can't connect unless in safe mode

Okay..I apparently was overloaded with all kinds of malware, trojans, etc...I ended up using all kinds of removal tools..spybot, smitfraud, ewido, and so on. It seemed to fix the initial issue...got rid of all the crap that kept trying to download itself onto my computer but once everything seemed like it was going well, I now cant connnect to the internet unless I'm in safe mode. I ended up using winsock fix and now I cant even boot in normal mode...only safe. I have no idea what to do now!!! Oh, and I have zone alarm and initially thought that maybe that had something to do with the connection issue, however, even when disabled, still couldn't connect. I'm really hoping this is a fixable issue. Thanks for any help.

 

almost forgot, here's my hijackthis log.

 

Welcome to MG's! First, please follow the below.

1. Download this file - combofix.exe
2. Double click combofix.exe & follow the prompts.
3. When finished, it will produce a log for you. Attach this log to your next reply

Note:

Do not mouseclick combofix's window while it is running. That may cause it to stall.

http://www.majorgeeks.com/images/grenade.gif Now run ALL the steps in this Sticky thread READ & RUN ME FIRST Before Asking for Support

• Make sure you check version numbers and get all updates.

http://www.majorgeeks.com/images/grenade.gif Very Important: Make sure you tell us the results from running the tutorial...was anything found? Were you unable to complete any of the scans?...Were you unable to download any of the tools?...Did you do the on-line scans as suggested? etc.

http://www.majorgeeks.com/images/grenade.gifAfter doing ALL of the above and you still have a problem, make sure you have booted to normal mode and run the steps in the below thread to properly use HijackThis and attach the log:

http://www.majorgeeks.com/images/grenade.gif Downloading, Installing, and Running HijackThis

• Make sure you also rename HijackThis.exe as suggested in the procedures. Use analyse.exe for the new name. This is very important due to some new infections going around..

http://www.majorgeeks.com/images/grenade.gifWhen you return to make your next post, make sure you attach the following logs and that you have run these scans in the following order too:

• CounterSpy
• AVG Antispyware log - ONLY IF NEEDED you were not able to run CounterSpy
• Bitdefender - from step 6
• Panda Scan - from step 6
• runkeys.txt - the log from GetRunKey.bat
• newfiles.txt - the log from ShowNew.bat
• comboxfix.txt - the log from ComboFix Utility
• HijackThis

NOTE: You can only attach 3 files in a single message so it will require that you use two messages to attach all of these logs![/FONT]

 

Okay...sorry it took so long. I ran into a few issues, but got most of what you asked. There were a few programs I could not run due to being in safe mode...would switch to normal, but then I can't get on the internet to download and run. Anyway, hope all these logs help you help me. Thanks.

 

more logs.

 

hijack log. Looking forward to hearing back!

 

You didn't attach anything?

Before you attach the HJT log, I would like you to run a scan with CounterSpy from the READ ME. Once complete remove all found infections and then reboot. Once rebooted attach a fresh HJT log, GetRunKey, ShowNew and Panda logs.

 

sorry, forgot to attach the hjt....anyway, will try to do the counterspy this evening. I can't remember at the moment, but it may have been one of the programs that wouldn't run...thanks for helping and I will post later tonight.

 

Not a problem, if you can't get it to run it's ok just skip it and attach the other new logs and we will go from there.

 

Okay, I downloaded counterspy and it wouldn't let me run it in safe mode. So I rebooted in normal and tried to run it and I got an error message during the install..."Error 1720 problem with windows installer" Interesting because I have been able to install other programs. So, no luck with counterspy. I did do another hjt log, one in normal and one in safe...don't know if this makes a difference. Any idea why I can't install and run counterspy? Also, I originally kept getting errors when trying to connect to the internet and it would just keep trying to connect over and over again with some sort of idnserror??? Well, it no longer does that, it just takes me to a blank Microsoft page and if I try to change the internet options it gives me an error box stating that I can't do that due to certain restrictions by the administrator...I am the admin, so I don't get this and I can change it in safe mode. Thanks for all the help so far...I'm trying

 

First, please disable any antivirus and/or antispy programs you have installed so they will not block this fix.

