I have a PC on a LAN which has become infected with the trojan as well as the "Your Windows is corrupted with spyware virus" Popup. I have read through the info on your site for thread 16204 and gather this is not uncommon - but that you recommend starting your own thread - so hence this post. A temporary proxy override has been set up on the PC to prevent the awful pornographic popups!

I have run HijackThis and got the following log file was saved:

Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.1
Scan saved at 13:09:58, on 3/06/05
Platform: Windows 98 SE (Win9x 4.10.2222A)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v5.00 (5.00.2614.3500)

Running processes:
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\KERNEL32.DLL
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\MSGSRV32.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\MPREXE.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\mmtask.tsk
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\MSTASK.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\TREND MICRO\OFFICESCAN CLIENT\PCCWIN97.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\TEMP\HI38.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\EXPLORER.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\TASKMON.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\SYSTRAY.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\STIMON.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\IOMEGAZIP\IMGICON.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\WMIEXE.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\WBEM\WINMGMT.EXE
C:\UNZIPPED\HIJACKTHIS\HIJACKTHIS.EXE

R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page =
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings,ProxyServer =
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ScanRegistry] c:\windows\scanregw.exe /autorun
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [TaskMonitor] c:\windows\taskmon.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SystemTray] SysTray.Exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [LoadPowerProfile] Rundll32.exe powrprof.dll,LoadCurrentPwrScheme
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [cAg0u] C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\0B8C0040.hta
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [mdac_runonce] C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\runonce.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [StillImageMonitor] C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\STIMON.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [OfficeScan95] "C:\PROGRAM FILES\TREND MICRO\OFFICESCAN CLIENT\pccwin97.exe" -HideWindow
O4 - HKLM\..\RunServices: [LoadPowerProfile] Rundll32.exe powrprof.dll,LoadCurrentPwrScheme
O4 - HKLM\..\RunServices: [SchedulingAgent] c:\windows\SYSTEM\mstask.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\RunServices: [OfficeScan95] "C:\PROGRAM FILES\TREND MICRO\OFFICESCAN CLIENT\pccwin97.exe"
O4 - Startup: Microsoft Office.lnk = C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office\OSA9.EXE
O4 - Startup: Iomega Watch.lnk = C:\Program Files\IomegaZip\IOWATCH.EXE
O4 - Startup: Iomega Startup Options.lnk = C:\Program Files\IomegaZip\IMGSTART.EXE
O4 - Startup: Iomega Disk Icons.lnk = C:\Program Files\IomegaZip\imgicon.exe
O12 - Plugin for .spop: C:\PROGRA~1\INTERN~1\Plugins\NPDocBox.dll
O12 - Plugin for .nz/wap/ReportServlet?p_access_no=335c119e7e83d2c94758ffb79d148e45: C:\PROGRA~1\INTERN~1\PLUGINS\nppdf32.dll
O14 - IERESET.INF: START_PAGE_URL=http://www.compaq.com/
O16 - DPF: {5EFE8CB1-D095-11D1-88FC-0080C859833B} (OfficeScan Corp Edition Web-Deployment ObjRemoveCtrl Class) -
O16 - DPF: {08D75BB0-D2B5-11D1-88FC-0080C859833B} (OfficeScan Corp Edition Web-Deployment SetupIniCtrl Class) -
O16 - DPF: {08D75BC1-D2B5-11D1-88FC-0080C859833B} (OfficeScan Corp Edition Web-Deployment SetupCtrl Class) -

Have also run Silent Runners and the result is as follows:

"Silent Runners.vbs", revision 37, http://www.silentrunners.org/
Operating System: Windows 98
Output limited to non-default values, except where indicated by "{++}"


Startup items buried in registry:
---------------------------------

HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run\ {++}
"ScanRegistry" = "c:\windows\scanregw.exe /autorun" [MS]
"TaskMonitor" = "c:\windows\taskmon.exe" [MS]
"SystemTray" = "SysTray.Exe" [MS]
"LoadPowerProfile" = "Rundll32.exe powrprof.dll,LoadCurrentPwrScheme" [MS]
"cAg0u" = "C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\0B8C0040.hta" [file not found]
"mdac_runonce" = "C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\runonce.exe" [MS]
"StillImageMonitor" = "C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\STIMON.EXE" [MS]
"OfficeScan95" = ""C:\PROGRAM FILES\TREND MICRO\OFFICESCAN CLIENT\pccwin97.exe" -HideWindow" ["Trend Micro Inc."]

HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunServices\ {++}
"LoadPowerProfile" = "Rundll32.exe powrprof.dll,LoadCurrentPwrScheme" [MS]
"SchedulingAgent" = "c:\windows\SYSTEM\mstask.exe" [MS]
"OfficeScan95" = ""C:\PROGRAM FILES\TREND MICRO\OFFICESCAN CLIENT\pccwin97.exe"" ["Trend Micro Inc."]

HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\SharedTaskScheduler\
INFECTION WARNING! "{D56A1203-1452-EBA1-7294-EE3377770000}" = "Interlinking Memory Support"
-> {CLSID}\InProcServer32\(Default) = "C:\WINDOWS\System32\param32.dll" [null data]


Enabled Active Desktop and Wallpaper:
-------------------------------------

Active Desktop is disabled at this entry:
HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\ShellState

HKCU\Control Panel\Desktop\
"Wallpaper" = "c:\windows\Clouds.bmp"


WIN.INI & SYSTEM.INI launch points:
-----------------------------------

SYSTEM.INI
[boot]
"SCRNSAVE.EXE=C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\FLYING~2.SCR" (Flying Through Space.scr) [MS]


Startup items in "Startup" & "All Users...Startup" folders:
-----------------------------------------------------------

C:\WINDOWS\Start Menu\Programs\StartUp
"Microsoft Office" -> shortcut to: "C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office\OSA9.EXE -b -l" [MS]
"Iomega Watch" -> shortcut to: "C:\Program Files\IomegaZip\IOWATCH.EXE" [null data]
"Iomega Startup Options" -> shortcut to: "C:\Program Files\IomegaZip\IMGSTART.EXE" [null data]
"Iomega Disk Icons" -> shortcut to: "C:\Program Files\IomegaZip\imgicon.exe" [null data]


Enabled Scheduled Tasks:
------------------------

"Tune-up Application Start" -> launches: "walign" [MS]
"FRU Task #Hewlett-Packard#hp psc 1200 series#1069357579" -> launches: "C:\PROGRAM FILES\HEWLETT-PACKARD\DIGITAL IMAGING\BIN\hpqfrucl.exe -I "#Hewlett-Packard#hp psc 1200 series#1069357579"" ["0"]


Winsock2 Service Provider DLLs:
-------------------------------

Namespace Service Providers

HKLM\System\CurrentControlSet\Services\Winsock2\Parameters\NameSpace_Catalog5\Catalog_Entries\ {++}
000000000001\LibraryPath = "c:\windows\SYSTEM\rnr20.dll" [MS]

Transport Service Providers

HKLM\System\CurrentControlSet\Services\Winsock2\Parameters\Protocol_Catalog9\Catalog_Entries\ {++}
00000000000#\PackedCatalogItem (contains) DLL [Company Name], (at) # range:
c:\windows\SYSTEM\mswsosp.dll [MS], 1
c:\windows\SYSTEM\msafd.dll [MS], 2 - 4
c:\windows\SYSTEM\rsvpsp.dll [MS], 5 - 6


HOSTS file
----------

C:\WINDOWS\HOSTS

maps: 3 domain names to IP addresses,
2 of the IP addresses are *not* localhost!


----------
This report excludes default entries except where indicated.
To see *everywhere* the script checks and *everything* it finds,
launch it from a command prompt or a shortcut with the -all parameter.
----------

Can you help me rid this PC of the trojan?

Thanks in anticipation!
Chris

Dani AI

Generated

Short synopsis and next steps (follow-up to and )

The removal steps that recommended and confirmed appear to have cleared the obvious infection. To be confident the system and the LAN are truly clean, a few additional verification and hardening steps are recommended so the compromise cannot silently persist or spread.

Recommended checks include:

  • Running multiple, independent scans: an up-to-date on-demand antivirus plus an offline rescue scanner, and a dedicated rootkit detector to catch hidden drivers or hooks that standard scans can miss.
  • Auditing autostart and services: use tools that enumerate all startup locations, browser helper objects and scheduled tasks to confirm nothing unknown remains registered to start automatically.
  • Verifying network devices and other hosts: inspect router/gateway admin settings, reset router admin credentials and firmware if anything looks modified, and check other LAN machines for altered proxy or hosts settings so the infection did not propagate.
  • Restoring name resolution and browser defaults: replace any altered hosts file with a clean copy, flush DNS caches, and reset browser settings/homepage/helper objects to remove lingering redirects.
  • Credential hygiene and monitoring: treat credentials used on the infected box as potentially exposed—change passwords for sensitive accounts and watch for unusual activity.
  • Consider a rebuild for old OSes: with an unsupported OS, even a “clean” system remains high risk; reformat/reinstall or migrate to a supported platform if long-term safety is required.

Retain the HijackThis logs and quarantined samples for reference. If any suspicious artifacts survive these checks, a full reinstall is the most certain remedy. Credit to for the removal steps and to for confirming the outcome.

Recommended Answers

All 5 Replies

Hi Kiwi Chris, welcome to DaniWeb :D

Get the Pocket Killbox from here:
http://bleepingcomputer.com/files/spyware/KillBox.zip

Unzip the file to your desktop.

Go offline until this is completed (you may wish to print these instructions).

Boot into Safe Mode and do a search for these files and delete any instances found:

param32.dll
guninst.exe
popup_bl.dll
systr.dll
svrhost.exe

If any could not be deleted, (most likely param32.dll), run Pocket Killbox and paste the full file path of file in the box and click on Delete on Reboot. Click on the button with the red circle and an X in the middle; you will get a message saying File will be deleted on next reboot, Process and Reboot now?, Click Yes to reboot. (Note: the 'file path' will be something like C:\WINDOWS\System32\param32.dll)

scan with hijackthis, and have it fix the following entries:

R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page =
4 - HKLM\..\Run: [cAg0u] C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\0B8C0040.hta

Be sure to close all open windows, other then hijackthis, before hitting Fix checked.

