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Cannot change HOSTS File or Fix using HijackThis

72 min read

This thread's last reply is from April 13, 2011, 9:07 AM UTC. Software, malware, and removal-tool advice below may be out of date — treat specific steps and download links with caution.

Please find log file below. I haven't removed the threats.

ESETSmartInstaller@High as downloader log:
all ok
# version=7
# OnlineScannerApp.exe=1.0.0.1
# OnlineScanner.ocx=1.0.0.6425
# api_version=3.0.2
# EOSSerial=59d7753ff9b23547982c83c2cc90a684
# end=finished
# remove_checked=false
# archives_checked=true
# unwanted_checked=true
# unsafe_checked=true
# antistealth_checked=true
# utc_time=2011-04-11 09:31:16
# local_time=2011-04-11 10:31:16 (+0000, GMT Daylight Time)
# country="United Kingdom"
# lang=1033
# osver=5.1.2600 NT Service Pack 3
# compatibility_mode=512 16777215 100 0 100731 100731 0 0
# compatibility_mode=1797 16775141 100 93 96003 39091880 0 0
# compatibility_mode=8192 67108863 100 0 315 315 0 0
# scanned=54689
# found=6
# cleaned=0
# scan_time=2145
C:\Qoobox\Quarantine\C\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\fb64b4\447.mof.vir Win32/RogueAV.A trojan (unable to clean) 00000000000000000000000000000000 I
C:\System Volume Information\_restore{AFDD5784-4FFA-413C-84B1-64EE165D77E0}\RP420\A0035473.new Win32/Qhost trojan (unable to clean) 00000000000000000000000000000000 I
C:\System Volume Information\_restore{AFDD5784-4FFA-413C-84B1-64EE165D77E0}\RP420\A0035476.mof Win32/RogueAV.A trojan (unable to clean) 00000000000000000000000000000000 I
C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\etc\Copy of hosts.new Win32/Qhost trojan (unable to clean) 00000000000000000000000000000000 I
C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\etc\hosts.new Win32/Qhost trojan (unable to clean) 00000000000000000000000000000000 I
C:\_OTM\MovedFiles\04102011_173323\C_WINDOWS\system32\drivers\etc\hosts Win32/Qhost trojan (unable to clean) 00000000000000000000000000000000 I
Sorry, to answer your question, everything seems to be working fine.
Hi jkpenfold.
It's taking a while to run the scanner, I should have the log in the morning. (I'm in the UK).

No problem post the results when ready, that is a pretty in depth scan and can take some time to run.
Would you recommend not using AVG? I noticed it's been causing a few problems on other PC's.
Is Avira a more stable software?
Im not a big fan of AVG at all and would never recommend it to anyone.
I personally think Avira is a much better choice.
Don't forget to let me know how your computer is running.
Please find log file below. I haven't removed the threats.

ESETSmartInstaller@High as downloader log:
all ok
# version=7
# OnlineScannerApp.exe=1.0.0.1
# OnlineScanner.ocx=1.0.0.6425
# api_version=3.0.2
# EOSSerial=59d7753ff9b23547982c83c2cc90a684
# end=finished
# remove_checked=false
# archives_checked=true
# unwanted_checked=true
# unsafe_checked=true
# antistealth_checked=true
# utc_time=2011-04-11 09:31:16
# local_time=2011-04-11 10:31:16 (+0000, GMT Daylight Time)
# country="United Kingdom"
# lang=1033
# osver=5.1.2600 NT Service Pack 3
# compatibility_mode=512 16777215 100 0 100731 100731 0 0
# compatibility_mode=1797 16775141 100 93 96003 39091880 0 0
# compatibility_mode=8192 67108863 100 0 315 315 0 0
# scanned=54689
# found=6
# cleaned=0
# scan_time=2145
C:\Qoobox\Quarantine\C\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\fb64b4\447.mof.vir Win32/RogueAV.A trojan (unable to clean) 00000000000000000000000000000000 I
C:\System Volume Information\_restore{AFDD5784-4FFA-413C-84B1-64EE165D77E0}\RP420\A0035473.new Win32/Qhost trojan (unable to clean) 00000000000000000000000000000000 I
C:\System Volume Information\_restore{AFDD5784-4FFA-413C-84B1-64EE165D77E0}\RP420\A0035476.mof Win32/RogueAV.A trojan (unable to clean) 00000000000000000000000000000000 I
C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\etc\Copy of hosts.new Win32/Qhost trojan (unable to clean) 00000000000000000000000000000000 I
C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\etc\hosts.new Win32/Qhost trojan (unable to clean) 00000000000000000000000000000000 I
C:\_OTM\MovedFiles\04102011_173323\C_WINDOWS\system32\drivers\etc\hosts Win32/Qhost trojan (unable to clean) 00000000000000000000000000000000 I
Everything seems to be running fine
Hi jkpenfold.
Everything seems to be running fine

Do the following then you should be good to go.

