Not just my browser, but my entire computer probably.

I'm running WinXP Svc Pk2 on a 2 gig machine with 512 megs of mem.

My pop-up, spyware situation is like an ants nest. I've run Ad-Aware, Spybot, Microsoft and CW Shredder. I've searched for new downloads, and there weren't many; plus it's been awhile since I ran these so I figured there would be a pretty good number of files, but alas not. With XP Svc Pk2 I thought the pop-up blocker would be a killer, but it's not stopping anything. I wonder if these spyware creeps have found something other than Javascript to do their dirty deeds. I have the blocker set to block all pop-ups, because I don't mind holding down the ctrl key. However, nothing I've done so far has prevented this dastardly invasion of my computer. Here's my Hijack file. There are too many things I don't recognize, so I'm a bit reluctant at wholesale deletion. Any input will be greatly appreciated.

Logfile of HijackThis v1.97.7
Scan saved at 7:02:34 PM, on 5/13/2005
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\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccEvtMgr.exe
C:\Program Files\Analog Devices\SoundMAX\SMTray.exe
C:\Program Files\Norton SystemWorks\Norton Ghost\GhostStartTrayApp.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\UMonit2K.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccApp.exe
C:\Program Files\Adobe\Adobe Version Cue\ControlPanel\VersionCueTray.exe
C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.5.0_01\bin\jusched.exe
C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe
C:\Program Files\Spyware Doctor\swdoctor.exe
C:\Program Files\Spybot - Search & Destroy\TeaTimer.exe
C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.5.0_01\bin\jucheck.exe
c:\progra~1\intern~1\iexplore.exe
C:\Program Files\SMARTDISK\FLASHPATH\sdstat.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\crypserv.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\NORTON~1\NORTON~2\GHOSTS~2.EXE
C:\Program Files\Norton SystemWorks\Norton AntiVirus\navapsvc.exe
C:\Program Files\Norton SystemWorks\Norton Utilities\NPROTECT.EXE
C:\Program Files\Analog Devices\SoundMAX\SMAgent.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\NORTON~1\SPEEDD~1\nopdb.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\Security Center\SymWSC.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office10\POWERPNT.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\msagent\AgentSvr.exe
C:\Program Files\Adobe\Adobe Acrobat 6.0\Distillr\AcroTray.exe
C:\Documents and Settings\New\Desktop\System Utilities\Hijack This\HijackThis.exe
C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe

R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://www.excite.com/
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {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:\Program Files\Spybot - Search & Destroy\SDHelper.dll
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {5C8B2A36-3DB1-42A4-A3CB-D426709BBFEB} - C:\PROGRA~1\SPYWAR~2\tools\iesdsg.dll
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {601ED020-FB6C-11D3-87D8-0050DA59922B} - (no file)
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {AE7CD045-E861-484f-8273-0445EE161910} - (no file)
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {B56A7D7D-6927-48C8-A975-17DF180C71AC} - C:\PROGRA~1\SPYWAR~2\tools\iesdpb.dll
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {BDF3E430-B101-42AD-A544-FADC6B084872} - (no file)
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [tw8ML] C:\WINDOWS\djmiaxi.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [UserFaultCheck] %systemroot%\system32\dumprep 0 -u
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Smapp] C:\Program Files\Analog Devices\SoundMAX\SMTray.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [GhostStartTrayApp] C:\Program Files\Norton SystemWorks\Norton Ghost\GhostStartTrayApp.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Gene USB Monitor] C:\WINDOWS\system32\UMonit2K.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ccRegVfy] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccRegVfy.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ccApp] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccApp.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AdobeVersionCue] C:\Program Files\Adobe\Adobe Version Cue\ControlPanel\VersionCueTray.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Greattworeadmedebug] C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\BowsTypeGreatTwo\Wmatype.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SunJavaUpdateSched] C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.5.0_01\bin\jusched.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [warez] "C:\Program Files\Warez P2P Client\warez.exe" -h
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [Spyware Doctor] "C:\Program Files\Spyware Doctor\swdoctor.exe" /Q
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [SpybotSD TeaTimer] C:\Program Files\Spybot - Search & Destroy\TeaTimer.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [HoldScr] C:\DOCUME~1\New\APPLIC~1\GREATP~1\SOFTWAREBLEH.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [updateMgr] C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 7.0\Reader\AdobeUpdateManager.exe AcRdB7_0_0
O4 - Global Startup: Adobe Reader Speed Launch.lnk = C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 7.0\Reader\reader_sl.exe
O4 - Global Startup: FlashPath Monitor.lnk = C:\Program Files\SMARTDISK\FLASHPATH\sdstat.exe
O9 - Extra button: Spyware Doctor (HKLM)
O12 - Plugin for .mp3: C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\PLUGINS\npqtplugin3.dll
O16 - DPF: {26CBF141-7D0F-46E1-AA06-718958B6E4D2} -
O16 - DPF: {4C39376E-FA9D-4349-BACC-D305C1750EF3} (EPUImageControl Class) -
O16 - DPF: {6414512B-B978-451D-A0D8-FCFDF33E833C} (WUWebControl Class) -

