Localhost 7171

[KiwiScott]

Hi. I'm hoping you can help a non-techie resolve what I suspect is a longstanding issue on my Laptop.

As described in "steps taken", HitmanPro returned "Internet explorer is using a Proxy server on this computer to connect to the internet - Localhost 7171" which it attempted to "repair" but returned that the repair has failed.
(May be worth noting I only ever use Chrome)

I tried searching fixes related to Localhost 7171 and could only find older entries (2009) that were user specific so did not want to risk doing anything in case I caused more harm than good.
The results indicated that Localhost 7171 pertained to malware/virus.

I have completed scans using OTL, aswmbr, hitmanpro and mbam. All bar the HitmanPro log is attached. The HitamPro file (.log) can not be attached.

Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated.

Scott

 

[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.
<hr />

Please download Junkware Removal Tool to your desktop from here

• Turn off your antivirus software now to avoid potential conflicts
• Double-click to run the tool. For Windows Vista or 7 users, right-click the file and select Run as Administrator
• The tool will open and start scanning your system
• Please be patient as this can take a while to complete depending on your system's specifications
• On completion, a log (JRT.txt) will be saved to your desktop and will automatically open
• Post the contents of JRT.txt into your next reply

---

STEP 2: Run a scan with AdwCleaner

<ol><li>Download AdwCleaner from the below link.
<><a href="http://general-changelog-team.fr/fr/downloads/finish/20-outils-de-xplode/2-adwcleaner" target="_blank">ADWCLEANER DOWNLAOD LINK</a></> (This link will automatically download Security Check on your computer)</li>

<li>Close all open programs and internet browsers.</li>
<li>Double click on <>adwcleaner.exe</> to run the tool.</li>
<li>Click on <>Delete</>,then confirm each time with <>Ok</>.</li>
<li>Your computer will be rebooted automatically. A text file will open after the restart.</li>
<li>Please post the contents of that logfile with your next reply.</li>
<li>You can find the logfile at <>C:\AdwCleaner[S1].txt</> as well.</li>
</ol>
<hr/>

 

[KiwiScott]

Thank you Kuttus.

Attached as requested.

Scott

 

[kuttus]

Hi Good Evening Scott . Try the following steps.........

STEP 1: Run the below OTL fix
<ol><li>Start <>OTL.exe</></li>
<li>Copy/paste the following text written <>inside of the code box</> into the <>Custom Scans/Fixes</> box located at the bottom of OTL

:OTL
IE - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings: "ProxyServer" = http=localhost:7171
[2013/02/22 11:23:57 | 000,000,000 | ---D | M] (No name found) -- C:\Documents and Settings\Win Investing\Application Data\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\ko2dujc9.default\extensions
[2013/02/22 09:59:52 | 000,000,000 | ---D | C] -- C:\Documents and Settings\Win Investing\Application Data\SpeedyPC Software
[2013/02/22 09:57:53 | 000,000,000 | ---D | C] -- C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\SpeedyPC Software
[2013/02/20 12:29:53 | 000,064,000 | ---- | M] () -- C:\Documents and Settings\Win Investing\Local Settings\Application Data\DCBC2A71-70D8-4DAN-EHR8-E0D61DEA3FDF.ini
[2012/12/15 14:45:18 | 000,000,000 | ---D | M] -- C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\188F1432-103A-4ffb-80F1-36B633C5C9E1
[2012/06/27 15:22:55 | 000,000,000 | ---D | M] -- C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\37271

:commands
[emptytemp]
[reboot]

<>NOTICE: This script was written specifically for this user, for use on that particular machine. Running this on another machine may cause damage to your operating system</></li>
<li>Then click the <>Run Fix</> button at the top</li>
<li>Let the program run unhindered, reboot when it is done</li>
<li>Attach the new log produced by OTL (C:\_OTL)</li>
</ol>

<hr />

 

[KiwiScott]

Thanks so much for your speedy responses Kuttus.

I have completed as requested and attached the fresh OTL file.

Thank you again for your continued support.

