"Error Cache Access Denied" Mozilla, IE and Safari affected + a couple of viruses

[Angelily]

Hi there,

 

I'm quite new to the world of IT and seemed to be burnt very badly when I tried to download some programs for the first time (and mistakenly believed that McAfee would save me, and in the interim have now downloaded avast!). I seem to have a number of issues with my laptop now and I'm hoping there is someone there that can help me and tell me whether these things are related.

 

1. I can't log onto the internet anymore. I get this message when I try using Mozilla, IE and Safari:

 

ERROR

Cache Access Denied

 

While trying to retrieve the URL: http://www.google.com.au/ig

The following error was encountered:

 

* Cache Access Denied.

 

Sorry, you are not currently allowed to request: from this cache until you have authenticated yourself.

 

You need to use Netscape version 2.0 or greater, or Microsoft Internet Explorer 3.0, or an HTTP/1.1 compliant browser for this to work. Please contact the cache administrator if you have difficulties authenticating yourself or change your default password.

 

Generated Mon, 18 Feb 2008 15:36:55 GMT by localhost2 (squid/2.6.STABLE6)

 

2. I managed to become infected with a virus called BV:AutoRun-G [Wrm] (which I would try to remove but I can't access the internet) :(

 

3. This may be because I'm running McAfee and avast! as I've also managed to become infected with New Poly Win 32.

 

4. A number of programs have been crashing - most notably: Desktop Window Manager, Windows Explorer, Mozilla, McAfee Integrated Security Platform

 

Eg.

Product

Desktop Window Manager

 

Problem

Stopped working

 

Date

18/05/2009 9:08 PM

 

Status

Report Sent

 

Problem signature

Problem Event Name: APPCRASH

Application Name: Dwm.exe

Application Version: 6.0.6001.18000

Application Timestamp: 47918c97

Fault Module Name: kernel32.dll

Fault Module Version: 6.0.6001.18215

Fault Module Timestamp: 49953395

Exception Code: c0000096

Exception Offset: 000c91e5

OS Version: 6.0.6001.2.1.0.768.3

Locale ID: 3081

Additional Information 1: fd00

Additional Information 2: ea6f5fe8924aaa756324d57f87834160

Additional Information 3: fd00

Additional Information 4: ea6f5fe8924aaa756324d57f87834160

 

Extra information about the problem

Bucket ID: 1228311163

 

 

So there you have it. I'm feeling a bit sorry for myself, and I feel like I've opened up a Pandora's Box. Would a system restore help my situation?

 

Apologies if I've written too much and I'm not supposed to but I thought it would be helpful if all the information is there.

 

Thanks so much in advance if you can help!

[starams5]

Hi

 

Try this. (untested) Go to the Control Panel/Folder Options. Open Folder Options and click on the view tab. Check Show Hidden Files, move down and also check Show Hidden System Files. Click okay and close. Navigate to:

 

C:\Users\???\AppData\Local\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\fiiqdzuy.default\Cache

 

Right click on "Mozilla" and all the sub folders and uncheck read only, click okay and close. Now delete the cache manually. None of these folders should be hidden, if they are unhide them (with the exception of AppData) .

 

If that's works do the same for IE Explorer and Safari, I'm not sure where the cache is located for Safari, Google it. Don't forget to go back to Folder Options and hide your folders.

 

C:\Users\???\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Temporary Internet Files

 

Also check your host file, make sure it isn't cluttered with a bunch of links that shouldn't be there:

 

C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts

 

I don't know which is your primary browser but you can backup Firefox, see link below. There is software out there for backing up IE and Safari as well.

 

MozBackup - Backup tool for Firefox and Thunderbird

Edited May 19, 2009 by starams5

[RandyL]

Hi;

I have to admit I'm confused. The squid error (squid/2.6.STABLE6)

seems related to being connected to a server or proxy such as if you are connecting through a work network.

 

Anyway the first thing you should do is not run Mcafee and Avast at the same time. Only use one real time AV.

 

What programs did you download?

 

Have you run scans with Mcafee or Avast?

 

Crashing programs might indeed be malware related.

[Angelily]

I'm using a home computer and just have wireless internet.

 

The programs I tried to download were Photoshop and Dreamweaver :P

 

I've tried running scans with McAfee (which couldn't find anything), then with avast! (which then identified the BV:AutoRun-G [Wrm]), and when I scanned with McAfee again, it then identified the other bug.

 

I feel so silly!!! :(

[RandyL]

Please don't feel that way. We just want to figure this out and help you.

 

If you downloaded those programs from the makers they will have not caused this.

If you used a P2P or torrent program to get them for free then that could be the cause.

 

If the latter is the case then uninstall the download program and the programs you downloaded using that. Reboot and immediately try to connect again.

 

If we can get rid of any downloaded programs that are malicious first and re-establish an internet connection then it will be easier to perform a malware removal process.

