Internet Explorer Search and Home page defaults [Archive]

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BlueBox

06-15-04, 01:26 PM

When I make www.msn.com my homepage... when I restart it becomes some alternate homepage who's address reads "c:windowshp.html" IE searches under something called FNS instaed of MSN. The page looks similar and has same setup... but is NOT MSN. I tried resetting the defaults in the "Internet Tools" Menu to no avail. What are the registry settings to reset these things and is it possible some script or trojan is in my system? I will scan for viruses now.

WinHazard

06-15-04, 01:26 PM

you probably have some kind of adware or spyware in your pc... try downloading ad aware, there's a free version of it and you can use that to scan your whole system for adware.... let me give you a little tutorial on this just read it whenever you have time. first of all! Symptoms and Causes Slow PC - If your PC is running much slower than you remember it running in the past, it might have spyware or adware installed. Internet toolbars or homepages have changed - If your PC has new, strange toolbars that you don't remember installing or your homepage constantly changes back to some site you don't intend to visit, you almost definitely have some form of adware/spyware installed. Strange pop-up Internet windows - If you see weird pop-up ads while surfing the Internet on sites that usually don't have pop-ups, or the pop-ups are adult related on non-adult sites, you probably have adware installed. These are Internet sites though, not Windows Messages (see below) Windows Messages (from the "Messenging" service) - If randomly ads appear offering diplomas or pornographic sites and the windows look like the example shown below, your IP address has been subscribed to a messenging service. <img src="http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-11/486445/msg.gif"> What is Adware? Spyware? Messenger Service? Adware - Designed solely to make money at your expense, Adware will pop random ads up when you least expect it. You'll be visiting Yahoo.com and all the sudden a porn banner will pop-up. Your child will be reading something on National Geographic's site and a bright blinking banner advertising an Internet Casino will appear. These programs are hidden within Windows, but will do major damage. Granted they rarely hurt your PC permanently, but they will slow it down and make it almost unusable most of the time. The programs are often memory and CPU hogs and are poorly coded, so your PC usually becomes unstable. Spyware - Most people use "Adware" and "Spyware" synonymously, but I consider Spyware to be a more intelligent version of Adware. Spyware is the nastier of the two, and will collect personal data about your PC and your habits in order to make even more money. Advertisers make more money when you are interested in the ads, so Spyware collects information about your Internet browsing habits in order to sell this information for more dough. For example, if you visit car sites a lot, the random ads will be car ads. This way they'll also seem more fitting so people won't question the ads as much. It's believed that Spyware designers also sell these habits to retailers in order to gather demographics. Spyware and Adware can both hide themselves many ways. The most common is to load at Windows' startup and stay resident in system memory. Some Spyware will appear on the navigation bar in Internet Explorer and since most people cannot figure out how to remove it, they will be stuck with it even if it's right in front of them. Still, other users won't even notice the navigation bar. This type is generally the worst when it comes to slowing a PC down. Messenger Service - The Messenger service is enabled by default within Windows 2000 and XP, and will allow network users to communicate with one another. Unfortunately, advertisers have figured a way to profit from this and the best solution is to disable the service entirely, as you'll read later. Where do they come from? How can I fight back? Adware and spyware usually come to your PC three ways, listed from most common to least: 1) File sharing programs such as KaZaA, Morpheus, Bearshare, Grokster, Edonkey2000 and Limewire. Almost any free file sharing program out there will install Adware on your computer except a few (such as a stripped version of "Kazaa Lite or Emule"). 