Unkown dpf

Something has turned my pc into a zombie. After running Hijackthis I discovered info in the trusted sites that I do not believe I put there, anyway I removed them. But, in the log I see 4 dpfs that do not have a discription. I'm wondering how to determine what they are and is it save to remove them. A little more info; the problems seem to start about 3 weeks ago after my 1st Mcafee update. At first that was what causing the slowness. Went thorugh the system cleaning out temp files & ran the disk maintence programs, no help. Currently I can not do the download on housecall it seems to stall and will run forever. Panda the download seemed to work got an error at the very end and when trying to scan it seems to start and after a few seconds it reports back no errors. Also Spybot will not update any more it returns a error on the update. One other symtom is the mouse, everytime I click on something it freezes and I need to wait a half a minute for it to free up, sometimes longer.

Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.1
Scan saved at 3:39:35 PM, on 1/4/06
Platform: Windows 98 Gold (Win9x 4.10.1998)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v6.00 SP1 (6.00.2800.1106)

Running processes:
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\KERNEL32.DLL
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\MSGSRV32.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\SPOOL32.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\MPREXE.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\MCAFEE.COM\VSO\MCVSRTE.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\mmtask.tsk
C:\WINDOWS\EXPLORER.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\SYSTRAY.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\MCAFEE.COM\VSO\MCVSSHLD.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\MCAFEE.COM\VSO\MCVSESCN.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\MCAFEE.COM\AGENT\MCAGENT.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\PLAXO\2.4.1.5\INSTALLSTUB.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\MCAFEE.COM\AGENT\MCTSKSHD.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\SPYBOT - SEARCH & DESTROY\TEATIMER.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\SURFXCCELERATOR\SURFX.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\MICROSOFT OFFICE\OFFICE\MSOFFICE.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\US FAMILY NET\IN TOUCH CALL MANAGER\ICWCLIENT.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\OUTLOOK EXPRESS\MSIMN.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\PSTORES.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\RNAAPP.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\TAPISRV.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\CMMON32.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\MICROSOFT OFFICE\OFFICE\WINWORD.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\MOZILLA FIREFOX\FIREFOX.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\INTERNET EXPLORER\IEXPLORE.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\INTERNET EXPLORER\IEXPLORE.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\DDHELP.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\INTERNET EXPLORER\IEXPLORE.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\HIJACKTHIS\HIJACKTHIS.EXE

R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Bar = res://C:\WINDOWS\lajxi.dll/sp.html#93256
R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://www.usfamily.net/
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Bar = res://C:\WINDOWS\lajxi.dll/sp.html#93256
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Connection Wizard,ShellNext = http://login.usfamily.net/cgi-bin/home.cgi
R3 - Default URLSearchHook is missing
O2 - BHO: Yahoo! Companion BHO - {02478D38-C3F9-4efb-9B51-7695ECA05670} - C:\PROGRAM FILES\YAHOO!\COMPANION\INSTALLS\CPN\YCOMP5_5_7_0.DLL
O2 - BHO: AcroIEHlprObj Class - {06849E9F-C8D7-4D59-B87D-784B7D6BE0B3} - C:\PROGRAM FILES\ADOBE\ACROBAT 5.0\READER\ACTIVEX\ACROIEHELPER.OCX
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {B0F98469-371C-FBED-8A67-0E2072EFC711} - (no file)
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {1E630CC0-5B87-F49E-6825-C15AA0FA2CC6} - (no file)
O2 - BHO: PBlockHelper Class - {4115122B-85FF-4DD3-9515-F075BEDE5EB5} - C:\PROGRAM FILES\SURFXCCELERATOR\PBHELPER.DLL
O3 - Toolbar: &Radio - {8E718888-423F-11D2-876E-00A0C9082467} - C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\MSDXM.OCX
O3 - Toolbar: Yahoo! Companion - {EF99BD32-C1FB-11D2-892F-0090271D4F88} - C:\PROGRAM FILES\YAHOO!\COMPANION\INSTALLS\CPN\YCOMP5_5_7_0.DLL
O3 - Toolbar: McAfee VirusScan - {BA52B914-B692-46c4-B683-905236F6F655} - C:\PROGRAM FILES\MCAFEE.COM\VSO\MCVSSHL.DLL
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SystemTray] SysTray.Exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [VirusScan Online] "C:\PROGRA~1\MCAFEE.COM\VSO\mcvsshld.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [MCUpdateExe] C:\PROGRA~1\MCAFEE.COM\AGENT\MCUPDATE.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [MCAgentExe] C:\PROGRA~1\MCAFEE.COM\AGENT\McAgent.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [VSOCheckTask] "C:\PROGRA~1\MCAFEE.COM\VSO\MCMNHDLR.EXE" /checktask
O4 - HKLM\..\RunServices: [McVsRte] C:\PROGRA~1\MCAFEE.COM\VSO\mcvsrte.exe /embedding
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [PlaxoUpdate] C:\Program Files\Plaxo\2.4.1.5\InstallStub.exe -a
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [SpybotSD TeaTimer] C:\Program Files\Spybot - Search & Destroy\TeaTimer.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [WallPaper] C:\Program Files\WallPaper.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [MSKAGENTEXE] C:\PROGRA~1\MCAFEE\SPAMKI~1\MSKAGENT.EXE
O4 - Startup: SurfXccelerator.lnk = C:\Program Files\SurfXccelerator\surfx.exe
O4 - Startup: Microsoft Office Shortcut Bar.lnk = C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office\MSOFFICE.EXE
O4 - Startup: In Touch Call Manager.lnk = C:\Program Files\US Family Net\In Touch Call Manager\IcwClient.exe
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\MSJAVA.DLL
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Sun Java Console - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\MSJAVA.DLL
O9 - Extra button: Real.com - {CD67F990-D8E9-11d2-98FE-00C0F0318AFE} - C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\Shdocvw.dll
O12 - Plugin for .spop: C:\PROGRA~1\INTERN~1\Plugins\NPDocBox.dll
O15 - Trusted Zone: *.awmdabest.com
O15 - Trusted Zone: *.awmdabest.com (HKLM)
O15 - Trusted IP range: 206.161.125.149
O16 - DPF: {74D05D43-3236-11D4-BDCD-00C04F9A3B61} (HouseCall Control) - http://a840.g.akamai.net/7/840/537/2004061001/housecall.trendmicro.com/housecall/xscan53.cab
O16 - DPF: {08BEF711-06DA-48B2-9534-802ECAA2E4F9} (PlxInstall Class) - https://www.plaxo.com/down/release/PlaxoInstall.cab
O16 - DPF: {9A9307A0-7DA4-4DAF-B042-5009F29E09E1} (ActiveScan Installer Class) - http://acs.pandasoftware.com/activescan ... asinst.cab
O16 - DPF: {04E214E5-63AF-4236-83C6-A7ADCBF9BD02} (HouseCall Control) - http://housecall60.trendmicro.com/housecall/xscan60.cab
O16 - DPF: {32564D57-0000-0010-8000-00AA00389B71} -
O16 - DPF: {31564D57-0000-0010-8000-00AA00389B71} -
O16 - DPF: {0000000A-9980-0010-8000-00AA00389B71} -
O16 - DPF: {33564D57-9980-0010-8000-00AA00389B71} -
O16 - DPF: {4ED9DDF0-7479-4BBE-9335-5A1EDB1D8A21} (McAfee.com Operating System Class) - http://download.mcafee.com/molbin/share ... insctl.cab
O16 - DPF: {BCC0FF27-31D9-4614-A68E-C18E1ADA4389} (DwnldGroupMgr Class) - http://download.mcafee.com/molbin/share ... cgdmgr.cab
O16 - DPF: {78AEEDE8-7345-4FB5-A8FE-4BFF16EF25FC} (McAfee Virtual Technician Control Class) - http://us-download.mcafee.com/products/protected/mvt/mvt.cab
O17 - HKLM\System\CCS\Services\VxD\MSTCP: Domain =
O17 - HKLM\System\CCS\Services\VxD\MSTCP: NameServer =

Hello randyjn,

You have a nasty infection called About Blank. I would like to see a fresh HijackThis log please as this infection morphs at each reboot. I'll check the one that don't have a description, leave them alone for now.

