Where is my rundll32.exe?

Question

bfmoser 0 Newbie Poster

19 Years Ago

Hey,
I already posted this elsewhere but I think it's better to do it here (sorry, I'm new!)

I'm suddenly getting an error message "Windows cannot find rundll32.exe" when I try to open certain files. Can anyone give me some idea of why this happened and how I could fix it? I would appreciate it.

Thanks a lot,
Ben in Holland

windows-virus

3 Contributors
18 Replies
351 Views
2 Days Discussion Span
Latest Post 19 Years Ago Latest Post by DMR

caperjack 875 I hate 20 Questions

19 Years Ago

The windows rundll32.exe,is in the c:\windows\system32 folder but there is also a Bad rundll32.exe created bu a virus ,but not put in the system folder,.Please follow instruction below.
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
This problem could occur because of Spyware , go on over to the Security section of this fourm and post you problem along with a hijackthis log .
Spyware & Trojans and Other Nasties
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
Please Don't post the hijackthis log in this section Thanks .
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Please do this.
Download 'Hijack This!'. HijackThis
Save it in a convenient permanent folder such as C:\HJT\, double click HijackThis.exe, and hit "Scan".

Your copy of HijackThis needs to be in a folder of it's own. When HJT fixes anything, it makes backups of the original files in the folder it is in. Since Temporary folders are emptied now and then (the files are DELETED), it would not be a good idea to have your backups there. Those backups would be VITAL to restoring your system if something went wrong in the FIX process!

1. Please go to you're 'My Documents' folder, right-click and select 'New > Folder' then name the folder 'HJT'.

2. Copy and paste HijackThis.exe to the new folder.

3. Close ALL windows except HJT

4. SCAN with HJT

5. POST the new log in this thread using 'Add Reply'

DO NOT MAKE ANY CHANGES OR CLICK "FIX CHECKED" UNTIL WE CHECK THE LOG, AS SOME OF THE FILES ARE LEGIT AND VITAL TO YOUR COMPUTER'S HEALTH

caperjack 875 I hate 20 Questions

19 Years Ago

Your copy of HijackThis needs to be in a folder of it's own. When HJT fixes anything, it makes backups of the original files in the folder it is in. Since Temporary folders are emptied now and then (the files are DELETED), it would not be a good idea to have your backups there. Those backups would be VITAL to restoring your system if something went wrong in the FIX process!

1. Please go to you're 'My Documents' folder, right-click and select 'New > Folder' then name the folder 'HJT'.

2. Copy and paste HijackThis.exe to the new folder.

3. Close ALL windows except HJT

4. SCAN with HJT

5. POST the new log in this thread using 'Add Reply'

DO NOT MAKE ANY CHANGES OR CLICK "FIX CHECKED" UNTIL WE CHECK THE LOG, AS SOME OF THE FILES ARE LEGIT AND VITAL TO YOUR COMPUTER'S HEALTH

caperjack 875 I hate 20 Questions

19 Years Ago

Have Hijack This fix the following by placing a check in the appropriate boxes and selecting fix checked. Make sure all browser and all Windows Explorer windows are closed before fixing.

O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [Instant Access] rundll32.exe EGDHTML_1026.dll,InstantAccess
This next one optional ,but recomended as it a rescource hog
O4 - Startup: Microsoft Office.lnk = C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office\OSA9.EXE

O9 - Extra button: Related - {c95fe080-8f5d-11d2-a20b-00aa003c157a} - C:\WINDOWS\web\related.htm

O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Show &Related Links - {c95fe080-8f5d-11d2-a20b-00aa003c157a} - C:\WINDOWS\web\related.htm

O16 - DPF: {486E48B5-ABF2-42BB-A327-2679DF3FB822} - http://akamai.downloadv3.com/binaries/IA/ia.cab

reboot computer and post a new log

caperjack 875 I hate 20 Questions

19 Years Ago

look good now ,do you still get the orignal error message

caperjack 875 I hate 20 Questions

19 Years Ago

Download then unzip and run CWShredder to clean up clicking "FIX" to have it remove all it finds.

