Author Archive

What is ThinkPoint, How to remove ThinkPoint

Tuesday, October 19th, 2010

ThinkPoint is a harmful program.

remove It is a fake security program, 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.

ThinkPoint associated files and folders:

%AppData%\hotfix.exe
%AppData%\{RANDOM}.bat

ThinkPoint associated registry keys and values:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings | “WarnOnPost” = “0″
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings | “WarnOnZoneCrossing” = “0″
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings | “WarnonBadCertRecving” = “0″
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings | “WarnOnPostRedirect” = “0″
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon | “Shell” = “%AppData%\hotfix.exe”

Core filename: hotfix.exe
Command: %AppData%\hotfix.exe
Description: fake antivirus that is installed with the help of Microsoft Security Essentials FakeAlert trojan

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

1. When Windows is loaded press CTRL + ALT + DEL to open Windows Task Manager. Select hotfix.exe process and click to “End process” button.

2. Click File -> New Task. Type explorer and Press Enter. It will display the Windows desktop and taskbar.

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

What is antispytag.com, How to remove antispytag.com

Sunday, October 17th, 2010

Antispytag.com is a malicious website

remove The site was created to spread Antivirus Action. If your browser is redirected to antispytag.com, 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: 93.174.88.136
Site addess: antispytag.com
Description: antispytag.com 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 Antivirus Action.

How to remove: use the antispytag removal instructions or the steps below in order to remove this infection.

1. Reboot your computer in Safe mode with networking.

2. Reset proxy settings of your browser (this malware hijacked them) by doing: run Internet Explorer, Click Tools -> Internet Options. Select Connections Tab and click to Lan Settings button. Uncheck “Use a proxy server” box. Click OK and click OK again.

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

What is Smart Engine, How to remove Smart Engine

Sunday, October 10th, 2010

Smart Engine is a harmful program.

remove It is a fake security program, 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.

Smart Engine associated files and folders:

C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\da1933\SMda1_2121.exe
%UserProfile%\Application Data\Smart Engine
%UserProfile%\Application Data\Smart Engine\cookies.sqlite
%UserProfile%\Desktop\Smart Engine.lnk
%UserProfile%\Start Menu\Smart Engine.lnk
%UserProfile%\Application Data\Smart Engine\Instructions.ini
%UserProfile%\Start Menu\Programs\Smart Engine.lnk
%UserProfile%\Application Data\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Quick Launch\Smart Engine.lnk

Smart Engine associated registry keys and values:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run | Smart Engine
HKEY_USERS\.DEFAULT\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\SearchScopes | URL = “http://findgala.com/?&uid=1002&q={searchTerms}”
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\SearchScopes | URL = “http://findgala.com/?&uid=1002&q={searchTerms}”
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Download | RunInvalidSignatures = “1″
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\SearchScopes | URL = “http://findgala.com/?&uid=1002&q={searchTerms}”

Core filename: SMda1_2121.exe
Command: C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\da1933\SMda1_2121.exe
HijackThis shows Smart Engine:

O4 – HKCU\..\Run: [Smart Engine] “C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\da2933\SMda2_2121.exe” /s /d

Description: rogue antispyware program

How to remove: use the Smart Engine removal guide or the steps below.

1. Reboot your computer in Safe mode with networking.

2. Reset proxy settings of your browser (this malware hijacked them) by doing: run Internet Explorer, Click Tools -> Internet Options. Select Connections Tab and click to Lan Settings button. Uncheck “Use a proxy server” box. Click OK and click OK again.

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

4. 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):

Commands
[resethosts]

Click the red Moveit! button. Close OTM.

What is {RANDOM}agnz.exe, How to remove {RANDOM}agnz.exe

Thursday, October 7th, 2010

{RANDOM}agnz.exe is a harmful program.

remove 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}agnz.exe
Registry key:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run | {RANDOM}
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run | {RANDOM}

Command: %Temp%\{RANDOM}\{RANDOM}agnz.exe
Startup Type: HKCU->Run, HKLM-> Run
HijackThis Category: O4
HijackThis Line:

O4 – HKLM\..\Run: [{RANDOM}] %Temp%\{RANDOM}\{RANDOM}agnz.exe
O4 – HKCU\..\Run: [{RANDOM}] %Temp%\{RANDOM}\{RANDOM}agnz.exe

DDS Line:

mRun: [{RANDOM}] %Temp%\{RANDOM}\{RANDOM}agnz.exe
uRun: [{RANDOM}] %Temp%\{RANDOM}\{RANDOM}agnz.exe

Combofix/RSIT Line:

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run]
“{RANDOM}”=%Temp%\{RANDOM}\{RANDOM}agnz.exe
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run]
“{RANDOM}”=%Temp%\{RANDOM}\{RANDOM}agnz.exe

Description: core component of Antivirus Action. Antivirus Action is a rogue antispyware program.