Thanks for checking me out. All apps were closed when I ran this.

BuddyB

Dani AI

Generated

Good follow-up from and — disabling Spybot’s resident protector before editing autoruns and using an updated HijackThis are the right early moves. Persistent pop‑ups that ignore the browser blocker usually come from system‑level adware: orphaned BHOs/toolbars, autorun entries, modified network stacks or (less commonly) rootkits. Those “no file” COM/BHO stubs in a log are safe to remove, but only after taking simple precautions.

A compact, safe workflow to finish the cleanup:

  • Isolate the PC (disconnect network) and make a full image or at least a System Restore point before changing anything.
  • Boot to Safe Mode and run an up‑to‑date on‑demand anti‑malware scanner (a second‑opinion tool) to remove known items.
  • Run Sysinternals Autoruns (as Administrator), export the list, then disable suspicious startup entries rather than deleting them immediately; use Process Explorer to check which process spawns a questionable item.
  • If symptoms persist or processes look hidden, run a reputable rootkit scanner. Check the hosts file and reset the network stack with netsh winsock reset and clear DNS with ipconfig /flushdns, then reboot.

Cleanup notes and fallbacks:

  • Prefer disabling entries first and keep an exported Autoruns/HijackThis log so changes can be undone. Back up the registry before edits.
  • Clear temp files and reset browser/plug‑ins (reinstall Java/plug‑ins if needed). If removal is incomplete or the infection repeatedly recreates entries, a clean OS reinstall from a known‑good image is often the fastest, most reliable fix.

For post‑mortem diagnostics, the most useful artifacts are an updated HijackThis log (current build) plus an exported Autoruns snapshot and a short Process Explorer list. Praise to and — their early triage set the correct direction.

Recommended Answers

All 5 Replies

All apps were closed when I ran this.

Except Internet Explorer :D.

-

We'll need to unload Spybot's Teatimer before we begin. To do this can you start Spybot and go to Tools > Resident and uncheck the box next to Tea-Timer. Make sure that the icon in the system tray is no longer there. If it is, just right click on it and select "Exit". Do not forget to re-enable it when we are done :).

===============

Download, then unzip to "C:\HJT", the newest version of ; version 1.99.1. Then repost your log, either now, or after following the steps in the solution (if provided in this post). This version has features that might be more helpful in 'cleaning' up your system.

===============

Still in HiJackThis, click "Scan", then check(tick) the following, if present:


O2 - BHO: (no name) - {601ED020-FB6C-11D3-87D8-0050DA59922B} - (no file)
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {AE7CD045-E861-484f-8273-0445EE161910} - (no file)
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {BDF3E430-B101-42AD-A544-FADC6B084872} - (no file)

O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [tw8ML] C:\WINDOWS\djmiaxi.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [HoldScr] C:\DOCUME~1\New\APPLIC~1\GREATP~1\SOFTWAREBLEH.exe

O16 - DPF: {6414512B-B978-451D-A0D8-FCFDF33E833C} (WUWebControl Class) -


Now, with all windows closed except HiJackThis, click "Fix checked".

===============

Locate and delete the following item(s), if present. Make sure your able to "view system and hidden files/ folders:"

files...

C:\WINDOWS\djmiaxi.exe

folders...
C:\DOCUME~1\New\APPLIC~1\GREATP~1

-

Note that some of these file(s) may or may not be present. If present, and cannot be deleted because they're 'in use', try deleting them in "".