CWShredder available from these places :-

http://www.aluriasoftware.com/tools/cwshredder.zip
Or this as a full download without any unzipping required
http://www.downloads.subratam.org/CWShredder.exe
http://www.spywareinfo.com/downloads/tools/CWShredder.exe

We have found that some of the CWS infections can be removed better from safe mode, rather than normal mode.
To get to safe mode use the F8 key while booting the machine. Detailed instructions from here :-
http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT/tsgen...001052409420406
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Finally if you are going to run both Spybot SD and Ad-Aware SE, leave the rescan with HijackThis until you have completed running both tools. If only running Spybot SD then RESCAN with HijackThis and POST your logfile in the same thread using ‘Add Reply’. Please do not attempt to fix anything in HijackThis yourself!

Scanning With Ad-Aware SE :

1. Download and Install Ad-Aware SE, keeping the default options. However, some of the settings will need to be changed before your first scan

2.Close ALL windows except Ad-Aware SE

3. Click on the‘world’ icon at the top right of the Ad-Aware SE window and let AdAware SE update the reference list for the adware and malware.

4. Once the update is finished click on the ‘Gear’ icon (second from the left at the top of the window) to access the preferences/settings window

1) In the ‘General’ window make sure the following are selected in green:
*Automatically save log-file
*Automatically quarantine objects prior to removal
*Safe Mode (always request confirmation)

Under Definitions:
*Prompt to udate outdated definitions - set the number of days

2) Click on the ‘Scanning’ button on the left and select in green :

Under Driver, Folders & Files:
*Scan Within Archives

Under Select drives & folders to scan -
*choose all hard drives

Under Memory & Registry: all green
*Scan Active Processes
*Scan Registry
*Deep Scan Registry
*Scan my IE favorites for banned URL’s
*Scan my Hosts file

3) Click on the ‘Advanced’ button on the left and select in green:

Under Shell Integration:
*Move deleted files to recycle bin

Under Logfile Detail Level: (all green)
*include addtional object information
*DESELECT - include negligible objects information
*include environment information

Under Alternate Data Streams:
*Don't log streams smaller than 0 bytes
*Don't log ADS with the following names: CA_INOCULATEIT

4) Click the ‘Tweak’ button and select in green:

Under the ‘Scanning Engine’:
*Unload recognized processes during scanning
*Scan registry for all users instead of current user only

Under the ‘Cleaning Engine’:
*Let Windows remove files in use at next reboot

Under the Log Files:
*Include basic Ad-aware SE settings in logfile
*Include additional Ad-aware SE settings in logfile
*Please do not check or make green: Include Module list in logfile

5. Click on ‘Proceed’ to save the settings.

6. Click ‘Start’

*Choose:'Perform Full System Scan'
*DESELECT "Search for negligible risk entries", as negligible risk entries (MRU's) are not considered to be a threat.

7. Click ‘Next’ and Ad-Aware SE will scan your hard drive(s) with the options you have selected and clean automatically.

8. If Ad-Aware SE finds bad entries, you will receive a list of what it found in the window

9. Save the log file when it asks and then click ‘finish’

10. REBOOT to complete the removal of what Ad-Aware SE found

Finally after running both Spybot SD and Ad-Aware SE, RESCAN with HijackThis and POST your logfile in the same thread using ‘Add Reply’. Do not attempt to fix anything in HijackThis yourself!
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Please do this.
Download 'Hijack This!'. http://www.spywareinfo.com/~merijn/files/HijackThis.exe
Save it in a convenient permanent folder such as C:\HJT\, double click HijackThis.exe, and hit "Scan".

When the scan is finished, the "Scan" button will change into a "Save Log" button.
Press that, save the log, Ctrl-A to Select All, and copy its contents here. Most of what it lists will be harmless or even essential, don't fix anything yet.

