HT Logs. Tips, FAQs, Analyze.

cntprot.exe is a harmful program.

It is a component of malware or spyware, you should immediately remove it using an antivirus and antispyware program. If that does not help, then ask us for help in the Spyware removal forum.

Name: cntprot
Filename: cntprot.exe
Registry key:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run | Protection Center

Command: C:\Program Files\Protection Center\cntprot.exe
Startup Type: HKCU->Run
HijackThis Category: O4
HijackThis Line:

O4 – HKCU\..\Run: [Protection Center] “C:\Program Files\Protection Center\cntprot.exe” -noscan

DDS Line:

uRun: [Protection Center] C:\Program Files\Protection Center\cntprot.exe

Combofix/RSIT Line:

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run]
“Protection Center”=C:\Program Files\Protection Center\cntprot.exe

Description: core component of Protection Center. Protection Center is a rogue antispyware program.

How to remove: use the Protection Center removal instructions or the steps below.

1. Download fix.zip from here, unzip it. Double Click fix.reg and click YES for confirm. Reboot your computer.

2. Download TDSSKiller from here and unzip to your desktop. Open tdsskiller folder and right click to TDSSKiller, select Rename. Type something like 123myname and press Enter. Double click it and follow the prompts.

3. Download OTM by OldTimer from here and save to your desktop.
Run OTM, copy,then paste the following text in “Paste Instructions for Items to be Moved” window (under the yellow bar):

:reg
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run]
“Protection Center”=-

:Commands
[emptytemp]
[Reboot]
Click the red Moveit! button. If you are asked to reboot the machine choose Yes. When the tool is finished, it will produce a report for you.

3. Download Malwarebytes Anti-malware. Install, perform a scan and let it remove what it found. Reboot afterwards (important).

Protection Center is a malicious program.

It is a component of malware or spyware, you should immediately remove it using an antivirus and antispyware program. If that does not help, then ask us for help in the Spyware removal forum.

Threat Type: rogue antispyware
Registry key:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run]
“Protection Center

Command: C:\Program Files\Protection Center\cntprot.exe
HijackThis Category: O4
HijackThis Line:

O4 – HKCU\..\Run: [Protection Center] “C:\Program Files\Protection Center\cntprot.exe” -noscan

DDS Line:

uRun: [Protection Center] C:\Program Files\Protection Center\cntprot.exe

Combofix/RSIT Line:

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run]
“Protection Center”=C:\Program Files\Protection Center\cntprot.exe

Description: Protection Center is a rogue antispyware program, which uses false scan results and fake security alerts as an attempt to trick you into buying full version of the software.

How to remove: use the Protection Center removal instructions or the steps below.

1. Download fix.zip from here, unzip it. Double Click fix.reg and click YES for confirm. Reboot your computer.

2. Download TDSSKiller from here and unzip to your desktop. Open tdsskiller folder and right click to TDSSKiller, select Rename. Type something like 123myname and press Enter. Double click it and follow the prompts.

3. Download OTM by OldTimer from here and save to your desktop.
Run OTM, copy,then paste the following text in “Paste Instructions for Items to be Moved” window (under the yellow bar):

:reg
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run]
“Protection Center”=-

:Commands
[emptytemp]
[Reboot]
Click the red Moveit! button. If you are asked to reboot the machine choose Yes. When the tool is finished, it will produce a report for you.

3. Download Malwarebytes Anti-malware. Install and perform a scan.

security-fortress.net is a malicious website

The site was created to spread Antispyware Soft. If your browser is redirected to security-fortress.net, then you should immediately check your PC using an antivirus and antispyware program. If that does not help, then ask us for help in the Spyware removal forum.

IP Address: 91.216.73.48
Site addess: security-fortress.net
HijackThis Category: O4
HijackThis Line:

O4 – HKLM\..\Run: [{random}] C:\Documents and Settings\user\Local Settings\Application Data\{random}\{random}tssd.exe
O4 – HKCU\..\Run: [{random}] C:\Documents and Settings\user\Local Settings\Application Data\{random}\{random}tssd.exe

Description: security-fortress.net is not related with legit security company and can only be seen on infected computers. The site used to promote the rogue antispyware program called Antispyware Soft.

