BleepingComputer.com: PING.EXE process unusually active, browser redirected, pop-ups

Hello Bleeping Computer Experts,

First off, thanks to all BC moderators and experts for volunteering their time and expertise to help out us computer users. I'm sure many of us appreciate your time and help.

This is the system where I'm experiencing the problem: Windows Vista Home Premium 64 bit, Service Pack 1.

Problem description:
Starting around three days ago, I started noticing that when I use the Firefox (v. 9.0.1) Google search bar and click a link from the search results, I get redirected to totally unrelated websites. This seems to happen at say every 3-4 searches. Sometimes these redirections come with pop-up Firefox windows to more unrelated websites (around 1-2 pop-up windows at a time). Naturally, I hit Ctrl+Alt+Delete to see what might be causing this (or pretend to, at least), and I noticed that a process called PING.EXE is constantly running and hogging the CPU usage. I did a Google search on this process and learned that it is legitimate, except for when it's hogging that much memory in which case it might be a sign of infection.

My questions:
Am I infected?
How should I proceed from here?

Any help is much appreciated.

nimboot22

Please follow the instructions in ==>This Guide<== starting at Step 6. If you cannot complete a step, skip it and continue.

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

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.

It would be helpful if you post a note here once you have completed the steps in the guide and have started your topic in malware removal. Good luck and be patient.

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

Thanks for your reply, Broni.

I have posted a new topic and the logs in the "Virus, Trojan, Spyware, and Malware Removal Logs" as you requested.

Now that your log is properly posted, 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 Malware Removal Team member, nor should you continue to ask for help elsewhere. Doing so can result in system changes which may not show it 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 Malware Removal 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 Malware Removal Team members are very 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 Malware Removal 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 MRL Team member is already assisting you and not open the thread to respond.

The current wait time is 1 - 5 days and ALL logs are amswered.

To avoid confusion, I am closing this topic.