NoAdware was actually delisted from the category of Rogue/Suspect antispyware programs because they have supposedly cleaned up their act regarding false positives and other "questionable" behaviour. However, I personally refuse to recommend "antispyware" programs which have histories of such blatant deception; there are plenty of other reputable (and free) utilities available.
Since you say that you are experiencing homepage hijacks, you may very well have "unwanted guests" which need to be removed. Let's check out that possibility.

Download the free HijackThis utility. Once downloaded, follow these instructions to install and run the program:

Create a new folder for HJT outside of any Temp/Temporary folders and move the downloaded HijackThis.exe file to that folder now. A folder such such as C:\HijackThis or C:\Spyware Tools\HijackThis will do.

Run HijackThis, but do not have HJT fix anything yet; only have it scan your system! Once the scan is complete, the "Scan" button will turn into an option to "Save log...".
Save the log in the folder you created for HijackThis; the saved file will be named "hijackthis.log". Open the log file with Windows Notepad, and cut-n-paste the entire contents of the Notepad file here.

The log contents will tell us a lot about what "nasties" have crept into your system, and once we analyse the log we can tell you what to do from there.

Thanks for your reply - the log is below. As I am not very computer literate, it took me a long time to follow your instructions. I hope I've done it OK.

Terry.

Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.1
Scan saved at 19:29:36, on 07/04/2006
Platform: Windows XP SP2 (WinNT 5.01.2600)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v6.00 SP2 (6.00.2900.2180)

Running processes:
C:\WINDOWS\System32\smss.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\csrss.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\winlogon.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\services.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\lsass.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\Panda Software\Panda Platinum 2006 Internet Security\TPSrv.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\Windows Defender\MsMpEng.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\Intel\Wireless\Bin\EvtEng.exe
C:\Program Files\Intel\Wireless\Bin\S24EvMon.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\Acer\eManager\anbmServ.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\F-SECU~1\backweb\4476822\Program\SERVIC~1.EXE
C:\Program Files\Acer\Acer Arcade\Kernel\TV\CLCapSvc.exe
C:\Program Files\Acer\Acer Arcade\Kernel\CLML_NTService\CLMLServer.exe
C:\Program Files\F-Secure Internet Security\Anti-Virus\fsgk32st.exe
C:\Program Files\Acer\Acer Arcade\Kernel\CLML_NTService\CLMLService.exe
C:\Program Files\F-Secure Internet Security\backweb\4476822\program\fsbwsys.exe
C:\Program Files\F-Secure Internet Security\Anti-Virus\FSGK32.EXE
C:\Program Files\F-Secure Internet Security\Common\FSMA32.EXE
C:\Program Files\F-Secure Internet Security\Anti-Virus\fssm32.exe
C:\Program Files\Panda Software\Panda Platinum 2006 Internet Security\PavFnSvr.exe
C:\Program Files\F-Secure Internet Security\Common\FSMB32.EXE
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Panda Software\PavShld\pavprsrv.exe
C:\Program Files\Panda Software\Panda Platinum 2006 Internet Security\pavsrv51.exe
C:\Program Files\Panda Software\Panda Platinum 2006 Internet Security\AVENGINE.EXE
C:\Program Files\Panda Software\Panda Platinum 2006 Internet Security\AntiSpam\pskmssvc.exe
C:\Program Files\Panda Software\Panda Platinum 2006 Internet Security\FIREWALL\PNMSRV.EXE
C:\Program Files\F-Secure Internet Security\Common\FCH32.EXE
C:\Program Files\Panda Software\Panda Platinum 2006 Internet Security\PsImSvc.exe
C:\Program Files\Intel\Wireless\Bin\RegSrvc.exe
C:\Program Files\CyberLink\Shared Files\RichVideo.exe
C:\Program Files\Spyware Doctor\sdhelp.exe
C:\Program Files\F-Secure Internet Security\Common\FAMEH32.EXE
C:\Program Files\F-Secure Internet Security\Anti-Virus\fsqh.exe
C:\Program Files\F-Secure Internet Security\Anti-Virus\fsrw.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\wdfmgr.exe
C:\Program Files\Acer\Acer Arcade\Kernel\TV\CLSched.exe
C:\Program Files\F-Secure Internet Security\Anti-Virus\fsav32.exe
C:\Program Files\F-Secure Internet Security\FWES\Program\fsdfwd.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\alg.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\system32\igfxtray.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\hkcmd.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\igfxpers.exe
C:\Program Files\Synaptics\SynTP\SynTPLpr.exe
C:\Program Files\Synaptics\SynTP\SynTPEnh.exe
C:\Program Files\Acer\Acer Arcade\PCMService.exe
C:\acer\epm\epm-dm.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\LAUNCH~1\QtZgAcer.EXE
C:\Program Files\Acer\eRecovery\Monitor.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\spool\DRIVERS\W32X86\3\E_FATIABE.EXE
C:\Program Files\Windows Defender\MSASCui.exe
C:\Program Files\Panda Software\Panda Platinum 2006 Internet Security\APVXDWIN.EXE
C:\Program Files\F-Secure Internet Security\Common\FSM32.EXE
C:\Program Files\Adobe\Photoshop Album Starter Edition\3.0\Apps\apdproxy.exe
C:\WINDOWS\RTHDCPL.EXE
C:\PROGRA~1\F-SECU~1\ANTI-S~1\fsaw.exe
C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
C:\Program Files\Spyware & Adware Removal\SAR.exe
C:\Program Files\Spyware Doctor\swdoctor.exe
C:\Program Files\F-Secure Internet Security\FSGUI\fsguidll.exe
C:\Program Files\SAGEM\SAGEM F@st 800-840\dslmon.exe
C:\Program Files\Panda Software\Panda Platinum 2006 Internet Security\SRVLOAD.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\F-Secure Internet Security\backweb\4476822\Program\fspex.exe
C:\Program Files\Panda Software\Panda Platinum 2006 Internet Security\WebProxy.exe
C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\cisvc.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\cidaemon.exe
C:\Documents and Settings\Peter Else\My Documents\HijackThis\HijackThis.exe

