Malwarebytes won't start..system seems to be infected.

[BGMADI2014]

Hello,

 

Malwarebytes program will not start on my system.

 

The issue started possibly weeks ago by mildly affecting my browser (Internet Explorer).  Then, I got a blue screen error and system crashed completely.  I'm running Windows 7 Home Premium, 64-bit operating system.

 

I've read thru the FAQ and tried the chameleon, but did not work to get Malwarebytes to operate.

 

Attached are the Farbar logs:

 

Appreciate your help very much.

 

Kind Regards,

 

BGMADI2014

 

 

 

 

 

Addition file.txt

FRST file.txt

[BGMADI2014]

Hi,

 

Since my original post, I have downloaded and run Spybot S&D a few times.  The first time, it found something called "Win32.downloader.gen".  Then, I downloaded and ran AdwCleaner and ran it.  It seemed to find a fair amount.  That is where I'm at now.  I believe there is still some kind of issue with my system, as I can't start Malwarebytes and my browser also still crashes often.  It seems like it has referenced a long-running script or something like that in past crashes, and that same problem seems to continue.   Please help when you can.

 

BGMADI2014

[AdvancedSetup]

Hello and

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 1

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
 

[BGMADI2014]

Hello Ron,

 

Thank you for your help.  I followed your instructions and attached are the Malwarebytes log and the RogueKiller report you requested.  For some reason, I'm unable to copy/paste the text, so had to attach the files instead.

 

Thank you,

 

BGMADI2014

 

 

 

Threat Scan 6-18-2014.txt

RKreport_SCN_06182014_111535.log

[AdvancedSetup]

Are you able to use the keyboard using CTRL-C  for Copy and CTRL-V for paste?

 

 

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


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.
  

[BGMADI2014]

Hello Ron,    No, I'm not even able to cut/paste these text logs using the "ctrl c" and "ctrl v" way of doing it.

 

I've attached the logs below.   On the ESET scan, I had to run it twice as the first time I clicked on Finish instead of clicking on the Found Threats, and there was no way to go back.   Strangely, the first ESET scan found 10x possible threat items, the 2nd time doing it, it only found 3 x items.

 

Also, on the Farbar scan, I had run it originally on the 13th of June, so I've attached the new FRST file but the ADDITION file is still the same one from June 13th so have not attached it.

 

Thank you,

 

BGMADI2014 

JRT.txt

AdwCleanerS2.txt

Malwarebytes scan PM 6-18-2014.txt

ESET Online Scan log AM of 6-19-2014.txt

FRST_19-06-2014_11-18-25.txt

[AdvancedSetup]

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.

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.
 

[BGMADI2014]

Got it.....Ran it successfully.  Attached is the report.

 

BGMADI2014

TDSSKiller.3.0.0.39_19.06.2014_13.46.56_log.txt

[AdvancedSetup]

That log was clean. 

 

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.
  

 

[BGMADI2014]

Hello Ron,   Followed the instructions but unable to run ComboFix as it is giving me a warning that is detecting Spybot S & D running somehow in the background.   I had clicked "Exit" on the tray icon for Spybot S&D but that apparently didn't shut it down all the way.  I clicked on your link on how to turn off virus software, but for Spybot S&D the information is outdated as the website it says to go to download the "Teatimer" program doesn't exist anymore.   So, should I uninstall Spybot S&D completely, in order to allow ComboFix to proceed?   I don't want to do that until I hear back from you.

Thanks,

 

BGMADI2014

[AdvancedSetup]

You should be able to go ahead and run Combofix with it enabled - just click OK to the warning please.

[BGMADI2014]

Hi Ron,   Before I got your reply, I went ahead and uninstalled Spybot S&D as otherwise I'd have to leave my computer sitting there with the warning screen (and I couldn't figure out how to either get out of that or go backwards in the process.)  So, after uninstalling Spybot S&D, I had to re-start my computer and then proceeded to start over with the ComboFix scan.  Attached is the log.  

 

Thank you,

 

BGMADI2014

 

 

Combo Fix log.txt

[AdvancedSetup]

Okay so let's try the following MBAM CLEAN removal and reinstall again now and see if MBAM will run properly now.

 

 

• Please uninstall your current version of MBAM and reinstall the latest version. MBAM Clean Removal Process 2x
• If that does not correct the issue then please read the following and post back the requested logs. - Diagnostic Logs
• NOTE: There is an FAQ section with valuable information located here: - Common Questions, Issues, and their Solutions

Thank You
 

 

[BGMADI2014]

I was able to run Malwarebytes successfully.  I've attached the log file.  I also was curious as to why the 2nd time I had run the ESET scan, it didn't detect the 10 items that it did the 1st time I had run it. So, I ran it again, and this time it did find 10 items.  I've attached that ESET log file as well, below.

Thank you,

 

BGMADI2014

 

ESET Scan Log AM 6-21-2014.txt

Malwarebytes scan PM 6-20-2014.txt

[AdvancedSetup]

Please ignore the items found by ESET. The one is triggered from backup software. The other files are already in a quarantine and no longer pose a threat.

 

Please download Security Check by screen317 from HERE or HERE.

• Save it to your Desktop.
• Double click SecurityCheck.exe and follow the onscreen instructions inside of the black box.
• If you get Unsupported operating system. Aborting now, just reboot and try again.
• A Notepad document should open automatically called checkup.txt.
• Please Post the contents of that document.
• Do Not Attach It!!!
  

