I typically use mozilla/firefox as my web browser and only occasionally use internet explorer. Recently, internet explorer has been opening by itself and always to pop-up ads. My symantec antivirus program has also been detecting trojan viruses around the same time that the problem with internet explorer began. Below are attached .txt files and the .log files from the GMER scans. Any help would be extremely appreciated!

GMER ONE
blank

GMER TWO
GMER 1.0.15.15319 - http://www.gmer.net
Rootkit scan 2010-10-19 22:05:15
Windows 6.1.7600
Running: hsr2009z.exe


---- Registry - GMER 1.0.15 ----

Reg HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\services\BTHPORT\Parameters\Keys\001f3af142b7
Reg HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\services\BTHPORT\Parameters\Keys\001fe1ec63fa
Reg HKLM\SYSTEM\ControlSet002\services\BTHPORT\Parameters\Keys\001f3af142b7 (not active ControlSet)
Reg HKLM\SYSTEM\ControlSet002\services\BTHPORT\Parameters\Keys\001fe1ec63fa (not active ControlSet)

---- EOF - GMER 1.0.15 ----

Dani AI

Generated

Behavior like Internet Explorer launching itself to pop-ups usually means a persistence mechanism survived the initial removal (scheduled task, Run key, shortcut with an appended URL, a Browser Helper Object, or a modified hosts/proxy entry). was right to recommend watching for recurrence; the checklist below helps confirm a clean system and remove common re-infection vectors while preserving useful forensic information.

First-pass verification and safe checks:

  • Boot Safe Mode with Networking and run a second-opinion scanner; confirm items are in quarantine and note timestamps.
  • Inspect IE shortcuts (right-click -> Properties -> Target) to ensure nothing is appended after the iexplore.exe path.
  • Check proxy settings (Internet Options -> Connections -> LAN settings) for unauthorized proxies.
  • Open the hosts file with Notepad to look for unexpected entries:
notepad C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts
msconfig
taskschd.msc
regedit

Deeper persistence and hardening steps:

  • Use Autoruns (Sysinternals) to review Logon, Scheduled Tasks, Services, Drivers and Browser Helper Objects; uncheck suspicious items rather than deleting immediately and export the Autoruns list before changes.
  • Inspect Run keys (HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run and HKCU...\Run) but export any key before editing.
  • Check Startup folders:
C:\Users\<username>\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup
C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup

Cleanup, prevention and cautions:

  • Reset Internet Explorer (Internet Options -> Advanced -> Reset) and clear temporary files.
  • Disable or clear old System Restore points before cleanup (old points can reintroduce malware); re-enable and create a new restore point only after the system is verified clean.
  • Update OS, browser, and plugins; change critical passwords from a known-clean device and verify router DNS/admin credentials to rule out hijacks.
  • If suspicious entries persist or removal is unclear, a forensic log bundle (scan/quarantine logs plus Autoruns output) is useful for deeper analysis; persistent infections are often resolved most reliably by a clean OS reinstall.

Recommended Answers

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Did you get Mbam to remove what it found?

Yes, it did remove the threats found. I have had no problems since finishing the initial cleaning. Do you think that may have solved it?

It's likely as Mbam is a very good bit of software. The best thing to do is to keep an eye on things and report back here if you get any further problems!

Ok, thank you so much for your help!

No problem at all!

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