Cannot install any anti-malware software, including this

[MoonSpirit]

Here's the big thing about my computer. This morning, some file said that it cannot run, though I cannot recall what it was as I was in a hurry to get to work. Now, my computer cannot run malwarebytes, not even the scan is usable. I tried uninstalling and re-installing, but now it cannot install because it says the "source is corrupted." So I tried Ad-Aware, sorry if this offends some of you guys, but even the software can't be installed. Then I accidentally uninstalled Microsoft Security Essentials and tried to reinstall it, until it said the file is corrupted.

 

Something tells me this computer has something in it that's preventing me from doing all this.

 

I've already used the Farbar Recovery Tool to scan, and I've already saved the logs. Please let me know ASAP what to do.

[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 More reply options button, that gives you Upload Files option below which you can use to attach your reports. Always attach reports from all tools.
• Always execute my instructions in given order. If for some reason you cannot completely follow one instruction, inform me about that.
• 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!
 
 
 
  Rules and policies
 
We won't support any piracy.
That being told, if any evidence of illegal OS, software, cracks/keygens or any other will be revealed, any further assistance will be suspended. If you are aware that there is this kind of stuff on your machine, remove it before proceeding!
The same applies to any use of P2P software: uTorrent, BitTorrent, Vuze, Kazaa, Ares... We don't provide any help for P2P, except for their removal. All P2P software has to be uninstalled or at least fully disabled before proceeding!
 
Failure to follow these guidelines will result with closing your topic and withdrawning any assistance.

 

 

 

 

Attach Farbar reports please.

[MoonSpirit]

I totally understand. I'm just a little miffed that my computer is having problems, just as I had just bought a new USB wireless adapter for better Internet access. All the reports are attached as such.

FRST.txt

Addition.txt

[TwinHeadedEagle]

Uninstall some programs
 
We need to uninstall some unwanted/unneeded programs.

• Press the + R on your keyboard at the same time. Type appwiz.cpl and click OK.
• Search there for each entry mentioned below, right-click the entry and click Uninstall one at a time

The list of programs to uninstall:

• Ask Toolbar Updater
• Conduit Engine
• Download Updater
• GS_Sustainer 1.80
• iLivid 
• Softonic English FF Toolbar

After completing uninstalls, please manually reboot your machine!
 
Note: If you get the message like: An error occurred while trying to uninstall, just press Yes.
 
 
 
 
 
Fix with Farbar Recovery Scan Tool
 

This fix was created for this user for use on that particular machine.
Running it on another one may cause damage and render the system unstable.

 
Download attached fixlist.txt file and save it to the Desktop:
 
Both files, FRST and fixlist.txt have to be in the same location or the fix will not work!

• Right-click on icon and select Run as Administrator to start the tool.
  (XP users click run after receipt of Windows Security Warning - Open File).
• Press the Fix button just once and wait.
• If for some reason the tool needs a restart, please make sure you let the system restart normally. After that let the tool complete its run.
• When finished FRST will generate a log on the Desktop, called Fixlog.txt.

Please post it to your reply.
 
 
 
 
Fix with AdwCleaner
 
Please download AdwCleaner by Xplode and save the file to your Desktop.

• Right-click on icon and select Run as Administrator to start the tool.
• Wait until the database is updated.
• Accept the Terms of use and click Scan.
• When finished, please click Clean.
• Upon completion, click Report. A log (AdwCleaner[s*].txt) will open.

Please include the contents of that file in your reply.
 
Note: Reports will be saved in your system partition, usually at C:\Adwcleaner

fixlist.txt

[MoonSpirit]

Okay, I got some problems with the uninstalls:

 

Ask Toolbar - Says I don't have sufficient access and needs access from admin, though I AM the admin!

Conduit Engine - Nothing happens as I press uninstall.

Download Updater - It's gone. No problems.

GS Sustainer - Says "problem starting C:\PROGRA~2\GS_BOO~1\ASSIST~1.DLL" and "The specified module could not be found."

iLivid - Gone with no problems.

Softonic English FF Toolbar - Pressed uninstall. Nothing happens.

 

If only 4/6 can't be uninstalled, it looks like I have a definite problem. Let me know if you have suggestions because I don't know if I should reboot like this.

[TwinHeadedEagle]

Just skip it and continue with my FRST fix.

[MoonSpirit]

All txt files are attached. Proceed when you have the time please.

AdwCleanerS0.txt

Fixlog.txt

[TwinHeadedEagle]

Very good. Can you now install MalwareBytes?

[MoonSpirit]

*sigh* No....it still says it's corrupted. I'm gonna wager a guess that I can't do the same for any other anti-spyware/malware software too.

[TwinHeadedEagle]

Uninstall outdated Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware
 
Please download MBAM-clean and save it to your desktop.

• Right-click on mbam-clean.exe icon and select Run as Administrator to start the tool.
• It will ask you to reboot the machine - please do so.

After that follow my next instructions to download & install the newset MBAM version.
 
