Browser Hijacked by Windowsclick.com

[GreyStone]

Using Windows XP SP3 completely up to date. Search using IE7 or Avant and Yahoo or Google. Click on a search result and get redirectde to various marketing sites by windowsclick.com. Prevents access to Windows Update - IE throws error "IE cannot openthis page". Can download spyware tools like HijackThis but cna't install unless I trick it by renaming the install file. Kaspersky finds a "Generic Win32 trojan" in Windows/Temp/3.tmp but can't remove it. Ad-Aware doesn't find anything. It won't let me register or log into this sight so I had to use another clean PC to do so. Here's my HijackThis log from today:

Logfile of Trend Micro HijackThis v2.0.2
Scan saved at 4:30:17 PM, on 1/29/2009
Platform: Windows XP SP3 (WinNT 5.01.2600)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v7.00 (7.00.6000.16762)
Boot mode: Normal

Running processes:
C:\WINDOWS\system32\csrss.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\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\Lavasoft\Ad-Aware\AAWService.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\COMMON~1\Stardock\SDMCP.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\system32\nvraidservice.exe
C:\WINDOWS\CTHELPER.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\system32\RUNDLL32.EXE
C:\Program Files\Lavasoft\Ad-Aware\AAWTray.exe
C:\Program Files\Kaspersky Lab\Kaspersky Anti-Virus 2009\avp.exe
C:\Program Files\Kaspersky Lab\Kaspersky Anti-Virus 2009\avp.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\nvsvc32.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\alg.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\wbem\unsecapp.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\wbem\wmiprvse.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\wbem\unsecapp.exe
C:\Program Files\Trend Micro\HijackThis\HijackThis.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\wbem\wmiprvse.exe

R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://www.yahoo.com/
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=69157
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Search_URL = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=54896
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=54896
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=69157
F2 - REG:system.ini: UserInit=C:\WINDOWS\system32\userinit.exe,C:\WINDOWS\system32\twex.exe,
O2 - BHO: IEVkbdBHO - {59273AB4-E7D3-40F9-A1A8-6FA9CCA1862C} - C:\Program Files\Kaspersky Lab\Kaspersky Anti-Virus 2009\ievkbd.dll
O2 - BHO: InlineSearchHandleHotKey - {B6FFE2AE-4D12-451F-B457-FE6125FFB1CF} - C:\Program Files\IEForge\Inline Search\InlineSearch.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NVRaidService] C:\WINDOWS\system32\nvraidservice.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NvCplDaemon] RUNDLL32.EXE C:\WINDOWS\system32\NvCpl.dll,NvStartup
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [nwiz] nwiz.exe /install
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [CTHelper] CTHELPER.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [CTxfiHlp] CTXFIHLP.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NvMediaCenter] RUNDLL32.EXE C:\WINDOWS\system32\NvMcTray.dll,NvTaskbarInit
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Ad-Watch] C:\Program Files\Lavasoft\Ad-Aware\AAWTray.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AVP] "C:\Program Files\Kaspersky Lab\Kaspersky Anti-Virus 2009\avp.exe"
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [NVIDIA nTune] "C:\Program Files\NVIDIA Corporation\nTune\nTuneCmd.exe" clear
O9 - Extra button: Web traffic protection statistics - {1F460357-8A94-4D71-9CA3-AA4ACF32ED8E} - C:\Program Files\Kaspersky Lab\Kaspersky Anti-Virus 2009\SCIEPlgn.dll
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {e2e2dd38-d088-4134-82b7-f2ba38496583} - C:\WINDOWS\Network Diagnostic\xpnetdiag.exe
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: @xpsp3res.dll,-20001 - {e2e2dd38-d088-4134-82b7-f2ba38496583} - C:\WINDOWS\Network Diagnostic\xpnetdiag.exe
O9 - Extra button: Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Windows Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
O16 - DPF: {6414512B-B978-451D-A0D8-FCFDF33E833C} (WUWebControl Class) - http://update.microsoft.com/microsoftup ... 2384959453
O16 - DPF: {6E32070A-766D-4EE6-879C-DC1FA91D2FC3} (MUWebControl Class) - http://update.microsoft.com/microsoftup ... 2384952343
O16 - DPF: {D27CDB6E-AE6D-11CF-96B8-444553540000} (Shockwave Flash Object) - http://fpdownload2.macromedia.com/get/s ... wflash.cab
O16 - DPF: {F6ACF75C-C32C-447B-9BEF-46B766368D29} (Creative Software AutoUpdate Support Package) - http://www.creative.com/softwareupdate/ ... /CTPID.cab
O20 - AppInit_DLLs: wbsys.dll,C:\PROGRA~1\KASPER~1\KASPER~1\mzvkbd.dll,C:\PROGRA~1\KASPER~1\KASPER~1\mzvkbd3.dll
O23 - Service: Kaspersky Anti-Virus (AVP) - Kaspersky Lab - C:\Program Files\Kaspersky Lab\Kaspersky Anti-Virus 2009\avp.exe
O23 - Service: Lavasoft Ad-Aware Service - Lavasoft - C:\Program Files\Lavasoft\Ad-Aware\AAWService.exe
O23 - Service: NVIDIA Display Driver Service (NVSvc) - NVIDIA Corporation - C:\WINDOWS\system32\nvsvc32.exe

