unwanted spyware in favourites in internet explorer cannot get rid

Question

tony.coupland 0 Newbie Poster

21 Years Ago

hi Im a new member and i am having a problem with the favourites column in internet explorer
What happens is i have unwanted spyware or adware that when i try to delete it they keep adding to the favourites column every time i reboot or go on the internet if anyone could help i would be grateful thanx
tony

cybersecurity virus-malware

3 Contributors
4 Replies
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1 Day Discussion Span
Latest Post 21 Years Ago Latest Post by dlh6213

Dani AI

Generated 9 Months Ago

Persistent, automatically recreated Favorites almost always means an active persistence mechanism (startup/RunOnce entries, scheduled tasks or a service) is writing .url files into the user Favorites folder and — in many cases — also altering network settings so unwanted pages keep appearing. The thread was moved by and requested a startup/diagnostic log; supplied one that shows the classic pattern of a deeply entrenched adware/spyware infection. Removal has to be both file-level (remove the .url files and the process that recreates them) and network-level (restore DNS/hosts to correct settings).

Practical triage (in order): isolate the PC from the network, back up documents and the Favorites folder (use %userprofile%\Favorites), and avoid signing into sensitive accounts until the system is cleaned. Boot to Safe Mode to reduce running components, then inspect the Favorites folder for hidden or system .url files. Check Scheduled Tasks, the Startup folder and services for unknown entries; suspicious items whose filenames are random or located directly under C:\Windows\system32 are strong indicators of malware persistence.

Useful commands and checks (from an elevated command prompt or Safe Mode command window):

attrib -h -s "%userprofile%\Favorites\*.url"
del "%userprofile%\Favorites\<suspicious>.url"
notepad "%windir%\system32\drivers\etc\hosts"
ipconfig /flushdns

Also verify the network adapter IPv4 settings so DNS is obtained automatically (or set to a known-good DNS), and review the router’s admin credentials and DNS settings if the machine shows external DNS redirection.

If multiple startup entries, random executables or altered network settings remain after standard cleanup, a rescue/bootable scanner or a clean OS reinstall is the pragmatic next step; always export personal files only (avoid copying program executables) and change all important passwords after the machine is known clean. Following ’s diagnostic approach, an updated startup/log scan after the triage steps will make targeted removals far safer and more precise.

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Catweazle 140 Grandad

21 Years Ago

We have a special forum section for Viruses and other 'Nasties' tony.

I'll move your topic to that section so that you can get the assistance you need.

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dlh6213 27 Posting Maven Team Colleague · Answer 1 · 2005-06-02T11:33:41+00:00

Hi Tony, welcome to DaniWeb, :D

In order for us to see exactly what you have running on your system, I suggest you get the self-extracting version of HijackThis from here (in line 2):
http://www.malwareremoval.com/downloads.html

Then close any open browser windows, 'Scan and Save Log' with hijackthis, copy the log, and paste it here in this thread.

tony.coupland 0 Newbie Poster · Answer 2 · 2005-06-03T01:49:56+00:00

Hi Tony, welcome to DaniWeb, :D
In order for us to see exactly what you have running on your system, I suggest you get the self-extracting version of HijackThis from here (in line 2):
http://www.malwareremoval.com/downloads.html
Then close any open browser windows, 'Scan and Save Log' with hijackthis, copy the log, and paste it here in this thread.

