Adware, Nasty search engines and overall frustration.

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  1. Posts : 83
    Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit 7601 Multiprocessor Free Service Pack 1
       #1

    Adware, Nasty search engines and overall frustration.


    Greetings,

    A typical day in my life using my computer involves running: SUPERAntiSpyware, Malwarebytes Anti-Malware, AdwCleaner, ESET Online Scanner and Microsecurity Essentials. Every day I get a ton of things that are irritating and probably some that are very harmful. Right now the most annoying is a search engine that I try to get rid of and it is back about as soon as I get rid of it. It is called
    websearch.helpmefindyour.info and it usually get in my Chrome browser. I usually use Firefox. I just got 85 threat that go something like this:

    DATA\DEFAULT\COOKIES ]
    websearch.helpmefindyour.info [ C:\USERS\STEVE'S COMPUTER\APPDATA\LOCAL\GOOGLE\CHROME\USER DATA\DEFAULT\COOKIES ]

    Adware.Tracking Cookie
    C:\Users\Steve's Computer\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Cookies\524VNYJM.txt [ /doubleclick.net ]
    Is there anything I can do to protect against these things?

    Any input appreciated.
    SM
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 3
    Windows 7
       #2

    When running antivirus, boot in safemode (don't boot with network support if you can help it.) before running antivirus.

    To temporarily attempt to disable any malware/adaware/or other infectious software, I highly recommend you try use msconfig.exe, while i caution you that disabling some things could cause minor problems with some drivers, There's pretty much nothing detrimental you can do to your computer.

    Go to the startup tab, and disable anything that isn't signed by a reputable company, I would also recommend you remove anything that doesn't appear to be particularly important to your computers functionality. Keep in mind, doing this won't break the program, it just stops it from booting on startup. This will rectify a good deal of malicious software by preventing it from starting up when you restart your computer.

    Otherwise, check your task manager, snoop around finding any high CPU/memory tasks. Look them up online, see if they appear to be malicious. If they are, right click them in the task manager and go to process, right click the process and open file location. If you are certain that it is malicious, you could attempt to delete the entire directory. I caution you here, that many people would claim this to be a bad idea, but I'd much rather stain my registry than not rectify malicious software.

    Worst case, do a reinstall.

    As for antiviral, I would recommend Avast! as it has provided the best results for me personally.

    Best of luck.. These are only my opinions, what i do when i work on others computers.. And they tend to work for me, very well. Personally, I don't use antivirus on my computer, never open a .exe file if you have the slightest doubt about its safety, scan the file on a sight like www.virustotal.com prior to running.

    By the way, tracking cookies aren't dangerous, infact, they are often used to help you on many different ways, clearing them is okay and won't hurt, but having them there won't be an issue 99.9% of the time, either.
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 8,608
    Windows 7 Ultimate 32bit SP1
       #3

    Let's see what we can determine from these logs:
    Download DDS from one of these links:
    DDS.com
    DDS.pif
    • Disable any script blocking protection
    • Double click the dds icon to run the tool.
    • When done, DDS will open two (2) logs:
      1. DDS.txt
      2. Attach.txt <--- will be minimized in the task tray
    • Save both reports to your desktop.

    Include the contents of both logs in your next post.
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 83
    Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit 7601 Multiprocessor Free Service Pack 1
    Thread Starter
       #4

    Thanks. I am uploading the two reports.

