HELP!! I been HiJacked!!

[Thabudda]

Can anyone help me with this problem??

About every minute SpyGuard shows a warning that there has been an attemp to change my IE settings. Each time the message appears it says that my user search bar has been changed. The new address is always different. ( example: http://www.gxzkelhiwizcsku.com/bSZBm89YUOrjltlyy/fZTBell_u5SxGlxnOUEtK/zxk15)
In each case this portion of the address is always the same (/fZTBell_u5SxGlxnOUEtK/).

Like it is my computer is virtually worthless.

Thanks
Thabudda

Here is a copy of my HiJackThis log:
Logfile of HijackThis v1.98.2
Scan saved at 8:02:22 AM, on 10/16/2004
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\winlogon.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\services.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\lsass.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\Ati2evxx.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccEvtMgr.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\VS7Debug\mdm.exe
C:\Program Files\Norton AntiVirus\navapsvc.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\Ati2evxx.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccApp.exe
C:\Program Files\Java\j2re1.4.2_05\bin\jusched.exe
C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
C:\Program Files\eFax Messenger Plus 3.3\J2GDllCmd.exe
C:\Program Files\eFax Messenger Plus 3.3\J2GTray.exe
C:\Program Files\ScanSuite\SDetect.exe
C:\Program Files\SpywareGuard\sgmain.exe
c:\progra~1\intern~1\iexplore.exe
C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe
C:\Program Files\SpywareGuard\sgbhp.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\wuauclt.exe
C:\hjt\HijackThis.exe

O2 - BHO: SpywareGuard Download Protection - {4A368E80-174F-4872-96B5-0B27DDD11DB2} - (no file)
O3 - Toolbar: Norton AntiVirus - {42CDD1BF-3FFB-4238-8AD1-7859DF00B1D6} - C:\Program Files\Norton AntiVirus\NavShExt.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ccApp] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccApp.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ccRegVfy] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccRegVfy.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SunJavaUpdateSched] C:\Program Files\Java\j2re1.4.2_05\bin\jusched.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [MSMSGS] "C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe" /background
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [PopUpStopperCompanion] "C:\PROGRA~1\PANICW~1\POP-UP~1\PSComp.exe"
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [ctfmon.exe] C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [AXISFACE] C:\DOCUME~1\RICHAR~1\APPLIC~1\EXITST~1\name grey.exe
O4 - Startup: SpywareGuard.lnk = C:\Program Files\SpywareGuard\sgmain.exe
O4 - Global Startup: Adobe Gamma Loader.lnk = C:\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe\Calibration\Adobe Gamma Loader.exe
O4 - Global Startup: eFax Live Menu 3.3.lnk = C:\Program Files\eFax Messenger Plus 3.3\J2GDllCmd.exe
O4 - Global Startup: eFax Tray Menu 3.3.lnk = C:\Program Files\eFax Messenger Plus 3.3\J2GTray.exe
O4 - Global Startup: Scanner Detector.lnk = C:\Program Files\ScanSuite\SDetect.exe
O6 - HKCU\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Control Panel present
O8 - Extra context menu item: E&xport to Microsoft Excel - res://C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~2\OFFICE11\EXCEL.EXE/3000
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\WINDOWS\System32\msjava.dll
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Sun Java Console - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\WINDOWS\System32\msjava.dll
O9 - Extra button: Research - {92780B25-18CC-41C8-B9BE-3C9C571A8263} - C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~2\OFFICE11\REFIEBAR.DLL
O9 - Extra button: Yahoo! Messenger - {E5D12C4E-7B4F-11D3-B5C9-0050045C3C96} - C:\PROGRA~1\Yahoo!\MESSEN~1\YPager.exe
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Yahoo! Messenger - {E5D12C4E-7B4F-11D3-B5C9-0050045C3C96} - C:\PROGRA~1\Yahoo!\MESSEN~1\YPager.exe
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

[mikeandike22]

try scanning again but turn off internet explorer via the taskmanager before you do. and post the whole hijackthis log it looks like a lot of stuff is missing.

