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Windows XP computer very slow to start up


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This is a continuation of the thread I started under General PC Help.

 

I have been asked to post here and rerun the scans already posted but can now only post 2 results as the FarBar Recovery Tool will only give me one file to post so I cannot post the Addition.txt 

 

I have tried to get rid of this tool so I can start afresh with it but it won't let me uninstall it or delete it.

 

thank you

 

 

CheckResults.txt

FRST.txt

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  • Root Admin

Thank you. Let me have you read the following and we'll scan the system further to ensure that it's not infected.

Please read the following and post back the logs when ready and we'll see about getting you cleaned up.

General P2P/Piracy Warning:
 
 

 
If you're using
Peer 2 Peer
software such as
uTorrent, BitTorrent
or similar you must either fully uninstall them or completely disable them 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.

If you have
illegal/cracked software, cracks, keygens etc
. on the system, please remove or uninstall them now and read the policy on
Piracy
.



 
Before we proceed further, please read all of the following instructions carefully.
If there is anything that you do not understand kindly ask before proceeding.
If needed please print out these instructions.
  • Please do not post logs using CODE, QUOTE, or FONT tags. Just paste them as direct text.
  • If the log is too large then you can use attachments by clicking on the More Reply Options button.
  • Please enable your system to show hidden files: How to see hidden files in Windows
  • 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...It is unlikely but things can go very wrong! Please make sure you Backup all files that cannot be replaced if something were to happen. 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 unless requested by me while I'm working with you. [*]The removal of malware is not instantaneous, please be patient. Often we are also on a different Time Zone. [*]Perform everything in the correct order. Sometimes one step requires the previous one. [*]If you have any problems while following my instructions, Stop there and tell me the exact nature of the issue. [*]You can check here if you're not sure if your computer is 32-bit or 64-bit [*]Please disable your antivirus while running any requested scanners so that they do not interfere with the scanners. [*]When we are done, I'll give you 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 have not responded within 24 hours, please send me a Private Message as a reminder)


 
STEP 0
RKill is a program that was developed at BleepingComputer.com that attempts to terminate known malware processes
so that your normal security software can then run and clean your computer of infections.
When RKill runs it will kill malware processes and then removes incorrect executable associations and fixes policies
that stop us from using certain tools. When finished it will display a log file that shows the processes that were
terminated while the program was running.

As RKill only terminates a program's running process, and does not delete any files, after running it you should not reboot
your computer as any malware processes that are configured to start automatically will just be started again.
Instead, after running RKill you should immediately scan your computer using the requested scans I've included.

Please download Rkill by Grinler from one of the links below and save it to your desktop.
 


Link 2

  • On Windows XP double-click on the Rkill desktop icon to run the tool.
  • On Windows Vista/Windows 7 or 8, right-click on the Rkill desktop icon and select Run As Administrator
  • A black DOS box will briefly flash and then disappear. This is normal and indicates the tool ran successfully.
  • If not, delete the file, then download and use the one provided in Link 2.
  • If it does not work, repeat the process and attempt to use one of the remaining links until the tool runs.
  • If the tool does not run from any of the links provided, please let me know.
  • Do not reboot the computer, you will need to run the application again.

STEP 01
Backup the Registry:
Modifying the Registry can create unforeseen problems, so it always wise to create a backup before doing so.
  • Please download ERUNT from one of the following links: Link1 | Link2 | Link3
  • ERUNT (Emergency Recovery Utility NT) is a free program that allows you to keep a complete backup of your registry and restore it when needed.
  • Double click on erunt-setup.exe to Install ERUNT by following the prompts.
  • NOTE: Do not choose to allow ERUNT to add an Entry to the Startup folder. Click NO.
  • Start ERUNT either by double clicking on the desktop icon or choosing to start the program at the end of the setup process.
  • Choose a location for the backup.
    • Note: the default location is C:\Windows\ERDNT which is acceptable.

