	AllExperts > Computer Security & Viruses
	Search

About Brian Benosky
Expertise
I will help you in eradicating malware and all forms of virus/trojans/adware. I can answer all PC-related hardware issues. I can also troubleshoot Windows OS errors (including Vista) and other software problems. HijackThis logs are a MUST for virus related help. If you do not know how to do this, I have posted easy-to-follow instructions on the Ask a Question page. Every computer infection is different, so I will give you personal instructions on how to remove the malware, not a 'pat' answer. You can be assured of a prompt, polite, and knowledgeable response in all regards.

Experience
I have over 25 years experience in using, building, and repairing computers. I have helped over a thousand people here on AllExperts, with consistent Top Feedback Scores. Please look at my answers here: http://en.allexperts.com/q/Computer-Security-Viruses-1737/indexExp_84308.htm I am also a Top Contributer of General Computing answers in Yahoo! Questions.

Education/Credentials
College Educated Self-taught Computer Skills

You are here: Experts > Computing/Technology > Internet/Network Security > Computer Security & Viruses > Webwatcher

Computer Security & Viruses - Webwatcher

Expert: Brian Benosky - 11/9/2009

Question
QUESTION: My boyfriend installed webwatcher on my laptop. I found out and told him to remove it. I watched as he uninstalled it from my computer.
My question is this, can he still access my computer remotely and install it again? And how can I tell if what he showed me is really an official uninstall?
He has taken advantage of my ignorance of computers and their operating systems and now I am trying to ensure the program is off my computer but I do not know what to look for. Can you please help me?

ANSWER: Hi Brenda

Of course I'd be happy to help. Since I can't scold your boyfriend for violating your privacy (and the law), let's see if he actually did the right thing by removing Webwatcher. Print this answer out or save it as a text file on your computer's desktop so that you can follow along.

Restart the computer in Safe Mode by continuously tapping the F8 key on boot until a black screen with a menu appears. Choose to Start Windows in Safe Mode with Networking. Log on as usual.

Open a browser and download Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware to your desktop from here:

http://www.besttechie.net/tools/mbam-setup.exe

Double-click mbam-setup.exe and follow the prompts to install the program.
* At the end, be sure a checkmark is placed next to
o Update Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware
* then click Finish.
* If an update is found, it will download and install the latest version.
*Run a Full Scan.
* When the scan is complete, click OK, then Show Results to view the results.
* Be sure that everything is checked, and click Remove Selected.
* When completed, a log will open in Notepad. Save that log and reboot normally.

Download and install HijackThis:

http://www.trendsecure.com/portal/en-US/_download/HJTInstall.exe

Make sure you close EVERY open window and ALL browser windows. The only thing that should be open is the HijackThis program.
Double-click on the file you just downloaded.
Click on the "Install" button.
Upon install, HijackThis should open for you.
Should it not open, go to C:\Program Files\Trend Micro\HijackThis and double click on HijackThis.exe
Choose 'Do a system scan and save a log file'.
Copy the text file which opens in Notepad and paste it in your follow-up, along with the Malwarebytes log.
* Do not fix any entries in HijackThis, as they may be harmless.

From the logs, I can determine whether or not webwatcher was still installed and running.

Brian

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you for the detailed instructions. I will email you the logs as soon as possible. This will really help to ease my mind about this whole thing. I don't want my EX boyfriend to continue tracking me.
Thank you again so much.

ANSWER: Hi Brenda

No problem, just post me the logs when you can. You may not know computers well, but you're smart enough to toss the garbage to the curb. :-)

Brian

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Brian,
Sorry for the delay in getting back to you. Here are the log files you requested from malware and HijackThis. Hopefully I will get good news about not having any kind of tracking programs on my system.