Reply to this topic

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bfmoser 0 Newbie Poster · Answer 1 · 2004-12-19T03:33:15+00:00

The windows rundll32.exe,is in the c:\windows\system32 folder but there is also a Bad rundll32.exe created bu a virus ,but not put in the system folder,.Please follow instruction below.
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
This problem could occur because of Spyware , go on over to the Security section of this fourm and post you problem along with a hijackthis log .
Spyware & Trojans and Other Nasties
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
Please Don't post the hijackthis log in this section Thanks .
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
Please do this.
Download 'Hijack This!'. HijackThis
Save it in a convenient permanent folder such as C:\HJT\, double click HijackThis.exe, and hit "Scan".
Your copy of HijackThis needs to be in a folder of it's own. When HJT fixes anything, it makes backups of the original files in the folder it is in. Since Temporary folders are emptied now and then (the files are DELETED), it would not be a good idea to have your backups there. Those backups would be VITAL to restoring your system if something went wrong in the FIX process!

1. Please go to you're 'My Documents' folder, right-click and select 'New > Folder' then name the folder 'HJT'.
2. Copy and paste HijackThis.exe to the new folder.
3. Close ALL windows except HJT
4. SCAN with HJT
5. POST the new log in this thread using 'Add Reply'
DO NOT MAKE ANY CHANGES OR CLICK "FIX CHECKED" UNTIL WE CHECK THE LOG, AS SOME OF THE FILES ARE LEGIT AND VITAL TO YOUR COMPUTER'S HEALTH

Dear CaperJack,

Thanks so much for your willingness to help. Here's the log HJT came up with. I hope you'll be able to see what the problem is.

Thanks very much, Ben

Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.0
Scan saved at 22:53:04, on 18-12-04
Platform: Windows 98 SE (Win9x 4.10.2222A)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v6.00 SP1 (6.00.2800.1106)

Running processes:
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\KERNEL32.DLL
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\MSGSRV32.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\MPREXE.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\mmtask.tsk
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\MSTASK.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\MDM.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\IP INSIGHT\ARMON32A.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\EXPLORER.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\TAPISRV.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\TASKMON.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\SYSTRAY.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\COMPAQ\EASY ACCESS KEYBOARD\MMKEYBD.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\MOUSEWARE\SYSTEM\EM_EXEC.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\NORTON ANTIVIRUS\NAVAPW32.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\COMMON FILES\REAL\UPDATE_OB\REALSCHED.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\QTTASK.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\LOADQM.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\COMMON FILES\REAL\UPDATE_OB\RNATHCHK.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\SYMANTEC\WINFAX\WFXCTL32.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\COMPAQ\EASY ACCESS KEYBOARD\MEDIACTR.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\DDHELP.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\COMPAQ\EASY ACCESS KEYBOARD\MMUSBKB2.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\WMIEXE.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\SYMANTEC\WINFAX\WFXMOD32.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\PSTORES.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\RNAAPP.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\IP INSIGHT\ARUPLD32.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\HIJACKTHIS.EXE

