Computer Hope

Software => Computer viruses and spyware => Virus and spyware removal => Topic started by: misfit on May 14, 2010, 06:53:37 AM

Title: Possible Malware problem
Post by: misfit on May 14, 2010, 06:53:37 AM
Hi,

I've been having problems with google and firefox for the last couple of days. If I click on a google search result 9 times out of 10 it will load a completely different website usually trying to sell me something.

Other times Firefox will open a new tab which will again be for some random website.

I presume it's malware or some other virus. I've attached the three logs requested.

Cheers in advance,
Simon

[recovering disk space - old attachment deleted by admin]
Title: Re: Possible Malware problem
Post by: evilfantasy on May 15, 2010, 10:25:39 AM
Welcome to CH.

Please go to Add or Remove Programs and uninstall:

.

Open HijackThis and select Do a system scan only

Place a check mark next to the following entries: (if there)

.
Important: Close all open windows except for HijackThis and then click Fix checked.

Once completed, exit HijackThis.

----------

If you already have ComboFix be sure to delete it and download a new copy.

Download ComboFix© by sUBs from one of the below links. Be sure to save it to the Desktop.

Link #1 (http://download.bleepingcomputer.com/sUBs/ComboFix.exe)
Link #2 (http://www.forospyware.com/sUBs/ComboFix.exe)

**Note:  It is important that it is saved directly to your Desktop

Close any open Web browsers. (Firefox, Internet Explorer, etc) before starting ComboFix.

Temporarily disable your antivirus and any antispyware real time protection before performing a scan. Click this link (http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/topic114351.html) to see a list of security programs that should be disabled and how to disable them.
 
Double click combofix.exe & follow the prompts.
Vista users Right-Click on ComboFix.exe and select Run as administrator (you will receive a UAC prompt, please allow it)
When finished ComboFix will produce a log for you.
Post the ComboFix log in your next reply.

Important: Do not mouseclick ComboFix's window while it is running. That may cause it to stall.

Remember to re-enable your antivirus and antispyware protection when ComboFix is complete.

If you have problems with ComboFix usage, see How to use ComboFix (http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/combofix/how-to-use-combofix)
Title: Re: Possible Malware problem
Post by: misfit on May 18, 2010, 04:18:28 PM
Hi,

I followed the request and it seemed to work but then my computer crashed. I tried to restart but it kept on crashing. Windows would load with my desktop but it stopped before loading things like avg or online armor. Finally after about 10 tries it did fully start there was a message saying my BIOS might be out of date and that I may want to upgrade. I've never had this before.

Cheers,
Si
Title: Re: Possible Malware problem
Post by: misfit on May 18, 2010, 04:26:02 PM
Here's the report from windows error reporting.

Consider BIOS upgrade

Microsoft is unable to determine the exact cause of this error. However, this problem was most likely caused by an error in your computer’s random access memory (RAM). RAM is the main internal storage area the computer uses to run programs and store data.

During the crash analysis, we noticed the basic input/output system (BIOS) version on this computer does not match the specifications for the central processing unit (CPU), also known as a processor, that is installed on your computer. This can occur when a newer processor is installed on an older system board or older BIOS. Using a BIOS that does not support the installed processor can result in Windows system crashes. Contact your computer manufacturer or motherboard manufacturer for an updated version of BIOS for your computer's processor.

How do I find my computer manufacturer?

Click Start, click Run, type msinfo32, and then click OK. Your computer manufacturer is listed as the System Manufacturer in the right pane of the System Information window.

Go to www.microsoft.com and search for "computer manufacturers"Click to go online to see contact information for most computer manufacturers
Notes

    *

      Upgrading the BIOS version may require moderate to advanced troubleshooting skills. If you are uncomfortable with performing these steps, you might want to consider consulting with paid technical support.
    *

      If your computer contains an Intel desktop board, click the following link to go online for more information:
      Go to www.support.intel.com and search for "Intel desktop board BIOS update instructions"Intel desktop board BIOS update instructions
Title: Re: Possible Malware problem
Post by: evilfantasy on May 18, 2010, 08:35:37 PM
Do you have an XP CD?

If so, place it in your CD ROM drive and follow the instructions below:

* Click on Start > Run and type sfc /scannow then press Enter on your keyboard. (note the space between scf and /scannow)
* Let this run undisturbed until the window with the blue progress bar goes away.

If you do not have an XP CD try running it anyway. Let me know if anything is found or what errors you get.