Solved search redirects to us.yhs4.search.yahoo.com even after running malware removal

ltfhenry

New Member
Thread author
Oct 12, 2014
5
After following the above steps, I still have the problem. What else can I do to get rid of the Yahoo search malware?
 

Attachments

  • FRST.txt
    75.4 KB · Views: 134
  • Addition.txt
    39.6 KB · Views: 79
  • AdwCleaner[S2].txt
    1.5 KB · Views: 82

TwinHeadedEagle

Level 41
Verified
Mar 8, 2013
22,627
Hello,



They call me TwinHeadedEagle around here, and I'll be working with you.



Before we start please read and note the following:
  • At the top of your post, please click on the "Watch thread" button and make sure to check Watch this thread...and receive email notifications. This will send an email to you as soon as I reply to your topic, allowing me to solve your problem faster.
  • Please do not install any new software during the cleaning process other than the tools I provide for you. This can hinder the cleaning process. Please do not perform System Restore or any other restore.
  • Instructions I give to you are very simple and made for complete beginner to follow. That's why you need to read through my instructions carefully and completely before executing them.
  • Please do not run any tools other than the ones I ask you to, when I ask you to. Some of these tools can be very dangerous if used improperly. Also, if you use a tool that I have not requested you use, it can cause false positives, thereby delaying the complete cleaning of your machine.
  • All tools we use here are completely clean and do not contain any malware. If your antivirus detects them as malicious, please disable your antivirus and then continue.
  • If during the process you run across anything that is not in my instructions, please stop and ask. If any tool is running too much time (few hours), please stop and inform me.
  • I visit forum several times at day, making sure to respond to everyone's topic as fast as possible. But bear in mind that I have private life like everyone and I cannot be here 24/7. So please be patient with me. Also, some infections require less, and some more time to be removed completely, so bear this in mind and be patient.
  • Please stay with me until the end of all steps and procedures and I declare your system clean. Just because there is a lack of symptoms does not indicate a clean machine. If you solved your problem yourself, set aside two minutes to let me know.
  • Please attach all report using
    fjqb1h.png
    button below. Doing this, you make it easier for me to analyze and fix your problem.

  • Do not ask for help for your business PC. Companies are making revenue via computers, so it is good thing to pay someone to repair it.
  • If I don't hear from you within 3 days from this initial or any subsequent post, then this thread will be closed.




FRST.gif
Fix with Farbar Recovery Scan Tool

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This fix was created for this user for use on that particular machine.
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Running it on another one may cause damage and render the system unstable.
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Download attached fixlist.txt file and save it to the Desktop:

Both files, FRST and fixlist.txt have to be in the same location or the fix will not work!

  • Right-click on
    FRST.gif
    icon and select
    RunAsAdmin.jpg
    Run as Administrator to start the tool.
    (XP users click run after receipt of Windows Security Warning - Open File).
  • Press the Fix button just once and wait.
  • If for some reason the tool needs a restart, please make sure you let the system restart normally. After that let the tool complete its run.
  • When finished FRST will generate a log on the Desktop, called Fixlog.txt.

Please attach it to your reply.
 

Attachments

  • fixlist.txt
    1.1 KB · Views: 189

ltfhenry

New Member
Thread author
Oct 12, 2014
5
Thank you for responding! Before I follow your instructions, I need to tell you a few things that I did while I was waiting. I uninstalled a few other programs from my machine that I didn't need or wasn't totally sure of the publisher. I installed Spybot and ran System Scan and Rootkit Scan and Deep Scan, which found several problems and supposedly fixed them, but still did not remove the LookSafe Yahoo malware from Chrome. I created a Spybot report file, which I tried to upload here but it's a .cab file - disallowed. I also ran Spybot's Immunization.

Your instructions don't say to move the fixlist.txt file to the folder where FRST is located (Downloads folder), but I assume I should either move the fixlist.txt file to the Downloads folder or move FRST to the Desktop so they'll be in the same location. Also, Downloads contains two files named FRST: FRST.txt and FRST.exe. I assume it's the text file that needs to be in the same location as the Fixlog.txt file. Right?

