iexplore.exe; rundll32.exe; HiJackThis Log Posted - Please help

Question

The Master 0 Newbie Poster

21 Years Ago

Hi, I've got a few problems

rundll32.exe keeps running, and at 100%
iexplore.exe is running, and I read somewhere that that's not supposed to be there.

I had the rundll32.exe problem before, and I got rid of it somehow. I think it was last week. But a week later, it comes back. Does anyone kno how this happens, and why Norton doesn't stop it? I also have Ad-Aware on my computer.

Here's the log tho:

Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.0
Scan saved at 2:42:18 PM, on 12/18/2004
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\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccEvtMgr.exe
C:\Program Files\Norton AntiVirus\navapsvc.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\nvsvc32.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\winlogon.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\sm56hlpr.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccApp.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\rundll32.exe
C:\Program Files\Logitech\iTouch\iTouch.exe
C:\Program Files\Logitech\MouseWare\system\em_exec.exe
C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
C:\Program Files\Messenger Plus!\MsgPlus.exe
C:\Program Files\Java\j2re1.4.2_05\bin\jusched.exe
C:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Real\Update_OB\realsched.exe
C:\Program Files\Winamp\winampa.exe
C:\Program Files\NVIDIA Corporation\NvMixer\NvMixerTray.exe
C:\Program Files\Microsoft Broadband Networking\MSBNTray.exe
C:\Program Files\Winamp\winamp.exe
C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe
C:\Documents and Settings\The Master\My Documents\Documents\hijackthis\HijackThis.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\taskmgr.exe

R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings,ProxyServer = ftp=;gopher=;http=;https=
O2 - BHO: IDM Helper - {0055C089-8582-441B-A0BF-17B458C2A3A8} - C:\Program Files\Internet Download Manager\IDMIECC.dll
O2 - BHO: AcroIEHlprObj Class - {06849E9F-C8D7-4D59-B87D-784B7D6BE0B3} - C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 6.0\Reader\ActiveX\AcroIEHelper.dll
O2 - BHO: NAV Helper - {BDF3E430-B101-42AD-A544-FADC6B084872} - C:\Program Files\Norton AntiVirus\NavShExt.dll
O3 - Toolbar: Norton AntiVirus - {42CDD1BF-3FFB-4238-8AD1-7859DF00B1D6} - C:\Program Files\Norton AntiVirus\NavShExt.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SMSERIAL] sm56hlpr.exe
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: [NvCplDaemon] RUNDLL32.EXE C:\WINDOWS\system32\NvCpl.dll,NvStartup
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [nwiz] nwiz.exe /install
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [zBrowser Launcher] C:\Program Files\Logitech\iTouch\iTouch.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Logitech Utility] Logi_MwX.Exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [MessengerPlus3] "C:\Program Files\Messenger Plus!\MsgPlus.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SunJavaUpdateSched] C:\Program Files\Java\j2re1.4.2_05\bin\jusched.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [QuickTime Task] "C:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe" -atboottime
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [TkBellExe] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Real\Update_OB\realsched.exe" -osboot
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [WinampAgent] C:\Program Files\Winamp\winampa.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NvMixerTray] C:\Program Files\NVIDIA Corporation\NvMixer\NvMixerTray.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NvMediaCenter] RUNDLL32.EXE C:\WINDOWS\system32\NvMcTray.dll,NvTaskbarInit
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [MSMSGS] "C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe" /background
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [MessengerPlus3] "C:\Program Files\Messenger Plus!\MsgPlus.exe" /WinStart
O4 - Global Startup: Microsoft Broadband Networking.lnk = ?
O4 - Global Startup: Microsoft Office.lnk = C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office\OSA9.EXE
O4 - Global Startup: Symantec Fax Starter Edition Port.lnk = C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office\1033\OLFSNT40.EXE
O8 - Extra context menu item: Download All Links with IDM - C:\Program Files\Internet Download Manager\IEGetAll.htm
O8 - Extra context menu item: Download with IDM - C:\Program Files\Internet Download Manager\IEExt.htm
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\Program Files\Java\j2re1.4.2_05\bin\npjpi142_05.dll
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Sun Java Console - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\Program Files\Java\j2re1.4.2_05\bin\npjpi142_05.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
O10 - Unknown file in Winsock LSP: c:\windows\system32\idmmbc.dll
O10 - Unknown file in Winsock LSP: c:\windows\system32\idmmbc.dll
O10 - Unknown file in Winsock LSP: c:\windows\system32\idmmbc.dll
O10 - Unknown file in Winsock LSP: c:\windows\system32\idmmbc.dll
O10 - Unknown file in Winsock LSP: c:\windows\system32\idmmbc.dll
O16 - DPF: {B38870E4-7ECB-40DA-8C6A-595F0A5519FF} (MsnMessengerSetupDownloadControl Class) -
O16 - DPF: {B8BE5E93-A60C-4D26-A2DC-220313175592} (ZoneIntro Class) -
O16 - DPF: {B9191F79-5613-4C76-AA2A-398534BB8999} (YAddBook Class) -
O16 - DPF: {E5D419D6-A846-4514-9FAD-97E826C84822} (HeartbeatCtl Class) -
O23 - Service: Symantec Event Manager - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccEvtMgr.exe
O23 - Service: Symantec Password Validation Service - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccPwdSvc.exe
O23 - Service: Norton AntiVirus Auto Protect Service - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Norton AntiVirus\navapsvc.exe
O23 - Service: NVIDIA Display Driver Service - NVIDIA Corporation - C:\WINDOWS\system32\nvsvc32.exe
O23 - Service: ScriptBlocking Service - Symantec Corporation - C:\PROGRA~1\COMMON~1\SYMANT~1\SCRIPT~1\SBServ.exe

