pmkjh.dll is a stubborn mule!

Hi guys, Ive tried everything to get rid of this damn .dll but nothing has worked.
You guys are the best and i know that you can help me to solve this.

This is my HJT log
Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.1
Scan saved at 4:34:45 PM, on 4/21/2008
Platform: Windows XP SP2 (WinNT 5.01.2600)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v6.00 SP2 (6.00.2900.2180)

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:\WINDOWS\system32\LEXBCES.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
c:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccSetMgr.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\gearsec.exe
c:\Program Files\Norton AntiVirus\navapsvc.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
c:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccEvtMgr.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\wuauclt.exe
C:\Program Files\Unlocker\UnlockerAssistant .exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Sonic\Update Manager\sgtray.exe
C:\Program Files\Unlocker\UnlockerAssistant .exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Sonic\Update Manager\sgtray .exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\rundll32.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\Mozilla Firefox\firefox.exe
C:\Documents and Settings\Owner\Desktop\hijackthis\HijackThis.exe

R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL = http://ie.redirect.hp.com/svs/rdr?TY...rio&pf=desktop
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Search_URL = http://ie.redirect.hp.com/svs/rdr?TY...rio&pf=desktop
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Bar = http://ie.redirect.hp.com/svs/rdr?TY...rio&pf=desktop
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page = http://ie.redirect.hp.com/svs/rdr?TY...rio&pf=desktop
R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://ie.redirect.hp.com/svs/rdr?TY...rio&pf=desktop
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL = http://ie.redirect.hp.com/svs/rdr?TY...rio&pf=desktop
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Search_URL = http://ie.redirect.hp.com/svs/rdr?TY...rio&pf=desktop
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Bar = http://ie.redirect.hp.com/svs/rdr?TY...rio&pf=desktop
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page = http://ie.redirect.hp.com/svs/rdr?TY...rio&pf=desktop
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://ie.redirect.hp.com/svs/rdr?TY...rio&pf=desktop
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings,ProxyOverride = localhost;*.local
F3 - REG:win.ini: load=C:\WINDOWS\system32\pmkjh.exe
O3 - Toolbar: Norton AntiVirus - {42CDD1BF-3FFB-4238-8AD1-7859DF00B1D6} - c:\Program Files\Norton AntiVirus\NavShExt.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [MSConfig] C:\WINDOWS\PCHealth\HelpCtr\Binaries\MSConfig.exe /auto
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [UnlockerAssistant] "C:\Program Files\Unlocker\UnlockerAssistant .exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [UpdateManager] "c:\Program Files\Common Files\Sonic\Update Manager\sgtray.exe" /r
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [ctfmon.exe] C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
O8 - Extra context menu item: E&xport to Microsoft Excel - res://C:\PROGRA~1\MI1933~1\OFFICE11\EXCEL.EXE/3000
O9 - Extra button: Research - {92780B25-18CC-41C8-B9BE-3C9C571A8263} - C:\PROGRA~1\MI1933~1\OFFICE11\REFIEBAR.DLL
O9 - Extra button: AIM - {AC9E2541-2814-11d5-BC6D-00B0D0A1DE45} - C:\Program Files\AIM\aim .exe
O9 - Extra button: ShopperReports - Compare product prices - {C5428486-50A0-4a02-9D20-520B59A9F9B2} - C:\Program Files\ShoppingReport\Bin\2.5.0\ShoppingReport.dll (file missing)
O9 - Extra button: ShopperReports - Compare travel rates - {C5428486-50A0-4a02-9D20-520B59A9F9B3} - C:\Program Files\ShoppingReport\Bin\2.5.0\ShoppingReport.dll (file missing)
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
O10 - Unknown file in Winsock LSP: c:\program files\bonjour\mdnsnsp.dll
O16 - DPF: {20A60F0D-9AFA-4515-A0FD-83BD84642501} (Checkers Class) - http://messenger.zone.msn.com/binary...r.cab56986.cab
O16 - DPF: {5D6F45B3-9043-443D-A792-115447494D24} (UnoCtrl Class) - http://messenger.zone.msn.com/EN-US/.../GAME_UNO1.cab
O16 - DPF: {6414512B-B978-451D-A0D8-FCFDF33E833C} (WUWebControl Class) - http://www.update.microsoft.com/micr...?1190412252843
O16 - DPF: {6E32070A-766D-4EE6-879C-DC1FA91D2FC3} (MUWebControl Class) - http://www.update.microsoft.com/micr...?1190412236609
O16 - DPF: {C3F79A2B-B9B4-4A66-B012-3EE46475B072} (MessengerStatsClient Class) - http://messenger.zone.msn.com/binary...t.cab56907.cab
O18 - Protocol: livecall - {828030A1-22C1-4009-854F-8E305202313F} - C:\PROGRA~1\MSNMES~1\MSGRAP~1.DLL
O18 - Protocol: msnim - {828030A1-22C1-4009-854F-8E305202313F} - C:\PROGRA~1\MSNMES~1\MSGRAP~1.DLL
O23 - Service: Symantec Event Manager (ccEvtMgr) - Symantec Corporation - c:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccEvtMgr.exe
O23 - Service: Symantec Password Validation (ccPwdSvc) - Symantec Corporation - c:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccPwdSvc.exe
O23 - Service: Symantec Settings Manager (ccSetMgr) - Symantec Corporation - c:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccSetMgr.exe
O23 - Service: Gear Security Service (GEARSecurity) - GEAR Software - C:\WINDOWS\System32\gearsec.exe
O23 - Service: InstallDriver Table Manager (IDriverT) - Macrovision Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\InstallShield\Driver\1050\Intel 32\IDriverT.exe
O23 - Service: iPod Service (iPodService) - Apple Computer, Inc. - C:\Program Files\iPod\bin\iPodService.exe
O23 - Service: LexBce Server (LexBceS) - Lexmark International, Inc. - C:\WINDOWS\system32\LEXBCES.EXE
O23 - Service: Norton AntiVirus Auto Protect Service (navapsvc) - Symantec Corporation - c:\Program Files\Norton AntiVirus\navapsvc.exe
O23 - Service: SAVScan - Symantec Corporation - c:\Program Files\Norton AntiVirus\SAVScan.exe

