Member Avatar for Mansen

Hi,
I have the same problem with the mysearchnow trojan.
I looked through the answers on these pages and tried to fix it. I managed to get rid of some of it, but my startpage is still hijacked.
Running hijackthis in safe mode i fixed R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = , but it keeps coming back.

My log:


Logfile of HijackThis v1.98.0
Scan saved at 07:25:06, on 7/14/2004
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\Explorer.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\Hcontrol.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\igfxtray.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\hkcmd.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\pctspk.exe
C:\Program Files\Synaptics\SynTP\SynTPLpr.exe
C:\Program Files\Synaptics\SynTP\SynTPEnh.exe
C:\Program Files\Ahead\InCD\InCD.exe
C:\WINDOWS\TPPALDR.EXE
C:\PROGRA~1\SYMANT~1\SYMANT~1\vptray.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Real\Update_OB\realsched.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\POLL DENT BORE\web noun.exe
C:\Program Files\D-Tools\daemon.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\ctfmon.exe
C:\Program Files\MSN Messenger\msnmsgr.exe
C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 6.0\Distillr\acrotray.exe
C:\WINDOWS\ATKOSD.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\SYMANT~1\SYMANT~1\DefWatch.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\SYMANT~1\SYMANT~1\Rtvscan.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\PLServ.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe
C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\OFFICE11\WINWORD.EXE
C:\Program Files\hijackthis\HijackThis.exe

R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page =
O2 - BHO: rtc - {0610C4E6-A0D0-45d8-B6CB-3CCD74296EBB} - C:\WINDOWS\System32\rtc.dll
O2 - BHO: AcroIEHlprObj Class - {06849E9F-C8D7-4D59-B87D-784B7D6BE0B3} - C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 6.0\Acrobat\ActiveX\AcroIEHelper.dll
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {53707962-6F74-2D53-2644-206D7942484F} - C:\Program Files\Spybot - Search & Destroy\SDHelper.dll
O2 - BHO: Wipemove - {8A836197-9E5E-A559-7946-B1E907D0BA1D} - C:\PROGRA~1\Boltbait\bookonce.dll
O2 - BHO: AcroIEToolbarHelper Class - {AE7CD045-E861-484f-8273-0445EE161910} - C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 6.0\Acrobat\AcroIEFavClient.dll
O3 - Toolbar: &Radio - {8E718888-423F-11D2-876E-00A0C9082467} - C:\WINDOWS\System32\msdxm.ocx
O3 - Toolbar: &Google - {2318C2B1-4965-11d4-9B18-009027A5CD4F} - C:\WINDOWS\Downloaded Program Files\googlenav.dll
O3 - Toolbar: Adobe PDF - {47833539-D0C5-4125-9FA8-0819E2EAAC93} - C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 6.0\Acrobat\AcroIEFavClient.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Hcontrol] C:\WINDOWS\Hcontrol.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [IgfxTray] C:\WINDOWS\System32\igfxtray.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [HotKeysCmds] C:\WINDOWS\System32\hkcmd.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [PCTVOICE] pctspk.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SynTPLpr] C:\Program Files\Synaptics\SynTP\SynTPLpr.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SynTPEnh] C:\Program Files\Synaptics\SynTP\SynTPEnh.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ASUS Probe] C:\Program Files\ASUS\ASUS Probe\AsusProb.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [DXM6Patch_981116] C:\WINDOWS\p_981116.exe /Q:A
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [KernelFaultCheck] %systemroot%\system32\dumprep 0 -k
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NeroCheck] C:\WINDOWS\system32\NeroCheck.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [InCD] C:\Program Files\Ahead\InCD\InCD.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [TPP Auto Loader] C:\WINDOWS\TPPALDR.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [QuickTime Task] "C:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe" -atboottime
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [vptray] C:\PROGRA~1\SYMANT~1\SYMANT~1\vptray.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [TkBellExe] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Real\Update_OB\realsched.exe" -osboot
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [sectidol] C:\PROGRA~1\POLL DENT BORE\web noun.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [DAEMON Tools-1033] "C:\Program Files\D-Tools\daemon.exe" -lang 1033
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [CTFMON.EXE] C:\WINDOWS\System32\ctfmon.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [MSMSGS] "C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe" /background
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [msnmsgr] "C:\Program Files\MSN Messenger\msnmsgr.exe" /background
O4 - Global Startup: Acrobat Assistant.lnk = C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 6.0\Distillr\acrotray.exe
O4 - Global Startup: Adobe Gamma Loader.lnk = C:\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe\Calibration\Adobe Gamma Loader.exe
O4 - Global Startup: E_SPSU01.lnk = C:\WINDOWS\system32\spool\drivers\w32x86\3\E_SPSU01.EXE
O8 - Extra context menu item: E&ksporter til Microsoft Excel - res://C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~2\OFFICE11\EXCEL.EXE/3000
O9 - Extra button: Opslag - {92780B25-18CC-41C8-B9BE-3C9C571A8263} - C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~2\OFFICE11\REFIEBAR.DLL
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)
O16 - DPF: {62475759-9E84-458E-A1AB-5D2C442ADFDE} - http://a1540.g.
O16 - DPF: {6CB5E471-C305-11D3-99A8-000086395495} (Google Activate) -
O16 - DPF: {74D05D43-3236-11D4-BDCD-00C04F9A3B61} (HouseCall Control) - http://a840.g.
O16 - DPF: {EDAF796E-9210-4417-ADDC-2AB18E4F6C27} (Hjemmeside.KvikFoto) - http://www.123hjemmeside.dk/builder/pages/KvikFoto.cab
O20 - AppInit_DLLs: C:\WINDOWS\System32\rtc.dll

