2 Items Repeat on Startup after Deletion

Today - could access Start no problem, and have installed your recommended programmes. Everything worked as normal, but then it froze when I tried to access Windows Explorer, so there is still an issue with that.

I don't understand the unreliability when it has been cleaned of all viruses and malware.

It has been updated from the MS site.


====================


Logfile of Trend Micro HijackThis v2.0.2
Scan saved at 12:23:56, on 08/06/2008
Platform: Windows XP SP3 (WinNT 5.01.2600)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v7.00 (7.00.6000.16640)
Boot mode: Normal

Running processes:
C:\WINDOWS\System32\smss.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\winlogon.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\services.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\lsass.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\Alwil Software\Avast4\aswUpdSv.exe
C:\Program Files\Alwil Software\Avast4\ashServ.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\Program Files\COMODO\Firewall\cmdagent.exe
C:\Program Files\PrevxCSI\prevxcsi.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\PrevxCSI\prevxcsi.exe
C:\Program Files\Alwil Software\Avast4\ashMaiSv.exe
C:\Program Files\Alwil Software\Avast4\ashWebSv.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\SOUNDMAN.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\system32\VTTimer.exe
C:\Program Files\Voyager 105 ADSL Modem\dslstat.exe
C:\Program Files\Voyager 105 ADSL Modem\dslagent.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\LVCOMSX.EXE
C:\Program Files\Logitech\Video\LogiTray.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\ALWILS~1\Avast4\ashDisp.exe
C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.6.0_06\bin\jusched.exe
C:\Program Files\COMODO\SafeSurf\cssurf.exe
C:\Program Files\COMODO\Firewall\cfp.exe
C:\Program Files\Logitech\Video\FxSvr2.exe
C:\Program Files\Spybot - Search & Destroy\TeaTimer.exe
C:\Program Files\Zoom Telephonics, Inc\Zoom ADSL USB Modem\dslmon.exe
C:\Program Files\BillP Studios\WinPatrol\WinPatrol.exe
C:\Program Files\Mozilla Firefox\firefox.exe
C:\WINDOWS\explorer.exe
C:\Program Files\Trend Micro\HijackThis\goodscannerone.exe