‡‡Please print out or copy this page to Notepad since you will can not have any of browsers open while you are fixing this and try to follow it as closely as possible taking it step by step.



‡‡Update your Antivirus program.



‡‡Please download Spybot Search and Destroy install it and update the program.





‡‡Please download VundoFix.exe to your desktop. Ignore the AntiVirus warnings and download it anyway because you need to run it. Wait on installation and running.





‡‡Download CleanUp! and install it. Wait on installation and running.





‡‡Please download following program CWSHREDDER. Wait on installation and running.





‡‡Download about:Buster and save it to your desktop. When it has finished downloading, unzip the folder to your desktop as well. You should now be left with an aboutbuster folder on your desktop.Wait on installation and running.





‡‡I would suggest though that you download CCleaner. It is a great little program that I use every time I close my browser to get rid of temporary files. I usually just run the cleaner part every time I'm done with the browser.During the install there will be check marks for checking for updates that part I do not use and also to install a tool bar for yahoo or something. Make sure those are unchecked unless you want another tool bar, It is a very safe program and it is free.(CCleaner Quick Setup: Go to > Options > Advanced > Uncheck "Only delete files in Windows Temp folders older than 48 hours" for cleaning malware. files!)



_____________________________________________________________

‡‡Now make sure no files are hidden. To do this:
For XP go to My Computer->Tools->Folder Options->View tab:
* Under the Hidden files and folders heading:
* select Show hidden files and folders.
For Vista go to the Control Panel->Appearance and Personalization
Under the Folder Options, click Show Hidden files and folders.
* Uncheck Hide protected operating system files (recommended) option.
* Click Yes to confirm and then click OK.
You may change the above options back after your log is clean.



‡‡Turn off system restore.

Steps to turn off System Restore for XP:
1. Click Start, right-click My Computer, and then click Properties.
2. In the System Properties dialog box, click the System Restore tab.
3. Click to select the Turn off System Restore check box. Or, click to select the Turn off System Restore on all drives check box.
4. Click OK.
5. When you receive the following message, click Yes to confirm that you want to turn off System Restore:
You have chosen to turn off System Restore. If you continue, all existing restore points will be deleted, and you will not be able to track or undo changes to your computer.
After a few moments, the System Properties dialog box closes.
Steps to turn off System Restore for Vista:
1. Control Panel -> System Maintenance -> Back Up and Restore Center
2. On the right column, click on "create a restore point or change settings" (this requires administrator's password if set)
3. Uncheck all drives.
4. Click OK.
5. When you receive the following message, click Yes to confirm that you want to turn off System Restore:
You have chosen to turn off System Restore. If you continue, all existing restore points will be deleted, and you will not be able to track or undo changes to your computer.
After a few moments, the System Properties dialog box closes.





