security Suite\CA Anti-Virus\VetMsg.exe

--

End of file - 10457 bytes

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Katana

Katana

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Posted

I'm afraid I have unpleasant news for you. You have evidence of at least one Very Dangerous infection on this machine.

It allow outsiders COMPLETE access to every keystroke, account, and password you use while on this machine, and complete access to any other data present...

IF this computer has been used for any kind of important data, my best recommendation is to Disconnect from Internet, Re-Format the entire drive and re-install your Operating system and Applications.

We can likely clean the infected files off the computer, and if you wish we will attempt to do so, but we cannot be sure that the infection didn't do something to your system to reduce the system security. In that instance, even after removal of the infection, you could be subject to another attack or takeover as soon as you re-connect to the Internet.

The Decision Whether to ReFormat or Not should be based on:

  • The use of the computer - this is the primary factor in the decision whether to re-format and re-install, or just disinfect.
  • The variety of malware - this influences the decision on whether to re-format and re-install, or just disinfect. IN THIS CASE we have the worst kind.

If the Computer has been used for any important data, you are strongly advised to do the following, immediately:

  • Disconnect the infected computer from the internet and from any networked computers until the computer can be cleaned.
  • Back up all important data on the machine. Do not back up any Applications (programs). Those should be re-installed from the original source CDs or websites.
  • If you have ever used this computer for shopping, banking, or any transactions relating to your financial well being:
    Call all of your banks, credit card companies, and financial institutions, informing them that you may be a victim of identity theft, and to put a watch on your accounts or change all your account numbers.
  • From a clean computer, change ALL your online passwords -- for ISP login, email, banks, financial accounts, PayPal, eBay, online companies, and any online forums or groups you belong to.
  • DO NOT change passwords or do any transactions while using the infected computer because the attacker will get the new password and transaction information.
  • Take any other steps you think appropriate for an attempted identity theft.

While you are deciding whether to ReFormat and Re-Install, a useful link is here: http://www.dslreports.com/faq/10063

Please let me know what you decide.

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maxfell

maxfell

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Thanks, Katana. I think we will try to re-format and re-install. Do you have any recommended directions?

A few other questions, if it's not too much trouble:

  • The computer has a built-in program that will restore the hard drive to the original factory state. The computer's service guide says that this program is independent of the operating system. Should this be safe to use, or would it really be best to do an install from a known clean source?
  • Apparently we did not get a CD for the OS when we bought this computer. We do have the product key. Is there a safe way to get the necessary install files without shelling out a bunch of money?
  • Any idea how the original infection could have occurred, and how we might avoid it in the future? There's a software firewall installed on the computer, and our home network router appears to have a firewall too. And I don't think we were visiting sites that were too suspicious.

Thanks again.

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Katana

Katana

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  1. The computer has a built-in program that will restore the hard drive to the original factory state.

  2. Any idea how the original infection could have occurred, and how we might avoid it in the future?

1) That is all you need, ( I wish all machines had one of those ! )

2) It could be absolutely anything, from an infected e-mail to an infected USB drive.

To avoid it in the future, I have included some info on staying safe at the end of this post.

1 - Backup Your Data

Copy all your data to a separate drive, CD, DVD, etc.

It may be a good idea to check the files that you backup with an online scanner, you don't want to be reinfected.

http://www.kaspersky.com/virusscanner

2 - Download Programs, Installers, and Updates

Make sure you have all the programs you will need to re-install such as an Antivirus, a Firewall, and, if not included on the installation disk, Microsoft's Service Pack 2 for Windows XP.

Take note of all the product keys and serial numbers. These may be on boxes, CDs, or in emails.

(make sure you don't save them on the drive to be restored)

3- Restore to Factory Settings

Use the On-Board Program to restore factory settings

4 - Install Security Programs

Install your Antivirus, Firewall, and other security programs

5 - Install Any Microsoft Updates

Reconnect your computer to the internet and go to the Microsoft Updates site: http://update.microsoft.com/microsoftupdate

Download and install any required updates

6 - Install Any Programs

Finally, install any programs you need to run

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask.

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

The following is some info to help you stay safe and clean.

You may already have some of the following programs, but I include the full list for the benefit of all the other people who will be reading this thread in the future.

( Vista users must ensure that any programs are Vista compatible BEFORE installing )

Online Scanners

I would recommend a scan at one or more of the following sites at least once a month.

http://www.pandasecurity.com/activescan

http://www.kaspersky.com/kos/eng/partner/7...kavwebscan.html

!!! Make sure that all your programs are updated !!!

