Can't Access Search Engine

  • Thread starter Thread starter DonW
  • Start date Start date
D

DonW

My buddy and I are having the same problem. It started
yesterday. I can still use my Win2k box, but my 98SE box
won't work. I have been searching everywhere for a
solution but can't seem to find one. I would greatly
appreciate any ideas.

Thanx,
Don
 
Marc said:
I did however find another hosts file in
C:\WINDOWS\Help. I have never heard of a hosts file in
this folder before and when I opened it it read:



88.88.88.88 elite
207.44.194.56 www.google.akadns.net
<http://www.google.akadns.net>
207.44.194.56 www.google.com <http://www.google.com>
207.44.194.56 google.com
207.44.194.56 www.altavista.com
<http://www.altavista.com>
207.44.194.56 altavista.com
207.44.194.56 search.yahoo.com
207.44.194.56 uk.search.yahoo.com
207.44.194.56 ca.search.yahoo.com
Click to expand...
I am running Windows XP Pro with IE6 with the latest
microsoft updates.

I just wanted others to know about this in case anyone
else has any similar issues.
Click to expand...


I just had this exact problem - hosts file in c:\windows\help with
these exact entries. I think I'll report this one myself as well.
 
John,
Trojan Qhosts hijacks the HOSTS file, however unlike normal redirectors,
this one hides the HOSTS file in the "Windows\Help" folder. It then
creates entries that redirects *all* major search engines to a website.
Note: this website has now been removed, thus the DNS errors.
[more info]
http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/hosts.htm (bottom of page)

Microsoft has released a cumulative patch for this vulnerability:
Simply go to Windows Update [hotfix 828750]
[more info]
http://www.microsoft.com/security/security_bulletins/ms03-040.asp

If your AV did not detect or you simply don't have an AV (bad idea)
Free Removal Tool:
http://securityresponse.symantec.com/avcenter/venc/data/trojan.qhosts.removal.tool.html

AVG AntiVirus 6.0 [freeware] http://www.grisoft.com/

_______________________________________
Mike Burgess http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/
Blocking Spyware, Adware, Parasites, Hijackers, Trojans, with a HOSTS file
http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/hosts.htm [updated 9-30-03]
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