How to remove: use the Antispyware Soft removal instructions or the steps below.
1. Download HijackThis from here and save it to your desktop. Most important, in the Save dialog, rename HijackThis.exe to iexplore.exe !!!
2. Run HijackThis. Main menu opens. Click to “Do a system scan only” button. After HijackThis completes the system scan, check the box to the left of the following items:

R1 – HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings,ProxyServer = http=127.0.0.1:5555
O4 – HKLM\..\Run: [{random}] C:\Documents and Settings\user\Local Settings\Application Data\{random}\{random}tssd.exe
O4 – HKCU\..\Run: [{random}] C:\Documents and Settings\user\Local Settings\Application Data\{random}\{random}tssd.exe

Please be very careful, do NOT check any other boxes! Next, click on Fix checked on the bottom left side of the HijackThis screen. Close HijackThis.
3. Download Malwarebytes Anti-malware. Install, perform a scan and let it remove what it found. Reboot afterwards (important).

ntuser_mssec.exe is a harmful program.

It is a component of malware or spyware, you should immediately remove it using an antivirus and antispyware program. If that does not help, then ask us for help in the Spyware removal forum.

Name: ntuser_mssec
Filename: ntuser_mssec.exe
Command: %UserProfile%\start menu\programs\startup\ntuser_mssec.exe
Startup Type: Startup folder
HijackThis Category: O4
HijackThis Line:

O4 – Startup: ntuser_mssec.exe

DDS Line:

StartupFolder: c:\documents and settings\user\start menu\programs\startup\ntuser_mssec.exe

Combofix/RSIT Line:

C:\Documents and Settings\user\Start Menu\Programs\Startup
ntuser_mssec.exe

Description: trojan FakAlert also known as Mal/FakeAV-BT [Sophos], TrojanDownloader:Win32/Fakeinit [Microsoft], Trojan.FakeAV [Symantec], Trojan.FakeAV [PC Tools], Trojan-Downloader.Win32.FraudLoad.wxpn [Kaspersky Lab]

How to remove: use HijackThis + Malwarebytes` Anti-malware or the steps below.
1. Download OTM by OldTimer from here and save to your desktop.
Run OTM, copy,then paste the following text in “Paste Instructions for Items to be Moved” window (under the yellow bar):

:files
%UserProfile%\start menu\programs\startup\ntuser_mssec.exe

:Commands
[emptytemp]
[Reboot]

Click the red Moveit! button. If you are asked to reboot the machine choose Yes. When the tool is finished, it will produce a report for you.

2. Download Malwarebytes Anti-malware. Install, perform a scan and let it remove what it found. Reboot afterwards (important).

mcexecwin is a harmful program.

It is a component of malware or spyware, you should immediately remove it using an antivirus and antispyware program. If that does not help, then ask us for help in the Spyware removal forum.

Filename: {random}.dll, Example: dqxpy3ww.dll
Registry key:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run | mcexecwin

Command: %Temp%\dqxpy3ww.dll (example: C:\Users\username\AppData\Local\Temp\dqxpy3ww.dll)
Startup Type: HKCU->Run
HijackThis Category: O4
HijackThis Line:

O4 – HKCU\..\Run: [mcexecwin] rundll32.exe C:\Users\username\AppData\Local\Temp\dqxpy3ww.dll, RestoreWindows

DDS Line:

uRun: [mcexecwin] rundll32.exe C:\Users\username\AppData\Local\Temp\dqxpy3ww.dll, RestoreWindows

Combofix/RSIT Line:

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run]
“mcexecwin”=rundll32.exe C:\Users\username\AppData\Local\Temp\dqxpy3ww.dll, RestoreWindows

Description: component of trojan FakeAlert

How to remove: use HijackThis + Malwarebytes` Anti-malware or the steps below.
1. Download OTM by OldTimer from here and save to your desktop.
Run OTM, copy,then paste the following text in “Paste Instructions for Items to be Moved” window (under the yellow bar):

:reg
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run]
“mcexecwin”=-

:Commands
[emptytemp]
[Reboot]

Click the red Moveit! button. If you are asked to reboot the machine choose Yes. When the tool is finished, it will produce a report for you.