R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://www.comodo.com/search/
R3 - URLSearchHook: (no name) - {0579B4B6-0293-4d73-B02D-5EBB0BA0F0A2} - C:\Program Files\AskSBar\SrchAstt\1.bin\A2SRCHAS.DLL
O2 - BHO: Ask Search Assistant BHO - {0579B4B1-0293-4d73-B02D-5EBB0BA0F0A2} - C:\Program Files\AskSBar\SrchAstt\1.bin\A2SRCHAS.DLL
O2 - BHO: Adobe PDF Reader Link Helper - {06849E9F-C8D7-4D59-B87D-784B7D6BE0B3} - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe\Acrobat\ActiveX\AcroIEHelper.dll
O2 - BHO: Spybot-S&D IE Protection - {53707962-6F74-2D53-2644-206D7942484F} - C:\PROGRA~1\SPYBOT~1\SDHelper.dll
O2 - BHO: SSVHelper Class - {761497BB-D6F0-462C-B6EB-D4DAF1D92D43} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.6.0_06\bin\ssv.dll
O2 - BHO: Windows Live Sign-in Helper - {9030D464-4C02-4ABF-8ECC-5164760863C6} - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\Windows Live\WindowsLiveLogin.dll
O2 - BHO: Ask Toolbar BHO - {F0D4B231-DA4B-4daf-81E4-DFEE4931A4AA} - C:\Program Files\AskSBar\bar\1.bin\ASKSBAR.DLL
O3 - Toolbar: Ask Toolbar - {F0D4B239-DA4B-4daf-81E4-DFEE4931A4AA} - C:\Program Files\AskSBar\bar\1.bin\ASKSBAR.DLL
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SoundMan] SOUNDMAN.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [VTTimer] VTTimer.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [VTTrayp] VTtrayp.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [DSLSTATEXE] "C:\Program Files\Voyager 105 ADSL Modem\dslstat.exe" icon
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [DSLAGENTEXE] "C:\Program Files\Voyager 105 ADSL Modem\dslagent.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [LVCOMSX] C:\WINDOWS\system32\LVCOMSX.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [LogitechVideoRepair] "C:\Program Files\Logitech\Video\ISStart.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [LogitechVideoTray] "C:\Program Files\Logitech\Video\LogiTray.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [avast!] C:\PROGRA~1\ALWILS~1\Avast4\ashDisp.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SunJavaUpdateSched] "C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.6.0_06\bin\jusched.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Adobe Reader Speed Launcher] "C:\Program Files\Adobe\Reader 8.0\Reader\Reader_sl.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [COMODO SafeSurf] "C:\Program Files\COMODO\SafeSurf\cssurf.exe" -s
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [COMODO Firewall Pro] "C:\Program Files\COMODO\Firewall\cfp.exe" -h
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [WinPatrol] C:\Program Files\BillP Studios\WinPatrol\winpatrol.exe -expressboot
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [SpybotSD TeaTimer] C:\Program Files\Spybot - Search & Destroy\TeaTimer.exe
O4 - HKUS\S-1-5-19\..\Run: [CTFMON.EXE] C:\WINDOWS\system32\CTFMON.EXE (User 'LOCAL SERVICE')
O4 - HKUS\S-1-5-20\..\Run: [CTFMON.EXE] C:\WINDOWS\system32\CTFMON.EXE (User 'NETWORK SERVICE')
O4 - HKUS\S-1-5-18\..\Run: [CTFMON.EXE] C:\WINDOWS\system32\CTFMON.EXE (User 'SYSTEM')
O4 - HKUS\.DEFAULT\..\Run: [CTFMON.EXE] C:\WINDOWS\system32\CTFMON.EXE (User 'Default user')
O4 - Global Startup: DSLMON.lnk = ?
O8 - Extra context menu item: E&xport to Microsoft Excel - res://C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~2\Office10\EXCEL.EXE/3000
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.6.0_06\bin\ssv.dll
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Sun Java Console - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.6.0_06\bin\ssv.dll
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {DFB852A3-47F8-48C4-A200-58CAB36FD2A2} - C:\PROGRA~1\SPYBOT~1\SDHelper.dll
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Spybot - Search & Destroy Configuration - {DFB852A3-47F8-48C4-A200-58CAB36FD2A2} - C:\PROGRA~1\SPYBOT~1\SDHelper.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
O12 - Plugin for .spop: C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\Plugins\NPDocBox.dll
O16 - DPF: {05CDEE1D-D109-4992-B72B-6D4F5E2AB731} (PhotoBox uploader) - http://static.photobox.co.uk/sg/common/ImageUploader4.cab
O16 - DPF: {0EB0E74A-2A76-4AB3-A7FB-9BD8C29F7F75} (CKAVWebScan Object) - http://www.kaspersky.com/kos/eng/partne ... nicode.cab
O16 - DPF: {30528230-99f7-4bb4-88d8-fa1d4f56a2ab} (YInstStarter Class) - C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Common\yinsthelper.dll
O16 - DPF: {56762DEC-6B0D-4AB4-A8AD-989993B5D08B} (OnlineScanner Control) - http://www.eset.eu/buxus/docs/OnlineScanner.cab
O16 - DPF: {CAFEEFAC-0016-0000-0004-ABCDEFFEDCBA} (Java Plug-in 1.6.0_04) -
O16 - DPF: {CE3409C4-9E26-4F8E-83E4-778498F9E7B4} - http://static.photobox.co.uk/sg/common/uploader_uni.cab
O17 - HKLM\System\CCS\Services\Tcpip\..\{CBA2FD8F-9CF7-4707-95B6-2D921FE23E60}: NameServer = 212.159.6.9 212.159.6.10
O20 - AppInit_DLLs: C:\WINDOWS\system32\guard32.dll C:\WINDOWS\system32\cssdll32.dll
O23 - Service: Adobe LM Service - Adobe Systems - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe Systems Shared\Service\Adobelmsvc.exe
O23 - Service: avast! iAVS4 Control Service (aswUpdSv) - ALWIL Software - C:\Program Files\Alwil Software\Avast4\aswUpdSv.exe
O23 - Service: avast! Antivirus - ALWIL Software - C:\Program Files\Alwil Software\Avast4\ashServ.exe
O23 - Service: avast! Mail Scanner - ALWIL Software - C:\Program Files\Alwil Software\Avast4\ashMaiSv.exe
O23 - Service: avast! Web Scanner - ALWIL Software - C:\Program Files\Alwil Software\Avast4\ashWebSv.exe
O23 - Service: COMODO Firewall Pro Helper Service (cmdAgent) - Unknown owner - C:\Program Files\COMODO\Firewall\cmdagent.exe
O23 - Service: Cofiiaut - COMODO - (no file)
O23 - Service: CSIScanner - Prevx - C:\Program Files\PrevxCSI\prevxcsi.exe
O23 - Service: InstallDriver Table Manager (IDriverT) - Macrovision Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\InstallShield\Driver\1150\Intel 32\IDriverT.exe