 

[BGMADI2014]

Hello,   I was able to run the program, but I am unable to copy/paste the log file using any method I'm aware of.  I've tried cntrl-c and cntrl-v and no luck.  I've tried saving the text to Word document and then pasting from Word and no luck.  Something is going on with my computer and/or browser.  It will often not be able to printing anything from the internet browser - when it does communicate with the printer, it will just print a blank page, if I try to print anything using the Internet Explorer browser.   There is also an issue with it even communicating with my printer, like something is preventing the print information from communicating from the browser, via the computer, to the printer.  The printer is new, everything was installed correctly and double-checked many times, so something must be wrong with the computer and/or browser, is my guess.

 

BGMADI2014

[AdvancedSetup]

Please download this tool and reset IE

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/923737

[BGMADI2014]

Hello Ron,  Resetting IE didn't work.  Still same problem.  I even uninstalled IE 11 and then re-installed IE 11.  That seems to have fixed the crash problem I was having (so far), and I'm currently uninstalling my printer software/drivers etc and reinstalling them to see if I can fix the issue of blank pages when printing from IE 11.   But, still no luck cut/paste in IE 11, so I used Google Chrome in order to cut/paste and here is the Malwarebytes log from a scan I did Saturday 6/20. 

 

Malwarebytes Anti-Malware

www.malwarebytes.org

 

Scan Date: 6/20/2014

Scan Time: 11:31:10 PM

Logfile: Malwarebytes scan PM 6-20-2014.txt

Administrator: Yes

 

Version: 2.00.2.1012

Malware Database: v2014.06.21.02

Rootkit Database: v2014.06.20.01

License: Premium

Malware Protection: Enabled

Malicious Website Protection: Enabled

Self-protection: Disabled

 

OS: Windows 7 Service Pack 1

CPU: x64

File System: NTFS

User: Madison Family

 

Scan Type: Threat Scan

Result: Completed

Objects Scanned: 301649

Time Elapsed: 10 min, 25 sec

 

Memory: Enabled

Startup: Enabled

Filesystem: Enabled

Archives: Enabled

Rootkits: Enabled

Heuristics: Enabled

PUP: Enabled

PUM: Enabled

 

Processes: 0

(No malicious items detected)

 

Modules: 0

(No malicious items detected)

 

Registry Keys: 0

(No malicious items detected)

 

Registry Values: 0

(No malicious items detected)

 

Registry Data: 0

(No malicious items detected)

 

Folders: 0

(No malicious items detected)

 

Files: 0

(No malicious items detected)

 

Physical Sectors: 0

(No malicious items detected)

 

 

(end)

[BGMADI2014]

Hello,       I found out that one of my problems (only getting a blank page with a URL footer when trying to print from IE 11) was solved by unchecking " Enable protected mode" in Settings.  However, this didn't fix the cut/paste issue which still persists.   Question: If I leave that "Enable protected mode" unchecked, will my system be in a more risky state and if so, is there anything to do about this issue other than to keep it unchecked?   I know your work centers around Malwarebytes, not Microsoft products, but if you can help with that question I'd greatly appreciate it.  Are there more scans needed on my system or how am I looking at this point?

Thank you,

 

BGMADI2014

[AdvancedSetup]

The cut/copy is only on our forum software and does not indicate and issue with your system. 

 

Unless there is some other issue I think you should be all set now.

[BGMADI2014]

Thank you

[AdvancedSetup]

You're quite welcome.

 

 

At this time there are no more signs of an infection on your system.
However if you are still seeing any signs of an infection please let me know.

Let's go ahead and remove the tools and logs we've used during this process.

Most of the tools used are potentially dangerous to use unsupervised or if ran at the wrong time.
They are often updated daily so if you went to use them again in the future they would be outdated anyways.

The following procedures will implement some cleanup procedures to remove these tools.
 
Download Delfix from here and save it to your desktop. (you may already have this)

• Ensure Remove disinfection tools is checked.
• Click the Run button.
• Reboot
  

Any other programs or logs that are still remaining, you can manually delete. (right click.....Delete)
IE: RogueKiller.exe, RKreport.txt, RK_Quarantine folder, C:\FRST folder, FRST-OlderVersion folder, MBAR folder, etc....AdwCleaner > just run the program and click uninstall.

Note:
If you used FRST and can't delete the quarantine folder:
Download the fixlist.txt to the same folder as FRST.exe.
Run FRST.exe and click Fix only once and wait
That will delete the quarantine folder created by FRST.
The rest you can manually delete.
 
 
If there are any other left over Folders, Files, Logs then you can delete them on your own.
 
Please visit the following link to see how to delete old System Restore Points. Please delete all of them and create a new one at this time.
How to Delete System Protection Restore Points in Windows 7 and Windows 8

Remove all but the most recent Restore Point on Windows XP


As Java seems to get exploited on a regular basis I advise not using Java if possible but to at least disable java in your web browsers
How do I disable Java in my web browser? - Disable Java

A lot of reading here but if you take the time to read a bit of it you'll see why/how infections and general damage are so easily inflicted on the computer. There is also advice on how to prevent it and keep the system working well. Don't forget about good, solid backups of your data to an external drive that is not connected except when backing up your data. If you leave a backup drive connected and you do get infected it can easily damage, encrypt, delete, or corrupt your backups as well and then you'd lose all data.
Nothing is 100% bulletproof but with a little bit of education you can certainly swing things in your favor.

• How Malware Spreads - How did I get infected
• Best Practices for Safe Computing - Prevention of Malware Infection
• Avoiding those unwanted free applications
• A close look at how Oracle installs deceptive software with Java updates
• IAC / Ask.com toolbars
• Malwarebytes Unpacked Blog
  

If you're not currently using Malwarebytes Premium then you may want to consider purchasing the product which can also help greatly reduce the risk of a future infection.
 

[AdvancedSetup]

Glad we could help.

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