Adware.LookNSearch

SUMMARY

Behavior

Adware.LookNSearch is an Internet Explorer browser plug-in that downloads programs and advertisements.

Symptoms

Transmission

Protection

• Virus Definitions (LiveUpdate™ Weekly) May 12, 2004
• Virus Definitions (Intelligent Updater) May 12, 2004

TECHNICAL DETAILS

When Adware.LookNSearch is executed, it performs the following actions:

1. Drops the following .dll files in %System% and %ProgramFiles%Internet Explorer:
   
   • guardian.dll
   • hookDLL.,dll
   • netClient.dll
   • r_process.dll
     
     

     ---

     Notes:
   • %System% is a variable. The adware locates the System folder and copies itself to that location. By default, this is C:WindowsSystem (Windows 95/98/Me), C:WinntSystem32 (Windows NT/2000), or C:WindowsSystem32 (Windows XP).
   • %ProgramFiles% is a variable that refers to the path to the program files folder. By default, this is C:Program Files.

     ---

     
     
2. It adds the entry
   
   "Iesearch.exe"="%ProgramFiles%Internet ExplorerIesearch.exe"
   
   to the registry key
   
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionRun
   
   so that it runs when you start Windows.
   
   
3. May make outgoing HTTP connections to download software or advertisements.

REMOVAL

The following instructions pertain to all Symantec antivirus products that support Security Risk detection.

1. Update the definitions.
2. Run a full system scan and delete all the files detected as Adware.LookNSearch.
3. Delete the value that was added to the registry.
   

For specific details on each of these steps, read the following instructions.

1. To update the definitions
To obtain the most recent definitions, start your Symantec program and run LiveUpdate.

2. To scan for and delete the files

1. Start your Symantec antivirus program, and then run a full system scan.
2. If any files are detected as Adware.LookNSearch, click Delete.
   
   

   ---

   Note: If your Symantec antivirus product reports that it cannot delete a detected file, write down the path and file name. Then use Windows Explorer to locate and delete the file.

   ---

3. To delete the value from the registry

---

WARNING: Symantec strongly recommends that you back up the registry before making any changes to it. Incorrect changes to the registry can result in permanent data loss or corrupted files. Modify the specified keys only. Read the document, "How to make a backup of the Windows registry," for instructions.

---

1. Click Start, and then click Run. (The Run dialog box appears.)
   
2. Type regedit
   
   Then click OK. (The Registry Editor opens.)
   
   
3. Navigate to the key:
   
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionRun
   
   
4. In the right pane, delete the value:
   
   "Iesearch.exe"="%ProgramFiles%Internet ExplorerIesearch.exe"
   
   
5. Exit the Registry Editor.