about:blank virus/spyware

Hello friends,

my system is running xp-sp2 and got infected with about:blank
virus/spyware. I ran Nortan tool and it removed some virus, also I ran
MS-AntiSpyware beta relese.

This MS tool reports the presence of about:blank virus/spyware and shows
status as removed. But virus is coming back again in the form of overriding
the IE default URL settings. So whenevr I open IE or Yahoo Messenger, the
popups come which points to some page with all tools info and other popups
showing wrong info about system like system is infected with the below virus
etc..

Am running Norton everyday and it gives a clean report. Now am using
Netscpae as broser and about:blank virus/spyware is not giving anyproblem to
Netscape.

But yahoo messenger is still triggering about:blank virus/spyware. I tried
re-installing yahoo messenger but of no use.

Can I leave this about:blank virus/spyware without using yahoo messenger OR
will it pose more severe problem in future..

Also Please advise method for the removal of this dirty virus.

thanks in advance.

IndianFriend wrote:

my system is running xp-sp2 and got infected with about:blank
virus/spyware. I ran Nortan tool and it removed some virus, also I ran
MS-AntiSpyware beta relese.

Get CWShredder from http://www.aumha.org/freeware/freeware.php - third
item - and run it. It will clean most versions of this pernicious
malware

--
Alex Nichol MS MVP (Windows Technologies)
Bournemouth, U.K. (remove the D8 bit)

OK, this about:blank thing is driving me nuts......i ran CWS and it said I
had no infection.....but I clearly do, because whenever i start IE, i get
about:blank. I also get it when i sign into Yahoo Messenger and AOL
IM.......the CWS Shredder didn't help.
Help me Obie Wan....you're my only hope!

"Alex Nichol" wrote:

IndianFriend wrote:

my system is running xp-sp2 and got infected with about:blank
virus/spyware. I ran Nortan tool and it removed some virus, also I ran
MS-AntiSpyware beta relese.

Get CWShredder from http://www.aumha.org/freeware/freeware.php - third
item - and run it. It will clean most versions of this pernicious
malware

--
Alex Nichol MS MVP (Windows Technologies)
Bournemouth, U.K. (remove the D8 bit)

Alex Nichol wrote:

Get CWShredder from http://www.aumha.org/freeware/freeware.php - third
item - and run it. It will clean most versions of this pernicious
malware

Hi, regarding docmemory on that page the only thing that you can
download now from
them is version 2.2 BETA as far as I know. Different install process,
and you may get
mouse terds as now it loads a mouse driver by default.

Hi Cricchise - We've been seeing this a lot lately, and these are very
difficult CWS parasite variants to remove. Read ALL of this carefully to
begin with, then:


A good general "malware" removal site FAQ's with pretty good step-by-step
instructions is available for review he
http://www.spywarenation.com/modules.php?name=FAQ



#########IMPORTANT#########
Before you try to remove spyware using any of the programs below, download
both a copy of LSPFIX he

http://www.cexx.org/lspfix.htm

AND a copy of Winsockfix for W95, W98, and ME
http://www.tacktech.com/pub/winsockfix/WinsockFix.zip
Directions he http://www.tacktech.com/display.cfm?ttid=257

or here for Win2k/XP http://files.webattack.com/localdl834/WinsockxpFix.exe
Info he http://www.spychecker.com/program/winsockxpfix.html
Directions he http://www.iup.edu/house/resnet/winfix.shtm

The process of removing certain malware may kill your internet connection.
If this should occur, these programs, LSPFIX and WINSOCKFIX, will enable you
to regain your connection.