HolidayLogfile of HijackThis v1.99.1
Scan saved at 20:44:40, on 02/06/2005
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\csrss.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\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\Program Files\ISS\BlackICE\blackd.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\EPSON\EBAPI\SAgent2.exe
C:\Program Files\Norton AntiVirus\navapsvc.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\wdfmgr.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\ZoneLabs\vsmon.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\alg.exe
C:\WINDOWS\ntku32.exe
C:\Program Files\ScanSoft\OmniPageSE2.0\OpwareSE2.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Mixer.exe
C:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe
C:\Program Files\MusicMatch\MusicMatch Jukebox\mmtask.exe
C:\Program Files\MUSICMATCH\MUSICMATCH Jukebox\mm_tray.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Real\Update_OB\realsched.exe
C:\Program Files\iTunes\iTunesHelper.exe
C:\Program Files\iPod\bin\iPodService.exe
C:\Program Files\eBay\eBay Toolbar2\eBayTBDaemon.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\Logitech\MOUSEW~1\SYSTEM\EM_EXEC.EXE
C:\Program Files\Thomson\SpeedTouch USB\Dragdiag.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
C:\Program Files\Spyware Doctor\swdoctor.exe
C:\Program Files\ISS\BlackICE\blackice.exe
C:\Program Files\SlDB\SlDB.exe
C:\Program Files\Zone Labs\ZoneAlarm\zonealarm.exe
C:\Program Files\SlDB\SlDBMT.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\INCRED~1\bin\IMApp.exe
C:\Program Files\MUSICMATCH\MUSICMATCH Jukebox\mmjb.exe
C:\WINDOWS\javaoz32.exe
C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\WINZIP\winzip32.exe
C:\unzipped\hijackthis\HijackThis.exe

