aap.exe infection and the aftermath...

I have an aap.exe infection that I have, I think, partially removed. I have run malwarebytes and it removed things. I have also removed any bad stuff spybot search&destroy found. However, when I run WIE, there is an extra app running called _x. I am thinking this is some remaining feature of the aap.exe infection and I would like to get rid of it. I somehow picked up this infection when uploading a note to my facebook page. Below is my HIJ log. Please assist? Thanks!

Logfile of Trend Micro HijackThis v2.0.2
Scan saved at 4:41:06 PM, on 3/24/2009
Platform: Windows XP SP2 (WinNT 5.01.2600)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v7.00 (7.00.6000.16791)
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:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccSetMgr.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccEvtMgr.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\SNDSrvc.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\SPBBC\SPBBCSvc.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\CCPD-LC\symlcsvc.exe
C:\Program Files\Lavasoft\Ad-Aware\aawservice.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVG7\avgamsvr.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVG7\avgupsvc.exe
C:\Program Files\Norton SystemWorks\Norton GoBack\GBPoll.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\GEARSec.exe
C:\Program Files\Google\Update\GoogleUpdate.exe
d:\Program Files\Conversions Plus\FORMATM.EXE
C:\Program Files\Norton SystemWorks\Norton AntiVirus\navapsvc.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\Norton SystemWorks\Norton Ghost\Agent\VProSvc.exe
C:\Program Files\Norton SystemWorks\Norton AntiVirus\IWP\NPFMntor.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\NORTON~1\NORTON~3\NPROTECT.EXE
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccApp.exe
C:\Program Files\Norton SystemWorks\Norton Ghost\Agent\GhostTray.exe
C:\Program Files\Maxtor\OneTouch\Utils\SyncServices.exe
C:\Program Files\Maxtor\OneTouch\utils\Onetouch.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\RETROS~1\RETROS~1.1\RetroExpress.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\nvsvc32.exe
C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 8.0\Acrobat\Acrotray.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\HP\HP Software Update\HPWuSchd2.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\RUNDLL32.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
C:\Program Files\Spybot - Search & Destroy\TeaTimer.exe
C:\Program Files\HP\Digital Imaging\bin\hpqtra08.exe
C:\Program Files\Photodex\ProShowGold\ScsiAccess.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\SafeNet Sentinel\Sentinel Keys Server\sntlkeyssrvr.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\NORTON~1\NORTON~3\SPEEDD~1\NOPDB.EXE
D:\Program Files\Conversions Plus\MacName.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\Norton SystemWorks\Norton GoBack\GBTray.exe
C:\Program Files\HP\Digital Imaging\bin\hpqnrs08.exe
C:\Program Files\HP\Digital Imaging\bin\hpqSTE08.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Macrovision Shared\FLEXnet Publisher\FNPLicensingService.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\Security Console\NSCSRVCE.EXE
C:\Program Files\Grisoft\AVG7\avgcc.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\RETROS~1\RETROS~1.1\retrorun.exe
C:\WINDOWS\explorer.exe
C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe
D:\Program Files\Adobe\Adobe Illustrator CS2\Support Files\Contents\Windows\Illustrator.exe
C:\DOCUME~1\Designer\LOCALS~1\Temp\Adobelm_Cleanup.0001
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe Systems Shared\Service\Adobelmsvc.exe
C:\DOCUME~1\Designer\LOCALS~1\Temp\Adobelm_Cleanup.0001
C:\Program Files\Outlook Express\msimn.exe
D:\FlexiSIGN-PRO 8.0v1\Program\App.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\calc.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\rundll32.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\taskmgr.exe
C:\Program Files\Trend Micro\HijackThis\HijackThis.exe

