I can't take it any more

I seem to have some type of bug that has been slowing my computer down, most specifically when on IE. I notice that whenever I go to a site in the background I can see another site (of random type) trying to open. Everytime this happens the message that "Internet Explorer cannot open this site". I have downloaded and run Spybot Search and Destroy, Spyware Guard, Spyware Blaster and have also run Hijack This, but don't know what's bad or not in order to remove. Can someone help me???? Please.
Maryh

 

Hi Maryh!
Welcome to Major Geeks!

Please follow the instructions in the READ & RUN ME FIRST and attach the logs that result from the different scans. We'll look at them and see what's still left to be done.

abri

 

Hello Abri,

I followed all the steps required and do not seem to be having any visible problems. I have attached all the pertinent logs for your perusal and if you see anything please let me know. Thank you for all your help.

Mary

 

Hi maryh!
Did you forget the attachments? Be sure when you log in to the site to check the Remember Me button.
abri

 

Hello Abri,

Sorry, I followed the instructions to attach - but I must have missed something. I will try again now.

Thanks,
Maryh

 

Hi Maryh,

Your logs don't show any sign of malware. Are you still having the same redirect problems even after running through the READ & RUN ME? There are a few things you can do for your computer:

6) If your guest account is not disabled, please disable it.

6) If you do not use Windows Messenger (not to be confused with MSN Messenger!!) I would like you to run Disable/Remove Windows Messenger



5) Run C:\MGtools\analyse.exe by double clicking on it. 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: [SunJavaUpdateSched] C:\Program Files\Java\j2re1.4.2_03\bin\jusched.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [RealTray] C:\Program Files\Real\RealPlayer\RealPlay.exe SYSTEMBOOTHIDEPLAYER
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [MSMSGS] "C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe" /background
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


After you click fix, just close hijackthis.


5) Run CCleaner at the default setting with the Windows tab as the one on top.

I will go ahead and post the final cleanup instructions for you, but if your IE is going off on its own, we may need to look more closely at what you're seeing there.

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  abri

 

Abri,

Everything seems to be working really well. I followed your last set of instructions and I can't thank you guys enough. I have just a few more questions, if you don't mind: 1.) I have Norton 360 (which I paid for, but expires in 30 days) installed and was wondering if you think I should uninstall it? I don't really think it helped - or at least it didn't keep me from getting infected. 2.) What is a good rule of thumb for running various scans - say AVG, Spybot S&D, check for updates for Comodo, etc.? 3.) Do you have a thread and/or tutorial about processes to run to maximize the performance of your computer - say defragment, etc.? and lastly 4.) do you recommend installing Mozilla and using instead of IE?

Sorry for all the questions - again a million thanks.

Maryh

 

Hi maryh!

You could try AVG free for awhile. You can always come back to the Nortons later, but AVG and Avast work really well.

The scans like Spybot or AVG Antispyware (I think you have to purchase this one), I think the suggestion is around once a week. I run CCleaner at the default setting pretty much whenever I finish with the internet and close my browsers. Spyware Blaster does it's own thing and doesn't have to be run. Also, Spybot's immunize feature is good.

I like Mozilla Firefox very much. There's also Opera. I have had trouble figuring out what the best way to run IE is, because if you put the script and active X on prompt, you're continually bombarded with requests. If you don't put them on, you endanger your computer. It's best to have two browsers on your computer. You need IE for the Windows Updates and for things like the BitDefender online scan, but Firefox I find easier all around and less subject to malware attacks.

Defrag depends on how much you use your computer and how much you download. Probably once a month is a good idea. Some people defrage everyday. Some don't ever defrag. You might look for a vote in the Software Forum where there are sure to be a lot of opinions about this.

Good luck with your computer.
abri