R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Bar = res://C:\WINDOWS\system32\jcune.dll/sp.html#44980
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page = res://C:\WINDOWS\system32\jcune.dll/sp.html#44980
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL = about:blank
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Search_URL = res://C:\WINDOWS\system32\jcune.dll/sp.html#44980
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Bar = res://C:\WINDOWS\system32\jcune.dll/sp.html#44980
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page = res://C:\WINDOWS\system32\jcune.dll/sp.html#44980
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Search,SearchAssistant = res://C:\WINDOWS\system32\jcune.dll/sp.html#44980
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Search,SearchAssistant = res://C:\WINDOWS\system32\jcune.dll/sp.html#44980
R3 - Default URLSearchHook is missing
O2 - BHO: AcroIEHlprObj Class - {06849E9F-C8D7-4D59-B87D-784B7D6BE0B3} - C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 6.0\Reader\ActiveX\AcroIEHelper.dll
O2 - BHO: Google Toolbar Helper - {AA58ED58-01DD-4d91-8333-CF10577473F7} - c:\program files\google\googletoolbar1.dll
O2 - BHO: CNavExtBho Class - {BDF3E430-B101-42AD-A544-FADC6B084872} - C:\Program Files\Norton AntiVirus\NavShExt.dll
O2 - BHO: Class - {E7ABE5A8-D4A3-4BFE-769F-486F9C2ECDC7} - C:\WINDOWS\system32\sysqn32.dll
O2 - BHO: Class - {F3F1C2D7-397D-C147-16CA-CD9CF235B4A9} - C:\WINDOWS\system32\atlho.dll
O3 - Toolbar: Norton AntiVirus - {42CDD1BF-3FFB-4238-8AD1-7859DF00B1D6} - C:\Program Files\Norton AntiVirus\NavShExt.dll
O3 - Toolbar: &Google - {2318C2B1-4965-11d4-9B18-009027A5CD4F} - c:\program files\google\googletoolbar1.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ccApp] C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccApp.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [OpwareSE2] "C:\Program Files\ScanSoft\OmniPageSE2.0\OpwareSE2.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [C-Media Mixer] Mixer.exe /startup
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ashMaiSv] C:\PROGRA~1\ALWILS~1\Avast4\ashmaisv.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [QuickTime Task] "C:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe" -atboottime
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [mmtask] c:\Program Files\MusicMatch\MusicMatch Jukebox\mmtask.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [MMTray] C:\Program Files\MUSICMATCH\MUSICMATCH Jukebox\mm_tray.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NeroCheck] C:\WINDOWS\System32\NeroCheck.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [TkBellExe] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Real\Update_OB\realsched.exe" -osboot
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ujmxst] C:\WINDOWS\ujmxst.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [n] C:\documents and settings\tony.tony-zg4pqtayon\local settings\temp\n.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [REGSHAVE] C:\Program Files\REGSHAVE\REGSHAVE.EXE /AUTORUN
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [iTunesHelper] C:\Program Files\iTunes\iTunesHelper.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [eBayToolbar] C:\Program Files\eBay\eBay Toolbar2\eBayTBDaemon.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [EM_EXEC] C:\PROGRA~1\Logitech\MOUSEW~1\SYSTEM\EM_EXEC.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SpeedTouch USB Diagnostics] "C:\Program Files\Thomson\SpeedTouch USB\Dragdiag.exe" /icon
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [tFnj3si] vb5ecab.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [apics.exe] C:\WINDOWS\system32\apics.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [windq32.exe] C:\WINDOWS\windq32.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [UserFaultCheck] %systemroot%\system32\dumprep 0 -u
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [mfcrs.exe] C:\WINDOWS\mfcrs.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ntku32.exe] C:\WINDOWS\ntku32.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\RunOnce: [ipsl32.exe] C:\WINDOWS\system32\ipsl32.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\RunOnce: [apprl32.exe] C:\WINDOWS\system32\apprl32.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\RunOnce: [javavb32.exe] C:\WINDOWS\javavb32.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\RunOnce: [winhc.exe] C:\WINDOWS\system32\winhc.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\RunOnce: [addcg32.exe] C:\WINDOWS\system32\addcg32.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\RunOnce: [crje32.exe] C:\WINDOWS\crje32.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\RunOnce: [sdkdw32.exe] C:\WINDOWS\system32\sdkdw32.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\RunOnce: [atlcy.exe] C:\WINDOWS\system32\atlcy.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\RunOnce: [ipsd.exe] C:\WINDOWS\ipsd.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\RunOnce: [ntkx.exe] C:\WINDOWS\ntkx.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\RunOnce: [winag.exe] C:\WINDOWS\system32\winag.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\RunOnce: [javafi32.exe] C:\WINDOWS\javafi32.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\RunOnce: [atlic.exe] C:\WINDOWS\atlic.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\RunOnce: [d3st32.exe] C:\WINDOWS\system32\d3st32.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\RunOnce: [ipxo.exe] C:\WINDOWS\ipxo.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\RunOnce: [sdkcp.exe] C:\WINDOWS\system32\sdkcp.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\RunOnce: [iehk.exe] C:\WINDOWS\iehk.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\RunOnce: [ipts.exe] C:\WINDOWS\ipts.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\RunOnce: [addpf32.exe] C:\WINDOWS\system32\addpf32.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\RunOnce: [javaoz32.exe] C:\WINDOWS\javaoz32.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [CTFMON.EXE] C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [IncrediMail] C:\PROGRA~1\INCRED~1\bin\IncMail.exe /c