[Angelily]

Thanks RandyL

 

I've downloaded both of them as Torrent files. One was in a zip file which I extracted and the other I think was just a file that I just clicked to open (I don't think it looked like I need to install it). I've since deleted them from my hard drive (which is why I can't remember exactly what they looked like - file extensions etc).

 

I've rebooted and the problems still exist. Is that normal?

[RandyL]

I suspected as much as I think your computer is now being used as a networked server.

 

Have you deleted the torrent program too?

[Angelily]

No - not yet. I will do that now. I used Limewire to download the programs. That would be the Torrent Program right?

 

I won't be able to test whether I can connect onto the internet after this as I am at work and just brought my laptop along to try and do as much as I can to fix the problem.

 

The other thing that I remember was that there was something that kept on trying to get into my system registry which I kept blocking - but for some reason, something did get through (when I check McAfee I can see that). Do you think that would have contributed?

 

I'll have access to the internet in a few hours and can update then too. Thanks so much for your input so far!!!

[Angelily]

Hi starams5 - can I just clarify your instructions?

 

Is this similar to checking the show hidden files, AND THEN unchecking "Hide protected operating system files"? I just wanted to double check as I get a pop-up window warning me not to. I don't see the option to "Show Hidden System Files".

 

Many thanks

L.

 

Check Show Hidden Files, move down and also check Show Hidden System Files. Click okay and close

[Guest Wolfeymole]

This was generated 15 months ago and you make a post now?

 

Generated Mon, 18 Feb 2008 15:36:55 GMT by localhost2 (squid/2.6.STABLE6)

To my mind you are very seriously infect with all manner of spyware and possibly umpteen virus's by your own actions.

 

Please take note of Rule 3

 

No advice or help will be offered with regard to P2P (Peer to Peer, torrents etc) programs or software obtained via that medium unless a member specifically states that they require help on removing such software.

Reformat your machine and start again.

[Angelily]

Hi, just to clarify my original question/situation:

 

- I would like to remove everything that I've downloaded - P2P the works (which I've tried uninstalling already).

- I don't know why the error cache message has such a weird date. The first time I saw the message was yesterday (18 May 2009). Before then, my laptop was working fine and didn't have any problems (according to McAfee)

 

Thansk Wolfeymole for reopening the post again!

[starams5]

Hi

 

You should send a special thanks to super mod manardvdm and administrator Wolfeymole for reopening your thread. I'll get back to you ASAP.

[Angelily]

Thanks Super Mod Maynardvdm and Wolfeymole. I'm now at home and have been able to reconnect to the internet. That "Error Cache Access Denied" message on Mozilla, IE and Safari has disappeared! (I usually use Mozilla but felt I had to double check all three).

 

starams5 - I didn't get a chance to try your suggestion. I just uninstalled Limewire and other system updates from 15 May.

 

Still far away from being in the all clear but at least I can log onto the internet from home.

 

What should be next steps. My McAfee didn't pick up the BV:Autorun virus which makes me wonder whether I should keep using it or avast!. I have a three year subscription to McAfee - it came with my laptop.

 

Hmm... as I write this comment - my windows explorer just crashed :(

hitting send in case my internet dies too!!!

[starams5]

Hi

 

Wolfeymole actually gave you the best advise, reformat and start from scratch. I would aim my attention toward a good system recovery application if I were you, I personally use Acronis True Image, Windows System Restore is okay but not as good as imaging. Vista can also image your partition, If you decide to reformat it would be a good time to set up another partition for your backup, you can't put your backup on the same partition you are restoring.

 

In regard to your other issue, Anti-Virus. Don't expect it to catch everything, you need to sharpen your own skills in regard to dealing with worms. You can start by learning what they are and how they function. See link.

 

Computer virus - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

Now most worms, not all, need to run at startup. I personally use a program called Startup Organizer, it detects if anything is added to my startup (registry) or removed. This also applies to services. Once detected it gives the full path to the file which was added. If your not sure about its intentions, Google it. If you find it to be harmful just follow the path, kill it with the task manager, and manually remove it.

 

You have a ways to go but if you're going to be using P2P software you will either be a very good operator in the end or totally defeated.

[Angelily]

Thanks guys! I've definitely got a lot to learn!!! Better read up on how to format... the most I've ever formatted was an SD card!

 

I'll have a read of other posts and generally online about how to deal with formatting my computer (I have a C:Programs drive, D:Pictures and Documents drive, and an E:Recovery drive). If all else fails, hopefully I'll be able to post again to this awesome forum!

 

Thanks again!!!:)

[RandyL]

Hi again Lily;

Here's the situation. I agree with Wolfeymole and starams5 as the best advice might be to reinstall Windows and start clean.

 

In cases of really bad infections even after cleaning there may be damage left behind from the infections. It might be possible to repair the damage but of course that means even more work.

 

If you don't have a lot to backup and save it might be the easiest way to go.

 

However if you want to attempt to clean the infections follow our guide carefully and completely.