R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Bar = http://www.planet.nl/zoeken/ie5/
R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://www.mail.lycos.com/
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Window Title = Microsoft Internet Explorer
F1 - win.ini: run=hpfsched
O2 - BHO: AcroIEHlprObj Class - {06849E9F-C8D7-4D59-B87D-784B7D6BE0B3} - C:\PROGRAM FILES\ADOBE\ACROBAT 5.0\READER\ACTIVEX\ACROIEHELPER.OCX
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {53707962-6F74-2D53-2644-206D7942484F} - C:\Program Files\Spybot - Search & Destroy\SDHelper.dll
O3 - Toolbar: &Radio - {8E718888-423F-11D2-876E-00A0C9082467} - C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\MSDXM.OCX
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ScanRegistry] c:\windows\scanregw.exe /autorun
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [TaskMonitor] c:\windows\taskmon.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SystemTray] SysTray.Exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [LoadPowerProfile] Rundll32.exe powrprof.dll,LoadCurrentPwrScheme
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [EASY ACCESS KEYBOARD] C:\Program Files\Compaq\Easy Access Keyboard\MMKeybd.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [EM_EXEC] C:\PROGRA~1\MOUSEW~1\SYSTEM\EM_EXEC.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Norton Auto-Protect] C:\PROGRA~1\NORTON~1\NAVAPW32.EXE /LOADQUIET
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [TkBellExe] C:\Program Files\Common Files\Real\Update_OB\realsched.exe -osboot
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [QuickTime Task] "C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\QTTASK.EXE" -atboottime
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [CriticalUpdate] c:\windows\SYSTEM\wucrtupd.exe -startup
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [LoadQM] loadqm.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\RunServices: [LoadPowerProfile] Rundll32.exe powrprof.dll,LoadCurrentPwrScheme
O4 - HKLM\..\RunServices: [SchedulingAgent] mstask.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\RunServices: [HC Reminder] hc.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\RunServices: [Machine Debug Manager] C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\MDM.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\RunServices: [AccessRampMonitor 01] "C:\PROGRAM FILES\IP INSIGHT\ARMon32a.exe"
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [PImenu] C:\Program Files\PImenu\PImenu.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [MsnMsgr] "c:\Program Files\MSN Messenger\MsnMsgr.Exe" /background
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [Instant Access] rundll32.exe EGDHTML_1026.dll,InstantAccess
O4 - Startup: Microsoft Office.lnk = C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office\OSA9.EXE
O4 - Startup: Controller.LNK = C:\Program Files\Symantec\WinFax\WFXCTL32.EXE
O9 - Extra button: Related - {c95fe080-8f5d-11d2-a20b-00aa003c157a} - C:\WINDOWS\web\related.htm
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Show &Related Links - {c95fe080-8f5d-11d2-a20b-00aa003c157a} - C:\WINDOWS\web\related.htm
O9 - Extra button: Real.com - {CD67F990-D8E9-11d2-98FE-00C0F0318AFE} - C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\Shdocvw.dll
O12 - Plugin for .spop: C:\PROGRA~1\INTERN~1\Plugins\NPDocBox.dll
O16 - DPF: {486E48B5-ABF2-42BB-A327-2679DF3FB822} - http://akamai.downloadv3.com/binaries/IA/ia.cab

bfmoser 0 Newbie Poster · Answer 2 · 2004-12-19T05:01:27+00:00

Have Hijack This fix the following by placing a check in the appropriate boxes and selecting fix checked. Make sure all browser and all Windows Explorer windows are closed before fixing.
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [Instant Access] rundll32.exe EGDHTML_1026.dll,InstantAccess
This next one optional ,but recomended as it a rescource hog
O4 - Startup: Microsoft Office.lnk = C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office\OSA9.EXE
O9 - Extra button: Related - {c95fe080-8f5d-11d2-a20b-00aa003c157a} - C:\WINDOWS\web\related.htm
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Show &Related Links - {c95fe080-8f5d-11d2-a20b-00aa003c157a} - C:\WINDOWS\web\related.htm

O16 - DPF: {486E48B5-ABF2-42BB-A327-2679DF3FB822} - http://akamai.downloadv3.com/binaries/IA/ia.cab

reboot computer and post a new log

OK Caperjack,

You're a lifesaver. I've done as you advised. What do you make of this:

Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.0
Scan saved at 00:21:21, on 19-12-04
Platform: Windows 98 SE (Win9x 4.10.2222A)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v6.00 SP1 (6.00.2800.1106)

Running processes:
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\KERNEL32.DLL
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\MSGSRV32.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\MPREXE.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\mmtask.tsk
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\MSTASK.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\MDM.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\IP INSIGHT\ARMON32A.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\EXPLORER.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\RNAAPP.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\TAPISRV.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\TASKMON.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\SYSTRAY.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\COMPAQ\EASY ACCESS KEYBOARD\MMKEYBD.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\MOUSEWARE\SYSTEM\EM_EXEC.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\NORTON ANTIVIRUS\NAVAPW32.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\COMMON FILES\REAL\UPDATE_OB\REALSCHED.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\QTTASK.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\LOADQM.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\PIMENU\PIMENU.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\SYMANTEC\WINFAX\WFXCTL32.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\COMPAQ\EASY ACCESS KEYBOARD\MEDIACTR.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\DDHELP.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\COMPAQ\EASY ACCESS KEYBOARD\MMUSBKB2.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\WMIEXE.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\SYMANTEC\WINFAX\WFXMOD32.EXE
C:\MY DOCUMENTS\HJT\HIJACKTHIS.EXE