NOTE: It is reported that in XP SP2, the Run command netsh winsock reset
will fix this problem without the need for these programs. (You can also
try this if you're on XP SP1. There has also been one, as yet unconfirmed,
report that this also works there.) Also, one MS technician suggested the
following sequence:

netsh int reset all
ipconfig /flushdns

See also: http://windowsxp.mvps.org/winsock.htm for additional XPSP2
info/approaches using the netsh command.
#########IMPORTANT#########


#########IMPORTANT#########
Show hidden files and run all of the following removal tools from Safe mode
or a "Clean Boot" when possible. Reboot and test if the malware is fixed
after using each tool.
HOW TO Enable Hidden Files
http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT...02092715262339

Clean Boot - General Win2k(if w/msconfig)/XP procedure, but see below for
links for other OS's:
1. Start|Run enter msconfig.
2. On the General tab, click Selective Startup, and then clear the Process
System.ini File, Process WIn.ini File, and Load Startup Items check boxes.
Leave the boot.ini boxes however they are currently set.
3. In the Services tab, check the "Hide All Microsoft Services" checkbox,
and then click the "Disable All" button.
4. Click OK and then reboot.

For additional information about how to clean boot your operating system,
click the following article numbers to view the articles in the Microsoft
Knowledge Base:
310353 How to Perform a Clean Boot in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/310353
281770 How to Perform Clean-Boot Troubleshooting for Windows 2000
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/281770/EN-US/
267288 How to Perform a Clean Boot in Windows Millennium Edition
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/267288/EN-US/
192926 How to Perform Clean-Boot Troubleshooting for Windows 98
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/192926/EN-US/
243039 How to Perform a Clean Boot in Windows 95
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/243039/EN-US/
#########IMPORTANT#########


Sometimes the tools below will find files which they are unable to delete
because they are in use. A program called Copylock, here,
http://noeld.com/programs.asp?cat=misc#CopyLock can aid in the process of
"replacing, moving, renaming or deleting one or many files which are
currently in use (e.g. system files like comctl32.dll, or virus/trojan
files.)" Another is Killbox, he
http://www.downloads.subratam.org/KillBox.zip
A third which is a bit different but often useful is Delete Invalid File,
he http://www.purgeie.com/delinv.htm which handles invalid/UNC
file/folder name deleting, rather than the in use problem


Download and run Stinger.exe, he
http://download.nai.com/products/mca...rt/stinger.exe or from the link
on this page: http://vil.nai.com/vil/stinger/ ME/XP users be sure to read:
http://vil.nai.com/vil/SystemHelpDoc...SysRestore.htm

Download sysclean.com , from Trend Micro, he
http://www.trendmicro.com/download/dcs.asp along with the latest pattern
file, he http://www.trendmicro.com/download/pattern.asp Be sure to read
the "How-to" info he
http://www.trendmicro.com/ftp/products/tsc/readme.txt (You might also want
to get Art's updater, SYS-UP.Zip, here for future updating of these:
http://home.epix.net/~artnpeg/). (If you download and use the updater from
the beginning, it will automatically handle downloading the other files.)
Place them in a dedicated folder after appropriate unzipping. Show hidden
and system files (HowTo he
http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT...02092715262339)
Disable Restore if you're on XP or ME (directions he
http://vil.nai.com/vil/SystemHelpDoc...SysRestore.htm), then boot to
Safe mode (HowTo he
http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT...01052409420406)
Read tscreadme.txt carefully, then do a complete scan of your system
in Safe mode and clean or delete anything it finds. Reboot to normal mode
and re-run the scan again.

This scan may take a long time, as Sysclean is VERY extensive and thorough.
For example, one user reported that Sysclean found 69 hits that an
immediately prior Norton AV v. 11.0.2.4 run had missed.


Download and run the trial version of A2 Personal, he
http://www.emsisoft.com/en/ Run from a Clean Boot or Safe Mode with Show
Hidden Files enabled as above



PRIMARY REMOVAL PROCEDURES


Then, READ CAREFULLY and then apply the four steps exactly using the scripts
and programs described he
http://www.silentrunners.org/sr_cwsremoval.html IMPORTANT - Before you
start, be sure to clear all TIF and Temp files/folders and log on as an
Administrator. You might also want to look at the procedure he
http://www.securiteam.com/securityre...RP0L0UD5U.html


/PRIMARY REMOVAL PROCEDURES



If that doesn't fix it, then try about:Blank Specific and then Basic
Cleaning, below FIRST and then ONLY IF NECESSARY Approach 1 and/or Approach
2 and/or Approach 3 and/or Approach 4 and/or Approach 5. Test after
applying each fix.

