Need a little help with win 7

[99astro]

I have a problem with my windows 7 pc, and I'm not sure if its some kind of infection, or if windows is damaged.

 

Every time I reboot, I end up with a black desktop.  All my icons are intact, but certain parts of windows, like system restore can't be found, and explorer.exe gives error messages.

 

For a while, I could get things back to normal by booting in safe mode and doing a system restore, since it was available there.  However, this no longer works.  I have been able to get the desktop back to what I think is normal by using the repair tool that you access via the F8 startup menu.  It ground away for a couple of hours and finally produced what looked like my desktop.  I'm worried that each time might be my last.

 

I have searched, but can't find any similar symptoms, so I don't know what to think.

 

If you know of a forum entry with the same problem, please let me know.  Or, if you have any ideas on what I should do, I would appreciate hearing from you.

 

I use comodo, and I also have the iobit system care.  I thought that maybe scanning at boot time would uncover something, so I downloaded avast, but none of these three find anything wrong at all.

 

Thanks for your time.

[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.
 
 
 

If you cannot boot to Normal mode, please use Safe Mode to use this tool below.

 

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.

[99astro]

Thanks for you response.  I just got it.  I'll try to download and run this and will get back to you as soon as I have been able to get it done.

[99astro]

Ok.  I was able to run it.  It could not back up the registry before running.  There were errors saying access denied. But it ran, and I don't think it damaged my registry from what its done so far.  I'm trying to find the way to attach my files...

[99astro]

I hit the 'more posting options' button, and it has an attach files option, so I will use that.  I hope that will work ok.  Here they are:

 

Ok.  I can't upload them.  They are notepad files.  When I browse for them, they are not on the desktop.  I also saved a copy to a folder, and when I browse to that folder, they aren't there, either.  I will try to copy and paste the text into a word document and upload that.

[99astro]

Ok.  It was more reply options.  Anyway, here are some word documents:

additiontxt.doc

Firsttxt.doc

[TwinHeadedEagle]

I do not recommend usage of IOBIT products, they have bad reputation, and are prone to create problems. That is why I suggest to uninstall:
- Advanced SystemCare 8
- Driver Booster
- Game Booster
- IObit Malware Fighter
- IObit Uninstaller
- Smart Defrag 2
- Surfing Protection
 
When you see a word "Booster", "Optimizer", "TuneUp" or similar it is often some kind of silly application. You cannot "boost" you system more than it actually is. Microsoft optimized Windows perfectly and they are constantly working on improvements, so these tools are just selling you nothing but "fog".
 
Only way to actually boost your system is to upgrade your hardware by adding SSD, more processor power or more ram memory.
 
 
 
SpyBot S&D Warning
 
MVPS.org is no longer recommending SpyBot S&D due to very poor testing results (scroll down and read under Freeware Antispyware Products).
My advice is to get rid of this program. To do so:

• Press the + R on your keyboard at the same time. Type appwiz.cpl and click OK.
• Search for SpyBot, right-click the entry and click Uninstall.

This is optional, but please consider it.
 
 
 
 
Multiple Resident Protection warning!
 
Always have one (and no more than one!) AntiVirus program! In this case having more of them will not provide you with better protection - instead they may cause slowness, lock-ups and even mark another ones as harmful, leading to leave your system unstable and even damaged. Please choose only one from the listed below to stay with and uninstall the others:

• avast Free Antivirus
• Comodo Internet Security

Uninstallation procedure:

• Press the + R on your keyboard at the same time. Type appwiz.cpl and click OK.
• Search for each uninstalled entry, right-click it and select Uninstall.

This should be done until any other steps will be taken.
 
 
 
 
Download Malwarebytes Anti-Rootkit to your desktop.

• Double-click the icon to start the tool.
• It will ask you where to extract it, then it will start.
• Warning! Malwarebytes Anti-Rootkit needs to be run from an account with administrator rights.
• Click in the introduction screen "next" to continue.
• Click in the following screen "Update" to obtain the latest malware definitions.
• Once the update is complete select "Next" and click "Scan".
• When the scan is finished and no malware has been found select "Exit".
• If malware was detected, make sure to check all the items and click "Cleanup". Reboot your computer.
• Open the MBAR folder and attach the content of the following files in your next reply:
  • "mbar-log-{date} (xx-xx-xx).txt"
  • "system-log.txt"

 

 

 

 

Scan with ComboFix
 
This is a very powerful tool that should be used only if advised by Malware Analyst.
Do not run ComboFix on your own!
 
