Hi Guys,
I´ve been Hijack by a cool web search trojan who reset the IE start page to "res://zkimq.dll/index.html#37049". I´ve read about 100 topics, tips and other pages, and tried anything possible, but I´m not able to get rid of it. So can anybody help me with my hijack log?

Logfile of HijackThis v1.98.0
Scan saved at 19:19:57, on 30.06.2004
Platform: Windows XP SP1 (WinNT 5.01.2600)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v6.00 SP1 (6.00.2800.1106)

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:\WINDOWS\System32\Ati2evxx.exe
C:\Programme\Norton AntiVirus\navapsvc.exe
C:\Programme\Norton AntiVirus\AdvTools\NPROTECT.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\system32\slserv.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\winpl32.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\Programme\ATI Technologies\ATI Control Panel\atiptaxx.exe
C:\WINDOWS\SOUNDMAN.EXE
C:\Programme\QKeys\QKeys.EXE
C:\Programme\Winamp3\winampa.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\NORTON~1\navapw32.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\spool\drivers\w32x86\3\hpztsb04.exe
C:\Programme\Gemeinsame Dateien\Microsoft Shared\Works Shared\WkUFind.exe
C:\WINDOWS\addrm32.exe
C:\Programme\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
C:\Programme\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe
C:\Dokumente und Einstellungen\Tobias\Eigene Dateien\xx_cw\HijackThis.exe

R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page = res://C:\WINDOWS\system32\zkimq.dll/sp.html#37049
R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = res://zkimq.dll/index.html#37049
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL = res://zkimq.dll/index.html#37049
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Search_URL = res://C:\WINDOWS\system32\zkimq.dll/sp.html#37049
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page = res://C:\WINDOWS\system32\zkimq.dll/sp.html#37049
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = res://zkimq.dll/index.html#37049
R3 - Default URLSearchHook is missing
F0 - system.ini: Shell=
F2 - REG:system.ini: UserInit=C:\WINDOWS\system32\userinit.exe,
O2 - BHO: AcroIEHlprObj Class - {06849E9F-C8D7-4D59-B87D-784B7D6BE0B3} - C:\Programme\Adobe\Acrobat 6.0\Reader\ActiveX\AcroIEHelper.dll
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {29C196DF-2556-96EE-B27D-089B4B07F011} - C:\WINDOWS\system32\winpd32.dll
O2 - BHO: NAV Helper - {BDF3E430-B101-42AD-A544-FADC6B084872} - C:\Programme\Norton AntiVirus\NavShExt.dll
O3 - Toolbar: &Radio - {8E718888-423F-11D2-876E-00A0C9082467} - C:\WINDOWS\System32\msdxm.ocx
O3 - Toolbar: Norton AntiVirus - {42CDD1BF-3FFB-4238-8AD1-7859DF00B1D6} - C:\Programme\Norton AntiVirus\NavShExt.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ATIModeChange] Ati2mdxx.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ATIPTA] C:\Programme\ATI Technologies\ATI Control Panel\atiptaxx.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SoundMan] SOUNDMAN.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [QKeys] C:\Programme\QKeys\QKeys.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [PinnacleDriverCheck] C:\WINDOWS\System32\PSDrvCheck.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [WinampAgent] "C:\Programme\Winamp3\winampa.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NAV Agent] C:\PROGRA~1\NORTON~1\navapw32.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Advanced Tools Check] C:\PROGRA~1\NORTON~1\AdvTools\ADVCHK.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [HPDJ Taskbar Utility] C:\WINDOWS\System32\spool\drivers\w32x86\3\hpztsb04.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [CloneCDTray] "C:\Programme\SlySoft\CloneCD\CloneCDTray.exe" /s
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NeroFilterCheck] C:\WINDOWS\system32\NeroCheck.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ElbyCheckAnyDVD] "C:\Programme\SlySoft\AnyDVD\ElbyCheck.exe" /L AnyDVD
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Microsoft Works Portfolio] C:\Programme\Microsoft Works\WksSb.exe /AllUsers
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Microsoft Works Update Detection] C:\Programme\Gemeinsame Dateien\Microsoft Shared\Works Shared\WkUFind.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [addrm32.exe] C:\WINDOWS\addrm32.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [MSMSGS] "C:\Programme\Messenger\msmsgs.exe" /background
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [Symantec NetDriver Monitor] C:\PROGRA~1\Symantec\LIVEUP~1\SNDMon.EXE
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [SpyKiller] C:\Programme\SpyKiller\spykiller.exe /startup
O4 - Global Startup: Microsoft Office.lnk = C:\Programme\Microsoft Office\Office10\OSA.EXE
O8 - Extra context menu item: Nach Microsoft &Excel exportieren - res://C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~3\Office10\EXCEL.EXE/3000
O9 - Extra button: ICQ Lite - {B863453A-26C3-4e1f-A54D-A2CD196348E9} - C:\Programme\ICQLite\ICQLite.exe
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: ICQ Lite - {B863453A-26C3-4e1f-A54D-A2CD196348E9} - C:\Programme\ICQLite\ICQLite.exe
O9 - Extra button: Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Programme\Messenger\MSMSGS.EXE
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Programme\Messenger\MSMSGS.EXE
O14 - IERESET.INF: START_PAGE_URL=http://www.gericom.com
O16 - DPF: {62475759-9E84-458E-A1AB-5D2C442ADFDE} - http://a1540.g.