Please look in Add/Remove Programs for the following and uninstall them if found:

KBD

Kazaa Media Desktop 2.1

Now scan with HijackThis and check the boxes for the following entries:
( Make sure ALL browser windows are closed when you click FIX )

R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer,Search = about:blank
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer,SearchURL = about:blank
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer,Search = about:blank
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL = about:blank
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,SearchAssistant = about:blank
R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = about:blank
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,SearchURL = about:blank
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = about:blank
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Search,CustomizeSearch = about:blank
R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Local Page = res://msaps.dll/index.html
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,HomeOldSP = about:blank

R3 - URLSearchHook: (no name) - {FDE3577A-6254-181C-4E11-339E4F746BD3} - (no file)

O2 - BHO: Adobe PDF Reader Link Helper - {06849E9F-C8D7-4D59-B87D-784B7D6BE0B3} - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe\Acrobat\ActiveX\AcroIEHelper.dll (file missing)

O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [QuickTime Task] "C:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe" -atboottime
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [iTunesHelper] C:\Program Files\iTunes\iTunesHelper.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Adobe Reader Speed Launcher] "C:\Program Files\Adobe\Reader 8.0\Reader\Reader_sl.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [DDCActiveMenu] "C:\Program Files\WildTangent\DDC\ActiveMenu\DDCActiveMenu.exe" -boot
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [tapisys] C:\WINDOWS\System32\tss.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [swg] C:\Program Files\Google\GoogleToolbarNotifier\GoogleToolbarNotifier.exe

O6 - HKCU\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Restrictions present
O6 - HKCU\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Control Panel present

O9 - Extra button: Enjoy It - {47055D63-DFCD-11d3-8406-00500445A7D1} - C:\WINDOWS\System32\windialup\2846\windialup.exe (file missing)
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Enjoy It - {47055D63-DFCD-11d3-8406-00500445A7D1} - C:\WINDOWS\System32\windialup\2846\windialup.exe (file missing)

O19 - User stylesheet: (file missing)

Again, make sure ALL browser windows are closed when you click FIX.

• Now Click on Start, then Run ... type services.msc into the box that opens up, and press 'OK'.
• On the page that opens, scroll down to Content Monitoring Tool (msCMTSrvc)
• Then right click the entry, select Properties and press Stop Service.
• When it shows that it is stopped, next please set the Start-up Type to 'Disabled'.
• Click OK until you get back to Windows.

• Next, run HJT, but instead of scanning, click on the None of the above, just start the program button at the bottom of the choices.
• At the lower right, click on the Config button
• Then click the Misc tools button
• Select Delete an NT Service
• Copy/pastemsCMTSrvc into the box that opens, and press OK
• If you receive any error messages just ignore them and continue.
• Now exit HJT but do not reboot when it tells you it needs to. We will do that further down after running HJT again to fix some other items.

Now download The Avenger by Swandog46, and save it to your Desktop.

• Extract avenger.exe from the Zip file and save it to your desktop
• Run avenger.exe by double-clicking on it.
• Check the 'Input script manually' box.
• Click on the magnifying glass icon.
• Copy everything in the Quote box below, and paste it in the box that opens:

• Now click the 'Done' button.
• Click on the traffic light icon and OK the prompt.
• You will be prompted to restart, OK the prompt and your PC should reboot, if not, reboot it yourself.
• A log file from Avenger will be produced at C:\avenger.txt

Next, run CCleaner to clean up cookies and temp files. Before running CCleaner select options, click the Advanced button and uncheck ""Only delete files in Windows Temp folders older than 48 hours".

After you complete the above, proceed with the rest of this fix...

Next Reset Web Settings & Default Security Settings

Note for IE 6 users:
To Reset Web Settings:
Right click on your desktop Internet Explorer icon and select Properties. Then click the Programs tab and then click "Reset Web Settings". Now go back to the General tab and set your home page address to something useful like www.majorgeeks.com. Click Apply. Click Delete Cookies, Click Delete Files and select Delete all Offline content too, Click OK. When it finishes Click OK.

If you do not have an Internet Explorer icon on your Desktop, click Start, Control Panel (for some systems it may be Start, Settings, Control Panel), Internet Options, Programs tab and then click "Reset Web Settings". Now go back to the General tab and set your home page address to something useful like www.majorgeeks.com. Click Apply. Click Delete Cookies, Click Delete Files and select Delete all Offline content too, Click OK. When it finishes Click OK

To Default Security Settings:
Right click on your desktop Internet Explorer icon and select Properties. Then click the Security Tab and click Default Level for Internet, Local Intranet, Trusted Sites, and Restricted Sites. For IE 7 users, simply click the "Reset all zones to default level" button.