To fix the computer, Teatimer needs to be disabled. Perform this already and post a fresh HijackThis log please.

Disable TeaTimer

1. Run Spybot-S&D
2. Go to the Mode menu, and make sure that Advanced Mode is selected
3. On the left hand side, choose Tools then Resident
4. Uncheck Resident TeaTimer and OK any prompts
5. Reboot your machine for the changes to take effect before running HJT.

Run HijackThis and post a new log. Try not to reboot anymore until I post a fix.

Kim

Here is the latest Hijackthis as requested. I did see the About: Blank in the home page field in IE. But I had change it back to my normial page before I received the post. Thanks for the help.

Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.1
Scan saved at 6:50:22 PM, on 1/7/06
Platform: Windows 98 Gold (Win9x 4.10.1998)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v6.00 SP1 (6.00.2800.1106)

Running processes:
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\KERNEL32.DLL
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\MSGSRV32.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\SPOOL32.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\MPREXE.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\MCAFEE.COM\VSO\MCVSRTE.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\mmtask.tsk
C:\WINDOWS\EXPLORER.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\SYSTRAY.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\MCAFEE.COM\VSO\MCVSSHLD.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\MCAFEE.COM\AGENT\MCAGENT.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\MCAFEE.COM\VSO\MCVSESCN.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\MCAFEE.COM\AGENT\MCTSKSHD.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\PLAXO\2.6.2.7\PLAXOHELPER.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\SURFXCCELERATOR\SURFX.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\MICROSOFT OFFICE\OFFICE\MSOFFICE.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\US FAMILY NET\IN TOUCH CALL MANAGER\ICWCLIENT.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\HIJACKTHIS\HIJACKTHIS.EXE

R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Bar = res://C:\WINDOWS\lajxi.dll/sp.html#93256
R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://www.usfamily.net/
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Bar = res://C:\WINDOWS\lajxi.dll/sp.html#93256
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Connection Wizard,ShellNext = http://login.usfamily.net/cgi-bin/home.cgi
R3 - Default URLSearchHook is missing
O2 - BHO: Yahoo! Companion BHO - {02478D38-C3F9-4efb-9B51-7695ECA05670} - C:\PROGRAM FILES\YAHOO!\COMPANION\INSTALLS\CPN\YCOMP5_5_7_0.DLL
O2 - BHO: AcroIEHlprObj Class - {06849E9F-C8D7-4D59-B87D-784B7D6BE0B3} - C:\PROGRAM FILES\ADOBE\ACROBAT 5.0\READER\ACTIVEX\ACROIEHELPER.OCX
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {B0F98469-371C-FBED-8A67-0E2072EFC711} - (no file)
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {1E630CC0-5B87-F49E-6825-C15AA0FA2CC6} - (no file)
O2 - BHO: PBlockHelper Class - {4115122B-85FF-4DD3-9515-F075BEDE5EB5} - C:\PROGRAM FILES\SURFXCCELERATOR\PBHELPER.DLL
O3 - Toolbar: &Radio - {8E718888-423F-11D2-876E-00A0C9082467} - C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\MSDXM.OCX
O3 - Toolbar: Yahoo! Companion - {EF99BD32-C1FB-11D2-892F-0090271D4F88} - C:\PROGRAM FILES\YAHOO!\COMPANION\INSTALLS\CPN\YCOMP5_5_7_0.DLL
O3 - Toolbar: McAfee VirusScan - {BA52B914-B692-46c4-B683-905236F6F655} - C:\PROGRAM FILES\MCAFEE.COM\VSO\MCVSSHL.DLL
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SystemTray] SysTray.Exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [VirusScan Online] "C:\PROGRA~1\MCAFEE.COM\VSO\mcvsshld.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [MCUpdateExe] C:\PROGRA~1\MCAFEE.COM\AGENT\McUpdate.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [MCAgentExe] C:\PROGRA~1\MCAFEE.COM\AGENT\McAgent.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [VSOCheckTask] "C:\PROGRA~1\MCAFEE.COM\VSO\MCMNHDLR.EXE" /checktask
O4 - HKLM\..\RunServices: [McVsRte] C:\PROGRA~1\MCAFEE.COM\VSO\mcvsrte.exe /embedding
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [PlaxoUpdate] C:\Program Files\Plaxo\2.6.2.7\PlaxoHelper.exe -a
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [WallPaper] C:\Program Files\WallPaper.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [MSKAGENTEXE] C:\PROGRA~1\MCAFEE\SPAMKI~1\MSKAGENT.EXE
O4 - Startup: SurfXccelerator.lnk = C:\Program Files\SurfXccelerator\surfx.exe
O4 - Startup: Microsoft Office Shortcut Bar.lnk = C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office\MSOFFICE.EXE
O4 - Startup: In Touch Call Manager.lnk = C:\Program Files\US Family Net\In Touch Call Manager\IcwClient.exe
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\MSJAVA.DLL
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Sun Java Console - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\MSJAVA.DLL
O9 - Extra button: Real.com - {CD67F990-D8E9-11d2-98FE-00C0F0318AFE} - C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\Shdocvw.dll
O12 - Plugin for .spop: C:\PROGRA~1\INTERN~1\Plugins\NPDocBox.dll
O16 - DPF: {74D05D43-3236-11D4-BDCD-00C04F9A3B61} (HouseCall Control) - http://a840.g.akamai.net/7/840/537/2004061001/housecall.trendmicro.com/housecall/xscan53.cab
O16 - DPF: {08BEF711-06DA-48B2-9534-802ECAA2E4F9} (PlxInstall Class) - https://www.plaxo.com/down/release/PlaxoInstall.cab
O16 - DPF: {9A9307A0-7DA4-4DAF-B042-5009F29E09E1} (ActiveScan Installer Class) - http://acs.pandasoftware.com/activescan ... asinst.cab
O16 - DPF: {04E214E5-63AF-4236-83C6-A7ADCBF9BD02} (HouseCall Control) - http://housecall60.trendmicro.com/housecall/xscan60.cab
O16 - DPF: {32564D57-0000-0010-8000-00AA00389B71} -
O16 - DPF: {31564D57-0000-0010-8000-00AA00389B71} -
O16 - DPF: {0000000A-9980-0010-8000-00AA00389B71} -
O16 - DPF: {33564D57-9980-0010-8000-00AA00389B71} -
O16 - DPF: {4ED9DDF0-7479-4BBE-9335-5A1EDB1D8A21} (McAfee.com Operating System Class) - http://download.mcafee.com/molbin/share ... insctl.cab
O16 - DPF: {BCC0FF27-31D9-4614-A68E-C18E1ADA4389} (DwnldGroupMgr Class) - http://download.mcafee.com/molbin/share ... cgdmgr.cab
O16 - DPF: {78AEEDE8-7345-4FB5-A8FE-4BFF16EF25FC} (McAfee Virtual Technician Control Class) - http://us-download.mcafee.com/products/protected/mvt/mvt.cab
O17 - HKLM\System\CCS\Services\VxD\MSTCP: Domain =
O17 - HKLM\System\CCS\Services\VxD\MSTCP: NameServer =

Hello randyjn,

I wish it was as simple as changing the homepage back, but unfortunately it isn't.