    [*]Make sure that at least the first two check boxes are selected. [*]Click on OK [*]Then click on YES to create the folder. [*]Note: if it is necessary to restore the registry, open the backup folder and start ERDNT.exe


STEP 02
Please run a Threat Scan with MBAM.  If you're unable to run or complete the scan as shown below please see the following:  MBAM Clean Removal Process 2x
When reinstalling the program please try the latest version.

Right click and choose "Run as administrator" to open Malwarebytes Anti-Malware and from the Dashboard please Check for Updates by clicking the Update Now... link
Open up Malwarebytes > Settings > Detection and Protection > Enable Scan for rootkit and Under Non Malware Protection set both PUP and PUM to Treat detections as malware.
Click on the SCAN button and run a Threat Scan with Malwarebytes Anti-Malware by clicking the Scan Now>> button.
Once completed please click on the History > Application Logs and find your scan log and open it and then click on the "copy to clipboard" button and post back the results on your next reply.
 
 
STEP 03
Please download RogueKiller and save it to your desktop.

You can check here if you're not sure if your computer is 32-bit or 64-bit

  • RogueKiller 32-bit | RogueKiller 64-bit
  • Quit all running programs.
  • For Windows XP, double-click to start.
  • For Vista,Windows 7/8, Right-click on the program and select Run as Administrator to start and when prompted allow it to run.
  • Read and accept the EULA (End User Licene Agreement)
  • Click Scan to scan the system.
  • When the scan completes Close 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.


Thank you
 

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Thank you for your help.

 

I have gone thru all of the steps and attached the relevant logs. Regarding Step 0 and RKill, I am not sure if it worked or not. I downloaded from Link1 and ran the program - after the DOS box fired up, the computer screen very quickly flashed to a blue screen of code or something that I could not read as it was so fast, and then the computer rebooted itself. I deleted the program and downloaded it again from Link2 and the same thing happened so I am not sure if this was meant to be or not? It has left a txt file on the desktop but there it is completely blank so I have not included it.

 

Here are the other files.

 

many thanks

 

 

 

 

mbamscan.txt

RKreport_SCN_06122014_133726.log

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  • Root Admin

Okay thank you for the report on the tool.

 

Please go ahead and run through the following steps and post back the logs when ready.
 
STEP 04
Please download Junkware Removal Tool to your desktop.

  • Shutdown your antivirus to avoid any conflicts.
  • Right click over JRT.exe and select Run as administrator on Windows Vista or Windows 7, double-click on XP.
  • The tool will open and start scanning your system.
  • Please be patient as this can take a while to complete.
  • On completion, a log (JRT.txt) is saved to your desktop and will automatically open.
  • Post the contents of JRT.txt into your next reply message
  • When completed make sure to re-enable your antivirus


STEP 05
Lets clean out any adware now: (this will require a reboot so save all your work)

Please download AdwCleaner by Xplode and save to your Desktop.

  • Double click on AdwCleaner.exe to run the tool.
    Vista/Windows 7/8 users right-click and select Run As Administrator
  • Click on the Scan button.
  • AdwCleaner will begin...be patient as the scan may take some time to complete.
  • When it's done you'll see: Pending: Please uncheck elements you don't want removed.
  • Now click on the Report button...a logfile (AdwCleaner[R0].txt) will open in Notepad for review.
  • Look over the log especially under Files/Folders for any program you want to save.
  • If there's a program you may want to save, just uncheck it from AdwCleaner.
  • If you're not sure, post the log for review. (all items found are adware/spyware/foistware)
  • If you're ready to clean it all up.....click the Clean button.
  • After rebooting, a logfile report (AdwCleaner[s0].txt) will open automatically.
  • Copy and paste the contents of that logfile in your next reply.
  • A copy of that logfile will also be saved in the C:\AdwCleaner folder.
  • Items that are deleted are moved to the Quarantine Folder: C:\AdwCleaner\Quarantine
  • To restore an item that has been deleted:
  • Go to Tools > Quarantine Manager > check what you want restored > now click on Restore.


