BleepingComputer.com: XP sp3 Crash on browser startup

I have an issue with my niece’s laptop (Windows XP Media Center Edition Version 2002 SP 3) where it experiences random crashes and will always crash on any browser startup. I have worked through several of these types of problems before with some other machines but this one has me stumped. The steps I have taken so far are as follows (all in safe mode due to the machine being very unstable with a normal boot):

1. System was restarting every time a browser was opened, so I unchecked the auto restart now I get a blue screen with varying "STOP: 0x0000007E (0xC0000005,...)" errors.
2. Copied and renamed firefox.exe to f.exe and the browser works correctly under new name and crashes system when run under original name.
3. Install, update and run Malwarebytes with it finding/cleaning a few anomalies.
4. Install, update and run SuperAntiSpyware with it finding/cleaning a number of tracking cookies.
5. Install and run Ccleaner
6. Tried several updates and new runs of both Malwarebytes and SuperAntiSpyware and no new threats found.
7. Install and run HijackThis but system crashed when I tried to create a log.
8. Ran AVG from command line in safe mode and no threats found.
9. Ran TrendMicro online scan and no threats found.
10. Attempted to update network drivers from the system device manager and now have lost network connectivity.

To address the last problem I downloaded new drivers on another computer and transferred to laptop via thumb drive. The install attempt resulted in error: "Administrator has set policies to prevent this installation". So I attempted to install "As Administrator" (which was odd as that is how I was logged in) and got "This service cannot be started in safe mode". As I mentioned before the system is too unstable in normal boot to attempt install that way. I think if I can get rid of the malware causing the random/browser open crash I can resolve the network driver issue with little trouble.

Thanks in advance for any help

This post has been edited by hamluis: 07 September 2011 - 05:13 PM
Reason for edit: Moved from XP to Am I Infected.

Hello and Welcome to BC
Could you provide more information about your Computer Brand and Model and your Firefox Version.

Update your video device drivers

(Sorry - I was referring to your Original problem, not your network driver issue)

This post has been edited by USN Vet: 06 September 2011 - 05:13 AM

First, thanks for your quick reply.

The laptop is a Toshiba Satellite and the Firefox version is 6.0.1. The browser open/crash issue happens with IE as well and Firefox opens fine when I renamed the executable to "f.exe". I attempted to update the video driver through the device manager and I received a message like "There are no new drivers available for this device".

I was able to manually install the network drivers using the /f switch on the PROWin32.exe to extract the files to a known directory. I also found a newer video driver and installed that. Unfortunately, I still have the problem with the system crashing any time a browser (with its original name) is opened.

I'm still trying to work through this issue with no luck. Given that I can get Firefox to run if I rename it this machine is likely infected. Should I re-post this over on the "Am I Infected" forum?

Thanks in advance

Mod Edit: Moved to Am I Infected ~ Hamluis.

This post has been edited by hamluis: 07 September 2011 - 05:14 PM

Can you post the logs from Malwarebytes and Super anti-Spyware?

As requested:

Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware 1.51.1.1800
www.malwarebytes.org

Database version: 7692

Windows 5.1.2600 Service Pack 3
Internet Explorer 8.0.6001.18702

9/10/2011 9:57:32 PM
mbam-log-2011-09-10 (21-57-32).txt

Scan type: Full scan (C:\|)
Objects scanned: 255554
Time elapsed: 38 minute(s), 39 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)

SUPERAntiSpyware Scan Log
http://www.superantispyware.com

Generated 09/06/2011 at 07:46 PM

Application Version : 5.0.1118

Core Rules Database Version : 7648
Trace Rules Database Version: 5460

Scan type : Complete Scan
Total Scan Time : 00:47:59

Operating System Information
Windows XP Professional 32-bit, Service Pack 3 (Build 5.01.2600)
Administrator

Memory items scanned : 283
Memory threats detected : 0
Registry items scanned : 37957
Registry threats detected : 0
File items scanned : 40199
File threats detected : 20