R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=69157
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Search_URL = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=54896
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=54896
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Connection Wizard,ShellNext = http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com/
O1 - Hosts: 195.245.119.131 browser-security.microsoft.com
O2 - BHO: Adobe PDF Reader Link Helper - {06849E9F-C8D7-4D59-B87D-784B7D6BE0B3} - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe\Acrobat\ActiveX\AcroIEHelper.dll
O2 - BHO: Microsoft Video Converter - {3D83D235-A8D9-4B2A-9D26-3A21FF1D9B03} - %SystemRoot%\system32\mfc42locac.dll (file missing)
O2 - BHO: Spybot-S&D IE Protection - {53707962-6F74-2D53-2644-206D7942484F} - C:\PROGRA~1\SPYBOT~1\SDHelper.dll
O2 - BHO: NAV Helper - {A8F38D8D-E480-4D52-B7A2-731BB6995FDD} - C:\Program Files\Norton SystemWorks\Norton AntiVirus\NavShExt.dll
O2 - BHO: Adobe PDF Conversion Toolbar Helper - {AE7CD045-E861-484f-8273-0445EE161910} - C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 8.0\Acrobat\AcroIEFavClient.dll
O2 - BHO: Google Toolbar Notifier BHO - {AF69DE43-7D58-4638-B6FA-CE66B5AD205D} - C:\Program Files\Google\GoogleToolbarNotifier\5.0.926.3450\swg.dll
O3 - Toolbar: Norton AntiVirus - {C4069E3A-68F1-403E-B40E-20066696354B} - C:\Program Files\Norton SystemWorks\Norton AntiVirus\NavShExt.dll
O3 - Toolbar: Adobe PDF - {47833539-D0C5-4125-9FA8-0819E2EAAC93} - C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 8.0\Acrobat\AcroIEFavClient.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NvCplDaemon] RUNDLL32.EXE C:\WINDOWS\system32\NvCpl.dll,NvStartup
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [nwiz] nwiz.exe /install
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SW20] C:\WINDOWS\system32\sw20.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SW24] C:\WINDOWS\system32\sw24.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ccApp] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccApp.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Norton Ghost 10.0] "C:\Program Files\Norton SystemWorks\Norton Ghost\Agent\GhostTray.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [MacLicense] "d:\Program Files\Conversions Plus\MacLic.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [LogMeIn GUI] "C:\Program Files\LogMeIn\x86\LogMeInSystray.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [MaxtorOneTouch] C:\Program Files\Maxtor\OneTouch\utils\Onetouch.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [RetroExpress] C:\PROGRA~1\RETROS~1\RETROS~1.1\RetroExpress.exe /h
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [IntelAudioStudio] "C:\Program Files\Intel Audio Studio\IntelAudioStudio.exe" BOOT
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [QuickTime Task] "C:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe" -atboottime
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Acrobat Assistant 8.0] "C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 8.0\Acrobat\Acrotray.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AVG7_CC] C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVG7\avgcc.exe /STARTUP
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [HP Software Update] C:\Program Files\HP\HP Software Update\HPWuSchd2.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NvMediaCenter] RUNDLL32.EXE C:\WINDOWS\system32\NvMcTray.dll,NvTaskbarInit
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [ctfmon.exe] C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [brastia] C:\WINDOWS\system32\brastia.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [SpybotSD TeaTimer] C:\Program Files\Spybot - Search & Destroy\TeaTimer.exe
O4 - HKUS\S-1-5-19\..\Run: [AVG7_Run] C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVG7\avgw.exe /RUNONCE (User 'LOCAL SERVICE')
O4 - HKUS\S-1-5-20\..\Run: [AVG7_Run] C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVG7\avgw.exe /RUNONCE (User 'NETWORK SERVICE')
O4 - HKUS\S-1-5-18\..\Run: [AVG7_Run] C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVG7\avgw.exe /RUNONCE (User 'SYSTEM')
O4 - HKUS\S-1-5-18\..\RunOnce: [RunNarrator] Narrator.exe (User 'SYSTEM')
O4 - HKUS\.DEFAULT\..\Run: [AVG7_Run] C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVG7\avgw.exe /RUNONCE (User 'Default user')
O4 - HKUS\.DEFAULT\..\RunOnce: [RunNarrator] Narrator.exe (User 'Default user')
O4 - Global Startup: Adobe Gamma.lnk = C:\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe\Calibration\Adobe Gamma Loader.exe
O4 - Global Startup: HP Digital Imaging Monitor.lnk = C:\Program Files\HP\Digital Imaging\bin\hpqtra08.exe
O4 - Global Startup: Kodak EasyShare software.lnk = C:\Program Files\Kodak\Kodak EasyShare software\bin\EasyShare.exe
O4 - Global Startup: Kodak software updater.lnk = C:\Program Files\Kodak\KODAK Software Updater\7288971\Program\Kodak Software Updater.exe
O4 - Global Startup: MacName.lnk = D:\Program Files\Conversions Plus\MacName.exe
O4 - Global Startup: Norton GoBack.lnk = C:\Program Files\Norton SystemWorks\Norton GoBack\GBTray.exe
O8 - Extra context menu item: Append to existing PDF - res://C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 8.0\Acrobat\AcroIEFavClient.dll/AcroIEAppend.html
O8 - Extra context menu item: Convert link target to Adobe PDF - res://C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 8.0\Acrobat\AcroIEFavClient.dll/AcroIECapture.html
O8 - Extra context menu item: Convert link target to existing PDF - res://C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 8.0\Acrobat\AcroIEFavClient.dll/AcroIEAppend.html
O8 - Extra context menu item: Convert selected links to Adobe PDF - res://C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 8.0\Acrobat\AcroIEFavClient.dll/AcroIECaptureSelLinks.html
