BleepingComputer.com: Google redirect virus

I have the Google redirect virus and have tried many programs such as spyware doctor, hitman pro, malaware bites and TDSS Killer. None have worked. I have been looking through numerous blogs and website. On a google blog, there was a discussion of combofix which many claim to be a strong program but should only handled by professionals. I'm not sure if my solution would be combofix or another method.
What should I use and may I have guidance on the removal of the irritable redirect virus?

Thank you

Hello,comboFix should not be run on your own ,if needed we will run it with you.

Let's do this next.
I suspect it has entered your router.
Next you must reset the router to its default configuration. This can be done by inserting something tiny like a paper clip end or pencil tip into a small hole labeled "reset" located on the back of the router. Press and hold down the small button inside until the lights on the front of the router blink off and then on again (usually about 10 seconds). If you don’t know the router's default password, you can look it up HERE.


Next run MBAM (MalwareBytes):

Please download Malwarebytes Anti-Malware and save it to your desktop.

Download Link 1
Download Link 2

MBAM may "make changes to your registry" as part of its disinfection routine. If using other security programs that detect registry changes (ie Spybot's Teatimer), they may interfere or alert you. Temporarily disable such programs or permit them to allow the changes.

• Make sure you are connected to the Internet.
  
• Double-click on mbam-setup.exe to install the application.
  For instructions with screenshots, please refer to the How to use Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware Guide.
  
• When the installation begins, follow the prompts and do not make any changes to default settings.
  
• When installation has finished, make sure you leave both of these checked:
  • Update Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware
    
  • Launch Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware
  
  
• Then click Finish.

MBAM will automatically start and you will be asked to update the program before performing a scan.

• If an update is found, the program will automatically update itself. Press the OK button to close that box and continue.
  
• If you encounter any problems while downloading the definition updates, manually download them from here and just double-click on mbam-rules.exe to install.

On the Scanner tab:

• Make sure the "Perform Quick Scan" option is selected.
  
• Then click on the Scan button.
  
• If asked to select the drives to scan, leave all the drives selected and click on the Start Scan button.
  
• The scan will begin and "Scan in progress" will show at the top. It may take some time to complete so please be patient.
  
• When the scan is finished, a message box will say "The scan completed successfully. Click 'Show Results' to display all objects found".
  
• Click OK to close the message box and continue with the removal process.

Back at the main Scanner screen:

• Click on the Show Results button to see a list of any malware that was found.
  
• Make sure that everything is checked, and click Remove Selected.
  
• When removal is completed, a log report will open in Notepad.
  
• The log is automatically saved and can be viewed by clicking the Logs tab in MBAM.
  
• Copy and paste the contents of that report in your next reply. Be sure to post the complete log to include the top portion which shows MBAM's database version and your operating system.
  
• Exit MBAM when done.

Note: If MBAM encounters a file that is difficult to remove, you will be asked to reboot your computer so MBAM can proceed with the disinfection process. If asked to restart the computer, please do so immediately. Failure to reboot normally (not into safe mode) will prevent MBAM from removing all the malware.

Troubleshoot Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware

Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware 1.50.1.1100
www.malwarebytes.org

Database version: 5385

Windows 5.1.2600 Service Pack 3
Internet Explorer 7.0.5730.11

12/23/2010 4:02:05 PM
mbam-log-2010-12-23 (16-02-05).txt

Scan type: Quick scan
Objects scanned: 164335
Time elapsed: 5 minute(s), 56 second(s)

Memory Processes Infected: 0
Memory Modules Infected: 0
Registry Keys Infected: 0
Registry Values Infected: 0
Registry Data Items Infected: 0
Folders Infected: 0
Files Infected: 1

Memory Processes Infected:
(No malicious items detected)

Memory Modules Infected:
(No malicious items detected)

Registry Keys Infected:
(No malicious items detected)

Registry Values Infected:
(No malicious items detected)

Registry Data Items Infected:
(No malicious items detected)

Folders Infected:
(No malicious items detected)

Files Infected:
c:\RECYCLER\s-1-5-21-2253680816-3843240357-1601977079-1006\Dc8.exe (Adware.Dropper) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.








What Next?

Hi, looks like we still may have rootkit activity. let's see how you are after these.