 

 

Your computer is infected with Malware. Malware is software designed to infiltrate or damage a computer system without the owner's informed consent. It is a combination of the words malicious and software. The expression is a general term used by computer professionals to mean a variety of forms of hostile, intrusive, or annoying software or program code.

 

It is in your best interest to note the following:

1. Please disable your resident security applications (such as AVG, Spybot, WinPatrol, etc.) before performing the below procedure so that they do not interfere with the process.
   
2. Perform all the steps in the order listed to avoid any conflicts.
   
3. If unsure, please stop and voice your doubts.
   
4. You might be required to go offline during the disinfection process. Therefore, it is recommended to print off the instructions below for ease of reference.
   

If you stick to the above guidelines, all should go smoothly.

 

 

 

================================================

STEP 1

1. Download ATF-Cleaner by Atribune.
   
2. Save the file to your Desktop.
   
3. Double-click on the file to run the program.
   
4. On the Main tab, check the Select All button.
   
5. Next, click on the Firefox tab (if applicable) and check the Select All button.
    
   Note: If you would like to preserve your saved passwords in Firefox, then click No at the corresponding prompt.
   
6. Now, click on the Opera tab (if applicable) and check the Select All button.
    
   Note: If you would like to preserve your saved passwords in Opera, then click No at the corresponding prompt.
   
7. Press the Empty Selected button and click OK to acknowledge the corresponding prompt.
   
8. Click on the Exit button to quit the program.
   

================================================

STEP 2

1. Please click here to download Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware.
   
2. Save the file to your Desktop.
   
3. Double-click mbam-setup.exe and follow the prompts to install the program.
   
4. At the end, make sure a check mark is placed next to:
   1. 
      
   2. Update Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware
      
   3. Launch Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware
      

[*]Click Finish.

[*]The program will download and update itself if it finds the necessity to do so. Please allow this.

[*]Once the program has loaded, select Perform full scan, then click Scan.

 

 

Note: Depending on your computer specifications, the scan may take some time to complete. Please wait patiently and do not interrupt the process.

[*]When the scan is complete, click OK, and then Show Results to view the results.

[*]Make sure that every entry is selected, and click Remove Selected.

[*]Restart your computer.

================================================

STEP 3

1. Please click here to download SUPERAntiSpyware (Free Version).
   
2. Save the file to your Desktop.
   
3. Double-click SUPERAntiSpyware.exe and follow the prompts to install the program.
   
4. Open SUPERAntiSpyware.
   
5. Under Configuration and Preferences, click the Preferences button.
   
6. Click the Scanning Control tab.
   
7. Under Scanner Options make sure the following fields checked:

   [*]Click the Close button to leave the control center screen.

   [*]On the main screen, under Scan for Harmful Software click Scan your computer.

   [*]On the left, make sure you check mark All the Fixed Drives.

   [*]On the right, under Complete Scan, choose Perform Complete Scan.

   [*]Click Next to start the scan. Please be patient while it scans your computer.

   [*]After the scan is complete, a Scan Summary box will appear with potentially harmful items that were detected. Click OK.

   [*]Make sure every entry has a check mark next to it and click Next.

   [*]A notification will appear that Quarantine and Removal is Complete. Click OK and then Finish to return to the main menu.

   [*]Restart your computer.

   ================================================

   STEP 4
   1. Please visit the ESET Online Scanner, using Internet Explorer to initiate the scan.
       
      Note: If you are running Windows Vista, then you will need Administrative privileges to complete the latter part of the procedure. To do so, right-click on the Internet Explorer icon in the Start Menu and select the Run As Administrator option in the shell context menu.
      
   2. Check mark the YES, I accept the Terms of Use box.
      
   3. Click the Start button.
      
   4. Click the Install button on the following screen.
      
   5. Click Start. This will will initialize and update the scanner engine.
      
   6. Check mark the box beside Remove found threats.
      
   7. Click the Scan button. This will start the scan. Please be patient while it is in progress.
      
   8. Restart your computer.
      

   ================================================

   STEP 5
   1. Click on Start > Programs > Accessories > System Tools and select System Restore.
      
   2. Choose the radio button marked Create a Restore Point on the first screen and click Next. Give the restore point a name then click Create. The new point will be stamped with the current date and time. Keep a note of this so you can find it easily should you need to use System Restore.
      
   3. Next, click on Start > Run, type Cleanmgr and click on OK.
      
   4. Click on the More Options tab.
      
   5. Click the Clean Up button in the System Restore section to remove all previous restore points except the most recent one.
      

   This will remove any infected files that have been backed up by Windows. The files in "System Restore" are protected to prevent any programs changing those files. This is the only foolproof way to ensure the deletion of those files.

    

   Note: Do not clear restore points on a regular basis as doing so will clear all previous restore points even those that you may need. System Restore is a useful tool to revert your computer back to a working condition if something goes wrong.

    

   Re-enable all your security applications and please return here and tell us how the computer seems to be operating.

    

   Happy Safe Computing!

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