******** Please post back with your results in detail if possible - what
you tried, what happened, how you ended up - so that we'll know better what
to advise others. ********



Approach 1 - If your hijacker is Home Search Assistant or one of these:

- Only The Best
- Home Search Extender
- Shopping Wizard
- res://****.dll/index.html#***** (or simply res .dll)

first see he
http://www.short-media.com/forum/sho...774#post172774, and
he http://www.pchell.com/support/onlythebest.shtml. Then you can try AT
YOUR OWN RISK, HSRemove, free, he http://www.hsremove.com/. "A few
days ago I got hijacked - Nothing new in that, except this time it was a
real [censored] to get rid of. - There were simply no tools available to
remove this "Home Search" thing. Finally I ended up creating my own tool for
it. USE IT AT YOUR OWN RISK. And if you find it helpful, then please do not
hesitate to make a contribution." Or, you can try AboutBuster, here, which
is also designed to remove Home Search Assistant:
http://www.malwarebytes.biz/


Approach 2 - You can try this AT YOUR OWN RISK. I normally wouldn't advise
using a malware provider's uninstall, but this particular approach has been
reported to work ONLY IF you have the about:blank CWS variant (there appear
to be at least three or four currently) which leads you to a Search page.
Paste the following IP into your browser:

195.190.118.131

On the screen you arrive at, you see a "Search For" window, and below it a
red "Uninstall Software". Download their uninstaller, uninstall.exe. At this
point I would either use TotalUninstall or make a complete backup/Restore
Point of my system for safety's sake (on the basis of "at least keep what
you've got"). Total Uninstall, http://www.geocities.com/ggmartau/tu.html or
direct dwnld he http://files.webattack.com/localdl834/tun234.zip

Run this uninstall program that you downloaded from the malware site, then
UPDATE them and go to Safe mode to run UPDATED versions CWShredder, AdAware
and SpyBot per the directions in Basic, below.



Approach 3 - Courtesy of "Win" (Win J. Moore) in 24hoursupport.helpdesk

"I had a variant of this CWS.SearchX sucker for about 3 weeks, and I FINALLY
seem to be rid of it for good! It is aka Troj_StartPage.sp and
BackDoor.Agent.BA. This is what I did:


1. Run Regedit, and DELETE the following key:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows
NT\CurrentVersion\Windows\AppInit_DLLs

The value of this key may look blank for you, but it is not. They hide the
value so you can't see it. This registry key tells Windows to load the
Trojan DLL every time ANY application is run giving it complete control to
do whatever it wants. So you need to remove it so that the Trojan DLL cannot
load and keep re-infecting your PC. The way to remove the registry key is
not obvious. If you just delete it from RegEdit, since the Trojan DLL is
loaded, it will re-add it right back. (Try it. Delete the AppInit_DLLs
registry key and hit F5. Notice that it's added right back by the Trojan).

So what you have to do is the following which worked for me (many thanks to
"acomputerpro" at the SpywareInfo.com forums!)

2. Rename the HLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Windows
folder to Windows2.

3. Now delete the AppInit_DLLs key under the Windows2 folder.

4. Hit F5 and notice that AppInit_DLLs doesn't come back.

5. Rename the Windows2 folder back to Windows. Now that AppInit_DLLs is
gone, run the latest AdAware 6 to remove the Trojan for good.

6. Reboot your machine, and check the registry and make sure AppInit_DLLs is
still gone.

Your computer should be free of this for good now. Hope it works for you...
It seemed to do the trick for me!"