 
 
Scan with Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware
 
Please download Malwarebytes Anti-Malware and save it to your desktop.

• Install the progam and 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 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.

[MoonSpirit]

Finally! I can install Malwarebytes, and I've run the scan and such. Here's the attachment. Let me know if I'm in the clear because I feel like a great burden is gone now.

 

My only concern now is finding a better wireless adapter.

10-17-14 Malware Log.txt

[TwinHeadedEagle]

Very good. Is everything ok now?

[MoonSpirit]

Yes. As long as my Malwarebytes works, I'm good. Though I did try to get Microsoft Security Essentials installed because, well, I thought it was necessary for my PC. Unfortunately, my computer says the file is corrupted. I don't know if you can help me with that or I should turn to Microsoft for help. Other than that, I'm good.

[TwinHeadedEagle]

Descibe "corrupted" part please.

[MoonSpirit]

That description was very vague to me too. As I install Microsoft Security Essentials, just as it is halfway done, all of a sudden, it pops up saying that the file is corrupted and stops. This is kind of what happened when I tried Ad-Aware and Malwarebytes as I started having this problem.

[TwinHeadedEagle]

Try to remove all traces first:

 

http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/download/microsoft-security-essentials-removal-tool/

[MoonSpirit]

Just downloaded the tool and attempted reinstalling Security Essentials. And yet, it still says the file is corrupt.

[TwinHeadedEagle]

Can I see how that message looks like?

[MoonSpirit]

All it says is this: Extraction Failed: File is corrupt. That's all there is to it, and I got nothing else to add.

[TwinHeadedEagle]

Don't have idea what could cause this. Let's check your PC one more time:
 
 
 
Scan with Farbar Recovery Scan Tool
 
Please re-run Farbar Recovery Scan Tool to give me a fresh look at your system.

• Right-click on icon and select Run as Administrator to start the tool.
  (XP users click run after receipt of Windows Security Warning - Open File).
• Make sure that Addition option is checked.
• Press Scan button and wait.
• The tool will produce two logfiles on your desktop: FRST.txt and Addition.txt.

Please include their content into your next reply.

[MoonSpirit]

Here's the txt files. This never ends does it?

FRST.txt

Addition.txt

[TwinHeadedEagle]

Your Chrome version is altered by malware, you will have to reinstall it completely.

 

 

I don't know what is causing MSE errors. Can you just try other antivirus?

[MoonSpirit]

I've uninstalled Chrome, but I'll reinstall later.

 

I've just installed AVG Free and scanned. All that was found was the FRST file it detected, and cleaned some of the utilities is all.

 

I've also deleted the "corrupt" file, and downloaded another. Now it works and scans without a hitch.

 

I think I might be in the clear.

[TwinHeadedEagle]

Great
 
 
Glad I could help. We will delete all used tools and I'll give you some tips to harden your security and learn how to protect yourself
 
 

Recommended reading:

 
 
MUST READ - security tips:

• Computer Security - a short guide to staying safer online.

• Simple and easy ways to keep your computer safe and secure on the Internet

MUST READ - general maintenance:

• What to do if your Computer is running slowly?

The Importance of Software Updating:

 

 
In order to stay protected it is very important that you regularly update all of your software. Cybercriminals depend on the apathy of users around software updates to keep their malicious endeavor running.
 
Operating systems, such as Windows, and applications, such as Adobe Reader or JAVA, are used by tens of millions of computers and devices around the world, making them a huge target for cybercriminals. Downloading updates and installing them can sometimes be tedious, but the advantages you get from the updates are certainly worth it.

• How to configure and use Automatic Updates in Windows
• How to update Java
• How to update Adobe Reader

Recommended additional software:

 
 
TFC - to clean unneeded temporary files.
Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware - to scan your system from time to time in search for malware.
Malwarebytes' Anti-Exploit - to prevent plenty of mostly exploited vulnerabilities.
McShield - to prevent infections spread by removable media.
Unchecky - to prevent from installing additional foistware, implemented in legitimate installations.
FiheHippo.com Update Checker - to keep your programs up-to-date.
Adblock - to surf the web without annoying ads! 
 
 

Post-cleanup procedures:

 

 
Download DelFix by Xplode and save it to your desktop.

• Run the tool by right click on the icon and Run as administrator option.
• Make sure that these ones are checked:
  • Remove disinfection tools
  • Purge system restore
  • Reset system settings
• Push Run.
• The program will run for a few seconds and display a notepad report. You do not need to attach it.

The tool will also record healthy state of registry and make a backup using ERUNT program in %windir%\ERUNT\DelFix
Tool deletes old system restore points and create a fresh system restore point after cleaning. 
 
 
 

My help is free for everybody.

If you're happy with the help provided and/or wish to buy me a beer for the assistance you received, then you can consider a donation:

Thank you!

 
 
Stay safe,
TwinHeadedEagle  

[Maurice Naggar]

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.

Other members who need assistance please start your own topic in a new thread. Thanks!