Referring to this instruction, please download ComboFix by sUBs and save it to your desktop.
Temporary disable your AntiVirus and AntiSpyware protection - instructions here.

• Right-click on icon and select Run as Administrator to start the tool.
• Accept the disclaimer and agree if prompted to install Recovery Console.
• Do not take any actions while ComboFix goes through your System - it may cause it to stall!
• This scan may take some time!
• When finished - it will display a logfile (located also on your main drive, usually C:\ComboFix.txt).

Include that log in your next reply.
If you'll encounter any issues with internet connection after running ComboFix, please visit this link.
If an error about operation on the key marked for deletion will appear after running the tool, please reboot your machine.

[99astro]

Ok.  Yes, I understand your points.  Much of the software on my system is disabled, and I only activate it to run it and then disable it again.  I was planning to remove avast if it didn't find any problems, so I will probably stick with comodo.  I often use the iobit scanner to remove cookies and other things that windows leaves behind.  I don't use any of its other functions but startup manager except on rare occasion.  If just having them there and disabled causes a problem, then I will get rid of them.

 

I'll try to install and run the other programs you suggest.  Should I now delete the farbar program?

[TwinHeadedEagle]

For deleting cookies, CCleaner is much less invasive tool and is doing its job perfectly.

 

No, leave Farbar for now, we may need it.

[99astro]

Anti-rootkit finished.  No problems found.  Moving on to ne

[99astro]

ext step.

[99astro]

Combofix seems to have just run and then disappeared.  I tried running it again, and same thing.  It never says it is finished or anything.  Anyway, I can't find the log files from either program that you listed for me to attach, so should I run them both again?

[TwinHeadedEagle]

We will skip ComboFix
 
 
 
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.

[99astro]

Ok.  I ran farbar again.  This time I ran it in safe mode using run as administrator.  Here are the log files.

 

Please be aware, that every time my system reboots, I have to use startup repair and system restore to get my desktop back, so every snapshot you view of my system is a changing target.  Whatever modifications we make will likely get unmade down the road.

 

This time, when farbar was finished, I tried to close it, and it locked up my computer.  So, I had to reboot again.  This time, I had to go back almost 2 months to get a working configuration.

Addition.txt

FRST.txt

[TwinHeadedEagle]

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 attach it to your reply.

fixlist.txt

[99astro]

Ok.  I will have to download farbar again.  My last boot deleted it.

[99astro]

Ok.  I ran the fix.  It rebooted my computer, and when it came up, I had my background, and I checked for system restore, and it was accessible, so I set a restore point.  I am attaching the log.

Fixlog.txt

[TwinHeadedEagle]

Very good. How is your PC now?

[99astro]

I'm not sure.  It seems to be working.  Last reboot, I got the black screen with icons for a while, then all black nothing, and then the desktop came up seemingly normal.  So, maybe it was configuring something?

 

Anyway, do you think it may have been a hacker or "registry cleaner" that messed up windows, rather than some type of malware, or do you think there is still something hiding on my system that will cause trouble again soon?

[TwinHeadedEagle]

If you used registry cleaner it is quite possible. But you were infected with nasty Zero Access virus, and it could have participated in the damage too. But now PC is clean.

[99astro]

Thanks.  Is there some way to prevent a recurrence?  Do you know how this one makes its way in?

[TwinHeadedEagle]

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

• How Malware Spreads - How did I get infected

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.
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

[99astro]

Whatever the issue is, its back again.  It lasted through 2 reboots, and then today my computer froze, and I had to reboot.  When it came up, no background on the desktop, and I did a quick check to see if system restore would work, and it wouldn't.  This time startup repair wouldn't get me going, so I had to do a system restore. 

 

Can we maybe try again?

 

Also, does this thing come in via network?  My only way to access the internet here is through an Ethernet network.  I do use my comodo firewall, but I don't know whether I'm using it right or now.

[TwinHeadedEagle]

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.

[99astro]

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.

Sorry to reply this way, but the system is blocking me from the reply function.  It says I don't have permission.  I accidently found this way in.  Here are the new scan reports.  Thanks.

Addition.txt

FRST.txt