2. Download Malwarebytes Anti-malware. Install, perform a scan and let it remove what it found. Reboot afterwards (important).

M5T8QL3YW3 is a harmful program.

It is a component of malware or spyware, you should immediately remove it using an antivirus and antispyware program. If that does not help, then ask us for help in the Spyware removal forum.

Filename: {random:3}.exe, example: Cdx.exe
Registry key:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run | M5T8QL3YW3

Command: %Temp%\{random:3}.exe
Startup Type: HKCU->Run
HijackThis Category: O4
HijackThis Line:

O4 – HKCU\..\Run: [M5T8QL3YW3] C:\Users\username\AppData\Local\Temp\Cdx.exe

DDS Line:

uRun: [M5T8QL3YW3] C:\Users\username\AppData\Local\Temp\Cdx.exe

Combofix/RSIT Line:

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run]
“M5T8QL3YW3″=C:\Users\username\AppData\Local\Temp\Cdx.exe

Description: trojan FakeAlert, also known as Mal/FakeAV-CX [Sophos], TrojanDownloader:Win32/Renos.KF [Microsoft], Win-Trojan/Variant.183296.B [AhnLab]

How to remove: use HijackThis + Malwarebytes` Anti-malware or the steps below.
1. Download OTM by OldTimer from here and save to your desktop.
Run OTM, copy,then paste the following text in “Paste Instructions for Items to be Moved” window (under the yellow bar):

:reg
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run]
“M5T8QL3YW3”=-

:Commands
[emptytemp]
[Reboot]

Click the red Moveit! button. If you are asked to reboot the machine choose Yes. When the tool is finished, it will produce a report for you.

2. Download Malwarebytes Anti-malware. Install and perform a scan.

Security Master AV is a fake antivirus program.

It is a component of malware or spyware, you should immediately remove it using an antivirus and antispyware program. If that does not help, then ask us for help in the Spyware removal forum.

Name: SM{random}
Filename: SM{random}.exe
Registry key:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run | Security Master AV

Command: C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\{random}\SM{random}.exe
Startup Type: HKCU->Run
HijackThis Category: O4
HijackThis Line:

O4 – HKCU\..\Run: [Security Master AV] “C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\{random}\SM{random}.exe” /s /d

DDS Line:

mRun: [Security Master AV] C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\{random}\SM{random}.exe

Combofix/RSIT Line:

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run]
“Security Master AV”=C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\{random}\SM{random}.exe

Description: Security Master AV is a rogue antispyware program, which uses false scan results and fake security alerts as an attempt to trick you into buying full version of the software.

How to remove: use the Security Master AV removal instructions or the steps below.

1. Download OTM by OldTimer from here and save to your desktop.
Run OTM, copy,then paste the following text in “Paste Instructions for Items to be Moved” window (under the yellow bar):

:reg
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run]
“Security Master AV”=-

:Commands
[resethosts]
[Reboot]

Click the red Moveit! button. If you are asked to reboot the machine choose Yes. When the tool is finished, it will produce a report for you.

2. Download Malwarebytes Anti-malware. Install and perform a scan.

antispyware-scan.net is a malicious website

The site was created to spread Antispyware Soft. If your browser is redirected to antispyware-scan.net, then you should immediately check your PC using an antivirus and antispyware program. If that does not help, then ask us for help in the Spyware removal forum.

IP Address: 91.216.73.48
Site addess: antispyware-scan.net
HijackThis Category: O4
HijackThis Line:

O4 – HKLM\..\Run: [{random}] C:\Documents and Settings\user\Local Settings\Application Data\{random}\{random}tssd.exe
O4 – HKCU\..\Run: [{random}] C:\Documents and Settings\user\Local Settings\Application Data\{random}\{random}tssd.exe

Description: antispyware-scan.net is not related with legitimate security company and can only be seen on infected computers. The site used to promote the rogue antispyware program called Antispyware Soft.

