Google result links redirect to ads

Hi!

I have a problem where almost everytime I click on a link in a google search result I get redirected to some random ad page or fake site. Some links seem to be immune to that: for example I have yet to click on a wikipedia link and get redirected. No anti-virus or malware detection software I have tried has been able to find, fix or block the issue (see below). I'm not sure what to do anymore. Should I post a HJT log in the associated forum, or can someone help me here?

I'm using Windows XP home edition with SP3. All current windows updates have been applied. My browser of choice is Firefox (3.0.7) but this also happens with IE 7.

I currently have the following security software installed:
- Online Armor Free 3.0.0.190
- AVG Free 8.5.278, virus DB 270.11.13/2001
- Spybot S&D 1.6.2.46, latest detection update 11/03/2009
- Windows Defender 1.1.1593.0, engine 1.1.4405.0, definition 1.53.431.0

In the last two days I have downloaded, installed, tried and uninstalled the free versions following applications without success in finding a problem:
- Spyware Blaster and Spyware Guard
- Adaware
- Malwarebytes
- SUPERAnti-spyware
- Avira AntiVir
- Panda Online Scanner
- ESET Nod32 Online Scanner
- Kaspersky Online Scanner

I have since removed all versions of the java JRE showing in the applications list, and ran CCleaner on my files and registry. I tried with different user accounts on the same computer--restricted and administrators--and the same thing happens. I have also tried to run AVG, spybot and windows defender in safe mode without success.

Any help in getting rid of this would be greatly appreciated! Thank you.

If you are using Spybot's Teatimer function, disable it for the time being.
-------------------------
Update mbam and run a FULL scan
Please post the results
-------------------------------

Full tutorial:
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/t/131299/how-to-use-sdfix/


Please print out and follow these instructions: "How to use SDFix".
When using this tool, you must use the Administrator's account or an account with "Administrative rights"

• Disconnect from the Internet and temporarily disable your anti-virus, script blocking and any real time protection programs before performing a scan.
• Please be patient as the scan may take up to 20 minutes to complete.
• When the process is complete, the SDFix report log will open in Notepad and automatically be saved in the SDFix folder as Report.txt.
• If SDFix is unable to run after rebooting from Safe Mode, run SDFix in either Mode, and type F, then press Enter for it to finish the final stage and produce the report.
• The SDFix report log (Report.txt) will open in Notepad and automatically be saved in the SDFix folder.
• Please copy and paste the contents of Report.txt in your next reply.
• Be sure to re-enable you anti-virus and and other security programs before connecting to the Internet.

Hi. Thanks for your reply.

I was unable to run SDFix in either safe or normal mode. Doing so makes explorer crash (windows explorer windows close, task bar disappears). In fact, trying to open a simple command prompt either with Start->Run... cmd.exe or the start menu shortcut makes explorer crash. I tried some of the problem fixes in the SDFix tutorial but no improvement came of it.

I should mention that I used safe mode without networking. None of the security applications but windows defender started. I stopped defender in the services before proceeding with SDFix.

I ran mbam full scan:


Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware 1.34
Database version: 1852
Windows 5.1.2600 Service Pack 3

15/03/2009 2:54:46 PM
mbam-log-2009-03-15 (14-54-45).txt

Scan type: Full Scan (C:\|E:\|)
Objects scanned: 189436
Time elapsed: 54 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)


----------------

Please let me know what I should do next. Thank you.

Edited by Dragon Man, 16 March 2009 - 08:25 AM.

Taking into consideration what you have already tried, I would prep for a HJT log:
-----------------------------------

Please read the pinned topic titled "Preparation Guide For Use Before Posting A Hijackthis Log". If you cannot complete a step, then skip it and continue with the next. In Step 6 there are instructions for downloading and running DDS which will create a Pseudo HJT Report as part of its log.

When you have done that, post your log in the HijackThis Logs and Malware Removal forum, NOT here, for assistance by the HJT Team Experts. A member of the Team will walk you through, step by step, on how to clean your computer. If you post your log back in this thread, the response from the HJT Team will be delayed because your post will have to be moved. This means it will fall in line behind any others posted that same day.

Start a new topic, give it a relevant title and post your log along with a brief description of your problem, a summary of any anti-malware tools you have used and a summary of any steps that you have performed on your own. An expert will analyze your log and reply with instructions advising you what to fix. After doing this, we would appreciate if you post a link to your log back here so we know that your getting help from the HJT Team.

Please be patient. It may take a while to get a response because the HJT 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 "bump" your post or make another reply until it has been responded to by a member of the HJT 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 HJT Team member is already assisting you and not open the thread to respond.

Hello

Now that you have a log posted here; http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/t/212026/google-result-links-redirect-to-ads/ 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 HJT Team member, nor should you continue to 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 HJT Team should be the only members that you take advice from, until they have verified your log as clean.

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

Orange Blossom