    SM
    Adware, Nasty search engines and overall frustration. Attached Files
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 83
    Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit 7601 Multiprocessor Free Service Pack 1
    Thread Starter
       #5

    .
    UNLESS SPECIFICALLY INSTRUCTED, DO NOT POST THIS LOG.
    IF REQUESTED, ZIP IT UP & ATTACH IT
    .
    DDS (Ver_2012-11-20.01)
    .
    Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium
    Boot Device: \Device\HarddiskVolume4
    Install Date: 2/15/2013 8:12:13 PM
    System Uptime: 11/21/2013 9:59:48 PM (2 hours ago)
    .
    Motherboard: Gigabyte Technology Co., Ltd. | | EP45-UD3P
    Processor: Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Quad CPU Q9550 @ 2.83GHz | Socket 775 | 2834/333mhz
    .
    ==== Disk Partitions =========================
    .
    A: is Removable
    C: is FIXED (NTFS) - 119 GiB total, 54.378 GiB free.
    D: is FIXED (NTFS) - 1863 GiB total, 45.34 GiB free.
    E: is FIXED (NTFS) - 0 GiB total, 0.06 GiB free.
    F: is FIXED (NTFS) - 931 GiB total, 25.992 GiB free.
    H: is CDROM (CDFS)
    J: is FIXED (NTFS) - 932 GiB total, 110.294 GiB free.
    K: is FIXED (NTFS) - 931 GiB total, 827.42 GiB free.
    S: is FIXED (NTFS) - 932 GiB total, 826.713 GiB free.
    .
    ==== Disabled Device Manager Items =============
    .
    Class GUID:
    Description: Deskjet 1000 J110 series
    Device ID: USB\VID_03F0&PID_8811&MI_01\7&1EB7D216&0&0001
    Manufacturer:
    Name: Deskjet 1000 J110 series
    PNP Device ID: USB\VID_03F0&PID_8811&MI_01\7&1EB7D216&0&0001
    Service:
    .
    Class GUID:
    Description: EPSON Scanner
    Device ID: USB\VID_04B8&PID_0130\6&175EE749&0&3
    Manufacturer:
    Name: EPSON Scanner
    PNP Device ID: USB\VID_04B8&PID_0130\6&175EE749&0&3
    Service:
    .
    ==== System Restore Points ===================
    .
    RP58: 11/18/2013 11:08:04 AM - Revo Uninstaller's restore point - Bing Desktop
    RP59: 11/18/2013 11:20:05 AM - Installed Copernic Desktop Search 4
    RP60: 11/18/2013 11:45:03 AM - Installed Macrium Reflect Free Edition
    RP61: 11/21/2013 7:38:50 PM - Installed iTunes
    RP62: 11/21/2013 9:21:59 PM - RegClean Pro Thu, Nov 21, 13 21:21
    RP63: 11/21/2013 9:23:33 PM - Revo Uninstaller's restore point - RegClean Pro
    RP64: 11/21/2013 9:24:38 PM - Revo Uninstaller's restore point - RegClean Pro
    RP65: 11/21/2013 9:27:18 PM - Revo Uninstaller's restore point - RegClean Pro
    .
    ==== Installed Programs ======================
    .
    ABBYY FineReader for ScanSnap (TM) 3.0
    Adobe Acrobat XI Pro
    Adobe AIR
    Adobe Download Assistant
    Adobe Flash Player 11 Plugin
    Adobe Photoshop CS6
    Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 4.4 64-bit
    Amicus Attorney 2008 SFE
    Apple Application Support
    Apple Mobile Device Support
    Apple Software Update
    Bonjour
    CardMinder V3.2
    CCleaner
    Classic Shell
    Copernic Desktop Search 4
    CutePDF Writer 3.0
    CyberLink PowerDVD 12
    EaseUS Todo Backup Home 5.8
    ESET Online Scanner v3
    FairCom Crystal Driver
    Fences 2
    FileCenter 8.0.0.18
    Folder Marker Pro
    Gentibus CD 1.51
    Google Chrome
    Google Update Helper
    HD Tune Pro 5.50
    HP LaserJet Professional P1100-P1560-P1600 Series
    iTunes
    LastPass(uninstall only)
    Macrium Reflect Free Edition
    Malwarebytes Anti-Exploit version 0.09.3.1000
    Malwarebytes Anti-Malware version 1.75.0.1300
    Microsoft .NET Framework 4.5
    Microsoft FrontPage 2002
    Microsoft Money 99
    Microsoft Office 2007 Service Pack 3 (SP3)
    Microsoft Office File Validation Add-In
    Microsoft Office Office 64-bit Components 2007
    Microsoft Office Outlook 2007
    Microsoft Office Outlook MUI (English) 2007
    Microsoft Office Proof (English) 2007
    Microsoft Office Proof (French) 2007
    Microsoft Office Proof (Spanish) 2007
    Microsoft Office Proofing (English) 2007
    Microsoft Office Proofing Tools 2007 Service Pack 3 (SP3)
    Microsoft Office Shared 64-bit MUI (English) 2007
    Microsoft Office Shared 64-bit Setup Metadata MUI (English) 2007
    Microsoft Office Shared MUI (English) 2007
