browser default changes, redirects, and more

I'm using a Dell Inspiron mini, running Winxp Service pack 3. I use Avast Antivirus and have been using Malwarebytes since the problem began. I have purchased an external drive and backed up all the files on my computer.

A week or so ago I noticed the following symptoms:

*upon launching Firefox, each time it now tells me Firefox is not my default browser, would I like to change it to Firefox;
*clicking on links (especially from google) redirects me to a variety of websites that I did not click on;
*I have multiple warnings from Malwarebytes telling me that it has blocked access to a potentially malicious site with the following ip addresses:
206.161.121.2
206.161.121.3
206.161.121.4
206.161.121.5
109.206.185.165

Running a full system scan with Avast it tells me "rootkit found MBR-Alurec" but deleting the file and restarting with a fresh scan just brings up the same message.

Malwarebytes scan gave no results.

what other info is needed, and what suggestions do you have?

Thanks so much!

Hello and welcome. please do these next and see how it is.

Please download aswMBR ( 511KB ) to your desktop.

• Double click the aswMBR.exe icon to run it
• Click the Scan button to start the scan
• On completion of the scan, click the save log button, save it to your desktop and post it in your next reply.

>>>

Please download TDSSKiller.zip and and extract it.

• Run TDSSKiller.exe.
• Click on Change Parameters
• Put a check in the box of Detect TDLFS file system
• Click Start scan.
• When it is finished the utility outputs a list of detected objects with description.
  The utility automatically selects an action (Cure or Delete) for malicious objects.
  The utility prompts the user to select an action to apply to suspicious objects (Skip, by default). Let the options as it is and click Continue
• Let reboot if needed and tell me if the tool needed a reboot.
• Click on Report and post the contents of the text file that will open.
  
  Note: By default, the utility outputs the log into system disk (it is usually the disk with installed operating system, C:\) root folder. The Log have a name like: TDSSKiller.Version_Date_Time_log.txt.

>>>

I'd like us to scan your machine with ESET OnlineScan

• Hold down Control and click on the following link to open ESET OnlineScan in a new window.
  ESET OnlineScan
• Click the button.
• For alternate browsers only: (Microsoft Internet Explorer users can skip these steps)
  • Click on to download the ESET Smart Installer. Save it to your desktop.
  • Double click on the icon on your desktop.
• Check
• Click the button.
• Accept any security warnings from your browser.
• Under scan settings, check and check Remove found threats
• Click Advanced settings and select the following:
  • Scan potentially unwanted applications
  • Scan for potentially unsafe applications
  • Enable Anti-Stealth technology
• ESET will then download updates for itself, install itself, and begin scanning your computer. Please be patient as this can take some time.
• When the scan completes, push
• Push , and save the file to your desktop using a unique name, such as ESETScan. Include the contents of this report in your next reply.
• Push the button.
• Push

NOTE: In some instances if no malware is found there will be no log produced.


>>>>>
2 guidelines/rules when backing up

1) Backup all your important data files, pictures, music, work etc... and save it onto an external hard-drive. These files usually include .doc, .txt, .mp3, .jpg etc...
2) Do not backup any executables files or any window files. These include .exe/.scr/.htm/.html/.xml/.zip/.rar files as they may contain traces of malware. Also, .html or .htm files that are webpages should also be avoided.

hello and thanks for your fast reply.

I tried twice to download aswMBR.exe - both times it downloaded a 4.5mb file (rather than the indicated 511kb) and when trying to open it (several times), it gave the usual "exe file" warning, i clicked yes, and nothing happened. Not sure what happened, any ideas?

Also when i backed up my files I just used the wizard/software that came with the external drive - so I'm guessing (will look to make sure) that it backed up EVERYTHING and as such, I may need to reformat it and back up specific things instead. :/

what should I do next?

Thanks again!!

ok this is bizarre...I also downloaded TDSSKiller, unzipped/extracted the file, (1.97mb) and IT would not run either....tried double clicking, right click/open, and absolutely nothing happened. What the heck?!

If TDSSKiller does not run, try renaming it. To do this, right-click on TDSSKiller.exe, select Rename and give it a random name with the .com file extension (i.e. 123abc.com). If you do not see the file extension, please refer to these[/color] instructions. In some cases it may be necessary to redownload TDSSKiller and randomly rename it before downloading and saving to the computer.

OR
Download the FixTDSS.exe

Save the file to your Windows desktop.
Close all running programs.
If you are running Windows XP, turn off System Restore. How to turn off or turn on Windows XP System Restore
Double-click the FixTDSS.exe file to start the removal tool.
Click Start to begin the process, and then allow the tool to run.
Restart the computer when prompted by the tool.
After the computer has started, the tool will inform you of the state of infection (make sure to let me know what it said)
If you are running Windows XP, re-enable System Restore.




Please download MiniToolBox, save it to your desktop and run it.

Checkmark the following checkboxes:

• Flush DNS
• Report IE Proxy Settings
• Reset IE Proxy Settings
• Report FF Proxy Settings
• Reset FF Proxy Settings
• List content of Hosts
• List IP configuration
• List Winsock Entries
• List last 10 Event Viewer log
• List Installed Programs
• List Devices
• List Users, Partitions and Memory size.
• List Minidump Files

Click Go and post the result (Result.txt). A copy of Result.txt will be saved in the same directory the tool is run.

[color="#008000"] Note: When using "Reset FF Proxy Settings" option Firefox should be closed.