Thanxx!!!

Dani AI

Generated

Good progress already: ’s removal routine explains why the browser hijack cleared and reports the start page now shows a blank page. A couple of remnants remain — a persistent service/registry entry and a missing system helper file — which are the usual reasons a scanner still flags a “data miner” after the visible symptoms go away.

Advanced options that complement the steps already posted include locating the process or handle that is preventing removal (use a handle/handle-search tool or Process Explorer), then closing that handle or stopping the owning process before deletion. If an entry truly resists live removal, remove the service from the Service Controller or delete it from an elevated command prompt:

sc delete "ServiceName"

When permissions or locks still block deletion, perform offline cleanup from rescue media (WinPE/BartPE/Recovery Environment). Load the affected registry hive offline and remove the leftover service/enum node there rather than trying to delete it while Windows is running.

Post-cleanup validation and repair: replace or restore any corrupted or missing system files and verify integrity with the System File Checker:

sfc /scannow

Follow this with updated on-demand scans and a rootkit-capable scanner run from rescue media. If evidence of kernel-level persistence or hidden drivers is found, a full image restore or OS reinstall is the safest option. Avoid questionable “one-click” removal tools and rely on established utilities and offline rescue media for stubborn infections. Finally, note that this thread is historic (Windows XP era); long-term risk is best mitigated by migrating to a supported OS and keeping anti-malware tools and system patches current.

Recommended Answers

All 2 Replies

Uninstall spykiller as it is a scam & a rip off of another spy removal program & may also install spyware on your computer.
http://www.netrn.net/archives2/000550.html

  1. Make sure your settings allow you to view "Hidden files". Open up any explorer windows and click on "Tools" => "Folder Options" => "View" and be sure to check off "Show Hidden Files and Folders".
  2. Press Ctrl+Alt+Delete once => Click Task Manager => Click the Processes tab => Double-click the Image Name column header to alphabetically sort the processes => Scroll through the list and look for "winpl32.exe" & "addrm32.exe". If you find the files, click on them, and then click End Process => Exit the Task Manager.
  3. Next, go to Start->Run and type "Services.msc" (without quotes) then hit OK.
  4. Scroll down and find the service called "Network Security Service".
  5. When you find it, double-click on it. In the next window that opens, click the Stop button, then change the Startup Type to Disabled. Now hit Apply and then OK and close any open windows.
  6. Run HijackThis, click on "Scan" and then place a check mark in the following boxes, And click on "Fix Checked":

    R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page = res://C:\WINDOWS\system32\zkimq.dll/sp.html#37049
    R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = res://zkimq.dll/index.html#37049
    R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL = res://zkimq.dll/index.html#37049
    R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Search_URL = res://C:\WINDOWS\system32\zkimq.dll/sp.html#37049
    R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page = res://C:\WINDOWS\system32\zkimq.dll/sp.html#37049
    R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = res://zkimq.dll/index.html#37049

    O2 - BHO: (no name) - {29C196DF-2556-96EE-B27D-089B4B07F011} - C:\WINDOWS\system32\winpd32.dll

    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [addrm32.exe] C:\WINDOWS\addrm32.exe

  7. Reboot into Safe Mode - , and delete the following files:

    C:\WINDOWS\system32\zkimq.dll< file

    C:\WINDOWS\system32\winpd32.dll< file

    C:\WINDOWS\addrm32.exe< file
    C:\WINDOWS\winpl32.exe< file

  8. Go to Start => Run and type in "regedit" (without quotes) and press "Enter".
  9. One the registry opens, Navigate to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\__NS_Service_3
    If __NS_Service_3 exists , right click on it and choose delete from the menu.
  10. Still in the registry, navigate to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Enum\Root\LEGACY___NS_Service_3
    If LEGACY___NS_Service_3 exists then right click on it and choose delete from the menu.
  11. Exit regedit and reboot in Normal Mode.
  12. Two files (Possibly three) were also deleted from your computer and need to be replaced.
    • control.exe - Go to and download the version of control.exe for your operating system. If you are running Windows 2000, copy it to c:\winnt\system32\. For Windows XP, copy it to c:\windows\system32\.
    • Download the Hoster from here. Press "Restore Original Hosts" and press "OK". Exit Program.
    • If you have Spybot S&D installed you will also need to replace one file. Go here: and download SDHelper.dll. Copy the file to the folder containing you Spybot S&D program (normally C:\Program Files\Spybot - Search & Destroy)
  13. Run HiJackThis again and post a new log in this thread.