STEP 06
Please open Malwarebytes Anti-Malware and from the Dashboard please Check for Updates by clicking the Update Now... link
Open up Malwarebytes > Settings > Detection and Protection > Enable Scan for rootkits, Under Non Malware Protection set both PUP and PUM to Treat detections as malware.
Click on the SCAN button and run a Threat Scan with Malwarebytes Anti-Malware by clicking the Scan Now>> button.
Once completed please click on the History > Application Logs and find your scan log and open it and then click on the "copy to clipboard" button and post back the results on your next reply.


STEP 07
button_eos.gif

Please go here to run the online antivirus scannner from ESET.

  • Turn off the real time scanner of any existing antivirus program while performing the online scan
  • Tick the box next to YES, I accept the Terms of Use.
  • Click Start
  • When asked, allow the activex control to install
  • Click Start
  • Make sure that the option Remove found threats is unticked
  • Click on Advanced Settings and ensure these options are ticked:
    • Scan for potentially unwanted applications
    • Scan for potentially unsafe applications
    • Enable Anti-Stealth Technology


    [*]Click Scan [*]Wait for the scan to finish [*]If any threats were found, click the 'List of found threats' , then click Export to text file.... [*]Save it to your desktop, then please copy and paste that log as a reply to this topic.


STEP 08
Please download the Farbar Recovery Scan Tool and save it to your desktop.

Note: You need to run the version compatibale with your system. You can check here if you're not sure if your computer is 32-bit or 64-bit

  • Double-click to run it. When the tool opens click Yes to disclaimer.
  • Press the Scan button.
  • It will make a log (FRST.txt) in the same directory the tool is run. Please copy and paste it to your reply.
  • The first time the tool is run, it also makes another log (Addition.txt). Please attach it to your reply as well.

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I have tried to complete Step 4 but on trying to run the Junkware Removal Tool all it seems to do is open up a black (DOS?) box and it's totally blank. I can't hear the computer doing any either so possibly nothing happening with this?

Should I continue with the other steps?

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Hi bluegiraffe,

 

I spoke to AdvancedSetup about jumping in here and seeing why Rkill is crashing. If you dont mind, can you run Rkill with the debug flag using -d as the argument when you run it.

 

To do this, please follow these instructions:

 

Click on Start and Select Run. Then in the open field type %userprofile%\desktop\rkill.exe -d. Please note that there is a space between the rkill.exe and the -d.  Once you do that, Rkill will start in debug mode and list each process and wait for you to hit enter before analyzing it.  What I want you to do is keep tracking of the full process name shown before the blue screen happens.

 

For example, if rkill display C:\Windows\notepad.exe, prompts you to press any key to continue. and then blue screens after you press a key, then please come back and tell me it was C:\Windows\notepad.exe

 

Let me know if you need any help understanding the above.

 

Thanks!

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Hi Grinler

I have tried to exactly as you have said but all I get is a new window open up titled Documents and which is completely empty. I disabled Malwarebytes and AVG and was not online.

The computer does not reboot itself as it does if I click on the desktop icon.

Many thanks

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That csrss.exe does not have a valid digital signature when it should, which is why Rkill is killing it. I do need to modify Rkill, though, so that it does not kill the files even if unsigned.

 

For now, though, what you told me and send me indicates that something suspicious is going on with the csrss.exe file and it should be investigated. I will let AdvancedSetup continue from here.

 

Thanks

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  • Root Admin

Thank you Grinler.
 
Okay let me have you run our stand alone rootkit scanner and let's see if it can find something.
 
Please download Malwarebytes Anti-Rootkit from HERE
If needed there is a self help tutorial here: MBAR tutorial

  • Unzip the contents to a folder in a convenient location.
  • Open the folder where the contents were unzipped and run mbar.exe
  • Follow the instructions in the wizard to update and allow the program to scan your computer for threats.
  • Click on the Cleanup button to remove any threats and reboot if prompted to do so.
  • Wait while the system shuts down and the cleanup process is performed.
  • Perform another scan with Malwarebytes Anti-Rootkit to verify that no threats remain. If they do, then click Cleanup once more and repeat the process.
  • When done, please post the two logs produced they will be in the MBAR folder... mbar-log.txt and system-log.txt
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  • Root Admin

Then something went wrong as it will create logs even if nothing found.  Please try again and let me know the results.
If it still finds nothing and no log that's okay go ahead and move on to this other tool then.
 