Please print out or copy these instructions\tutorials to Notepad as the internet will not be (while in Safe Mode) available to you at certain points of the removal process. Make sure to work through all the Steps in the exact order in which they are listed below. If there's anything that you don't understand, ask your question(s) before moving on with the fixes.

First of all, I would like you to download a few tools, don't use them until you are instructed to do so.

1. Download About:Buster to your Desktop or to your usual Download Folder.
   http://www.malwarebytes.org/ccount/click.php?id=1
   Unzip the files to a convenient location such as C:\AboutBuster
2. Download CWShredder to your Desktop or to your usual Download Folder.
   http://www.trendmicro.com/ftp/products/ ... redder.exe
   Run CWShredder.exe and Check for updates.

______________________________

If you already have the latest Ad-Aware SE 1.06 version, skip to Run Ad-Aware. Otherwise download Ad-Aware SE 1.06 from here and install it. Uncheck all the options before leaving the Install Wizard.

Run Ad-Aware and Click on the World Icon. Click the Connect button on the webupdate screen. If an update is available download it and install it. Click the Finish button to go back to the main screen.

Click on the Gear Icon (second from the left at the top of the window) to access the Configuration Window.

Click on the General Button on the left and select in green

• Under Safety
  
  • Automatically save log-file
  • Automatically quarantine objects prior to removal
  • Safe Mode (always request confirmation)
• Under Definitions
  
  • Prompt to udate outdated definitions - set to 7 days

Click on the Scanning Button of the left and select in green

• Under Driver, Folders & Files
  
  • Scan Within Archives
• Under Select drives & folders to scan
  
  • choose all hard drives
• Under Memory & Registry
  
  • Scan Active Processes
  • Scan Registry
  • Deep Scan Registry
  • Scan my IE favorites for banned URL’s
  • Scan my Hosts file

Click on the Advanced Button on the left and select in green

• Under Shell Integration
  
  • Move deleted files to Recycle Bin
• Under Logfile Detail Level
  
  • Include addtional object information
  • DESELECT - Include negligible objects information (make it show a red X)
  • Include environment information
• Under Alternate Data Streams
  
  • Don't log streams smaller than 0 bytes
  • Don't log ADS with the following names: CA_INOCULATEIT

Click the Tweak Button and select in green

• Under the Scanning Engine (Click on the + sign to expand)
  
  • DESELECT Unload recognized processes & modules during scan (make it show a red X)
  • Scan registry for all users instead of current user only
• Under the Cleaning Engine (Click on the + sign to expand)
  
  • Always try to unload modules before deletion
  • During Removal, unload Explorer and IE if necessary
  • Let Windows remove files in use at next reboot
• Under the Log Files (Click on the + sign to expand)
  
  • Include basic Ad-aware SE settings in logfile
  • Include additional Ad-aware SE settings in logfile
  • Include reference summarry in log file
  • Include alternate data stream details in log file

Click on Proceed to save the settings and close the program.
______________________________

Make sure that you can see hidden files.

1. Open My Computer.
2. Select the View menu and click Folder Options.
3. Select the View Tab.
4. In the Hidden files section select Show all files.
5. Click OK.

______________________________

You may want to print the rest of these instructions.

Please disconnect from the Internet and unplug your modem for the duration of this fix.

Do NOT use Internet Explorer or Outlook Express until A:B is gone. You will get reinfected if you do.
______________________________

Reboot your computer in Safe Mode.

• If the computer is running, shut down Windows, and then turn off the power.
• Wait 30 seconds, and then turn the computer on.
• As the computer starts, press and hold down the F8 key until the 98/ME Startup Menu appears.
• Ensure that the Safe Mode option is selected.
• Press Enter. The computer then begins to start in Safe mode.

______________________________

Run HijackThis, click on None of the above, just start the program, click on Scan. Put a check in the box on the left side of the following items if still present:

R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Bar = res://C:\WINDOWS\lajxi.dll/sp.html#93256
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Bar = res://C:\WINDOWS\lajxi.dll/sp.html#93256
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {B0F98469-371C-FBED-8A67-0E2072EFC711} - (no file)
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {1E630CC0-5B87-F49E-6825-C15AA0FA2CC6} - (no file)
O16 - DPF: {32564D57-0000-0010-8000-00AA00389B71} -
O16 - DPF: {31564D57-0000-0010-8000-00AA00389B71} -
O16 - DPF: {0000000A-9980-0010-8000-00AA00389B71} -
O16 - DPF: {33564D57-9980-0010-8000-00AA00389B71} -
O17 - HKLM\System\CCS\Services\VxD\MSTCP: Domain =
O17 - HKLM\System\CCS\Services\VxD\MSTCP: NameServer =

Close ALL windows and browsers except HijackThis and click Fix checked
______________________________

Using Windows Explorer, Search and Delete these Files if listed:

C:\WINDOWS\lajxi.dll

If you get an error when deleting a file, right click on the file and check to see if the read only attribute is checked. If it is uncheck it and try again.
______________________________

Navigate to the C:\Aboutbuster directory and double-click on AboutBuster.exe. Click Begin Removal to allow AboutBuster to scan. When it has finished, AboutBuster will open a Scan Completed window. Click Ok. Another information window will open. Click on Exit. AboutBuster will inform you that a log has been created. Click Ok. I will need you to post that log later.

Open CWShredder. Close ALL windows except CWShredder and click on the Fix button, then click Next.
______________________________

Run Ad-Aware and Click on the Scan Now Button

• Choose Perform Full System Scan
• DESELECT Search for negligible risk entries, as negligible risk entries (MRU's) are not considered to be a threat. (make it show a red X)

Click Next to begin the scan. When the scan is completed, the Performing System Scan screen will change name to Scan Complete.

Click the Next Button to get to the Scanning Results Window where more information about the objects detected during the scan is available. Click the Critical Objects Tab. In general all of the items listed will be bad. To fix all the bad critical objects, right click on one of them, click the Select All entry in the pop-up menu to mark all entries. Click Next and then OK in the dialog box to confirm the removal.
______________________________

Clean out your Temporary files, Temporary Internet files and Recycle Bin. Procede like this:

Quit Internet Explorer and quit any instances of Windows Explorer.
Click on Start then Run.
Type in cleanmgr and then Click on OK.
When the Disk Cleanup window opens, check the boxes to the left of the following:

• Temporary Internet Files
• Recycle Bin and
• Temporary Files.