Note for IE 7 users:
Select Internet Options, then the Advanced Tab and then the Reset button under Reset Internet Explorer Settings.


Finally, I would like you to flush your System Restore points. Please follow the instructions below:

• Disable and Re-enable System Restore
  
• Turn OFF System Restore to flush any bad Restore Points.
  
• Then, follow the instructions at the bottom of the linked page to Re-enable the Restore Utility which will create a fresh restore point.

After you complete the above reboot once more and then attach the following logs.

• HijackThis Log
• ShowNew Log
• GetRunKey Log
• Avenger Log

Let me know of any problems you may have encountered with the above instructions and also let me know how things are running now.

 

I didn't want to make my previous post any longer so I will add it here to keep it a little easier.

Please download F-Secure's BlacklightBeta

• Download fsbl.exe and save it to the Desktop.
• Once saved... double click fsbl.exe to install the program.
• Click accept agreement and Click scan
• This application may trigger a warning from your antivirus. Let the driver load. Wait for it to finish.
• If it displays any items...don't do anything with them yet. Just hit exit (close)
• It will drop a log on Desktop that starts with fsbl....big number

Once the above is complete, please attach the following logs:

• HijackThis Log
• ShowNew Log
• GetRunKey Log
• Avenger Log
• Blacklight Log

 

will do this tonight...I have tried several times to uninstall Mcafee...it's an old version and it will NOT allow mw to uninstall...everytime I go into add/remove - It starts to then I get a message saying I must first uninstall mcafee services, however, I can't find it anywhere and in my program files...again, I try to delete mcafee files and it will not allow...any advice?, cuz I know I'm going to run into this as an issue this evening. And do I need to get rid of all the programs I ran through the read me section?

 

OKAY!!! we're getting somewhere...I can connect to internet now, however, I still can not change my internet options in normal mode. The home page I added in safe mode does not appear in normal...I just get MSN home page (I guess that was a default) But, I am unable to edit this in normal...I no longer get the restricted message..I just can't click on the buttons. Also, once I did all this, my zone alarm identified a new IP address...I believe there is three on there now...is this right? If not, what do I do?
I'm attaching the logs you asked for...

 

Here's the rest and I can't thank you enough...you rock.

 

Copy the contents of the below Quote Box to Notepad. Then click File and then Save As. Change the Save as Type to All Files. Name the file fixme.reg and then click save. (make sure you save it somewhere you can find it. Saving it to your Desktop may make that easy.) Then double-click on the fixme.reg file on your desktop (or locate it with Windows Explorer and double click on it if not saved to the Desktop) and when it prompts to Add in to the registry, say yes.

• Run avenger.exe again by double-clicking on it.
• Check the 'Input script manually' box.
• Click on the magnifying glass icon.
• Copy everything in the Quote box below, and paste it in the box that opens:

• Now click the 'Done' button.
• Click on the traffic light icon and OK the prompt.
• You will be prompted to restart, OK the prompt and your PC should reboot, if not, reboot it yourself.
• A log file from Avenger will be produced at C:\avenger.txt

Reboot and attach the log from Avenger, a fresh GetRunKey, ShowNew and HJT log so we can confirm your clean.

 

I'm very sorry...I have been on vacation and no access to my computer. i will continue on...I am still experiencing problems though. Things were working decent last communication we had and then I thought it would be a good idea to remove zone alarm and I went through all the steps to remove it from my computer since I wanted to start things fresh...when I reinstalled, I can no longer access the internet...says it cannot find dns server?
Anyway, I will try to get some of this done tonight or tomorrow...should I just completely remove zone alarm and if so...what should I use as a firewall and antivirus program in it's place? I paid money for this crappy program that is almost impossible to uninstall...and I believe is the cause of some of my issues. Thanks for all the help so far...I feel like there is some light at the end of the tunnel

 

Go ahead and run my previous post and then follow the below.

Download Your Uninstaller! 2006 5.0.0.360, save to desktop and install.

If you can't get online to download the above, you will have to download it from another computer and transfer it via USB, CD, etc;

Locate ZoneAlarm and uninstall this way. Probably would be better to do this In Safe Mode. Once you have uninstalled reboot to normal mode, you should now be able to access the internet.

If so please attach new GetRunKey, ShowNew and HJT logs.