O8 - Extra context menu item: Convert selected links to existing PDF - res://C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 8.0\Acrobat\AcroIEFavClient.dll/AcroIEAppendSelLinks.html
O8 - Extra context menu item: Convert selection to Adobe PDF - res://C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 8.0\Acrobat\AcroIEFavClient.dll/AcroIECapture.html
O8 - Extra context menu item: Convert selection to existing PDF - res://C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 8.0\Acrobat\AcroIEFavClient.dll/AcroIEAppend.html
O8 - Extra context menu item: Convert to Adobe PDF - res://C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 8.0\Acrobat\AcroIEFavClient.dll/AcroIECapture.html
O9 - Extra button: Express Cleanup - {5E638779-1818-4754-A595-EF1C63B87A56} - C:\Program Files\Norton SystemWorks\Norton Cleanup\WCQuick.lnk
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Express Cleanup - {5E638779-1818-4754-A595-EF1C63B87A56} - C:\Program Files\Norton SystemWorks\Norton Cleanup\WCQuick.lnk
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {DFB852A3-47F8-48C4-A200-58CAB36FD2A2} - C:\PROGRA~1\SPYBOT~1\SDHelper.dll
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Spybot - Search & Destroy Configuration - {DFB852A3-47F8-48C4-A200-58CAB36FD2A2} - C:\PROGRA~1\SPYBOT~1\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: {05CA9FB0-3E3E-4B36-BF41-0E3A5CAA8CD8} (Office Genuine Advantage Validation Tool) - http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=67633
O16 - DPF: {60EFC337-15C2-4369-B2A0-3429B071D8B8} (Hewlett-Packard Printer Diagnostics) - http://h50203.www5.hp.com/HPISWeb/Customer/cabs/HPISWebManager.CAB
O16 - DPF: {6414512B-B978-451D-A0D8-FCFDF33E833C} (WUWebControl Class) - http://update.microsoft.com/windowsupdate/v6/V5Controls/en/x86/client/wuweb_site.cab?1152732297796
O16 - DPF: {FD0B6769-6490-4A91-AA0A-B5AE0DC75AC9} (Performance Viewer Activex Control) - https://secure.logmein.com/activex/legacy/ractrl.cab?lmi=100
O23 - Service: Lavasoft Ad-Aware Service (aawservice) - Lavasoft - C:\Program Files\Lavasoft\Ad-Aware\aawservice.exe
O23 - Service: Adobe LM Service - Adobe Systems - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe Systems Shared\Service\Adobelmsvc.exe
O23 - Service: Adobe Version Cue CS2 - Unknown owner - c:\Program Files\Adobe\Adobe Version Cue CS2\bin\VersionCueCS2.exe (file missing)
O23 - Service: AVG7 Alert Manager Server (Avg7Alrt) - GRISOFT, s.r.o. - C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVG7\avgamsvr.exe
O23 - Service: AVG7 Update Service (Avg7UpdSvc) - GRISOFT, s.r.o. - C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVG7\avgupsvc.exe
O23 - Service: AVG E-mail Scanner (AVGEMS) - GRISOFT, s.r.o. - C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVG7\avgemc.exe
O23 - Service: Symantec Event Manager (ccEvtMgr) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccEvtMgr.exe
O23 - Service: Symantec Settings Manager (ccSetMgr) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccSetMgr.exe
O23 - Service: FLEXnet Licensing Service - Macrovision Europe Ltd. - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Macrovision Shared\FLEXnet Publisher\FNPLicensingService.exe
O23 - Service: GoBack Polling Service (GBPoll) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Norton SystemWorks\Norton GoBack\GBPoll.exe
O23 - Service: GEARSecurity - GEAR Software - C:\WINDOWS\System32\GEARSec.exe
O23 - Service: Google Update Service (gupdate1c986fe7f923bf8) (gupdate1c986fe7f923bf8) - Google Inc. - C:\Program Files\Google\Update\GoogleUpdate.exe
O23 - Service: Google Software Updater (gusvc) - Google - C:\Program Files\Google\Common\Google Updater\GoogleUpdaterService.exe
O23 - Service: Kodak Camera Connection Software (KodakCCS) - Eastman Kodak Company - C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\KodakCCS.exe
O23 - Service: MacFormatService - DataViz Inc. - d:\Program Files\Conversions Plus\FORMATM.EXE
O23 - Service: Norton AntiVirus Auto-Protect Service (navapsvc) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Norton SystemWorks\Norton AntiVirus\navapsvc.exe
O23 - Service: Norton Ghost - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Norton SystemWorks\Norton Ghost\Agent\VProSvc.exe
O23 - Service: Norton AntiVirus Firewall Monitor Service (NPFMntor) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Norton SystemWorks\Norton AntiVirus\IWP\NPFMntor.exe
O23 - Service: Norton UnErase Protection (NProtectService) - Symantec Corporation - C:\PROGRA~1\NORTON~1\NORTON~3\NPROTECT.EXE
O23 - Service: Norton Protection Center Service (NSCService) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\Security Console\NSCSRVCE.EXE
O23 - Service: MaxSyncService (NTService1) - - C:\Program Files\Maxtor\OneTouch\Utils\SyncServices.exe
O23 - Service: NVIDIA Display Driver Service (NVSvc) - NVIDIA Corporation - C:\WINDOWS\system32\nvsvc32.exe
O23 - Service: Retrospect Express HD Helper (RetroExp Helper) - EMC Dantz - C:\PROGRA~1\RETROS~1\RETROS~1.1\rthlpsvc.exe
O23 - Service: Retrospect Express HD Launcher (RetroExpLauncher) - EMC Dantz - C:\PROGRA~1\RETROS~1\RETROS~1.1\retrorun.exe
O23 - Service: Symantec AVScan (SAVScan) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Norton SystemWorks\Norton AntiVirus\SAVScan.exe
O23 - Service: ScsiAccess - Unknown owner - C:\Program Files\Photodex\ProShowGold\ScsiAccess.exe
O23 - Service: Sentinel Keys Server (SentinelKeysServer) - SafeNet, Inc. - C:\Program Files\Common Files\SafeNet Sentinel\Sentinel Keys Server\sntlkeyssrvr.exe
O23 - Service: Symantec Network Drivers Service (SNDSrvc) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\SNDSrvc.exe
O23 - Service: SPBBCSvc - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\SPBBC\SPBBCSvc.exe
O23 - Service: Speed Disk service - Symantec Corporation - C:\PROGRA~1\NORTON~1\NORTON~3\SPEEDD~1\NOPDB.EXE
O23 - Service: Symantec Core LC - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\CCPD-LC\symlcsvc.exe