Click on OK.
______________________________

Reboot into normal mode and open up Internet Explorer

Download and run this online virus scan if you can:<---Important
http://housecall.trendmicro.com/houseca ... t_corp.asp
Make sure you check "AutoClean"
______________________________

Run HijackThis again a post a fresh log along with the About:Buster log and the Trend scan Log if possible.

The process got rid of a lot of stuff and that is good. After the reboot it was even doggier. I had to quit so I shut the system down because it would hang on everything. When restarting the system it had not changed. I just left it run after that and now it is quicker but still slowness. At least the mouse now isn't hanging on every click. Still can not get housecall to load it starts then hangs about half way through. Here is the Hijackthis file after the first reboot and did nothing else.

Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.1
Scan saved at 10:41:11 PM, on 1/8/06
Platform: Windows 98 Gold (Win9x 4.10.1998)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v6.00 SP1 (6.00.2800.1106)

Running processes:
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\KERNEL32.DLL
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\MSGSRV32.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\MPREXE.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\MCAFEE.COM\VSO\MCVSRTE.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\SPOOL32.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\mmtask.tsk
C:\WINDOWS\EXPLORER.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\SYSTRAY.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\MCAFEE.COM\VSO\MCVSSHLD.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\MCAFEE.COM\VSO\MCVSESCN.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\MCAFEE.COM\AGENT\MCTSKSHD.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\MICROSOFT OFFICE\OFFICE\MSOFFICE.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\RNAAPP.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\TAPISRV.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\DDHELP.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\HIJACKTHIS\HIJACKTHIS.EXE

R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Connection Wizard,ShellNext = http://login.usfamily.net/cgi-bin/home.cgi
R3 - Default URLSearchHook is missing
O2 - BHO: Yahoo! Companion BHO - {02478D38-C3F9-4efb-9B51-7695ECA05670} - C:\PROGRAM FILES\YAHOO!\COMPANION\INSTALLS\CPN\YCOMP5_5_7_0.DLL
O2 - BHO: AcroIEHlprObj Class - {06849E9F-C8D7-4D59-B87D-784B7D6BE0B3} - C:\PROGRAM FILES\ADOBE\ACROBAT 5.0\READER\ACTIVEX\ACROIEHELPER.OCX
O2 - BHO: PBlockHelper Class - {4115122B-85FF-4DD3-9515-F075BEDE5EB5} - C:\PROGRAM FILES\SURFXCCELERATOR\PBHELPER.DLL
O3 - Toolbar: &Radio - {8E718888-423F-11D2-876E-00A0C9082467} - C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\MSDXM.OCX
O3 - Toolbar: Yahoo! Companion - {EF99BD32-C1FB-11D2-892F-0090271D4F88} - C:\PROGRAM FILES\YAHOO!\COMPANION\INSTALLS\CPN\YCOMP5_5_7_0.DLL
O3 - Toolbar: McAfee VirusScan - {BA52B914-B692-46c4-B683-905236F6F655} - C:\PROGRAM FILES\MCAFEE.COM\VSO\MCVSSHL.DLL
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SystemTray] SysTray.Exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [VirusScan Online] "C:\PROGRA~1\MCAFEE.COM\VSO\mcvsshld.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [MCUpdateExe] C:\PROGRA~1\MCAFEE.COM\AGENT\MCUPDATE.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [MCAgentExe] C:\PROGRA~1\MCAFEE.COM\AGENT\McAgent.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [VSOCheckTask] "C:\PROGRA~1\MCAFEE.COM\VSO\MCMNHDLR.EXE" /checktask
O4 - HKLM\..\RunServices: [McVsRte] C:\PROGRA~1\MCAFEE.COM\VSO\mcvsrte.exe /embedding
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [PlaxoUpdate] C:\Program Files\Plaxo\2.6.2.7\PlaxoHelper.exe -a
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [WallPaper] C:\Program Files\WallPaper.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [MSKAGENTEXE] C:\PROGRA~1\MCAFEE\SPAMKI~1\MSKAGENT.EXE
O4 - Startup: SurfXccelerator.lnk = C:\Program Files\SurfXccelerator\surfx.exe
O4 - Startup: Microsoft Office Shortcut Bar.lnk = C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office\MSOFFICE.EXE
O4 - Startup: In Touch Call Manager.lnk = C:\Program Files\US Family Net\In Touch Call Manager\IcwClient.exe
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\MSJAVA.DLL
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Sun Java Console - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\MSJAVA.DLL
O9 - Extra button: Real.com - {CD67F990-D8E9-11d2-98FE-00C0F0318AFE} - C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\Shdocvw.dll
O12 - Plugin for .spop: C:\PROGRA~1\INTERN~1\Plugins\NPDocBox.dll
O16 - DPF: {74D05D43-3236-11D4-BDCD-00C04F9A3B61} (HouseCall Control) - http://a840.g.akamai.net/7/840/537/2004061001/housecall.trendmicro.com/housecall/xscan53.cab
O16 - DPF: {08BEF711-06DA-48B2-9534-802ECAA2E4F9} (PlxInstall Class) - https://www.plaxo.com/down/release/PlaxoInstall.cab
O16 - DPF: {9A9307A0-7DA4-4DAF-B042-5009F29E09E1} (ActiveScan Installer Class) - http://acs.pandasoftware.com/activescan ... asinst.cab
O16 - DPF: {04E214E5-63AF-4236-83C6-A7ADCBF9BD02} (HouseCall Control) - http://housecall60.trendmicro.com/housecall/xscan60.cab
O16 - DPF: {4ED9DDF0-7479-4BBE-9335-5A1EDB1D8A21} (McAfee.com Operating System Class) - http://download.mcafee.com/molbin/share ... insctl.cab
O16 - DPF: {BCC0FF27-31D9-4614-A68E-C18E1ADA4389} (DwnldGroupMgr Class) - http://download.mcafee.com/molbin/share ... cgdmgr.cab
O16 - DPF: {78AEEDE8-7345-4FB5-A8FE-4BFF16EF25FC} (McAfee Virtual Technician Control Class) - http://us-download.mcafee.com/products/protected/mvt/mvt.cab

Did you run About Buster and CWShredder ? If yes, I want to see the About Buster log. The file is called AB Logfile.txt

A what point did you have difficulties to boot ? Did you follow all the instructions or did you stop them at a certain point ? Is it only the Trend Scan that you didn't do ?

If you did follow everything execept the Trend Scan (we have some reports of the scan hanging up lately), use this scan instead :

Please do an online scan with Kaspersky Online Scanner

Click on Kaspersky Online Scanner

You will be promted to install an ActiveX component from Kaspersky, Click Yes.

• The program will launch and then start to download the latest definition files.
• Once the scanner is installed and the definitions downloaded, click Next.
• Now click on Scan Settings
• In the scan settings make that the following are selected:
  
  • Scan using the following Anti-Virus database:
    
    • Extended (If available otherwise Standard)
  • Scan Options:
    
    • Scan Archives
    • Scan Mail Bases
• Click OK
• Now under select a target to scan select My Computer
• The scan will take a while so be patient and let it run. Once the scan is complete it will display if your system has been infected.
• Now click on the Save as Text button:
• Save the file to your desktop.
• Copy and paste that information in your next post.