--
End of file - 4549 bytes


Thanks in advance for any assistance rendered.

Greystone
Bethlehem, PA USA

[Bio-Hazard]

Hello and Welcome to forums!

My name is Bio-Hazard and I will be helping you to remove any infection(s) that you may have.

Please observe these rules while we work:

• I will be working on your Malware issues this may or may not solve other issues you have with your machine.
• The fixes are specific to your problem and should only be used for this issue on this machine.
• I f you don't know or understand something please don't hesitate to ask.
• Please DO NOT run any other tools or scans whilst I am helping you.
• It is important that you reply to this thread. Do not start a new topic.
• Absence of symptoms does not mean that everything is clear.

NOTE: Your security programs may give warnings for some of the tools I will ask you to use. Be assured, any links I give are safe

[Bio-Hazard]

BACKDOOR TROJAN

I'm afraid I have some bad news for you. Your computer is infected with BACKDOOR TROJAN. A backdoor gives intruders complete control of your computer, logs your keystrokes, steal personal information, etc.


Hijackthis line:
F2 - REG:system.ini: UserInit=C:\WINDOWS\system32\userinit.exe,C:\WINDOWS\system32\twex.exe,

Threatexpert report
trend Micro -TSPY_ZBOT.AEY

You are strongly advised to do the following:

• Disconnect the computer from the Internet and from any networked computers until it is cleaned.
• Back up all your important data except programs. The programs can be reinstalled back from the original disc or from the Net.
• Call all your banks, financial institutions, credit card companies and inform them that you may be a victim of identity theft and put a watch on your accounts. If you don't mind the hassle, change all youraccount numbers.
• From a clean computer, change all your passwords (ISP login password, your email address(es) passwords, financial accounts, PayPal, eBay, Amazon, online groups and forums and any other online activities you carry out which require a username and password).

Do NOT change your passwords from this computer as the attacker will be able to get all the new passwords and transaction records.

Due to its backdoor functionality, your computer is very likely to have been compromised and there is no way that it can be trusted again. Many experts in the security community believe that once infected with this type of Trojan, the best course of action would be to do a reformat and reinstallation of the operating system (OS). However, if you do not have the resources to reinstall your OS and would like me to attempt to clean your machine, I will be happy to do so. As long as you remember this: I can offer no assurances that the system will be secure afterwards.

To help you understand more, please take some time to read the following articles:

What are Remote Access Trojans and why are they dangerous
How do I respond to a possible identity theft and how do I prevent it
When should do a reformat and reinstallation of my OS
Where to backup your files
How to backup your files in Windows XP
Restoring your backups

Should you have any questions please feel free to ask.

Please let me know what you have decided to do in your next post.

[GreyStone]

Thanks very much for your help. I'm going to play it safe, reformat my drives and do a clean re-install of my OS.

Thanks again.
GreyStone

[Bio-Hazard]

Clean Install

I'll respect you decision to do a clean install.

Please make sure that you know what to do before beginning the operation.

Here are a few links that propably help:

When should I re-format? How should I reinstall?
Windows XP Clean install


Then there are a couple of things you should do immediately after installing Windows and before surfing the net.

General Security and Computer Health
Below are some steps to follow in order to dramatically lower the chances of reinfection. You may have already implemented some of the steps below, however you should follow any steps that you have not already implemented.