Go to C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM and delete 0B8C0040.hta

Reboot normally and delete any unwanted icons from your desktop.

Empty your Recycle Bin.

Check this site for additional worm removal steps:
http://www.pchell.com/internet/kakworm.shtml

Go to Windows Update and get the Critical Updates for your system.

Scan with hijackthis and post a new log please.

Hi Kiwi Chris, welcome to DaniWeb :D

Get the Pocket Killbox from here:
http://bleepingcomputer.com/files/spyware/KillBox.zip

Unzip the file to your desktop.

Go offline until this is completed (you may wish to print these instructions).

Boot into Safe Mode and do a search for these files and delete any instances found:

param32.dll
guninst.exe
popup_bl.dll
systr.dll
svrhost.exe

If any could not be deleted, (most likely param32.dll), run Pocket Killbox and paste the full file path of file in the box and click on Delete on Reboot. Click on the button with the red circle and an X in the middle; you will get a message saying File will be deleted on next reboot, Process and Reboot now?, Click Yes to reboot. (Note: the 'file path' will be something like C:\WINDOWS\System32\param32.dll)

scan with hijackthis, and have it fix the following entries:

R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page =
4 - HKLM\..\Run: [cAg0u] C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\0B8C0040.hta

Be sure to close all open windows, other then hijackthis, before hitting Fix checked.

Go to C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM and delete 0B8C0040.hta

Reboot normally and delete any unwanted icons from your desktop.

Empty your Recycle Bin.

Check this site for additional worm removal steps:
http://www.pchell.com/internet/kakworm.shtml

Go to Windows Update and get the Critical Updates for your system.

Scan with hijackthis and post a new log please.

REPLY.....

Heartfelt thanks for your help - all seems to be clear now. Scan log below:

Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.1
Scan saved at 09:06:39, on 8/06/05
Platform: Windows 98 SE (Win9x 4.10.2222A)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v5.00 (5.00.2614.3500)

Running processes:
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\KERNEL32.DLL
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\MSGSRV32.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\MPREXE.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\mmtask.tsk
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\MSTASK.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\TREND MICRO\OFFICESCAN CLIENT\PCCWIN97.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\TEMP\OWDD9E.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\EXPLORER.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\TASKMON.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\SYSTRAY.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\STIMON.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\WMIEXE.EXE
C:\UNZIPPED\HIJACKTHIS\HIJACKTHIS.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\TREND MICRO\OFFICESCAN CLIENT\PATCH.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\WINOA386.MOD

R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings,ProxyServer =
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {5C8B2A36-3DB1-42A4-A3CB-D426709BBFEB} - (no file)
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ScanRegistry] c:\windows\scanregw.exe /autorun
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [TaskMonitor] c:\windows\taskmon.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SystemTray] SysTray.Exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [LoadPowerProfile] Rundll32.exe powrprof.dll,LoadCurrentPwrScheme
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [mdac_runonce] C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\runonce.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [StillImageMonitor] C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\STIMON.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [OfficeScan95] "C:\PROGRAM FILES\TREND MICRO\OFFICESCAN CLIENT\pccwin97.exe" -HideWindow
O4 - HKLM\..\RunServices: [LoadPowerProfile] Rundll32.exe powrprof.dll,LoadCurrentPwrScheme
O4 - HKLM\..\RunServices: [SchedulingAgent] c:\windows\SYSTEM\mstask.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\RunServices: [OfficeScan95] "C:\PROGRAM FILES\TREND MICRO\OFFICESCAN CLIENT\pccwin97.exe"
O4 - Startup: Microsoft Office.lnk = C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office\OSA9.EXE
O12 - Plugin for .spop: C:\PROGRA~1\INTERN~1\Plugins\NPDocBox.dll
O12 - Plugin for .nz/wap/ReportServlet?p_access_no=335c119e7e83d2c94758ffb79d148e45: C:\PROGRA~1\INTERN~1\PLUGINS\nppdf32.dll
O14 - IERESET.INF: START_PAGE_URL=http://www.compaq.com/
O16 - DPF: {5EFE8CB1-D095-11D1-88FC-0080C859833B} (OfficeScan Corp Edition Web-Deployment ObjRemoveCtrl Class) -
O16 - DPF: {08D75BB0-D2B5-11D1-88FC-0080C859833B} (OfficeScan Corp Edition Web-Deployment SetupIniCtrl Class) -
O16 - DPF: {08D75BC1-D2B5-11D1-88FC-0080C859833B} (OfficeScan Corp Edition Web-Deployment SetupCtrl Class) -

You still need to get the Critical Updates for Win98 and IE.

Have hijackthis fix this entry:

O2 - BHO: (no name) - {5C8B2A36-3DB1-42A4-A3CB-D426709BBFEB} - (no file)

Other then that, I think you're good to go :)

I have run hijackthis fix on the file you specified and done the critical updates - it's great to have a "clean" machine. Thanks again.
Chris

You're welcome :D

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