Multiple instances of explorer.exe hogging system resources and slowing machine

[timnic98]

Hello

 

I'm trying to rectify an issue which began with multiple instances of iexplorer.exe running on my father's machine. Removed iexplorer and installed chrome. All good for 5 minutes, then multiple instances of explorer began to do the same thing. Checked startup config, and removed all extraneous items. Checked MSE for latest updates, and ran scan. Downloaded Malwarebytes and ran scan. Multiple errors encountered, all quarantined and/or removed. Still no joy.

 

Ran SFC /SCANNOW , log showed many corrections, but problem still exists.

 

I'm now here looking for rapid assistance, since I'm at his house, which is some 3 hours drive from my own, but I have 24 hours available. Can you help?

 

Many thanks

 

Tim Nicholson

[TwinHeadedEagle]

Hello,
    
 
They call me TwinHeadedEagle around here, and I'll be working with you.
 
    
 
    
Before we start please read and note the following:
    
 Limit your internet access to posting here, some infections just wait to steal typed-in passwords.
 Please be patient. I know it is frustrating when your PC isn't working properly, but malware removal takes time.
 Don't run any scripts or tools on your own, unsupervised usage may cause more harm than good.
 Do not paste the logs in your posts, attachments make my work easier. There is a Attach Files option below which you can use to attach your reports. Always attach reports from all tools.
 Stay with me to the end, the absence of symptoms doesn't mean that your machine is fully operational.
 Note that we may live in totally different time zones, what may cause some delays between answers.
 Do not ask for help for your business PC. Companies are making revenue via computers, so it is good thing to pay someone to repair it.
 If I don't hear from you within 3 days from this initial or any subsequent post, then this thread will be closed.
    
 I can't foresee everything, so if anything unexpected happens, please stop and inform me!
 There are no silly questions. Never be afraid to ask if in doubt!
 
 
 
 
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• 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.

 

 

 

 Scan with Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware
 
Please re-run  Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware.

• First of all, select update.
• Once updated, click the Settings tab, in the left panel choose Detctions & protection and tick Scan for rootkits.
• Click the Scan tab, choose Threat Scan is checked and click Scan Now.
• If threats are detected, click the Apply Actions button. You will now be prompted to reboot. Click Yes.
• Upon completion of the scan (or after the reboot), click the History tab.
• Click Application Logs and double-click the newest Scan Log.
• At the bottom click Export and choose Text file.
• Save the file to your desktop and include its content in your next reply.

 

 

 

Please download Farbar Recovery Scan Tool and save it to your desktop.
 
Note: You need to run the version compatibale with your system. If you are not sure which version applies to your system download both of them and try to run them.
Only one of them will run on your system, that will be the right version.

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

[timnic98]

Thanks for being so prompt! Here's the three reports....hope they mean more to you than they do to me!

MalwareBytesLog.txt

FRST.txt

Addition.txt

[timnic98]

H- I'm really sorry to be a pain, but my time here is limited, so if you have any suggestions on what I should try next they would be very gratefully received! I appreciate that you're probably running through all the requests in order, but if there's something I could be doing in the meantime........

 

Thanks again

 

Tim

[timnic98]

Since you couldn't be arsed to reply once I'd followed your instructions and posted the files, I thought you might like to know that I fixed the issue myself. Working from first principles, I eventually tracked down the culprit. It's REALLY interesting that this problem has existed for at least six years, and the fix is EXTREMELY simple. My guess is that you've know this for some time, and just enjoy yanking peoples chains by making it look like your software is what they need to fix the problem. It isn't. Malwarebytes now removed from my system once again.

[TwinHeadedEagle]

Sorry, I was busy today. Thanks for letting me know

[AdvancedSetup]

Since this issue is resolved I will close the thread to prevent others from posting here. If you need assistance please start your own topic and someone will be happy to assist you.