[Resolved] popups all the sudden

[kevinf80]

Hi xistthexile,

Thanks for the new logs and the information. The problem with the "work offline" issue may simply be an intermittent internet connection loss, especially if you are having problems with your Router. There are benefits of using a Router as opposed to just the Modem.

1. You will have extra protection as the Router has a built in Firewall.
2. You can connect several units to the internet, depending on the number of ports.
3. You have wireless (wifi capabilities). The big security concern is wifi - you must enable encryption with a strong key, preferably WPA-PSK as WEP can easily be cracked.

If you do not require the wireless function it is best to have it disabled. If you are only connecting your Tower to the internet and nothing else, then a Router is probably just something else to go wrong and you may benefit from just using the Modem. The big problem that way is security, you need a software Firewall installed as Windows own only offers basic protection.

I`m a bit concerned about your security, your version of AVG is outdated and should be upgraded to version 9.0, or better still use Avast Home Edition. I`m not a big fan of AVG as it tends to be bloated and a bit of a resource hog.
You will also benefit from using a Software Firewall, I recommend Online Armour, this also works very well with Avast. Lets do some clean up and then take it from there.

Step 1

• Download OTC by OldTimer and save it to your Desktop.
  
• Double click icon to start the program.
  If you are using Vista, please right-click and choose run as administrator
  
• Then Click the big button.
  
• You will get a prompt saying "Begining Cleanup Process". Please select Yes.
  
• Restart your computer when prompted.It will also remove the OTC application.

Delete any other tools if still on the Desktop:

DDS or Security Check

Step 2

We need to download and install a system cleaner utility, I recommend ATF Cleaner.
Please download ATF Cleaner by Atribune.
This program is for XP and Windows 2000 and Vista only

• Double-click ATF-Cleaner.exe to run the program.
  
• Under Main choose: Select All then deselect  "Prefetch" by removing the tick.
  
• Click the Empty Selected button.
  

If you use Firefox browser

• Click Firefox at the top and choose: Select All
  
• Click the Empty Selected button.
  
• NOTE: If you would like to keep your saved passwords, please click No at the prompt.
  

If you use Opera browser

• Click Opera at the top and choose: Select All
  
• Click the Empty Selected button.
  
• NOTE: If you would like to keep your saved passwords, please click No at the prompt.
  

Click Exit on the Main menu to close the program.
For Technical Support, double-click the e-mail address located at the bottom of each menu.

Step 3

Download and install Online Armour Firewall from HERE An excellent Tutorial is available HERE if required.

Step 4

If you wish to keep AVG get a free upgrade from HERE Or a better option is to download and install Avast Home Edition from HERE with an excellent tutorial avaiable HERE if required.

If you choose to go for Avast please uninstall AVG first via add/remove programs, then run the AVG clean up tool available HERE

Step 4

You currently have no restore points, I can only assume you have system restore turned off. This is should be turned back on and a new restore point set.

“Turn on” System restore > Left click start > Right click My Computer > Left click Properties > Select System restore tab > Remove tick in Turn off System Restore box > apply > ok.

Create the new restore point > Start > all programs > accessories > system tools > system restore > create a restore point > In the Restore point description box give it a name for reference eg. Clean 1. The time and date are added automatically > then select create and follow the wizard out.

Step 5

If you use your Router for no other reason than to connect your Tower to the Modem lets remove it and connect directly to the Modem, run this way for 24 hrs and see if you get the "Work Offline" alert. Let me know the make and model of the Router if you wish to keep it connected.

Run HJT and save a log file, copy/paste to next reply.

kevinf80

[xistthexile]

ogfile of Trend Micro HijackThis v2.0.2
Scan saved at 10:22:25 AM, on 4/4/2010
Platform: Windows XP SP3 (WinNT 5.01.2600)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v8.00 (8.00.6001.18702)
Boot mode: Normal