Secunia Software Inspector does all the work for you, .... see HERE for details

AntiSpyware

  • AntiSpyware is not the same thing as Antivirus.

    Different AntiSpyware programs detect different things, so in this case it is recommended that you have more than one.

    You should only have one running all the time, the other/s should be used "on demand" on a regular basis.

    Most of the programs in this list have a free (for Home Users ) and paid versions,

    it is worth paying for one and having "realtime" protection, unless you intend to do a manual scan often.

  • Spybot - Search & Destroy <<< A must have program
    • It includes host protection and registry protection

    • A hosts file is a bit like a phone book, it points to the actual numeric address (i.e. the IP address) from the human friendly name of a website. This feature can be used to block malicious websites

    [*] MalwareBytes Anti-malware <<< A New and effective program

    [*]a-squared Free <<< A good "realtime" or "on demand" scanner

    [*]superantispyware <<< A good "realtime" or "on demand" scanner

Prevention

  • These programs don't detect malware, they help stop it getting on your machine in the first place.

    Each does a different job, so you can have more than one

  • Winpatrol
    • An excellent startup manager and then some !!

    • Notifies you if programs are added to startup

    • Allows delayed startup

    • A must have addition

    [*]SpywareBlaster 4.0

    • SpywareBlaster sets killbits in the registry to prevent known malicious activex controls from installing themselves on your computer.

    [*]SpywareGuard 2.2

    • SpywareGuard provides real-time protection against spyware.

    • Not required if you have other "realtime" antispyware or Winpatrol

    [*]ZonedOut

    • Formerly known as IE-SPYAD, adds a long list of sites and domains associated with known advertisers and marketers to the Restricted sites zone of Internet Explorer.

    [*]MVPS HOSTS

    • This little program packs a powerful punch as it blocks ads, banners, 3rd party Cookies, 3rd party page counters, web bugs, and many hijackers.

    • For information on how to download and install, please read this tutorial by WinHelp2002.

    • Not required if you are using other host file protections

Internet Browsers

  • Microsoft has worked hard to make IE.7 a more secure browser, unfortunately whilst it is still the leading browser of choice it will always be under attack from the bad guys.

    Using a different web browser can help stop malware getting on your machine.

    • Make your Internet Explorer more secure - This can be done by following these simple instructions:
      1. From within Internet Explorer click on the Tools menu and then click on Options.

      2. Click once on the Security tab

      3. Click once on the Internet icon so it becomes highlighted.

      4. Click once on the Custom Level button.

        • Change the Download signed ActiveX controls to Prompt

        • Change the Download unsigned ActiveX controls to Disable

        • Change the Initialise and script ActiveX controls not marked as safe to Disable

        • Change the Installation of desktop items to Prompt

        • Change the Launching programs and files in an IFRAME to Prompt

        • Change the Navigate sub-frames across different domains to Prompt

        • When all these settings have been made, click on the OK button.

        • If it prompts you as to whether or not you want to save the settings, press the Yes button.

      [*]Next press the Apply button and then the OK to exit the Internet Properties page.

If you are still using IE6 then either update, or get one of the following.

  • FireFox
    • With many addons available that make customization easy this is a very popular choice

    • NoScript and AdBlockPlus addons are essential

    [*]Opera

    • Another popular alternative

    [*]Netscape

    • Another popular alternative

    • Also has Addons available

Cleaning Temporary Internet Files and Tracking Cookies

  • Temporary Internet Files are mainly the files that are downloaded when you open a web page.

    Unfortunately, if the site you visit is of a dubious nature or has been hacked, they can also be an entry point for malware.

    It is a good idea to empty the Temporary Internet Files folder on a regular basis.

    Tracking Cookies are files that websites use to monitor which sites you visit and how often.

    A lot of Antispyware scanners pick up these tracking cookies and flag them as unwanted.

    CAUTION :- If you delete all your cookies you will lose any autologin information for sites that you visit, and will need your passwords

    Both of these can be cleaned manually, but a quicker option is to use a program

  • ATF Cleaner
    • Free and very simple to use

    [*]CCleaner

    • Free and very flexible, you can chose which cookies to keep

Also PLEASE read this article.....So How Did I Get Infected In The First Place

The last and most important thing I can tell you is UPDATE.

If you don't update your security programs (Antivirus, Antispyware even Windows) then you are at risk.

Malware changes on a day to day basis. You should update every week at the very least.

If you follow this advice then (with a bit of luck) you will never have to hear from me again ;)

If you could post back one more time to let me know everything is OK, then I can have this thread archived.

Happy surfing K'

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