Delete Multiple Files and Folders
We need to delete some files and folders.
It will be easier and less error prone, if we create a batch file to do this... please follow these steps:
  1. Copy all text in the quote box (below)...to Notepad, Do not include the word Quote:
    @echo off
    REM: Delete specific files within a Directory
    del /f /s /q "C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\etc\Copy of hosts.new"
    del /f /s /q "C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\etc\hosts.new"
    del %0
  2. Save the Notepad file on your desktop...as delfile.bat... save type as "All Files"

    delfile.bat <<------------- you should see this on your desktop.
  3. Double click on delfile.bat to execute it.
    A black CMD window will flash, then disappear...this is normal.
  4. The files and folders, if found...will have been deleted and the "delfile.bat" file will also be deleted.



Once done this is my general post for when your logs show no more signs of malware.

Now that you are clean, please follow these simple steps in order to keep your computer clean and secure:

Time for some housekeeping
  • Click on Start >> Run...
  • Now type in ComboFix /Uninstall into the box and click OK.
  • Note the space between the X and the /Uninstall, it needs to be there.

The above procedure will reset your System Restore and clear out the backups and quarantines created during the course of this fix.

Next

Clean up with OTM

  • Double-click OTM.exe to start the program, This tool will remove all the tools we used to clean your pc.
  • Close all other programs apart from OTMoveIt3 as this step will require a reboot
  • On the OTM main screen, press the CleanUp! button
  • Say Yes to the prompt and then allow the program to reboot your computer.


You can now delete any tools we used if they remain on your Desktop.

Create a new, clean System Restore point

  • Create a new, clean System Restore point which you can use in case of future system problems:
  • Press Start >> All Programs >> Accessories >>System Tools >> System Restore
  • Select Create a restore point, then Next, type a name like All Clean then press the Create button and once it's done press Close
  • Now remove old, infected System Restore points:
  • Next click Start >> Run and type cleanmgr in the box and press OK
  • Ensure the boxes for Recycle Bin, Temporary Files and Temporary Internet Files are checked, you can choose to check other boxes if you wish but they are not required.
  • Select the More Options tab, under System Restore press Clean up... and say Yes to the prompt
  • Press OK and Yes to confirm


Protection Programs
Don't forget to re-enable any protection programs we disabled during your fix.

Here are some free programs I recommend that could help you improve your computer's security.

Install SpywareBlaster
Download and install Javacools SpywareBlaster from Here
SpywareBlaster adds a list of ActiveX controls, tracking cookies and sites which will be blocked in either Internet Explorer or Firefox browsers. You need to manually check for updates regularly.

Install SiteAdvisor
SiteAdvisor is a toolbar for Microsoft Internet Explorer and Mozilla Firefox which alerts you if you're about to enter a potentially dangerous website.
You can find more information and download it from Here

Install WinPatrol
As a robust security monitor, WinPatrol will alert you to hijackings, malware attacks and critical changes made to your computer without your permission. WinPatrol takes snapshot of your critical system resources and alerts you to any changes that may occur without your knowledge.
For more information, please visit HERE

MVPS Hosts

Install MVPS Hosts File From Here
The MVPS Hosts file replaces your current HOSTS file with one containing well know ad sites etc. Basically, this prevents your computer from connecting to those sites by redirecting them to 127.0.0.1 which is your local computer.
You can Find the Tutorial HERE

Update your Antivirus programs and other security products regularly to avoid new threats that could infect your system.
You can use one of these sites to check if any updates are needed for your pc.
Secunia Software Inspector
F-secure Health Check

Visit Microsoft often to get the latest updates for your computer
You can do that HERE

Read some information HERE On how to prevent Malware

I would be grateful if you could reply to this post so that I know you have read it and, if you've no other questions, the thread can be closed.

Safe surfing!
All done, works great. Thanks for all your help, you've been awesome.
Hi jkpenfold.
Thanks for all your help, you've been awesome.

You're most welcome glad we could help.
Good luck and stay safe.
As this issue appears to be resolved,