Running processes:
C:\WINDOWS\System32\smss.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\winlogon.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\services.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\lsass.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\Tall Emu\Online Armor\OAcat.exe
C:\Program Files\Tall Emu\Online Armor\oasrv.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\Program Files\Bonjour\mDNSResponder.exe
C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\EPSON\EPW!3 SSRP\E_S40ST7.EXE
C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\EPSON\EPW!3 SSRP\E_S40RP7.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\Java\jre6\bin\jqs.exe
C:\Program Files\LeapFrog\LeapFrog Connect\CommandService.exe
C:\Program Files\Ideazon\Zboard Software\Driver\ZboardTray.exe
C:\WINDOWS\RTHDCPL.EXE
C:\Program Files\LeapFrog\LeapFrog Connect\Monitor.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\EPSONS~1\EVENTM~1\EEventManager.exe
C:\Program Files\Tall Emu\Online Armor\oaui.exe
C:\Program Files\Ideazon\Zboard Software\Driver\Zboard.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\nvsvc32.exe
C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Search Protection\SearchProtection.exe
C:\Program Files\Windows Media Player\WMPNSCFG.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\SoftwareUpdate\YahooAUService.exe
C:\Program Files\Tall Emu\Online Armor\OAhlp.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\wscntfy.exe
C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe
C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe
C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe
C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\msiexec.exe
C:\Program Files\Alwil Software\Avast5\AvastSvc.exe
C:\Program Files\Alwil Software\Avast5\setup\avast.setup
C:\Program Files\Alwil Software\Avast5\avastUI.exe
C:\Program Files\Trend Micro\HijackThis\HijackThis.exe