--
End of file - 14537 bytes

Hello.

I notice that you have Spybot's TeaTimer running. While this is normally a wonderful tool to protect against hijackers, it can also interfere with HijackThis fixes. So please disable TeaTimer by doing the following:
1) Run Spybot-S&D
2) Go to the Mode menu, and make sure "Advanced Mode" is selected
3) On the left hand side, choose Tools -> Resident
4) Uncheck "Resident TeaTimer" and OK any prompts
You can reenable TeaTimer once your system is clean.

Please make sure Teatimer is disable before we do this, otherwise this fix will fail.

• Open HijackThis
  
• Choose "Do a system scan only"
  
• Check the boxes in front of these lines:
  
  
  O1 - Hosts: 195.245.119.131 browser-security.microsoft.com
  O2 - BHO: Microsoft Video Converter - {3D83D235-A8D9-4B2A-9D26-3A21FF1D9B03} - %SystemRoot%\system32\mfc42locac.dll (file missing)
  O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SW20] C:\WINDOWS\system32\sw20.exe
  O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SW24] C:\WINDOWS\system32\sw24.exe
  O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [brastia] C:\WINDOWS\system32\brastia.exe
  
  
  
• Press "Fix Checked"
  
• Close Hijack This.
  

Please download and run this tool.

Download Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware from Here

Double Click mbam-setup.exe to install the application.

• Make sure a checkmark is placed next to Update Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware and Launch Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware, then click Finish.
  
• If an update is found, it will download and install the latest version.
  
• Once the program has loaded, select "Perform Quick Scan", then click Scan.
  
• The scan may take some time to finish,so please be patient.
  
• When the scan is complete, click OK, then Show Results to view the results.
  
• Make sure that everything is checked, and click Remove Selected.
  
• When disinfection is completed, a log will open in Notepad and you may be prompted to Restart. (See Note)
  
• The log is automatically saved by MBAM and can be viewed by clicking the Logs tab in MBAM.
  

Note:
If MBAM encounters a file that is difficult to remove, you will be presented with 1 of 2 prompts.
Click OK to either and let MBAM proceed with the disinfection process.
If asked to restart the computer, please do so immediately.

Post the contents of the MBAM Log.

I followed your instructions. Here are the MBAM log results:

Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware 1.34
Database version: 1896
Windows 5.1.2600 Service Pack 2

3/25/2009 8:16:40 AM
mbam-log-2009-03-25 (08-16-40).txt

Scan type: Quick Scan
Objects scanned: 75482
Time elapsed: 3 minute(s), 50 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: 1

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:
C:\WINDOWS\system32\mfc42locac.dll (Trojan.Agent) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.

A couple of other questions. I run Avira Antivirus on my laptop. Is this a better program than AVG? You seem to approve of Spybot Search & Destroy. Is Google Chrome or Safari a better (or perhaps safer) browser than using WIE? I am going to uninstall Norton as the subscription ended some time ago and I don't think it's that amazing a protection package to begin with. Is Facebook just an infection opportunity waiting to happen? Do you have any other suggestions? Thank you for your help.

Hello.

To answer all your questions:

I think AVG has poor detection rating compared to Avira, and AVG is known for having a lot of false positives. But keep AVG for now, at least until we are done, because it will act as a shield.

Uninstall Norton now before we go any further.

Currently, it is a dead heat between Chrome and Firefox. Chrome has tougher security to get by because it has sandbox software installed on the inside of Chrome, but Chrome has none of the neat little add-ons that Firefox has. See here:
http://www.geekpolice.net/technology-news-f4/chrome-the-only-browser-left-standing-t7644.htm

Yes, Facebook is one big infection waiting to happen. Currently, the infection spreading through Facebook is called Koobface. It drops some harmless files which can be deleted with ease by MBAM, but opens ports inside your registry so it can (ab)use them to inject more malware onto your machine.

One past infection from Facebook is called Tinyproxy. This one changes proxy settings inside IE and FF to hijack you, it's slightly tougher to get rid of than Koobface.

• Please download DDS by sUBs to your Desktop (Important!!) from one of these locations:
  Link 1
  Link 2
  Link 3
  
• Double click DDS.scr to run
  
• When complete, DDS.txt will open.
  
• Save the report to your Desktop.
  
• Copy and paste DDS.txt back here, I don't need to see attach.txt.
  

:hmm:

Via the add/remove programs option I am receiving a "Setup Error" and it says the application cannot continue further. I suppose it cannot be uninstalled via this method. Can you think of another way to cleanly remove it? I'm sure it's possible to disable it, but I'd rather not have it taking up space on the HD. Can I safely run the dds script with norton still installed? I am open to suggestions.

I will install Avira on this machine after all issues have been resolved. I currently have Chrome on this machine. I will download FF today. I use it on my laptop. Is there a way to -safely- use (impossible perhaps) facebook? I have widely dispersed family and it's a nice way to keep in touch.

Hello.
I'll give you some add-on links for Firefox once were done.

DDS will run safely, it's a very small script.

