Hi Kim
If you have, or had, installed the "HotBar" browser tool, it is probably the
cause of the problems. Either get rid of it, as it is considered
ADware/Spyware, or you will likely continue to have problems. You should be
able to remove it through its entry in Add/Remove programs. However, even
if you have already uninstalled it, you may have been infected with a lot of
other junk which is conflicting and causing the problems. Try the
following and see if it helps. Even if you have already run some programs,
run them again according to the instructions in the information below to
thoroughly clean you system. Some variants of malware can replicate itself
and return repeatedly if not cleaned properly. It is best to read through
all the information before you start to know before hand what you need to do
and how. Follow all instructions to letter as much as possible. Read all
instructions through to make sure you understand them and have all the
programs downloaded and installed before starting.
Dealing with Unwanted Spyware and Parasites:
http://mvps.org/winhelp2002/unwanted.htm
Most importantly, be sure to run CWShredder, download from here:
http://www.majorgeeks.com/download3019.html
and this program, which searches for hidden .dlls that recreate the malware.
About Buster:
http://www.majorgeeks.com/download4289.html
Then visit these two sites to test for parasites and help basic cleaning:
On-Line Check
http://aumha.org/a/noads.htm
and
Quick-Fix Protocol.
http://aumha.org/a/quickfix.php
Basically, throw everything here at your "infection".
Also download and install HiJackThis -
How to download and install HiJackThis:
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/topict309.html
Please DO NOT post your log to this newsgroup. It is important that you go
to one of the HiJackThis Support Forums below and allow the experts there
to analyze it for youPlease DO NOT post your log to this newsgroup. It is
important that you go to one of the HiJackThis Support Forums below and
allow the experts there to analyze it for you.
CastleCops HiJackThis Forum
http://castlecops.com/f67-Hijackthis_Spyware_Viruses_Worms_Trojans_Oh_My.html
or Bleeping Computer Forum
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/forum22.html
to allow the experts there to evaluate your log and advise you of any
necessary steps to clean your system.
(Note: You will have to Register before posting on these Forums. Please
follow all posting instructions carefully to avoid having your log deleted
or ignored.)
Please post a link to the forum where you post your HJT log back to this
thread so that we can follow your progress there.
CAUTION!!!!! Before you try to remove spyware using any of the programs
below, download a copy of LSPFIX from any of the following sites:
http://www.cexx.org/lspfix.htm
http://www.spychecker.com/program/winsockxpfix.html
(if your OS is Win2k or XP) The process of removing certain malware may kill
your internet connection. If this should occur, this program, LSPFIX, will
enable you to regain your connection.
You should also get a copy of WINSOCKXPFIX available at:
http://www.spychecker.com/program/winsockxpfix.html
and
WinsockXP Fix- WinXP
http://www.spychecker.com/program/winsockxpfix.html
with instructions, at
http://www.iup.edu/house/resnet/winfix.shtm
also….. From LavaSoft- all versions of Windows-
http://digital-solutions.co.uk/lavasoft/whndnfix.zip
(NOTE: It is reported that in XP SP2, the command netsh winsock reset
will fix this problem without the need for these programs.)
or Winsock Fix Utility
http://www.dfwonline.net/files/WinsockFix.zip
Hope this helps
Jan
MS MVP - IE/OE
Smiles are meant to be shared,
that's why they're so contagious.
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