Hi Little Mr. J - There are currently two classes of things going on that
are causing people popup difficulties. If you get popups even when your
browser is not connected to the Internet with a title bar reading "Messenger
Service", then these are most likely due to open NetBios TCP ports 135, 139
and 445 and UDP ports 135, 137-138 and a UDP port in the range of
1026-1029.. You really need to block these with a firewall as a general
protection measure. You can stop the popups by turning off Messenger
Service; however, this still leaves you vulnerable. If you have an NT-based
OS such as XP or Win2k, you should probably also specifically block TCP
593, 4444 and UDP 69, 139, 445, and install the very important 824146 patch
from MS03-039, here:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?kbid=824146
to block the Blaster worm as well as several other parasites.
See: Messenger Service Window That Contains an Internet Advertisement
Appears
http://support.microsoft.com/?id=330904 which identifies reasons to
keep this service and steps to take if you do.
You can test your system and follow the 'Prevention' link to get additional
information here:
http://www.mynetwatchman.com/winpopuptester.asp Unless you have very good
reasons to keep this active, it should be turned off in Win2k and XP. Go
here and do what it says:
http://www.itc.virginia.edu/desktop/docs/messagepopup/ or, even better, get
MessageSubtract, free, here, which will give you flexible control of the
service and viewing of these messages:
http://www.intermute.com/messagesubtract/help.html Recommended.
(FWIW, ZoneAlarm's default Internet Zone firewall configuration blocks the
necessary ports to prevent this use of Messenger Service. I don't know the
situation with regard to other firewalls.)
Messenger Service is not per se Spyware or something that MS did wrong - It
provides a messaging capability which is useful for local intranets and is
also sometimes (albeit nowdays infrequently) used by some applications to
provide popup messages to users. However, it can also be (and now frequently
is) used to introduce spam via this open NetBios channel. For a single user
home computer, it normally isn't needed and can be turned off which will
eliminate the spam popups. This DOESN'T, however, remove the vulnerability
of having these ports open, when in fact they aren't needed, since they can
be perverted in other ways as well, some of which can be much more damaging
than just a spam popup.
If you're getting a lot of popups while surfing, then the following may be
useful:
#########IMPORTANT#########
Before you try to remove spyware using any of the programs below, download
both a copy of LSPFIX here:
http://www.cexx.org/lspfix.htm
AND a copy of Winsockfix
http://www.tacktech.com/pub/winsockfix/WinsockFix.zip
Directions here:
http://www.tacktech.com/display.cfm?ttid=257
The process of removing certain malware may kill your internet connection.
If this should occur, these programs, LSPFIX and WINSOCKFIX, will enable you
to regain your connection.
NOTE: It is reported that in XP SP2, the command netsh winsock reset
will fix this problem without the need for these programs.
#########IMPORTANT#########
#########IMPORTANT#########
In the following, all of these removal tools should be run from Safe mode
when possible
#########IMPORTANT#########
Download and run Stinger.exe, here:
http://download.nai.com/products/mcafee-avert/stinger.exe or from the link
on this page:
http://vil.nai.com/vil/stinger/
Download sysclean.com , from Trend Micro, here:
http://www.trendmicro.com/download/dcs.asp along with the latest pattern
file, here:
http://www.trendmicro.com/download/pattern.asp (You might also
want to get Art's updater, SYS-UP.Zip, here for future updating of these:
http://home.epix.net/~artnpeg/). Place them in a dedicated folder after
appropriate unzipping, and then run. (If you download and use the updater
from the beginning, it will automatically handle downloading the other
files.)
Popups - The best way to start is to get Ad-Aware SE Personal Edition, here:
http://www.lavasoftusa.com/support/download/. UPDATE, set it up in
accordance with this:
http://forum.aumha.org/viewtopic.php?t=5877 and run
this regularly to get rid of most "spyware/hijackware" on your machine. If
it has to fix things, be sure to re-boot and rerun AdAware again and repeat
this cycle until you get a clean scan. The reason is that it may have to
remove things which are currently "in use" before it can then clean up
others. configure Ad-aware for a customized scan, and let it remove any bad
files found.....
Then, courtesy of NonSuch at Lockergnome, open Ad-aware then click the gear
wheel at the top and check these options to configure Ad-aware for a
customized scan:
General> activate these: "Automatically save log-file" and "Automatically
quarantine objects prior to removal"
Scanning > activate these: "Scan within archives", "Scan active processes",
"Scan registry", "Deep scan registry," "Scan my IE Favorites for banned
sites," and "Scan my Hosts file"
Tweaks > Scanning Engine> activate this: "Unload recognized processes during
scanning."
Tweaks > Cleaning Engine: activate these: "Automatically try to unregister
objects prior to deletion" and "Let Windows remove files in use after
reboot."