Scott

NB: It will not let me attach the file which seems odd as it appears to be a standard text file?! I have pasted the content below
**************************
All processes killed
========== OTL ==========
HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings\\ProxyServer| /E : value set successfully!
C:\Documents and Settings\Win Investing\Application Data\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\ko2dujc9.default\extensions folder moved successfully.
Folder C:\Documents and Settings\Win Investing\Application Data\SpeedyPC Software\ not found.
Folder C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\SpeedyPC Software\ not found.
C:\Documents and Settings\Win Investing\Local Settings\Application Data\DCBC2A71-70D8-4DAN-EHR8-E0D61DEA3FDF.ini moved successfully.
C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\188F1432-103A-4ffb-80F1-36B633C5C9E1\x86\x86 folder moved successfully.
C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\188F1432-103A-4ffb-80F1-36B633C5C9E1\x86 folder moved successfully.
C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\188F1432-103A-4ffb-80F1-36B633C5C9E1 folder moved successfully.
C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\37271 folder moved successfully.
========== COMMANDS ==========

[EMPTYTEMP]

User: All Users

User: Default User
->Temp folder emptied: 16384 bytes
->Temporary Internet Files folder emptied: 32902 bytes

User: LocalService
->Temp folder emptied: 66016 bytes
->Temporary Internet Files folder emptied: 98706 bytes

User: NetworkService
->Temp folder emptied: 0 bytes
->Temporary Internet Files folder emptied: 787900 bytes

User: Win Investing
->Temp folder emptied: 239402464 bytes
->Temporary Internet Files folder emptied: 22099996 bytes
->Java cache emptied: 66572155 bytes
->FireFox cache emptied: 5366556 bytes
->Google Chrome cache emptied: 25666273 bytes
->Apple Safari cache emptied: 1046528 bytes
->Flash cache emptied: 1360 bytes

%systemdrive% .tmp files removed: 0 bytes
%systemroot% .tmp files removed: 1520012 bytes
%systemroot%\System32 .tmp files removed: 3048465 bytes
%systemroot%\System32\dllcache .tmp files removed: 0 bytes
%systemroot%\System32\drivers .tmp files removed: 0 bytes
Windows Temp folder emptied: 306613898 bytes
%systemroot%\system32\config\systemprofile\Local Settings\Temp folder emptied: 331133459 bytes
%systemroot%\system32\config\systemprofile\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files folder emptied: 1955629 bytes
RecycleBin emptied: 671615 bytes

Total Files Cleaned = 959.00 mb


OTL by OldTimer - Version 3.2.69.0 log created on 02242013_084412

Files\Folders moved on Reboot...

PendingFileRenameOperations files...

Registry entries deleted on Reboot...
********************************

 

[kuttus]

Now please run the HitmanPro Again and Check if the Localhost 7171 detecting again.

 

[KiwiScott]

Hi Kuttus

Success!!! HitmanPro scan complete and Localhost 7171 is not detected!

Considering the infections that were clearly on my system, would you consider that I am still at risk in any way? Could I have any long term permanent damage?
My system is practically running like new now so, considering the age of the laptop, I'm very happy with the results. I will definitely be running regular scans with some of the software I've learnt exist.

Thank you once again for your help.

Scott

 

[kuttus]

It was a Proxy Server attack on the computer registry.... All other logs seems good. Still we can try some more virus scanners to make sure there is no more problems remain on the computer.

STEP 1: Clean your temporary files to gain more hard drive space and remove the junk files
<ol>
<li>Download Ccleaner from the below link:
CCLEANER DOWNLOAD LINK</a> <em>(This link will automatically download Ccleaner on your computer)</em></li>
<li>Install Ccleaner by following the prompts</li>
<li>Start Ccleaner and the following should be selected by default, if not, please select:
<img src="http://i52.tinypic.com/4l5a4i.png" alt="Posted Image" /></li>
<li>Click <img src="http://i56.tinypic.com/16jox2o.png" alt="Posted Image" /> and choose <img src="http://i40.tinypic.com/5x3nu8.gif" alt="Posted Image" /></li>
<li>Uncheck <img src="http://i51.tinypic.com/amuvj8.gif" alt="Posted Image" /></li>
<li>Then go back to <img src="http://i41.tinypic.com/2jb4qyb.gif" alt="Posted Image" /> and click <img src="http://i25.tinypic.com/nf47ev.gif" alt="Posted Image" /> to run it.</li>
<li>Exit CCleaner.</li>
</ol>

