Hi FurlessWookie
It appears to be a form of malware. You most likely will need to run those
two programs in Safe Mode with Hidden Files enabled to unhide the culprites
(see the bottom of this list for instructions). Try the following
information and see if it helps:
In addition to updating and running your AV, download, install and run the
programs below in Safe Mode with Hidden Files enabled. Some forms of
malware can replicate itself repeatedly if not removed properly, so even if
you have already run some programs, run them again according to the
information below. Follow all instructions carefully:
First, Clear the TIF's and empty the recycle bin:
http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/delcache.htm
(The TIF size should be set to 50-60 MB. Larger caches tend to be more prone
to trouble)
If so, then do the following:
WARNING>>>> Backup all documents and files before removing any spyware!!
How to properly scan for scumware (read first, if possible)
http://aumha.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=5878
Download and install BHODemon from
http://www.definitivesolutions.com/bhodemon.htm
Your problem may be caused by a bad BHO.
Most importantly, download install and run CWShredder here
http://www.majorgeeks.com/download3019.html
and this program, which searches for hidden .dlls that recreate the malware.
About Buster:
http://www.majorgeeks.com/download4289.html
Then visit these two sites to test for parasites and help basic cleaning:
On-Line Check
http://aumha.org/a/noads.htm
and
Quick-Fix Protocol.
http://aumha.org/a/quickfix.php
Basically, throw everything here at your "infection".
Then download, install and immediately update these two programs before
running:
AdAware SE - Update immediately after installing
http://www.download.com/3000-2144-10045910.html?part=69274&subj=dlpage&tag=button
SpyBot S &D - Update immediately after installing
http://www.majorgeeks.com/download2471.html
Download pocket killbox from Download pocket killbox from
http://www.thespykiller.co.uk/files/killbox.exe
and put it on the desktop where you can find it easily
Also download, install, and run HiJackThis - it is one of the very import
tools to clean your system of all scumware. Follow the instructions
carefully:
How to download and install HiJackThis: (it does not need to be updated)
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/topict309.html
Please DO NOT post your log to this newsgroup. It is important that you go
to one of the HiJackThis Support Forums below and allow the experts there
to analyze it for youPlease DO NOT post your log to this newsgroup. It is
important that you go to one of the HiJackThis Support Forums below and
allow the experts there to analyze it for you.::
AumHa HiJackThis Forum
http://forum.aumha.org/viewforum.php?f=30
or Bleeping Computer Forum
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/forum22.html
to allow the experts there to evaluate your log and advise you of any
necessary steps to clean your system.
(Note: You will have to Register before posting on these Forums. Please
follow all posting instructions carefully to avoid having your log deleted
or ignored.)
Also, please post a link to the forum where you post your HJT log back to
this thread so that we can follow your progress there.
CAUTION!!!!! Before you try to remove spyware using any of the programs
below, download a copy of LSPFIX from any of the following sites:
http://www.cexx.org/lspfix.htm
http://www.spychecker.com/program/winsockxpfix.html
(if your OS is Win2k or XP) The process of removing certain malware may kill
your internet connection. If this should occur, this program, LSPFIX, will
enable you to regain your connection.
You should also get a copy of WINSOCKXPFIX available at:
http://www.spychecker.com/program/winsockxpfix.html
and
WinsockXP Fix- WinXP
http://www.spychecker.com/program/winsockxpfix.html
with instructions, at
http://www.iup.edu/house/resnet/winfix.shtm
also... From LavaSoft- all versions of Windows-
http://digital-solutions.co.uk/lavasoft/whndnfix.zip
(NOTE: It is reported that in XP SP2, the command netsh winsock reset
will fix this problem without the need for these programs.)
or Winsock Fix Utility
http://www.dfwonline.net/files/WinsockFix.zip
How to Restart in Safe Mode
http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT/tsgeninfo.nsf/docid/2001052409420406
How to Show Hidden Files
http://snipurl.com/6rl8
Jan
MS MVP - Windows (IE/OE)
Smiles are meant to be shared,
that's why they're so contagious.