Adware.Tracking Cookie
ad.yieldmanager.com [ C:\DOCUMENTS AND SETTINGS\ADMINISTRATOR\APPLICATION DATA\MOZILLA\FIREFOX\PROFILES\OM795EA9.DEFAULT\COOKIES.SQLITE ]
ad.yieldmanager.com [ C:\DOCUMENTS AND SETTINGS\ADMINISTRATOR\APPLICATION DATA\MOZILLA\FIREFOX\PROFILES\OM795EA9.DEFAULT\COOKIES.SQLITE ]
.doubleclick.net [ C:\DOCUMENTS AND SETTINGS\ADMINISTRATOR\APPLICATION DATA\MOZILLA\FIREFOX\PROFILES\OM795EA9.DEFAULT\COOKIES.SQLITE ]
.atdmt.com [ C:\DOCUMENTS AND SETTINGS\ADMINISTRATOR\APPLICATION DATA\MOZILLA\FIREFOX\PROFILES\OM795EA9.DEFAULT\COOKIES.SQLITE ]
.atdmt.com [ C:\DOCUMENTS AND SETTINGS\ADMINISTRATOR\APPLICATION DATA\MOZILLA\FIREFOX\PROFILES\OM795EA9.DEFAULT\COOKIES.SQLITE ]
.liveperson.net [ C:\DOCUMENTS AND SETTINGS\ADMINISTRATOR\APPLICATION DATA\MOZILLA\FIREFOX\PROFILES\OM795EA9.DEFAULT\COOKIES.SQLITE ]
server.iad.liveperson.net [ C:\DOCUMENTS AND SETTINGS\ADMINISTRATOR\APPLICATION DATA\MOZILLA\FIREFOX\PROFILES\OM795EA9.DEFAULT\COOKIES.SQLITE ]
.liveperson.net [ C:\DOCUMENTS AND SETTINGS\ADMINISTRATOR\APPLICATION DATA\MOZILLA\FIREFOX\PROFILES\OM795EA9.DEFAULT\COOKIES.SQLITE ]
www.googleadservices.com [ C:\DOCUMENTS AND SETTINGS\ADMINISTRATOR\APPLICATION DATA\MOZILLA\FIREFOX\PROFILES\OM795EA9.DEFAULT\COOKIES.SQLITE ]
www.googleadservices.com [ C:\DOCUMENTS AND SETTINGS\ADMINISTRATOR\APPLICATION DATA\MOZILLA\FIREFOX\PROFILES\OM795EA9.DEFAULT\COOKIES.SQLITE ]
.imrworldwide.com [ C:\DOCUMENTS AND SETTINGS\ADMINISTRATOR\APPLICATION DATA\MOZILLA\FIREFOX\PROFILES\OM795EA9.DEFAULT\COOKIES.SQLITE ]
.imrworldwide.com [ C:\DOCUMENTS AND SETTINGS\ADMINISTRATOR\APPLICATION DATA\MOZILLA\FIREFOX\PROFILES\OM795EA9.DEFAULT\COOKIES.SQLITE ]
.revsci.net [ C:\DOCUMENTS AND SETTINGS\ADMINISTRATOR\APPLICATION DATA\MOZILLA\FIREFOX\PROFILES\OM795EA9.DEFAULT\COOKIES.SQLITE ]
.revsci.net [ C:\DOCUMENTS AND SETTINGS\ADMINISTRATOR\APPLICATION DATA\MOZILLA\FIREFOX\PROFILES\OM795EA9.DEFAULT\COOKIES.SQLITE ]
.tracking.dsmmadvantage.com [ C:\DOCUMENTS AND SETTINGS\ADMINISTRATOR\APPLICATION DATA\MOZILLA\FIREFOX\PROFILES\OM795EA9.DEFAULT\COOKIES.SQLITE ]
.revsci.net [ C:\DOCUMENTS AND SETTINGS\ADMINISTRATOR\APPLICATION DATA\MOZILLA\FIREFOX\PROFILES\OM795EA9.DEFAULT\COOKIES.SQLITE ]
.revsci.net [ C:\DOCUMENTS AND SETTINGS\ADMINISTRATOR\APPLICATION DATA\MOZILLA\FIREFOX\PROFILES\OM795EA9.DEFAULT\COOKIES.SQLITE ]
.apmebf.com [ C:\DOCUMENTS AND SETTINGS\ADMINISTRATOR\APPLICATION DATA\MOZILLA\FIREFOX\PROFILES\OM795EA9.DEFAULT\COOKIES.SQLITE ]
.mediaplex.com [ C:\DOCUMENTS AND SETTINGS\ADMINISTRATOR\APPLICATION DATA\MOZILLA\FIREFOX\PROFILES\OM795EA9.DEFAULT\COOKIES.SQLITE ]
.mediaplex.com [ C:\DOCUMENTS AND SETTINGS\ADMINISTRATOR\APPLICATION DATA\MOZILLA\FIREFOX\PROFILES\OM795EA9.DEFAULT\COOKIES.SQLITE ]

can you find the logs where malwarebytes detected a few anomalies?