 
Please download the following scanner from Kaspersky and save it to your computer: TDSSkiller

Then watch the following video on how to use the tool and make sure to temporarily disable your security applications before running TDSSkiller.

PC Winvids - How to run Kaspersky TDSSKiller

If any infection is found please make sure to choose SKIP and post back the log in case of a False Positive detection.

Once the tool has completed scanning make sure to re-enable your other security applications.

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  • Root Admin

Those are all okay. They're flagged simply because they're not signed files but is normal for your system.

Let me have you run this again please.

Please visit this webpage and read the ComboFix User's Guide:

  • Once you've read the article and are ready to use the program you can download it directly from the link below.
  • Important! - Please make sure you save combofix to your desktop and do not run it from your browser
  • Direct download link for: ComboFix.exe
  • Please make sure you disable your security applications before running ComboFix.
  • Once Combofix has completed it will produce and open a log file. Please be patient as it can take some time to load.
  • Please attach that log file to your next reply.
  • If needed the file can be located here: C:\combofix.txt
  • NOTE: If you receive the message "illegal operation has been attempted on a registry key that has been marked for deletion", just reboot the computer.
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Have run Combofix - After it finished scanning and said so, it did not produce ther report and everything seemed to be stopped for a ery long time so I switched off the computer at the tower (as it would not let me reboot) - anyway Combofix then resumed and produced the report as attached. Unfortunately AVG fired up upon me restarting the computer and thought Combo fix was an alien so I managed to get it to ignore it on the prompts.

 

 

ComboFix.txt

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  • Root Admin

I notice that you have iObit installed on your system.

The company behind this product was found to be stealing our database.

Personally I would not trust installing any software from a company that resorts to stealing someone's technology to sell their product.

Please see the following links and make up your own mind if you want to keep this on your system. If needed I can help you remove it.

This is a Chinese company that for some reason has worked very hard to remove all signs from the Internet that they are a Chinese based company which also seems deceitful to me.

  • IOBit Steals Malwarebytes' Intellectual Property
  • IOBit's Denial of Theft Unconvincing
  • IOBit Theft Conclusion
  • IObit: Trusting Your Antivirus Vendor
  • Malwarebytes: IObit Stole Our Signatures Database
  • IObit accused of stealing from Malwarebytes
  • Please go into your Control Panel, Add/Remove and uninstall ALL versions of Java if found. Then run the following.

    Please download JavaRa-1.16 and save it to your computer.

    • Double click to open the zip file and then select all and choose Copy.
    • Create a new folder on your Desktop named RemoveJava and paste the files into this new folder.
    • Quit all browsers and other running applications.
    • Right-click on JavaRa.exe in RemoveJava folder and choose Run as administrator to start the program.
    • From the drop-down menu, choose English and click on Select.
    • JavaRa will open; click on Remove Older Versions to remove the older versions of Java installed on your computer.
    • Click Yes when prompted. When JavaRa is done, a notice will appear that a logfile has been produced. Click OK.
    • A logfile will pop up. Please save it to a convenient location and post it in your next reply.
    Next:

    Please Run TFC by OldTimer to clear temporary files:

    • Download TFC from here and save it to your desktop.
    • http://oldtimer.geekstogo.com/TFC.exe
    • Close any open programs and Internet browsers.
    • Double click TFC.exe to run it on XP (for Vista and Windows 7 right click and choose "Run as administrator") and once it opens click on the Start button on the lower left of the program to allow it to begin cleaning.
    • Please be patient as clearing out temp files may take a while.
    • Once it completes you may be prompted to restart your computer, please do so.
    • Once it's finished you may delete TFC.exe from your desktop or save it for later use for the cleaning of temporary files.
Then let me know what you want to do about the iObit software.
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