R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Bar = http://www.planet.nl/zoeken/ie5/
R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://www.mail.lycos.com/
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Window Title = Microsoft Internet Explorer
F1 - win.ini: run=hpfsched
O2 - BHO: AcroIEHlprObj Class - {06849E9F-C8D7-4D59-B87D-784B7D6BE0B3} - C:\PROGRAM FILES\ADOBE\ACROBAT 5.0\READER\ACTIVEX\ACROIEHELPER.OCX
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {53707962-6F74-2D53-2644-206D7942484F} - C:\Program Files\Spybot - Search & Destroy\SDHelper.dll
O3 - Toolbar: &Radio - {8E718888-423F-11D2-876E-00A0C9082467} - C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\MSDXM.OCX
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ScanRegistry] c:\windows\scanregw.exe /autorun
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [TaskMonitor] c:\windows\taskmon.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SystemTray] SysTray.Exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [LoadPowerProfile] Rundll32.exe powrprof.dll,LoadCurrentPwrScheme
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [EASY ACCESS KEYBOARD] C:\Program Files\Compaq\Easy Access Keyboard\MMKeybd.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [EM_EXEC] C:\PROGRA~1\MOUSEW~1\SYSTEM\EM_EXEC.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Norton Auto-Protect] C:\PROGRA~1\NORTON~1\NAVAPW32.EXE /LOADQUIET
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [TkBellExe] C:\Program Files\Common Files\Real\Update_OB\realsched.exe -osboot
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [QuickTime Task] "C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\QTTASK.EXE" -atboottime
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [CriticalUpdate] c:\windows\SYSTEM\wucrtupd.exe -startup
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [LoadQM] loadqm.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\RunServices: [LoadPowerProfile] Rundll32.exe powrprof.dll,LoadCurrentPwrScheme
O4 - HKLM\..\RunServices: [SchedulingAgent] mstask.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\RunServices: [HC Reminder] hc.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\RunServices: [Machine Debug Manager] C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\MDM.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\RunServices: [AccessRampMonitor 01] "C:\PROGRAM FILES\IP INSIGHT\ARMon32a.exe"
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [PImenu] C:\Program Files\PImenu\PImenu.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [MsnMsgr] "c:\Program Files\MSN Messenger\MsnMsgr.Exe" /background
O4 - Startup: Controller.LNK = C:\Program Files\Symantec\WinFax\WFXCTL32.EXE
O9 - Extra button: Real.com - {CD67F990-D8E9-11d2-98FE-00C0F0318AFE} - C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\Shdocvw.dll
O12 - Plugin for .spop: C:\PROGRA~1\INTERN~1\Plugins\NPDocBox.dll

bfmoser 0 Newbie Poster · Answer 3 · 2004-12-19T05:22:00+00:00

look good now ,do you still get the orignal error message

Yeah, I do. Here's a longer version: "Cannot find the file 'c:\windows\rundll32.exe' or one of its components. Make sure the path and filename are correct and that all required libraries are available." This is the same message I've been getting for a while. The file just seems to have vanished. It's not in my C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32 folder either, as far as I can tell. Any ideas?

bfmoser 0 Newbie Poster · Answer 4 · 2004-12-19T16:53:00+00:00

Download then unzip and run CWShredder to clean up clicking "FIX" to have it remove all it finds.
CWShredder available from these places :-

http://www.aluriasoftware.com/tools/cwshredder.zip
Or this as a full download without any unzipping required
http://www.downloads.subratam.org/CWShredder.exe
http://www.spywareinfo.com/downloads/tools/CWShredder.exe
We have found that some of the CWS infections can be removed better from safe mode, rather than normal mode.
To get to safe mode use the F8 key while booting the machine. Detailed instructions from here :-
http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT/tsgen...001052409420406
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Finally if you are going to run both Spybot SD and Ad-Aware SE, leave the rescan with HijackThis until you have completed running both tools. If only running Spybot SD then RESCAN with HijackThis and POST your logfile in the same thread using ‘Add Reply’. Please do not attempt to fix anything in HijackThis yourself!