Wow, many work...
... but successfull as it seems!
The IE stands clear on "about:blank". So far many thanks. Only Ad-Aware shows me a Data Miner
2 Things didn´t work, first I wasn´t able to delete "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Enum\Root\LEGACY___NS_Service_3" and the link to the control.exe. does not work at the moment.

Well, here is me latest HiJack Log:

Logfile of HijackThis v1.98.0
Scan saved at 19:19:06, on 01.07.2004
Platform: Windows XP SP1 (WinNT 5.01.2600)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v6.00 SP1 (6.00.2800.1106)

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:\WINDOWS\System32\Ati2evxx.exe
C:\Programme\Norton AntiVirus\navapsvc.exe
C:\Programme\Norton AntiVirus\AdvTools\NPROTECT.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\system32\slserv.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\Programme\ATI Technologies\ATI Control Panel\atiptaxx.exe
C:\WINDOWS\SOUNDMAN.EXE
C:\Programme\QKeys\QKeys.EXE
C:\Programme\Winamp3\winampa.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\NORTON~1\navapw32.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\spool\drivers\w32x86\3\hpztsb04.exe
C:\Programme\Gemeinsame Dateien\Microsoft Shared\Works Shared\WkUFind.exe
C:\Programme\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
C:\Programme\Internet Explorer\IEXPLORE.EXE
C:\Programme\Lavasoft\Ad-aware 6\Ad-aware.exe
C:\Dokumente und Einstellungen\Tobias\Eigene Dateien\xx_cw\HijackThis.exe

F0 - system.ini: Shell=
F2 - REG:system.ini: UserInit=C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\Userinit.exe,
O2 - BHO: AcroIEHlprObj Class - {06849E9F-C8D7-4D59-B87D-784B7D6BE0B3} - C:\Programme\Adobe\Acrobat 6.0\Reader\ActiveX\AcroIEHelper.dll
O2 - BHO: NAV Helper - {BDF3E430-B101-42AD-A544-FADC6B084872} - C:\Programme\Norton AntiVirus\NavShExt.dll
O3 - Toolbar: &Radio - {8E718888-423F-11D2-876E-00A0C9082467} - C:\WINDOWS\System32\msdxm.ocx
O3 - Toolbar: Norton AntiVirus - {42CDD1BF-3FFB-4238-8AD1-7859DF00B1D6} - C:\Programme\Norton AntiVirus\NavShExt.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ATIModeChange] Ati2mdxx.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ATIPTA] C:\Programme\ATI Technologies\ATI Control Panel\atiptaxx.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SoundMan] SOUNDMAN.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [QKeys] C:\Programme\QKeys\QKeys.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [PinnacleDriverCheck] C:\WINDOWS\System32\PSDrvCheck.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [WinampAgent] "C:\Programme\Winamp3\winampa.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NAV Agent] C:\PROGRA~1\NORTON~1\navapw32.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Advanced Tools Check] C:\PROGRA~1\NORTON~1\AdvTools\ADVCHK.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [HPDJ Taskbar Utility] C:\WINDOWS\System32\spool\drivers\w32x86\3\hpztsb04.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [CloneCDTray] "C:\Programme\SlySoft\CloneCD\CloneCDTray.exe" /s
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NeroFilterCheck] C:\WINDOWS\system32\NeroCheck.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ElbyCheckAnyDVD] "C:\Programme\SlySoft\AnyDVD\ElbyCheck.exe" /L AnyDVD
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Microsoft Works Portfolio] C:\Programme\Microsoft Works\WksSb.exe /AllUsers
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Microsoft Works Update Detection] C:\Programme\Gemeinsame Dateien\Microsoft Shared\Works Shared\WkUFind.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [MSMSGS] "C:\Programme\Messenger\msmsgs.exe" /background
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [Symantec NetDriver Monitor] C:\PROGRA~1\Symantec\LIVEUP~1\SNDMon.EXE
O4 - Global Startup: Microsoft Office.lnk = C:\Programme\Microsoft Office\Office10\OSA.EXE
O8 - Extra context menu item: Nach Microsoft &Excel exportieren - res://C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~3\Office10\EXCEL.EXE/3000
O9 - Extra button: ICQ Lite - {B863453A-26C3-4e1f-A54D-A2CD196348E9} - C:\Programme\ICQLite\ICQLite.exe
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: ICQ Lite - {B863453A-26C3-4e1f-A54D-A2CD196348E9} - C:\Programme\ICQLite\ICQLite.exe
O9 - Extra button: Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Programme\Messenger\MSMSGS.EXE
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Programme\Messenger\MSMSGS.EXE

Hope it´s gone now....

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