Ads not by Google

Discussion in 'Malware Help (A Specialist Will Reply)' started by Helpme22, Jul 21, 2012.

  1. Helpme22

    Helpme22 Private E-2

    The last couple days these delayed ads that say Ads not by Google have been appearing on top of my search results in Firefox. (See screen: http://desmond.imageshack.us/Himg687/scaled.php?server=687&filename=adsnotbygoogle.jpg&res=landing)

    Vipre Anti-Virus caught, quarantined, and deleted 9 traces of a browser plug-in called GamePlayLabs. The ads stopped for a few minutes, but then continued again. I deleted my temp files and it stopped again for a few minutes, but then continued again. I did more scans and nothing came up.

    I thought back to my activity over the last few days, and the only thing that was different was that on 7/18/12 I installed several video-editing programs, including Aura, AVS, and Vegas. I noticed that among the recently-installed programs was a program called Coupon Companion (which I didn't knowingly install -- it must have came with one of the video programs). Five of the GamePlayLabs risks detected by Vipre came from the Coupon Companion folder, so I deleted the folder, uninstalled the program, and promptly removed all the video programs as well. However the Ads not by Google problem continues.

    I followed the Vista and Win 7 Malware Removal/Cleaning Procedure, but the problem still continues. The logs are attached below.

    One thing I should note: RogueKiller came up with 4 risk traces, but I didn't delete them because the Removal/Cleaning Procedure instructions did not specify whether I should delete them or leave them for a professional to review. Also, I have not yet tried restoring my system to an earlier date.
     

    Attached Files:

    Helpme22, Jul 21, 2012
    #1
  2. chaslang

    chaslang MajorGeeks Admin - Master Malware Expert Staff Member

    Welcome to Major Geeks!

    We are going to be uninstalling your current copy of FireFox and installing the new version. So do the below to save bookmarks:
    • Run FireFox and click Bookmarks.
    • Then select Organize Bootmarks.
    • Then on the next window click File and then select Export. Save the bookmarks.html file to your Desktop for later use in importing.
    Now download and save the installer for the current version of FireFox but DO NOT install it yet. Get it here: Mozilla Firefox 14.0.1 Final

    You will need exit FireFox now and use Internet Explorer to continue with the below until we reinstall FireFox.

    Start by uninstalling FireFox and then reboot your PC. Do not skip the reboot.

    After reboot, delete the below folders:
    C:\Users\John\AppData\Roaming\Mozilla
    C:\Program Files (x86)\Mozilla Firefox


    Now reinstall FireFox from the file previously downloaded.
    Import your bookmarks file. (similar process to exporting).

    Make sure you tell me how things are working now!
     
    chaslang, Jul 21, 2012
    #2
  3. Helpme22

    Helpme22 Private E-2

    While waiting for a response I installed Spybot S&D. I did a scan, it came up with a bunch of risks, I deleted them. But the problem still continued. Then I deleted the items found by RogueKiller, and the problem still continued.

    I was getting ready to uninstall Firefox like you suggested, and was copying down my add-ons and plug-ins, when I noticed that Coupon Companion had installed an add-on in my Firefox. I deleted the add-on. Problem solved.

    Thanks for your help.
     
    Helpme22, Jul 21, 2012
    #3
  4. chaslang

    chaslang MajorGeeks Admin - Master Malware Expert Staff Member

    You're welcome.
    They were not problems.

    Yes this is why I was having you uninstall Firefox as any number of addons may have attached themselves and it is sometimes just easier to uninstall, delete folders and reinstall.




    If you are not having any other malware problems, it is time to do our final steps:
    1. We recommend you keep Malwarebytes Anti-Malware for scanning/removal of malware. You can uninstall RogueKiller and HitManPro.
    3. Go back to step 6 oof the READ ME and renable your Disk Emulation software with Defogger if you had disabled it.
    4. Any other miscellaneous tools we may have had you install or download can be uninstalled and deleted.
    6. If running Vista or Win 7, 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.
    7. Go to add/remove programs and uninstall HijackThis.
    8. Goto the C:\MGtools folder and find the MGclean.bat file. Double click on this file to run this cleanup program that will remove files and folders
      related to MGtools and some other items from our cleaning procedures.
    9. .
    10. After doing the above, you should work thru the below link:
     
    chaslang, Jul 21, 2012
    #4

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