I hope You have the time to help me.
With kind regards Mansen

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  • 6 Replies
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  • 1 Day Discussion Span
  • Latest Post Latest Post by Mansen

Dani AI

Generated

This thread shows a textbook browser‑homepage hijack that was resolved with focused cleanup of startup persistence and helper objects. correctly directed removal of the persistent startup entries and the malicious helper components and advised deleting the offending program folder in Safe Mode; ’s follow‑up confirms the machine returned to normal. The pattern used here — identify the hijack vector, delete program files in Safe Mode, remove registry/startup persistence with a log tool, then re‑scan — is the right one for similar infections.

Recommended verification and hardening steps to finish the job and prevent recurrence:

  • Run fully updated scans with both a mainstream antivirus and a dedicated anti‑malware/rootkit scanner.
  • Reset browser settings: change the homepage in the browser’s options, remove unknown add‑ons, and inspect browser shortcut properties for any appended URLs.
  • Clear temporary files, cookies and the DNS cache; check the hosts file for redirects.
  • Review scheduled tasks, all user accounts’ startup folders and Run/RunOnce locations for duplicate copies; back up the registry or create a restore point before editing.
  • If the homepage or behavior returns, use an offline rescue scanner or a bootable AV rescue environment to remove locked files, and consider recreating clean user profiles.
  • Rotate important passwords if there’s any chance credentials were exposed.

Practical cautions: avoid clicking “fix checked” unless the purpose of an entry is known — produce a log and cross‑check before removing items. If removal fails or the infection recurs, imaging or a clean OS reinstall is the most reliable recovery. ’s recommendation to study HijackThis log‑analysis resources remains good advice: learning common BHOs/CLSID/startup patterns prevents accidental removal of legitimate components.

Recommended Answers

All 6 Replies

Member Avatar for crunchie

Close all (browser) windows & rescan with hijackthis. When the scan is finished place a check in the box to the left of the following entries & click 'fix checked':

R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page =

O2 - BHO: rtc - {0610C4E6-A0D0-45d8-B6CB-3CCD74296EBB} - C:\WINDOWS\System32\rtc.dll
O2 - BHO: Wipemove - {8A836197-9E5E-A559-7946-B1E907D0BA1D} - C:\PROGRA~1\Boltbait\bookonce.dll

O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [sectidol] C:\PROGRA~1\POLL DENT BORE\web noun.exe

O20 - AppInit_DLLs: C:\WINDOWS\System32\rtc.dll

Reboot into safe mode following the instructions & navigate to & delete the following if found:

C:\PROGRA~1\POLL DENT BORE

Reboot normally after doing the above then post a fresh log please.

Member Avatar for Mansen

Did as You said. New log:
Logfile of HijackThis v1.98.0
Scan saved at 17:49:28, on 7/14/2004
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\Explorer.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\Hcontrol.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\igfxtray.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\hkcmd.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\pctspk.exe
C:\Program Files\Synaptics\SynTP\SynTPLpr.exe
C:\Program Files\Synaptics\SynTP\SynTPEnh.exe
C:\WINDOWS\ATKOSD.exe
C:\Program Files\Ahead\InCD\InCD.exe
C:\WINDOWS\TPPALDR.EXE
C:\PROGRA~1\SYMANT~1\SYMANT~1\vptray.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Real\Update_OB\realsched.exe
C:\Program Files\D-Tools\daemon.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\ctfmon.exe
C:\Program Files\MSN Messenger\msnmsgr.exe
C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 6.0\Distillr\acrotray.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\SYMANT~1\SYMANT~1\DefWatch.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\SYMANT~1\SYMANT~1\Rtvscan.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\PLServ.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\NOTEPAD.EXE
C:\Program Files\hijackthis\HijackThis.exe