--
End of file - 7467 bytes

Hi ls123,

Looking at your log, I don't see any real sign of anything malicious. At this point in the game, I really don't think what you have going on is malware related. What we are going to try next may actually seem a little reverse of what I have told you, but hopefully this is going to help with your problem, and get your system back up and running where it should be. Please print these instructions to make it easier to follow along with.

Sometimes it is actually very possible to "over protect" a system. This "over protection" if you will, can actually lead to more system problems, affect system performance, and actually work to slow down the normal workings of your system. The new Service Pack for Windows XP (SP3) has actually been found to cause some significant problems if it is installed with various software protection programs running (programs like a firewall, different Anti-Virus and Anti-Spyware programs, etc).

What I would like for you to do is to actually uninstall the Comodo firewall, Spybot S&D, SpywareBlaster, and WinPatrol as well as any other anti-malware product you may have on your system, including Prevx. Essentially uninstall everything protection related, EXCEPT for your Anti-Virus. After you have done this, reboot your system.

Once the system comes back up after the reboot, please temporarily uninstall SP3 (Service Pack 3) from Add/Remove programs. Once again, once it has been uninstalled, please reboot your system.

After the reboot, please make sure the Windows Firewall is turned ON. Do this by going into the control panel, double clicking on "Windows Firewall" and making sure it is active. In addition, we need to make sure we clean out any temp files, and also defragment your hard drive.

Next please make sure that you completely DISABLE (NOT Uninstall) your Anti-Virus program. Usually this is accomplished by right clicking on the Anti-Virus icon in the task bar, next to the clock and choosing "Exit" or "Disable".

Once your Anti-Virus has been disabled, please reinstall Service Pack 3. After successfully updating your system (installing Service Pack 3) please reboot your system TWICE, and make sure your Anti-Virus is active once again.

At this point, you should have an updated system (with SP3 installed), with Windows Firewall active, and your Anti-Virus program active, essentially it should be bare bones...

At this point in the game, you can start with reinstalling some of the Anti-Malware applications. Go easy, I would suggest the MVPS Hosts file, Spybot (WITHOUT TeaTimer), and maybe WinPatrol. Keep it simple, and see how your system behaves. Hopefully by removing some of the "over protection" your system will have allowed the "good" registry changes and updates to take place, and your system will be returned back to a state of normalcy.

I know it sounds extreme, but hopefully by doing the above, we will be able to get you functional again. Please ask if you have any questions. Good luck, I will be anxiously awaiting to hear how it goes.

Ken

Many thanks Ken for your time.

I followed everything properly. I spent a lot of time cleaning up traces of programmes which were found everywhere, despite uninstalling them correctly, rebooting etc.

After everything I had a clean Avast scan, and all was OK. When I ran Spybot after updating and immunizing, it found 2 cookies: AdRevolver, and then everything froze again.