---

You should be able to run both scans while in Normal mode...
STEP 2: Run a scan with Malwarebytes Anti-Malware in Chamelon mode

<ol>
<li>Download <>Malwarebytes Chameleon from <a title="External link" href="http://downloads.malwarebytes.org/file/chameleon" rel="nofollow external">here</a> </>and extract it to a folder in a convenient location</li>
<li>Make certain that your PC is connected to the internet and then open the folder where you extracted Chameleon to and double-click on the Chameleon help file and then follow the onscreen instructions to use it.</li>
<li>If the Chameleon help file itself will not open, then double-click each file one by one until you find one that works, which will be indicated by a black DOS/command prompt window <em><>Note:</> Do not attempt to open <>mbam-killer</> as that is not a Chameleon executable and serves a different purpose)</em></li>
<li>Follow the onscreen instructions to press a key to continue and Chameleon will proceed to download and install Malwarebytes Anti-Malware for yo</li>
<li>Once it has done this, it will attempt to update Malwarebytes Anti-Malware, click <>OK</> when it says that the database was updated successful</li>
<li>Next, Malwarebytes Anti-Malware will automatically open and perform a Quick scan</li>
<li>Upon completion of the scan, if anything has been detected, click on <>Show Result</></li>
<li>Have Malwarebytes Anti-Malware remove any threats that are detected and click <>Yes</> if prompted to reboot your computer to allow the removal process to complete</li>
<li>After your computer restarts, open <>Malwarebytes Anti-Malware</> and perform a Full System scan to verify that there are no remaining threats</li>
Please add both logs in your next reply.
</ol>

<hr />

STEP 3: Run a scan with ESET Online Scanner
<ol>
<li>Download ESET Online Scanner utility from the below link
<><a title="External link" href="http://download.eset.com/special/eos/esetsmartinstaller_enu.exe" rel="nofollow">ESET ONLINE SCANNER DOWNLOAD LINK</a></> <em>(This link will automatically download ESET Online Scanner on your computer.)</em></li>
<li>Double click on the Eset installer program (esetsmartinstaller_enu.exe).</li>
<li>Check <>Yes, I accept the Terms of Use</></li>
<li>Click the <>Start</> button.</li>
<li>Check <>Scan archives</></li>
<li>Push the <>Start</> button.</li>
<li>ESET will then download updates for itself, install itself, and begin scanning your computer. Please be patient as this can take some time.</li>
<li>When the scan completes, push <>List of found threats</></li>
<li>Push <>Export to Text file </> and save the file to your desktop using a unique name, such as <>ESET Scan</>. Include the contents of this report in your next reply.Note - when ESET doesn't find any threats, no report will be created.</li>
<li>Push the <>back</> button.</li>
<li>Push <>Finish</></li>
</ol>
<hr />

 

[KiwiScott]

All done as suggested. 2 x MBAM logs attached. ESET found no threats.

I expect that's as good as it gets?

Thank you again Kuttus. You have been fantastic!

Kind regards

Scott

 

[kuttus]

Okay Cool... So are you facing any other issues on the computer now?

 

[KiwiScott]

apart from it being about 10 years old....no. I don't believe I am.

Thanks Kuttus.

Scott

 

[kuttus]

Okay Scott. Nice to hear that everything seems working fine... If you are facing any more issues feel free to ask me......

Double click on OTL to run it

• Click on the Cleanup button at the top.
• You will be asked to reboot the machine to finish the Cleanup process. Choose Yes
• This will remove itself and other tools we may have used.

---

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

---

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

<hr />
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 <a href="http://malwaretips.com/blogs/how-to-easily-avoid-pc-infections/">How to easily avoid malware</a>
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.​

 

[kuttus]

This thread is now closed.​

Reason:&nbsp;<span style="color: #ff0000;">Issue Resolved</span>​

<span style="color: #ff0000;"><>The procedures contained in this thread are for this user and this user only.&nbsp;&nbsp;Attempting to use the instructions in this thread on your system could result in damaging the Operating System beyond repair.&nbsp;&nbsp;</></span>

<span style="color: #ff0000;"><>DO NOT use any of the tools mentioned in this thread without the supervision of a Malware Removal Specialist.</></span>

All members requesting Malware Removal Assistance are required to follow all procedures in the thread

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