Approach 4 - If you've already tried CWShredder to get rid of this parasite
(See below, v.159.0.1 or better and fully updated before use), then take a
look at this thread about manual removal of this parasite:

http://www.akadia.com/services/about_blank_virus.html
and this one: http://www.daniweb.com/techtalkforums/thread5531.html
and this one: http://computercops.biz/article-5199-nested-0-0.html
Some nice clean removal directions he
http://www.securiteam.com/securityre...RP0L0UD5U.html

Approach 5 - I don't usually recommend anything but freeware that I've
confidence in, but AT YOUR OWN RISK, not free ($29.95), Adware Away, he
http://www.adwareaway.com/ claims to fix it automatically, and several users
now have reported success using it. I would backup my system before using
it, however - always try to "keep what you've got".


___________________________________

about:Blank Specific Fixes



about:Blank Specific fixes. Do the Basic Cleaning steps also after
finding one of these that works AND if none do:


Then try in order:

1) See the procedures he
http://www.pchell.com/support/onlythebest.shtml
and especially he
http://www.pestpatrol.com/pestinfo/c/cws_aboutblank.asp and he
http://www.securiteam.com/securityre...RP0L0UD5U.html
Pest Patrol (free) claims to remove at least some of the about:blank
variants

2) Download AboutBuster, he http://www.malwarebytes.biz/AboutBuster.zip
or he http://www.majorgeeks.com/download4289.html Then, "First unzip all
files from the zip folder to a folder or your desktop. Start it and hit ok.
Then hit update. A new screen should popup. On that screen hit Check for
Updates. If it says it found an update hit Download Updates. If it doesnt it
will automatically tell you and exit. Now for the scanning part. Hit start
and then Ok. The program should start scanning. Then hit exit and reboot.

Once rebooted run about:Buster once more to make sure everything is ok.
The database will be updated very frequently so check your versions once a
day."

3) Download dllfix.exe and CWShredder from he

http://www.renonce.com/pub/utils/dllfix.exe

and http://209.133.47.200/~merijn/files/CWShredder.exe
or http://www.zerosrealm.com/downloads/CWShredder.zip
or http://downloads.subratam.org/CWShredder.exe

Unzip or install dllfix.exe to its own folder, run it and do options 1 and
2.

Now proceed with the Basic Cleaning steps, below.

4) It has been reported that the evaluation version of Panda Software's
Titanium Antivirus 2004, he
http://www.pandasoftware.com/registe...ry=Us&sec=down
will completely remove about:blank. I have not been able to independently
verify this yet, however, so this is AT YOUR OWN RISK. You'll have to give
them some information, and I expect you may want to uncheck some of the
"opt-in" boxes at the bottom just above and below the send button.

5. Courtesy of MVP Ron Kinner

"There is a German program called Spoonweg.exe which might
help.

http://lunatic-skydance.de/mr/soft/SpoonWeg.exe

It will start to download. Save it somewhere you can find
it again then Open it and say YES then Click on Trojaner-
Suchen. If it finds the version of about:blank that it is
meant to kill it will go and do it then reboot the PC.
Otherwise it will say Trojaner Spooner wird nicht gefunden.

Another German program is SpHjFix.exe.

http://www.trojaner-info.de/cgi-bin/download.cgi?
file=sphjfix

This one speaks English so just Press on Start Disinfection
If it doesn't find its target it will say Not Infected
across the top of the little window. Otherwise follow the
instructions.

Both of these probably run better in Safe Mode (F8 -
without Networking)"

/about:Blank Specific Fixes


_____________________________

Basic Cleaning


Basic Cleaning - Note that this symptom often indicates the possibility of
other malware. You might want go to this page at Jim Eshelman's site, he
http://aumha.org/a/noads.htm or he
http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/parasite.htm and wait a little bit (be
patient), while an analysis of a number of possible parasites on your
machine will be made to help you identify and remove them. NOTE: You will
need to disable Ad Blocking in Zone Alarm 3.x, if present or any other Ad
Blocking software which interferes with Java Scripting for this scan to
work. You should get a message between the two lines of **** giving the
results of the scan.