[Thabudda]

Logfile of HijackThis v1.98.2
Scan saved at 11:24:40 AM, on 10/16/2004
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\winlogon.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\services.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\lsass.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\Ati2evxx.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\Ati2evxx.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccEvtMgr.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\VS7Debug\mdm.exe
C:\Program Files\Norton AntiVirus\navapsvc.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccApp.exe
C:\Program Files\Java\j2re1.4.2_05\bin\jusched.exe
C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
C:\Program Files\eFax Messenger Plus 3.3\J2GDllCmd.exe
C:\Program Files\eFax Messenger Plus 3.3\J2GTray.exe
C:\Program Files\ScanSuite\SDetect.exe
C:\Program Files\SpywareGuard\sgmain.exe
C:\Program Files\SpywareGuard\sgbhp.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\MOZILL~2\THUNDE~1.EXE
C:\PROGRA~1\MOZILL~1\FIREFOX.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\PCHealth\HelpCtr\Binaries\HelpHost.exe
C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe
c:\progra~1\intern~1\iexplore.exe
C:\hjt\HijackThis.exe

O2 - BHO: SpywareGuard Download Protection - {4A368E80-174F-4872-96B5-0B27DDD11DB2} - (no file)
O3 - Toolbar: Norton AntiVirus - {42CDD1BF-3FFB-4238-8AD1-7859DF00B1D6} - C:\Program Files\Norton AntiVirus\NavShExt.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ccApp] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccApp.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ccRegVfy] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccRegVfy.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SunJavaUpdateSched] C:\Program Files\Java\j2re1.4.2_05\bin\jusched.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [MSMSGS] "C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe" /background
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [PopUpStopperCompanion] "C:\PROGRA~1\PANICW~1\POP-UP~1\PSComp.exe"
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [ctfmon.exe] C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [AXISFACE] C:\DOCUME~1\RICHAR~1\APPLIC~1\EXITST~1\name grey.exe
O4 - Startup: SpywareGuard.lnk = C:\Program Files\SpywareGuard\sgmain.exe
O4 - Global Startup: Adobe Gamma Loader.lnk = C:\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe\Calibration\Adobe Gamma Loader.exe
O4 - Global Startup: eFax Live Menu 3.3.lnk = C:\Program Files\eFax Messenger Plus 3.3\J2GDllCmd.exe
O4 - Global Startup: eFax Tray Menu 3.3.lnk = C:\Program Files\eFax Messenger Plus 3.3\J2GTray.exe
O4 - Global Startup: Scanner Detector.lnk = C:\Program Files\ScanSuite\SDetect.exe
O6 - HKCU\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Control Panel present
O8 - Extra context menu item: E&xport to Microsoft Excel - res://C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~2\OFFICE11\EXCEL.EXE/3000
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\WINDOWS\System32\msjava.dll
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Sun Java Console - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\WINDOWS\System32\msjava.dll
O9 - Extra button: Research - {92780B25-18CC-41C8-B9BE-3C9C571A8263} - C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~2\OFFICE11\REFIEBAR.DLL
O9 - Extra button: Yahoo! Messenger - {E5D12C4E-7B4F-11D3-B5C9-0050045C3C96} - C:\PROGRA~1\Yahoo!\MESSEN~1\YPager.exe
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Yahoo! Messenger - {E5D12C4E-7B4F-11D3-B5C9-0050045C3C96} - C:\PROGRA~1\Yahoo!\MESSEN~1\YPager.exe
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

[DMR]

That's still a suspiciously incomplete-looking log. Before running HijackThis:

- Close/quit all running progrms.

- Open Task Manager and end all instances of the following programs/processes if found:

thunderbird.exe (THUNDE~1.EXE)
firefox.exe
iexplore.exe

[Thabudda]

Thanks for the response, I performed all the proceedures and made sure nothing was running. Here is the new log. Thanks again
Logfile of HijackThis v1.98.2
Scan saved at 5:56:35 PM, on 10/16/2004
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\winlogon.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\services.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\lsass.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\Ati2evxx.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\Ati2evxx.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccApp.exe
C:\Program Files\Java\j2re1.4.2_05\bin\jusched.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccEvtMgr.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\VS7Debug\mdm.exe
C:\Program Files\Norton AntiVirus\navapsvc.exe
C:\Program Files\eFax Messenger Plus 3.3\J2GDllCmd.exe
c:\progra~1\intern~1\iexplore.exe
C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe
C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
C:\hjt\HijackThis.exe