‡‡Do all steps below in safe mode except for at the end when you generate a new HiJackThis log.





‡‡Next, please reboot your computer in Safe Mode by doing the following:

1) Restart your computer

2) After hearing your computer beep once during startup, but before the Windows icon appears, press F8 (Repeatedly).

3) Instead of Windows loading as normal, a menu should appear

4) Use the up arrow key to highlight Safe Mode and press Enter.





‡‡Please run HijackThis and click "Scan". Place checks next to the following entries if still present in the code and close all browser and other windows except for HijackThis, and click "Fix Checked".








‡‡Run your Antivirus and do a full scan remember this is all in safe mode.



‡‡Run Spybot Search and Destroy and do a full scan remember this is all in safe mode.



‡‡Open Cleanup! by double-clicking the icon on your desktop (or from the Start > All Programs menu). Set the program up as follows:

*Click "Options..."

*Move the arrow down to "Custom CleanUp!"

*Only Check the following for now:

-Empty Recycle Bins

-Delete Cookies

-Delete Prefetch Files

-Clean up All Users

*Uncheck the following:

-Delete Newsgroup cache

-Delete Newsgroup Subscriptions

*Press the Temporary Files Tab and check.

-Scan drives for files matching

Click OK

Press the CleanUp! button to start the program. Reboot/logoff when prompted.

Note: CleanUp! deletes EVERYTHING out of your temp/temporary folders, it does not make backups. If you have any documents or programs that are saved in any Temporary Folders, please make a backup or MOVE THEM out of the Temp folder before running CleanUp! If you have a 64 bit Operating System do NOT run Cleanup and let me know as we will use another utility.



‡‡Install and run CWSHREDDER

Close all browser windows, open cwshredder.exe then click "Fix" and let it run.



‡‡Double-click on the AbouBuster.exe icon.

Click Begin scan. Close when completed.

It is advised that you run the AbouBuster twice in a row to make sure you get all the infections.



_____________________________________________________________



‡‡Double-click VundoFix.exe to run it(Do this a few times until nothing shows up).



‡‡Then install CCleaner but note it installs the Yahoo Toolbar as an option which IS check marked by default during the installation. IF you do NOT want it, REMOVE the checkmark when provided with the option.

Before first use, select Options > Advanced and UNCHECK Only delete files in Windows Temp folder older than 48 hours

Then select the items you wish to clean up.



In the Windows Tab:





* Clean all entries in the "Internet Explorer" section except Cookies.

* Clean all the entries in the "Windows Explorer" section.

* Clean all entries in the "System" section.

* Clean all entries in the "Advanced" section.

* Clean any others that you choose.





In the Applications Tab:





* Clean all except cookies in the Firefox/Mozilla section if you use it.

* Clean all in the Opera section if you use it.

* Clean Sun Java in the Internet Section.

* Clean any others that you choose.





Click the "Run Cleaner" button.

A pop-up box will appear advising this process will permanently delete files from your system.

Click "OK" and it will scan and clean your system.

Click the "Issues" button.

Click the "Scan For Issues" button.

Click the "Fix Selected Issues" button.

Click the "Fix All Selected Issues" button.

Click "OK"

Click "Close" when done.





‡‡Reboot into Normal Mode. Turn System Restore back on and create a restore point.

Steps to turn on System Restore For XP:
1. Click Start, right-click My Computer, and then click Properties.
2. In the System Properties dialog box, click the System Restore tab.
3. Click to clear the Turn off System Restore check box. Or, click the Turn off System Restore on all drives check box.
4. Click OK.

After a few moments, the System Properties dialog box closes.

To create a new restore point, click on Start – All Programs – Accessories – System Tools and then select System Restore.

In the System Restore wizard, select Create a restore point and click the Next button.

Type a name for your new restore point then click on Create.

To create a Restore point for Vista:
1.Control Panel – System Maintenance – Back Up and Restore Center. On the right column, click on "Create A Restore Point Or Change Settings" (This requires Administrator's password if set.) Put a check on the drive your OS is on. Then click on the Create button. Type in a name and then click OK.



‡‡Do another scan with HiJackThis in normal windows mode and post your new log file here for final verification. Make sure it is a new log file.

Also let me know how the systems overall condition is now.

My computer is running a lot better now thanks to you Doctor Inferno!

Geekpolice Rocks!