2) Internet sites that attempt to install plug-ins or extra features. It's hard to decide which of these are bad and which are actually beneficial, but for the most part, if you're reading a site you know is not as well established as another (comparing a Geocities hacking site to Microsoft.com, for example), be careful about installing add-ons. When you first visit the site, boxes might pop-up telling you to install the "Comet Cursor" or "Gator advertising Network". Some users either accidently click "Yes" or just click it to make it go away. Be very careful if the corporation is not one you haven't heard of! 3) Installed with legitimate programs. I have seen Spyware install with software that appears to be legitimate, including game demos and ISP software. Be careful of what you install and always choose "Custom" installs to see what kind of crap people package with their software. How can I fight back? It's not easy. The best thing you can do for now is remove the Spyware, Adware, and Messages. You probably will not be able to find the original source of the problem so nobody will be held responsible. Boycott the file sharing programs that install these backdoor programs or download Lite versions. Help others remove Spyware and be careful in the future with your PC. Know Your Enemy Windows 95/98/Me: Just hit CTRL-ALT-Delete and scan for the Spyware types mentioned below. Windows 2000/XP only: In order to conquer Spyware, you must first know the names of the programs. Close any program you can in your system tray (bottom right corner) and close any programs you have open except this Window (unless it's printed). Now hit CTRL-ALT-Delete and click the "Processes" Tab. With everything closed, you should have less than 20 programs open, even less if you have disabled your virus scanner for this test. The programs you should see include: -taskmgr.exe -explorer.exe -iexplore.exe -spoolsv.exe (maybe) -svchost.exe (even 4 or 5 of it) -winlogon.exe -lsass.exe -services.exe System System Idle Process <img src="http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-11/486445/resource.gif"> Other programs running are fine as long as you know what they go to. For example a file that begins with "NV" is probably an Nvidia display driver or application and any program that begins "NAV" is probably Norton Antivirus. If you see many other programs such as "Dialer", "Freeaccess", "Offer", "Save*", "GATOR", "Newdotnet" (or New Net, New.net), "Xupiter", "Shop*", "Ad*", "Bargains", "NewsUPd", prepare to nuke them. Now, let's remove this junk! Removing Spyware and Adware First, go to ad-aware.com and download Ad-Aware from Lavasoft. Install it and run it. Check the "My Computer" box on the left to select every option for scanning. Then choose "Scan Now". This program will eliminate just about every Spyware/Adware program you'll encounter, so it's a good tool to keep around. It will even remove Spyware that was uninstalled a long time ago. It will also remove advertising cookies. It is a good idea to back-up your files (the program includes a back-up utility) before you remove them. Of course, after it's done its job you could always uninstall the program, but you might want to download it again later. I recommend checking for Adware once a month (minimum) in order to stay clean or again whenever your PC seems slow. Second, disable 3rd party browser extensions in Internet Explorer. This will prevent some Spyware from contaminating your PC in the future and stop those annoying Gator and New.Net shell extensions from taking over. To do this, start up Internet Explorer and go to the "Tools" tab at the top. Then choose "Internet Options". Move to the "Advanced Tab" at the right. Uncheck the box "Enable third-party browser extensions (requires restart)". Choose OK until you're out of this menu. Don't restart until you're done with this guide, though, as you'll need to restart again anyway. <img src="http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-11/486445/third.gif"> Third, choose "Start", "Run", and type "msconfig". Hit OK. Move to the "Startup" tab. <img src="http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-11/486445/msconfig.gif"> This is the list of programs that launch when Windows starts. Scroll through your list and be sure there aren't any extra programs you don't want to run, such as Gator or those mentioned earlier. I also turned off "qttask" (Quicktime's taskbar component) and "ADGJET" (some Sound Blaster Live utility). Once you're finished here, choose OK and then "Exit without restart". Finally, enter the registry editor ("Start","Run", "Regedit", OK). Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE / SOFTWARE / Microsoft / Windows / CurrentVersion / Run. Here are the programs set to run when Windows starts. This list should be basically the same as the MSCONFIG list we just saw. If you see any additional programs that appear to be out of the ordinary, delete the entry (backup first!) and close the registry editor. Nuke the Windows Messenger Pop-ups Fortunately, these are very easy to fix. Head back to the MSCONFIG utility ("Start", "Run", "msconfig", OK). This time click the "Services" tab. Scroll down until you see "Messenger". Uncheck this box. <img src="http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-11/486445/services.gif"> Choose OK. Then choose "Exit without Restart". Close all your programs, reset your PC, and you'll probably never see those messages again. Once your PC reboots, you can test to see if the messages still work by doing the following: Choose "Start", "Run", then type "net send * test". If a message pop-ups saying "test", you have not disabled the service correctly.

