Problem with malware that blocks anti-malware tools

[logologos]

I'd be grateful for help in troubleshooting my current problem.

Current symptoms and observations:

* sluggish performance overall

* error message "A device attached to the system is not functioning" when I tried to install some new software via one of my DVD-ROM drives

* error message "A device attached to the system is not functioning" when I try to run dds.com or dds.scr

* cannot download anti-malware tools via IE

* can download anti-malware tools via Firefox

* cannot install AVG AntiVirus after downloading it via FIrefox

* was able to do complete system scan with already-installed Norton IS. Trojan.Gen.2 flagged and removed

* was able to download Malwarebytes Anti-Malware and do a complete system scan. Trojan.Happili and Trojan.Ransom flagged and removed

In view of the fact that dds.com and dds.scr seem to be blocked, how best to proceed?

[Maurice Naggar]

Hello logologos and welcome to MalwareBytes forums.

What is the Windows version on this system (and service pack level, if any) ?? XP, Vista, WIN 7 or 8 ?

Get the last MBAM scan log and Copy and Paste the scan log into a new reply.

Also, Download Security Check by screen317 from here.

• Save it to your Desktop.
  
• Double click SecurityCheck.exe and follow the onscreen instructions inside of the black box.
  
• A Notepad document should open automatically called checkup.txt; please post the contents of that document.
  

[Maurice Naggar]

Are you still with us? I need to hear back from you in the next 48 hours, otherwise I will Close this thread.

[logologos]

Thanks very much for your reply, and apologies for not getting back to you sooner.

For the record, it's Vista with SP2. What has been happening in the meantime is that I obtained a Norton bootable recovery disk and ran a scan with that, which found nothing, and also I've been studying the other threads here in more detail to better understand what's involved in doing this sort of troubleshooting properly.

Since my PC is mission-critical for me - I depend on it for earning a living every day - and this one is already four years old, I've decided that the better part of valor is to move to a new machine. I will load the software from original media and fresh downloads, and will restore my workfiles from a clean backup scanned with both Norton and MBAM.

I will nuke the hard disk of my old machine with Eraser and then send it for recycling.

Thanks again for your willingness to help; this board is an amazing resource.

[Maurice Naggar]

You may find these references handy, in case you do a clean Vista install:

Installing and reinstalling Windows Vista

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-vista/Installing-and-reinstalling-Windows-Vista

How to obtain the latest Windows Vista service pack

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/935791

Since you are resolving your issues yourself, I will Close this thread. I wish you well.

Safer practices & malware prevention

• Have a hardware router between the incoming internet-modem and your computer.
  
• Use a Standard user account rather than an administrator-rights account when "surfing" the web.
  
• Configure your Antivirus software to check for updates daily, at a time in which you are sure the computer will be on.
  
• Check in at Windows Update and install any Important Updates offered.
  
• Make certain that Automatic Updates is enabled.
  How to configure and use Automatic Updates in Windows
  http://support.microsoft.com/kb/306525
  
• Check on other update issues as well, visit Secunia Online Software Inspector (OSI)
  See How to detect vulnerable and out-dated programs using Secunia Personal Software Inspector
  
• Download, install, and keep updated Spyware Blaster (free): http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/spywareblaster.html (all Protections should be enabled at all times)
  Tutorial for Spywareblaster: Using SpywareBlaster to protect your computer from Spyware, Hijackers, and Malware
  
• I'd recommend that you get and use MVP Mike Burgess' custom hosts file http://mvps.org/winhelp2002/hosts.htm
  See the FAQ page http://mvps.org/winhelp2002/hostsfaq.htm
  That would help to keep your browser away from known spyware/malware sites.
  
• Make regular backups of your system to removable media: DVD, USB external hard drive, etc.
  Having a total image backup of your system stored on DVD/CD is highly important.
  Get and make use of imaging-backup utilities and save them to offline media. That way you have something to fall back to if another disaster hits.
  Examples of image backup software: Acronis True Image, or the free (for personal use) Macrium Reflect http://www.macrium.com/reflectfree.asp
  or Paragon Backup & Recovery http://www.paragon-software.com/home/br-free/download.html
  
• Consider using Web of Trust WOT add-on for your browser(s)
  http://www.mywot.com/en/download
  http://www.mywot.com/en/faq/add-on
  On some regular schedule, it is a good idea to do an online scan for viruses and malware. Here is a very short list of sites where this may be done:
  ESET Online Scanner
  BitDefender Quickscan
  Trend Micro Housecall
  F-Secure Online Scanner
  Microsoft Safety Scanner
  Panda ActiveScan
  
• See Six tips to help you stay safer online
  
• Never, ever download free games, free tools, videos, mutli-media files or anything free unless you can be absolutely sure the source is safe !