Kept getting blocked/redirected on internet explorer

[shag]

Deleted SDfix and ran ESET w/o any detections.

I forgot to save a log to the desktop, so I found the log file that gets saved in the ESET folder.  It looks like each time ESET runs it puts more on the same text file, so I copy and pasted the stuff that came from this most recent ESET scan.  I could paste in the whole log file if something's missing.

# version=7
# iexplore.exe=8.00.6001.18702 (longhorn_ie8_rtm(wmbla).090308-0339)
# OnlineScanner.ocx=1.0.0.6425
# api_version=3.0.2
# EOSSerial=fcd9d6124cc58645a01fda453d900793
# end=finished
# remove_checked=false
# archives_checked=true
# unwanted_checked=true
# unsafe_checked=true
# antistealth_checked=true
# utc_time=2011-03-07 03:24:31
# local_time=2011-03-06 09:24:31 (-0600, Central Standard Time)
# country="United States"
# lang=1033
# osver=5.1.2600 NT Service Pack 3
# compatibility_mode=512 16777215 100 0 0 0 0 0
# compatibility_mode=8199 22379861 100 100 0 6414700 0 0
# scanned=87073
# found=0
# cleaned=0
# scan_time=5328
# nod_component=V3 Build:0x30000000

[SuperDave]

The log looks good. Are you still having problems?

[shag]

Well, my computer's acting like it doesn't have a sound card...or a network adapter.  A lot of the USB devices I use don't plug-and-play like they used to--they have to be plugged in before the computer is booted.  I'm guessing the drivers for all that hardware must have been lost during this infection.  Anyways, that's just a guess--shall I go to the "software" forum to get some help?

And finally, thanks for your help with the malware removal.

[SuperDave]

Well, my computer's acting like it doesn't have a sound card...or a network adapter.  A lot of the USB devices I use don't plug-and-play like they used to--they have to be plugged in before the computer is booted.  I'm guessing the drivers for all that hardware must have been lost during this infection.  Anyways, that's just a guess--shall I go to the "software" forum to get some help?

Ok. We'll do some cleanup and you can start another thread in the software forum for the other stuff.

To uninstall ComboFix

• Click the Start button. Click Run. For Vista: type in Run in the Start search, and click on Run in the results pane.
  
• In the field, type in ComboFix /uninstall
  

(Note: Make sure there's a space between the word ComboFix and the forward-slash.)

• Then, press Enter, or click OK.
  
• This will uninstall ComboFix, delete its folders and files, hides System files and folders, and resets System Restore.
  

****************************************************
Clean out your temporary internet files and temp files.

Download TFC by OldTimer to your desktop.

Double-click TFC.exe to run it.

Note: If you are running on Vista, right-click on the file and choose Run As Administrator

TFC will close all programs when run, so make sure you have saved all your work before you begin.

* Click the Start button to begin the cleaning process.
* Depending on how often you clean temp files, execution time should be anywhere from a few seconds to a minute or two.
* Please let TFC run uninterrupted until it is finished.

Once TFC is finished it should restart your computer. If it does not, please manually restart the computer yourself to ensure a complete cleaning.
*****************************************************
Looking over your log it seems you don't have any evidence of a third party firewall.

Firewalls protect against hackers and malicious intruders. You need to download a free firewall from one of these reliable vendors.

Remember only install ONE firewall

1) Comodo Personal Firewall (Uncheck during installation "Install Comodo SafeSurf..", Make Comodo my default search provider" and "Make Comodo Search my homepage" and uncheck any HopSurf and/or Ask.com options if you choose this one)
2) Online Armor
3) Agnitum Outpost
4) PC Tools Firewall Plus

If you are using the built-in Windows XP firewall, it is not recommended as it does not block outgoing connections. This means that any malware on your computer is free to "phone home" for more instructions. Simply put, Windows XP contains a mediocre firewall. This firewall is NO replacement for a dedicated software solution. Remember to use only one firewall at the same time.
**********************************************
Use the Secunia Software Inspector to check for out of date software.

•Click Start Now

•Check the box next to Enable thorough system inspection.

•Click Start

•Allow the scan to finish and scroll down to see if any updates are needed.
•Update anything listed.
.
----------

Go to Microsoft Windows Update and get all critical updates.

----------

I suggest using WOT - Web of Trust. WOT is a free Internet security addon for your browser. It will keep you safe from online scams, identity theft, spyware, spam, viruses and unreliable shopping sites. WOT warns you before you interact with a risky website. It's easy and it's free.

SpywareBlaster- Secure your Internet Explorer to make it harder for ActiveX programs to run on your computer. Also stop certain cookies from being added to your computer when running Mozilla based browsers like Firefox.
* Using SpywareBlaster to protect your computer from Spyware and Malware
* If you don't know what ActiveX controls are, see here

Protect yourself against spyware using the Immunize feature in Spybot - Search & Destroy. Guide: Use Spybot's Immunize Feature to prevent spyware infection in real-time. Note: To ensure you have the latest Immunizations always update Spybot - Search & Destroy before Immunizing. Spybot - Search & Destroy FAQ

Check out Keeping Yourself Safe On The Web for tips and free tools to help keep you safe in the future.

Also see Slow Computer? It may not be Malware for free cleaning/maintenance tools to help keep your computer running smoothly.
Safe Surfing!

[shag]

Alright Dave, I got combofix uninstalled, got Comodo as my firewall, did some updating.

You may recall that I'm having problems with my sound, networking, and usb that suggest missing drivers.  That plot may have just thickened.  I started a post in the "Drivers" forum and my expert suggested I look into Device Manager (via Control Panel-->System-->Hardware).  The Device Manager window pulls up but displays no devices.  Not a thing (even when I select "view hidden devices").  I also tried clicking on Add New Hardware.  That window never opens.

This seemed a bit fishy to me, so I thought I'd report it to you.  If you don't believe its malware-related, I'll continue to pursue a solution in the "Drivers" forum. 

[SuperDave]

No, I don't believe it's malware related. If you still can't get it repaired in the other forum, we may have to re-visit it again. I will lock this thread. If you need it re-opened, please send me a pm.