popupsearch.com

hi, i was wondering if anyone could help me. i think it was after downloading an "update" for msn messenger, i noticed many of my web pages had links in the words embedded in them, the culprit sems to be popupsearch.com. i have used pestpatrol, adaware and spybot search and destroy, to no avail. after reading previous posts on here i have enclosed a log from hijackthis. anyhelp anyone can give me would be greatley appreciated/
Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.1
Scan saved at 13:14:29, on 25/03/2005
Platform: Windows XP SP2 (WinNT 5.01.2600)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v6.00 SP2 (6.00.2900.2180)

Running processes:
C:\WINDOWS\System32\smss.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\winlogon.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\services.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\lsass.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\Ati2evxx.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgamsvr.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgupsvc.exe
C:\Program Files\Bluetooth Software\bin\btwdins.exe
C:\Program Files\Executive Software\Diskeeper\DkService.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\ZoneLabs\vsmon.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\Ati2evxx.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgcc.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgemc.exe
C:\Program Files\Alcatel\SpeedTouch USB\Dragdiag.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\rundll32.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\PESTPA~1\PPControl.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\PESTPA~1\PPMemCheck.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\PESTPA~1\CookiePatrol.exe
C:\Program Files\Bluetooth Software\BTTray.exe
C:\Program Files\Zone Labs\ZoneAlarm\zonealarm.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\wscntfy.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\devldr32.exe
C:\Program Files\MSN Messenger\msnmsgr.exe
C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe
C:\Documents and Settings\phil\My Documents\HijackThis.exe
C:\Program Files\HijackThis.exe

R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://www.yahoo.co.uk/
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Connection Wizard,ShellNext = http://www.yahoo.co.uk/
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {53707962-6F74-2D53-2644-206D7942484F} - D:\Spybot - Search & Destroy\SDHelper.dll
O2 - BHO: ohb - {999A06FF-10EF-4A29-8640-69E99882C26B} - C:\WINDOWS\system32\rtneg3.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AVG7_CC] C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgcc.exe /STARTUP
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AVG7_EMC] C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgemc.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SpeedTouch USB Diagnostics] "C:\Program Files\Alcatel\SpeedTouch USB\Dragdiag.exe" /icon
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [CorelDRAW Graphics Suite 11b] D:\COREL GRAPHICS 12\Languages\EN\Programs\Registration.exe /title="CorelDRAW Graphics Suite 12" /date=040605 serial=DR12WNX-5452664-DST lang=EN
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [BluetoothAuthenticationAgent] rundll32.exe bthprops.cpl,,BluetoothAuthenticationAgent
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [PestPatrol Control Center] C:\PROGRA~1\PESTPA~1\PPControl.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [PPMemCheck] C:\PROGRA~1\PESTPA~1\PPMemCheck.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [CookiePatrol] C:\PROGRA~1\PESTPA~1\CookiePatrol.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [Window Washer] C:\Program Files\Webroot\Washer\wwDisp.exe /startup
O4 - Global Startup: ZoneAlarm.lnk = C:\Program Files\Zone Labs\ZoneAlarm\zonealarm.exe
O8 - Extra context menu item: Send To &Bluetooth - C:\Program Files\Bluetooth Software\btsendto_ie_ctx.htm
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.5.0_02\bin\npjpi150_02.dll
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Sun Java Console - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.5.0_02\bin\npjpi150_02.dll
O9 - Extra button: @btrez.dll,-4015 - {CCA281CA-C863-46ef-9331-5C8D4460577F} - C:\Program Files\Bluetooth Software\btsendto_ie.htm
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: @btrez.dll,-4017 - {CCA281CA-C863-46ef-9331-5C8D4460577F} - C:\Program Files\Bluetooth Software\btsendto_ie.htm
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
O16 - DPF: {74D05D43-3236-11D4-BDCD-00C04F9A3B61} (HouseCall Control) - http://a840.g.akamai.net/7/840/537/2004061001/housecall.trendmicro.com/housecall/xscan53.cab
O16 - DPF: {B38870E4-7ECB-40DA-8C6A-595F0A5519FF} (MsnMessengerSetupDownloadControl Class) - http://messenger.msn.com/download/MsnMessengerSetupDownloader.cab
O17 - HKLM\System\CCS\Services\Tcpip\..\{D44AC2E3-1FC1-48E6-8495-22C5E89CB9F4}: NameServer = 62.241.162.200 158.43.240.3
O18 - Protocol: widimg - {EE7C2AFF-5742-44FF-BD0E-E521B0D3C3BA} - C:\WINDOWS\system32\btxppanel.dll
O23 - Service: Ati HotKey Poller - ATI Technologies Inc. - C:\WINDOWS\system32\Ati2evxx.exe
O23 - Service: ATI Smart - Unknown owner - C:\WINDOWS\system32\ati2sgag.exe
O23 - Service: AVG7 Alert Manager Server (Avg7Alrt) - GRISOFT, s.r.o. - C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgamsvr.exe
O23 - Service: AVG7 Update Service (Avg7UpdSvc) - GRISOFT, s.r.o. - C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgupsvc.exe
O23 - Service: Bluetooth Service (btwdins) - Broadcom Corporation - C:\Program Files\Bluetooth Software\bin\btwdins.exe
O23 - Service: Diskeeper - Executive Software International, Inc. - C:\Program Files\Executive Software\Diskeeper\DkService.exe
O23 - Service: TrueVector Internet Monitor (vsmon) - Zone Labs Inc. - C:\WINDOWS\system32\ZoneLabs\vsmon.exe