R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL = about:blank
R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://www.synergeticsoft.com/
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL = http://global.acer.com
R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Local Page = \blank.htm
O2 - BHO: AcroIEHlprObj Class - {06849E9F-C8D7-4D59-B87D-784B7D6BE0B3} - C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 7.0\ActiveX\AcroIEHelper.dll
O2 - BHO: PCTools Site Guard - {5C8B2A36-3DB1-42A4-A3CB-D426709BBFEB} - C:\PROGRA~1\SPYWAR~2\tools\iesdsg.dll
O2 - BHO: Google Toolbar Helper - {AA58ED58-01DD-4d91-8333-CF10577473F7} - c:\program files\google\googletoolbar2.dll
O2 - BHO: PCTools Browser Monitor - {B56A7D7D-6927-48C8-A975-17DF180C71AC} - C:\PROGRA~1\SPYWAR~2\tools\iesdpb.dll
O2 - BHO: EpsonToolBandKicker Class - {E99421FB-68DD-40F0-B4AC-B7027CAE2F1A} - C:\Program Files\EPSON\EPSON Web-To-Page\EPSON Web-To-Page.dll (file missing)
O3 - Toolbar: EPSON Web-To-Page - {EE5D279F-081B-4404-994D-C6B60AAEBA6D} - C:\Program Files\EPSON\EPSON Web-To-Page\EPSON Web-To-Page.dll (file missing)
O3 - Toolbar: Yahoo! Toolbar - {EF99BD32-C1FB-11D2-892F-0090271D4F88} - C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Companion\Installs\cpn\yt.dll
O3 - Toolbar: &Google - {2318C2B1-4965-11d4-9B18-009027A5CD4F} - c:\program files\google\googletoolbar2.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [LaunchApp] Alaunch
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [IgfxTray] C:\WINDOWS\system32\igfxtray.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [HotKeysCmds] C:\WINDOWS\system32\hkcmd.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Persistence] C:\WINDOWS\system32\igfxpers.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [High Definition Audio Property Page Shortcut] HDAShCut.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AzMixerSel] C:\Program Files\Realtek\InstallShield\AzMixerSel.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SynTPLpr] C:\Program Files\Synaptics\SynTP\SynTPLpr.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SynTPEnh] C:\Program Files\Synaptics\SynTP\SynTPEnh.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [IMJPMIG8.1] "C:\WINDOWS\IME\imjp8_1\IMJPMIG.EXE" /Spoil /RemAdvDef /Migration32
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [MSPY2002] C:\WINDOWS\system32\IME\PINTLGNT\ImScInst.exe /SYNC
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [PCMService] "C:\Program Files\Acer\Acer Arcade\PCMService.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [EPM-DM] c:\acer\epm\epm-dm.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ePowerManagement] C:\Acer\ePM\ePM.exe boot
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [LManager] C:\PROGRA~1\LAUNCH~1\QtZgAcer.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [eRecoveryService] C:\Program Files\Acer\eRecovery\Monitor.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [EPSON Stylus D88 Series] C:\WINDOWS\System32\spool\DRIVERS\W32X86\3\E_FATIABE.EXE /P23 "EPSON Stylus D88 Series" /O6 "USB001" /M "Stylus D88"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Windows Defender] "C:\Program Files\Windows Defender\MSASCui.exe" -hide
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [APVXDWIN] "C:\Program Files\Panda Software\Panda Platinum 2006 Internet Security\APVXDWIN.EXE" /s
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SCANINICIO] "C:\Program Files\Panda Software\Panda Platinum 2006 Internet Security\Inicio.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [F-Secure Manager] "C:\Program Files\F-Secure Internet Security\Common\FSM32.EXE" /splash
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [F-Secure TNB] "C:\Program Files\F-Secure Internet Security\TNB\TNBUtil.exe" /CHECKALL /WAITFORSW
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [F-Secure Startup Wizard] "C:\Program Files\F-Secure Internet Security\FSGUI\FSSW.EXE" /reboot
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Adobe Photo Downloader] "C:\Program Files\Adobe\Photoshop Album Starter Edition\3.0\Apps\apdproxy.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [RTHDCPL] RTHDCPL.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Alcmtr] ALCMTR.EXE
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [MSMSGS] "C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe" /background
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [Spyware & Adware Removal] "C:\Program Files\Spyware & Adware Removal\SAR.exe" NoHint
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [Spyware Doctor] "C:\Program Files\Spyware Doctor\swdoctor.exe" /Q
O4 - Global Startup: DSLMON.lnk = C:\Program Files\SAGEM\SAGEM F@st 800-840\dslmon.exe
O4 - Global Startup: Adobe Reader Speed Launch.lnk = C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 7.0\Reader\reader_sl.exe
O4 - Global Startup: F-Secure Anti-Virus 2006.lnk = C:\Program Files\F-Secure Internet Security\backweb\4476822\Program\fspex.exe