For the general hijack case, the best way to start is to get Ad-Aware SE
Personal Edition, he http://www.lavasoftusa.com/support/download/.
UPDATE, set it up in accordance with this:
http://forum.aumha.org/viewtopic.php?t=5877 or the directions immediately
below and run this regularly to get rid of most "spyware/hijackware" on your
machine. If it has to fix things, be sure to re-boot and rerun AdAware
again and repeat this cycle until you get a clean scan. The reason is that
it may have to remove things which are currently "in use" before it can then
clean up others. Configure Ad-aware for a customized scan, and let it
remove any bad files found.....

Begin Setup Directions
Then, courtesy of NonSuch at Lockergnome, open Ad-aware then click the gear
wheel at the top and check these options to configure Ad-aware for a
customized scan:

General activate these: "Automatically save log-file" and "Automatically
quarantine objects prior to removal"

Scanning activate these: "Scan within archives", "Scan active processes",
"Scan registry", "Deep scan registry," "Scan my IE Favorites for banned
sites," and "Scan my Hosts file"

Tweaks Scanning Engine activate this: "Unload recognized processes during
scanning."

Tweaks Cleaning Engine: activate these: "Automatically try to unregister
objects prior to deletion" and "Let Windows remove files in use after
reboot."

Click "Proceed" to save your settings, then click "Start." Make sure
"Activate in-depth scan" is ticked green, then scan your system. When the
scan is finished, the screen will tell you if anything has been found, click
"Next." The bad files will be listed. Right click the pane and click "Select
all objects" - This will put a check mark in the box at the side, click
"Next" again and click "OK" at the prompt "# objects will be removed.
Continue?"
End Setup Directions

Courtesy of http://www.nondisputandum.com/html/anti_spyware.html: HINT: If
Ad Aware is automatically shut-down by a malicious software, first run
AWCloak.exe, http://www.lavasoftnews.com/downloads/AAWCloak.exe, before
opening Ad Aware. When AAWCloak is open, click “Activate Cloak�. Than open
Ad Aware and scan your system.

Another excellent program for this purpose is SpyBot Search and Destroy
available he http://security.kolla.de/ SpyBot Support Forum he
http://www.net-integration.net/cgi-b.../ikonboard.cgi. Tutorial
he http://www.safer-networking.org/en/index.html I recommend using both
normally. Be sure and use the Default (NOT Advanced or Beta) Mode in
Settings.

After UPDATING and fixing ONLY RED things with SpyBot S&D, be sure to
re-boot and rerun SpyBot again and repeat this cycle until you get a clean
"no red" scan. The reason is that SpyBot sometimes has to remove things
which are currently "in use" before it can then clean up others. Note that
sometimes you need to make a judgement call about what these programs report
as spyware. See here, for example: http://www.imilly.com/alexa.htmNote that
sometimes you need to make a judgment call about what these programs report
as spyware. See here, for example: http://www.imilly.com/alexa.htm


A currently common parasite is some malware called CoolWebSearch. Do the
following:

Download, UPDATE before running, and run:
http://cwshredder.net/bin/CWSInstall.exe from this page:
http://www.intermute.com/spysubtract..._download.html (The new v.2+
which will automatically install in C:\Program
Files\InterMute\SpySubtract\CWShredder.exe and put a shortcut on the
Desktop. Run the program from this install location or the shortcut after
installation. This recommendation for CWShredder is NOT automatically a
recommendation for the other programs adverstised by Intermute in
conjunction with this install.) or from he
http://www.aumha.org/downloads/cwshredder.exe (v.2+ standalone) or he
http://www.softpedia.com/public/scri...ero/10-17-150/ (v.2+) to
remove the parasite. Try to run from Safe mode or a Clean Boot and be sure
to close ALL other programs to the extent possible, expecially ALL
instances of IE and OE.