Here is the DDS log from Notepad:


DDS (Ver_09-03-16.01) - NTFSx86
Run by Designer at 9:30:02.29 on Wed 03/25/2009
Internet Explorer: 7.0.5730.13
Microsoft Windows XP Professional 5.1.2600.2.1252.1.1033.18.3582.2792 [GMT -6:00]

AV: AVG 7.5.557 *On-access scanning enabled* (Updated)
AV: Norton AntiVirus *On-access scanning enabled* (Outdated)
FW: Norton Internet Worm Protection *enabled*

============== Running Processes ===============

C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost -k DcomLaunch
svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe -k netsvcs
svchost.exe
svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccSetMgr.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccEvtMgr.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\SNDSrvc.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\SPBBC\SPBBCSvc.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\CCPD-LC\symlcsvc.exe
C:\Program Files\Lavasoft\Ad-Aware\aawservice.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVG7\avgamsvr.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVG7\avgupsvc.exe
C:\Program Files\Norton SystemWorks\Norton GoBack\GBPoll.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\GEARSec.exe
C:\Program Files\Google\Update\GoogleUpdate.exe
d:\Program Files\Conversions Plus\FORMATM.EXE
C:\Program Files\Norton SystemWorks\Norton AntiVirus\navapsvc.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe -k HPZ12
C:\Program Files\Norton SystemWorks\Norton Ghost\Agent\VProSvc.exe
C:\Program Files\Norton SystemWorks\Norton AntiVirus\IWP\NPFMntor.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\NORTON~1\NORTON~3\NPROTECT.EXE
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccApp.exe
C:\Program Files\Norton SystemWorks\Norton Ghost\Agent\GhostTray.exe
C:\Program Files\Maxtor\OneTouch\utils\Onetouch.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\RETROS~1\RETROS~1.1\RetroExpress.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\nvsvc32.exe
C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 8.0\Acrobat\Acrotray.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe -k HPZ12
C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVG7\avgcc.exe
C:\Program Files\HP\HP Software Update\HPWuSchd2.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\RUNDLL32.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
C:\Program Files\Spybot - Search & Destroy\TeaTimer.exe
C:\Program Files\Photodex\ProShowGold\ScsiAccess.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\SafeNet Sentinel\Sentinel Keys Server\sntlkeyssrvr.exe
D:\Program Files\Conversions Plus\MacName.exe
C:\Program Files\Norton SystemWorks\Norton GoBack\GBTray.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\NORTON~1\NORTON~3\SPEEDD~1\NOPDB.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe -k imgsvc
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Macrovision Shared\FLEXnet Publisher\FNPLicensingService.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\Security Console\NSCSRVCE.EXE
C:\PROGRA~1\RETROS~1\RETROS~1.1\retrorun.exe
C:\Program Files\Outlook Express\msimn.exe
C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\IEXPLORE.EXE
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe Systems Shared\Service\Adobelmsvc.exe
C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 8.0\Acrobat\AcroDist.exe
C:\Documents and Settings\Designer\Desktop\dds.scr

