It's hijackware!
http://www.doxdesk.com/parasite/InternetOptimizer.html
Dealing with Trojans & Hijackware
A. Trojans
1. Download and run Stinger (
http://vil.nai.com/vil/stinger/); then...
2. Update your virus definitions, enable Show Hidden Files
(
http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT/tsgeninfo.nsf/docid/2002092715262339)
and then run a full system scan in Safe Mode
(
http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT/tsgeninfo.nsf/docid/2001052409420406)
with nothing else running in background. Note the files identified and
removed then find the corresponding page for the file at your AV maker's
online support pages (e.g.,
http://securityresponse.symantec.com/avcenter/venc/data/adware.winfavorites.html)
and follow *all* Removal steps, including editing the Registry if
directed.
WinXP Only (WinME similar): If this scan finds anything, create a new
Restore Point then:
Disk Cleanup > More options > Delete all but the most recent Restore
Point.
B. Hijackware
Help with Hijackware
http://aumha.org/a/parasite.htm
http://aumha.org/a/quickfix.htm
http://mvps.org/winhelp2002/unwanted.htm
http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/Darnit.htm
http://www.mvps.org/sramesh2k/Malware_Defence.htm
Run these tools in the following order with nothing else running in
background:
1. CWShredder v2,0 (Run "Fix", not "Scan)
http://forum.aumha.org/downloads/cwshredder.zip
2. Ad-Aware SE (reconfigure per Post #2 in
http://aumha.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=5877; fix all found)
http://www.lavasoftusa.com/support/download/
3. Spybot (RTFM; Immunize then Scan; Generally fix everything in red)
http://www.safer-networking.org/en/index.html
Important: You must seek updates for Ad-Aware, Spybot, etc., before each
and every use, even "right out of the box". But even they can't catch
everything, 24/7.
When all else fails...
HijackThis
http://forum.aumha.org/downloads/hijackthis.zip
...is the preferred tool to use. With advice from experts, it will help
you to both identify and remove any hijackware/spyware. Post your log to,
e.g.,
http://forums.spywareinfo.com/,
http://computercops.biz/forum67.html
or
http://forum.aumha.org/viewforum.php?f=30 for expert analysis, **not
here.**
[Alternate download pages for many of the above tools may be found at
http://aumha.org/a/parasite.htm.]
--
~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
MS MVP-Windows (IE/OE)
I have a file on my C Drive called "Internet Optimizer" with a round gray
logo with what looks like a hippo face in it. Can anyone tell me what
this
is and do I need it? If I don't, how can I get rid of it.
I appreciate any help in this matter.
Fred