O8 - Extra context menu item: &Block this popup - C:\Program Files\F-Secure Internet Security\Anti-Spyware\blockpopups.htm
O8 - Extra context menu item: &Google Search - res://c:\program files\google\GoogleToolbar2.dll/cmsearch.html
O8 - Extra context menu item: &Translate English Word - res://c:\program files\google\GoogleToolbar2.dll/cmwordtrans.html
O8 - Extra context menu item: Backward Links - res://c:\program files\google\GoogleToolbar2.dll/cmbacklinks.html
O8 - Extra context menu item: Cached Snapshot of Page - res://c:\program files\google\GoogleToolbar2.dll/cmcache.html
O8 - Extra context menu item: Similar Pages - res://c:\program files\google\GoogleToolbar2.dll/cmsimilar.html
O8 - Extra context menu item: Translate Page into English - res://c:\program files\google\GoogleToolbar2.dll/cmtrans.html
O9 - Extra button: Spyware Doctor - {2D663D1A-8670-49D9-A1A5-4C56B4E14E84} - C:\PROGRA~1\SPYWAR~2\tools\iesdpb.dll
O9 - Extra button: IE Shield - {300DB664-75B5-47c0-8B45-A44ACCF73C00} - C:\Program Files\F-Secure Internet Security\Anti-Spyware\ieshield.dll
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: IE Shield... - {300DB664-75B5-47c0-8B45-A44ACCF73C00} - C:\Program Files\F-Secure Internet Security\Anti-Spyware\ieshield.dll
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
O16 - DPF: {17492023-C23A-453E-A040-C7C580BBF700} (Windows Genuine Advantage Validation Tool) - http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=39204
O16 - DPF: {6E32070A-766D-4EE6-879C-DC1FA91D2FC3} (MUWebControl Class) - http://update.microsoft.com/microsof...?1143485037281
O17 - HKLM\System\CCS\Services\Tcpip\..\{96175FA0-9397-4C9C-BD5E-B709D5195807}: NameServer = 80.225.252.178 80.225.252.186
O20 - Winlogon Notify: igfxcui - C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\igfxdev.dll
O20 - Winlogon Notify: WRNotifier - WRLogonNTF.dll (file missing)
O23 - Service: Notebook Manager Service (anbmService) - OSA Technologies Inc. - C:\Acer\eManager\anbmServ.exe
O23 - Service: F-Secure Anti-Virus 2006 (BackWeb Plug-in - 4476822) - F-Secure Internet Security 2005 - C:\PROGRA~1\F-SECU~1\backweb\4476822\Program\SERVIC~1.EXE
O23 - Service: CyberLink Background Capture Service (CBCS) (CLCapSvc) - Unknown owner - C:\Program Files\Acer\Acer Arcade\Kernel\TV\CLCapSvc.exe
O23 - Service: CyberLink Task Scheduler (CTS) (CLSched) - Unknown owner - C:\Program Files\Acer\Acer Arcade\Kernel\TV\CLSched.exe
O23 - Service: CyberLink Media Library Service - Cyberlink - C:\Program Files\Acer\Acer Arcade\Kernel\CLML_NTService\CLMLServer.exe
O23 - Service: EvtEng - Intel Corporation - C:\Program Files\Intel\Wireless\Bin\EvtEng.exe
O23 - Service: FSGKHS (F-Secure Gatekeeper Handler Starter) - F-Secure Corporation - C:\Program Files\F-Secure Internet Security\Anti-Virus\fsgk32st.exe
O23 - Service: fsbwsys - F-Secure Corp. - C:\Program Files\F-Secure Internet Security\backweb\4476822\program\fsbwsys.exe
O23 - Service: F-Secure Anti-Virus Firewall Daemon (FSDFWD) - F-Secure Corporation - C:\Program Files\F-Secure Internet Security\FWES\Program\fsdfwd.exe
O23 - Service: F-Secure Management Agent (FSMA) - F-Secure Corporation - C:\Program Files\F-Secure Internet Security\Common\FSMA32.EXE
O23 - Service: Panda Function Service (PAVFNSVR) - Panda Software - C:\Program Files\Panda Software\Panda Platinum 2006 Internet Security\PavFnSvr.exe
O23 - Service: Panda Process Protection Service (PavPrSrv) - Panda Software - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Panda Software\PavShld\pavprsrv.exe
O23 - Service: Panda anti-virus service (PAVSRV) - Panda Software - C:\Program Files\Panda Software\Panda Platinum 2006 Internet Security\pavsrv51.exe
O23 - Service: Panda Antispam Engine (pmshellsrv) - PANDA SOFTWARE - C:\Program Files\Panda Software\Panda Platinum 2006 Internet Security\AntiSpam\pskmssvc.exe
O23 - Service: Panda Network Manager (PNMSRV) - Panda Software - C:\Program Files\Panda Software\Panda Platinum 2006 Internet Security\FIREWALL\PNMSRV.EXE
O23 - Service: Panda IManager Service (PSIMSVC) - Panda Software Internacional - C:\Program Files\Panda Software\Panda Platinum 2006 Internet Security\PsImSvc.exe
O23 - Service: RegSrvc - Intel Corporation - C:\Program Files\Intel\Wireless\Bin\RegSrvc.exe
O23 - Service: Cyberlink RichVideo Service(CRVS) (RichVideo) - Unknown owner - C:\Program Files\CyberLink\Shared Files\RichVideo.exe
O23 - Service: Remote Packet Capture Protocol v.0 (experimental) (rpcapd) - Unknown owner - %ProgramFiles%\WinPcap\rpcapd.exe" -d -f "%ProgramFiles%\WinPcap\rpcapd.ini (file missing)
O23 - Service: Spectrum24 Event Monitor (S24EventMonitor) - Intel Corporation - C:\Program Files\Intel\Wireless\Bin\S24EvMon.exe
O23 - Service: PC Tools Spyware Doctor (SDhelper) - PC Tools Research Pty Ltd - C:\Program Files\Spyware Doctor\sdhelp.exe
O23 - Service: Panda TPSrv (TPSrv) - Panda Software - C:\Program Files\Panda Software\Panda Platinum 2006 Internet Security\TPSrv.exe

