Safe removal of Search protect by Conduit

[suffolkman]

I think I have a virus problem which I'd like some advice on, please. I'm running Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Pro on Windows 7.

 

I recently tried to download a game for my grandson (Minecraft) which went OK until they asked me for £17.95, at which point I cancelled out.

 

Quite soon afterward, I had a security warning from BullGuard (who I also pay to provide internet security) to say that 'Search protect' was asking for internet access, which I blocked. A little later the same message was repeated, so I blocked it again and sent a copy to BullGuard for their comments.

 

I've not had any response from BullGuard, but got worried, so checked online and found that 'Search protect' by Conduit is considered as malware and I took up the offer (via the Microsoft website) of a scan to remove this and 'clean' my computer.

 

This turned out to be a download from SpyHunter 4 which, after quite a long scanning process, apparently detected 661 'infections' (see below for list) - and it was only after all that when they wanted to charge me $29.99 to actually do the job! I cancelled out of that, too and found SpyHunter in my list of programmes which I uninstalled (although I've had a few pop-ups still from them asking me to subscribe). I did not try the 'uninstall' process for 'Search protect', as I'd read somewhere that this would be dangerous, for reasons I did not understand.

 

The following questions arise:

1) Is it likely that these 'infections' are all genuine threats?

2) If they are, isn't Malwarebytes supposed to guard against these (including Search protect)?

3) If it is, why didn't it?

4) If they are NOT covered by my Malwarebytes package, then should I worry about removing them myself - and, if so, how to do so - safely?

     (I should mention that I am not at all technical, so I'd be grateful if any solutions suggested could be simple ones, please!) 

 

Any help would be appreciated, thanks.

 

Here is the list of reported threat levels / infections:

5 - Malware Generic (4)

3 - Conduit Search / toolbar (4)

3 - DailyBibleGuide (20)

3 - FunWebProducts (7)

3 - Radio Rage (603)

3 - Adware Helpers (1)

3 - Revenue (1)

3 - Safe PC Repair (2)

3 - VideoDownloadConverter (1)

1 - SmileyWeLove (18)

[MrCharlie]

Welcome to the forum.

Please start HERE

Post back the 2 logs here.....DDS.txt and Attach.txt (DDS may not run on W8)

(please don't put logs in code or quotes and use the default font)

(Please don't forget to run the RogueKiller scan below)

General Forum P2P/Piracy Warning:

1. If you're using Peer 2 Peer software such uTorrent, BitTorrent or similar you must either fully uninstall it or completely disable it from running while being assisted here.

Failure to remove or disable such software will result in your topic being closed and no further assistance being provided.

2. If you have illegal/cracked software, cracks, keygens, custom (Adobe) host file, etc. on the system, please remove or uninstall them now and read the policy on Piracy.

Failure to remove such software will result in your topic being closed and no further assistance being provided.

<====><====><====><====><====><====><====><====>

Next................

Please download and run RogueKiller 32 bit to your desktop.

RogueKiller<---use this one for 64 bit systems

Which system am I using?

Quit all running programs.

For Windows XP, double-click to start.

For Vista or Windows 7-8, do a right-click on the program, select Run as Administrator to start, & when prompted Allow to run.

Click Scan to scan the system.

When the scan completes > Close out the program > Don't Fix anything!

Don't run any other options, they're not all bad!!!!!!!

Post back the report which should be located on your desktop.

(please don't put logs in code or quotes and use the default font)

MrC

Note:

Please read all of my instructions completely including these.

Make sure system restore is turned on and running, please create a new restore point

Make sure you're subscribed to this topic: Click on the Follow This Topic Button (at the top right of this page), make sure that the Receive notification box is checked and that it is set to Instantly

Removing malware can be unpredictable...unlikely but things can go very wrong! Backup any files that cannot be replaced. You can copy them to a CD/DVD, external drive or a pen drive

<+>Please don't run any other scans, download, install or uninstall any programs while I'm working with you.

<+>The removal of malware isn't instantaneous, please be patient.

<+>When we are done, I'll give to instructions on how to cleanup all the tools and logs

<+>Please stick with me until I give you the "all clear" and Please don't waste my time by leaving before that.

------->Your topic will be closed if you haven't replied within 3 days!<--------

(If I don't respond within 24 hours, please send me a PM)

[suffolkman]

Many thanks for your offer of help, but it obviously requires a level of skill I simply don't have, so I think I'll pass, thank you.

 

I am in fact running the paid-for 'PRO' version of Malwarebytes, which is why I was surprised (and disappointed) that the 'Search-protect' malware got through in the first place, but as my PC appears to be running normally at present, with no recent pop-ups, I think I'll leave it in place and try to forget about it.

 

If the problem reappears, I'll have to get my local computer guy to give me a hand, but as his hourly rate will bite deep into my pension, I'll be reluctant to do so unless things become unbearable.

 

Regards,

 

suffolkman

[MrCharlie]

OK....MrC

[AdvancedSetup]

Glad we could help.

If you need this topic reopened, please send a Private Message to any one of the moderating team members. Please include a link to this thread with your request. This applies only to the originator of this thread.

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