Whitesmoke Toolbar and Click.Giftload found on computer, redirects when searching too!

Please follow the instructions in ==>This Guide<==.

Once the proper logs are created, then make a NEW TOPIC and post it ==>HERE<== Please include the link to this topic in your new topic and a description of your computer issues and what you have done to resolve them.

If you can produce at least some of the logs, then please create the new topic and explain what happens when you try to create the log(s) that you couldn't get. If you cannot produce any of the logs, then still post the topic and explain that you followed the Prep. Guide, were unable to create the logs, and describe what happens when you try to create the logs.

Once you have created the new topic, please reply back here with a link to the new topic.

The WhiteSmoke web site indicates it has worked in the field of English writing technologies since 2002 with a focus on products that enhance and correct grammar, spelling, and writing style. They also provide translation software and other other specialized English writing tools. These all appear to be legitimate programs. However, many users have reported they did not know how WhiteSmoke was downloaded or installed so its most likely being bundled with other software that is downloaded. The WhiteSmoke web site acknowledges they make their technology available through other channels, such as a browser-based text editor, and specialized OEM versions designed for integration with third party service providers. Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware added PUP.WhiteSmoke to its detection database in November 2010.

From our investigation and dealings with this software we are also finding many cases of it being reported with a TDSS rootkit infection after installation. So depending on where and how the software is downloaded such as a bundled package, the severity of system infection will determine how the disinfection process goes.

The Malware Response Team members are all volunteers who contribute to helping members as time permits but currently there is a backup and you may have to wait for assistance. If you don't mind waiting, follow the instructions that already have been provided. If you want to try disinfection in this forum first, continue as follows:

Before doing anything if you have not already done so, you should back up all your important documents, personal data files and photos to a CD or DVD drive as some infections may render your computer unbootable during or before the disinfection process. The safest practice is not to backup any files with the following file extensions: exe, .scr, .ini, .htm, .html, .php, .asp, .xml, .zip, .rar, .cab as they may be infected.

Please post the complete results of your MBAM scan for review.

To retrieve the Malwarebytes Anti-Malware scan log information, launch MBAM.

Click the Logs Tab at the top.
The log will be named by the date of scan in the following format: mbam-log-date(time).txt
-- If you have previously used MBAM, there may be several logs showing in the list.
Click on the log name to highlight it.
Go to the bottom and click on Open.
The log should automatically open in notepad as a text file.
Go to Edit and choose Select all.
Go back to Edit and choose Copy or right-click on the highlighted text and choose Copy from there.
Come back to this thread, click Add Reply, then right-click and choose Paste.
Be sure to post the complete log to include the top portion which shows MBAM's database version and your operating system.

Logs are saved to the following locations:
-- XP: C:\Documents and Settings\<Username>\Application Data\Malwarebytes\Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware\Logs\mbam-log-yyyy-mm-dd
-- Vista, Windows 7, 2008: C:\ProgramData\Malwarebytes\Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware\Logs\mbam-log-yyyy-mm-dd

Please download the TDSS Rootkit Removing Tool (TDSSKiller.zip) and save it to your Desktop. <-Important!!!
Be sure to print out and follow all instructions for performing a scan or refer to these instructions with screenshots.

Extract (unzip) the file to your desktop and make sure TDSSKiller.exe (the contents of the zipped file) is on the Desktop itself, not within a folder on the Desktop. Vista/Windows 7 users refer to these instructions if you're unsure how to unzip a file.
If you don't have an extracting program, you can download TDSSKiller.exe and use that instead.
Double-click on TDSSKiller.exe to run the tool for known TDSS variants.
Vista/Windows 7 users right-click and select Run As Administrator.

When the program opens, click the Start Scan button.
Do not use the computer during the scan
If the scan completes with nothing found, click Close to exit.
Any objects found, will show in the Scan results - Select action for found objects and offer three options.
If an infected file is detected, the default action will be Cure...do not change it.
Click Continue > Reboot now to finish the cleaning process.<- Important!!
If 'Suspicious' objects are detected, you will be given the option to Skip or Quarantine. Skip will be the default selection. Leave it as such for now.
A log file named TDSSKiller_version_date_time_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.

-- 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 instructions. In some cases it may be necessary to redownload TDSSKiller and randomly rename it before downloading and saving to the computer.

-- For any files detected as 'Suspicious' (except those identified as Forged to be cured after reboot) get a second opinion by submitting to Jotti's virusscan or VirusTotal. In the "File to upload & scan" box, browse to the location of the suspicious file and submit (upload) it for scanning/analysis.

BleepingComputer.com: Whitesmoke Toolbar and Click.Giftload found on computer, redirects when searching too!

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