Kim

Here is the Log file:
AboutBuster 6.0
Scan started on [1/8/06] at [7:40:13 PM]
-------------------------------------------------------------
Internet Explorer Instances Terminated!
HomeSearch Service stopped if present
-------------------------------------------------------------
Streams(ADS) not scanned: System not NTFS
-------------------------------------------------------------
Removed File! : C:\WINDOWS\zxvgg.dat
Removed File! : C:\WINDOWS\dzref.log
Removed File! : C:\WINDOWS\nayxux.txt
Removed File! : C:\WINDOWS\gbrkoh.txt
Removed File! : C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\pgqqo.log
Removed File! : C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\kimge.txt
-------------------------------------------------------------
Removed Temp Files
Internet Explorer Settings Reset!
-------------------------------------------------------------
Scan was COMPLETED SUCCESSFULLY at 7:42:23 PM

I believe I followed the instruction to the letter. I do not believe that I missed any of the steps. Doing phone support myself I understand following instructions.
The PC still is slow from the very start, but there was improvement at least it will keep up with my typing now. I don't have to wait for the mouse as long now. When the W98 starts you get the startup sound which is not reconizable & takes 3 time longer to finish as normal. When wav files run I am unable to understand the msg. Trend scan was the only thing that did not work. I'm thinking that Mcafee is the problem, but have not unloaded it yet. I had a customer today that could not display a page until he did Mcafee update, I don't understand that one. Will try Kaspersky
Thanks for the help.

Hello randyjn,

Thanks for posting the About Buster log. Something is probably still a bit messed up, we still have to go through a few steps because this infection may delete some legit Windows files. I'm not sure that the Trend issue is related to McAfee, several experts on the forum did install the Trend scan and it seems that something is not working properly on Trend's end.

Now we need to see if we need to restore some deleted files.
Use the Start > Search function to find the following Files:

control.exe
rundll32.exe
wmplayer.exe
msconfig.exe
notepad.exe
shell.dll
SDHelper.dll

If any are missing or not working properly then you can download new copies from Merijn's Files and follow the instructions at that site to install them where they belong for your OS.

If you are having any difficulty with Notepad, please go to Merijn's Files and choose 'Windows Files' from the menu on the left hand side of the page. Then choose 'Notepad' from the list and download it to the appropriate location.

This infection often deletes some system files that need to be replaced. The most frequent one it deletes is shell.dll in Win2K or XP. In XP there are two copies of this file, one in Windows (WINNT) and one in Windows\System32. It does not delete the one in Windows\System so it does not affect Win9x/ME. If you find it missing, please copy the shell.dll from c:\windows\system32\dllcache into both \Windows (WINNT) and Windows\System32 .

The other system file which is most frequently deleted is control.exe. Please check to make sure that you have this file and it is the correct size. If not Please check for the existence of this file by going to to Merijn's Files and examine where the file should be for your operating system. If the file is missing then download the appropriate file and place it in the proper place according to the information at this website. The control.exe is more often deleted in Win9x/ME.

If you have Spybot S&D installed you will also need to replace one file. Go here: Merijn's Files (sdhelper) and download SDHelper.dll. Copy the file to the folder containing you Spybot S&D program (normally C:\Program Files\Spybot - Search & Destroy). Then click Start > Run > regsvr32 "C:\Program Files\Spybot - Search & Destroy\SDHelper.dll" and press the OK button
____________________________

Download hoster to your Desktop or to your usual Download Folder.
http://www.funkytoad.com/download/hoster.zip
Unzip it to your Desktop.

Locate Hoster.exe and double-click on it.
Click on Restore Original Hosts
Close the program.
____________________________

I'm awaiting the Kaspersky scan so that we can see if anything else needs to be cleaned up. Please post the results along with a new Hijackthis log.

Kim

After much struggles with getting the info here it is:

I did find that the control file was missing downloaded & installed the file. All of the other files exsisted on the pc. I could not find the spybot file on the net so I have not replaced it yet. To do anything takes forever.

Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.1
Scan saved at 4:09:01 PM, on 1/14/06
Platform: Windows 98 Gold (Win9x 4.10.1998)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v6.00 SP1 (6.00.2800.1106)

Running processes:
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\KERNEL32.DLL
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\MSGSRV32.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\SPOOL32.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\MPREXE.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\MCAFEE.COM\VSO\MCVSRTE.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\mmtask.tsk
C:\WINDOWS\EXPLORER.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\SYSTRAY.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\MCAFEE.COM\VSO\MCVSSHLD.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\MCAFEE.COM\VSO\MCVSESCN.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\MCAFEE.COM\AGENT\MCAGENT.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\MCAFEE.COM\AGENT\MCTSKSHD.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\MICROSOFT OFFICE\OFFICE\MSOFFICE.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\US FAMILY NET\IN TOUCH CALL MANAGER\ICWCLIENT.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\MOZILLA FIREFOX\FIREFOX.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\OUTLOOK EXPRESS\MSIMN.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\PSTORES.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\RNAAPP.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\TAPISRV.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\CMMON32.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\HIJACKTHIS\HIJACKTHIS.EXE