Scanning With Ad-Aware SE :
1. Download and Install Ad-Aware SE, keeping the default options. However, some of the settings will need to be changed before your first scan
2.Close ALL windows except Ad-Aware SE
3. Click on the‘world’ icon at the top right of the Ad-Aware SE window and let AdAware SE update the reference list for the adware and malware.
4. Once the update is finished click on the ‘Gear’ icon (second from the left at the top of the window) to access the preferences/settings window
1) In the ‘General’ window make sure the following are selected in green:
*Automatically save log-file
*Automatically quarantine objects prior to removal
*Safe Mode (always request confirmation)
Under Definitions:
*Prompt to udate outdated definitions - set the number of days

2) Click on the ‘Scanning’ button on the left and select in green :
Under Driver, Folders & Files:
*Scan Within Archives
Under Select drives & folders to scan -
*choose all hard drives
Under Memory & Registry: all green
*Scan Active Processes
*Scan Registry
*Deep Scan Registry
*Scan my IE favorites for banned URL’s
*Scan my Hosts file

3) Click on the ‘Advanced’ button on the left and select in green:
Under Shell Integration:
*Move deleted files to recycle bin
Under Logfile Detail Level: (all green)
*include addtional object information
*DESELECT - include negligible objects information
*include environment information
Under Alternate Data Streams:
*Don't log streams smaller than 0 bytes
*Don't log ADS with the following names: CA_INOCULATEIT

4) Click the ‘Tweak’ button and select in green:
Under the ‘Scanning Engine’:
*Unload recognized processes during scanning
*Scan registry for all users instead of current user only

Under the ‘Cleaning Engine’:
*Let Windows remove files in use at next reboot

Under the Log Files:
*Include basic Ad-aware SE settings in logfile
*Include additional Ad-aware SE settings in logfile
*Please do not check or make green: Include Module list in logfile

5. Click on ‘Proceed’ to save the settings.
6. Click ‘Start’
*Choose:'Perform Full System Scan'
*DESELECT "Search for negligible risk entries", as negligible risk entries (MRU's) are not considered to be a threat.
7. Click ‘Next’ and Ad-Aware SE will scan your hard drive(s) with the options you have selected and clean automatically.
8. If Ad-Aware SE finds bad entries, you will receive a list of what it found in the window
9. Save the log file when it asks and then click ‘finish’
10. REBOOT to complete the removal of what Ad-Aware SE found
Finally after running both Spybot SD and Ad-Aware SE, RESCAN with HijackThis and POST your logfile in the same thread using ‘Add Reply’. Do not attempt to fix anything in HijackThis yourself!
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
Please do this.
Download 'Hijack This!'. http://www.spywareinfo.com/~merijn/files/HijackThis.exe
Save it in a convenient permanent folder such as C:\HJT\, double click HijackThis.exe, and hit "Scan".
When the scan is finished, the "Scan" button will change into a "Save Log" button.
Press that, save the log, Ctrl-A to Select All, and copy its contents here. Most of what it lists will be harmless or even essential, don't fix anything yet.

OK -- a couple of questions/observations here. First, when I ran CWShredder, I got yet another error message, which was new to me but which says the same thing the older ones did:

"The Windows system file RUNDLL32.EXE has been damaged or is missing from C:\\WINDOWS. You might be unable to open items in the control panel until you restore this file from your Windows Setup CD using the Windows System File Checker (SFC.EXE)."