WinHazard

06-15-04, 01:26 PM

Tools to Prevent and Dispose Author: Mike Healan There is a despicable trend that is becoming more and more common where the browser settings of web surfers are being forcibly hijacked by malicious web sites and software which modifies your default start and search pages. Sometimes internet shortcuts will be added to your favorites folder without asking you. The purpose of this is force you to visit a web site of the hijacker's choice so that they can artificially inflate their web site's traffic for higher advertising revenues. In some cases, these changes are reversible simply by going into internet options and switching them back. Not always, however. Sometimes it's necessary to edit the windows registry (gasp!) to undo the changes made. Sometimes there is even a combination of registry setting and files clandestinely placed on your hard drive that redo your settings every time you reboot the computer. No matter how often you change your settings back, they are changed again the next time you restart. There have even been cases where internet options have been removed from the tools menu by registry hacking to prevent you from controlling your own computer! Even AOL has become a browser hijacker by placing it's web site free.aol.com in Internet Explorer's trusted sites security zone, thereby bypassing the most frequently used security settings. This occurs after installing their AOL software, AOL Instant Messenger, Netscape 6.x, and ICQ2001b has reportedly done this. AOL then exploits this by downloading ActiveX components to your computer without your consent. The <a target=new class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.spywareinfo.com/articles/cws/"> CWS trojan</a> also does this. Preventing a hijack Most people use Internet Explorer, which is the most prone to these sorts of exploits due to its insecure nature. You would be safer using a better, more secure browser, such as Mozilla. If you insist on using Internet Explorer, you need to tighten up your browser's security settings. Open your control panel and open Internet Options to the Security tab. In the activex area, disable activex that is not marked as safe and not signed. If they can't sign their own code, you certainly shouldn't run it on your system. For activex marked as safe and signed, set to prompt. Why is activex so dangerous that you have to increase the security for it? When your browser runs an activex control, it is running an executable program. It's no different from double clicking an exe file on your hard drive. Would you run just any random file downloaded off a web site without knowing what it is and what it does? Always keep current with the latest security fixes from Microsoft. In particular, make sure your installation of Java VM is up-to-date. There are some well known security bugs with Microsoft Java VM which are exploited regularly by browser hijackers. Better yet, replace Microsoft's Java VM with <a target=new class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://Sun's Java JRE.">Sun's Java JRE. </a> The following software will also greatly decrease your odds of getting hijacked in the first place. <a target=new class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://]http://www.wilderssecurity.com/bhblaster.html">Browser hijacker blaster[recommended</a> <a target=new class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.staff.uiuc.edu/~ehowes/resource.htm#IESPYAD">IE-Spyad </a> <a target=new class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.wilderssecurity.com/spywareblaster.html">Spyware Blaster</a> <a target=new class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://]http://www.spywareinfo.com/downloads/spyblocker/settings+sentry.php">Settings Sentry [from the maker of spyblocker</a> <a target=new class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.spywareinfo.com/downloads/spyblocker/">SpyBlocker</a> These products will protect your settings and possibly prevent this from happening. However, if you have already been infected, you will need software specifically designed to remove this sort of garbage so that the problem is solved completely. Any of the products below will completely remove most hijackers, unless it is one which has just started spreading. <a target=new class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http:// I used for a while but now I ese Ad-aware]http://www.safer-networking.org/?page=download">Spybot S&D [Recommended</a> <a target=new class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http:// I have the professional version.]http://www.lavasoft.de/">Ad-aware [My Choice</a> <a target=new class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.aluriasoftware.com/index.php? page_name=software&sub_name=works&title=ase&specialoffer=spywareinfo">Aluria Spyware Eliminator</a> If you have a hijack that is not fixed by any of these products, you may use these solutions below that I've come up with after helping to fix these same problems countless times through email and at the forums. Read on... Please read the disclaimer below before doing anything described here. By following any of these instructions, you agree to be bound by the disclaimer. If you do not agree, do not follow these instructions. Also note that with Windows NT/2K/XP you will likely need to be logged in as an administrator for much of this. Go ahead and do that now. The situation: Your browser now has a new start page and a new search page. Every time your browser loads a page that doesn't exist, you end up at some strange site, probably filled with popup ads. You go to Tools > Internet Options to fix this, only to find that option grayed out. You open the control panel, only to find Internet Options missing from there too. You try to open regedit to start hacking away at the registry, but you're given the message that "your administrator has not given you that privilege". Some scumbag webmaster has gotten a scumbag script kiddie to truly mess up your browser settings, and has made it next to impossible for you to change it back. Notice that I said "next to impossible"........... So, what do you do here? Skip any step that deals with a problem that doesn't effect you Assuming that none of the spyware removal programs listed above helps you, the very first thing you need to do is download and run HijackThis. Put a check mark next to every search and start page setting it lists which you haven't put there yourself and choose fix. Do the same for any hosts file entries. If it lists anything