Yes, you did.

You will need to close/quit all open programs and disconnect from the Internet for some of the following, so you should print out these instructions or save them into a text file with Notepad.

1. Open your Add/Remove Programs control panel and uninstall the "Spyware & Adware Removal" product, as it is definitely not a recommended program. It appears on the list of Rogue/Suspect products with the following explanation:
"uses flawed, inadequate detection scheme"
Before buying/downloading/installing any purported "antispyware" program, you should definitely consult the Rogue/Suspect list.


2. Your log indicates that you have two antivirus programs (Panda and F-Secure) running simultaneously. This is not advised, as having multiple antivirus programs installed can cause conflicts. Note that this is not the case with antispyware programs; they can coexist happily. It's up to you which program you keep, but you should uninstall one of them. Let us know which product you decided to keep.


3. Click on the "Run..." option under your Start menu, type "CMD" (omit the quotes) in the resulting "Open:" window, and hit OK. This will open a DOS window.
* At the DOS prompt, type the following two commands one at a time, hitting the Enter key after each:

sc stop rpcapd
sc delete rpcapd

* Close the DOS window after the second command completes.

--- Please close/quit all open programs and disconnect from the Internet now ---

4. There are a few "loose ends" indicated in your HijackThis log, but nothing serious. After taking care of the above issues, run another scan with HijackThis. When the scan completes, put a check mark in the boxes to the left of the following entries and then click the "Fix checked" button:

R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL = about:blank
R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://www.synergeticsoft.com/
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL = http://global.acer.com
R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Local Page = \blank.htm
O2 - BHO: EpsonToolBandKicker Class - {E99421FB-68DD-40F0-B4AC-B7027CAE2F1A} - C:\Program Files\EPSON\EPSON Web-To-Page\EPSON Web-To-Page.dll (file missing)
O3 - Toolbar: EPSON Web-To-Page - {EE5D279F-081B-4404-994D-C6B60AAEBA6D} - C:\Program Files\EPSON\EPSON Web-To-Page\EPSON Web-To-Page.dll (file missing)
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Alcmtr] ALCMTR.EXE
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [Spyware & Adware Removal] "C:\Program Files\Spyware & Adware Removal\SAR.exe" NoHint
O23 - Service: Remote Packet Capture Protocol v.0 (experimental) (rpcapd) - Unknown owner - %ProgramFiles%\WinPcap\rpcapd.exe" -d -f "%ProgramFiles%\WinPcap\rpcapd.ini (file missing)


5. Reboot your computer. Once the computer has rebooted, run HijackThis again and post the new log it generates.

6. At this point, you should be able to set your IE homepage to whatever you like. Please let us know if you are still experiencing the homepage hijack symptom.

************************************************************
9 April

Dear DMR:

Attached are the results of the second scan following your advice. All I would add is:
1. I am now using PANDA as the sole anti-virus protection (as you advised);
2. PANDA constantly reminds me, on start-up, that an attempt is being made to hijack my homepage (should this stop now?);
3. There is a weird little thing in there called YUMGO which is constantly reassurring me that my homepage is protected! Should I remove YUMGO following the procedures you have outlined for removal of the other "unwanteds"?

Thanks for your advice so far. Much appreciated. The second log follows now:

Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.1
Scan saved at 14:56:38, on 09/04/2006
Platform: Windows XP SP2 (WinNT 5.01.2600)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v6.00 SP2 (6.00.2900.2180)

Running processes:
C:\WINDOWS\System32\smss.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\csrss.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\winlogon.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\services.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\lsass.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\Panda Software\Panda Platinum 2006 Internet Security\TPSrv.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\Windows Defender\MsMpEng.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\Intel\Wireless\Bin\EvtEng.exe
C:\Program Files\Intel\Wireless\Bin\S24EvMon.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\Acer\eManager\anbmServ.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\igfxtray.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\hkcmd.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\igfxpers.exe
C:\Program Files\Synaptics\SynTP\SynTPLpr.exe
C:\Program Files\Synaptics\SynTP\SynTPEnh.exe
C:\Program Files\Acer\Acer Arcade\PCMService.exe
C:\acer\epm\epm-dm.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\LAUNCH~1\QtZgAcer.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\System32\spool\DRIVERS\W32X86\3\E_FATIABE.EXE
C:\Program Files\Windows Defender\MSASCui.exe
C:\Program Files\Panda Software\Panda Platinum 2006 Internet Security\APVXDWIN.EXE
C:\Program Files\Acer\eRecovery\Monitor.exe
C:\Program Files\Adobe\Photoshop Album Starter Edition\3.0\Apps\apdproxy.exe
C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
C:\Program Files\Spyware Doctor\swdoctor.exe
C:\WINDOWS\YumgoHomepageProtector.exe
C:\Program Files\SAGEM\SAGEM F@st 800-840\dslmon.exe
C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 7.0\Reader\reader_sl.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\cisvc.exe
C:\Program Files\Acer\Acer Arcade\Kernel\TV\CLCapSvc.exe
C:\Program Files\Acer\Acer Arcade\Kernel\CLML_NTService\CLMLServer.exe
C:\Program Files\Acer\Acer Arcade\Kernel\CLML_NTService\CLMLService.exe
C:\Program Files\Panda Software\Panda Platinum 2006 Internet Security\PavFnSvr.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Panda Software\PavShld\pavprsrv.exe
C:\Program Files\Panda Software\Panda Platinum 2006 Internet Security\pavsrv51.exe
C:\Program Files\Panda Software\Panda Platinum 2006 Internet Security\AVENGINE.EXE
C:\Program Files\Panda Software\Panda Platinum 2006 Internet Security\AntiSpam\pskmssvc.exe
C:\Program Files\Panda Software\Panda Platinum 2006 Internet Security\FIREWALL\PNMSRV.EXE
C:\Program Files\Panda Software\Panda Platinum 2006 Internet Security\PsImSvc.exe
C:\Program Files\Intel\Wireless\Bin\RegSrvc.exe
C:\Program Files\CyberLink\Shared Files\RichVideo.exe
C:\Program Files\Spyware Doctor\sdhelp.exe
C:\Program Files\Panda Software\Panda Platinum 2006 Internet Security\SRVLOAD.EXE
C:\Program Files\Panda Software\Panda Platinum 2006 Internet Security\avciman.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\wdfmgr.exe
C:\Program Files\Acer\Acer Arcade\Kernel\TV\CLSched.exe
C:\Program Files\Panda Software\Panda Platinum 2006 Internet Security\psimreal.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\alg.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\Panda Software\Panda Platinum 2006 Internet Security\WebProxy.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\wuauclt.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\wuauclt.exe
C:\Documents and Settings\Peter Else\My Documents\HijackThis\HijackThis.exe

