Windows 8--Chrome--Yahoo Redirect Malware

[HobbyistAtBest]

Hello! I just bought a new Acer Aspire M5 last week, and have really enjoyed the experience except for a particularly stubborn piece of redirect malware. I've read the Preparation and READ ME FIRST posts, so here I go:

Running Windows 8.1, my Google Chrome browser is regularly subject to a piece of redirect Malware that--instead of the omnibox sending my search queries to Google.com--sends queries to a Yahoo derivative site. I intended to post the exact URL for this redirect, but of course my browser isn't exhibiting symptoms right now. The URL is something like us.yhs4.search.yahoo.com

I've noticed the redirect issue tends to crop up after I've performed a Chrome "reset browser settings" action and also after I turn on my Chrome extensions:

AdBlock
Downloads
Google Dictionary (by Google)
Google Docs
Hangouts
Instant Translate
LastPass
SiteAdvisor (disabled, but I can't uninstall)

I've read countless DIY articles to remove this malware and have even seen solutions offered in this forum, but I'm unable to create a permanent solution on my own. Here's hoping someone around here can help me out. Attached are my first two FRST logs. Please let me know if any additional information is needed.

 

[TwinHeadedEagle]

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
  
  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.

Fix with Farbar Recovery Scan Tool

This fix was created for this user for use on that particular machine.

Running it on another one may cause damage and render the system unstable.

​

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
  
  icon and select
  
  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.

 

[HobbyistAtBest]

Hi TwinHeadedEagle. Thanks for the help today. I ran the fixlist through FRST and was asked to restart. Attached is the fixlog that was on my desktop once I signed back into the laptop.

Looking forward to next steps!

 

[Yazeed Fraij]

Hi TwinHeadedEagle. Thanks for the help today. I ran the fixlist through FRST and was asked to restart. Attached is the fixlog that was on my desktop once I signed back into the laptop.

Looking forward to next steps!

 

[TwinHeadedEagle]

Tell me how is your PC now?

 

[Yazeed Fraij]

it worked initially. but now my omnibox is again hijacked by yahoo malware. Any Ideas?

 

[TwinHeadedEagle]

Run FRST again, press Scan and attach fresh report.

 

[TwinHeadedEagle]

Due to the lack of feedback this topic is closed to prevent others from posting here. If you need this topic reopened, please send a Private Message to me or any one of the moderating team members. Please include a link to this thread with your request. This applies only to the originator of this thread.

Other members who need assistance please start your own topic in a new thread. Thanks!