as O5, O6, or O7*, fix those as well. Please ask for advice at the forums before using HijackThis to change anything else. *Note: Spybot S&D, Start Page Guard, Settings Sentry, and similar programs may provide options to lock settings against unauthorized changes. If you have these options enabled, HijackThis will detect that as a restrictions hijack. Disable those options before scanning with HijackThis. Second, you have to get Internet Options back into the control panel. Do a file search and look for a file named "control.ini". Open it in Notepad. You may see something like this: [don't load] inetcpl.cpl=yes Delete the "inetcpl.cpl=yes" line under "[don't load]". Save and close the file, then try the control panel again. If it's still not there, restart your machine and it should be there. For Windows 2000 and XP, you will need to edit the registry to do this. Go to the start menu > RUN command > type REGEDIT and press enter. Navigate through the registry keys until you get to HKEY_CURRENT_USERControl Paneldon't load. Look and see if inetcpl.cpl is listed. If it is, delete the entry for it and log off. See the list at the bottom of this page to identify other entries. Thanks to Corné de Leeuw for this information. Run a search on your hard drive for any files ending with *.hta or *.js. If you find any, open them in notepad or some other text editor and look for the URLs that you have been hijacked to. Any file with those URLs, delete them. Also delete all *.tmp files on your drive; some of them contain malicious code (for e.g. browser hijacks or malware (re)installations). Besides, deleting *.tmp files doesn't hurt, unlike dll's which are also used sometimes for this purpose. (Thanks to cexx.org for the additional info in this step). HijackThis will list any BHO installed on your computer. Check the BHOs listed against the list of all known BHOs maintained at this site by a member of our support forums. If you find one listed as some sort of spyware/malware/hijackware, run HijackThis again and find that BHO in the list. Check its box and have HT fix it. If you find a BHO that is not included in the list, please make a post in the Browser Hijackings section of our support forums with the HijackThis log pasted in along with an explanation of your problem. Please wait for replies before deleting this BHO, as it may be a new one which I can have added to various spyware/malware cleaning programs. It may also be an innocent file that is not causing your problem, so please wait for advice before deleting it. Now you need to see if there is a startup entry for your hijacker file. The next time you reboot, the hijack might come right back. The reason for this would be an entry in the run section of the registry. Look in HijackThis for 04 startup items. Check the entries listed against Pacman's List. Items listed as virus, malware, spyware, or something else that is undesirable, put a checkmark next to it and "fix" it. If you find entries in your log that are not listed, you can report them at the forums. Again, it will be absolutely necessary for you to close all open Internet Explorer windows before any of these changes will take effect. That includes this window. Some changes may even require a log off or even a reboot before they have any effect. Still not fixed? I hope this helps anyone who has become a victim of a browser hijack. If it does, great. If the problem still remains after doing all of the above, you can visit our support forums and post the specifics of your problem there and I or someone else can troubleshoot the problem. Before posting, please make sure you have followed all of the instructions above. Related Links: http://www.cexx.org/hphijack.htm - Homepage Hijackers http://www.spywareinfo.com/articles/lop/ - Lop.com http://www.pcworld.com/news/article/0,aid,63345,00.asp - Stealth ad explosion http://www.pcworld.com/news/article/0,aid,101916,00.asp - Web Ad Explosion http://www.pcworld.com/news/article/0,aid,84464,tk,dn021402X,00.asp - Invasion of the browser snatchers http://www.spywareinfo.com/newsletter/archives/september-2002/09212002.html#xupiter - Xupiter Disclaimer of Warranty Go back "SpywareInfo and/or the author" assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions in these materials. THESE MATERIALS ARE PROVIDED "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, OR NON-INFRINGEMENT. "SpywareInfo and/or the author" further does not warrant the accuracy or completeness of the information, text, graphics, links or other items contained within these materials. "SpywareInfo and/or the author" shall not be liable for any special, indirect, incidental, or consequential damages, including without limitation, lost revenues or lost profits, which may result from the use of these materials. The information on this server is subject to change without notice and does not represent a commitment on the part of "SpywareInfo and/or the author" in the future. That said, if you do happen to find a problem with anything here, please contact me immediately. I'll do my best to correct the problem as soon as possible. Control panel applet file names Thanks to Corné de Leeuw for this information. Go back access.cpl - Accessibility Applet appwiz.cpl - Add/Remove Programs Applet console.cpl - Console Applet timedate.cpl - Date and Time Applet desk.cpl - Display Applet fax.cpl - Fax Applet hdwwiz.cpl - Hardware Wizard Applet irprops.cpl - Infrared Port Applet intl.cpl - International and Regional Applet inetcpl.cpl - Internet Settings Applet joy.cpl - Joystick Applet liccpa.cpl - Licensing Applet main.cpl - Mouse and Keyboard Applet mlcfg32.cpl - Mail Applet mmsys.cpl - Sound and Multimedia Applet modem.cpl - Modem and Phone Applet ncpa.cpl - Network and connectivity Applet netcpl.cpl - Network and Dial-up Connectivity Applet nwc.cpl - Netware Client Applet odbccp32.cpl - ODBC Applet devapps.cpl - PC Card Applet ports.cpl - Ports Applet powercfg.cpl - Power Management Applet sticpl.cpl - Scanner and Camera Applet srvmgr.cpl - Server Manager Applet sapi.cpl - Speech Properties Applet sysdm.cpl - System Applet telephon.cpl - Telephony Applet tweakui.cpl - TweakUI Applet nusrmgr.cpl - User Manager Applet wspcpl32.cpl - WSP Client Applet quicktime.cpl - QuickTime Applet S32LUCP1.cpl - Norton Live Update Applet cpqmgmt.cpl - Compaq Insight Agents Applet wtcpl.cpl - Wild Tangent Auto Updater Applet (This updater is spyware) Taken from <a target=new class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.spywareinfo.com/articles/hijacked/">SpyWareinfo</a>