Browser redirects to 127.0.0.1

  • Thread starter Thread starter Rich
  • Start date Start date
R

Rich

I can not navigate to any web sites and get redirected
back to the computer's nic, 127.0.0.1, when ever I try to
access the internet. I am connected to a shared broadband
connection via a home network. I can ping the router, the
gateway and of course the computers nic and all have
returned OK. I have discovered and removed 3 viruses from
the machine and any virus scans are coming back clean. I
have read that my HOSTS file may have been changed by a
virus which would cause the above symtoms. Can I delete
the HOSTS file or replace it with one from another
computer?
 
First try renaming your hosts file to 'oldhosts'. If the redirect does not
persist, delete 'oldhosts' and reboot.

Now to find the hijacker which changed your old hosts file:

A. Trojans

1. Check in at Windows Update and install all critical updates & reboot.

2. Download and run Stinger (http://vil.nai.com/vil/stinger/); then...

3. Update your virus definitions, enable Show Hidden Files
(http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT/tsgeninfo.nsf/docid/2002092715262339)
and then run a full system scan in Safe Mode
(http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT/tsgeninfo.nsf/docid/2001052409420406)
with nothing else running in background. Note the files identified and
removed then find the corresponding page for the file at your AV maker's
online support pages (e.g.,
http://securityresponse.symantec.com/avcenter/venc/data/adware.winfavorites.html)
and follow all Removal steps.

WinXP Only (WinME similar): If this scan finds anything, create a new
Restore Point then Disk Cleanup > More options > Delete all but the most
recent Restore Point.

B. Hijackware

Help with Hijackware
http://aumha.org/a/parasite.htm
http://aumha.org/a/quickfix.htm
http://mvps.org/winhelp2002/unwanted.htm
http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/Darnit.htm

CoolWebSearch Chronicles
http://www.spywareinfo.com/~merijn/cwschronicles.html

Run these tools in the following order with nothing else running in
background:

1. CWShredder (fix all found)

2. Ad-Aware (fix all found)

3. Spybot (RTFM but generally fix everything in red)

Important: You *must* seek updates for Ad-Aware, Spybot, etc., before each
and every use, even "right out of the box". But even they can't catch
everything, 24/7. When all else fails, HijackThis
(http://www.spywareinfo.com/~merijn/files/HijackThis.exe) is the preferred
tool to use. It will help you to both identify and remove any
hijackware/spyware. **Post your files to http://forums.spywareinfo.com/ or
http://forum.aumha.org/viewforum.php?f=30 for expert analysis, not here.**

[Alternate download pages for many of the above tools may be found at
http://aumha.org/a/parasite.htm.]

So How Did I Get Infected Anyway?
http://boards.cexx.org/viewtopic.php?t=957
--
~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
MS MVP-Windows (IE/OE), AH-VSOP

Are You Ready for WinXP SP2?
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/protect/default.aspx

WinXP SP2 Release Notes
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;835935

AumHa Forums
http://forum.aumha.org
 
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