Hi fastcar_uk,

You might want to print these instructions for reference or copy and paste them into notepad and save them on your desktop, as you will be off the internet while using HijackThis.

If you have any questions before starting the fix, please don't hesitate to ask!

Logoff your internet connection.

First, I would like you to unregister these dlls:

Click Start > Run > enter (copy and paste is better) the following text, then click OK:

regsvr32 /u btxppanel.dll

If it doesn't work, enter it this way:

regsvr32 /u C:\WINDOWS\system32\btxppanel.dll

Do the same for the following file:

rtneg3.dll

Next...

Run HijackThis, click scan, place a checkmark next to the following items. Close all browsers and any other windows or the fix may not work! Click "fix checked". It is OK if some of these items are no longer listed.

O2 - BHO: ohb - {999A06FF-10EF-4A29-8640-69E99882C26B} - C:\WINDOWS\system32\rtneg3.dll
O18 - Protocol: widimg - {EE7C2AFF-5742-44FF-BD0E-E521B0D3C3BA} - C:\WINDOWS\system32\btxppanel.dll

Boot into Safe Mode. Restart your computer, start tapping F8 when your computer first starts booting, there will be a menu displayed > select Safe Mode.

Make sure your computer is configured to show all files and folders.
Click Start.
Open My Computer.
Select the Tools menu and click Folder Options.
Select the View Tab. Under the Hidden Files and Folders heading select Show Hidden Files and Folders.
Uncheck hide extensions for known file types.
Uncheck the Hide Protected Operating System Files option.
Click Yes to confirm.
Click OK.

Search for and delete the following files:

C:\WINDOWS\system32\rtneg3.dll
C:\WINDOWS\system32\btxppanel.dll

Next....

Go to Start > Run > type "cleanmgr" (without the quotes). > Select the drive to clean up (usually C ) > Place a checkmark next to the following:

Temporary Internet Files
Recycle Bin
Temporary Files

Then click OK.

Reboot normally.

Please post a fresh HijackThis log.

Tom

thanks for your speedy reply tom. sorry i havnt got back to you sooner, been real busy with work. anyhow, i followed your instructions to the letter. things seem sweet again now. here is my lates ht log file:
Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.1
Scan saved at 12:55:43, on 28/03/2005
Platform: Windows XP SP2 (WinNT 5.01.2600)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v6.00 SP2 (6.00.2900.2180)

Running processes:
C:\WINDOWS\System32\smss.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\winlogon.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\services.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\lsass.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\Ati2evxx.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgamsvr.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgupsvc.exe
C:\Program Files\Bluetooth Software\bin\btwdins.exe
C:\Program Files\Executive Software\Diskeeper\DkService.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\ZoneLabs\vsmon.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\wuauclt.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\Ati2evxx.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\system32\wscntfy.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgcc.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgemc.exe
C:\Program Files\Alcatel\SpeedTouch USB\Dragdiag.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\rundll32.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\PESTPA~1\PPControl.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\PESTPA~1\PPMemCheck.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\PESTPA~1\CookiePatrol.exe
C:\Program Files\Zone Labs\ZoneAlarm\zonealarm.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\devldr32.exe
C:\Program Files\HijackThis.exe