I went ahead and scanned with Ad-Aware SE, which came up with 744 critical objects. But before I proceed to delete the objects, I want to confirm something with you. Your instruction list (nos. 8 & 9) says this: "If Ad-Aware SE finds bad entries, you will receive a list of what it found in the window." And then "Save the log file when it asks and then click finish." But I have been offered three different summaries ("Scan Summary", "Critical Objects", and "Scan Log") and I don't see anything that offers me a chance to save the log file. I could copy it into Word or something but I don't think that's what you mean, right? Should I just go ahead and delete them all and then reboot? I think that's right but I do want to check with you before I proceed.

caperjack 875 I hate 20 Questions Team Colleague · Answer 5 · 2004-12-19T22:22:38+00:00

Should I just go ahead and delete them all and then reboot? I think that's right but I do want to check with you before I proceed

Yes fix them .
also go to Start /run /type in , SFC ,you may need the win98 cd in the cdrom drive ,this will check for missing and or corrupt system files .

bfmoser 0 Newbie Poster · Answer 6 · 2004-12-20T00:46:50+00:00

Yes fix them .
also go to Start /run /type in , SFC ,you may need the win98 cd in the cdrom drive ,this will check for missing and or corrupt system files .

Thanks a lot. First, the log it came up with this time after running Spybot and Ad-Aware follows this message. Then, when I scanned with SFC it reported that USER.EXE is missing from C:\\WINDOWS\SYSTEM.

And then, after a couple of hours tearing through my house, I remembered that I loaned my installation materials to a friend about two years ago -- needless to say, I never got them back. Dumb/illegal, I know : but is there any way to correct this problem without it? Or do I have to suffer for my folly?

Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.0
Scan saved at 19:58:25, on 19-12-04
Platform: Windows 98 SE (Win9x 4.10.2222A)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v6.00 SP1 (6.00.2800.1106)

Running processes:
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\KERNEL32.DLL
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\MSGSRV32.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\MPREXE.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\mmtask.tsk
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\MSTASK.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\MDM.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\IP INSIGHT\ARMON32A.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\EXPLORER.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\RNAAPP.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\TAPISRV.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\TASKMON.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\SYSTRAY.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\COMPAQ\EASY ACCESS KEYBOARD\MMKEYBD.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\MOUSEWARE\SYSTEM\EM_EXEC.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\NORTON ANTIVIRUS\NAVAPW32.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\COMMON FILES\REAL\UPDATE_OB\REALSCHED.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\QTTASK.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\LOADQM.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\COMPAQ\EASY ACCESS KEYBOARD\MEDIACTR.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\SYMANTEC\WINFAX\WFXCTL32.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\DDHELP.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\COMPAQ\EASY ACCESS KEYBOARD\MMUSBKB2.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\WMIEXE.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\SYMANTEC\WINFAX\WFXMOD32.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\COMMON FILES\REAL\UPDATE_OB\RNATHCHK.EXE
C:\MY DOCUMENTS\HJT\HIJACKTHIS.EXE

R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Bar = http://www.planet.nl/zoeken/ie5/
R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://www.mail.lycos.com/
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Window Title = Microsoft Internet Explorer
F1 - win.ini: run=hpfsched
O2 - BHO: AcroIEHlprObj Class - {06849E9F-C8D7-4D59-B87D-784B7D6BE0B3} - C:\PROGRAM FILES\ADOBE\ACROBAT 5.0\READER\ACTIVEX\ACROIEHELPER.OCX
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {53707962-6F74-2D53-2644-206D7942484F} - C:\Program Files\Spybot - Search & Destroy\SDHelper.dll
O3 - Toolbar: &Radio - {8E718888-423F-11D2-876E-00A0C9082467} - C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\MSDXM.OCX
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ScanRegistry] c:\windows\scanregw.exe /autorun
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [TaskMonitor] c:\windows\taskmon.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SystemTray] SysTray.Exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [LoadPowerProfile] Rundll32.exe powrprof.dll,LoadCurrentPwrScheme
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [EASY ACCESS KEYBOARD] C:\Program Files\Compaq\Easy Access Keyboard\MMKeybd.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [EM_EXEC] C:\PROGRA~1\MOUSEW~1\SYSTEM\EM_EXEC.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Norton Auto-Protect] C:\PROGRA~1\NORTON~1\NAVAPW32.EXE /LOADQUIET
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [TkBellExe] C:\Program Files\Common Files\Real\Update_OB\realsched.exe -osboot
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [QuickTime Task] "C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\QTTASK.EXE" -atboottime
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [CriticalUpdate] c:\windows\SYSTEM\wucrtupd.exe -startup
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [LoadQM] loadqm.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\RunServices: [LoadPowerProfile] Rundll32.exe powrprof.dll,LoadCurrentPwrScheme
O4 - HKLM\..\RunServices: [SchedulingAgent] mstask.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\RunServices: [HC Reminder] hc.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\RunServices: [Machine Debug Manager] C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\MDM.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\RunServices: [AccessRampMonitor 01] "C:\PROGRAM FILES\IP INSIGHT\ARMon32a.exe"
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [PImenu] C:\Program Files\PImenu\PImenu.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [MsnMsgr] "c:\Program Files\MSN Messenger\MsnMsgr.Exe" /background
O4 - Startup: Controller.LNK = C:\Program Files\Symantec\WinFax\WFXCTL32.EXE
O9 - Extra button: Real.com - {CD67F990-D8E9-11d2-98FE-00C0F0318AFE} - C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\Shdocvw.dll
O12 - Plugin for .spop: C:\PROGRA~1\INTERN~1\Plugins\NPDocBox.dll