R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Bar = http://tcrrwuazhbsqohgomkiym.org/bSZBm89YUOrjHIyylfZTBe//_u5SxGlxn0UEtKIzxK1hZvNw1LwZXtgk3ZH0LtFU.htm
O2 - BHO: SpywareGuard Download Protection - {4A368E80-174F-4872-96B5-0B27DDD11DB2} - (no file)
O3 - Toolbar: Norton AntiVirus - {42CDD1BF-3FFB-4238-8AD1-7859DF00B1D6} - C:\Program Files\Norton AntiVirus\NavShExt.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ccApp] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccApp.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ccRegVfy] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccRegVfy.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SunJavaUpdateSched] C:\Program Files\Java\j2re1.4.2_05\bin\jusched.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [MSMSGS] "C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe" /background
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [PopUpStopperCompanion] "C:\PROGRA~1\PANICW~1\POP-UP~1\PSComp.exe"
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [ctfmon.exe] C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [AXISFACE] C:\DOCUME~1\RICHAR~1\APPLIC~1\EXITST~1\name grey.exe
O4 - Startup: SpywareGuard.lnk = C:\Program Files\SpywareGuard\sgmain.exe
O4 - Global Startup: Adobe Gamma Loader.lnk = C:\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe\Calibration\Adobe Gamma Loader.exe
O4 - Global Startup: eFax Live Menu 3.3.lnk = C:\Program Files\eFax Messenger Plus 3.3\J2GDllCmd.exe
O4 - Global Startup: eFax Tray Menu 3.3.lnk = C:\Program Files\eFax Messenger Plus 3.3\J2GTray.exe
O4 - Global Startup: Scanner Detector.lnk = C:\Program Files\ScanSuite\SDetect.exe
O6 - HKCU\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Control Panel present
O8 - Extra context menu item: E&xport to Microsoft Excel - res://C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~2\OFFICE11\EXCEL.EXE/3000
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\WINDOWS\System32\msjava.dll
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Sun Java Console - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\WINDOWS\System32\msjava.dll
O9 - Extra button: Research - {92780B25-18CC-41C8-B9BE-3C9C571A8263} - C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~2\OFFICE11\REFIEBAR.DLL
O9 - Extra button: Yahoo! Messenger - {E5D12C4E-7B4F-11D3-B5C9-0050045C3C96} - C:\PROGRA~1\Yahoo!\MESSEN~1\YPager.exe
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Yahoo! Messenger - {E5D12C4E-7B4F-11D3-B5C9-0050045C3C96} - C:\PROGRA~1\Yahoo!\MESSEN~1\YPager.exe
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

[crunchie]

First of all could you click Start>Settings>Control Panel>Add or Remove Programs and uninstall 'Window Search', 'Window Searching', 'Lop.com', 'LOP SEARCH', 'Browser Enhancer', or 'Ultimate Browser Enhancer' if listed. You may be given a code to insert, do so and reboot when done. If not listed there, run this uninstaller:
http://members.rogers.com/rjmac/new_uninstall.exe

Reboot into safe mode following the instructions here & close all (browser) windows & rescan with hijackthis. When the scan is finished place a check in the box to the left of the following entries & click 'fix checked':

R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Bar = http://tcrrwuazhbsqohgomkiym.org/bS...tgk3ZH0LtFU.htm

Reboot normally after doing the above, rescan with hijackthis making certain that all instances of Internet Explorer are closed, then post that log here please.

[mikeandike22]

you dont get it you said you did that and post three different logs that all show internet explorer running hit ctrl+alt+delete then goto processes and select then iexplorer.exe then hit end process and say yes to the little pop up.

[DMR]

Also, after you have HJT fix the entry crunchie listed, do the following:

- Reboot into safe mode

- Open Windows Explorer, and in the Folder Options->View settings under the Tools menu, select "show hidden files and folders", and uncheck "Hide protected operating system files".

- For every user account listed under C:\Documents and Settings, delete the entire contents of these folders:

1. Local Settings\Temp
2. Cookies
3. History
4. Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files\Content.IE5

- Delete the entire content of your C:\Windows\Temp folder.

(If you get any messages concerning the deletion of system files such as desktop.ini or index.dat, just choose to delete those files; they'll be automatically regenerated by Windows if needed.)

- Empty your Recycle Bin.

- Reboot normally.

It's good practice to do the this any time your dealing with a "spyware" infection, as pieces of malicious programs often hide themselves in one or more of the above locations.