Click "Proceed" to save your settings, then click "Start." Make sure
"Activate in-depth scan" is ticked green, then scan your system. When the
scan is finished, the screen will tell you if anything has been found, click
"Next." The bad files will be listed. Right click the pane and click "Select
all objects" - This will put a check mark in the box at the side, click
"Next" again and click "OK" at the prompt "# objects will be removed.
Continue?"
Courtesy of
http://www.nondisputandum.com/html/anti_spyware.html: HINT: If
Ad Aware is automatically shut-down by a malicious software, first run
AWCloak.exe,
http://www.lavasoftnews.com/downloads/AAWCloak.exe, before
opening Ad Aware. When AAWCloak is open, click "Activate Cloak". Than open
Ad Aware and scan your system.
Another excellent program for this purpose is SpyBot Search and Destroy
available here:
http://security.kolla.de/ SpyBot Support Forum here:
http://www.net-integration.net/cgi-bin/forums/ikonboard.cgi. I recommend
using both normally. Update before starting, then after fixing ONLY RED
things with SpyBot S&D, be sure to re-boot and rerun SpyBot again and repeat
this cycle until you get a clean "no red" scan. The reason is that SpyBot
sometimes has to remove things which are currently "in use" before it can
then clean up others.
Then, there are a variety of third party "Popup Killers" available. I
normally use AdShield, which, if you maintain its Block List every now and
then, almost totally stops this. In addition, it stops a variety of
ads/banners/etc. (particularly spyware like doubleclick) on pages I access.
This is probably all you'll need; however, I've also investigated a program
called webwasher which appears to be very good, but decided that AdShield
was sufficient. At the bottom of this post, you'll find a list provided
courtesy of bc_acadia of a number of free popup blockers with links.
****** NOTE: As of 28 Apr 03 AdShield appears to have partnered with a new
reseller, and AdShield is no longer free. There is a trial version of
AdShield3; however, IMO it is seriously crippled in not being able to import
or export block lists and I think for reasonable utility one would have to
go to the full version. While I don't normally recommend non-free software,
I personally will continue to use AdShield3, since I think it is the best
currently available combined Popup/Ad/Malware blocker, but you should be
aware of the fact that it now costs, ($29.95), whereas the earlier versions
upon which I based my original recommendation were free, although not nearly
as capable as the AdShield3 release. I've included below links to both the
older free version and the new paid version. You'll have to investigate and
make your own choice in the matter. *******
Here are a number of AdShield-related links:
http://www.fsd1.org/technology/Files/AdShield.exe - AdShield1.2 (free)
http://www.internettechs.net/utilities/AdShield.exe - AdShield1.2 (free)
http://ftp.ural.ru/home/index/windows/networking/utils/AdShield -
AdShield1.2 (free)
http://www.megalog.ru/info/utilz/AdShield.zip - AdShield1.2 (free)
http://www.allstarss.com/store/adshield.html - AdShield3
http://www.ad-shield.com/ AdShield3 Info/Purchase/Block List
http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/block.txt - (Mike Burgess' .txt Block List
for AdShield - Recommended)
http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/block.zip - Mike Burgess' Zipped Block List
for AdShield - Recommended)
http://www.songwave.com/software/adshield_blocklist.txt (40,000 pornsites
blocked - *VERY* large list - use at your own risk)
http://www.chrismyden.com/temp/block.abl (chrismyden's blocklist in .abl
format - Recommended)
http://www.staff.uiuc.edu/~ehowes/resource.htm#AdShield (Eric Howes AGNIS
for AdShield block list - Recommended) (BTW, Eric's site contains a wealth
of very valuable information about all aspects of net security - Very Highly
Recommended)
Here's a good AdShield test site, courtesy of siljaline: "Make ***SURE***
you have your block scripted popups enabled
http://www.mediaboy.net/1010100-1100001-1111010/gahk/>>>> [Warning this URL
opens a multitude of Browser windows almost instantly - YOU'VE BEEN
WARNED!]"
http://www.webwasher.com - Webwasher
For WinXP users, Service Pack 2 has a built-in popup stopper which at first
look appears to be fairly effective.
Additionally, some people have recommended Popup Stopper and PopupBuster,
but they have also been reported or experienced to cause perceived problems
for some people with "normal" links in IE6 such as Google search results and
links from OE. Some proponents of PopupBuster assert, however, that this is
normal operation for this program under certain circumstances which can be
overridden if necessary. YMMV Another "Proxy" type blocker similar to
Webwasher and Proxomitron but supposedly a bit easier to configure is
Privoxy here:
http://www.privoxy.org/
Also, the free Google Tool Bar has a builtin popup blocker which is fairly
effective.
Note that for XP, SP2 which should be released in the near future will
contain a popup blocker; however, I cannot attest to its efficacy.