 

Ok...a few things went wrong...
The uninstaler did not work..I kept getting a error box saying I stopped the uninstall before it was complete...which is not true. Anyway, i manually removed ZoneAlarm before i left for vacation so I eneded up doing a system restore rather than go through that all over again..it was a pain. So, I can access the internet now, obviously Zone larm had something to do with it.
My other problems...when I copied the quote onto notepad and attempted to run it, I get an error saying it cannot import, specified file is not a registry script..only use binary???
So, I ran avenger the way you requested and upon reboot, I got more error boxes...asking for a disk? Anyway, I tried and I ran new logs for your viewing pleasure. Again, thanks for walking me through this...I don't think I have ever hated getting on the computer somuch as I have lately.

 

here's the avenger log if it's worth anything...

 

First, look in Add/Remove Programs and uninstall the following if they exist.

Copy the contents of the below Quote Box to Notepad. Then click File and then Save As. Change the Save as Type to All Files. Name the file fixme.reg and then click save. (make sure you save it somewhere you can find it. Saving it to your Desktop may make that easy.) Then double-click on the fixme.reg file on your desktop (or locate it with Windows Explorer and double click on it if not saved to the Desktop) and when it prompts to Add in to the registry, say yes.

Next please follow the below...

• Run avenger.exe by double-clicking on it.
• Check the 'Input script manually' box.
• Click on the magnifying glass icon.
• Copy everything in the Quote box below, and paste it in the box that opens:

• Now click the 'Done' button.
• Click on the traffic light icon and OK the prompt.
• You will be prompted to restart, OK the prompt and your PC should reboot, if not, reboot it yourself.
• A log file from Avenger will be produced at C:\avenger.txt

After you have rebooted, please download ATF Cleaner by Atribune. This program does not require an installation. The executable actually runs the program.

NOTE: This program is for Windows XP and Windows 2000 only. ATF Cleaner will remove all files from the items that are checked so if you have some cookies you'd like to save. Please move them to a different directory first.

• Double-click ATF-Cleaner.exe to run the program.
• Under Main choose: Select All
• Click the Empty Selected button.

If you use Firefox browser

• Click Firefox at the top and choose: Select All
• Click the Empty Selected button.
  • NOTE: If you would like to keep your saved passwords, please click No at the prompt.

If you use Opera browser

• Click Opera at the top and choose: Select All
• Click the Empty Selected button.
  • NOTE: If you would like to keep your saved passwords, please click No at the prompt.

Click Exit on the Main ATF Cleaner menu to close the program.

Once you have completed the above, attach a fresh ShowNew, GetRunKey and Avenger Log.

 

got it. I did find Kazaa and Viewpoint in my programs, however, when I tried to remove Kazaa, I get an error saying the specified module could not be found. I removed Viewpoint, but it said the program could not be found and was just removing it from the program list.
I completed everything else and am attaching my logs.

 

If you still have Your Uninstaller! installed from post 18, run this program and use it to uninstall Kazaa Media Desktop 2.1.

Other then that your logs are clean. If you are not having any other malware problems, it is time to do our final steps:

1. If we used Pocket Killbox during your cleanup, do the below
   • Run Pocket Killbox and select File, Cleanup, Delete All Backups
2. If we used ComboFix, you can delete the ComboFix.exe file, C:\ComboFix folder, C:\QooBox folder, C:\WINDOWS\nircmd.exe, and the C:\combofix.txt log that was created.
3. If we user SDFix you can delete all the SDFix related files and folders from your Desktop or whereever you installed it.
4. If we used SmitFraudFix, you can delete all files and folders related to it now including the c:\rapport.txt log.
5. If we used VundoFix, you can delete the VundoFix.exe file and the C:\VundoFix Backups folder and C:\vundofix.txt log that was created.
6. If we had your run FixWareOut, you can delete the Fixwareout.exe file and the C:\fixwareout folder.
7. If we had you run Avenger, you can delete all files related to Avenger now.
8. If we had you download any registry patches like fixme.reg or fixWLK.reg (or any others), you can delete these files now.
9. You can delete the ShowNew.Zip and GetRunkey.Zip files and the files that you extracted from the ZIP files. You can also delete the C:\newfiles.txt and C:\runkeys.txt logs that were created
10. If you are running Windows XP or Windows ME, do the below:
    • go back to step 8 of the READ & RUN ME to Disable System Restore which will flush your Restore Points.
    • Then reboot and Enable System Restore to create a new clean Restore Point.
11. After doing the above, you should work thru the below link:
    • How to Protect yourself from malware!