How to remove: use these Antispyware Soft removal guide or the instructions below in order to remove this infection.
1. Download HijackThis from here and save it to your desktop. Most important, in the Save dialog, rename HijackThis.exe to iexplore.exe !!!
2. Run HijackThis. Main menu opens. Click to “Do a system scan only” button. After HijackThis completes the system scan, check the box to the left of the following items:

R1 – HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings,ProxyServer = http=127.0.0.1:5555
O4 – HKLM\..\Run: [{random}] C:\Documents and Settings\user\Local Settings\Application Data\{random}\{random}tssd.exe
O4 – HKCU\..\Run: [{random}] C:\Documents and Settings\user\Local Settings\Application Data\{random}\{random}tssd.exe

Please be very careful, do NOT check any other boxes! Next, click on Fix checked on the bottom left side of the HijackThis screen. Close HijackThis.
3. Download Malwarebytes Anti-malware. Install and update it. Perform a quick scan.

Antivirusutils.net is a malicious website

The site was created to spread Antispyware Soft. If your browser is redirected to Antivirusutils.net, then you should immediately check your PC using an antivirus and antispyware program. If that does not help, then ask us for help in the Spyware removal forum.

IP Address: 91.216.73.48
Site addess: Antivirusutils.net
HijackThis Category: O4
HijackThis Line:

O4 – HKLM\..\Run: [{random}] C:\Documents and Settings\user\Local Settings\Application Data\{random}\{random}tssd.exe
O4 – HKCU\..\Run: [{random}] C:\Documents and Settings\user\Local Settings\Application Data\{random}\{random}tssd.exe

Description: Antivirusutils.net is not related with legit security company and can only be seen on infected computers. The site used to promote the rogue antispyware program called Antispyware Soft.

How to remove: use these Antispyware Soft removal guide or the instructions below in order to remove this infection.
1. Download HijackThis from here and save it to your desktop. Most important, in the Save dialog, rename HijackThis.exe to iexplore.exe !!!
2. Run HijackThis. Main menu opens. Click to “Do a system scan only” button. After HijackThis completes the system scan, check the box to the left of the following items:

R1 – HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings,ProxyServer = http=127.0.0.1:5555
O4 – HKLM\..\Run: [{random}] C:\Documents and Settings\user\Local Settings\Application Data\{random}\{random}tssd.exe
O4 – HKCU\..\Run: [{random}] C:\Documents and Settings\user\Local Settings\Application Data\{random}\{random}tssd.exe

Please be very careful, do NOT check any other boxes! Next, click on Fix checked on the bottom left side of the HijackThis screen. Close HijackThis.
3. Download Malwarebytes Anti-malware. Install and update it. Perform a quick scan.

Protect-ware.net is a malicious website

The site was created to spread Antispyware Soft. If your browser is redirected to Protect-ware.net, then you should immediately check your PC using an antivirus and antispyware program. If that does not help, then ask us for help in the Spyware removal forum.

IP Address: 91.216.73.48
Site addess: Protect-ware.net
HijackThis Category: O4
HijackThis Line:

O4 – HKLM\..\Run: [{random}] C:\Documents and Settings\user\Local Settings\Application Data\{random}\{random}tssd.exe
O4 – HKCU\..\Run: [{random}] C:\Documents and Settings\user\Local Settings\Application Data\{random}\{random}tssd.exe

Description: Protect-ware.net is not related with legitimate security company and can only be seen on infected computers. The site used to promote the rogue antispyware program called Antispyware Soft.

How to remove: use these Antispyware Soft removal guide or the instructions below in order to remove this infection.
1. Download HijackThis from here and save it to your desktop. Most important, in the Save dialog, rename HijackThis.exe to iexplore.exe !!!
2. Run HijackThis. Main menu opens. Click to “Do a system scan only” button. After HijackThis completes the system scan, check the box to the left of the following items:

R1 – HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings,ProxyServer = http=127.0.0.1:5555
O4 – HKLM\..\Run: [{random}] C:\Documents and Settings\user\Local Settings\Application Data\{random}\{random}tssd.exe
O4 – HKCU\..\Run: [{random}] C:\Documents and Settings\user\Local Settings\Application Data\{random}\{random}tssd.exe

Please be very careful, do NOT check any other boxes! Next, click on Fix checked on the bottom left side of the HijackThis screen. Close HijackThis.
3. Download Malwarebytes Anti-malware. Install and update it. Perform a quick scan.