A very clever alternative approach to general ad (vice Popup) blocking is
outlined here:
http://www.sherylcanter.com/articles/oreilly_20040330_HostsPac.php
and here:
http://s91363763.onlinehome.us/BlackHoleProxy/index.html
The approach is similar to that used in eDexter, but improved. I've tried
it, and it does work as advertised. (<groan> - sorry 'bout that!)
Probably should only be considered by more knowlegable users, as it's a
little complicated to set up using the directions given if you don't already
know a bit. (It also has some tendency to block some things you'd rather it
didn't at times if PAC files are used instead of the HOSTS file due to its
use of regular expressions for blocking definitions without some tuning.)
Also, if you're comfortable allowing changes to the registry, there is an
approach, IE-SPYAD, using the restricted sites list which can be used for
scripted popups. I use this and it works very well. See here:
https://netfiles.uiuc.edu/ehowes/www/resource.htm
There is additonal information about setting up and using AdShield, and
about using the Restriced Zone (and an additional list) here:
http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/hosts.htm
Lastly, ZoneAlarmPro3/4 has added provisions for stopping adds/popups,
handling cookies, web bugs, and scripting/ActiveX components in addition to
it's firewall functionality. Not free, but I have used it with my other
AdBlocking stuff (AdShield, etc.) turned off as a test, and it appears to be
very good indeed. So far I've experienced no problems at all with it set in
its High Security modes for Ads although others have reported the need to
temporarily turn it off to reach some sites. Also, Agnitum's Outpost
Firewall supports a plug-in for this: "Pre-configured to block most banner
advertisement. Can be configured manually or by simply dragging and dropping
unwanted banners into the Ad Trashcan." I have no experience as to how
effective it is, but I have received a favorable report.
There's good information about hijacking in general and fixes available for
specific hijackers here:
http://www.spywareinfo.com/articles/hijacked/
http://gmpservicesinc.com/Articles/hijack.asp
http://www.mvps.org/inetexplorer/Darnit.htm#pop_up
http://www.doxdesk.com/parasite/
bc_acadia's list:
"Some popup blockers. All of these are 100% pure freeware, no trial
periods. Some of these do more than just handle popups.
Pow!:
http://www.analogx.com/contents/download/network/pow.htm
NoAds:
http://www.southbaypc.com/NoAds/
PopupEraser:
http://www.webknacks.com/popuperaser.htm
Stop-the-Pop:
http://www.bysoft.se/sureshot/stopthepop/index.html
Internet Organizer:
http://www.sf.yucom.be/wdprojects/
PopKi:
http://ranfo.com/popki.html
PopUpKiller:
http://sourceforge.net/projects/puk/
AdCruncher Proxy:
http://mysite.verizon.net/~mr_fish/AdCruncher/ReadMe.html
KillAd:
http://www.iomagic.org/fsc/
ClickOff:
http://www.johanneshuebner.com/en/download.html
PopupBuster:
http://www.popupbuster.com/PopUpBuster/
Free Surfer:
http://www.kolumbus.fi/eero.muhonen/FS/
Window Shades:
http://www.g-m-m.com/Software/WindowShades/index.php
AdShield (my personal favorite):
http://www.ad-shield.com/
PopupStopper:
http://www.panicware.com/popupstopper.html
Proxomitron (Is no longer supported and has a learning curve):
http://www.proxomitron.org/
For those who don't want third party stuff, your own pc's built-in
host file:
http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/hosts.htm and
http://www.accs-net.com/hosts/
Here is a review of 61 popup killers, not all of them are free:
http://www.popup-killer-review.com/index.htm"
NOTE that this site also contains a good, comprehensive series of popup
killer tests. Some good additional tests are also available here:
http://www.webknacks.com/aptest.htm
There's another popup test page here:
http://www.kephyr.com/popupkillertest/index.html
Another good test page and lists of both free and cost popup blockers is
here:
http://www.popuptest.com/ Recommended
An excellent test site here:
http://www.popupcheck.com/ Highly
Recommended.
Another list of some popup blockers:
http://www.messaging-software.net/popup-killer-software.htm
If you install and keep UPDATED a good HOSTS file, it can help you avoid
most adware/malware. See here: <
http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/hosts.htm>
(Be sure it's named/renamed HOSTS - all caps, no extension)
You might want to consider installing the SpywareBlaster and SpywareGuard
here to help prevent this kind of thing and other malware from happening in
the future:
http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/spywareblaster.html (Prevents malware Active
X installs) (BTW, SpyWareBlaster is not memory resident ... no CPU or
memory load - but keep it UPDATED) The latest version as of this writing
will prevent installation or prevent the malware from running if it is
already installed, and it provides information and fixit-links for a variety
of parasites.
http://www.wilderssecurity.net/spywareguard.html (Monitors for attempts to
install malware) Both Very Highly Recommended.
Perhaps these will help.
--
Please respond in the same thread.
Regards, Jim Byrd, MS-MVP
In