There's a good tutorial about CWS and using CWShredder he
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/foru...rial=47#domain See
also: http://cwshredder.net/cwshredder/cwschronicles.html

BE SURE that you get v.1.59.0.1 or later or the new v.2! Note that
CWShredder may make deletions/changes to your HOSTS file (sometimes as false
positives), and that after cleanup you may need to restore it with a fresh
copy of any local DNS and/or blocking entries or disable it before running
CWShredder.


You will need to show Hidden files first and then at the end clear the
malware garbage from your System Restore backups after you've cleaned up.
It's best to perform CWShredder (and most other malware fixers too) from
Safe mode and then reboot. AFTER cleaning things up, then you can disable
and then re-enable System Restore. See ******** below.

The following links give instructions on how to do these various functions:


HOW TO Restart in Safe Mode
http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT...01052409420406

HOW TO Enable Hidden Files
http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT...02092715262339

HOW TO Disable/Flush System Restore (do this at the end AFTER cleaning or
use the suggested procedure for XP at the ******'s)
http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT...01111912274039
(WinXP)
http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT...01012513122239
(WinME)



Then download and run:
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/regs.../iegentabs.reg to restore your
tabs and remove any restrictions that the parasite has put in place.

Now download and run:
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/regs...oreSearch2.REG to restore
your search functions if they've been affected (as they probably will have
been).


Be sure that you also download and install hotfix Q816093, he

http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=816093

which blocks the exploit upon which this parasite family depends.


There are extensive, detailed instructions for manual removal of CWS
variants he http://www.pestpatrol.com/PestInfo/c/cws.asp You may want
to check these to be sure everything's been cleaned up.

When done, go to Start|Run and enter one line at a time (or even easier,
open a DOS box and copy the following in its entirety and then paste it into
the box):

regsvr32 hlink.dll
regsvr32 /i browseui.dll
regsvr32 /i shdocvw.dll
regsvr32 /i mshtml.dll
regsvr32 mshtmled.dll
regsvr32 actxprxy.dll
regsvr32 /i urlmon.dll
regsvr32 scrrun.dll
regsvr32 comcat.dll
regsvr32 Oleaut32.dll
regsvr32 /i Shell32.dll
regsvr32 Msoeacct.dll
regsvr32 "C:\Program Files\Outlook Express\Msoe.dll"
regsvr32 msjava.dll
regsvr32 jscript.dll
regsvr32 Olepro32.dll
regsvr32 Hlink.dll
regsvr32 Asctrls.ocx
regsvr32 Inetcpl.cpl /i
regsvr32 Dxtrans.dll
regsvr32 Dxtmsft.dll
regsvr32 Imgutil.dll
regsvr32 Msxml.dll
regsvr32 Msjava.dll
regsvr32 Jscript.dll
regsvr32 Softpub.dll
regsvr32 Wintrust.dll
regsvr32 Initpki.dll
regsvr32 Dssenh.dll
regsvr32 Rsaenh.dll
regsvr32 Gpkcsp.dll
regsvr32 Slbcsp.dll
regsvr32 Cryptdlg.dll
regsvr32 Msjet40.dll
regsvr32 pdm32.dll
regsvr32 Msjtor40.dll
regsvr32 Dao360.dll
regsvr32 Sccbase.dll


with a Return after each .dll. You'll get a message about successful
completion of the re-registration process after each one, then enter the
next (with the DOS box they'll be continuous except for the last one).

If you use Win98x and get an error on Shell32.dll, ignore it. Only the ME,
Win2k and XP versions of windows have shell32 as an object that needs
registering. (For these earlier operating systems, run "regsvr32
shdoc401.dll " instead of "regsvr32 Shell32.dll".) Depending on your
system, you may also get "not found" error messages on some or all of the
last five - if so, ignore them.

Re-start your computer when you've finished.