[Thabudda]

First of all THANKS! to all who are helping. Mikeandike22 I thought I did what you had instructed but I failed to check the processes in the task manager.
Crunchie, I followed your instructions but when I scaned in safemode the line you said to delete was not there. I rebooted and checked the task manager for any IE running proceses but when I try to end the process it just reappears in another location in the list (weird) S, here is the latest log:
Logfile of HijackThis v1.98.2
Scan saved at 3:48:50 PM, on 10/17/2004
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\winlogon.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\services.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\lsass.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\PCHealth\HelpCtr\Binaries\HelpSvc.exe
C:\hjt\HijackThis.exe

R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Bar = http://rd.yahoo.com/customize/ymsgr/defaults/sb/*http://www.yahoo.com/ext/search/search.html
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page = http://rd.yahoo.com/customize/ymsgr/defaults/sp/*http://www.yahoo.com
R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://www.yahoo.com/
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Bar = http://rd.yahoo.com/customize/ymsgr/defaults/sb/*http://www.yahoo.com/ext/search/search.html
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page = http://rd.yahoo.com/customize/ymsgr/defaults/sp/*http://www.yahoo.com
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Search,SearchAssistant = http://searchassistant.iwon.com/srchlft.html
O2 - BHO: SpywareGuard Download Protection - {4A368E80-174F-4872-96B5-0B27DDD11DB2} - (no file)
O3 - Toolbar: Norton AntiVirus - {42CDD1BF-3FFB-4238-8AD1-7859DF00B1D6} - C:\Program Files\Norton AntiVirus\NavShExt.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ccApp] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccApp.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ccRegVfy] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccRegVfy.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SunJavaUpdateSched] C:\Program Files\Java\j2re1.4.2_05\bin\jusched.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [MSMSGS] "C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe" /background
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [PopUpStopperCompanion] "C:\PROGRA~1\PANICW~1\POP-UP~1\PSComp.exe"
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [ctfmon.exe] C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [AXISFACE] C:\DOCUME~1\RICHAR~1\APPLIC~1\EXITST~1\name grey.exe
O4 - Startup: SpywareGuard.lnk = C:\Program Files\SpywareGuard\sgmain.exe
O4 - Global Startup: Adobe Gamma Loader.lnk = C:\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe\Calibration\Adobe Gamma Loader.exe
O4 - Global Startup: eFax Live Menu 3.3.lnk = C:\Program Files\eFax Messenger Plus 3.3\J2GDllCmd.exe
O4 - Global Startup: eFax Tray Menu 3.3.lnk = C:\Program Files\eFax Messenger Plus 3.3\J2GTray.exe
O4 - Global Startup: Scanner Detector.lnk = C:\Program Files\ScanSuite\SDetect.exe
O6 - HKCU\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Control Panel present
O8 - Extra context menu item: E&xport to Microsoft Excel - res://C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~2\OFFICE11\EXCEL.EXE/3000
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\WINDOWS\System32\msjava.dll
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Sun Java Console - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\WINDOWS\System32\msjava.dll
O9 - Extra button: Research - {92780B25-18CC-41C8-B9BE-3C9C571A8263} - C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~2\OFFICE11\REFIEBAR.DLL
O9 - Extra button: Yahoo! Messenger - {E5D12C4E-7B4F-11D3-B5C9-0050045C3C96} - C:\PROGRA~1\Yahoo!\MESSEN~1\YPager.exe
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Yahoo! Messenger - {E5D12C4E-7B4F-11D3-B5C9-0050045C3C96} - C:\PROGRA~1\Yahoo!\MESSEN~1\YPager.exe
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

[DMR]

but when I try to end the process it just reappears in another location in the list (weird)

Good catch on that one- IE should definitely not automagically restart itself under normal circumstances. That kind of behaviour almost certainly indicates that you're still infected.

We missed an entry in your HJT log, and it's definitely a "nasty":

O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [AXISFACE] C:\DOCUME~1\RICHAR~1\APPLIC~1\EXITST~1\name grey.exe

Have HJT fix that entry. Once you've done that, delete the entire C:\Documents and Settings\Richar~1\Application Data\EXITST~1 folder.

(The "~1" in the folder names is just indicating that the folder names have been truncated; the full names will be visible in Windows Explorer.) Only delete the EXITST~1 folder; not any of the folders above it!