R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://www.usfamily.net/
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Connection Wizard,ShellNext = http://login.usfamily.net/cgi-bin/home.cgi
R3 - Default URLSearchHook is missing
O2 - BHO: Yahoo! Companion BHO - {02478D38-C3F9-4efb-9B51-7695ECA05670} - C:\PROGRAM FILES\YAHOO!\COMPANION\INSTALLS\CPN\YCOMP5_5_7_0.DLL
O2 - BHO: AcroIEHlprObj Class - {06849E9F-C8D7-4D59-B87D-784B7D6BE0B3} - C:\PROGRAM FILES\ADOBE\ACROBAT 5.0\READER\ACTIVEX\ACROIEHELPER.OCX
O2 - BHO: PBlockHelper Class - {4115122B-85FF-4DD3-9515-F075BEDE5EB5} - C:\PROGRAM FILES\SURFXCCELERATOR\PBHELPER.DLL
O3 - Toolbar: &Radio - {8E718888-423F-11D2-876E-00A0C9082467} - C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\MSDXM.OCX
O3 - Toolbar: Yahoo! Companion - {EF99BD32-C1FB-11D2-892F-0090271D4F88} - C:\PROGRAM FILES\YAHOO!\COMPANION\INSTALLS\CPN\YCOMP5_5_7_0.DLL
O3 - Toolbar: McAfee VirusScan - {BA52B914-B692-46c4-B683-905236F6F655} - C:\PROGRAM FILES\MCAFEE.COM\VSO\MCVSSHL.DLL
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SystemTray] SysTray.Exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [VirusScan Online] "C:\PROGRA~1\MCAFEE.COM\VSO\mcvsshld.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [MCUpdateExe] C:\PROGRA~1\MCAFEE.COM\AGENT\MCUPDATE.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [MCAgentExe] C:\PROGRA~1\MCAFEE.COM\AGENT\McAgent.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [VSOCheckTask] "C:\PROGRA~1\MCAFEE.COM\VSO\MCMNHDLR.EXE" /checktask
O4 - HKLM\..\RunServices: [McVsRte] C:\PROGRA~1\MCAFEE.COM\VSO\mcvsrte.exe /embedding
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [PlaxoUpdate] C:\Program Files\Plaxo\2.6.2.7\PlaxoHelper.exe -a
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [WallPaper] C:\Program Files\WallPaper.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [MSKAGENTEXE] C:\PROGRA~1\MCAFEE\SPAMKI~1\MSKAGENT.EXE
O4 - Startup: SurfXccelerator.lnk = C:\Program Files\SurfXccelerator\surfx.exe
O4 - Startup: Microsoft Office Shortcut Bar.lnk = C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office\MSOFFICE.EXE
O4 - Startup: In Touch Call Manager.lnk = C:\Program Files\US Family Net\In Touch Call Manager\IcwClient.exe
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\MSJAVA.DLL
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Sun Java Console - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\MSJAVA.DLL
O9 - Extra button: Real.com - {CD67F990-D8E9-11d2-98FE-00C0F0318AFE} - C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\Shdocvw.dll
O12 - Plugin for .spop: C:\PROGRA~1\INTERN~1\Plugins\NPDocBox.dll
O16 - DPF: {74D05D43-3236-11D4-BDCD-00C04F9A3B61} (HouseCall Control) - http://a840.g.akamai.net/7/840/537/2004061001/housecall.trendmicro.com/housecall/xscan53.cab
O16 - DPF: {08BEF711-06DA-48B2-9534-802ECAA2E4F9} (PlxInstall Class) - https://www.plaxo.com/down/release/PlaxoInstall.cab
O16 - DPF: {9A9307A0-7DA4-4DAF-B042-5009F29E09E1} (ActiveScan Installer Class) - http://acs.pandasoftware.com/activescan ... asinst.cab
O16 - DPF: {04E214E5-63AF-4236-83C6-A7ADCBF9BD02} (HouseCall Control) - http://housecall60.trendmicro.com/housecall/xscan60.cab
O16 - DPF: {4ED9DDF0-7479-4BBE-9335-5A1EDB1D8A21} (McAfee.com Operating System Class) - http://download.mcafee.com/molbin/share ... insctl.cab
O16 - DPF: {BCC0FF27-31D9-4614-A68E-C18E1ADA4389} (DwnldGroupMgr Class) - http://download.mcafee.com/molbin/share ... cgdmgr.cab
O16 - DPF: {78AEEDE8-7345-4FB5-A8FE-4BFF16EF25FC} (McAfee Virtual Technician Control Class) - http://us-download.mcafee.com/products/protected/mvt/mvt.cab
O16 - DPF: {0EB0E74A-2A76-4AB3-A7FB-9BD8C29F7F75} (CKAVWebScan Object) - http://www.kaspersky.com/downloads/kws/ ... n_ansi.cab


-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
KASPERSKY ON-LINE SCANNER REPORT
Saturday, January 14, 2006 15:14:12
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 98
Kaspersky On-line Scanner version: 5.0.67.0
Kaspersky Anti-Virus database last update: 13/01/2006
Kaspersky Anti-Virus database records: 170838
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Scan Settings:
Scan using the following antivirus database: extended
Scan Archives: true
Scan Mail Bases: true

Scan Target - My Computer:
a:\
c:\
d:\
e:\

Scan Statistics:
Total number of scanned objects: 17749
Number of viruses found: 2
Number of infected objects: 10
Number of suspicious objects: 0
Duration of the scan process: 16413 sec

Infected Object Name - Virus Name
c:\WINDOWS\Application Data\Identities\{71C703C0-E016-11D8-9858-975C3D9F9D6F}\Microsoft\Outlook Express\Deleted Items.dbx/[From [removed]][Date Wed, 21 Dec 2005 06:15:41 +0600]/UNNAMED/html Infected: Trojan-Spy.HTML.Bayfraud.hn
c:\WINDOWS\Application Data\Identities\{71C703C0-E016-11D8-9858-975C3D9F9D6F}\Microsoft\Outlook Express\Deleted Items.dbx/[From [removed]][Date Wed, 21 Dec 2005 06:15:41 +0600]/UNNAMED Infected: Trojan-Spy.HTML.Bayfraud.hn
c:\WINDOWS\Application Data\Identities\{71C703C0-E016-11D8-9858-975C3D9F9D6F}\Microsoft\Outlook Express\Deleted Items.dbx/[From [removed]][Date Fri, 30 Dec 2005 20:00:11 +0200]/UNNAMED/html Infected: Trojan-Spy.HTML.Bayfraud.hn
c:\WINDOWS\Application Data\Identities\{71C703C0-E016-11D8-9858-975C3D9F9D6F}\Microsoft\Outlook Express\Deleted Items.dbx/[From [removed]][Date Fri, 30 Dec 2005 20:00:11 +0200]/UNNAMED Infected: Trojan-Spy.HTML.Bayfraud.hn
c:\WINDOWS\Application Data\Identities\{71C703C0-E016-11D8-9858-975C3D9F9D6F}\Microsoft\Outlook Express\Deleted Items.dbx/[From [removed]][Date Tue, 03 Jan 2006 07:00:58 -0100]/UNNAMED/html Infected: Trojan-Spy.HTML.Bayfraud.hn
c:\WINDOWS\Application Data\Identities\{71C703C0-E016-11D8-9858-975C3D9F9D6F}\Microsoft\Outlook Express\Deleted Items.dbx/[From [removed]][Date Tue, 03 Jan 2006 07:00:58 -0100]/UNNAMED Infected: Trojan-Spy.HTML.Bayfraud.hn
c:\WINDOWS\Application Data\Identities\{71C703C0-E016-11D8-9858-975C3D9F9D6F}\Microsoft\Outlook Express\Deleted Items.dbx/[From [removed]][Date Sat, 07 Jan 2006 01:32:30 -0700]/UNNAMED/html Infected: Trojan-Spy.HTML.Bayfraud.hn
c:\WINDOWS\Application Data\Identities\{71C703C0-E016-11D8-9858-975C3D9F9D6F}\Microsoft\Outlook Express\Deleted Items.dbx/[From [removed]][Date Sat, 07 Jan 2006 01:32:30 -0700]/UNNAMED Infected: Trojan-Spy.HTML.Bayfraud.hn
c:\WINDOWS\Application Data\Identities\{71C703C0-E016-11D8-9858-975C3D9F9D6F}\Microsoft\Outlook Express\Deleted Items.dbx Infected: Trojan-Spy.HTML.Bayfraud.hn
c:\WINDOWS\Downloaded Program Files\AdmilliServX.dll Infected: not-a-virus:AdWare.Win32.WinAD.j

Scan process completed.

I found the SDhelp file for spybot.
The host file was missing and was restored

Thanks

Hello randyjn,

We still might have some leftovers.

If Spybot - S&D 1.4 is already installed on your system, skip to Update Spybot - S&D before using it. Otherwise download Spybot - S&D from the following link:
Spybot - Search and Destroy

When you have downloaded the program, double click on the downloaded file to start the installation. Follow the default selections, pressing the Next button until you get to the Select Additional Tasks screen.

Under Permanent protection, make sure to uncheck the following items for now:

• Use Internet Explorer Protection
• Use system settings Protection (TeaTimer)

Press the Next button and then the Install button to start the installation process. When the installation process is complete, make sure that Run Teatimer is unchecked.

Launch Spybot - S&D

If you told Spybot to launch when it was done installing, the program should now be open. Otherwise find the icon on your desktop and double-click on it. When you use Spybot - S&D for the first time, it will prompt you for certain tasks to complete. Skip all tasks for now by pressing the Next button. Click on the button labeled Start using this program to begin using Spybot - Search & Destroy.