Thank you

microsoft:windows virus-malware

4 Contributors
8 Replies
263 Views
17 Hours Discussion Span
Latest Post 21 Years Ago Latest Post by crunchie

Dani AI

Generated 9 Months Ago

A concise expert summary and practical next steps.

rundll32.exe is a legitimate Windows host that calls DLL entry points; high CPU from a rundll32 process almost always means the DLL it launched is misbehaving (or malicious). Internet Explorer (iexplore.exe) is normal when run from Program Files\Internet Explorer; an iexplore.exe located in System32 or another unexpected folder is suspicious, as pointed out.

Simple diagnostic steps (non‑destructive)

Use Sysinternals Process Explorer to inspect the running rundll32 instance: view the full command line, the DLLs loaded, and the Threads tab to see which thread is burning CPU. Autoruns is the best tool to find DLLs set to run at startup.

If there is no Process Explorer at hand, these commands help reveal modules and command lines:

tasklist /m /fi "imagename eq rundll32.exe"
wmic process where "name='rundll32.exe'" get ProcessId,CommandLine

Remediation workflow and cautions

Boot to Safe Mode, disable suspicious startup entries with msconfig or Autoruns, and quarantine the offending DLL. After removal, run an up‑to‑date AV plus an on‑demand anti‑malware and a rootkit scanner. Do not delete system files such as the real rundll32.exe or a legitimate iexplore.exe. A System Restore point and a registry backup should be taken before registry or file removals. When using HijackThis, save the log and only "fix" well‑understood entries.

Notes on startup trimming and broken Flash games

's suggestion to remove unnecessary autostart items is sound; msconfig, HijackThis (with caution), or Spybot's Startup tool are safe ways to trim them. correctly noted that SpywareBlaster/Flash blocking will break browser games—disable the Flash/ActiveX blocker or whitelist the game site to restore functionality.

Unusual file locations, unknown DLL names, or multiple rundll32 instances are strong indicators of trouble; Process Explorer output plus a clean on‑demand scan provide the evidence needed for a targeted cleanup.

All 8 Replies

caperjack 875 I hate 20 Questions

21 Years Ago

when iexplore is in the system/system32 folder its the bad one ,in program file internet explorer its ok.
you have lots of programs running that don't really need to be ,but i don't see one that will cause your rundll problem!

caperjack 875 I hate 20 Questions

21 Years Ago

when you installed ,MessengerPlus3 ,did you install without sponsor support,if not go to add abd remve programs and uninstall it and reinstall ,making sure to install with out sponsor support .
then post a new log /

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The Master 0 Newbie Poster · Answer 1 · 2004-12-19T04:43:42+00:00

I just wanted to say that I don't kno why I read somewhere that 'iexplore.exe' wasn't supposed to be there. I thought that's just Internet Explorer?? Isn't it? Or is that 'explorer.exe'?