============== Pseudo HJT Report ===============

BHO: Adobe PDF Reader Link Helper: {06849e9f-c8d7-4d59-b87d-784b7d6be0b3} - c:\program files\common files\adobe\acrobat\activex\AcroIEHelper.dll
BHO: Spybot-S&D IE Protection: {53707962-6f74-2d53-2644-206d7942484f} - c:\progra~1\spybot~1\SDHelper.dll
BHO: CNavExtBho Class: {a8f38d8d-e480-4d52-b7a2-731bb6995fdd} - c:\program files\norton systemworks\norton antivirus\NavShExt.dll
BHO: Adobe PDF Conversion Toolbar Helper: {ae7cd045-e861-484f-8273-0445ee161910} - c:\program files\adobe\acrobat 8.0\acrobat\AcroIEFavClient.dll
BHO: Google Toolbar Notifier BHO: {af69de43-7d58-4638-b6fa-ce66b5ad205d} - c:\program files\google\googletoolbarnotifier\5.0.926.3450\swg.dll
TB: Norton AntiVirus: {c4069e3a-68f1-403e-b40e-20066696354b} - c:\program files\norton systemworks\norton antivirus\NavShExt.dll
TB: Adobe PDF: {47833539-d0c5-4125-9fa8-0819e2eaac93} - c:\program files\adobe\acrobat 8.0\acrobat\AcroIEFavClient.dll
EB: Adobe PDF: {182ec0be-5110-49c8-a062-beb1d02a220b} - c:\program files\adobe\acrobat 8.0\acrobat\AcroIEFavClient.dll
uRun: [ctfmon.exe] c:\windows\system32\ctfmon.exe
uRun: [SpybotSD TeaTimer] c:\program files\spybot - search & destroy\TeaTimer.exe
mRun: [NvCplDaemon] RUNDLL32.EXE c:\windows\system32\NvCpl.dll,NvStartup
mRun: [nwiz] nwiz.exe /install
mRun: [ccApp] "c:\program files\common files\symantec shared\ccApp.exe"
mRun: [Norton Ghost 10.0] "c:\program files\norton systemworks\norton ghost\agent\GhostTray.exe"
mRun: [MacLicense] "d:\program files\conversions plus\MacLic.exe"
mRun: [LogMeIn GUI] "c:\program files\logmein\x86\LogMeInSystray.exe"
mRun: [MaxtorOneTouch] c:\program files\maxtor\onetouch\utils\Onetouch.exe
mRun: [RetroExpress] c:\progra~1\retros~1\retros~1.1\RetroExpress.exe /h
mRun: [IntelAudioStudio] "c:\program files\intel audio studio\IntelAudioStudio.exe" BOOT
mRun: [QuickTime Task] "c:\program files\quicktime\qttask.exe" -atboottime
mRun: [Acrobat Assistant 8.0] "c:\program files\adobe\acrobat 8.0\acrobat\Acrotray.exe"
mRun: []
mRun: [AVG7_CC] c:\progra~1\grisoft\avg7\avgcc.exe /STARTUP
mRun: [HP Software Update] c:\program files\hp\hp software update\HPWuSchd2.exe
mRun: [NvMediaCenter] RUNDLL32.EXE c:\windows\system32\NvMcTray.dll,NvTaskbarInit
dRun: [AVG7_Run] c:\progra~1\grisoft\avg7\avgw.exe /RUNONCE
dRunOnce: [RunNarrator] Narrator.exe
StartupFolder: c:\docume~1\alluse~1\startm~1\programs\startup\adobeg~1.lnk - c:\program files\common files\adobe\calibration\Adobe Gamma Loader.exe
StartupFolder: c:\documents and settings\all users\start menu\programs\startup\HP Digital Imaging Monitor.lnk.disabled
StartupFolder: c:\documents and settings\all users\start menu\programs\startup\Kodak EasyShare software.lnk.disabled
StartupFolder: c:\documents and settings\all users\start menu\programs\startup\Kodak software updater.lnk.disabled
StartupFolder: c:\docume~1\alluse~1\startm~1\programs\startup\macname.lnk - d:\program files\conversions plus\MacName.exe
StartupFolder: c:\docume~1\alluse~1\startm~1\programs\startup\norton~1.lnk - c:\program files\norton systemworks\norton goback\GBTray.exe
IE: Append to existing PDF - c:\program files\adobe\acrobat 8.0\acrobat\AcroIEFavClient.dll/AcroIEAppend.html
IE: Convert link target to Adobe PDF - c:\program files\adobe\acrobat 8.0\acrobat\AcroIEFavClient.dll/AcroIECapture.html
IE: Convert link target to existing PDF - c:\program files\adobe\acrobat 8.0\acrobat\AcroIEFavClient.dll/AcroIEAppend.html
IE: Convert selected links to Adobe PDF - c:\program files\adobe\acrobat 8.0\acrobat\AcroIEFavClient.dll/AcroIECaptureSelLinks.html
IE: Convert selected links to existing PDF - c:\program files\adobe\acrobat 8.0\acrobat\AcroIEFavClient.dll/AcroIEAppendSelLinks.html
IE: Convert selection to Adobe PDF - c:\program files\adobe\acrobat 8.0\acrobat\AcroIEFavClient.dll/AcroIECapture.html
IE: Convert selection to existing PDF - c:\program files\adobe\acrobat 8.0\acrobat\AcroIEFavClient.dll/AcroIEAppend.html
IE: Convert to Adobe PDF - c:\program files\adobe\acrobat 8.0\acrobat\AcroIEFavClient.dll/AcroIECapture.html
IE: {5E638779-1818-4754-A595-EF1C63B87A56} - c:\program files\norton systemworks\norton cleanup\WCQuick.lnk
IE: {e2e2dd38-d088-4134-82b7-f2ba38496583} - %windir%\Network Diagnostic\xpnetdiag.exe
IE: {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - c:\program files\messenger\msmsgs.exe
IE: {DFB852A3-47F8-48C4-A200-58CAB36FD2A2} - {53707962-6F74-2D53-2644-206D7942484F} - c:\progra~1\spybot~1\SDHelper.dll
DPF: {02BCC737-B171-4746-94C9-0D8A0B2C0089} - hxxp://office.microsoft.com/templates/ieawsdc.cab
DPF: {05CA9FB0-3E3E-4B36-BF41-0E3A5CAA8CD8} - hxxp://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=67633
DPF: {60EFC337-15C2-4369-B2A0-3429B071D8B8} - hxxp://h50203.www5.hp.com/HPISWeb/Customer/cabs/HPISWebManager.CAB
DPF: {6414512B-B978-451D-A0D8-FCFDF33E833C} - hxxp://update.microsoft.com/windowsupdate/v6/V5Controls/en/x86/client/wuweb_site.cab?1152732297796
DPF: {D27CDB6E-AE6D-11CF-96B8-444553540000} - hxxp://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab
DPF: {FD0B6769-6490-4A91-AA0A-B5AE0DC75AC9} - hxxps://secure.logmein.com/activex/legacy/ractrl.cab?lmi=100
Notify: LMIinit - LMIinit.dll