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [co4tRiGEU] usbgres.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 - Global Startup: BlackICE PC Protection.lnk = C:\Program Files\ISS\BlackICE\blackice.exe
O4 - Global Startup: EPSON Status Monitor 3 Environment Check(2).lnk = C:\WINDOWS\system32\spool\drivers\w32x86\3\E_SRCV02.EXE
O4 - Global Startup: Streamload Downloader.lnk = C:\Program Files\SlDB\SlDB.exe
O4 - Global Startup: ZoneAlarm.lnk = C:\Program Files\Zone Labs\ZoneAlarm\zonealarm.exe
O8 - Extra context menu item: &Add animation to IncrediMail Style Box - C:\PROGRA~1\INCRED~1\bin\resources\WebMenuImg.htm
O8 - Extra context menu item: &AOL Toolbar search - res://C:\Program Files\AOL Toolbar\toolbar.dll/SEARCH.HTML
O8 - Extra context menu item: &eBay Search - res://C:\Program Files\eBay\eBay Toolbar2\eBayTb.dll/RCSearch.html
O8 - Extra context menu item: &Google Search - res://C:\Program Files\Google\GoogleToolbar1.dll/cmsearch.html
O8 - Extra context menu item: &Translate English Word - res://C:\Program Files\Google\GoogleToolbar1.dll/cmwordtrans.html
O8 - Extra context menu item: Backward Links - res://C:\Program Files\Google\GoogleToolbar1.dll/cmbacklinks.html
O8 - Extra context menu item: Cached Snapshot of Page - res://C:\Program Files\Google\GoogleToolbar1.dll/cmcache.html
O8 - Extra context menu item: E&xport to Microsoft Excel - res://C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~3\Office10\EXCEL.EXE/3000
O8 - Extra context menu item: Similar Pages - res://C:\Program Files\Google\GoogleToolbar1.dll/cmsimilar.html
O8 - Extra context menu item: Translate Page into English - res://C:\Program Files\Google\GoogleToolbar1.dll/cmtrans.html
O9 - Extra button: Spyware Doctor - {2D663D1A-8670-49D9-A1A5-4C56B4E14E84} - C:\PROGRA~1\SPYWAR~1\tools\iesdpb.dll (file missing)
O9 - Extra button: Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe (file missing)
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Windows Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe (file missing)
O12 - Plugin for .pdf: C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\PLUGINS\nppdf32.dll
O15 - Trusted Zone: "*."
O16 - DPF: {56336BCB-3D8A-11D6-A00B-0050DA18DE71} (RdxIE Class) -
O16 - DPF: {CE28D5D2-60CF-4C7D-9FE8-0F47A3308078} (ActiveDataInfo Class) - https://www-secure.symantec.com/techsupp/activedata/SymAData.cab
O16 - DPF: {E77C0D62-882A-456F-AD8F-7C6C9569B8C7} (ActiveDataObj Class) - https://www-secure.symantec.com/techsupp/activedata/ActiveData.cab
O17 - HKLM\System\CCS\Services\Tcpip\..\{3C507554-1AF2-43DE-A0F4-86CEBC1ABB17}: NameServer =
O17 - HKLM\System\CS1\Services\Tcpip\..\{3C507554-1AF2-43DE-A0F4-86CEBC1ABB17}: NameServer =
O23 - Service: Network Security Service ( 11Fßä#·ºÄÖ`I) - Unknown owner - C:\WINDOWS\system32\ipsl32.exe" /s (file missing)
O23 - Service: BlackICE - Internet Security Systems, Inc. - C:\Program Files\ISS\BlackICE\blackd.exe
O23 - Service: Symantec Event Manager (ccEvtMgr) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccEvtMgr.exe
O23 - Service: EPSON Printer Status Agent2 (EPSONStatusAgent2) - SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION - C:\Program Files\Common Files\EPSON\EBAPI\SAgent2.exe
O23 - Service: iPod Service (iPodService) - Apple Computer, Inc. - C:\Program Files\iPod\bin\iPodService.exe
O23 - Service: Norton AntiVirus Auto Protect Service (navapsvc) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Norton AntiVirus\navapsvc.exe
O23 - Service: RapApp - Internet Security Systems, Inc. - C:\Program Files\ISS\BlackICE\rapapp.exe
O23 - Service: ScriptBlocking Service (SBService) - Symantec Corporation - C:\PROGRA~1\COMMON~1\SYMANT~1\SCRIPT~1\SBServ.exe
O23 - Service: TrueVector Internet Monitor (vsmon) - Zone Labs Inc. - C:\WINDOWS\system32\ZoneLabs\vsmon.exe

thanx i hope i have done this right tony

dlh6213 27 Posting Maven Team Colleague · Answer 3 · 2005-06-03T13:23:39+00:00

First of all, run a at least two of these free online anti-virus/anti-spyware scans and have them clean what they can:

http://www.kaspersky.com/scanforvirus.html
http://housecall.trendmicro.com/
http://us.mcafee.com/root/mfs/default.asp?cid=9914

http://www.bitdefender.com/scan/licence.php

Download, install, update, and run these tools:

CWShredder -- http://www.intermute.com/spysubtract/cwshredder_download.html
about:Buster -- http://www.majorgeeks.com/download4289.html
HSRemove -- http://www.majorgeeks.com/download4286.html
PurityScan uninstaller -- http://www.purityscan.com/uninstall.html

Reboot, close any open browser windows, scan with HJT, and post a new log please.

unwanted spyware in favourites in internet explorer cannot get rid

Dani AI

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