R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL = http://www.yahoo.com/
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Search_URL = http://us.rd.yahoo.com/customize/ie/defaults/su/msgr9/*http://www.yahoo.com
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Bar = http://us.rd.yahoo.com/customize/ie/defaults/sb/msgr9/*http://www.yahoo.com/ext/search/search.html
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page = http://us.rd.yahoo.com/customize/ie/defaults/sp/msgr9/*http://www.yahoo.com
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://www.yahoo.com/
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Search,SearchAssistant =
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\SearchURL,(Default) = http://us.rd.yahoo.com/customize/ie/defaults/su/msgr9/*http://www.yahoo.com
R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Local Page =
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Local Page =
R3 - URLSearchHook: Yahoo! Toolbar - {EF99BD32-C1FB-11D2-892F-0090271D4F88} - C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Companion\Installs\cpn\yt.dll
O2 - BHO: &Yahoo! Toolbar Helper - {02478D38-C3F9-4efb-9B51-7695ECA05670} - C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Companion\Installs\cpn\yt.dll
O2 - BHO: AcroIEHelperStub - {18DF081C-E8AD-4283-A596-FA578C2EBDC3} - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe\Acrobat\ActiveX\AcroIEHelperShim.dll
O2 - BHO: Spybot-S&D IE Protection - {53707962-6F74-2D53-2644-206D7942484F} - C:\Program Files\Spybot - Search & Destroy\SDHelper.dll
O2 - BHO: SSVHelper Class - {761497BB-D6F0-462C-B6EB-D4DAF1D92D43} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre6\bin\ssv.dll
O2 - BHO: Easy Photo Print - {9421DD08-935F-4701-A9CA-22DF90AC4EA6} - C:\Program Files\Epson Software\Easy Photo Print\EPTBL.dll
O2 - BHO: Java(tm) Plug-In 2 SSV Helper - {DBC80044-A445-435b-BC74-9C25C1C588A9} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre6\bin\jp2ssv.dll
O2 - BHO: JQSIEStartDetectorImpl - {E7E6F031-17CE-4C07-BC86-EABFE594F69C} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre6\lib\deploy\jqs\ie\jqs_plugin.dll
O2 - BHO: SingleInstance Class - {FDAD4DA1-61A2-4FD8-9C17-86F7AC245081} - C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Companion\Installs\cpn\YTSingleInstance.dll
O3 - Toolbar: Easy Photo Print - {9421DD08-935F-4701-A9CA-22DF90AC4EA6} - C:\Program Files\Epson Software\Easy Photo Print\EPTBL.dll
O3 - Toolbar: Yahoo! Toolbar - {EF99BD32-C1FB-11D2-892F-0090271D4F88} - C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Companion\Installs\cpn\yt.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [VTTimer] VTTimer.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [S3Trayp] S3trayp.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [RTHDCPL] RTHDCPL.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Alcmtr] ALCMTR.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NvCplDaemon] RUNDLL32.EXE C:\WINDOWS\system32\NvCpl.dll,NvStartup
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [nwiz] nwiz.exe /install
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Monitor] "C:\Program Files\LeapFrog\LeapFrog Connect\Monitor.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [EEventManager] C:\PROGRA~1\EPSONS~1\EVENTM~1\EEventManager.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [QuickTime Task] "C:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe" -atboottime
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Adobe Reader Speed Launcher] "C:\Program Files\Adobe\Reader 9.0\Reader\Reader_sl.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Adobe ARM] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe\ARM\1.0\AdobeARM.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [@OnlineArmor GUI] "C:\Program Files\Tall Emu\Online Armor\oaui.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [avast5] C:\PROGRA~1\ALWILS~1\Avast5\avastUI.exe /nogui
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [ctfmon.exe] C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [MSMSGS] "C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe" /background
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [Search Protection] C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Search Protection\SearchProtection.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [EPSON NX110 Series] C:\WINDOWS\System32\spool\DRIVERS\W32X86\3\E_FATIFBA.EXE /FU "C:\WINDOWS\TEMP\E_S114.tmp" /EF "HKCU"
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [EPSON NX110 Series (Copy 1)] C:\WINDOWS\System32\spool\DRIVERS\W32X86\3\E_FATIFBA.EXE /FU "C:\WINDOWS\TEMP\E_S8.tmp" /EF "HKCU"
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [WMPNSCFG] C:\Program Files\Windows Media Player\WMPNSCFG.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\RunOnce: [Shockwave Updater] C:\WINDOWS\system32\Adobe\Shockwave 11\SwHelper_1151601.exe -Update -1151601 -"Mozilla/4.0 (compatible; MSIE 8.0; Windows NT 5.1; Trident/4.0; GTB6; .NET CLR 2.0.50727; .NET CLR 3.0.4506.2152; .NET CLR 3.5.30729; .NET CLR 1.1.4322)" -"http://www.marvistavet.com/html/body_anal_sacs.html"
O4 - HKLM\..\Policies\Explorer\Run: [ZboardTray] "C:\Program Files\Ideazon\Zboard Software\Driver\ZboardTray.exe" /autolaunch
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre6\bin\jp2iexp.dll
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Sun Java Console - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre6\bin\jp2iexp.dll
O9 - Extra button: Bonjour - {7F9DB11C-E358-4ca6-A83D-ACC663939424} - C:\Program Files\Bonjour\ExplorerPlugin.dll
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {DFB852A3-47F8-48C4-A200-58CAB36FD2A2} - C:\Program Files\Spybot - Search & Destroy\SDHelper.dll
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Spybot - Search && Destroy Configuration - {DFB852A3-47F8-48C4-A200-58CAB36FD2A2} - C:\Program Files\Spybot - Search & Destroy\SDHelper.dll
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {e2e2dd38-d088-4134-82b7-f2ba38496583} - C:\WINDOWS\Network Diagnostic\xpnetdiag.exe
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: @xpsp3res.dll,-20001 - {e2e2dd38-d088-4134-82b7-f2ba38496583} - C:\WINDOWS\Network Diagnostic\xpnetdiag.exe
O9 - Extra button: Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Windows Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
O16 - DPF: {48DD0448-9209-4F81-9F6D-D83562940134} (MySpace Uploader Control) - http://lads.myspace.com/upload/MySpaceUploader1006.cab
O16 - DPF: {6E32070A-766D-4EE6-879C-DC1FA91D2FC3} (MUWebControl Class) - http://www.update.microsoft.com/microsoftupdate/v6/V5Controls/en/x86/client/muweb_site.cab?1259433794156
O16 - DPF: {8100D56A-5661-482C-BEE8-AFECE305D968} (Facebook Photo Uploader 5 Control) - http://upload.facebook.com/controls/2009.07.28_v5.5.8.1/FacebookPhotoUploader55.cab
O16 - DPF: {9C23D886-43CB-43DE-B2DB-112A68D7E10A} (MySpace Uploader Control) - http://lads.myspace.com/upload/MySpaceUploader2.cab
O16 - DPF: {E2883E8F-472F-4FB0-9522-AC9BF37916A7} - http://platformdl.adobe.com/NOS/getPlusPlus/1.6/gp.cab
O16 - DPF: {FD0B6769-6490-4A91-AA0A-B5AE0DC75AC9} (Performance Viewer Activex Control) - https://secure.logmein.com/activex/ractrl.cab?lmi=100
O23 - Service: avast! Antivirus - ALWIL Software - C:\Program Files\Alwil Software\Avast5\AvastSvc.exe
O23 - Service: avast! Mail Scanner - ALWIL Software - C:\Program Files\Alwil Software\Avast5\AvastSvc.exe
O23 - Service: avast! Web Scanner - ALWIL Software - C:\Program Files\Alwil Software\Avast5\AvastSvc.exe
O23 - Service: Bonjour Service - Apple Computer, Inc. - C:\Program Files\Bonjour\mDNSResponder.exe
O23 - Service: EPSON V5 Service4(01) (EPSON_EB_RPCV4_01) - SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION - C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\EPSON\EPW!3 SSRP\E_S40ST7.EXE
O23 - Service: EPSON V3 Service4(01) (EPSON_PM_RPCV4_01) - SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION - C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\EPSON\EPW!3 SSRP\E_S40RP7.EXE
O23 - Service: Java Quick Starter (JavaQuickStarterService) - Sun Microsystems, Inc. - C:\Program Files\Java\jre6\bin\jqs.exe
O23 - Service: LeapFrog Connect Device Service - LeapFrog Enterprises, Inc. - C:\Program Files\LeapFrog\LeapFrog Connect\CommandService.exe
O23 - Service: NVIDIA Display Driver Service (NVSvc) - NVIDIA Corporation - C:\WINDOWS\system32\nvsvc32.exe
O23 - Service: Online Armor Helper Service (OAcat) - Tall Emu - C:\Program Files\Tall Emu\Online Armor\OAcat.exe
O23 - Service: Online Armor (SvcOnlineArmor) - Tall Emu - C:\Program Files\Tall Emu\Online Armor\oasrv.exe
O23 - Service: Yahoo! Updater (YahooAUService) - Yahoo! Inc. - C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\SoftwareUpdate\YahooAUService.exe