R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://bobdylan.com/
O2 - BHO: AcroIEHlprObj Class - {06849E9F-C8D7-4D59-B87D-784B7D6BE0B3} - C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 7.0\ActiveX\AcroIEHelper.dll
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {53707962-6F74-2D53-2644-206D7942484F} - C:\PROGRA~1\SPYBOT~1\SDHelper.dll
O2 - BHO: PCTools Site Guard - {5C8B2A36-3DB1-42A4-A3CB-D426709BBFEB} - C:\PROGRA~1\SPYWAR~2\tools\iesdsg.dll
O2 - BHO: Google Toolbar Helper - {AA58ED58-01DD-4d91-8333-CF10577473F7} - c:\program files\google\googletoolbar2.dll
O2 - BHO: PCTools Browser Monitor - {B56A7D7D-6927-48C8-A975-17DF180C71AC} - C:\PROGRA~1\SPYWAR~2\tools\iesdpb.dll
O3 - Toolbar: Yahoo! Toolbar - {EF99BD32-C1FB-11D2-892F-0090271D4F88} - C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Companion\Installs\cpn\yt.dll
O3 - Toolbar: &Google - {2318C2B1-4965-11d4-9B18-009027A5CD4F} - c:\program files\google\googletoolbar2.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [LaunchApp] Alaunch
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [IgfxTray] C:\WINDOWS\system32\igfxtray.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [HotKeysCmds] C:\WINDOWS\system32\hkcmd.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Persistence] C:\WINDOWS\system32\igfxpers.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [High Definition Audio Property Page Shortcut] HDAShCut.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AzMixerSel] C:\Program Files\Realtek\InstallShield\AzMixerSel.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SynTPLpr] C:\Program Files\Synaptics\SynTP\SynTPLpr.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SynTPEnh] C:\Program Files\Synaptics\SynTP\SynTPEnh.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [IMJPMIG8.1] "C:\WINDOWS\IME\imjp8_1\IMJPMIG.EXE" /Spoil /RemAdvDef /Migration32
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [MSPY2002] C:\WINDOWS\system32\IME\PINTLGNT\ImScInst.exe /SYNC
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [PCMService] "C:\Program Files\Acer\Acer Arcade\PCMService.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [EPM-DM] c:\acer\epm\epm-dm.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ePowerManagement] C:\Acer\ePM\ePM.exe boot
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [LManager] C:\PROGRA~1\LAUNCH~1\QtZgAcer.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [eRecoveryService] C:\Program Files\Acer\eRecovery\Monitor.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [EPSON Stylus D88 Series] C:\WINDOWS\System32\spool\DRIVERS\W32X86\3\E_FATIABE.EXE /P23 "EPSON Stylus D88 Series" /O6 "USB001" /M "Stylus D88"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Windows Defender] "C:\Program Files\Windows Defender\MSASCui.exe" -hide
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [APVXDWIN] "C:\Program Files\Panda Software\Panda Platinum 2006 Internet Security\APVXDWIN.EXE" /s
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SCANINICIO] "C:\Program Files\Panda Software\Panda Platinum 2006 Internet Security\Inicio.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Adobe Photo Downloader] "C:\Program Files\Adobe\Photoshop Album Starter Edition\3.0\Apps\apdproxy.exe"
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [MSMSGS] "C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe" /background
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [Spyware Doctor] "C:\Program Files\Spyware Doctor\swdoctor.exe" /Q
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [Yumgo's Homepage Protector V1] YumgoHomepageProtector.exe
O4 - Global Startup: DSLMON.lnk = C:\Program Files\SAGEM\SAGEM F@st 800-840\dslmon.exe
O4 - Global Startup: Adobe Reader Speed Launch.lnk = C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 7.0\Reader\reader_sl.exe
