BleepingComputer.com: Search results are redirected when clicked on, computer is slow , browser crashes often, loud popups happen frequently.

I am currently using XP Home. My search results redirect to mega-searcher or similar sites when clicked on. I am getting a windows security alert that automatic updates are turned off and I am unable to turn them back on. My browser often crashes and my computer functions quite slowly. Any help would be appreciated.

Try this:

http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/virus-removal/remove-tdss-tdl3-alureon-rootkit-using-tdsskiller

Thank you, that did seem to fix the problems with the browser. The other problems are persisting, however.

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

• Hold down Control and click on this link to open ESET OnlineScan in a new window.
  
• Click the button.
  
• For alternate browsers only: (Microsoft Internet Explorer users can skip these steps)
  • Click on esetsmartinstaller_enu.exe to download the ESET Smart Installer. Save it to your desktop.
    
  • Double click on the
    icon on your desktop.
  
  
• Check "YES, I accept the Terms of Use."
  
• Click the Start button.
  
• Accept any security warnings from your browser.
  
• Under scan settings, check "Scan Archives" and "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, click List Threats
  
• Click Export, and save the file to your desktop using a unique name, such as ESETScan. Include the contents of this report in your next reply.
  
• Click the Back button.
  
• Click the Finish button.

Thanks again. Here is the log you requested.

C:\Documents and Settings\Matt\Application Data\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Quick Launch\eBay.url Win32/Adware.ADON application cleaned by deleting - quarantined
C:\Documents and Settings\Matt\Application Data\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\mhb7ew26.default\user.js probably a variant of Win32/TrojanClicker.Agent.BGXMLJG trojan cleaned by deleting - quarantined
C:\Documents and Settings\Matt\Application Data\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\mhb7ew26.default\user.js.BAK probably a variant of Win32/TrojanClicker.Agent.BGXMLJG trojan cleaned by deleting - quarantined
C:\Documents and Settings\Matt\Application Data\Sun\Java\Deployment\cache\6.0\14\7b6dc2ce-4ab04fa7 Java/TrojanDownloader.OpenStream.NCA trojan deleted - quarantined
C:\Documents and Settings\Matt\Desktop\videora-ipod-504-setup.exe Win32/OpenCandy application deleted - quarantined
C:\Qoobox\Quarantine\C\Documents and Settings\Matt\Application Data\913C0366F1E6428EC7658CF90E760740\enemies-names.txt.vir Win32/Adware.AntimalwareDoctor.AE.Gen application cleaned by deleting - quarantined
C:\Qoobox\Quarantine\C\Documents and Settings\Matt\Application Data\913C0366F1E6428EC7658CF90E760740\local.ini.vir Win32/Adware.AntimalwareDoctor.AE.Gen application cleaned by deleting - quarantined
C:\Qoobox\Quarantine\C\Program Files\Mozilla Firefox\searchplugins\google_search.xml.vir probably a variant of Win32/TrojanClicker.Agent.JCOKJMX trojan cleaned by deleting - quarantined
C:\Qoobox\Quarantine\C\WINDOWS\system32\Drivers\imapi.sys.vir Win32/Olmarik.ZC trojan cleaned - quarantined
C:\System Volume Information\_restore{2670DA96-0FB9-4688-93E1-3CE86545501B}\RP562\A0055383.dll a variant of Win32/Kryptik.NCK trojan cleaned by deleting - quarantined
C:\System Volume Information\_restore{2670DA96-0FB9-4688-93E1-3CE86545501B}\RP582\A0057822.exe Win32/OpenCandy application deleted - quarantined
C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\etc\hosts Win32/Qhost trojan cleaned by deleting - quarantined
C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\etc\hosts.20110425-204058.backup Win32/Qhost trojan cleaned by deleting - quarantined
C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\etc\hosts.20110503-084742.backup Win32/Qhost trojan cleaned by deleting - quarantined

Run a quick scan with Malwarebytes and post the log (instructions given below). Also, let us know how your computer is running.

========================

Please download Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware (v1.50) and save it to your desktop.

Download Link 1
Download Link 2

Malwarebytes' 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 and double-click on mbam-setup.exe to install the application.
  For instructions with screenshots, please refer to this Guide.
  
• When the installation begins, follow the prompts and do not make any changes to default settings.
  
• Malwarebytes 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 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.

• Under the Scanner tab, make sure the "Perform Quick Scan" option is selected.
  
• Click on the Scan button.
  
• When 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, then click the Show Results button to see a list of any malware that was found.
  
• Make sure that everything is checked and then 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.
  
• 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 the database version and your operating system.
  
• Exit Malwarebytes' when done.

Note: If Malwarebytes' encounters a file that is difficult to remove, you will be asked to reboot your computer so it can proceed with the disinfection process. If asked to restart the computer, please do so immediately. Failure to reboot normally will prevent Malwarebytes' from removing all the malware.

MB Log:

Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware 1.50.1.1100
www.malwarebytes.org

Database version: 6612

Windows 5.1.2600 Service Pack 3
Internet Explorer 8.0.6001.18702

5/25/2011 6:14:55 AM
mbam-log-2011-05-25 (06-14-55).txt

Scan type: Quick scan
Objects scanned: 143990
Time elapsed: 3 minute(s), 40 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: 0

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:
(No malicious items detected)

How's your computer running now?

Much better. I am still unable to run automatic updates, but the machine is working like a charm. Thank you.

For your automatic updates issue try the suggestions here: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/943144

This post has been edited by Budapest: 26 May 2011 - 04:17 PM

Sorry, still unable to turn on automatic updates from the security center.

Also, I now have no desktop icons but still have wallpaper. I am unable to right click on the desktop and I cannot access my task manager. The error message is that it was disabled by the administrator.

Run this:

http://download.bleepingcomputer.com/grinler/unhide.exe

Okay, thank you. My desktop is back. However, I am still unable to access my task manager and I am still getting the warning from the security center that automatic updates are turned off and I cannot turn them back on.

Click Start, select Run and type:

regsvr32 wuapi.dll
regsvr32 wuaueng.dll
regsvr32 atl.dll
regsvr32 wucltui.dll
regsvr32 wups.dll

Press enter after each one and wait for the success message. Then see if automatic updates will work.