--
End of file - 10057 bytes

[xistthexile]

no i have to keep the router i have a xbox360 that i switch between two tvs and i a spare comp that i use when i play warcraftso i have to use it. its a netgear wireless-G   model# wgr614

[kevinf80]

Hi xistthexile,

If you are still having issues with the router it may be worthwhile visiting the manufacturers website to see if a firmware upgrade is available, try this LINK to the Netgear website. You stated earlier that your system works ok when you remove the router and connect directly to the modem, that indicates where your problem lies.
How is your OS now, (apart from the router issue) all your recent logs are clean and you have a good security package inplace, are you happy for me to close out this topic or do require any further assistance.

kevinf80

[xistthexile]

no i am very happy with all of ur help thank you so much ill get in contact with netgear to see if they can help with the router if anything esle goes wrong i ll let u know again thanks so much

[kevinf80]

Hi xistthexile,

Here are some tips to reduce the potential for malware infection in the future; I strongly recommend  that you read them and take them to heart so that you don't have to endure the process of cleaning your computer again.

Make proper use of your antivirus and firewall

Antivirus and Firewall programs are integral to your computer security. However, just having them installed isn't enough. The definitions of these programs are frequently updated to detect the latest malware, if you don't keep up with these updates then you'll be vulnerable to infection. Many antivirus and firewall programs have automatic update features, make use of those if you can. If your program doesn't, then get in the habit of routinely performing manual updates, because it's important.

You should keep your antivirus and firewall guard enabled at all times, NEVER turn them off unless there's a specific reason to do so. Also, regularly performing a full system scan with your antivirus program is a good idea to make sure you're system remais clean. Once a week should be adequate. You can set the scan to run during a time when you don't plan to use the computer and just leave it to complete on its own.


Use a safer web browser

Internet Explorer is not the most secure tool for browsing the web. It has been known to be very susceptible to infection, and there are a few good free alternatives: Firefox, Opera, and Chrome. All of these are excellent faster, safer, more powerful and functional free alternatives to Internet Explorer. It's definitely worth the short period of adjustment to start using one of these. If you wish to continue using Internet Explorer, it would be a good idea to follow the tutorial HERE which will help you to make IE MUCH safer.

These browser add-ons will help to make your browser safer:

Web of Trust warns you about risky websites that try to scam visitors, deliver malware or send spam. WOT's color-coded icons show you ratings for 21 million websites, helping you avoid the dangerous ones: Green to go, Yellow for caution, and Red to stop. Available for FirefoxInternet Explorer.

NoScript helps to block malicious scripts and in general gives you much better control over what types of things webpages can do to your computer while you're browsing. Available for Firefox only.

These are just a couple of the most popular add-ons, if you're interested in more, take a look at THIS article.

Please read this excellent article by Tony Klein So how did I get infected in the first place It reiterates some of the above advice and gives a lot of other top tips. Please ignore the reference to SP3 for XP, this is slightly outdated and will be amended soon. Also any Vista users reading this please add SP2 to the advice.

Please keep Malwarebytes for occasional scans, remember to always update first. Also keep AFT by Atribune to keep your system free of clutter. Keeping your hard drive De-fragmented will also go along way to keeping your system at optimum performance. The free version of Auslogic Disk Defrag available HERE will do the job nicely, that site also has an excellent tutorial.

Happy surfin`

kevinf80