Browser Redirect problem + malware removal

[dumbo3048]

I have getting a lot of browser redirects; ask for yahoo and end up in a lot of "Timbuktu" sites. I have run a Hyjack this file several times, and then just stare a them, afraid to do anythig. Help

[chaslang]

Welcome to Major Geeks!

Please follow the instructions in the below link and attach the requested logs when you finish these instructions.

• READ & RUN ME FIRST. Malware Removal Guide

• If something does not run, write down the info to explain to us later but keep on going.

• Do not assume that because one step does not work that they all will not.

Notes:

1. If you run into problems trying to run theREAD & RUN ME or any of the scans in normal boot mode. You can running steps in safe boot mode but make sure you tell us what you did later when you post logs. See the below if you do not know how to boot in safe mode:
   • Starting your computer in Safe mode
2. If you have problems downloading on the problem PC, download the tools on another PC and burn to a CD. Then copy them to the problem PC. You will have to skip getting updates if (and only if) your internet connection does not work. Yes you could use a flash drive too but flash drives are writeable and infections can spread to them.

[dumbo3048]

Dear Chaslang,

Thanks for "takeing on this problem". It is pretty late now so I am going to bed. I will get started on your instructions in the morning.

Thanks. Dumbo3048

[chaslang]

No problem! Just finish all instructions and attach the logs when you finish. Do not post again until you finish or unless you run into problems you need help with. Here is why: Don't Bump! It Only Hurts You!!!

[dumbo3048]

Originally Posted by chaslang

No problem! Just finish all instructions and attach the logs when you finish. Do not post again until you finish or unless you run into problems you need help with. Here is why: Don't Bump! It Only Hurts You!!!

Chaslang, I have, finished all of the instructions, and everything went OK"--except for your last comment, "attach the logs when you finish". I read all of the read me" material, and I could not find any reference to what logs were needed and how to obtain them. Help!
dumbo3048

[chaslang]

Originally Posted by dumbo3048

I read all of the read me" material, and I could not find any reference to what logs were needed and how to obtain them.

Then you did not click the links for the cleaning procedures as requested because they clearly show the below ( example for Windows XP)

Step 3: Do You Still Have Problems

• Yes, I’m still having problems
  • DO NOT run the READ ME again!!!! Please attach your logs as given below.
  • If you do not already have a thread started, start a new thread otherwise post the following in your original thread. Clearly describe in detail the problems you are having and how long ago they started. Think about what you were doing at the time.
  • Now you need to attach (See: HOW TO: Attach Items To Your Post ) the below logs created while running the above scans
    • SASlog.txt log from SuperAntiSpyware.
    • Malwarebytes Anti-Malware log
    • ComboFix.txt (normally C:\ComboFix.txt)
    • MGlogs.zip - normally it is C:\MGlogs.zip - only attach this log from MGtools.exe DO NOT attach any logs seen in the MGtools folder.
  • You will need to post 2 messages to attach all four logs since only 3 attachments are allowed in any single message. Post all of them in one thread.
  • Be patient after posting your logs and wait for one of the helpers to get to you. It can take a while to read thru all of the logs and to create individual fixes for you.

[dumbo3048]

chaslang,

I apologize for having "dropped out" of this problem for a time!

I followed all the instructions and ran all the cleaning programs. according to the logs I had 90% virus-malware-spys....and 10% cumputer programds.

The programs fixed all of the problems and I am not having any problems!!

Do you still want to see the logs?

I thank you so much for using you vast expertice in helping me solve the problems I had. The Major Geeks are just super!!

Thanks again. dumbo3048

[chaslang]

Originally Posted by dumbo3048

The programs fixed all of the problems and I am not having any problems!!

Do you still want to see the logs?

It would be in your best interest! And if they are clean, we have important final instructions to give you.

[dumbo3048]

chaslang,

Thanks for you paience with me. You may have rceived another memo, I hit "submit" key and the info went into a black hole. I think!!

My 78 yearold body is still going strong, but my mind seems to get slower each day! I hope that the attached files are what you need. I am leaving town for several days.so will be able to work on this if needed after 9/28

dumbo3048

[chaslang]

Those logs look fine and did not even find any malware. You still should attach the logs from ComboFix and MGtools that were requested.

[dumbo3048]

Originally Posted by chaslang

Those logs look fine and did not even find any malware. You still should attach the logs from ComboFix and MGtools that were requested.

Here they are. dumbo3048

[chaslang]

Are you using CCleaner or anything else to control startup processes? I see a bunch of items in you MSconfig registry keys but MSconfig itself is not being used to control them. CCleaner is one application that can cause things to look this way.


Run C:\MGtools\analyse.exe by double clicking on it (Note: if using Vista, don't double click, use right click and select Run As Administrator). This is really HijackThis (select Do a system scan only) and select the following lines but DO NOT CLICK FIX until you exit all browser sessions including the one you are reading in right now:

O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [QuickTime Task] "C:\Program Files\QuickTime\QTTask.exe" -atboottime
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [TkBellExe] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Real\Update_OB\realsched.exe" -osboot
O4 - Startup: PowerReg Scheduler V3.exe
O24 - Desktop Component 0: Privacy Protection - (no file)

After clicking Fix, exit HJT.