[Thabudda]

Thanks so much for all of your help. All of you are GREAT. Here is a copy of my hijackthis log.
Logfile of HijackThis v1.98.2
Scan saved at 7:25:34 PM, on 10/24/2004
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\winlogon.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\services.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\lsass.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\Ati2evxx.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccEvtMgr.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\VS7Debug\mdm.exe
C:\Program Files\Norton AntiVirus\navapsvc.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\Ati2evxx.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccApp.exe
C:\Program Files\Java\j2re1.4.2_05\bin\jusched.exe
C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
C:\Program Files\eFax Messenger Plus 3.3\J2GDllCmd.exe
C:\Program Files\eFax Messenger Plus 3.3\J2GTray.exe
C:\Program Files\ScanSuite\SDetect.exe
C:\Program Files\SpywareGuard\sgmain.exe
C:\Program Files\SpywareGuard\sgbhp.exe
C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe
c:\progra~1\intern~1\iexplore.exe
C:\Program Files\MSN Messenger\msnmsgr.exe
C:\hjt\HijackThis.exe

O2 - BHO: SpywareGuard Download Protection - {4A368E80-174F-4872-96B5-0B27DDD11DB2} - (no file)
O3 - Toolbar: Norton AntiVirus - {42CDD1BF-3FFB-4238-8AD1-7859DF00B1D6} - C:\Program Files\Norton AntiVirus\NavShExt.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ccApp] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccApp.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ccRegVfy] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccRegVfy.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SunJavaUpdateSched] C:\Program Files\Java\j2re1.4.2_05\bin\jusched.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [MSMSGS] "C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe" /background
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [PopUpStopperCompanion] "C:\PROGRA~1\PANICW~1\POP-UP~1\PSComp.exe"
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [ctfmon.exe] C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
O4 - Startup: SpywareGuard.lnk = C:\Program Files\SpywareGuard\sgmain.exe
O4 - Global Startup: Adobe Gamma Loader.lnk = C:\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe\Calibration\Adobe Gamma Loader.exe
O4 - Global Startup: eFax Live Menu 3.3.lnk = C:\Program Files\eFax Messenger Plus 3.3\J2GDllCmd.exe
O4 - Global Startup: eFax Tray Menu 3.3.lnk = C:\Program Files\eFax Messenger Plus 3.3\J2GTray.exe
O4 - Global Startup: Scanner Detector.lnk = C:\Program Files\ScanSuite\SDetect.exe
O6 - HKCU\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Control Panel present
O8 - Extra context menu item: E&xport to Microsoft Excel - res://C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~2\OFFICE11\EXCEL.EXE/3000
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\WINDOWS\System32\msjava.dll
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Sun Java Console - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\WINDOWS\System32\msjava.dll
O9 - Extra button: Research - {92780B25-18CC-41C8-B9BE-3C9C571A8263} - C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~2\OFFICE11\REFIEBAR.DLL
O9 - Extra button: Yahoo! Messenger - {E5D12C4E-7B4F-11D3-B5C9-0050045C3C96} - C:\PROGRA~1\Yahoo!\MESSEN~1\YPager.exe
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Yahoo! Messenger - {E5D12C4E-7B4F-11D3-B5C9-0050045C3C96} - C:\PROGRA~1\Yahoo!\MESSEN~1\YPager.exe
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

[DMR]

C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe
c:\progra~1\intern~1\iexplore.exe

Your new log shows IE running again, although your last log did not. Any idea what changed between the posting of the two logs?

[Thabudda]

I have no clue but a few minutes ago the whole cycle with the changes to IE started again. About every minute. And I just checked my Hijackthis log and the Axisface thingy is back. Is there any way to hust get rid of IE. That seems to be the problem.
I would like to find the guys that wrote this stuff. I know many ways to cause pain and I would like the people that write these programs to experience all of them. Thanks
Here is the latest log. (oH, I deleted the axisface thingy)

[crunchie]

That log looks really clean :).

[Thabudda]

Well that one looks clean but I just sat down to my computer and ran hijackthis and got the following log. This is getting frustrating!
Logfile of HijackThis v1.98.2
Scan saved at 4:06:30 PM, on 10/25/2004
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\winlogon.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\services.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\lsass.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\Ati2evxx.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccEvtMgr.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\VS7Debug\mdm.exe
C:\Program Files\Norton AntiVirus\navapsvc.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\Ati2evxx.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccApp.exe
C:\Program Files\Java\j2re1.4.2_05\bin\jusched.exe
C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
C:\Program Files\eFax Messenger Plus 3.3\J2GDllCmd.exe
C:\Program Files\eFax Messenger Plus 3.3\J2GTray.exe
C:\Program Files\ScanSuite\SDetect.exe
C:\Program Files\SpywareGuard\sgmain.exe
C:\Program Files\SpywareGuard\sgbhp.exe
C:\Program Files\MSN Messenger\msnmsgr.exe
c:\progra~1\intern~1\iexplore.exe
C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe
C:\Program Files\Outlook Express\msimn.exe
C:\hjt\HijackThis.exe