Well anyway, I thought I should post another HiJackThis log, since I installed SpyBot S&D and Spywareblaster. Here it is:

Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.0
Scan saved at 5:42:53 PM, on 12/18/2004
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\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccEvtMgr.exe
C:\Program Files\Norton AntiVirus\navapsvc.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\nvsvc32.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\winlogon.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\sm56hlpr.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccApp.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\rundll32.exe
C:\Program Files\Logitech\iTouch\iTouch.exe
C:\Program Files\Logitech\MouseWare\system\em_exec.exe
C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
C:\Program Files\Messenger Plus!\MsgPlus.exe
C:\Program Files\Java\j2re1.4.2_05\bin\jusched.exe
C:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Real\Update_OB\realsched.exe
C:\Program Files\Winamp\winampa.exe
C:\Program Files\NVIDIA Corporation\NvMixer\NvMixerTray.exe
C:\Program Files\Microsoft Broadband Networking\MSBNTray.exe
C:\Program Files\Winamp\winamp.exe
C:\Program Files\Microsoft Broadband Networking\MSBNUtil.exe
C:\Program Files\Spybot - Search & Destroy\TeaTimer.exe
C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe
C:\Documents and Settings\The Master\My Documents\Documents\hijackthis\HijackThis.exe

R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings,ProxyServer = ftp=;gopher=;http=;https=
O2 - BHO: IDM Helper - {0055C089-8582-441B-A0BF-17B458C2A3A8} - C:\Program Files\Internet Download Manager\IDMIECC.dll
O2 - BHO: AcroIEHlprObj Class - {06849E9F-C8D7-4D59-B87D-784B7D6BE0B3} - C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 6.0\Reader\ActiveX\AcroIEHelper.dll
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {53707962-6F74-2D53-2644-206D7942484F} - C:\PROGRA~1\SPYBOT~1\SDHelper.dll
O2 - BHO: NAV Helper - {BDF3E430-B101-42AD-A544-FADC6B084872} - C:\Program Files\Norton AntiVirus\NavShExt.dll
O3 - Toolbar: Norton AntiVirus - {42CDD1BF-3FFB-4238-8AD1-7859DF00B1D6} - C:\Program Files\Norton AntiVirus\NavShExt.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SMSERIAL] sm56hlpr.exe
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: [NvCplDaemon] RUNDLL32.EXE C:\WINDOWS\system32\NvCpl.dll,NvStartup
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [nwiz] nwiz.exe /install
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [zBrowser Launcher] C:\Program Files\Logitech\iTouch\iTouch.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Logitech Utility] Logi_MwX.Exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [MessengerPlus3] "C:\Program Files\Messenger Plus!\MsgPlus.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SunJavaUpdateSched] C:\Program Files\Java\j2re1.4.2_05\bin\jusched.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [QuickTime Task] "C:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe" -atboottime
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [TkBellExe] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Real\Update_OB\realsched.exe" -osboot
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [WinampAgent] C:\Program Files\Winamp\winampa.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NvMixerTray] C:\Program Files\NVIDIA Corporation\NvMixer\NvMixerTray.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NvMediaCenter] RUNDLL32.EXE C:\WINDOWS\system32\NvMcTray.dll,NvTaskbarInit
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [MSMSGS] "C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe" /background
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [MessengerPlus3] "C:\Program Files\Messenger Plus!\MsgPlus.exe" /WinStart
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [SpybotSD TeaTimer] C:\Program Files\Spybot - Search & Destroy\TeaTimer.exe
O4 - Global Startup: Microsoft Broadband Networking.lnk = ?
O4 - Global Startup: Microsoft Office.lnk = C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office\OSA9.EXE
O4 - Global Startup: Symantec Fax Starter Edition Port.lnk = C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office\1033\OLFSNT40.EXE
O8 - Extra context menu item: Download All Links with IDM - C:\Program Files\Internet Download Manager\IEGetAll.htm
O8 - Extra context menu item: Download with IDM - C:\Program Files\Internet Download Manager\IEExt.htm
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\Program Files\Java\j2re1.4.2_05\bin\npjpi142_05.dll
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Sun Java Console - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\Program Files\Java\j2re1.4.2_05\bin\npjpi142_05.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
O10 - Unknown file in Winsock LSP: c:\windows\system32\idmmbc.dll
O10 - Unknown file in Winsock LSP: c:\windows\system32\idmmbc.dll
O10 - Unknown file in Winsock LSP: c:\windows\system32\idmmbc.dll
O10 - Unknown file in Winsock LSP: c:\windows\system32\idmmbc.dll
O10 - Unknown file in Winsock LSP: c:\windows\system32\idmmbc.dll
O16 - DPF: {B38870E4-7ECB-40DA-8C6A-595F0A5519FF} (MsnMessengerSetupDownloadControl Class) -
O16 - DPF: {B8BE5E93-A60C-4D26-A2DC-220313175592} (ZoneIntro Class) -
O16 - DPF: {B9191F79-5613-4C76-AA2A-398534BB8999} (YAddBook Class) -
O16 - DPF: {E5D419D6-A846-4514-9FAD-97E826C84822} (HeartbeatCtl Class) -
O23 - Service: Symantec Event Manager - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccEvtMgr.exe
O23 - Service: Symantec Password Validation Service - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccPwdSvc.exe
O23 - Service: Norton AntiVirus Auto Protect Service - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Norton AntiVirus\navapsvc.exe
O23 - Service: NVIDIA Display Driver Service - NVIDIA Corporation - C:\WINDOWS\system32\nvsvc32.exe
O23 - Service: ScriptBlocking Service - Symantec Corporation - C:\PROGRA~1\COMMON~1\SYMANT~1\SCRIPT~1\SBServ.exe