I rebooted from Task Manager, and I can't access from Start again now. Possibly it doesn't get on with Spybot, it's the only thing I've installed so far (after MS Update 3). Everything is fozen so I'm switching off now.

Hi ls123,

Please post a new Hijack This log for me to review.

Thanks,
Ken

Sorry Ken, had to take a break as too many other things to deal with too (now on 4th mobile of new contract )

Will send one soon when I download it again.

Thanks.

Logfile of Trend Micro HijackThis v2.0.2
Scan saved at 23:41:03, on 14/06/2008
Platform: Windows XP SP3 (WinNT 5.01.2600)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v7.00 (7.00.6000.16674)
Boot mode: Normal

Running processes:
C:\WINDOWS\System32\smss.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\winlogon.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\services.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\lsass.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\Alwil Software\Avast4\aswUpdSv.exe
C:\Program Files\Alwil Software\Avast4\ashServ.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\Program Files\Bonjour\mDNSResponder.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\Alwil Software\Avast4\ashMaiSv.exe
C:\Program Files\Alwil Software\Avast4\ashWebSv.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SOUNDMAN.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\system32\VTTimer.exe
C:\Program Files\Voyager 105 ADSL Modem\dslstat.exe
C:\Program Files\Voyager 105 ADSL Modem\dslagent.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\LVCOMSX.EXE
C:\Program Files\Logitech\Video\LogiTray.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\ALWILS~1\Avast4\ashDisp.exe
C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.6.0_06\bin\jusched.exe
C:\Program Files\Logitech\Video\FxSvr2.exe
C:\Program Files\Mozilla Firefox\firefox.exe
C:\Program Files\Trend Micro\HijackThis\HijackThis.exe