    Microsoft Office Shared Setup Metadata MUI (English) 2007
    Microsoft Office Word 2003
    Microsoft Office Word Viewer 2003
    Microsoft Security Client
    Microsoft Security Essentials
    Microsoft Silverlight
    Microsoft Visual C++ 2005 Redistributable
    Microsoft Visual C++ 2005 Redistributable (x64)
    Microsoft Visual C++ 2008 Redistributable - x64 9.0.30729.4148
    Microsoft Visual C++ 2008 Redistributable - x64 9.0.30729.6161
    Microsoft Visual C++ 2008 Redistributable - x86 9.0.30729.17
    Microsoft Visual C++ 2008 Redistributable - x86 9.0.30729.4148
    Microsoft Visual C++ 2008 Redistributable - x86 9.0.30729.6161
    Microsoft Visual C++ 2010 x64 Redistributable - 10.0.40219
    Microsoft Visual C++ 2010 x86 Redistributable - 10.0.40219
    Microsoft_VC80_CRT_x86
    Microsoft_VC90_CRT_x86
    Mozilla Firefox 25.0.1 (x86 en-US)
    Mozilla Maintenance Service
    Mozilla Thunderbird (2.0.0.24)
    MSXML 4.0 SP2 (KB954430)
    MSXML 4.0 SP2 (KB973688)
    NVIDIA 3D Vision Driver 311.06
    NVIDIA Control Panel 311.06
    NVIDIA Graphics Driver 311.06
    NVIDIA Install Application
    NVIDIA Stereoscopic 3D Driver
    NVIDIA Update 1.11.3
    NVIDIA Update Components
    PDF Settings CS6
    Replay Media Catcher 4 (4.4.5)
    Revo Uninstaller 1.95
    SafeHouse Explorer 3.01
    ScanSnap
    ScanSnap Manager
    ScanSnap Organizer
    Security Update for Microsoft .NET Framework 4.5 (KB2737083)
    Security Update for Microsoft .NET Framework 4.5 (KB2742613)
    Security Update for Microsoft .NET Framework 4.5 (KB2789648)
    Security Update for Microsoft .NET Framework 4.5 (KB2804582)
    Security Update for Microsoft .NET Framework 4.5 (KB2833957)
    Security Update for Microsoft .NET Framework 4.5 (KB2840642v2)
    Security Update for Microsoft .NET Framework 4.5 (KB2861208)
    Security Update for Microsoft Office 2007 suites (KB2596744) 32-Bit Edition
    Security Update for Microsoft Office 2007 suites (KB2596754) 32-Bit Edition
    Security Update for Microsoft Office 2007 suites (KB2596792) 32-Bit Edition
    Security Update for Microsoft Office 2007 suites (KB2596825) 32-Bit Edition
    Security Update for Microsoft Office 2007 suites (KB2596871) 32-Bit Edition
    Security Update for Microsoft Office 2007 suites (KB2597973) 32-Bit Edition
    Security Update for Microsoft Office 2007 suites (KB2687309) 32-Bit Edition
    Security Update for Microsoft Office 2007 suites (KB2760411) 32-Bit Edition
    Security Update for Microsoft Office 2007 suites (KB2760415) 32-Bit Edition
    Security Update for Microsoft Office 2007 suites (KB2760585) 32-Bit Edition
    Security Update for Microsoft Office Outlook 2007 (KB2825644) 32-Bit Edition
    Security Update for Microsoft Office Word 2007 (KB2827330) 32-Bit Edition
    SnagIt 8
    Spybot - Search & Destroy
    SUPERAntiSpyware
    True Image 2013
    Update for 2007 Microsoft Office System (KB967642)
    Update for Microsoft .NET Framework 4.5 (KB2750147)
    Update for Microsoft .NET Framework 4.5 (KB2805221)
    Update for Microsoft .NET Framework 4.5 (KB2805226)
    Update for Microsoft Office 2007 Help for Common Features (KB963673)
    Update for Microsoft Office 2007 suites (KB2596620) 32-Bit Edition
    Update for Microsoft Office 2007 suites (KB2687493) 32-Bit Edition
    Update for Microsoft Office 2007 suites (KB2767849) 32-Bit Edition
    Update for Microsoft Office 2007 suites (KB2767916) 32-Bit Edition
    Update for Microsoft Office Outlook 2007 (KB2687404) 32-Bit Edition
    Update for Microsoft Office Outlook 2007 Help (KB963677)
    Update for Microsoft Office Outlook 2007 Junk Email Filter (KB2825642) 32-Bit Edition
    Update for Microsoft Office Script Editor Help (KB963671)
    VLC media player 2.0.7
    Wunderlist
    xplorer˛ Ultimate 64 bit
    .
    ==== Event Viewer Messages From Past Week ========
    .
    11/21/2013 10:31:21 PM, Error: cdrom [11] - The driver detected a controller error on \Device\CdRom0.
    .
    ==== End Of File ===========================
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 83
    Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit 7601 Multiprocessor Free Service Pack 1
    Thread Starter
       #6