Copy the bold text below to notepad. Save it as fixme.reg to your desktop. Be sure the "Save as" type is set to "all files" Once you have saved it double click it and allow it to merge with the registry.

REGEDIT4

[-HKEY_CURRENT_USER\software\microsoft\internet explorer\desktop\components\0]
[-HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Shared Tools\MSConfig\startupreg\QuickTime Task]
[-HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Shared Tools\MSConfig\startupreg\tgcmd]
[-HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Shared Tools\MSConfig\startupreg\TkBellExe]
[-HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Shared Tools\MSConfig\startupreg\YouTubeDownloader_upgrade]
[-HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Kazaa]
[-HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\knight]
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System]
"HideLegacyLogonScripts"=-
"HideLogoffScripts"=-
"RunLogonScriptSync"=-
"RunStartupScriptSync"=-
"HideStartupScripts"=-

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System]
"HideLegacyLogonScripts"=-
"HideLogoffScripts"=-
"RunLogonScriptSync"=-
"RunStartupScriptSync"=-
"HideStartupScripts"=-

Make sure that you tell me if you receive a success message about adding the above
to the registry. If you do not get a success message, it definitely did not work.

Now run Ccleaner!

Now run the C:\MGtools\GetLogs.bat file by double clicking on it (Note: if using Vista, don't double click, use right click and select Run As Administrator).

Then attach the below log:

• C:\MGlogs.zip

Make sure you tell me how things are working now!

[dumbo3048]

chaslang, I sent in my C:/MGlogs.zip per your request, did you receive it? I believe it was send on 9-16. The "fix" you sent me was successful. I hope yu did get the log.

dumbo3048

[chaslang]

Originally Posted by dumbo3048

chaslang, I sent in my C:/MGlogs.zip per your request, did you receive it? I believe it was send on 9-16.

No there is no message from you since message # 11. You still need to attach the new MGlogs.zip file.

[dumbo3048]

Originally Posted by chaslang

No there is no message from you since message # 11. You still need to attach the new MGlogs.zip file.

chaslang, I am sorry ablut this !! I am in Oregon till next weekend. When I get home, I will send the logs1

dumbo3048

[chaslang]

Just attach the new log when you can. Make sure that you have stopped using MSconfig or CCleaner or anything else to control startups before getting the new log.

[dumbo3048]

Originally Posted by chaslang

Just attach the new log when you can. Make sure that you have stopped using MSconfig or CCleaner or anything else to control startups before getting the new log.

chaslang,

I am back from Oregon. I have attached MGlogs.zip. Hope this does the trick.
dumbo3048

[chaslang]

Your logs are clean but you need to do the below.


Copy the bold text below to notepad. Save it as fixRK.reg to your desktop. Be sure the "Save as" type is set to "all files" Once you have saved it double click it and allow it to merge with the registry.

REGEDIT4

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run]
"SpybotSD TeaTimer"=-
"services"=-
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\software\microsoft\windows\currentVersion\Run]
"TkBellExe"=-
[-HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Shared Tools\MSConfig\startupfolder]
[-HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Shared Tools\MSConfig\startupreg]
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Shared Tools\MSConfig\startupfolder]
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Shared Tools\MSConfig\startupreg]

Make sure that you tell me if you receive a success message about adding the above
to the registry. If you do not get a success message, it definitely did not work.


If you are not having any other malware problems, it is time to do our final steps:

1. We recommed you keep SUPERAntiSpyware and Malwarebytes Anti-Malware for scanning/removal of malware. Unless you purchase them, they provide no protection. They do not use any significant amount of resources ( except a little disk space ) until you run a scan.
2. If we had you use ComboFix, uninstall ComboFix (This uninstall will only work as written if you installed ComboFix on your Desktop like we requested.)
   • Click START then RUN and enter the below into the run box and then click OK. Note the quotes are required
   • "%userprofile%\Desktop\combofix" /u
     • Notes: The space between the combofix" and the /u, it must be there.
     • This will uninstall ComboFix and also reset hidden files and folders settings back to Windows defaults.
   • Delete the C:\combofix folder from combofix (if it exists)
3. Any other miscellaneous tools we may have had you install or download can be uninstalled and deleted.
4. If we had you download any registry patches like fixme.reg or fixWLK.reg (or any others), you can delete these files now.
5. If running Vista, it is time to make sure you have reenabled UAC by double clicking on the C:\MGtools\enableUAC.reg file and allowing it to be added to the registry.
6. Go to add/remove programs and uninstall HijackThis.
7. You can delete the C:\MGtools folder and the C:\MGtools.exe file. You can also delete the C:\MGlogs.zip
8. If you are running Vista, Windows XP or Windows ME, do the below:
   • Refer to the cleaning steps in the READ ME for your Window version and see the steps to Disable System Restore which will flush your Restore Points.
   • Then reboot and Enable System Restore to create a new clean Restore Point.
9. After doing the above, you should work thru the below link:
   • How to Protect yourself from malware!

[dumbo3048]

chaslang, Following your clear lead, the REGEDIT4 was implemented successfuly!! I will "clean up" the rest of the sugestions you made. I thank you again for your patience is this matter, and have learned a lot.

dumbo3048

[chaslang]

You're welcome. Surf safely!