Thank you so much for your help and support.
Brenda

Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware 1.41
Database version: 3133
Windows 5.1.2600 Service Pack 3
11/9/2009 8:08:00 AM
mbam-log-2009-11-09 (08-08-00).txt
Scan type: Full Scan (C:\|)
Objects scanned: 119325
Time elapsed: 26 minute(s), 29 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: 2
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:\System Volume Information\_restore{D24A3BE8-4CBB-48D0-81AD-ACAFA6A6C48B}\RP6\A0001039.dll (Trojan.BHO) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
C:\System Volume Information\_restore{D24A3BE8-4CBB-48D0-81AD-ACAFA6A6C48B}\RP6\A0001040.exe (Trojan.BHO) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.

Logfile of Trend Micro HijackThis v2.0.2
Scan saved at 8:18:47 AM, on 11/9/2009
Platform: Windows XP SP3 (WinNT 5.01.2600)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v7.00 (7.00.5730.0013)
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\spoolsv.exe
C:\Program Files\FRISK Software\F-PROT Antivirus for Windows\FPAVServer.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\Program Files\Common Files\InterVideo\RegMgr\iviRegMgr.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\igfxtray.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\hkcmd.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\igfxpers.exe
C:\WINDOWS\RTHDCPL.EXE
C:\Program Files\Synaptics\SynTP\SynTPEnh.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\igfxsrvc.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\LAUNCH~1\QtZgAcer.EXE
C:\Acer\Empowering Technology\eRecovery\eRAgent.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\rundll32.exe
C:\Program Files\FRISK Software\F-PROT Antivirus for Windows\FProtTray.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
C:\Program Files\Skype\Phone\Skype.exe
C:\Program Files\Microsoft ActiveSync\Wcescomm.exe
C:\Program Files\InterVideo\Common\Bin\WinCinemaMgr.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~2\rapimgr.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\wscntfy.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\igfxext.exe
C:\Program Files\Verizon Wireless\VZAccess Manager\VZAccess Manager.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\wuauclt.exe
C:\Program Files\Trend Micro\HijackThis\HijackThis.exe
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL = http://homepage.acer.com/rdr.aspx?b=ACAW&l=0409&s=0&o=xph&d=0609&m=aoa150
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL = http://homepage.acer.com/rdr.aspx?b=ACAW&l=0409&s=0&o=xph&d=0609&m=aoa150
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
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://homepage.acer.com/rdr.aspx?b=ACAW&l=0409&s=0&o=xph&d=0609&m=aoa150
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Connection Wizard,ShellNext = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=74005
O2 - BHO: AcroIEHelperStub - {18DF081C-E8AD-4283-A596-FA578C2EBDC3} - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe\Acrobat\ActiveX\AcroIEHelperShim.dll
O2 - BHO: Skype add-on (mastermind) - {22BF413B-C6D2-4d91-82A9-A0F997BA588C} - C:\Program Files\Skype\Toolbars\Internet Explorer\SkypeIEPlugin.dll
O3 - Toolbar: (no name) - {0BF43445-2F28-4351-9252-17FE6E806AA0} - (no file)
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [LaunchApp] Alaunch
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [IgfxTray] C:\WINDOWS\system32\igfxtray.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [HotKeysCmds] C:\WINDOWS\system32\hkcmd.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Persistence] C:\WINDOWS\system32\igfxpers.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [RTHDCPL] RTHDCPL.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Alcmtr] ALCMTR.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AzMixerSel] C:\Program Files\Realtek\Audio\InstallShield\AzMixerSel.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SynTPEnh] C:\Program Files\Synaptics\SynTP\SynTPEnh.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Adobe Reader Speed Launcher] "C:\Program Files\Adobe\Reader 9.0\Reader\Reader_sl.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [IMJPMIG8.1] "C:\WINDOWS\IME\imjp8_1\IMJPMIG.EXE" /Spoil /RemAdvDef /Migration32