Update Spybot - S&D before using it

Click on the Search for Updates button. If there are available updates, they will be listed. Click on the Download Updates button and Spybot - S&D will download the updates and install them.
______________________________

Run Spybot - S&D

Click the button Check for Problems
When Spybot is complete, it will be showing RED entries, BLACK entries and GREEN entries in the window.
Make sure that there is a check mark beside all of the RED entries ONLY.
Choose Fix Selected Problems and allow Spybot to fix the RED entries.

If it has trouble removing any spyware, you will get a message window, asking if it would be ok to run Spybot - S&D on the next reboot before any other applications start running. You should reply Yes to this. The next time you start Windows, Spybot will run automatically and fix any of the programs it could not fix previously.

At this point you will be presented with the list of found entries again, but now there will be large green checkmarks next to the items that Spybot - S&D was able to remove. The ones that are still checked but do not have the large green checkmark next to them will be fixed on the next reboot of windows.
______________________________

You've got infected emails in the deleted items box. Since I don't want to load them by opening OE, perform the following:

Using Windows Explorer navigate to :
c:\WINDOWS\Application Data\Identities\{71C703C0-E016-11D8-9858-975C3D9F9D6F}\Microsoft\Outlook Express

Delete the file Deleted Items.dbx
______________________________

Click Start then Run and Type command and click Ok. Enter the following lines in the DOS box followed by Enter:

regsvr32 /u c:\WINDOWS\Downlo~1\Admill~1.dll
hit enter

attrib -r -s -h c:\WINDOWS\Downlo~1\Admill~1.dll
hit enter

del c:\WINDOWS\Downlo~1\Admill~1.dll
hit enter

Close the DOS Window.
______________________________

Maybe some other essential files are missing because A:B deletes system files.

System File Checker checks for damaged or replaced system files, and then prompts you to replace any files that do not match the original Windows 98 files.

To start System File Checker, follow these steps:

1. Click Start, point to Programs, point to Accessories, point to System Tools, click System Information, and then click System File Checker on the Tools menu.
2. Click Scan For Altered Files
3. Click Settings, choose the configuration you want to use in System File Checker Settings, click OK, and then click Start.

______________________________

If the computer is still slow and if you still have the mouse that moves slowly, it might be due to a program that uses a high amout of CPU. The tool below can help you to see if any drivers are not loading correctly.

Automatic Skip Driver Agent identifies devices that can cause Windows 98 or Windows Me to stop responding (hang) when you start your computer, and then disables them so that they are bypassed when you next restart your computer.

To start Automatic Skip Driver, click Start, point to Programs, point to Accessories, point to System Tools, click System Information, and then click Automatic Skip Driver Agent on the Tools menu.

All devices or operations that have failed to start are listed by Automatic Skip Driver Agent. You can use Automatic Skip Driver Agent to enable any device it has previously disabled, and Windows then tries to use the device when you next restart your computer. If this device or operation does not start correctly, your computer stops responding.

If you then restart your computer for a third time, Automatic Skip Driver Agent prevents the device or operation from running, and when your computer starts, click Details to identify the device or operation that does not start correctly and then display a suggested course of action.

If Automatic Skip Driver Agent is unable to locate any errors, you may receive a message stating so, and you can then click OK to quit Automatic Skip Driver Agent.

NOTE: Devices disabled by Automatic Skip Driver Agent to allow Windows to start are recorded in the Asd.log file.
______________________________

It has been a long time since I did work on Windows 98, so I'm not sure that this module is installed or that it will tell us the information we are looking for.

Click Start, point to Programs, point to Accessories, point to System Tools, click System Information, and then click System Monitor on the Tools menu.

Is there a program that stands out in CPU usage (high CPU usage) ? If yes, can you tell me which one.

Let me know how things are running now. Try to give me the best description as possible please.

Kim

I was unsucessful in running the regsvr32 /u tool. It reported a "bad command or file name." A search shows the file but for some reason will not run. I'm going to run the file scan, the next step, to see if can be reloaded or something else is missing. I found out the other day that I have a newer version of 89 & I'm thinking of just loading it over the top if everything is clean. But the learning experance is fun so I keep plugging along.
Thanks
Randy

I just want to follow up with what I ended up doing. I had gone to Panda software's free scan, so I did that which took forever and it found a bunch of spyware on my system. To clean what it found you need to install their trial program. During the process it wants to remove Mcafee from my system and I let it do that. Emediately after Mcafee was off the computer is back at normal speed or close to it. So it appears that the latest version of Mcafee is a resource hog. It dose have about 4 or 5 processes running. Then Panda finished installing after a reboot and that went fine. But on the reboot after Panda install the pc would only boot to the safe mode. Removing Panda took care of that problem. Now I don't have any protection on this pc and I'm not sure what I'm going to do now that those 2 don't work. At least now the sound is normal, boot time is normal & I do not have to wait for the mouse.

Thanks Kim for your assistance and you helped a lot. I would recommend you anytime.

God Bless
Randy

Hello Randy,

Thanks for the follow up, much appreciated.
I did indeed read that a few people had some trouble with the latest McAfee update, that's why I wanted to know if there was an outstanding process with high CPU usage. No refers to Windows 98 but to XP when I did see that problem.

It's true that Panda uses a hugh amount of ressources, I did notice that on my laptop. I did install the Panda trial in order to help someone to remove it from his PC. (tracked the registry keys and files) The trial ended and the uninstaller did cause an error so we had to remove everything manually from the PC.
I could hardly work with Panda installed although that PC has 512 of RAM ...

May I suggest AVG Free edition maybe as an Antivirus solution ... I think it doesn't use much ressources. I can ask some advice here to the staff, some people still have Windows 98 or ME installed.
http://www.grisoft.com/doc/289/lng/us/tpl/tpl01


Below are a few simple steps in order to keep your computer clean and secure:

Windows, Internet Explorer and Microsoft Office Updates

Visit Microsoft's Windows Update Site frequently. This will ensure your computer has always the latest security updates available installed on your computer. If there are new updates to install, install them immediately, reboot your computer, and revisit the site until there are no more critical updates.

If you are running Microsoft Office, or any application of it, go to the Microsoft's Office Update site and make sure you have at least all the critical updates installed.

If you have trouble with Windows Update, you still can get all the Critical Updates, Security Fixes and Service Packs. Below are a few links to bookmark.

Microsoft Security Bulletins
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/current.aspx

Office downloads
http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/offic ... fault.aspx

Download Center
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/search.aspx

Microsoft Security Advisories
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/advisory/default.mspx

Recently Published
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/recent/default.mspx

Make your Internet Explorer more secure

1. From within Internet Explorer click on the Tools menu and then click on Options.
2. Click on the Security tab
3. Click the Internet icon so it becomes highlighted.
4. Click on Default Level and click Ok
5. Click on the Custom Level button.
   
   • Change the Download signed ActiveX controls to Prompt
   • Change the Download unsigned ActiveX controls to Disable
   • Change the Initialise and script ActiveX controls not marked as safe to Disable
   • Change the Installation of desktop items to Prompt
   • Change the Launching programs and files in an IFRAME to Prompt
   • Change the Navigate sub-frames across different domains to Prompt
   • When all these settings have been made, click on the OK button.
   • If it prompts you as to whether or not you want to save the settings, press the Yes button.
6. Next press the Apply button and then the OK to exit the Internet Properties page.