Malwarebytes log w/anomalies as requested:

Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware 1.51.1.1800
www.malwarebytes.org

Database version: 7637

Windows 5.1.2600 Service Pack 3 (Safe Mode)
Internet Explorer 8.0.6001.18702

9/2/2011 1:01:43 PM
mbam-log-2011-09-02 (13-01-43).txt

Scan type: Full scan (C:\|D:\|)
Objects scanned: 253303
Time elapsed: 28 minute(s), 16 second(s)

Memory Processes Infected: 0
Memory Modules Infected: 0
Registry Keys Infected: 9
Registry Values Infected: 2
Registry Data Items Infected: 3
Folders Infected: 4
Files Infected: 7

Memory Processes Infected:
(No malicious items detected)

Memory Modules Infected:
(No malicious items detected)

Registry Keys Infected:
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{AFD4AD01-58C1-47DB-A404-FBE00A6C5486} (Trojan.BHO) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Ext\Stats\{AFD4AD01-58C1-47DB-A404-FBE00A6C5486} (Trojan.BHO) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Ext\Stats\{6FD31ED6-7C94-4BBC-8E95-F927F4D3A949} (Adware.180Solutions) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options\SETUP.EXE (Adware.Hotbar) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\AvScan (Trojan.FakeAlert) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\PluginVideo (Trojan.DNSChanger) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\WinPC Antivirus (Rogue.WinPCAntiVirus) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\{NSINAME} (Trojan.Agent) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Multimedia\WMPlayer\Schemes\f3pss (Adware.MyWebSearch) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.

Registry Values Infected:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\MenuExt\&Search\(default) (Adware.Hotbar) -> Value: (default) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings\ProxyServer (PUM.Bad.Proxy) -> Value: ProxyServer -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.

Registry Data Items Infected:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System\DisableTaskMgr (PUM.Hijack.TaskManager) -> Bad: (1) Good: (0) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Security Center\UpdatesDisableNotify (PUM.Disabled.SecurityCenter) -> Bad: (1) Good: (0) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System\DisableTaskMgr (PUM.Hijack.TaskManager) -> Bad: (1) Good: (0) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.

Folders Infected:
c:\documents and settings\all users\application data\10531254 (Rogue.Multiple) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
c:\program files\hdquality (Trojan.DNSChanger) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
c:\documents and settings\Ish\start menu\Programs\hdquality (Trojan.DNSChanger) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
c:\documents and settings\Ish\start menu\Programs\pluginvideo (Trojan.DNSChanger) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.

Files Infected:
c:\documents and settings\Ish\my documents\downloads\setup.exe (Adware.Hotbar) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
c:\program files\hdquality\uninstall.exe (Trojan.FakeAlert) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
c:\Qoobox\quarantine\C\program files\pluginvideo\uninstall.exe.vir (Trojan.FakeAlert) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
c:\program files\Shared\lib.sig (Adware.Deepdive) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
c:\documents and settings\Ish\2gweorjqjutp92vjy9gake (Malware.Trace) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
c:\documents and settings\Ish\application data\Adobe\shed\thr1.chm (Malware.Trace) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
c:\documents and settings\Ish\start menu\Programs\hdquality\uninstall.lnk (Trojan.DNSChanger) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.

since you ran combofix, Please follow the instructions in ==>Malware Removal and Log Section Preparation 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.

Most importantly please be patient till you get a reply to your topic.

cryptodan, on 13 September 2011 - 09:33 PM, said:

But i did not run combofix. Should I still follow the prep guide?

burntout, on 13 September 2011 - 09:45 PM, said:

c:\Qoobox\quarantine\C\program files\pluginvideo\uninstall.exe.vir (Trojan.FakeAlert) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.

That line can only appear after a combofix run.

cryptodan, on 13 September 2011 - 11:13 PM, said:

Interesting, I did not run it, but that was the initial log that my niece ran prior to my getting the laptop. I did some digging around and found an old instance of combofix (Aug. 2009). The entry you quoted may be an artifact left over from that run.

I'll proceed with the prep guide.

Hello,

Now that you have posted a log here: http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/topic419257.html you should NOT make further changes to your computer (install/uninstall programs, use special fix tools, delete files, edit the registry, etc) unless advised by a MRT Team member, nor should you ask for help elsewhere. Doing so can result in system changes which may not show in the log you already posted. Further, any modifications you make on your own may cause confusion for the helper assisting you and could complicate the malware removal process which would extend the time it takes to clean your computer.

From this point on the MRT Team should be the only members that you take advice from, until they have verified your log as clean.

Please be patient. It may take a while to get a response because the MRT Team members are EXTREMELY busy working logs posted before yours. They are volunteers who will help you out as soon as possible. Once you have made your post and are waiting, please DO NOT make another reply until it has been responded to by a member of the MRT Team. Generally the staff checks the forum for postings that have 0 replies as this makes it easier for them to identify those who have not been helped. If you post another response there will be 1 reply. A team member, looking for a new log to work may assume another MRT Team member is already assisting you and not open the thread to respond.

Please be patient. It may take several days to get a response but your log will be reviewed and answered as soon as possible. I advise checking your topic once a day for responses as the e-mail notification system is unreliable.

If HelpBot replies to your topic, PLEASE follow Step One so it will report your topic to the team members.

To avoid confusion, I am closing this topic. Good luck with your log.

Orange Blossom