-

Reboot.

===============

To help protect your system from hostile ActiveX content, or special 'downloadable' files:

Download, install and keep updated, SpywareBlaster. If you've installed it for the first time:

1) Check for any available updates; if present, they'll be automatically downloaded and installed.
2) Next, "Enable all protection".
3) Exit the program.

-

Note: Remember to regularly check for updates.

===============

After rebooting your PC, rescan with hijackthis and post a new log.
Let me know how things are now.

Crunchie,
Thanks for the attention. I've followed your instructions to the "T", but I'm still getting pop-ups, while I'm perusing "DaniWeb" yet. I was able to do everything but delete C:\WINDOWS\djmiaxi.exe; never did find it.

I'm posting a new log. Thanks.
BuddyB

Logfile of HijackThis v1.97.7
Scan saved at 6:38:30 PM, on 5/14/2005
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\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccEvtMgr.exe
C:\Program Files\Analog Devices\SoundMAX\SMTray.exe
C:\Program Files\Norton SystemWorks\Norton Ghost\GhostStartTrayApp.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\UMonit2K.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccApp.exe
C:\Program Files\Adobe\Adobe Version Cue\ControlPanel\VersionCueTray.exe
C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.5.0_02\bin\jusched.exe
C:\Program Files\Spyware Doctor\swdoctor.exe
C:\Program Files\SMARTDISK\FLASHPATH\sdstat.exe
C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\crypserv.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\NORTON~1\NORTON~2\GHOSTS~2.EXE
C:\Program Files\Norton SystemWorks\Norton AntiVirus\navapsvc.exe
C:\Program Files\Norton SystemWorks\Norton Utilities\NPROTECT.EXE
C:\Program Files\Analog Devices\SoundMAX\SMAgent.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\NORTON~1\SPEEDD~1\nopdb.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\Security Center\SymWSC.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\wuauclt.exe
C:\Documents and Settings\New\Desktop\System Utilities\Hijack This\HijackThis.exe
C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe

O2 - BHO: (no name) - {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: (no name) - {5C8B2A36-3DB1-42A4-A3CB-D426709BBFEB} - C:\PROGRA~1\SPYWAR~2\tools\iesdsg.dll
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {B56A7D7D-6927-48C8-A975-17DF180C71AC} - C:\PROGRA~1\SPYWAR~2\tools\iesdpb.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [UserFaultCheck] %systemroot%\system32\dumprep 0 -u
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Smapp] C:\Program Files\Analog Devices\SoundMAX\SMTray.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [GhostStartTrayApp] C:\Program Files\Norton SystemWorks\Norton Ghost\GhostStartTrayApp.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Gene USB Monitor] C:\WINDOWS\system32\UMonit2K.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ccRegVfy] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccRegVfy.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ccApp] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccApp.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AdobeVersionCue] C:\Program Files\Adobe\Adobe Version Cue\ControlPanel\VersionCueTray.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Greattworeadmedebug] C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\BowsTypeGreatTwo\Wmatype.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SunJavaUpdateSched] C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.5.0_02\bin\jusched.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [warez] "C:\Program Files\Warez P2P Client\warez.exe" -h
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [Spyware Doctor] "C:\Program Files\Spyware Doctor\swdoctor.exe" /Q
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [HoldScr] C:\DOCUME~1\New\APPLIC~1\GREATP~1\SOFTWAREBLEH.exe
O4 - Global Startup: Adobe Reader Speed Launch.lnk = C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 7.0\Reader\reader_sl.exe
O4 - Global Startup: FlashPath Monitor.lnk = C:\Program Files\SMARTDISK\FLASHPATH\sdstat.exe
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Sun Java Console (HKLM)
O9 - Extra button: Spyware Doctor (HKLM)
O12 - Plugin for .mp3: C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\PLUGINS\npqtplugin3.dll
O16 - DPF: {26CBF141-7D0F-46E1-AA06-718958B6E4D2} -
O16 - DPF: {4C39376E-FA9D-4349-BACC-D305C1750EF3} (EPUImageControl Class) -
O16 - DPF: {6414512B-B978-451D-A0D8-FCFDF33E833C} (WUWebControl Class) -

Could you click Start>Settings>Control Panel>Add or Remove Programs and uninstall 'Window Search', 'Window Searching', '', '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 the Lop Remover from:

Post another log when done please.