O8 - Extra context menu item: &Google Search - res://c:\program files\google\GoogleToolbar2.dll/cmsearch.html
O8 - Extra context menu item: &Translate English Word - res://c:\program files\google\GoogleToolbar2.dll/cmwordtrans.html
O8 - Extra context menu item: Backward Links - res://c:\program files\google\GoogleToolbar2.dll/cmbacklinks.html
O8 - Extra context menu item: Cached Snapshot of Page - res://c:\program files\google\GoogleToolbar2.dll/cmcache.html
O8 - Extra context menu item: Similar Pages - res://c:\program files\google\GoogleToolbar2.dll/cmsimilar.html
O8 - Extra context menu item: Translate Page into English - res://c:\program files\google\GoogleToolbar2.dll/cmtrans.html
O9 - Extra button: Spyware Doctor - {2D663D1A-8670-49D9-A1A5-4C56B4E14E84} - C:\PROGRA~1\SPYWAR~2\tools\iesdpb.dll
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
O16 - DPF: {0EB0E74A-2A76-4AB3-A7FB-9BD8C29F7F75} (CKAVWebScan Object) - http://www.kaspersky.com/kos/english...an_unicode.cab
O16 - DPF: {17492023-C23A-453E-A040-C7C580BBF700} (Windows Genuine Advantage Validation Tool) - http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=39204
O16 - DPF: {6E32070A-766D-4EE6-879C-DC1FA91D2FC3} (MUWebControl Class) - http://update.microsoft.com/microsof...?1143485037281
O16 - DPF: {C45B1500-7B63-47C2-AB25-C28CB46AFDEE} (Tiscali Music Downloads) - http://sib1.od2.com/common/musicmana...agerPlugin.CAB
O20 - Winlogon Notify: igfxcui - C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\igfxdev.dll
O20 - Winlogon Notify: WRNotifier - WRLogonNTF.dll (file missing)
O23 - Service: Notebook Manager Service (anbmService) - OSA Technologies Inc. - C:\Acer\eManager\anbmServ.exe
O23 - Service: CyberLink Background Capture Service (CBCS) (CLCapSvc) - Unknown owner - C:\Program Files\Acer\Acer Arcade\Kernel\TV\CLCapSvc.exe
O23 - Service: CyberLink Task Scheduler (CTS) (CLSched) - Unknown owner - C:\Program Files\Acer\Acer Arcade\Kernel\TV\CLSched.exe
O23 - Service: CyberLink Media Library Service - Cyberlink - C:\Program Files\Acer\Acer Arcade\Kernel\CLML_NTService\CLMLServer.exe
O23 - Service: EvtEng - Intel Corporation - C:\Program Files\Intel\Wireless\Bin\EvtEng.exe
O23 - Service: Panda Function Service (PAVFNSVR) - Panda Software - C:\Program Files\Panda Software\Panda Platinum 2006 Internet Security\PavFnSvr.exe
O23 - Service: Panda Process Protection Service (PavPrSrv) - Panda Software - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Panda Software\PavShld\pavprsrv.exe
O23 - Service: Panda anti-virus service (PAVSRV) - Panda Software - C:\Program Files\Panda Software\Panda Platinum 2006 Internet Security\pavsrv51.exe
O23 - Service: Panda Antispam Engine (pmshellsrv) - PANDA SOFTWARE - C:\Program Files\Panda Software\Panda Platinum 2006 Internet Security\AntiSpam\pskmssvc.exe
O23 - Service: Panda Network Manager (PNMSRV) - Panda Software - C:\Program Files\Panda Software\Panda Platinum 2006 Internet Security\FIREWALL\PNMSRV.EXE
O23 - Service: Panda IManager Service (PSIMSVC) - Panda Software Internacional - C:\Program Files\Panda Software\Panda Platinum 2006 Internet Security\PsImSvc.exe
O23 - Service: RegSrvc - Intel Corporation - C:\Program Files\Intel\Wireless\Bin\RegSrvc.exe
O23 - Service: Cyberlink RichVideo Service(CRVS) (RichVideo) - Unknown owner - C:\Program Files\CyberLink\Shared Files\RichVideo.exe
O23 - Service: Remote Packet Capture Protocol v.0 (experimental) (rpcapd) - Unknown owner - %ProgramFiles%\WinPcap\rpcapd.exe" -d -f "%ProgramFiles%\WinPcap\rpcapd.ini (file missing)
O23 - Service: Spectrum24 Event Monitor (S24EventMonitor) - Intel Corporation - C:\Program Files\Intel\Wireless\Bin\S24EvMon.exe
O23 - Service: PC Tools Spyware Doctor (SDhelper) - PC Tools Research Pty Ltd - C:\Program Files\Spyware Doctor\sdhelp.exe
O23 - Service: Panda TPSrv (TPSrv) - Panda Software - C:\Program Files\Panda Software\Panda Platinum 2006 Internet Security\TPSrv.exe