Please download the TDSS Rootkit Removing Tool (TDSSKiller.exe) and save it to your Desktop. <-Important!!!
Be sure to download TDSSKiller.exe (v2.4.0.0) from Kaspersky's website and not TDSSKiller.zip which appears to be an older version 2.3.2.2 of the tool.

• Double-click on TDSSKiller.exe to run the tool for known TDSS variants.
  Vista/Windows 7 users right-click and select Run As Administrator.
  
• 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 How to change the file extension.
  
• Click the Start Scan button.
  
• Do not use the computer during the scan
  
• If the scan completes with nothing found, click Close to exit.
  
• If malicious objects are found, they will show in the Scan results - Select action for found objects and offer three options.
  
• Ensure Cure (default) is selected, then click Continue > Reboot now to finish the cleaning process.
  
• A log file named TDSSKiller_version_date_time_log.txt (i.e. TDSSKiller.2.4.0.0_27.07.2010_09.o7.26_log.txt) will be created and saved to the root directory (usually Local Disk C:).
  
• Copy and paste the contents of that file in your next reply.

Please perform a scan with Eset Online Antiivirus Scanner.
This scan requires Internet Explorer to work. Vista/Windows 7 users need to run Internet Explorer as Administrator.
To do this, right-click on the IE icon in the Start Menu or Quick Launch Bar on the Taskbar and select Run As Administrator from the context menu.

• Click the green button.
  
• Read the End User License Agreement and check the box:
  
• Check .
  
• Click the button.
  
• Accept any security warnings from your browser.
  
• Check
  
• Check Remove found threats and Scan potentially unwanted applications. (If given the option, choose "Quarantine" instead of delete.)
  
• Click the Start button.
  
• ESET will then download updates for itself, install itself, and begin scanning your computer.
  
• If offered the option to get information or buy software at any point, just close the window.
  
• The scan will take a while so be patient and do NOT use the computer while the scan is running. Keep all other programs and windows closed.
  
• When the scan completes, push
  
• Push , and save the file to your desktop as ESETScan.txt.
  
• Push the button, then Finish.
  
• Copy and paste the contents of ESETScan.txt in your next reply.

Note: A log.txt file will also be created and automatically saved in the C:\Program Files\EsetOnlineScanner\ folder.
If you did not save the ESETScan log, click > Run..., then type or copy and paste everything in the code box below into the Open dialogue box:

C:\Program Files\ESET\EsetOnlineScanner\log.txt

• Click Ok and the scan results will open in Notepad.
  
• Copy and paste the contents of log.txt in your next reply.

-- Some online scanners will detect existing anti-virus software and refuse to cooperate. You may have to disable the real-time protection components of your existing anti-virus and try running the scan again. If you do this, remember to turn them back on after you are finished.

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

Please tell me it's not a virus attacking the router D:
(Excuse my intrusion. Im just trying to get answers on this too....)
Can you confirm or deny that it's in the router, or do you have a way I can confirm or deny it?
I'm trying to solve this problem for me and a member named Callaghan.
(Saw his post about this problem dated a month ago, so I replied to it with a bit of advice and told him I'd look into it and report back. Also wished him a happy holiday ;D )

Again, sorry for the intrusion, Not sure if I'm allowed to butt into another persons posts (Although I dont see an actual problem with it, I havent read the rules in a while. Which I will do tonight.)

I'm also going to try the advice given here....minus resetting my router.

ESETScan.txt


C:\Documents and Settings\Giovanni Navarro\Desktop\SmitfraudFix\Process.exe Win32/PrcView application cleaned by deleting - quarantined
C:\Documents and Settings\Giovanni Navarro\Desktop\SmitfraudFix\restart.exe Win32/Shutdown.NAA application cleaned by deleting - quarantined
C:\Documents and Settings\Giovanni Navarro\SmitfraudFix\Process.exe Win32/PrcView application cleaned by deleting - quarantined
C:\Documents and Settings\Giovanni Navarro\SmitfraudFix\restart.exe Win32/Shutdown.NAA application cleaned by deleting - quarantined
C:\MGtools\Process.exe Win32/PrcView application cleaned by deleting - quarantined
C:\RECYCLER\S-1-5-21-2253680816-3843240357-1601977079-1006\Dc77.exe multiple threats deleted - quarantined
C:\WINDOWS\system32\Process.exe Win32/PrcView application cleaned by deleting - quarantined



and no threats were found for the TDSSkiller.