• Set correct settings for files
  
  • Click Start > My Computer > Tools menu (at top of page) > Folder Options > View tab.
  • Under Hidden files and folders if necessary select Do not show hidden files and folders.
  • If unchecked please check Hide protected operating system files (Recommended)
  • If necessary check Display content of system folders
  • If necessary Uncheck Hide file extensions for known file types.
  • Click OK
  
  
• Make sure that you keep your antivirus updated
  New viruses come out every minute, so it is essential that you have the latest signatures for your antivirus program to provide you with the best possible protection from malicious software.
  NOTE: You should only have one antivirus installed at a time. Having more than one antivirus program installed at once is likely to cause conflicts and may well decrease your overall protection as well as impairing the performance of your PC.
  
  Here are few FREE alternatives:
  
  • Avira AntiVir Personal- Free anti-virus software for Windows. Detects and removes more than 50000 viruses. Free support.
  • avast! 4 Home Edition - Anti-virus program for Windows. The home edition is freeware for noncommercial users.
  • AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition - Free edition of the AVG anti-virus program for Windows.
  
  
• Install and use a firewall with outbound protection
  The Windows firewall only monitors incoming traffic, NOT outgoing. Using a software firewall in its default configuration to replace the Windows firewall greatly reduces the risk of your computer being hacked. Make sure your firewall is always enabled while your computer is connected to the internet.
  NOTE: You should only have one firewall installed at a time. Having more than one firewall installed at once is likely to cause conflicts and may well decrease your overall protection as well as seriously impairing the performance of your PC.
  
  Here are few FREE alternatives:
  
  • Online-Armor Free
  • Agnitum
  • Sunbelt/Kerio (Free version after 30 days)
  • Comodo (Uncheck during installation Install Comodo SafeSurf.., Make Comodo my default search provider and Make Comodo Search my homepage and install firewall ONLY!)
  
  
• Security Updates for Windows, Internet Explorer & Microsoft Office
  Whenever a security problem in its software is found, Microsoft will usually create a patch so that after the patch is installed, attackers can't use the vulnerability to install malicious software on your PC. Keeping up with these patches will help to prevent malicious software being installed on your PC. Ensure you are registered for Windows updates via Start > right-click on My Computer > Properties > Automatic Updates tab or visit the Microsoft Update site on a regular basis.
  NOTE: The update process uses ActiveX, so you will need to use internet explorer for it and allow the ActiveX control to install.
  
• Update Non-Microsoft Programs
  Microsoft isn't the only company whose products can contain security vulnerabilities. To check whether other programs running on your PC are in need of an update, you can use the Secunia Software Inspector - I suggest that you run it at least once a month.
  
• Make Internet Explorer More Secure
  You are using Internet Explorer v. 7. Therefore please read and follow the recommendations at this SITE

Recommended Programs

I would recommend the download and installation of some or all of the following programs (if not already present), and the updating of them on a regular basis.

• 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.
  
• SpywareBlaster
  SpywareBlaster sets killbits in the registry to prevent known malicious ActiveX controls from installing on your computer. If you don't know what ActiveX controls are, see HERE. You can download SpywareBlaster from HERE.
  
• Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware
  Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware is an anti-malware application that can thoroughly remove even the most advanced malware. It includes a number of features, including a built in protection monitor that blocks malicious processes before they even start.You can download Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware from HERE. Here are two tutorials: Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware Setup Guide and Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware Scanning Guide.
  
• Hosts File
  For added protection you may also like to add a host file. A simple explanation of what a Hosts file does is HERE and for more information regarding host files read HERE.
  
• Use an alternative Internet Browser
  Many of the exploits are directed to users of Internet Explorer. Try using a different browser instead:Firefox or Opera

Finally I am trying to make one point very clear. It is ABSOLUTELY ESSENTIAL to keep all of your security programs up to date.

Please take the time to tell us what you would like to be done about the people who are behind all the problems you have had. We can only get something done about this if the people that we help, like you, are prepared to complain. We have a dedicated forum for collecting these complaints >Malware Complaints<. You need to be registered to post as, unfortunately, we were hit with too many spam posts to allow guest posting to continue. Just find your country room and register your complaint.


I'd 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.

Happy surfing and stay clean!

Bio-Hazard

[Gary R]

As your problems appear to have been resolved, this topic is now closed.

We are pleased we could help you resolve your computer's malware issues.

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