R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Bar = http://www.wefbocjdcnx.com/bSZBm89YUOrjHIyylfZTBe//_u5SxGlxn0UEtKIzxK2pK6Oe0j7k9tgk3ZH0LtFU.html
O2 - BHO: SpywareGuard Download Protection - {4A368E80-174F-4872-96B5-0B27DDD11DB2} - (no file)
O3 - Toolbar: Norton AntiVirus - {42CDD1BF-3FFB-4238-8AD1-7859DF00B1D6} - C:\Program Files\Norton AntiVirus\NavShExt.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ccApp] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccApp.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ccRegVfy] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccRegVfy.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SunJavaUpdateSched] C:\Program Files\Java\j2re1.4.2_05\bin\jusched.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Programdrawbooblogo] C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\DASH PILE PROGRAM DRAW\Program Knob.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [MSMSGS] "C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe" /background
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [PopUpStopperCompanion] "C:\PROGRA~1\PANICW~1\POP-UP~1\PSComp.exe"
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [ctfmon.exe] C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [AXISFACE] C:\DOCUME~1\RICHAR~1\APPLIC~1\EXITST~1\name grey.exe
O4 - Startup: SpywareGuard.lnk = C:\Program Files\SpywareGuard\sgmain.exe
O4 - Global Startup: Adobe Gamma Loader.lnk = C:\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe\Calibration\Adobe Gamma Loader.exe
O4 - Global Startup: eFax Live Menu 3.3.lnk = C:\Program Files\eFax Messenger Plus 3.3\J2GDllCmd.exe
O4 - Global Startup: eFax Tray Menu 3.3.lnk = C:\Program Files\eFax Messenger Plus 3.3\J2GTray.exe
O4 - Global Startup: Scanner Detector.lnk = C:\Program Files\ScanSuite\SDetect.exe
O6 - HKCU\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Control Panel present
O8 - Extra context menu item: E&xport to Microsoft Excel - res://C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~2\OFFICE11\EXCEL.EXE/3000
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\WINDOWS\System32\msjava.dll
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Sun Java Console - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\WINDOWS\System32\msjava.dll
O9 - Extra button: Research - {92780B25-18CC-41C8-B9BE-3C9C571A8263} - C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~2\OFFICE11\REFIEBAR.DLL
O9 - Extra button: Yahoo! Messenger - {E5D12C4E-7B4F-11D3-B5C9-0050045C3C96} - C:\PROGRA~1\Yahoo!\MESSEN~1\YPager.exe
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Yahoo! Messenger - {E5D12C4E-7B4F-11D3-B5C9-0050045C3C96} - C:\PROGRA~1\Yahoo!\MESSEN~1\YPager.exe
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

[Thabudda]

I have tried to follow the proceedures given earlier but when I go to task manager and try to end IEexplorer.exe (theres 2 running) they keep replicating. I have searched for the EXITST~1 folder and cannot find it to delete and yes I even searched hidden files and folders. I really don't understand where this thing came from. I don't even use IE. Is there any way to just get rid of IE altogether? Thanks

[DMR]

Unfortunately, IE is now intergral to the Windows OS; you can't really get rid of it altogether. Also, although you should use another browser for your normal Web surfing, you do neen IE on your system to download Windows critical fixes and updates; the Windows Update site requires it.

I have searched for the EXITST~1 folder and cannot find it

So you definitely can't find a folder whose name begins with "exitst" in any of the C:\Documents and Settings\username\Application Data folders? Your new log now shows another "unwanted guest" running from another bogus folder:
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Programdrawbooblogo] C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\DASH PILE PROGRAM DRAW\Program Knob.exe

Can you see that one in Windows Explorer?

The core components of some of these malware programs can be very hard to track down and remove, and HijackThis alone isn't enough to do the trick. A few other things that won't hurt to try:

1. If you haven't already, run a full system scan with Norton, making sure you've installed the absolute lastest virus definition updates.

2. Run the free online scans from these two sites:
http://www.pestscan.com
http://housecall.trendmicro.com

3. Individual utilities have been written to eradicate specific and particularly difficult to remove infections (CoolWebSearch, VX2, etc.). The following sites offer removal utilities and instructions for such infections:

http://www.spychecker.com
http://www.subratam.org/?page=removal
http://www.majorgeeks.com/downloads31.html
http://aumha.org/a/parasite.htm

Many of the tools found at the above site should only be used with expert guidance; ask us before running any of the programs if you have questions about the procedures.