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [MSPY2002] C:\WINDOWS\system32\IME\PINTLGNT\ImScInst.exe /SYNC
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [PHIME2002ASync] C:\WINDOWS\system32\IME\TINTLGNT\TINTSETP.EXE /SYNC
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [PHIME2002A] C:\WINDOWS\system32\IME\TINTLGNT\TINTSETP.EXE /IMEName
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [M3000Mnt] Rundll32.exe M3000Rmv.dll ,WinMainRmv /StartStillMnt
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [LManager] C:\PROGRA~1\LAUNCH~1\QtZgAcer.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [eRecoveryService] C:\Acer\Empowering Technology\eRecovery\eRAgent.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [BluetoothAuthenticationAgent] rundll32.exe bthprops.cpl,,BluetoothAuthenticationAgent
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [F-PROT Antivirus Tray application] C:\Program Files\FRISK Software\F-PROT Antivirus for Windows\FProtTray.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Malwarebytes Anti-Malware (reboot)] "C:\Program Files\Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware\mbam.exe" /runcleanupscript
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [ctfmon.exe] C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [Skype] "C:\Program Files\Skype\Phone\Skype.exe" /nosplash /minimized
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [H/PC Connection Agent] "C:\Program Files\Microsoft ActiveSync\Wcescomm.exe"
O4 - Global Startup: InterVideo WinCinema Manager.lnk = C:\Program Files\InterVideo\Common\Bin\WinCinemaMgr.exe
O9 - Extra button: Create Mobile Favorite - {2EAF5BB1-070F-11D3-9307-00C04FAE2D4F} - C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~2\INetRepl.dll
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {2EAF5BB2-070F-11D3-9307-00C04FAE2D4F} - C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~2\INetRepl.dll
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Create Mobile Favorite... - {2EAF5BB2-070F-11D3-9307-00C04FAE2D4F} - C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~2\INetRepl.dll
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {5067A26B-1337-4436-8AFE-EE169C2DA79F} - C:\Program Files\Skype\Toolbars\Internet Explorer\SkypeIEPlugin.dll
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Skype add-on for Internet Explorer - {5067A26B-1337-4436-8AFE-EE169C2DA79F} - C:\Program Files\Skype\Toolbars\Internet Explorer\SkypeIEPlugin.dll
O9 - Extra button: Skype - {77BF5300-1474-4EC7-9980-D32B190E9B07} - C:\Program Files\Skype\Toolbars\Internet Explorer\SkypeIEPlugin.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
O17 - HKLM\System\CCS\Services\Tcpip\..\{F88DFFBF-AEEC-4207-9EC5-A640DD65BA60}: NameServer = 66.174.92.14 66.174.95.44
O18 - Protocol: skype4com - {FFC8B962-9B40-4DFF-9458-1830C7DD7F5D} - C:\PROGRA~1\COMMON~1\Skype\SKYPE4~1.DLL
O23 - Service: F-PROT Antivirus for Windows system (FPAVServer) - FRISK Software International - C:\Program Files\FRISK Software\F-PROT Antivirus for Windows\FPAVServer.exe
O23 - Service: Google Update Service (gupdate1ca3254867c56b1) (gupdate1ca3254867c56b1) - Google Inc. - C:\Program Files\Google\Update\GoogleUpdate.exe
O23 - Service: IviRegMgr - InterVideo - C:\Program Files\Common Files\InterVideo\RegMgr\iviRegMgr.exe
--
End of file - 6539 bytes

Answer
Hi Brenda

The log file looks good. We just need to fix one item. Start HijackThis and click to do a Scan Only. Place a check mark in the box next to the following item, close any open browser windows, then click the Fix Checked button:

O3 - Toolbar: (no name) - {0BF43445-2F28-4351-9252-17FE6E806AA0} - (no file)

After fixing, close HJT and reboot.

Other than the one item, I see no other problems. And I see no signs of Webwatcher either. So you're good to go. If you have any further problems or questions, just let me know and I'd be happy to help. Best of luck to you. Cheers!

Brian

Add to this Answer Ask a Question