What next?

I think we are about finished, just a recheck with MBAM.


Rerun MBAM (MalwareBytes) like this:

Open MBAM in normal/regular mode and click Update tab, select Check for Updates,when done
click Scanner tab,select Quick scan and scan (normal mode).
After scan click Remove Selected, Post new scan log and Reboot into normal mode.

I ran malawarebytes and nothing was found. thank you very much for helping me. if there is anything wrong i'll make sure to inform you.
thank you so much!

Awesome!! If there are no more problems or signs of infection, you should Create a New Restore Point to prevent possible reinfection from an old one. Some of the malware you picked up could have been saved in System Restore. Since this is a protected directory your tools cannot access to delete these files, they sometimes can reinfect your system if you accidentally use an old restore point. Setting a new restore point AFTER cleaning your system will help prevent this and enable your computer to "roll-back" to a clean working state.

The easiest and safest way to do this is:

• Go to Start > Programs > Accessories > System Tools and click "System Restore".
  
• Choose the radio button marked "Create a Restore Point" on the first screen then click "Next". Give the R.P. a name, then click "Create". The new point will be stamped with the current date and time. Keep a log of this so you can find it easily should you need to use System Restore.

• Then use Disk Cleanup to remove all but the most recently created Restore Point.
  
• Go to Start > Run and type: Cleanmgr
  
• Click "Ok". Disk Cleanup will scan your files for several minutes, then open.
  
• Click the "More Options" tab, then click the "Clean up" button under System Restore.
  
• Click Ok. You will be prompted with "Are you sure you want to delete all but the most recent restore point?"
  
• Click Yes, then click Ok.
  
• Click Yes again when prompted with "Are you sure you want to perform these actions?"
  
• Disk Cleanup will remove the files and close automatically.

Vista Users can refer to these links: Create a New Restore Point and Disk Cleanup.

Tips to protect yourself against malware and reduce the potential for re-infection:

• Simple and easy ways to keep your computer safe.
  
• How did I get infected?, With steps so it does not happen again!.
  
• Hardening Windows Security - Part 1 & Part 2.
  
• Configuring Internet Explorer for Practical Security and Privacy - How to Secure Your Web Browser.
  
• Your Guide To Staying Safe Online.
  
• Use Task Manager to close pop-up messages to safely exit malware attacks.

• Avoid gaming sites, pirated software, cracking tools, keygens, and peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing programs. They are a security risk which can make your computer susceptible to a smörgåsbord of malware infections, remote attacks, exposure of personal information, and identity theft. Many malicious worms and Trojans spread across P2P file sharing networks, gaming and underground sites. Users visiting such pages may see innocuous-looking banner ads containing code which can trigger pop-up ads and malicious Flash ads that install viruses, Trojans and spyware. Ads are a target for hackers because they offer a stealthy way to distribute malware to a wide range of Internet users. The best way to reduce the risk of infection is to avoid these types of web sites and not use any P2P applications. Read P2P Software User Advisories and Risks of File-Sharing Technology.

• Keeping Autorun enabled on USB and other removable drives has become a significant security risk due to the increasing number of malware variants that can infect them and transfer the infection to your computer. To learn more about this risk, please read:

• USB-Based Malware Attacks.
  
• When is AUTORUN.INF really an AUTORUN.INF?.
  
• Please disable Autorun asap!.

Should I Do anything extra? Sometimes there are websites that redirect and some don't. Then when I click them again they don't redirect. Its weird. I do know for sure that it is not as bad as before but i feel i should do something extra.
Should i repeat what i did before or is there anything else that can double check for an infection?

thank you

-geo

Ok, there may be something protected and we cannot see it. We need a deeper look. Please go here....
Preparation Guide ,do steps 6 - 9.

Create a DDS log and post it in the new topic explained in step 9,which is here Virus, Trojan, Spyware, and Malware Removal Logs and not in this topic,thanks.
If Gmer won't run,skip it and move on.
Let me know if that went well.