O2 - BHO: Adobe PDF Reader Link Helper - {06849E9F-C8D7-4D59-B87D-784B7D6BE0B3} - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe\Acrobat\ActiveX\AcroIEHelper.dll
O2 - BHO: Spybot-S&D IE Protection - {53707962-6F74-2D53-2644-206D7942484F} - C:\PROGRA~1\SPYBOT~1\SDHelper.dll
O2 - BHO: SSVHelper Class - {761497BB-D6F0-462C-B6EB-D4DAF1D92D43} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.6.0_06\bin\ssv.dll
O2 - BHO: Windows Live Sign-in Helper - {9030D464-4C02-4ABF-8ECC-5164760863C6} - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\Windows Live\WindowsLiveLogin.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SoundMan] SOUNDMAN.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [VTTimer] VTTimer.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [VTTrayp] VTtrayp.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [DSLSTATEXE] "C:\Program Files\Voyager 105 ADSL Modem\dslstat.exe" icon
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [DSLAGENTEXE] "C:\Program Files\Voyager 105 ADSL Modem\dslagent.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [LVCOMSX] C:\WINDOWS\system32\LVCOMSX.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [LogitechVideoRepair] "C:\Program Files\Logitech\Video\ISStart.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [LogitechVideoTray] "C:\Program Files\Logitech\Video\LogiTray.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [avast!] C:\PROGRA~1\ALWILS~1\Avast4\ashDisp.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SunJavaUpdateSched] "C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.6.0_06\bin\jusched.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Adobe Reader Speed Launcher] "C:\Program Files\Adobe\Reader 8.0\Reader\Reader_sl.exe"
O4 - HKUS\S-1-5-19\..\Run: [CTFMON.EXE] C:\WINDOWS\system32\CTFMON.EXE (User 'LOCAL SERVICE')
O4 - HKUS\S-1-5-20\..\Run: [CTFMON.EXE] C:\WINDOWS\system32\CTFMON.EXE (User 'NETWORK SERVICE')
O4 - HKUS\S-1-5-18\..\Run: [CTFMON.EXE] C:\WINDOWS\system32\CTFMON.EXE (User 'SYSTEM')
O4 - HKUS\.DEFAULT\..\Run: [CTFMON.EXE] C:\WINDOWS\system32\CTFMON.EXE (User 'Default user')
O4 - Global Startup: DSLMON.lnk.disabled
O8 - Extra context menu item: E&xport to Microsoft Excel - res://C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~2\Office10\EXCEL.EXE/3000
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.6.0_06\bin\ssv.dll
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Sun Java Console - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.6.0_06\bin\ssv.dll
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {DFB852A3-47F8-48C4-A200-58CAB36FD2A2} - C:\PROGRA~1\SPYBOT~1\SDHelper.dll
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Spybot - Search & Destroy Configuration - {DFB852A3-47F8-48C4-A200-58CAB36FD2A2} - C:\PROGRA~1\SPYBOT~1\SDHelper.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
O12 - Plugin for .spop: C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\Plugins\NPDocBox.dll
O16 - DPF: {05CDEE1D-D109-4992-B72B-6D4F5E2AB731} (PhotoBox uploader) - http://static.photobox.co.uk/sg/common/ImageUploader4.cab
O16 - DPF: {30528230-99f7-4bb4-88d8-fa1d4f56a2ab} (YInstStarter Class) - C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Common\yinsthelper.dll
O16 - DPF: {CAFEEFAC-0016-0000-0004-ABCDEFFEDCBA} (Java Plug-in 1.6.0_04) -
O17 - HKLM\System\CCS\Services\Tcpip\..\{CBA2FD8F-9CF7-4707-95B6-2D921FE23E60}: NameServer = 212.159.6.10 212.159.6.9
O20 - AppInit_DLLs:
O23 - Service: Adobe LM Service - Adobe Systems - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe Systems Shared\Service\Adobelmsvc.exe
O23 - Service: avast! iAVS4 Control Service (aswUpdSv) - ALWIL Software - C:\Program Files\Alwil Software\Avast4\aswUpdSv.exe
O23 - Service: avast! Antivirus - ALWIL Software - C:\Program Files\Alwil Software\Avast4\ashServ.exe
O23 - Service: avast! Mail Scanner - ALWIL Software - C:\Program Files\Alwil Software\Avast4\ashMaiSv.exe
O23 - Service: avast! Web Scanner - ALWIL Software - C:\Program Files\Alwil Software\Avast4\ashWebSv.exe
O23 - Service: ##Id_String1.6844F930_1628_4223_B5CC_5BB94B879762## (Bonjour Service) - Apple Computer, Inc. - C:\Program Files\Bonjour\mDNSResponder.exe
O23 - Service: FLEXnet Licensing Service - Macrovision Europe Ltd. - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Macrovision Shared\FLEXnet Publisher\FNPLicensingService.exe
O23 - Service: InstallDriver Table Manager (IDriverT) - Macrovision Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\InstallShield\Driver\1150\Intel 32\IDriverT.exe

--
End of file - 5782 bytes



The freezing started after icons appeared on the desktop, and one is IP_Pattern_31.pat which I have no idea about.

Hi ls123,

Unfortunately I really don't see anything in your log that would explain exactly what is happening. I do feel confident that it is not malware related however. I think as it stands right now, you basically have two options available to you:

1. You may use the following link to go to the CastleCops General Computer Problems forum for help from a CastleCops SRT...
   http://www.castlecops.com/f120-General_Computer_Problems.html
   I recommend that you register before posting your problem. Registered members can receive notification when there has been a reply to their topic. There is no way for CCSP to notify "guests" when they have received a reply.
   
   
2. The second option would be to complete a total reformat / reinstall of your operating system. I can't tell for sure exactly what was done by using the registry cleaners that you did. It could very well be possible that it has damaged your registry beyond what is visible, and we will never be able to "get it back where it was". This may sound drastic but under the circumstances it might be the best case scenario.

The choice is yours. I wish you luck in whatever you decide, and I hope you find a quick resolution.

Ken

I really appreciate your time Ken.

The freezing started before I went near the registry, and AVG had let through trojans which must have done the damage.

I don't think I can avoid reinstallation, since we've tried everything. Thanks for the link - I'll pass my headache on to them for one last attempt!

Best wishes.

As this issue is resolved,