============= SERVICES / DRIVERS ===============

R0 MacOpen;MacOpen;c:\windows\system32\drivers\MacOpen.sys [2006-11-10 176709]
R1 Avg7Core;AVG7 Kernel;c:\windows\system32\drivers\avg7core.sys [2008-1-11 821856]
R1 Avg7RsW;AVG7 Wrap Driver;c:\windows\system32\drivers\avg7rsw.sys [2008-1-11 4224]
R1 Avg7RsXP;AVG7 Resident Driver XP;c:\windows\system32\drivers\avg7rsxp.sys [2008-1-11 27776]
R1 AvgClean;AVG7 Clean Driver;c:\windows\system32\drivers\avgclean.sys [2008-1-11 10760]
R1 SAVRTPEL;SAVRTPEL;c:\program files\norton systemworks\norton antivirus\Savrtpel.sys [2005-8-26 53896]
R2 aawservice;Lavasoft Ad-Aware Service;c:\program files\lavasoft\ad-aware\aawservice.exe [2008-9-10 611664]
R2 Avg7Alrt;AVG7 Alert Manager Server;c:\progra~1\grisoft\avg7\avgamsvr.exe [2008-1-11 418816]
R2 Avg7UpdSvc;AVG7 Update Service;c:\progra~1\grisoft\avg7\avgupsvc.exe [2008-1-11 49664]
R2 AvgTdi;AVG Network Redirector;c:\windows\system32\drivers\avgtdi.sys [2008-1-11 4960]
R2 ccEvtMgr;Symantec Event Manager;c:\program files\common files\symantec shared\CCEVTMGR.EXE [2005-9-17 192104]
R2 ccSetMgr;Symantec Settings Manager;c:\program files\common files\symantec shared\CCSETMGR.EXE [2005-9-17 169576]
R2 LMIInfo;LogMeIn Kernel Information Provider;c:\program files\logmein\x86\rainfo.sys [2007-6-4 12856]
R2 LMIRfsDriver;LogMeIn Remote File System Driver;c:\windows\system32\drivers\LMIRfsDriver.sys [2007-6-4 45848]
R2 navapsvc;Norton AntiVirus Auto-Protect Service;c:\program files\norton systemworks\norton antivirus\NAVAPSVC.EXE [2005-9-23 139888]
R2 NProtectService;Norton UnErase Protection;c:\progra~1\norton~1\norton~3\NPROTECT.EXE [2005-10-3 95832]
R2 Par1284;Par1284;d:\flexisign-pro 8.0v1\program\Par1284.sys [2006-11-7 53344]
R2 SentinelKeysServer;Sentinel Keys Server;c:\program files\common files\safenet sentinel\sentinel keys server\sntlkeyssrvr.exe [2006-2-10 319176]
R2 Symantec Core LC;Symantec Core LC;c:\program files\common files\symantec shared\ccpd-lc\symlcsvc.exe [2006-11-9 1174152]
R3 EraserUtilRebootDrv;EraserUtilRebootDrv;c:\program files\common files\symantec shared\eengine\EraserUtilRebootDrv.sys [2007-8-30 112688]
R3 NAVENG;NAVENG;c:\progra~1\common~1\symant~1\virusd~1\20071108.016\NAVENG.Sys [2007-11-8 81232]
R3 NAVEX15;NAVEX15;c:\progra~1\common~1\symant~1\virusd~1\20071108.016\NavEx15.Sys [2007-11-8 865904]
R3 SAVRT;SAVRT;c:\program files\norton systemworks\norton antivirus\savrt.sys [2005-8-26 334984]
S2 AVGEMS;AVG E-mail Scanner;c:\progra~1\grisoft\avg7\avgemc.exe [2008-1-11 406528]
S2 gupdate1c986fe7f923bf8;Google Update Service (gupdate1c986fe7f923bf8);c:\program files\google\update\GoogleUpdate.exe [2009-2-4 133104]
S3 SAVScan;Symantec AVScan;c:\program files\norton systemworks\norton antivirus\SAVScan.exe [2005-8-26 198368]
S3 SetupNTGLM7X;SetupNTGLM7X;\??\d:\ntglm7x.sys --> d:\NTGLM7X.sys [?]
S4 LMIRfsClientNP;LMIRfsClientNP; [x]

=============== Created Last 30 ================

2009-03-18 12:29 1,091 a------- c:\docume~1\designer\applic~1\msvideo_mpg.dat

==================== Find3M ====================

2009-02-11 10:19 38,496 a------- c:\windows\system32\drivers\mbamswissarmy.sys
2009-02-11 10:19 15,504 a------- c:\windows\system32\drivers\mbam.sys
2009-02-09 04:19 1,846,272 a------- c:\windows\system32\win32k.sys
2009-02-05 15:51 282,944 a---h--- c:\windows\system32\mlfcache.dat
2008-06-24 11:40 848 a--sh--- c:\windows\system32\KGyGaAvL.sys

============= FINISH: 9:30:40.01 ===============

Do you want the "attach.txt" file, or should I just close that?

Close it, I just want to see DDS.txt

Ok. Done.

Norton never uninstalls right. Luckily we have an external program from Symantec that will do this for us.

Completely Uninstall Norton software using:

• SymNRT.exe
  

Instructions

1. Please download and save SymNRT.exe to your desktop.
   
2. Close all programs and double click on the tool.
   
3. Follow the on-screen instructions.
   
4. Restart the computer if asked.
   
5. Then delete the SymNRT.exe tool from your desktop.
   
6. Open the Program Files folder on your local disk ( normally C: )
   
7. Find and delete the following folders (if present):
   
8. Norton AntiVirus
   
9. Norton Internet Security
   
10. Norton SystemWorks
    
11. Norton Personal Firewall
    

Well, that was an -involved- process. But removal of Norton is complete.

Should I turn the Windows Firewall on?

Until I hear from you again, I have gone ahead and reactivated spybot's resident feature and enabled the Windows firewall.