1. The Yumgo software is a downloadable "homepage hijack protector" program. It isn't known to be malicious, but if you didn't knowingly install it, I'd suggest uninstalling it through your Add/Remove Programs control panel. Simply "fixing" its entry in HijackThis will stop the program from running each time Windows boots, but it will not remove the software from your system.

2. My attempt at removing the rpcapd service didn't work; let's try it another way:

*Open the Services utility in your Administrative Tools control panel.
* In the list of services, locate the service named "Remote Packet Capture Protocol" or "rpcapd" and double-click on it.
* In the General tab of the Properties window that opens, click the Stop button if the service is not already stopped.
* Once the service is stopped, choose Disabled in the "Startup Type" drop-down menu and then click OK. Close the Services utility after that.
* Run HijackTHis, put a check mark next to the following entry, and then click the "Fix checked" button:
O23 - Service: Remote Packet Capture Protocol v.0 (experimental) (rpcapd) - Unknown owner - %ProgramFiles%\WinPcap\rpcapd.exe" -d -f "%ProgramFiles%\WinPcap\rpcapd.ini (file missing)
* Once HJT finishes the fix, click on the "Config" button in the lower right corner of HijackThis' main window. In the next window click on the "Misc Tools" button at the top then click the "Delete an NT service" button. Type the following in the box and click OK; close HJT after that:

rpcapd

* Once you've done the above, double-click on My Computer and navigate to C:\ProgramFiles\WinPcap.
* Delete the entire WinPcap folder (not just its contents) and then empty your Recycle Bin.
* Reboot the computer, run HJT one more time, and post the new log. Also give us an update on the homepage hijacking issue.

Dear DMR:

Thanks again for your asssistance. I have removed the Yumgo software. The hjacking issue appears to be OK, though I am having a hell of a time simply re-sorting my broadband connection / configuration with Outlook Explorer. However, that's between me and my ISP (Tiscali) - I won't bother you with that stuff.

More seriously, I cannot locate "Remote Packet Capture Protocol" or rpcapd. I have "Remote Procedure Call (RPC) Locator"; and "Remote Procedure Call (RPC)". I'm pretty sure I'm looking in the right place - forgive me if I'm not, but this is all Greek to me. Sorry to be a pain, but unless I can locate what you describe, I can't get any further with following your instructions.
TS.

If you've found RPC and RPC Locator (which are valid Windows services), you're definitely in the right place.
There is a good chance that my original attempt to delete the actual "rpcapd" service did work, and that the related Registry entry we see in your HJT log is just a loose end. If you haven't already, run another scan with HJT, put a check in the box to the left of the O23 - Service: Remote Packet Capture Protocol... entry, and then click the "Fixed Checked" button.
Once the fix is completed, close HJT, reboot the computer, run a new HJT scan, and see if the entry is still present (hopefully, it won't be). Let us know the results.

Also- if you do have any questions regarding the broadband connection problems you're having, feel free to ask us if you'd like.

DMR:

Tried the above - no luck. 023 - Service: Remote Packet Capture Protocol remains stubbornly present. I tried the process twice (just in case I had made a mistake), but no luck.

As for the broadband / setting up Outlook ID, etc., I've just about given up trying and have resigned myself to having to key in passwords repeatedly, ignore URL (?) links sent from the ISP (Tiscali) which the computer rejects with "Sorry - no info is available for this URL", etc, etc. I don't really want to bug you further with that end of things, especially since the 023 thing is still unresolved, plus I will be taking a break now for the Easter vacation. I'll then try again with the ISP to resolve the broadband set-up issues, and then - if I have no joy with them - get back to yourselves after the holidays. Hope this is OK with you.

Can I say that whether we resolve the 023 thing or not, I am MOST grateful for your prompt and courteous assistance so far. I'd have been at a total loss what to do without you.

Terry.

Hmm- a light bulb has just clicked on in my tiny little brain, and it's a light which probably should have clicked on many posts ago:

You are running Windows Defender, and I have a feeling that Defender may be preventing the removal of the rpcapd service. One of Defender's jobs is to prevent changes to certain Windows components, including services, but in your case it may be doing too good of a job.

Please turn off/disable Defender and then try to delete the rpcapd service again. After that, reboot the computer, run HJT again, and fix the associated "023" entry if it is still present.
Let us know if the fix works this time.