Author Topic: Hotstartsearch Virus!  (Read 5737 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

realtorrent

  • Guest
Hotstartsearch Virus!
« on: June 01, 2013, 05:55:44 PM »
I have this virus, how do I get it off my computer.  Avast doesn't seem to be detecting it?  Does anyone know!?


Offline essexboy

  • Malware removal instructor
  • Avast Überevangelist
  • Probably Bot
  • *****
  • Posts: 40589
  • Dragons by Sasha
    • Malware fixes
Re: Hotstartsearch Virus!
« Reply #1 on: June 01, 2013, 06:07:15 PM »
Try this

Download AdwCleaner from here to your desktop
Run AdwCleaner and select Delete



Once done it will ask to reboot, allow this
On reboot a log will be produced please attach that

realtorrent

  • Guest
Re: Hotstartsearch Virus!
« Reply #2 on: June 01, 2013, 10:15:25 PM »
Thank you very much for helping me.  This didn't work either.  I also tried to use Anvi Smart Defender and no luck there either.

I am not sure what I can do to get rid of this malware. 

Offline cheater87

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 208
Re: Hotstartsearch Virus!
« Reply #3 on: June 01, 2013, 10:39:37 PM »
Did you try Malwarebytes? Find the exe file for it, upload it to Virustotal and see what does detect it.
I have Opera, WOT, K9 Web Protection, Avast Free web shield and Behavior blocker only, Comodo Internet Security 10, and common sense. ^_^

Offline essexboy

  • Malware removal instructor
  • Avast Überevangelist
  • Probably Bot
  • *****
  • Posts: 40589
  • Dragons by Sasha
    • Malware fixes
Re: Hotstartsearch Virus!
« Reply #4 on: June 01, 2013, 10:43:39 PM »
Your best bet would be to run OTL and I will remove it...  What browser is it in ?

Download OTL  to your Desktop
Secondary link
  • Double click on the icon to run it. Make sure all other windows are closed and to let it run uninterrupted.


  • Select All Users
  • Under the Custom Scan box paste this in
netsvcs
BASESERVICES
%SYSTEMDRIVE%\*.exe
/md5start
services.*
explorer.exe
winlogon.exe
Userinit.exe
svchost.exe
/md5stop
dir C:\ /S /A:L /C
CREATERESTOREPOINT


  • Click the Run Scan button. Do not change any settings unless otherwise told to do so. The scan wont take long.
    • When the scan completes, it will open two notepad windows. OTL.Txt and Extras.Txt. These are saved in the same location as OTL.
    • Attach both logs

realtorrent

  • Guest
Re: Hotstartsearch Virus!
« Reply #5 on: June 01, 2013, 11:26:10 PM »
Thanks everyone for your help. 

I did run Malware and that didn't work either.

I ran the program OTL.  I am attaching the logs now.  I am using Internet Explorer.

Thanks!

Offline essexboy

  • Malware removal instructor
  • Avast Überevangelist
  • Probably Bot
  • *****
  • Posts: 40589
  • Dragons by Sasha
    • Malware fixes
Re: Hotstartsearch Virus!
« Reply #6 on: June 02, 2013, 12:22:51 AM »
Is it showing as a toolbar in IE ?

Warning This fix is only relevant for this system and no other, using on another computer may cause problems

Be advised that when the fix commences it will shut down all running processes and you may lose the desktop and icons, they will return on reboot

Run OTL
  • Under the Custom Scans/Fixes box at the bottom, paste in the following


Code: [Select]
:OTL
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {02478D38-C3F9-4efb-9B51-7695ECA05670} - No CLSID value found.
O2 - BHO: (Fast Free Converter 4.1) - {8232785C-5C98-4A6E-B7B4-911FFBED7582} - C:\Program Files (x86)\Fast Free Converter\FastFreeConverter\FastFreeConverter.dll (Fast Free Converter)
[2013/05/26 17:43:11 | 000,000,000 | ---D | C] -- C:\Users\cferguso\AppData\Roaming\OpenCandy
[2013/05/26 17:43:11 | 000,000,000 | ---D | M] -- C:\Users\cferguso\AppData\Roaming\OpenCandy

:Commands
[resethosts]
[emptytemp]
[CREATERESTOREPOINT]
[Reboot]
  • Then click the Run Fix button at the top
  • Let the program run unhindered, reboot the PC when it is done
  • Open OTL again and click the Quick Scan button. Post the log it produces in your next reply.
THEN

Please download Junkware Removal Tool to your desktop.
  • Right-mouse click JRT.exe 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) is saved to your desktop and will automatically open.
  • post the contents of JRT.txt into your next message.

realtorrent

  • Guest
Re: Hotstartsearch Virus!
« Reply #7 on: June 02, 2013, 12:48:41 AM »
Thanks!

I did those two steps, and attached the logs.  Hopefully I did it correctly.

thanks again!

realtorrent

  • Guest
Re: Hotstartsearch Virus!
« Reply #8 on: June 02, 2013, 02:56:53 AM »
It looks like this worked!!!

Thank you very very much for your help.  Truly appreciate you spending time on a Saturday to help me.

Again, THANK YOU!!!

Offline essexboy

  • Malware removal instructor
  • Avast Überevangelist
  • Probably Bot
  • *****
  • Posts: 40589
  • Dragons by Sasha
    • Malware fixes
Re: Hotstartsearch Virus!
« Reply #9 on: June 02, 2013, 12:07:27 PM »
Subject to no further problems   :)

I will remove my tools now and give some recommendations, but, I would like you to run for 24 hours or so and come back if you have any problems 

Now the best part of the day ----- Your log now appears clean  :thumbsup:

A good workman always cleans up after himself so..The following will implement some cleanup procedures as well as reset  System Restore points:

Run OTL AdwCleaner and press uninstall

Delete JRT from the desktop

Run OTL and hit the cleanup button.  It will remove all the programmes we have used plus itself. 


Clear Restore Points

Go Start > All Programmes > Accessories > System tools
Right click Disc Cleanup and select run as administrator
When it pops up at the first prompt select OK after it has done some calculations the tabs will appear
Select More Options tab
Press Sytem Restore and Shadow Copies Cleanup button


Now that you are clean, to help protect your computer in the future I recommend that you get the following free programmes:

Malwarebytes.

Update and run weekly to keep your system clean

Download and install FileHippo update checker and run it monthly it will show you which programmes on your system need updating and give a download link

If you use on-line banking then as an added layer of protection install Trusteer Rapport

It is critical to have both a firewall and anti virus to protect your system and to keep them updated. To keep your operating system up to date visit To learn more about how to protect yourself while on the internet read our little guide  How did I get infected in the first place ?Keep safe  :wave:

realtorrent

  • Guest
Re: Hotstartsearch Virus!
« Reply #10 on: June 02, 2013, 07:25:00 PM »
I just completed all the steps and even went through the website you recommended and downloaded those suggestions!

Thank you again, you saved my computer!  Have a great Sunday!!

Offline essexboy

  • Malware removal instructor
  • Avast Überevangelist
  • Probably Bot
  • *****
  • Posts: 40589
  • Dragons by Sasha
    • Malware fixes
Re: Hotstartsearch Virus!
« Reply #11 on: June 02, 2013, 08:50:49 PM »
My pleasure  8)