I will wait for your reply before proceeding, and I will not make any more changes or attempts to fix this until I hear from you again. I really appreciate your help!
 

TwinHeadedEagle

Level 41
Verified
Mar 8, 2013
22,627
warning.gif
SpyBot S&D Warning

MVPS.org is no longer recommending SpyBot S&D due to very poor testing results (scroll down and read under Freeware Antispyware Products).
My advice is to get rid of this program. To do so:
  • Press the
    WindowsKey.png
    + R on your keyboard at the same time. Type appwiz.cpl and click OK.[/*]
  • Search for SpyBot, right-click the entry and click Uninstall.[/*]

This is optional, but please consider it.



Yes, FRST and Fixlist.txt have to be on the same location in order for fix to work.
 

ltfhenry

New Member
Thread author
Oct 12, 2014
5
While I was waiting for your reply, I shut my machine completely down for several hours. Now - without doing anything else to remove the malware - all my browsers use the right search engine and not the Yahoo redirect. So I'm going to wait and see and hope all is well. I'll let you know if this nasty PUP comes back. Thanks for your help.
 

ltfhenry

New Member
Thread author
Oct 12, 2014
5
When I started my computer today, the first thing I did was start Chrome and try a search. It used Google - hurray - but then it redirected to Yahoo again. I then downloaded your FRST.txt file and ran FRST in Downloads, restarted, and - so far - the problem is fixed. I'll be really convinced after a few days/restarts if it still doesn't come back. Thanks again!
 

ltfhenry

New Member
Thread author
Oct 12, 2014
5
I think your solution got rid of all the malware. I consider this a SOLVED problem. Thanks again!
 

TwinHeadedEagle

Level 41
Verified
Mar 8, 2013
22,627
Glad I could help. We will delete all used tools and I'll give you some tips to harden your security and learn how to protect yourself :)


Recommended reading:
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MUST READ - security tips:

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MUST READ - general maintenance:


The Importance of Software Updating:

In order to stay protected it is
very important that you regularly update all of your software. Cybercriminals depend on the apathy of users around software updates to keep their malicious endeavor running.

Operating systems, such as Windows, and applications, such as Adobe Reader or JAVA, are used by tens of millions of computers and devices around the world, making them a huge target for cybercriminals. Downloading updates and installing them can sometimes be tedious, but the advantages you get from the updates are certainly worth it.




Recommended additional software:
icon_arrow.gif
TFC - to clean unneeded temporary files.
icon_arrow.gif
Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware - to scan your system from time to time in search for malware.
icon_arrow.gif
Malwarebytes' Anti-Exploit - to prevent plenty of mostly exploited vulnerabilities.
icon_arrow.gif
McShield - to prevent infections spread by removable media.
icon_arrow.gif
Unchecky - to prevent from installing additional foistware, implemented in legitimate installations.
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FiheHippo.com Update Checker - to keep your programs up-to-date.
icon_arrow.gif
Adblock - to surf the web without annoying ads!



Post-cleanup procedures:


Download DelFix by Xplode and save it to your desktop.
  • Run the tool by right click on the
    51a5ce45263de-delfix.png
    icon and Run as administrator option.
  • Make sure that these ones are checked:
    • Remove disinfection tools
    • Purge system restore
    • Reset system settings
  • Push Run and wait until the tool completes his work.
  • All tools we used should be gone. Tool will create an report for you (C:\DelFix.txt)
The tool will also record healthy state of registry and make a backup using ERUNT program in %windir%\ERUNT\DelFix
Tool deletes old system restore points and create a fresh system restore point after cleaning.



My help is free for everybody.
If you're happy with the help provided and/or wish to buy me a beer for the assistance you received, then you can consider a donation:
Thank you!​




Stay safe,
TwinHeadedEagle :)
 

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