I also downloaded and am now using Firefox

Hello.
Sorry about not replying quickly, went to get some food. We can remove AVG too and install Avira. Don't surf the internet while your doing this.

Go to Start > Control Panel > Add/Remove Programs and remove the following programs if present.

AVG Free 7.5

Please install Avira antivirus otherwise you won't be protected.

1) Antivir PersonalEditionClassic
-Free anti-virus software for Windows.
-Detects and removes more than 50,000 viruses. Free support.

It is strongly recommended that you run only one antivirus program at a time. Having more than one antivirus program active in memory uses additional resources and can result in program conflicts and false virus alerts.

Okay, I installed and updated Antivir... I also have spybot search and destroy updated. Any other suggestions? Btw, hope you enjoyed your food. Everybody has to eat.

I think I asked you if there was a -safe- way to use Facebook? Is it just a crap shoot? Will the NoScript plugin for FF help? Any others perhaps? Do you need to see any other log files? Thanks for your help.

Nah, I think were done here, how's the machine running?

We need to make a new restore point.

To turn off System Restore, follow these steps:
1. Click Start, right-click My Computer, and then click Properties.
2. Click the System Restore tab.
3. Click the Turn off System Restore check box (or the Turn off System Restore on all drives check box), and then click OK.
4. Click Yes when you receive the prompt to the turn off System Restore.

Now we need to make a new restore point.
To turn on System Restore, follow these steps:
1. Click Start, right-click My Computer, and then click Properties.
2. Click the System Restore tab.
3. Click the Turn off System Restore check box (To turn on System Restore), and then click OK.

Below I have included a number of recommendations for how to protect your computer in order to prevent future malware infections. Please take these recommendations seriously; these few simple steps can stave off the vast majority of spyware problems. As happy as we are to help you, for your sake we would rather not have repeat customers.

1) Please navigate to http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com and download all the "critical updates" for Windows. This can patch many of the security holes through which attackers can gain access to your computer.

Please either enable Automatic Updates under Start -> Control Panel -> Automatic Updates , or get into the habit of checking for Windows updates regularly. I cannot stress enough how important this is.

2) In order to protect yourself against spyware, you should consider installing and running the following free programs:

Ad-Aware SE
A tutorial on using Ad-Aware to remove spyware from your computer may be found here.

Spybot-Search & Destroy
A tutorial on using Spybot to remove spyware from your computer may be found here. Please also remember to enable Spybot's "Immunize" and "TeaTimer" features.

SpywareBlaster
A tutorial on using SpywareBlaster to prevent spyware from ever installing on your computer may be found here.

SpywareGuard
A tutorial on using SpywareGuard for realtime protection against spyware and hijackers may be found here.

Make sure to keep these programs up-to-date and to run them regularly, as this can prevent a great deal of spyware hassle.

3) Please consider using an alternate browser. Mozilla's Firefox browser is fantastic; it is much more secure than Internet Explorer, immune to almost all known browser hijackers, and also has the best built-in popup blocker (as an added benefit!) that I have ever seen. If you are interested, Firefox may be downloaded from here:
http://www.mozilla.org/products/firefox/
I also recommand the following add-ons for Firefox, they will help keep you safe from malicious scripts or activeX exploits.
https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/722
https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/1865
https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/433

4) Also make sure to run your antivirus software regularly, and to keep it up-to-date.

To help you keep your software updated, please considering using this free software program that will check for program updates.
Update Checker

5) Finally, consider maintaining a firewall. Some good free firewalls are Kerio, or
Outpost
A tutorial on understanding and using firewalls may be found here.

Please also read Tony Klein's excellent article: How I got Infected in the First Place

If you would take a moment to fill out our feedback form, we would appreciate it.
The link can be found here.

Hopefully this should take care of your problems! Good luck.

Everything seems to be running smoothly. I downloaded and installed the add-ons for FF. I must say I'm impressed by the short response time you maintain! techguy, for instance, has at least a week's backlog on answering anything, if not longer!

I need to learn how to do this stuff so I can help others as much as I've been helped. I've learned a great deal.

Oh, I did the new restore point establish as well.

Final question (I think), in the event that I need to make use of the restore point, how would I access that if I end up having problems? Or, how is it useful?

There is a guide on the MS website, but you shouldn't need to use system restore at all.
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/helpandsupport/learnmore/systemrestore.mspx

Learning to fight malware is somewhat a long process. I've been in this game going 4yrs, I spent the first year or so just reading about this stuff.

There are several internet websites that teach this stuff if you are actually serious about learning it.

I will look around. I think it'd be time well spent. Tech-savvy these days seems to pay off in many, many ways. It's always great to be of assistance to others I think, and with the deluge (it seems) of malicious software these days, there don't seem to be enough people to handle it all. Is it really 6am where you are? If so, you must be on the other side of the world from me! whoa.

Can I run Ad-aware and Spybot simultaneously, or should I run them independent of one another?

It's 10pm at night here.

You can run both together.

So that places you in Europe somewhere?

Yep.

How very vague! Heheheh. Thanks for the assist, I'm all good. Thanks again!

Are you judging that by the forum clock? it's because the main admin here is in Singapore. GMT+8 I'm just GMT.

Yeah, I was looking at the post times and thinking "Wow, this guy's a night owl!" Singapore, that explains it.