Here is my new logfile after i followed all your instructions and used the latest version of HiJackThis which i got from here. http://www.majorgeeks.com/Trend_Micro_HijackThis_d5554.html


Logfile of Trend Micro HijackThis v2.0.2
Scan saved at 3:36:13 PM, on 4/23/2008
Platform: Windows XP SP2 (WinNT 5.01.2600)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v6.00 SP2 (6.00.2900.2180)
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:\WINDOWS\system32\LEXBCES.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\Program Files\Unlocker\UnlockerAssistant .exe
c:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccSetMgr.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\VTTimer.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\gearsec.exe
c:\Program Files\Norton AntiVirus\navapsvc.exe
C:\Program Files\Unlocker\UnlockerAssistant .exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
c:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccEvtMgr.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\wscntfy.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\Mozilla Firefox\firefox.exe
C:\Documents and Settings\Owner\Desktop\hijackthis\HijackThis.exe

R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = about:blank
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = about:blank
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings,ProxyOverride = localhost;*.local
O3 - Toolbar: Norton AntiVirus - {42CDD1BF-3FFB-4238-8AD1-7859DF00B1D6} - c:\Program Files\Norton AntiVirus\NavShExt.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [MSConfig] C:\WINDOWS\PCHealth\HelpCtr\Binaries\MSConfig.exe /auto
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [UnlockerAssistant] "C:\Program Files\Unlocker\UnlockerAssistant .exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [UpdateManager] "c:\Program Files\Common Files\Sonic\Update Manager\sgtray.exe" /r
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [VTTimer] VTTimer.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [ctfmon.exe] C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
O8 - Extra context menu item: E&xport to Microsoft Excel - res://C:\PROGRA~1\MI1933~1\OFFICE11\EXCEL.EXE/3000
O9 - Extra button: Research - {92780B25-18CC-41C8-B9BE-3C9C571A8263} - C:\PROGRA~1\MI1933~1\OFFICE11\REFIEBAR.DLL
O9 - Extra button: AIM - {AC9E2541-2814-11d5-BC6D-00B0D0A1DE45} - C:\Program Files\AIM\aim .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: {20A60F0D-9AFA-4515-A0FD-83BD84642501} (Checkers Class) - http://messenger.zone.msn.com/binary...r.cab56986.cab
O16 - DPF: {5D6F45B3-9043-443D-A792-115447494D24} (UnoCtrl Class) - http://messenger.zone.msn.com/EN-US/.../GAME_UNO1.cab
O16 - DPF: {6414512B-B978-451D-A0D8-FCFDF33E833C} (WUWebControl Class) - http://www.update.microsoft.com/micr...?1190412252843
O16 - DPF: {6E32070A-766D-4EE6-879C-DC1FA91D2FC3} (MUWebControl Class) - http://www.update.microsoft.com/micr...?1190412236609
O16 - DPF: {C3F79A2B-B9B4-4A66-B012-3EE46475B072} (MessengerStatsClient Class) - http://messenger.zone.msn.com/binary...t.cab56907.cab
O23 - Service: Symantec Event Manager (ccEvtMgr) - Symantec Corporation - c:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccEvtMgr.exe
O23 - Service: Symantec Password Validation (ccPwdSvc) - Symantec Corporation - c:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccPwdSvc.exe
O23 - Service: Symantec Settings Manager (ccSetMgr) - Symantec Corporation - c:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccSetMgr.exe
O23 - Service: Gear Security Service (GEARSecurity) - GEAR Software - C:\WINDOWS\System32\gearsec.exe
O23 - Service: InstallDriver Table Manager (IDriverT) - Macrovision Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\InstallShield\Driver\1050\Intel 32\IDriverT.exe
O23 - Service: iPod Service (iPodService) - Apple Computer, Inc. - C:\Program Files\iPod\bin\iPodService.exe
O23 - Service: LexBce Server (LexBceS) - Lexmark International, Inc. - C:\WINDOWS\system32\LEXBCES.EXE
O23 - Service: Norton AntiVirus Auto Protect Service (navapsvc) - Symantec Corporation - c:\Program Files\Norton AntiVirus\navapsvc.exe
O23 - Service: SAVScan - Symantec Corporation - c:\Program Files\Norton AntiVirus\SAVScan.exe

--
End of file - 4378 bytes

Log File Looks good!

Now, do you still have the problem you had with the dll?

Some of the methods i used to rid myself of this mule worked for a bit, but it seemed to be able to re-generate itself again everytime.
My guess is that it did this from a registry script somehow but there is no sign of the sucker anymore.

8)

The problem is now solved. The subject is now closed.