Take the time to check out the following links

Resources for using Internet Explorer 6
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=867470

Microsoft Malicious Software Removal Tool
http://www.microsoft.com/security/malwareremove/families.mspx

Keep your Sun Java up to date

The most current version of Sun Java is: Java Runtime Environment Version 5.0 Update 6

To check if you have the latest version installed and get the needed updates, please go to the link below:
http://www.java.com/en/download/windows_automatic.jsp
You'll need to use IE and allow ActiveX for this update. Follow the instructions on that page to check your Java Software.

Or you can get the manual download here:
http://www.java.com/en/download/manual.jsp

Check in your Control Panel, under Add/Remove programs and uninstall ALL older versions of Sun Java. And in the future, remember to remove older versions of Java when you automatically update to a newer version to avoid exploitation of older versions left on your system.

Check out these topics for more information:
http://spywarewarrior.com/viewtopic.php?t=17910
http://spywarewarrior.com/viewtopic.php?t=17598

Download and install the following free programs

• SpywareBlaster
  SpywareBlaster will add a large list of programs and sites into your Internet Explorer settings that will protect you from running and downloading known malicious programs.
  You can download SpywareBlaster here
  A tutorial can be found here
• SpywareGuard
  It provides a degree of real-time protection solution against spyware that is a great addition to SpywareBlaster's protection method. An anti-virus program scans files before you open them and prevents execution if a virus is detected - SpywareGuard does the same thing, but for spyware. And you can easily have an anti-virus program running alongside SpywareGuard. It also features Download Protection and Browser Hijacking Protection.
  You can download SpywareGuard here
  A tutorial can be found here
• IE-SPYAD
  IE-SPYAD puts over 5000 sites in your restricted zone, so you'll be protected when you visit innocent-looking sites that aren't actually innocent at all. It basically prevents any downloads, cookies, scripts from the sites listed, although you will still be able to connect to the sites.
  You can download IE-SPYAD here
  A tutorial can be found here
• Hosts File
  A Hosts file replaces your current HOSTS file with one containing well known ad, spyware sites etc. Basically, this prevents your coputer from connecting to those sites by redirecting them to 127.0.0.1 which is your local computer.
  A tutorial tutorial can be found here
  
  • MVPS Hosts File
    You can download the MVPS Hosts File here
    Furthermore the website contains useful tips and links to other resources and utilities.

Install Spyware Detection and Removal Programs

• Ad-Aware
  It scans for known spyware on your computer. These scans should be run at least once every two weeks.
  You can download Ad-Aware here
  A tutorial can be found here
• Spybot - Search & Destroy
  It scans for spyware and other malicious programs. Spybot has preventitive tools that stop programs from even installing on your computer.
  You can download Spybot - S&D here
  A tutorial can be found here

Before adding any other Spyware Detection and Removal programs always check the Rogue Anti-Spyware List for programs known to be misleading, mistaken, or just outright "Foistware".
You will find the list here

WinPatrol

WinPatrol uses a heuristic approach to detecting attacks and violations of your computing environment. Traditional security programs scan your hard drive searching for previously identified threats. WinPatrol takes snapshot of your critical system resources and alerts you to any changes that may occur without your knowledge. You'll be removing dangerous new programs while others download new reference files.

• Detect & Neutralize Spyware.
• Detect & Neutralize ADware.
• Detect & Neutralize Viral infections.
• Detect & Neutralize Unwanted IE Add-Ons.
• Detect & Restore File Type Changes.
• Automatically Filter Unwanted Cookies.
• Avoid Start Page Hijacking.
• Detect changes to HOSTS & critical system files.
• Kill Multiple Tasks that replicate each other, in a single step!
• Stop programs that repeatedly add themselves to your Startup List!

Starting with WinPatrol 9.5 PLUS users also get the addition of Real-time Infiltration Detection so they'll know immediately when changes are made to critical system areas. WinPatrol Free is not demo or trial software. You're welcome to use it as long as you like.
You can download WinPatrol here
WinPatrol FAQ

SiteHound by Firetrust

Firetrust introduces the SiteHound Toolbar - the safe way to browse the Internet. With SiteHound, when you browse the Internet, you're shown a warning page every time you go to a site which is a known scam, potentially loads viruses or spyware on to your computer, has questionable content or anything you would not consider reasonable. You are shown a warning page with information about that site. From there you can choose to enter the site or go back. SiteHound is a free add-on to Internet Explorer. (Users of Firefox - a version for you is coming soon.) SiteHound's comprehensive database gathers the knowledge from other users and respected experts from the online security community to tell you which sites are real and which are bogus.

SiteHound will alert you when you enter a site which is known to contain:

• Fraudulent claims or scams
• Offensive material
• Security vulnerabilities
• Spyware or Adware
• Spam related material
• or other content deemed to be unsafe

Specifically, SiteHound blocks these categories:

• Adult • Spyware • Spam Advertising • Phishing • Possible scam or fraud • Misleading or False Advertising
• Pharming • Rogue or Suspect Product • Adware • Malware or Virus

System Requirements:
Internet Explorer 5.5+ and Windows 95/98/NT 4/ME/2000/XP

Product Info & Download: SiteHound Toolbar

Use an AntiVirus Software

It is very important that your computer has an anti-virus software running on your machine. This alone can save you a lot of trouble with malware in the future. See the link below for a listing of some online & their stand-alone antivirus programs.
Computer Safety On line - Anti-Virus
http://www.malwareremoval.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=53#53

Update your Anti Virus Software

It is imperative that you update your Anti virus software at least once a week (Even more if you wish). If you do not update your anti virus software then it will not be able to catch any of the new variants that may come out.

Use a Firewall

I can not stress enough how important it is that you use a Firewall on your computer. Without a firewall your computer is susceptible to being hacked and taken over. Simply using a Firewall in its default configuration can lower your risk greatly. For an article on Firewalls and a listing of some available ones see the link below.
Computer Safety On line - Software Firewalls
http://www.malwareremoval.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=56#56
A tutorial on Understanding and Using Firewalls can be found here

Additional Information

For more information about Spyware, the tools available, and other informative material, including information on how you may have been infected in the first place, please check out this link.

A very nice collection of tutorials is available at Bleeping Computer
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/tutorials/

Finally, after following up on all these recommendations, why not run Jason Levine's Browser Security Tests ?
They will provide you with an insight on how vulnerable you might still be to a number of common exploits.
http://www.jasons-toolbox.com/BrowserSecurity/

Happy surf and please let me know if you still have spyware that needs to be removed. Don't hesitate to post a HijackThis log for review if you wish.

Kim

A small update on the antivirus :

One of our Freshman had good luck with Avast on 98SE systems:
http://www.avast.com/

It shouldn't use a lot of CPU or memory and it's funtionalities are similar to McAfee or Norton.

The data sheet below contains info and system requirements for Avast. You'll need Adobe Acrobat to read the pdf
http://download27.avast.com//files/eng/av4pro.pdf

AntiVir Personal Edition 6.32.00.51
http://www.free-av.com/antivirus/allinonen.html#
Download mirror
http://www.majorgeeks.com/download955.html

Kim