How to remove: use the Antivirus Action removal instructions or the steps below.

1. Reboot your computer in Safe mode with networking.

2. Reset proxy settings of your browser (this malware hijacked them) by doing: run Internet Explorer, Click Tools -> Internet Options. Select Connections Tab and click to Lan Settings button. Uncheck “Use a proxy server” box. Click OK and click OK again.

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

What is IronProtector, How to remove IronProtector

Thursday, October 7th, 2010

IronProtector is a harmful program.

remove It is a fake security program, 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.

IronProtector associated files and folders:

%UserProfile%\Desktop\IronProtector.lnk
c:\Program Files\{RANDOM}\
c:\Program Files\{RANDOM}\{RANDOM}.exe
c:\Program Files\{RANDOM}\Uninstall.exe
c:\WINDOWS\{RANDOM}.dll
c:\WINDOWS\{RANDOM}.bin
c:\WINDOWS\{RANDOM}.cpl
c:\WINDOWS\system32\{RANDOM}.cpl
c:\WINDOWS\system32\{RANDOM}.exe
c:\WINDOWS\system32\{RANDOM}.bin

IronProtector associated registry keys and values:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\IronProtector
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\IronProtector
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\IronProtector
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run | {RANDOM}
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run | {RANDOM}

Core filename: {RANDOM}.exe
Command: c:\Program Files\{RANDOM}\{RANDOM}.exe
HijackThis shows IronProtector:

O4 – HKLM\..\Run: [F0E12.exe] “C:\Program Files\FDFCA\F0E12.exe” -min

Description: IronProtector is a rogue antispyware tool

How to remove: use the IronProtector removal guide or or the steps below.

1. Reboot your computer in Safe mode with networking.

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

What is {random}lanw.exe, How to remove {random}lanw.exe

Monday, October 4th, 2010

{RANDOM}lanw.exe is a harmful program.

remove 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}lanw.exe
Registry key:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run | {RANDOM}
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run | {RANDOM}

Command: %Temp%\{RANDOM}\{RANDOM}lanw.exe
Startup Type: HKCU->Run, HKLM-> Run
HijackThis Category: O4
HijackThis Line:

O4 – HKLM\..\Run: [{RANDOM}] %Temp%\{RANDOM}\{RANDOM}lanw.exe
O4 – HKCU\..\Run: [{RANDOM}] %Temp%\{RANDOM}\{RANDOM}lanw.exe

DDS Line:

mRun: [{RANDOM}] %Temp%\{RANDOM}\{RANDOM}lanw.exe
uRun: [{RANDOM}] %Temp%\{RANDOM}\{RANDOM}lanw.exe

Combofix/RSIT Line:

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run]
“{RANDOM}”=%Temp%\{RANDOM}\{RANDOM}lanw.exe
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run]
“{RANDOM}”=%Temp%\{RANDOM}\{RANDOM}lanw.exe

Description: core component of Antivirus IS. Antivirus IS is a rogue antispyware program.

How to remove: use the Antivirus IS removal instructions or the steps below.

1. Reboot your computer in Safe mode with networking.

2. Reset proxy settings of your browser (this malware hijacked them) by doing: run Internet Explorer, Click Tools -> Internet Options. Select Connections Tab and click to Lan Settings button. Uncheck “Use a proxy server” box. Click OK and click OK again.

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

What is dskclnwiz.dll, How to remove dskclnwiz.dll

Sunday, October 3rd, 2010

dskclnwiz.dll is a harmful program.

remove 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: dskclnwiz
Filename: dskclnwiz.dll
Registry key:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run | Acronis Toolbar Helper
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run | Desktop Cleanup Wizard

Command: %AppData%\Desktop Cleanup Wizard\dskclnwiz.dll
Startup Type: HKLM->Run, HKCU->Run
HijackThis Category: O4
HijackThis Line:

O4 – HKLM\..\Run: [Acronis Toolbar Helper] rundll32.exe “C:\Documents and Settings\Username\Local Settings\Application Data\Desktop Cleanup Wizard\dskclnwiz.dll”, StartProt
O4 – HKCU\..\Run: [Desktop Cleanup Wizard] rundll32.exe “C:\Documents and Settings\Username\Local Settings\Application Data\Desktop Cleanup Wizard\dskclnwiz.dll”, StartProt