    DDS is attached as a zip.

    Thanks

    SM
    Adware, Nasty search engines and overall frustration. Attached Files
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 83
    Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit 7601 Multiprocessor Free Service Pack 1
    Thread Starter
       #7

    Did I send the right information? I tried to cut and past the two files but one was too long.

    I still have these problems. Maybe I will have to do a reinstall or go back to an earlier image. I have not been good about backing up but will be going forward.

    Help!!

    Smorton
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 21,004
    Desk1 7 Home Prem / Desk2 10 Pro / Main lap Asus ROG 10 Pro 2 laptop Toshiba 7 Pro Asus P2520 7 & 10
       #8

    My 2 cents Smorton I would be belting in some decent real time security.
    Whetehr this is a freebie or paid doesn't matter but I have vey little faith in MSE mate but that is my opinion.

    Some options for freebies except MSE Best Free Antivirus Software I tested the Bitdefender it was good but naggy the Avast is ok though. Comodo again ok but getting very utility bound, and Avira not bad.
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 83
    Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit 7601 Multiprocessor Free Service Pack 1
    Thread Starter
       #9

    I don't mind paying for for software to resolve this. Any ideas there? Is the free better than the paid for?

    Thanks.

    SM
      My Computer


  10. Posts : 21,004
    Desk1 7 Home Prem / Desk2 10 Pro / Main lap Asus ROG 10 Pro 2 laptop Toshiba 7 Pro Asus P2520 7 & 10
       #10

    Smorton said:
    I don't mind paying for for software to resolve this. Any ideas there? Is the free better than the paid for?

    Thanks.

    SM
    Personally I run Kaspersky Internet Security Suite 2013 and 2014 on my four machines and have done since 2010 and run the on call scanners you use too. That is only because I reason that no security is 100% infallible because of the nature of and amount of malware put out each day.

    But the Eset, Emisoft and Bitdefender are also highly rated by the comparative sites.
      My Computer


 
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