22find.com/Aartemis Browser Hijacker; Unable to remove.

[Alex Mannings]

Hi,

I'm having some issues with removing the Browser hijacker 22find.com. I've tried all suggested means of using malware removal software and following all suggested steps.

It would appear that it has rootkit capabilities and has hidden itself from anything capable of removing it.

Does anyone have any other ideas/steps I can take to remove it?

Thanks.

 

[kuttus]

Hi and welcome to the malwaretips.com forums!

I'm Kuttus and I am going to try to assist you with your problem. Please take note of the below:

• I will start working on your malware issues, this may or may not, solve other issues you have with your machine.
• The fixes are specific to your problem and should only be used for this issue on this machine!
• The process is not instant. Please continue to review my answers until I tell you your machine is clear. Absence of symptoms does not mean that everything is clear.
• If you don't know, stop and ask! Don't keep going on.
• Please reply to this thread. Do not start a new topic.
• Refrain from running self fixes as this will hinder the malware removal process.
• It may prove beneficial if you print of the following instructions or save them to notepad as I post them.

Your security programs may give warnings for some of the tools I will ask you to use. Be assured, any links I give are safe.


Before we start:
Please be aware that removing malware is a potentially hazardous undertaking. I will take care not to knowingly suggest courses of action that might damage your computer. However it is impossible for me to foresee all interactions that may happen between the software on your computer and those we'll use to clear you of infection, and I cannot guarantee the safety of your system. It is possible that we might encounter situations where the only recourse is to re-format and re-install your operating system, or to necessitate you taking your computer to a repair shop.

Because of this, I advise you to backup any personal files and folders before you start.
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STEP 1: Run a scan with AdwCleaner

1. Download AdwCleaner from the below link.
   ADWCLEANER DOWNLAOD LINK (This link will automatically download Security Check on your computer)
   
2. Close all open programs and internet browsers.
3. Double click on adwcleaner.exe to run the tool.
4. Click on Scan,then confirm each time with Ok.
5. After the Scan is Over press on Clean ,then confirm each time with Ok.
6. Your computer will be rebooted automatically. A text file will open after the restart.
7. Please post the contents of that logfile with your next reply.
8. You can find the logfile at C:\AdwCleaner[S1].txt as well.

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Download attached fixlist.txt on the same location as FRST (otherwise the fix won't work)

Open FRST, and click Fix. Attach me that report after it is finished.

 

[Alex Mannings]

Done and done. Here are the new reports.

 

[kuttus]

How's Everything Looks to you now?

 

[Alex Mannings]

So far, it's still there. I don't see any discernible changes.

 

[kuttus]

In which browser you see it now?

 

[kuttus]

Please send me Addition.txt file also from the FRST Scan.

 

[Alex Mannings]

Google Chrome.

 

[kuttus]

DO you know how to change the Home Page of Google Chrome?

 

[Alex Mannings]

In the settings tab under the Appearance option?

 

[kuttus]

It is in Settings tab under the Start Up option.

Please change the Home Page to GOogle.com now.

 

[Alex Mannings]

Done.

I checked FF and the hijacker was gone. It's only Chrome in which it shows up.

 

[kuttus]

Is it happening even after you change the home page in Google Chrome? If Yes please send me a Screenshots of your Settings Page in Google Chrome.

To Take Screen Of Your Screen.

1. Press PRINT SCREEN (Print Scr) key on Your Keyboard.
2. Now Open MS Paint
3. Open Paint by clicking the Start button
   
   , clicking All Programs, clicking Accessories, and then clicking Paint.
4. In MS Paint Click Edit, and then click Paste.
5. After this Save the File on your computer by Clicking on File --> Save

Add this Saved File in your next Replay

 

[Alex Mannings]

It has disappeared! Thanks so much!

 

[kuttus]

Great to hear that.... Anything else?

Now that your PC is clean, I recommend you to create a new System Restore point then purge the old ones after.

For XP
How to create a Restore Point in XP
Delete all restore points except the most recent one

For Vista
Create a restore point
Delete all but the most recent restore point

For Windows 7
Create a restore point
Delete all but the most recent restore point - Click the Delete all but the most recent restore point link

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Keep your system updated

• Keeping your programs (especially Adobe and Java products) updated is essential. Update Checker will notify you if any of your programs require an update.
• Microsoft releases patches for Windows and Office products regularly to patch up Windows and Office product bugs and vulnerabilities.
• Please ensure you update your system regularly and have automatic updates on. You can learn how to turn Automatic Updates on here

---

I also recommend you to switch your antivirus program to a better one. Here are some suggestions:

• avast! 7 Home Edition - Don't use it with Online Armor
• Avira AntiVir Personal
• Microsoft Security Essentials

In addition to your antivirus, you need additional protection such as a firewall and behavioural blocker.

• Online Armor
• Comodo Firewall - If you are an advance user

Here are only a few suggestions that will improve your system security. Should you wish to allow us to make full recommendations and set your PC up with maximum security, please start a thread here. Our community of PC enthusiasts and experts will give you feedback and help you secure your system from future malware infections.

---

Internet Explorer may be the most popular browser but it's definitely not the most secure browser. Consider using other browsers with addition add-ons to safeguard your system while browsing the internet.

Firefox is a more secure, faster browser than Internet Explorer. Firefox contains less vulnerabilities, reducing the risk of drive-by downloads. In addition, you can add the following add-ons to increase security.

• KeyScramber - Encrypts your keystrokes to protect you against keyloggers that steals personal & banking information
• AdBlock - Disable/blocks advertisements on websites so you won't accidentally click on a malicious ad.
• NoScript - Disables Flash & Java contents to avoid exploits or drive-by attacks
• Web of Trust - Shows the website rating by other users and blocks dangerous and poor-rated sites

Google Chrome is another good browser that is faster and more secure than Internet Explorer by having a sandbox feature. Additionally, you can add the following add-on to Chrome to heighten security.

• AdBlock

Lastly, it is important to perform system maintenance on a regular basis. Here are a few tools and on-demand scanners that you should keep & use every 1-2 weeks to keep your system healthy.

• CCleaner
• Malwarebytes Anti-Malware
• Temp File Cleaner by OldTimer

Other than that, stay safe out there! If you have any other questions or concerns, feel free to ask


What's next?

1. Bulild up your malware defenses by starting a new thread in Security Configuration Wizard forum.
2. Learn how to avoid malware by reading this article How to easily avoid malware
3. Be an active member in the MalwareTips community!
   

My virus removal help is always free. Should you wish to show your appreciation via a donation, it will be much appreciated.​

 

[Alex Mannings]

False alarm, I'm afraid. Apologies for the inconvenience.

I closed and re-opened Chrome, it didn't appear. I set several tabs to open on startup, but it reappeared, and several tabs didn't open.

 

[kuttus]

CLick on Set Page in Start Up. Let me see what you have added there.

 

[Alex Mannings]

Here's what I've set to open on Start Up.

 

[kuttus]

Okay. Now Everything seems good only.