Can someone please tell me what to do about the rundll32.exe problem?

The Master 0 Newbie Poster · Answer 2 · 2004-12-19T05:46:21+00:00

Actually, I installed without the sponser program.

Should I still post another log?

Which programs should I be getting rid of?

DMR 152 Wombat At Large Team Colleague · Answer 3 · 2004-12-19T12:24:59+00:00

These programs don't need to be run as startup items:

O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [QuickTime Task] "C:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe" -atboottime
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [TkBellExe] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Real\Update_OB\realsched.exe" -osboot
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [WinampAgent] C:\Program Files\Winamp\winampa.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NvMixerTray] C:\Program Files\NVIDIA Corporation\NvMixer\NvMixerTray.exe
O4 - Global Startup: Microsoft Office.lnk = C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office\OSA9.EXE

Depending on your particular setup and usage, you may not need these either:

O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [zBrowser Launcher] C:\Program Files\Logitech\iTouch\iTouch.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Logitech Utility] Logi_MwX.Exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NvMediaCenter] RUNDLL32.EXE C:\WINDOWS\system32\NvMcTray.dll,NvTaskbarInit

You can do a Google search for info on the above filenames if you have questions about them.

Other than that, the last log you posted does look OK.

The Master 0 Newbie Poster · Answer 4 · 2004-12-19T12:30:29+00:00

Thanks

How do I make the programs not startup, like how you said?

Is there an option for that in the HiJackThis thing? Is that the 'fix' thing?

The Master 0 Newbie Poster · Answer 5 · 2004-12-19T13:06:11+00:00

I've got 1 more question. After installing SpyBot S&D and Spywareblaster, I can't play games on 'zone.com'. Does anyone kno how to fix this?

crunchie 990 Most Valuable Poster Team Colleague Featured Poster · Answer 6 · 2004-12-19T13:41:57+00:00

Open spywareblaster and go to tools, then FlashKiller. Make sure it is unchecked.
You can use Spybot S&D to stop some of those entries from starting. Run Spybot and make sure it is in advanced mode by selecting *Mode* on the toolbar. Go to Tools and then startups. Uncheck what you do not want to start.
Hijackthis will stop the Microsoft Office.Ink from starting by selecting and fixing it.

iexplore.exe; rundll32.exe; HiJackThis Log Posted - Please help

Dani AI

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