Broswers Hijacked but connection is fine. Have attempted almost everything.

[ivanrappit]

I do PC repair as a side business for around 4 years now I don’t consider myself a “Guru” or even a higher expert but.. I think I’m pretty decent.; I specialize in virus repair and recovery but these viruses/malware/spyware are getting really advanced and repair on these hasn’t been cost effective. (7 hours on this job in one day!)
I have a customer running XP PRO SP3 that has no access to Firefox or IE. He's connected through a wireless router and connection in fine. (2 other ppl in the home can access.) I have tried (not all in the correct order):
1. Cleaned out all junk/temp files 2. Fixed hundreds if not all registry errors 3.Checked device drivers. 4. Reset/Repaired Network connection. 5. Reset the broswers 6. Ran Malware Anti-malbytes, Trojan Remover, Threatfire, Avira AV, CWShredder, Fdownup (spelling? its like ComboFix) and I may be leaving out some out.
7. Ran system restore back to when before the problem started, did not work. 8. Last know good config. and 9. Removed any suspect problems and left just basic apps.(7 Hours work!!!) And although I found hundreds of registry errors and 23 instances of "MyCoolWebSearch" in Malwarebytes and removed all traces of Virus/Malware/Spyware/Rootkits (that I could find.). I ran Rootkit scans and checked windows system settings. I am still not able to get connected within IE or FireFox. Note that Adobe updated while I was working so there is a connection (unless it just installed as an already downloaded update) Connection says excellent and "Connected" There are no yellow triangle/exclamation point icons. Last resort is to do a system recovery but I HAVE fixed this complicated problem in the past without re-install. It would take weeks for him to get updated back to current "to date" status if I run recovery so I do not want to do this. If I must, I can’t even access System Recovery console through f10. f10 won't even work. His Compaq came preinstalled with windows and has no discs (like so many computers). I don’t have an XP Boot disc. HELP! I’d really like to repair rather than recover/re-install. Thanks in advance!

[SuperDave]

Hello and welcome to Computer Hope Forum. My name is Dave. I will be helping you out with your particular problem on your computer.

1. I will be working on your Malware issues. This may or may not solve other issues you have with your machine.
2. The fixes are specific to your problem and should only be used for this issue on this machine.
3. If you don't know or understand something, please don't hesitate to ask.
4. Please DO NOT run any other tools or scans while I am helping you.
5. It is important that you reply to this thread. Do not start a new topic.
6. Your security programs may give warnings for some of the tools I will ask you to use. Be assured, any links I give are safe.
7. Absence of symptoms does not mean that everything is clear.

If you can't access the internet with your infected computer you will have to download and transfer any programs to the computer you're using now and transfer them to the infected computer with a CD-RW or a USB storage device. I prefer a CD because a storage device can get infected. If you use a storage device hold the shift key down while inserting the USB storage device for about 10 secs. You will also have to transfer the logs you receive back to the good computer using the same method until we can get the computer back on-line.
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You may have ran some of these before but please run them again. I would like to see the logs.
It is never necessary to clean the registry. This is just a scam.
What did you do to check the drivers?
You say the connection is fine but you can't connect? Are you getting any messages?
Have you tried hardwiring the modem to the computer?

Please download AdwareCleaner onto your Desktop. AdwCleaner

Before starting AdwCleaner, close all open programs and internet browsers, then double-click on the AdwCleaner icon.



If Windows prompts you as to whether or not you wish to run AdwCleaner, please allow it to run.
When the AdwCleaner program will open, click on the Scan button as shown below.



AdwCleaner will now start to search for malicious files that may be installed on your computer.
To remove the files that were detected in the previous step, please click on the Clean button.



AdwCleaner will now prompt you to save any open files or data as the program will need to reboot the computer. Please do so and then click on the OK button. AdwCleaner will now delete all detected adware from your computer. When it is done it will display an alert that explains what PUPs (Potentially Unwanted Programs) and Adware are. Please read through this information and then press the OK button. You will now be presented with an alert that states AdwCleaner needs to reboot your computer.
Please click on the OK button to allow AdwCleaner reboot your computer.A log will be produced. Please copy and paste this log in your next reply.
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Download and install: Please download Malwarebytes' scanner to your desktop.
Double Click mbam-setup.exe to install the application.

• It should update automatically if the computer is connected to the internet.
• Click on Threat Scan and click on Scan Now.
  
• The scan may take some time to finish,so please be patient.
• When the scan is complete make sure all the infections have "quarantine" selected in the Action box.
  
• Click on "Apply actions" You may be asked to Restart your computer to completely remove the infections.
  
• When disinfection is completed you can click on "Copy to Clipboard".
  
• Paste the log in you next reply (CTRL+ V)

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Download Security Check by screen317 from the following link and save it to your desktop.

Security Check

* Double-click Security Check.bat
* Follow the on-screen instructions inside of the black box.
* A Notepad document should open automatically called checkup.txt
* Post the contents of that document in your next reply.

Note: If a security program requests permission from dig.exe to access the Internet, allow it to do so.