R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://www.yahoo.co.uk/
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Connection Wizard,ShellNext = http://www.yahoo.co.uk/
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {53707962-6F74-2D53-2644-206D7942484F} - D:\Spybot - Search & Destroy\SDHelper.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AVG7_CC] C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgcc.exe /STARTUP
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AVG7_EMC] C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgemc.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SpeedTouch USB Diagnostics] "C:\Program Files\Alcatel\SpeedTouch USB\Dragdiag.exe" /icon
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [CorelDRAW Graphics Suite 11b] D:\COREL GRAPHICS 12\Languages\EN\Programs\Registration.exe /title="CorelDRAW Graphics Suite 12" /date=040605 serial=DR12WNX-5452664-DST lang=EN
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [BluetoothAuthenticationAgent] rundll32.exe bthprops.cpl,,BluetoothAuthenticationAgent
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [PestPatrol Control Center] C:\PROGRA~1\PESTPA~1\PPControl.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [PPMemCheck] C:\PROGRA~1\PESTPA~1\PPMemCheck.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [CookiePatrol] C:\PROGRA~1\PESTPA~1\CookiePatrol.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [Window Washer] C:\Program Files\Webroot\Washer\wwDisp.exe /startup
O4 - Global Startup: ZoneAlarm.lnk = C:\Program Files\Zone Labs\ZoneAlarm\zonealarm.exe
O8 - Extra context menu item: Send To &Bluetooth - C:\Program Files\Bluetooth Software\btsendto_ie_ctx.htm
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.5.0_02\bin\npjpi150_02.dll
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Sun Java Console - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.5.0_02\bin\npjpi150_02.dll
O9 - Extra button: @btrez.dll,-4015 - {CCA281CA-C863-46ef-9331-5C8D4460577F} - C:\Program Files\Bluetooth Software\btsendto_ie.htm
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: @btrez.dll,-4017 - {CCA281CA-C863-46ef-9331-5C8D4460577F} - C:\Program Files\Bluetooth Software\btsendto_ie.htm
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
O16 - DPF: {74D05D43-3236-11D4-BDCD-00C04F9A3B61} (HouseCall Control) - http://a840.g.akamai.net/7/840/537/2004061001/housecall.trendmicro.com/housecall/xscan53.cab
O16 - DPF: {B38870E4-7ECB-40DA-8C6A-595F0A5519FF} (MsnMessengerSetupDownloadControl Class) - http://messenger.msn.com/download/MsnMessengerSetupDownloader.cab
O23 - Service: Ati HotKey Poller - ATI Technologies Inc. - C:\WINDOWS\system32\Ati2evxx.exe
O23 - Service: ATI Smart - Unknown owner - C:\WINDOWS\system32\ati2sgag.exe
O23 - Service: AVG7 Alert Manager Server (Avg7Alrt) - GRISOFT, s.r.o. - C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgamsvr.exe
O23 - Service: AVG7 Update Service (Avg7UpdSvc) - GRISOFT, s.r.o. - C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgupsvc.exe
O23 - Service: Bluetooth Service (btwdins) - Broadcom Corporation - C:\Program Files\Bluetooth Software\bin\btwdins.exe
O23 - Service: Diskeeper - Executive Software International, Inc. - C:\Program Files\Executive Software\Diskeeper\DkService.exe
O23 - Service: TrueVector Internet Monitor (vsmon) - Zone Labs Inc. - C:\WINDOWS\system32\ZoneLabs\vsmon.exe

No problem, been busy myself.

Because you were infected, backups of the malware may be in System Restore.

1 Right-click My Computer, and then click Properties.
2 Click the System Restore tab.
3 Check the "Turn off System Restore" or "Turn off System Restore on all drives" check box.
4 Click Apply
5 this will delete all existing restore points. Click Yes to do this.
6 Click OK.

Reboot

1 Right-click My Computer, and then click Properties.
2 Click the System Restore tab.
3 Uncheck the "Turn off System Restore" or "Turn off System Restore on all drives" check box.
4 Click Apply
5 Click OK.

Create a new Restore Point:

Start > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools > System Restore > tick Create a Restore Point > Next > enter a name for the Restore Point Creation (Today, Removed Spyware, etc.) > Create > Close.

The date and time will automatically be added.

Then....

These are tools that will help keep you from getting infected again:

SpywareBlaster prevents the installation of ActiveX-based spyware, adware, browser hijackers, dialers, and other potentially unwanted pests. Blocks spyware/tracking cookies in Internet Explorer and Mozilla/Firefox. Restricts the actions of potentially dangerous sites in InternetExplorer.

http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/spywareblaster.html

SpywareGuard provides a real-time protection solution against spyware that is a great addition to SpywareBlaster's protection method.

http://www.wilderssecurity.net/spywareguard.html

IE-SPYAD puts over 4000 sites in your restricted zone so you'll be protected when you visit innocent-looking sites that aren't actually innocent at all.

http://www.staff.uiuc.edu/~ehowes/resource.htm#IESPYAD

MVPS Hosts file replaces your current HOSTS file with one containing well know ad sites etc. Basically, this prevents your computer from connecting to those sites by redirecting them to 127.0.0.1 which is your local computer

http://mvps.org/winhelp2002/hosts.htm

All are very small free programs. Occasionally check for updates.

Check for updates for Windows and Internet Explorer every week or so. Download each critical update one by one, rebooting when necessary.. Repeat this until you get the message "no critical updates available"

http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com/

Please take a minute to read: So how did I get infected in the first place?

http://forums.net-integration.net/i...?showtopic=3051

Also, if you take the time to check over this Home Computer Security guide from CERT and follow it's guidelines, you will have much less computer problems:

http://www.cert.org/homeusers/HomeComputerSecurity/

Tom

many thanks tom, all your help and advice has been greatley appreciated!

I am happy to help. Safe surfing

As your problem has been solved, this thread will now be closed.

Tom