If they don't fix it then start he

Download HijackThis, free, he
http://209.133.47.200/~merijn/files/HijackThis.exe (Always download a new
fresh copy of HijackThis [and CWShredder also] - It's UPDATED frequently.)
You may also get it here if that link is blocked:
http://www.majorgeeks.com/downloadge...8baee6434cfc13

There's a good "How-to-Use" tutorial he
http://computercops.biz/HijackThis.html

In Windows Explorer, click on Tools|Folder Options|View and check "Show
hidden files and folders" and uncheck "Hide protected operating system
files". (You may want to restore these when you're all finished with
HijackThis.)

Place HijackThis.exe or unzip HijackThis.zip into its own dedicated folder
at the root level such as C:\HijackThis (NOT in a Temp folder or on your
Desktop), reboot to Safe mode, start HT then press Scan. Click on SaveLog
when it's finished which will create hijackthis.log. Now click the Config
button, then Misc Tools and click on Generate StartupList.log which will
create Startuplist.txt


Then go to one of the following forums:

Spyware and Hijackware Removal Support, he
http://216.180.233.162/~swicom/forums/

or Net-Integration he
http://www.net-integration.net/cgi-b...ST;f=27;t=6949

or Tom Coyote he http://forums.tomcoyote.org/index.php?act=idx

Register if necessary, then sign in and READ THE DIRECTIONS at the beginning
of the particular site's HiJackThis forum, then copy and paste both files
into a message asking for assistance, Someone will answer with detailed
instructions for the removal of your parasite(s). Be sure you include at
the beginning of your post a description of "What specific
problem(s)/symptoms you're trying to solve" and "What steps you've already
taken."

*******
ONLY IF you've successfully eliminated the malware, you can now make a new,
clean Restore Point and delete any previously saved (possibly infected)
ones. The following suggested approach is courtesy of Gary Woodruff: For XP
you can run a Disk Cleanup cycle and then look in the More Options tab. The
System Restore option removes all but the latest Restore Point. If there
hasn't been one made since the system was cleaned you should manually create
one before dumping the old possibly infected ones.
*******

/Basic Cleaning




Once you get this cleaned up, you might want to consider installing Eric
Howes' IESpyAds, SpywareBlaster and SpywareGuard here to help prevent this
kind of thing from happening in the futu

IESpyads - https://netfiles.uiuc.edu/ehowes/www/resource.htm "IE-SPYAD adds
a long list of sites and domains associated with known advertisers,
marketers, and crapware pushers to the Restricted sites zone of Internet
Explorer. Once you merge this list of sites and domains into the Registry,
the web sites for these companies will not be able to use cookies, ActiveX
controls, Java applets, or scripting to compromise your privacy or your PC
while you surf the Net. Nor will they be able to use your browser to push
unwanted pop-ups, cookies, or auto-installing programs on your PC." Read
carefully.

http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/spywareblaster.html (Prevents malware Active
X installs) (BTW, SpyWareBlaster is not memory resident ... no CPU or memory
load - but keep it UPDATED) The latest version as of this writing will
prevent installation or prevent the malware from running if it is already
installed, and it provides information and fixit-links for a variety of
parasites.

http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/spywareguard.html (Monitors for attempts to
install malware) Keep it UPDATED. All three Very Highly Recommended

SpywareBlaster is probably the best preventive tool currently available,
expecially if supplemented by using the Immunize function in SpyBot S&D and
a good HOSTS file (see next). IMPORTANT NOTE: A good additional source of
preventive blocking for ActiveX components is the Blocking List available
he http://www.spywareguide.com/blockfile.php While smaller than the
SpywareBlaster list, it contains some different malware CLSIDs and appears
to be updated with new threats more frequently. Recommended as a supplement
to SpywareBlaster. Read all of the instructions in the Expert package
download carefully. You might want to consider using:
http://www.changedetection.com/monitor.html to monitor and notify you of
changes/updates to this (or others, for that matter) list.