O2 - BHO: AcroIEHlprObj Class - {06849E9F-C8D7-4D59-B87D-784B7D6BE0B3} - C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 6.0\Acrobat\ActiveX\AcroIEHelper.dll
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {53707962-6F74-2D53-2644-206D7942484F} - C:\Program Files\Spybot - Search & Destroy\SDHelper.dll
O2 - BHO: AcroIEToolbarHelper Class - {AE7CD045-E861-484f-8273-0445EE161910} - C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 6.0\Acrobat\AcroIEFavClient.dll
O3 - Toolbar: &Radio - {8E718888-423F-11D2-876E-00A0C9082467} - C:\WINDOWS\System32\msdxm.ocx
O3 - Toolbar: &Google - {2318C2B1-4965-11d4-9B18-009027A5CD4F} - C:\WINDOWS\Downloaded Program Files\googlenav.dll
O3 - Toolbar: Adobe PDF - {47833539-D0C5-4125-9FA8-0819E2EAAC93} - C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 6.0\Acrobat\AcroIEFavClient.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Hcontrol] C:\WINDOWS\Hcontrol.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [IgfxTray] C:\WINDOWS\System32\igfxtray.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [HotKeysCmds] C:\WINDOWS\System32\hkcmd.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [PCTVOICE] pctspk.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SynTPLpr] C:\Program Files\Synaptics\SynTP\SynTPLpr.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SynTPEnh] C:\Program Files\Synaptics\SynTP\SynTPEnh.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ASUS Probe] C:\Program Files\ASUS\ASUS Probe\AsusProb.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [DXM6Patch_981116] C:\WINDOWS\p_981116.exe /Q:A
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [KernelFaultCheck] %systemroot%\system32\dumprep 0 -k
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NeroCheck] C:\WINDOWS\system32\NeroCheck.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [InCD] C:\Program Files\Ahead\InCD\InCD.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [TPP Auto Loader] C:\WINDOWS\TPPALDR.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [QuickTime Task] "C:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe" -atboottime
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [vptray] C:\PROGRA~1\SYMANT~1\SYMANT~1\vptray.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [TkBellExe] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Real\Update_OB\realsched.exe" -osboot
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [DAEMON Tools-1033] "C:\Program Files\D-Tools\daemon.exe" -lang 1033
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [CTFMON.EXE] C:\WINDOWS\System32\ctfmon.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [MSMSGS] "C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe" /background
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [msnmsgr] "C:\Program Files\MSN Messenger\msnmsgr.exe" /background
O4 - Global Startup: Acrobat Assistant.lnk = C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 6.0\Distillr\acrotray.exe
O4 - Global Startup: Adobe Gamma Loader.lnk = C:\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe\Calibration\Adobe Gamma Loader.exe
O4 - Global Startup: E_SPSU01.lnk = C:\WINDOWS\system32\spool\drivers\w32x86\3\E_SPSU01.EXE
O8 - Extra context menu item: E&ksporter til Microsoft Excel - res://C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~2\OFFICE11\EXCEL.EXE/3000
O9 - Extra button: Opslag - {92780B25-18CC-41C8-B9BE-3C9C571A8263} - C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~2\OFFICE11\REFIEBAR.DLL
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)
O16 - DPF: {62475759-9E84-458E-A1AB-5D2C442ADFDE} - http://a1540.g.
O16 - DPF: {6CB5E471-C305-11D3-99A8-000086395495} (Google Activate) -
O16 - DPF: {74D05D43-3236-11D4-BDCD-00C04F9A3B61} (HouseCall Control) - http://a840.g.
O16 - DPF: {EDAF796E-9210-4417-ADDC-2AB18E4F6C27} (Hjemmeside.KvikFoto) - http://www.123hjemmeside.dk/builder/pages/KvikFoto.cab

Thanks for your time

Member Avatar for crunchie

That look's clean now. Still have trouble?

Member Avatar for Mansen

No trouble. Everything works perfect.
How can you tell what to fix?
Then I would be able to check once in a while to see if everything is OK.

Member Avatar for caperjack

Study this tutorial,and google search ones you think look out of place next time you scan with hijackthis .
http://www.spywareinfo.com/~merijn/htlogtutorial.html

Search ,CLSID [the 016's]- BHO [the 02's]Herr to see if they show up ad good or bad .

search startups /run/runonce [the 04's]here!Just copt and paste the .exe's [like this one -MSMSGS- or its exe ,msmsgs.exe ]into the search field
http://www.sysinfo.org/startuplist.php

Member Avatar for Mansen

Thanks a lot.
You have been a great help.

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