Searchfindsite infection - Safe mode and Restore disabled

coreygk · Jan 5, 2010

Hello all,

I've unfortunately encountered a redirect/hijack program that I can't seem to get rid of. In the past I've been able to take care of most problems with a boot into Safe Mode and the use of MBAM. However, when I try to boot into safe mode, it stops at the mup.sys driver and I get a BSOD with only a dash and a question mark before the computer restarts (it looks like a sideways "L" followed by a question mark).

I'll try to give as much useful information as possible (sorry if it's too much):

Initially a bogus antivirus program downloaded itself and changed my desktop background to an alert. The program also placed an icon in the taskbar (red circle with an "X") and would send constant popup warnings. I've encountered similar programs before and have had success removing them with MBAM, so I didn't pay it much attention. I scanned my system and removed infections, but the problems continued. I was able to change my Desktop background image back, but I noticed that the "Folder Options" folder was missing from the Control Panel (just a empty space between the two adjacent folders) and that system restore was disabled. Also, the System Restore Tab was completely removed from System Properties. I was able to get the System Restore tab back, but the option to turn on/off is grayed out and says it has been disabled at the group level. All my restore points have seemingly been lost.

Now, any web searches I do are slow (as well as jerky cursor movement) and any link I click on redirects me to some random site, usually the surveysite or searchfindsite. My last few scans with MBAM and SuperAntiSpyware have revealed no infections but my web browsing is still being redirected.

Also, not sure if it's useful, but some of the icons on my desktop originally looked a little funny, they had a black outline that looks slightly jagged, like you traced the outline in Paint or a similar drawing application. Hmmm. That disappeared, but I noticed that some of the icons in MBAM look the same.

I appreciate any help that would be available. Thanks.

-Corey
Lenovo T61
Windows XP Pro

Kestrel13! · Jan 7, 2010

If you have completely followed through the below which I shall post for reference:

Welcome to Major Geeks!

Please read ALL of this message including the notes before doing anything.

Pleases follow the instructions in the below link:

READ & RUN ME FIRST. Malware Removal Guide

and attach the requested logs when you finish these instructions.

**** 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. MGtools will frequently run even when all other tools will not.

After completing the READ & RUN ME and attaching your logs, make sure that you tell us what problems still remain ( if any still do )!

Helpful Notes:

If you run into problems trying to run the READ & RUN ME or any of the scans in normal boot mode, you can run the 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

If you have problems downloading on the problem PC, download the tools and the manual updates for SUPERAntiSpyware and Malwarebytes ( links are given in the READ & RUN ME) onto another PC and then 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.

If you cannot seem to login to an infected user account, try using a different user account (if you have one) in either normal or safe boot mode and running only SUPERAntiSpyware and Malwarebytes while logged into this other user account. Then reboot and see if you can log into the problem user account. If you can then run SUPERAntiSpyware, Malwarebytes, ComboFix and MGtools on the infected account as requested in the instructions.

To avoid additional delay in getting a response, it is strongly advised that after completing the READ & RUN ME you also read this sticky:

Don't Bump! It Only Hurts You!!!

Any additional post is a bump which will add more delay. Once you attach the logs, your thread will be in the work queue and as stated our system works the oldest threads FIRST.

Then you should be attaching logs from the following:

Malware Bytes <--- attach regardless of whether it found anything or not

SUPERantispyware <--- attach regardless of whether it found anything or not

Combofix

MGTools

coreygk · Jan 7, 2010

Kestrel,

Thank you for the response and the suggestions. I received a response from another malware removal site this afternoon, so I suppose it would be unfair to others (and possibly counterproductive) to accept assistance here as well.

I appreciate all the information posted on the site; it's been a big help to me.

-Corey

Kestrel13! · Jan 7, 2010

Thankyou very much for your honesty, I agree, cross posting is a waste of valuable resources. Best of luck with the removal of the malware at the safer networking forum! Sure you're in good hands

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Searchfindsite infection - Safe mode and Restore disabled

coreygk Private E-2

Kestrel13! Super Malware Fighter - Major Dilemma Staff Member

coreygk Private E-2

Kestrel13! Super Malware Fighter - Major Dilemma Staff Member