Next, install and keep updated a good HOSTS file. It can help you avoid
most adware/malware. See he http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/hosts.htm
(Be sure it's named/renamed HOSTS - all caps, no extension) Additional
tutorials he
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/foru...wt utorial=51
(detailed) and he http://www.spywarewarrior.com/viewtopic.php?t=410
(overview)


Finally, be sure that you have a good hardware or software firewall and an
AntiVirus installed, and bring your OS up-to-date with ALL Critical updates
from Windows Update.


--
Please respond in the same thread.
Regards, Jim Byrd, MS-MVP



In ,
cricchise typed:
OK, this about:blank thing is driving me nuts......i ran CWS and it
said I had no infection.....but I clearly do, because whenever i
start IE, i get about:blank. I also get it when i sign into Yahoo
Messenger and AOL IM.......the CWS Shredder didn't help.
Help me Obie Wan....you're my only hope!

"Alex Nichol" wrote:

IndianFriend wrote:

my system is running xp-sp2 and got infected with about:blank
virus/spyware. I ran Nortan tool and it removed some virus, also I
ran MS-AntiSpyware beta relese.

Get CWShredder from http://www.aumha.org/freeware/freeware.php -
third item - and run it. It will clean most versions of this
pernicious malware

--
Alex Nichol MS MVP (Windows Technologies)
Bournemouth, U.K. (remove the D8 bit)

Try going to "tools" in IE and go to Manage Addons...disable the offending
avctiveX.
Let me know if it works for you.


"IndianFriend" wrote:

Hello friends,

my system is running xp-sp2 and got infected with about:blank
virus/spyware. I ran Nortan tool and it removed some virus, also I ran
MS-AntiSpyware beta relese.

This MS tool reports the presence of about:blank virus/spyware and shows
status as removed. But virus is coming back again in the form of overriding
the IE default URL settings. So whenevr I open IE or Yahoo Messenger, the
popups come which points to some page with all tools info and other popups
showing wrong info about system like system is infected with the below virus
etc..

Am running Norton everyday and it gives a clean report. Now am using
Netscpae as broser and about:blank virus/spyware is not giving anyproblem to
Netscape.

But yahoo messenger is still triggering about:blank virus/spyware. I tried
re-installing yahoo messenger but of no use.

Can I leave this about:blank virus/spyware without using yahoo messenger OR
will it pose more severe problem in future..

Also Please advise method for the removal of this dirty virus.

thanks in advance.

Run this combo, now!

Run Ad-Aware SE, Spybot and HijackThis:
http://www.majorgeeks.com/downloads31.html

Note: Update the first two programs, once installed, before running.

Once done, go to IE/Tools/Internet Options/General/Address and type in:
http://www.google.com

Apply, ok. File/Close. Re-open.

--
In memory of our dear friend, MVP Alex Nichol: http://www.dts-l.org/

All the Best,
Kelly (MS-MVP)

Troubleshooting Windows XP
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com


"Elias at Boatbay.Org." Elias at
wrote in message ...
Try going to "tools" in IE and go to Manage Addons...disable the
offending
avctiveX.
Let me know if it works for you.


"IndianFriend" wrote:

Hello friends,

my system is running xp-sp2 and got infected with about:blank
virus/spyware. I ran Nortan tool and it removed some virus, also I ran
MS-AntiSpyware beta relese.

This MS tool reports the presence of about:blank virus/spyware and shows
status as removed. But virus is coming back again in the form of
overriding
the IE default URL settings. So whenevr I open IE or Yahoo Messenger, the
popups come which points to some page with all tools info and other
popups
showing wrong info about system like system is infected with the below
virus
etc..

Am running Norton everyday and it gives a clean report. Now am using
Netscpae as broser and about:blank virus/spyware is not giving anyproblem
to
Netscape.

But yahoo messenger is still triggering about:blank virus/spyware. I
tried
re-installing yahoo messenger but of no use.

Can I leave this about:blank virus/spyware without using yahoo messenger
OR
will it pose more severe problem in future..

Also Please advise method for the removal of this dirty virus.

thanks in advance.