caperjack 875 I hate 20 Questions Team Colleague · Answer 7 · 2004-12-20T02:06:16+00:00

log looks ok ,as for the USER.EXE ,depending on how win98 was loaded it maybe in a folder on your drive .Check for a OPTIONS folder in c:\windows\. or look for a folder called Win98,in those folders are the win cab files needed to restore the user.exe.if thats there then direct SFC either of these 2 instead of the cdrom .
Check this ,about user.exe.
http://www.techadvice.com/w98/U/user-exe_w98.htm
I will send you the cab_42 file if you can't find it anywhere on you computer and you could extract it from threr .

bfmoser 0 Newbie Poster · Answer 8 · 2004-12-20T04:34:48+00:00

log looks ok ,as for the USER.EXE ,depending on how win98 was loaded it maybe in a folder on your drive .Check for a OPTIONS folder in c:\windows\. or look for a folder called Win98,in those folders are the win cab files needed to restore the user.exe.if thats there then direct SFC either of these 2 instead of the cdrom .
Check this ,about user.exe.
http://www.techadvice.com/w98/U/user-exe_w98.htm
I will send you the cab_42 file if you can't find it anywhere on you computer and you could extract it from threr .

OK great -- I got USER.EXE out of the Options folder and have now restored it. The SFC scan was clean. What's next?

caperjack 875 I hate 20 Questions Team Colleague · Answer 9 · 2004-12-20T04:48:31+00:00

OK great -- I got USER.EXE out of the Options folder and have now restored it. The SFC scan was clean. What's next?

I don't know whats' next ,how the machine working now .!!!any problems !Any error messages .

bfmoser 0 Newbie Poster · Answer 10 · 2004-12-20T04:59:54+00:00

I don't know whats' next ,how the machine working now .!!!any problems !Any error messages .

Well, I've cleaned everything up but I still have my original problem, which is that I still can't find my rundll32.exe. Any ideas there?

DMR 152 Wombat At Large Team Colleague · Answer 11 · 2004-12-20T06:03:12+00:00

Since you seem to have the cabs in your C:\Windows\Options folder, you should be able to extract a fresh copy of rundll32.exe from there:

extract /a win98_40.cab rundll32.exe /L c:\windows

bfmoser 0 Newbie Poster · Answer 12 · 2004-12-20T14:34:58+00:00

Thanks -- but I don't see rundll32.exe in my win98_40.cab folder -- but maybe I'm looking in the wrong place? Is there somewhere else it might be lurking?

DMR 152 Wombat At Large Team Colleague · Answer 13 · 2004-12-20T22:50:46+00:00

win98_42.cab or win98_46.cab maybe? Sorry, but I forget exactly which one it is, and I think it differs between 98 and 98 SE.

You should also be able to have the System File Checker (SFC) do the job for you. Try this:

Go to Start->Run, type SFC and click ok to start the program. Select the "Extract one file from installation disk" option, type Rundll32.exe and click on Start. Select the C:\Windows\Options\Cabs folder as the source, and C:\Windows as the target (Save in).