Crunchie,
None of those files were in the "Add or Remove Programs." The Lop Remover or Uninstaller did take out two files. Here's the latest log. Thanks again.
BuddyB

Logfile of HijackThis v1.97.7
Scan saved at 5:31:35 PM, on 5/15/2005
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\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccEvtMgr.exe
C:\Program Files\Norton SystemWorks\Norton Ghost\GhostStartTrayApp.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\UMonit2K.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccApp.exe
C:\Program Files\Adobe\Adobe Version Cue\ControlPanel\VersionCueTray.exe
C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.5.0_02\bin\jusched.exe
C:\Program Files\Spyware Doctor\swdoctor.exe
C:\Program Files\Spybot - Search & Destroy\TeaTimer.exe
C:\Program Files\SMARTDISK\FLASHPATH\sdstat.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\crypserv.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\NORTON~1\NORTON~2\GHOSTS~2.EXE
C:\Program Files\Norton SystemWorks\Norton AntiVirus\navapsvc.exe
C:\Program Files\Norton SystemWorks\Norton Utilities\NPROTECT.EXE
C:\Program Files\Analog Devices\SoundMAX\SMAgent.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\NORTON~1\SPEEDD~1\nopdb.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\Security Center\SymWSC.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
C:\Documents and Settings\New\Desktop\System Utilities\Hijack This\HijackThis.exe

R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://www.excite.com/
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {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: (no name) - {5C8B2A36-3DB1-42A4-A3CB-D426709BBFEB} - C:\PROGRA~1\SPYWAR~2\tools\iesdsg.dll
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {601ED020-FB6C-11D3-87D8-0050DA59922B} - (no file)
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {AE7CD045-E861-484f-8273-0445EE161910} - (no file)
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {B56A7D7D-6927-48C8-A975-17DF180C71AC} - C:\PROGRA~1\SPYWAR~2\tools\iesdpb.dll
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {BDF3E430-B101-42AD-A544-FADC6B084872} - (no file)
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [GhostStartTrayApp] C:\Program Files\Norton SystemWorks\Norton Ghost\GhostStartTrayApp.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Gene USB Monitor] C:\WINDOWS\system32\UMonit2K.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ccRegVfy] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccRegVfy.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ccApp] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccApp.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AdobeVersionCue] C:\Program Files\Adobe\Adobe Version Cue\ControlPanel\VersionCueTray.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SunJavaUpdateSched] C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.5.0_02\bin\jusched.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [Spyware Doctor] "C:\Program Files\Spyware Doctor\swdoctor.exe" /Q
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [SpybotSD TeaTimer] C:\Program Files\Spybot - Search & Destroy\TeaTimer.exe
O4 - Global Startup: Adobe Reader Speed Launch.lnk = C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 7.0\Reader\reader_sl.exe
O4 - Global Startup: FlashPath Monitor.lnk = C:\Program Files\SMARTDISK\FLASHPATH\sdstat.exe
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Sun Java Console (HKLM)
O9 - Extra button: Spyware Doctor (HKLM)
O12 - Plugin for .mp3: C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\PLUGINS\npqtplugin3.dll
O16 - DPF: {26CBF141-7D0F-46E1-AA06-718958B6E4D2} -
O16 - DPF: {4C39376E-FA9D-4349-BACC-D305C1750EF3} (EPUImageControl Class) -
O16 - DPF: {6414512B-B978-451D-A0D8-FCFDF33E833C} (WUWebControl Class) -

I'm curious, if "C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe" is related to MSMessenger I can sure do without that. The O-2 BHO's with (No file), are they deletable?

As you can tell by looking I've not much experience in this area, but would really like to educate myself.

Once more, thanks. BuddyB

...I've followed your instructions to the "T"...

Not quite, you still need to get the latest version of hijackthis :) You can get the self-extracting version from here (in line 2):
http://www.malwareremoval.com/downloads.html

The O-2 BHO's with (No file), are they deletable?

Yes, it is safe to have hijackthis fix the BHO's with (no name) & (no file)

As you can tell by looking I've not much experience in this area, but would really like to educate myself.

There are several HijackThis tutorials available, such as this one:
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/index.php?showtutorial=42

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