DDS Line:

mRun: [Acronis Toolbar Helper] rundll32.exe “C:\Documents and Settings\Username\Local Settings\Application Data\Desktop Cleanup Wizard\dskclnwiz.dll”, StartProt
uRun: [Desktop Cleanup Wizard] rundll32.exe “C:\Documents and Settings\Username\Local Settings\Application Data\Desktop Cleanup Wizard\dskclnwiz.dll”, StartProt

Combofix/RSIT Line:

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run]
“Acronis Toolbar Helper”=rundll32.exe “C:\Documents and Settings\Username\Local Settings\Application Data\Desktop Cleanup Wizard\dskclnwiz.dll”, StartProt
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run]
“Desktop Cleanup Wizard”=rundll32.exe “C:\Documents and Settings\Username\Local Settings\Application Data\Desktop Cleanup Wizard\dskclnwiz.dll”, StartProt

Description: FraudTool.Win32.DiskCleanup.c [Kaspersky Lab], Troj/DskClean-A [Sophos]

How to remove: use HijackThis + Kaspersky virus removal tool 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_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run]
“Acronis Toolbar Helper”=-
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run]
“Desktop Cleanup Wizard”=-

:files
%AppData%\Desktop Cleanup Wizard\dskclnwiz.dll

: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).

What is AntiVirus Studio 2010 .exe, How to remove AntiVirus Studio 2010.exe

Saturday, October 2nd, 2010

AntiVirus Studio 2010.exe is a harmful program.

remove 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: AntiVirus Studio 2010
Filename: AntiVirus Studio 2010.exe
Registry key:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run | AntiVirus Studio 2010

Command: %AppData%\AntiVirus Studio 2010\AntiVirus Studio 2010.exe
Startup Type: HKCU->Run
HijackThis Category: O4
HijackThis Line:

O4 – HKCU\..\Run: [AntiVirus Studio 2010] C:\Documents and Settings\Username\Application Data\AntiVirus Studio 2010\AntiVirus Studio 2010.exe

DDS Line:

uRun: [AntiVirus Studio 2010] C:\Documents and Settings\Username\Application Data\AntiVirus Studio 2010\AntiVirus Studio 2010.exe

Combofix/RSIT Line:

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run]
“AntiVirus Studio 2010″=C:\Documents and Settings\Username\Application Data\AntiVirus Studio 2010\AntiVirus Studio 2010.exe

Description: core component of AntiVirus Studio 2010. AntiVirus Studio 2010 is a fake security program.

How to remove: use the AntiVirus Studio 2010 removal guide or the steps below.

1. Reboot your computer in Safe mode with networking.

2. Download HijackThis from here and save it to your desktop. Before saving, in the Save dialog, rename HijackThis.exe to explorer.exe !!!

3. 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:

O4 – HKCU\..\Run: [AntiVirus Studio 2010] C:\Documents and Settings\Username\Application Data\AntiVirus Studio 2010\AntiVirus Studio 2010.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).

What is tskmgr.exe, How to remove tskmgr.exe

Tuesday, September 28th, 2010

tskmgr.exe is a harmful program.

remove 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: tskmgr
Filename: tskmgr.exe
Registry key:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer\Run | waults

Command: %AppData%\tskmgr.exe
Startup Type: HKCU->Run
HijackThis Category: O4
HijackThis Line:

O4 – HKCU\..\Policies\Explorer\Run: [waults] C:\Documents and Settings\Username\Application Data\tskmgr.exe

Description: a trojan

How to remove: use HijackThis + Kaspersky virus removal tool

What is complmgr.exe, How to remove complmgr.exe

Tuesday, September 28th, 2010

complmgr.exe is a harmful program.

remove 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: complmgr
Filename: complmgr.exe
Registry key:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run | COM+ Manage

Command: %UserProfile%\.COMMgr\complmgr.exe
Startup Type: HKCU->Run
HijackThis Category: O4
HijackThis Line:

O4 – HKCU\..\Run: [COM+ Manager] “C:\Documents and Settings\Username\.COMMgr\complmgr.exe”

DDS Line:

uRun: [COM+ Manager] C:\Documents and Settings\Username\.COMMgr\complmgr.exe

Combofix/RSIT Line:

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run]
“COM+ Manager”=C:\Documents and Settings\Username\.COMMgr\complmgr.exe

Description: trojan known as Downloader [Symantec], Trojan.Win32.Scar.bueu [Kaspersky Lab], Generic Downloader.x!dju [McAfee], Mal/Generic-L [Sophos], TrojanDownloader:Win32/Scar.B [Microsoft], Trojan.Win32.Scar [Ikarus]

How to remove: use HijackThis + Kaspersky virus removal tool 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]
“COM+ Manager”=-

: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 Kaspersky virus removal tool. Run, perform a scan and let it remove what it found.