CWS.msstar

Overview

CWS.msstar is a CWS variant implemented as a Browser Helper Object [1] [2]. Symantec calls it Spyware.Manan and offer detailed information about its operation.

CWS.msstar drops its file ms****.dll in %WinDir%, where * represents a random character. Examples: mspljg.dll, MSFIBO.DLL, mslagp.dll, msigaj.dll, mslaeg.dll, msfeme.dll, mspljg.dll, msmikh.dll.

Note: %WinDir% is a variable (?). By default, this is C:\Windows (Windows 95/98/Me/XP) or C:\WINNT (Windows NT/2000).

CWS.msstar is mentioned at the security forums where its removal is recommended [1] [2] [3] [4].

Classification

Spyware

Variants

CoolWebSearch  CoolWebSearch.alfasearch  CoolWebSearch.control  CoolWebSearch.cpan  CoolWebSearch.criticalupdater  CoolWebSearch.ctrlpan  CoolWebSearch.dnse  CoolWebSearch.dnserr  CoolWebSearch.dpe  CoolWebSearch.ehttp  CoolWebSearch.excel10  CoolWebSearch.explorer32  CoolWebSearch.googlems  CoolWebSearch.iefeatsl  CoolWebSearch.iefeatslupdate  CoolWebSearch.image  CoolWebSearch.keymgrldr  CoolWebSearch.ld  CoolWebSearch.madfinder  CoolWebSearch.mgs_32  CoolWebSearch.msaps  CoolWebSearch.msconfd  CoolWebSearch.msmk  CoolWebSearch.mssearch  CoolWebSearch.msstar  CoolWebSearch.msstar2  CoolWebSearch.mstaskm  CoolWebSearch.msupdate  CoolWebSearch.msupdater  CoolWebSearch.mtwirl32  CoolWebSearch.my.css  CoolWebSearch.notepad32  CoolWebSearch.ntsearch  CoolWebSearch.olehelp  CoolWebSearch.popup_bl  CoolWebSearch.quicken  CoolWebSearch.qttasks  CoolWebSearch.secure  CoolWebSearch.soundmx  CoolWebSearch.sys  CoolWebSearch.time  CoolWebSearch.toolband  CoolWebSearch.winproc32  CoolWebSearch.winsuck  CoolWebSearch.winres  CoolWebSearch.winug  CoolWebSearch.xplugin  CoolWebSearch.xpsystem  CoolWebSearch.xrectar 

Files

ms****.dll

If you have any of the files related to CWS.msstar on your system, please send them for additional analysis. Generally, I have only analysed a few versions for each software component listed at this web site. With your help I will be able to look at both old and more recent versions of the CWS.msstar software. Thank you very much for your time!

Log references

Log 287 Log 293

Privacy policy

No privacy policy available.

Detection

Bazooka Adware and Spyware Scanner detects CWS.msstar. Bazooka is freeware and detects spyware, adware, foistware, trojan horses, viruses, worms and other potentially unwanted applications. Read more »

Uninstall CWS.msstar with FreeFixer

I'm working on a general purpose tool for removing unwanted software. The tool is called FreeFixer and can help you remove unwanted Browser Helper Objects, Internet Explorer toolbars and software that starts automatically when you reboot your computer, so it can offer some assistance while uninstalling CWS.msstar. The manual removal instructions listed below will help you to identify what to delete with FreeFixer.

Read more about FreeFixer.

Manual removal

Please follow the instructions below if you would like to remove CWS.msstar manually. Please notice that you must follow the instructions very carefully and delete everything that is mentioned. In most cases the removal will fail if one single item is not deleted. If CWS.msstar remains on your system after stepping through the removal instructions, please double-check by stepping through them again.

1. Start the registry editor. This is done by clicking Start then Run. (The Run dialog will appear.) Type regedit and click OK. (The registry editor will open.)
2. Delete 'HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ SOFTWARE \ Classes \ CLSID \ {1F48AA48-C53A-4E21-85E7-AC7CC6B5FFB1}', if it exists.
3. Delete 'HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ SOFTWARE \ Microsoft \ Windows \ CurrentVersion \ Explorer \ Browser Helper Objects \ {1F48AA48-C53A-4E21-85E7-AC7CC6B5FFB1}', if it exists.
4. Exit the registry editor.
5. Restart your computer.

Problems uninstalling? Click here.

I'm looking for your help!

Thank you for using my site, I hope you find it useful. I'm looking for help from all users, please read more.

Contact information for CWS.msstar's vendor

In order to provide correct, accurate and updated information about CWS.msstar I encourage the vendor to contact me if any part of this write-up needs a revision.